Celebrating Progress, Building Trust

It’s still Small Business Month—and the challenge continues! Pledge to spend $50 at a small business in your community this month. It’s a simple act that can make a real difference.
 
Last week we also celebrated some wins: we joined Sherman Associates at the grand opening of their new Landmark Tower apartments, and we were thrilled to mark the expansion of chef Terry John Zila’s Gallery Event Space and Hepcat in the Osborn 370 building. Saint Paul is alive with momentum—and small businesses are leading the way.
 
You may have seen the weekend article in the Pioneer Press: St. Paul, Minneapolis chambers of commerce probe potential merger. The most important point remains unchanged—we are engaged in a thoughtful, intentional process aimed at increasing our impact on behalf of the region’s business community. And we are deeply committed to listening—to each other, and to you.
 
That brings me to a mindset I’ve been reflecting on. Earlier this spring, I read Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss, and I’ve been following his work on negotiation ever since. One theme that stands out is the power of listening. In his words:

• “You can’t build trust if you’re not listening.”
• “Slow it down—breathe.”
• “Trade your need to be right for the need to understand.”

 
That’s exactly what we’re doing now: asking important questions, listening well, and remaining genuinely curious. That’s how we’ll reach the best outcomes—together.
 
See you in the trenches,
B

Chamber Check-in 5/20/25