A Big Week for Business—and a Call to Row Together

Big updates on events. First, we wrapped up a very successful 3rd Annual Small Business Summit and Expo, presented by Wells Fargo, last week. Nearly 300 attendees and 80 exhibitors came together on Friday for a full day of learning, networking, and celebration. We enjoyed an insightful panel including Jazz Hampton, CEO of TurnSignl, a Saint Paul-founded technology company, Holly Weinkauf, owner of beloved Grand Avenue retailer Red Balloon Bookshop, and Juan Lopez, owner of three Rice Street businesses Tromperia el Zac, The Perfect Coffee, and Mini super la Chiquis.  The Minnesota SBA also presented their Small Business Awards – view the full list of National Small Business Week awardees. What a terrific event and a testament to the strength of our small business community.

Looking ahead: this week we’re hosting our quarterly Lunch With Leaders, where I’ll be sitting down with Neel Kashkari, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (Ninth District). It’s always one of my favorite conversations—digging into monetary policy and the Fed’s dual mandate of managing inflation while supporting full employment. We have a few spots left, and if you’re interested in joining us, please register here. 
 
Finally, I was pleased to share my recent op‑ed in the Pioneer Press, “Saint Paul, let’s row together while investments flow in our direction.” The piece focuses on the importance of collaboration, alignment, and shared momentum as we work to attract investment and opportunity to our downtown. It connects closely to the themes we’re seeing across our events: strong partnerships, forward‑looking leadership, and confidence in Saint Paul’s future.
 
See you in the trenches,
B

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