I’ve been thinking about corporate citizenship. You know, the social responsibility of businesses and the extent to which they commit to – and execute on – certain priorities. Last week I joined Wells Fargo in celebration of their new HOPE Inside Center, in collaboration with Operation HOPE, at their Prosperity branch. This is but one expression of Wells Fargo’s focus on economic inclusion, helpful financial tips, and the real impacts of financial education on our community. The big picture of Operation HOPE is “to make free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved, thereby disrupting poverty and empowering economic inclusion for millions of low- and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation.” On the ground, they’re specifically providing free financial education to raise credit scores. There is a significant correlative relationship between credit scores and income, home ownership, even life expectancy. Learn more – I’m impressed.  

This past week I also was reminded – twice! - of important lessons I’d learned years ago. That, clearly, I’d forgotten. You see, I’ve been wrestling with this notion of how to disagree on issues while still holding onto relationships. And 2 people I consider mentors reminded me of the book, The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. Have you read it? This book changed my thinking about how to negotiate. And I’d like to share with you what I’ve been reminded of.

Read more in my blog, It's Our Business. Also, check out more about sustainable aviation fuel investments by Flint Hills Resources. 

See you in the trenches.

B

B Kyle

President & CEO

St. Paul Area Chamber

Equity Leadership Series: A Session with LatinoLEAD

Join us on October 30th for an insightful and engaging session at the Minnesota Humanities Center, where you'll get an exclusive preview of a new project created in collaboration with the Minnesota Humanities Center and LatinoLEAD, a network of 3,000 Latine professionals. This initiative amplifies the voices of Latine individuals who have overcome challenges to pursue unconventional paths to success. Through inspiring stories along with supporting learning materials, the project seeks to inspire future leaders and foster community pride and understanding across Minnesota.

LSP Masters: Rice and Larpenteur Walking Tour

Register now for our next LSP Masters Event, Oct. 30 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm – we’ll be visiting with the Rice & Larpenteur Alliance and hearing about the Community & Economic Development transforming where the three communities of Saint Paul, Roseville, & Maplewood come together.

Young Professionals:

Executive Roundtable

Join us to network with St. Paul area CEOs and Executives in a fun and relaxed environment! We will host an Executive Roundtable, where young professionals will connect and ask CEOs and Executives questions in small groups. Come and learn more about topics such as leadership, how to grow your career, and advice for young professionals.

1 drink ticket and light appetizers are included with registration.

Leadership St. Paul

Applications - Now Open!

We invite you to join the Leadership St. Paul 2025 Class—our 45th cohort, commencing in February 2025. This is an exceptional opportunity for emerging and current civic and business leaders seeking to enhance individual leadership skills with a focus on community stewardship.

Visit our website for detailed information about our 10-month cohort learning experience or Apply Now. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with the first review starting on October 15 and continuing the 15th of each subsequent month, until the class reaches capacity.

We encourage you to share this program with your colleagues and friends who may benefit from it. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out via email: Kathleen@StPaulChamber.com. We look forward to your participation!

Discuss the Invest in Roseville Plan presented

by Roseville Business Council

Wednesday, Oct 23 | 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Chamber Connect

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

MN Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator Workshop

Tuesday, Oct 29 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Network, Shop & Learn with Larissa Loden &

the Women Professionals Committee

Wednesday, Nov 6 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Holiday Chamber Connect - Save the Date!

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

View more Chamber & community events!

Join Merrick Community Services at Camp Merrick for a fun-filled evening of games, great food, entertainment and more at Camp Bar! Profits from Camp Merrick go to support Merrick's operations. Merrick Community Services champions thriving communities by eliminating barriers and providing essential resources to promote stability, independence, economic and social justice. Register now.

Join Scratch Consulting on October 16th at Small Business Education Night for a free afternoon of value-packed presentations covering what every small business owner should know about marketing, HR, and insurance. Learn more.

Crew Carwash is excited to announce an upcoming fundraiser this weekend at all of our Minnesota Crew Carwash locations in support of Animal Humane Society! Crew Carwash locations throughout Minnesota will be giving away free Ultimate Washes all day Friday, October 11th, and Saturday, October 12th, in exchange for any size donation to Animal Humane Society. All proceeds and donations will go directly to AHS! 

Join Northern Star Scouting to celebrate 45 years of recognizing community leaders and role models at the 2024 Community Builder Celebration on October 15, 2024, at A’Bulae in St. Paul This year, Scouting is proud to recognize Lester Bagley, Executive Vice President External Affairs of the Minnesota Vikings, as the 2024 Community Builder. Learn more.

St. Paul Neighborhood Network would like you to join them for their annual fundraising event, the Quirky Quiz Show! This is not your typical trivia night—expect team-building activities and a playful approach that encourages “cheating.” Consider reserving a table for $500 and treating your communications team, ERG members, or sales team to a fun evening of trivia and team building. Register now.

Join Circus Juventas for an unforgettable night of thrilling performances, dinner, dancing, and a whole lot of generosity. Get your tickets now and help make a difference for the CJ scholarship fund at this truly one-of-a-kind event on Saturday, November 2.

Comment on Imagine 2050, the draft development guide for the seven-county Twin Cities region. Through October 7, visit engage.metrocouncil.org where you can read about and provide feedback on any of the policy areas that spark your interest. Learn more.

The State of Minnesota and 15 cities, counties and other public agencies are updating a list of local companies interested in working on a wide range of public sector construction, professional services, goods and other services contracts. This information will also help us understand availability of local firms for the 2025 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study. If you are interested in doing business with government entities in Minnesota, please take this online survey: MN Interested Business Survey. (alchemer.com).

Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps Center is celebrating 60 years this year at their Center! We have wonderful instructors who teach topics such as Construction, Culinary Arts, Painting, Sign & Display, Facilities Maintenance, Office Administration, Transportation and courses in becoming a CNA. We look for pre-apprenticeships, work-based learning opportunities, internships and jobs for the students. Contact Kaila Broad to learn how your organization can partner or share job opportunities.

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