Reflections on 2025

This is our final weekly newsletter of the year as Chamber offices close December 22–January 2. I want to end the year—and begin this week’s blog—with sincere gratitude for YOU, our members. Your Chamber exists to serve you and guide us toward a sustainable, growing future.

And what a year it’s been. The phrase that resonates most: your Chamber at work. This was a year of real progress on your behalf. Our team is strong, professional, and focused on one priority: how we can work for you.

Highlights? JP’s recent Advocacy Update recaps key wins. Workforce development initiatives advanced. Partnerships and contracts expanded. Our programming saw record-breaking engagement and new partnerships. Our foundation—and its anchor program, Leadership St. Paul—remains strong (2026 application is here). 
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Yes, 2025 also included consideration of a partnership with the Minneapolis Regional Chamber. Progress slowed this year, appropriately so, given challenges they’re addressing. We’ll continue thoughtful due diligence into 2026.

I encourage you to get a jump-start on 2026 by registering for our Breakfast with the Mayors, on January 21, 2026, and our Annual Meeting: Unshakable Leadership, on February 26, 2026.

Thank you for your membership, trust, and engagement. Warmest wishes for this holiday season.
See you in the trenches,
B