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I just finished reviewing the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer. This annual report, now in its 25th year, offers a powerful lens into global trust. Back in 2021, business rose to the top as the most trusted institution - outpacing government and nonprofits. That said, in recent years world events have put trust across all institutions under pressure. This year’s report reviews the concept of “grievance,” showing that the degree to which people feel grievance correlates directly with their level of trust. It makes sense: grievance fosters a zero-sum mindset – your gain is my loss. As Grievance grows, trust in leaders erodes. And yet, there is hope. According to the report, in the U.S., business is still the only institution seen as both competent and ethical. That presents a profound opportunity—and responsibility. By investing in well-paid jobs, future-ready skills, and community well-being, business can foster optimism. But no single company or leader can act alone. Trust, growth, and prosperity require collective action. That means working together to:
This is where your Chamber comes in. Beyond convening, we are committed to reflecting—and leaning into—our community. At our core, we are committed to:
See you in the trenches, B Chamber Check-in 8/26/25
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Gearing up for the State Fair this week? Me too - Sweet Martha’s remains a non-negotiable stop. Last week we held our inaugural Compete event, together with Greater MSP and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber. It was a full house and a powerful reminder of where we stand – and where we need to go. As the Star Tribune summarized, the latest MSP Regional Indicators Dashboard shows our region lagging our peers in job and economic growth. In the words of event speaker Shawntera Hardy: “This is our moment. The economy isn’t only something that matters to business. It matters to everyone.” Look at the Dashboard – it’s both a wake-up call and a rallying point. MSP Regional Indicators Dashboard. Keep the conversation going—join a free, virtual deep dive into the data on Tuesday, August 26 at noon. Register here for The MSP Regional Indicators Dashboard over 10 years: Insights on our region's economy. So, the question becomes: How do we think and lead differently? Progress will require more partners, more optimism — and real urgency. Growth is uncomfortable. It should be. That’s how we know we’re moving. Quick Updates ➡ Saint Paul Mayor Carter has postponed his 2026 budget proposal to sometime in September. ➡ Minneapolis Mayor Frey’s 2026 Budget Proposal
B Chamber Check-in 8/19/25 Recently a friend introduced me to the writings of Mel Robbins, her book Let Them (which I’ve purchased and am now reading!) and an article on “The 5 Steps” that really inspired me. At one of the lowest points in her life, Robbins developed what she calls the “the 5 second rule”: the idea that we only have a few seconds to act on an idea before our brain talks us out of it. By applying this rule in every part of her life, she transformed her life. Her 5 key takeaways: Do it anyway. Even if you are scared, tired, or unsure - act despite those feelings. Change comes through action. Find the message in the mess. Ruminating doesn’t change the past, nor does it make you a better person going forward. “Doing better, and becoming a better person, is the most? powerful apology anyone can ever make.” Always be a fan. Celebrate others’ wins. Success is not a zero-sum game, and positivity is contagious. And celebrating another person’s success does not limit your ability to achieve your own. Stop complaining. A pessimistic mindset will keep you stuck. You can choose what you think about. Choose to see possibilities and take steps toward them. Get a gang of five. Surround yourself with five people headed in the same direction. Share wisdom, energy, and encouragement – you’ll likely find they’re seeking the same connection you are. Transformation doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with the small choices we make – and in the courage to act before we talk ourselves out of it! See you in the trenches, B Chamber Check-in 8/12/25 Warmest congratulations to M Health Fairview, recipient of the 2025 American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Foster G. McGraw Prize for outstanding community impact. This is a significant and great honor – it’s the first time in nearly 30 years that a Minnesota health system has received the award. You can read more here. Looking ahead I hope to see you at two upcoming events:
Last Thursday, I joined a group of civic leaders to sign a Civic Pledge for a Stronger Minnesota – a public commitment to dialogue, respect, and democracy. This pledge was created in the wake of the heartbreaking assassination of Melissa and Mark Hortman and the attempted assassination of John and Yvette Hoffman. The pledge calls on all of us to reject political violence, to lead with civility and courage, and to seek understanding even in disagreement. Being Minnesotan means drawing clear lines around decency and shared responsibility. We must not allow our differences to become divisions. By signing, I’ve committed – as have many others – to help lead Minnesota with hope, honesty, and integrity. I invite you to do the same. See you in the trenches, B Chamber Check-in 8/05/25 |
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