We’ve got two really big programs ahead of us, both in response to your declared priority of investing in tomorrow. Tuesday, October 15, is our 3rd annual Career Connect Day at RiverCentre! Designed as an opportunity for high school students to interact with employers and explore future career paths, each year the program grows. Last year we sold out with 100 employers purchased booths and spent the day with students. This year we’re expanding the experiential side of the event, providing "a day in the life of" experience in various sectors. Our vision here is that this program become the gold standard for career exploration opportunities for youth, from across the region – and even the state. To learn more about the day or watch a video from past years, click here.  Employers can purchase a booth, or sponsor the event for added visibility – connect with us by Sept. 20. If you have questions about the event or signing up, please contact Kim Chung, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, or Melissa McLean, Director of Talent Development. Otherwise, you can register here!

Additionally, our quarterly Lunch With Leaders event presented by Wells Fargo, this Wednesday, highlights and celebrates entrepreneurship. We’ll learn about the NASA Inclusive Innovation Mashup Lab, and partner with Saint Paul’s Full Stack initiative as we introduce the MSP StartUp Guide. I especially appreciate this programming because it’s been led by our Small Business Committee, who suggested we expand the event programming to include more purposeful networking time. 

Read more in my blog, It's Our Business. This week I’m sharing a couple updates on downtown Saint Paul real estate.

See you in the trenches.

B

B Kyle

President & CEO

St. Paul Area Chamber

Career Connect Day - Register Now!

The St. Paul Area Chamber is inviting businesses to participate in Career Connect Day to connect and engage with local high school students and expose them to career options before they make decisions about post-high school education and training. We currently have over 2,000 students from east metro high schools and the Minneapolis Public Schools CTE program interested in exploring pathways for their future. This year’s event is on October 15, 2024, at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. New this year, we will have more interactive experiences for students, as well as, more space to spread out and added security. Register by September 20th!   

Chamber Connect: MN United

This month we will be partnering with MN United Football Club at Allianz Field. Join us to sample appetizers from their catering partner Delaware North, hear MNUFC team updates from Chief Soccer Officer & Sporting Director, Khaled El-Ahmad, and learn about the event spaces offered at Allianz Field! 

MN Skills Based Hiring Accelerator: Workshop

Join us for a half-day comprehensive workshop on skills-based hiring. This workshop is a nationally recognized delivery model and is being presented locally through a partnership among the Goodwill Easter-Seals, the Minneapolis Regional Chamber, the St. Paul Area Chamber, and Urban League Twin Cities.

2025 Board Proposed Slate of Candidates & Officers

Per St. Paul Area Chamber bylaws, the Board Chair has appointed a Nominating Committee. The 2024 Nominating Committee consisted of: 

Mike Hauswirth, US Bank (Chair), Marcia Droege, Land O’Lakes, Nancy Haas, Poul Haas, Terri Banaszewski, Sunrise Banks, Tom Whaley, St Paul Saints, Alissa Daire Nelson, Daire to Succeed,  Lea Hargett, JOG Associates, Jeff DeYoung, Baker Tilly (RET), B Kyle, St. Paul Area Chamber

The by-laws currently allow for 40 Board members with 3-year terms and up to 10 additional Board members with 1-year terms. The by-laws also allow for Honorary members, who shall have all the privileges of other members except the right to vote. 

The Nominating Committee has proposed a 2025 Board slate of candidates that will bring our total to 39 Board members with 3-year terms and 8 Board members with 1-year terms. We also have an additional 10 honorary members, representing partnership organizations.

Special thanks to our graduating Board members: Nancy Haas, Poul Haas, Ron Orlando, Comcast, Kelly Mellberg, 3M, Aaron Sillanpa, CHS, Kate Klossner, Marathon Petroleum 

Per Chamber By-laws: Additional names of candidates for Directors can be nominated by petition bearing the genuine signatures of at least twenty (20) members of the Chamber. Such petition shall be filed with the Nominating Committee within ten (10) days after notice has been given, as of September 10, 2024, of the names of those nominated. The determination of the Nominating Committee as to the legality of the petition(s) shall be final. Petitions may be sent directly to: Staci@stpaulchamber.com.

If no petition is filed by September 20, 2024, the nominations shall be closed, and the nominated slate of candidates shall be declared elected by the Board of Directors at their next regular Board meeting. 

