Summer is truly here … The weather is hot, and our annual Golf Classic, Presented by Blaze Credit Union, is right around the corner! I look forward to seeing many of you next Monday, June 30. Today is the last day to register and we have a few spots still available. The forecast is looking beautiful – please join us if you can! 
 
Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the power of one—how much impact a single person or organization can have on a community. In moments when the news feels heavy or beyond our control, I ask myself: are we really making a difference?
 
And every time, the answer is yes. Resoundingly, yes.
 
The Power of One is alive and well among you. I see it every day:

• A young entrepreneur launching a benefits consultancy - doing so through his chamber network.  
• A Fortune 50 company has chosen to invest in one program: Career Connect Day, focused on inspiring young people. 
• One powerful real estate developer, choosing to invest in a project downtown primarily because he cares deeply about his capital city and wants to make an impact.
• Our Chamber Ambassadors, month after month, reaching out to members simply to say thank you and offer connection. 

 
Each example may seem small - but taken together, they are powerful.
 
This year we’ve launched a Business Spotlight in partnership with the Pioneer Press. So far, we’ve featured Urban Growler, Landmark Jewelers, Sunrise Banks, Mastel’s Foods, Vistabule Teardrop Trailers, and Positive Light Media. It’s a simple way to shine a light - one member at a time. (The Pioneer Press currently is looking for a sponsor if you're interested in supporting this effort – reach out to them!)
 
We’re also excited to share the first in our new member storyteller video series - featuring Morrissey Hospitality. One family. One business. Rooted in one city. And what a difference they’ve made. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to watch their story - it’s a beautiful illustration of the Power of One.
 
Leadership isn’t something beyond us—it’s within us. And each of you, in your own way, is showing up for this region and making it stronger.
 
Thank you for reminding me of that. And thank you for being part of this community.

This past weekend, Minnesota was shaken by devastating news: the tragic deaths of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the attack on Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. These tragedies have left us reeling with deep sorrow, disbelief, and – ultimately – reflection with immense gratitude for their service to Minnesota.
 
Today is a moment beyond politics – to our humanity. This is a tragedy for our state. Melissa Hortman was a dedicated and talented  leader. She led “like a Minnesotan,” getting the job done without a lot of flash. And she was unwavering in her commitment to the people of Minnesota. John Hoffman is a passionate advocate, particularly for those often left without a voice. His work in disability services and health care has shaped legislation that changed lives. Both families’ lives have reflected their anchors in public service, family, and purpose.
 
I wanted to pause as we begin another week together, to walk in gratitude that we ARE together. I am grateful for our community and look forward to seeing you.
 
See you in the trenches,
B

I imagine you saw the difficult news last week: Saint Paul experienced its first gun-related homicide in 6 months. Tragic moments like this remind us of what’s at stake – and of the important, ongoing work being done improve the public safety across our city.
 
It’s also important to pause and acknowledge how far we’ve come.
 
Consider the progress:

• Last week’s incident marked the 4th homicide in Saint Paul so far this year - compared with approximately 30 at this time last year.  
• Through April, the city’s overall crime index was down 23.4%, according to the Saint Paul Police Department.
• St. Paul gun violence continues to decline, a result of strategic interventions and deep, cross-agency collaboration.

 
One example of this work is the new Safe and Strong initiative, focused on improving public safety along University Avenue and the Green Line. This high traffic corridor has long struggled with public safety concerns, and this coordinated response represents a unified front: Metro Transit Police Department, Saint Paul Police Department, Saint Paul Office of Neighborhood Safety, Saint Paul City Attorney, Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, Ramsey County Attorney's Office, Ramsey County Safety and Justice, and Ramsey County Public Health.
 
Together, these agencies also are launching a Transit Response Unit and increasing visible officer presence to build trust and address issues proactively.
 
This initiative is part of the broader Safety and Security Action Plan, an ongoing effort already underway at Metro Transit to improve conditions on its public transportation. According to the Metro Transit PD, 40% of respondents to a 2024 survey reported feeling safer than they did on public transit in the six months prior. This latest effort is intended to further improve the public experience in the corridor.
 
The public safety trajectory IS encouraging. To our public safety teams, elected officials, and community partners: thank you. Your shared commitment and collaboration are creating real momentum—and making Saint Paul stronger.
 
Other bright spots: great article this weekend in the Pioneer Press, amplifying what I believe as well: exciting reinvestment is happening in Saint Paul!
Reopenings, renovations, new arrivals — in downtown St. Paul – Twin Cities
 
See you in the trenches,
B