As we step into a new season of growth and opportunity, I want to take a moment to shine a light on the incredible value of our small business members – the heart and soul of our chamber and local economy. 
 
Lest we ever forget… 
 
Small business contributions to the economy are nothing short of extraordinary. As the SBA puts it, “small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They represent the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship and are critical to economic growth and community strength.”  
 
Consider this:

• Small businesses account for over 40% of the US GDP
• They create 2 out of every 3 new jobs and employ about 46% of the private workforce
• As of 2023, there were over 33 million small businesses in the U.S. – making up 99% of all U.S. businesses. 

 
Beyond the numbers, small businesses keep dollars circulating locally, creating a powerful multiplier effect. And here’s something I find especially compelling: small businesses consistently give back. Relative to their size, they often contribute a higher percentage of their revenues to charitable causes compared to larger corporations – a testament to their deep community roots and commitment.
 
Within our own Chamber, we’re proud to serve a dynamic mix of both large and small businesses. We recognize the growth potential within the small business community, which is why, two years ago, we established our Small Business Committee. This committee plays a key role in helping guide our efforts, shape our programming, and prioritize resources to better serve this critical sector. One key outcome of this work: the Small business Summit and Expo – now is in its 2nd year. Mark your calendars for May 9 – a day dedicated to training, business development, and resource building. 
 
One small business I want to promote today: 11 Wells Spirits, on the East Side. They are inviting all of us to an Open House, this Wednesday, starting at 6:30pm, to learn about the Hamm’s Development challenges and preview the new projects they are trying to bring to life. I hope to see you there—because when we show up, support, and stay engaged, we continue investing in our local economy and in one another. 
 
See you in the trenches,
B

​Greetings! Saint Paul’s latest downtown real estate challenge comes from the Alliance Bank Center – late Friday, March 14 we received an announcement from the City of Saint Paul regarding Alliance Bank Center and reduced skyway access: weekdays until 9 p.m. and closed on weekends.  You’ve heard me talk about the importance of our downtowns and I know all eyes are on the real estate challenges being experienced in Saint Paul and other downtowns across the country. We remain committed to doing all we can to support our city and the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance in righting the “real estate ship,” so to speak. Know that real opportunity is ahead, because of this property – and others – being available for reinvestment. Stay tuned for more on that.

The Alliance Bank Center building owner is no longer providing security, but the City and Downtown Improvement District Ambassadors are going to provide an elevated presence. More information about this will be discussed with City staff at the next Capitol River Council Skyway Governance Advisory Committee meeting, which will be on Friday, March 28, at 9 a.m., via Zoom. The meeting link will be posted on the CRC website.  We sit on that council and will attend the meeting, with further updates to follow.

The city has over a dozen folks from several city departments dedicated to addressing any needs that arise with any downtown buildings. The lead and point of contact for all information and requests is DSI Director Angie Wiese ([email protected]).  Moving forward, Director Wiese will be providing updates and will be able to address any needs or concerns you or your members have.  Stay tuned for more.
 
See you in the trenches,
B

Today is a day to activate your “political engagement” muscles. I’d like to share two opportunities to do so. Your participation shapes the policies and decision that impact our businesses, communities, and future. Your voice makes a difference, so use it!
 
#1: 40B Special election
Residents of House District 40B, encompassing parts of Roseville and Shoreview, are encouraged to participate in the special election scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Polling places will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Election Day. Don’t know if you’re a resident of 40B? Check out this link to find out.
 
This election is an important one: will either provide for a tied 67-67 House of Representatives or a slim one vote majority for the GOP. No matter how you vote, please vote if you live in 40B!
 
#2:  Support the Paid Family and Medical Leave Delay
Your Voice is Needed! The Minnesota House of Representatives is considering a one-year delay in the implementation of the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. This delay would provide businesses with more time to comply with the law and allow the state time to address concerns before the program takes effect. Your legislators need to hear from you about the impact this program will have and reinforce the need to pause the PFML program to ensure a successful rollout. Email your legislators, they want to hear from you in your own words, and we encourage you to edit the message before sending.
 
Also, note that you’ll be seeing this format for future advocacy opportunities as well: your Chamber is introducing a very accessible tool for you to use to communicate on policy issues moving forward. Look for more opportunities like these!
 
In other news, Minnesota Department of Management and Budget officials released the state's updated budget forecast - the final forecast before the Legislature puts together their spending package. What was once an $18 billion budget surplus is now forecast to be a short-term $456 million surplus, while turning into a $5.995 billion deficit by FY 2028-2029. Rough waters and rocky roads are on the horizon for the budget, bonding, and policy issues that have a fiscal impact.

See you in the trenches,
B

Happy March!  Our team is feeling beyond grateful for a successful Annual Meeting. If you missed it, I encourage you to pause for just five minutes and watch this incredible video, produced by Comcast.  It beautifully captures the essence of our theme and is quite moving.
 
I’m still riding the wave of inspiration from our evening together last Thursday. Because we talked so much about the importance of investing in our cities, today I want to highlight three transformative projects - and the people behind them - who are leading the way.
 
Dr Bill McGuire and Allianz Village development. In late February, Dr. McGuire once again spoke at a community meeting about his bold vision for Allianz Village. I deeply admire and value the unwavering commitment and optimism demonstrated by Dr. McGuire and his leadership team. We need more of this mindset. This Pioneer Press article details both the challenges and his steadfast vision for Saint Paul’s future. We look forward to seeing this vision come to life.  
 
Saint Paul Port Authority and The Heights Redevelopment. I know this organization from the inside, and I can tell you - their very purpose is transformation. The Saint Paul Port Authority steps in where the private sector and the public need one another to bring a project to life.  Their latest product? The Heights on the East Side. Converting a 124-acre golf course into both housing and commercial/industrial space, projected to provide 16x the taxes along with more business and more housing. All with livable wages, incentives to developers to hire employees from within the city itself.  It’s development with commitment to community.
 
Sherman and Landmark Towers.  – In 2023, Sherman Associates purchased Landmark Towers with plans for a residential conversion.  Later that year, the City partnered with a $21M tax incentive to support the project. The conversion is scheduled to open in 2025 – a critical step in addressing the urgency and stark reality of office-to-housing conversion projects.
 
Saint Paul’s development future is rich with possibility. In addition to these projects are others like Osborn370, The Bridges, and those within the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance’s Downtown Investment Strategy, all shaping the city’s next chapter.
 
In each of these examples above you’ll find visionary individuals, strong teams, and committed partnerships. Together we CAN manifest greatness here.

See you in the trenches,
B