Proposed Slate of Candidates:



Anthony Bass, American Cancer Society, Mark Fabel, McGough, Kayla Kaufmann, CHS, Sean Lynch, 3M, Kirstin Sersland, Marathon Petroleum

Returning board members (accepted & starting another term): Elizabeth Allen, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Luke Gaalswyk, District Energy/Ever-Green Energy, Mark Gibbs, Redpath, Mike Hauswirth, US Bank, Joe Johnston, Hubbard/5 Eyewitness News, Lisa Maloney-Vinz, Ecolab, Johnny Opara, JO Companies, Jim Pearson, Xcel Energy, David Safar, MPR, Kelly Sam, Grand Casino Hinckley, Alyssa Schlander, Securian, Sylvia Strobel, Twin Cities Public Television, Angela Wagner, Warners Stellian,John Wilgers, Twin Cities United Way

Honorary board members: Marc Cove, First Resource Bank, Andre Johnson, American Family Insurance, Chad Kulas, Midway Chamber of Commerce, Sam Ndely, MN Black Chamber of Commerce, Kathryn Sarnecki, Saint Paul Port Authority, Tony Schwartz, eXp Realty, Joe Spencer, Saint Paul Downtown Alliance, Yao Yaj, MN Hmong Chamber of Commerce

Below are the 2025 Proposed Executive Committee Officers, to be voted on by the full Board at its December 2024 regular Board meeting. Please note that, in advance of voting via written ballot, the floor shall be open for further nominations:



2025 Board Chair, Jeff DeYoung, Baker Tilly, (RET), proposed

2025 Past Chair, Lea Hargett, JOG Associates

2025 Vice Chair, Jennifer Hellman, Goff Public, proposed

2025 Finance/Audit Chair, Scott Rynda, Travelers, proposed

2025 Treasurer, B Kyle, St, Paul Area President, President and CEO

Additional Executive Committee Members: Mike Hauswirth, U.S. Bank, Courtney Henry, KCB Corporation, Lara Juras, Minnesota Vikings, Joe Johnston, Hubbard / 5 Eyewitness News, Jim Pearson, Xcel Energy

If you are a current member of the Chamber and would like your name added for consideration of a board seat, please email Staci@stpaulchamber.com.

Young Professionals: Executive Roundtable

Tuesday, Oct 22 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Chamber Connect

Wednesday, Oct 23 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Holiday Chamber Connect - Save the Date!

Tuesday, Dec 10 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

View more Chamber & community events!

Join the Minnesota Humanities Center for their Humanities Showcase on October 5th. Highlighting the profound impact of the humanities in our lives, the Humanities Showcase will feature storytelling and unique performances of emotion, art, and the human connection. Register now.

Attend the University of Minnesota's College of Continuing & Professional Studies' webinar, Crafting a Compelling Data Story. This webinar is geared toward anyone who wants to enhance their data storytelling skills. Register now.

KLJ Engineering LLC (KLJ), is proud to share that The Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) has announced the 2024 National Design-Build Project/Team Award winners. The award recognizes excellence in design-build project delivery. Among the distinguished winners is the Hwy 52 Zumbrota to Cannon Falls project in Minnesota, a collaborative effort led by Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), KLJ Engineering, Mathiowetz Construction Company, among other project partners.

Twin Cities Startup Week, Minnesota’s multidisciplinary festival celebrating the state’s

expansive startup ecosystem, is back for 2024. From September 13-20,

community-driven events will build relationships and drive collaboration to support

and develop the state's most innovative businesses. Learn more.

The Eau Claire Marathon announces Royal Credit Union will serve as title sponsor of the Eau Claire Marathon race weekend. The three-year agreement will begin with the 2025 event held April 26-27. “The Biggest Small Town Race in the US” is expecting 5,000 participants and over 1,000 volunteers. Learn more.

Join Art from the Inside at their 2nd annual fundraiser, "Paint with a Purpose," on September 26, 2024, at the Schmidt Artist Lofts in Saint Paul. This event offers a unique opportunity for the community to engage with the powerful artwork created by those behind bars and support a mission centered on transformation, healing, and forgiveness. Register now.

The Airport Foundation MSP invites you to attend State of the Airport Annual Luncheon on Thursday, September 26 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis Hotel. The Twin Cities business luncheon brings together more than 600 local business and civic leaders to gain insights on the national air travel industry and the latest developments at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), one of the most influential drivers of the local economy.  Register now.

# ConnectingSTP CONNECT WITH US!