Ready for Some Good News!

Three highlights this week, all good. First, in case you missed it: in partnership with The Harris Poll, our national chamber association, ACCE, conducted a nationwide public opinion poll to explore U.S. adults’ perceptions of their local chamber of commerce, the role chambers play in their communities and the value of chamber membership to businesses. The results were very validating: 81% of U.S. adults agree that local chambers of commerce are a trusted resource/partner for business; and 91% believe that their local chamber has an impact on growing businesses locally. Shakopee Chamber wrote a nice article on the results. and we’ll be sharing more on our social media as well.

​Also, the Saint Paul Downtown Alliance officially launched the Downtown Improvement District into Lowertown and the entire eastern half of downtown Saint Paul on January 1. I’m very excited to see expanded services and even more ambassadors – they are making a real difference, both in visitor experience and public safety outcomes.
 
And finally, from the Met Council: the Met Council is expanding its efforts to provide a consistently safe, clean, and welcoming experience on Metro Transit bus and rail service this year. The Met Council's 2025 budget includes funding to grow the Transit Rider Investment Program, expand the use of supplemental security officers, partner with community-based organizations, and bring on more police officers and community service officers. Learn more about the expanded efforts. Also, travelers in the East Metro have another transportation option as of Monday, Jan. 6. The Met Council and Metro Transit have expanded the on-demand shared ride service, Metro micro, to serve areas in Woodbury and Roseville. The new small-bus service will connect residents with key destinations and transit hubs in the two communities. More about the expanded service.

How is the economy affecting your business? Let the Minneapolis Fed know.

We are partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis to give local businesses a voice. Your response to this short survey will help the Minneapolis Fed and its local partners understand the impact that the economy is having on your business.
 
Answers to these questions contribute to regional data that directly inform the Minneapolis Fed, local partners, policymakers, and others — a public good ultimately benefiting your business and others like yours. Take the survey today!
 
Thank you in advance for your participation.
 
See you in the trenches,
B