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The countdown is on for our 157th Annual Meeting, Presented by Xcel Energy. It’s shaping up to be our biggest ever. I truly hope to see you there! The theme, as you know, is the Power of One. And as I reflect on what that means, I keep coming back to the people who have invested in me – one at a time. Today, I’d like to share one of my stories of “one.”
In 1986, fresh out of college and my Officer Basic Course in Indianapolis, I drove across country to ship out for my first duty assignment in Pirmasens, West Germany. I spent 18 months there as a young “Butter Bar” (Second Lieutenant), before being promoted to First Lieutenant and moving up to battalion staff in nearby Kaiserslautern. It was there that I had the privilege of working with Colonel Chas Marino – a man who would profoundly shape my leadership journey. Col. Marino had been the G1/AG of the 101st Airborne Assault at Ft Campbell, KY, took command of the 90th P&A Battalion within the 21st TAACOM, and became my battalion commander. In the military, care for soldiers is personal. And Col. Marino embodied that principle. He saw me, invested in me, actively coached me. He gave me opportunities to lead, encouraged me to seek command, and even selected me - a young female lieutenant in 1989 - to be our battalion’s lead officer for the Nijmegen March in Holland (look it up!). And when I got married in West Germany, it was Col. Chas Marino who walked me down the aisle. He passed away 2 years ago now, and I still miss him. Again, Col. Chas Marino personified leadership for me – not just through his authority but through his personal and specific investments in me. Because of him, I’m a better leader. This is the Power of One. I remain deeply grateful. And as we count down to our Annual Meeting, I encourage you to think about “one” who shaped you, helped you become the leader you are today. See you in the trenches, B
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 Our 157th Annual Meeting, Presented by Xcel Energy is just one week away! And it’s more than just an event – it’s a celebration of our progress, a gathering of leaders, and a chance to connect with friends old and new. Whether you’re a long-time member or considering attending for the first time, you belong in the room! Please note that the ticket price will increase for registrations received after close of business on Wednesday, February 19.
This year’s panelists will be talking about their work in service to our city and region – real examples of how connections create impact. Their stories will inspire you and highlight the Power of One. This is our largest event of the year, and we want to ensure you feel both welcome and included. If you’re attending solo, we’re happy to seat you with friends. We also offer scholarships to assist in the cost of attendance, contact us if you’d like to be considered for one. We’d love for you to be a part of this special night as we celebrate and look ahead. Your presence matters, and we can’t wait to see you there! SAVE YOUR SEAT See you in the trenches, B I’d like to introduce to you another book I’m reading: “Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if your life depended on it,” by Chris Voss. A friend recommended it and, for months, it sat on my desk, waiting for the right moment. In January, I finally picked it up – and I’m captivated. What I’m learning applies across so many areas of my life: my work, my leadership, my service, and especially those sometimes-difficult conversations with people who see the world differently than I do. Perfect, right?
The timing couldn’t be better. I’ve been wrestling with conflict in multiple areas - policy, team dynamics, client interactions, even within my own family. And I’m realizing that at the heart of it all is the same fundamental truth: relationships. Every challenge, every negotiation, every difficult conversation ultimately comes down to how well I can navigate relationships. That’s why I’m so focused on refining how I communicate - listening with an open mind and expressing my own intent with clarity and respect. I’ll share more as I dig through this book, but here’s an early takeaway that’s already stretching me: slow it down. Instead of prioritizing my argument – or even thinking ahead to my next words – Voss challenges me to shift my focus entirely to the other person. To truly listen. When you commit to that level of active listening, you disarm the other person, help them relax, and quiet the voice in their head that’s driven by fear, conflict, or distrust. It’s a simple but powerful shift – and one I’m eager to practice. More to come as I keep reading. See you in the trenches, B  This past weekend was one of reflection for me. I finished last week by attending the MN Hmong Chamber of Commerce second annual meeting, where over 500 people filled the ballroom at Inwood Oaks to celebrate the Hmong community’s growth and success over the past 50 years.
The evening took me back to 1986. I was in my officers advanced training in Indianapolis. Each of us was required to select a conflict in our American history, to study and report on. I chose the Vietnam War. That history still compels me today. As we enter 2025 - the 50th anniversary of the war’s end – we recognize the resilience of the Hmong people, who fought alongside the U.S. in the "Secret War" in Laos, were forced to flee as refugees. Today more than 94,000 Hmong live in Minnesota, with the Twin Cities being home to the largest urban Hmong population in the U.S. Their remarkable success is inspiring. The shift in Minnesota’s demographics underscores this impact. Once dominated by German and Norwegian speakers, the top non-English languages spoken at home today are Spanish and Hmong (U.S. Census Bureau). Economist Dr. Btruce Corrie highights this transformation, stating that the Hmong exemplify how new immigrants reshape their destinies and enrich their communities. The numbers tell a powerful story:
Looking ahead to the 50th anniversary of the war’s end, a national commemoration will continue through Veterans Day (November 11), honoring Vietnam veterans with exhibitions, ceremonies, and lapel pin presentations. This milestone is not just a remembrance of history – it’s a testament to the resilience and contributions of the Hmong community in Minnesota and beyond. I’d also like to personally invite you to join us for a very special evening at our 157th Annual Meeting: The Power of One. This event brings together our members, partners, elected officials, and friends for an inspiring celebration of impact and connection. Our theme? We highlight stories of people who are investing in one person, one introduction, or one initiative – small actions that create lasting change. I encourage you to bring ONE guest – someone new to our community – so they feel welcome and included. I look forward to seeing you! Register here! See you in the trenches, B |
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