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The Day After Matters, Too
Today is Election Day. Whatever you believe, wherever you land, I hope you’ll show up.
This country’s first chamber of commerce was founded eight years before the Declaration of Independence. Business people were building community and civic life before there was a nation to build it in. Civic engagement isn’t something we do once every few years. It’s part of who we are. This year we’ve had hard conversations. Good people have disagreed about hard things, sometimes strongly. Here in Minnesota, we tend to treat disagreement as a warning sign. I see it differently. Disagreement, handled with respect, is a sign of strength. It’s how we get things right.
So, here’s my challenge for you:
- Be an upstander, not a bystander. Vote, and help someone else get there. Give a coworker the time they need. Offer a ride. Make it easy.
- Choose curiosity over certitude. Seek to understand how your neighbor sees things. Then listen. You’re not learning while you’re the one talking.
- Assume good intent. Most of us want the same things: safe neighborhoods, good jobs, strong schools, and a region where our kids want to build their lives. We often disagree on how to get there.
- Remember that Wednesday comes. Some of us will be celebrating and some will be disappointed. Either way, the work is the same. Detroit’s leaders told us that their turning point came when they realized “the cavalry isn’t coming.” It’s the same for us. No election result does our work for us. We do it together.
Unshakable leadership doesn’t mean you don’t get shaken. It means you don’t stay shaken.
So vote. Then let’s get back to building the future together, as one region. See you on the other side.
See you in the trenches,
B
P.S. We'd love to see you the WEEK after, too. Register for Lunch with Leaders: Election Recap.
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Small Business Bites: Preparing Your Business for What's Next - Planning for Growth, Sale & Succession
Wednesday, November 4 • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Whether your business is starting up, moving toward initial growth, considering an expansion or strategic acquisition to accelerate market penetration, or preparing to exit at maximum value, the checklist items are the same. Business owners should prepare themselves so that they can control, as much as possible, the eventual outcome with the most desirable terms and conditions.
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Beyond Orientation: Skills-Based Onboarding for Retention & Performance Webinar
Wednesday, November 4 • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
This interactive workshop explores how organizations can intentionally align competency and skill development with onboarding experiences to accelerate learning, increase productivity, and strengthen employee engagement and retention. Participants will examine how a skills-based framework can be embedded into onboarding to create role clarity, improve knowledge transfer, and more effectively align new hires with organizational goals and culture.
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Skills Based Talent Accelerator: Industry Intensive - Skilled Trades
Thursday, November 5 • 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Construction, utilities, transportation, and other skilled trades continue to experience critical workforce shortages. This Accelerator helps employers define the essential skills needed for long-term success while exploring apprenticeship models, work-based learning, and strategies for attracting new talent.
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Lunch with Leaders: Election Recap & Legislative Preview
Tuesday, November 10 • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Bringing together pundits, politics, and policy for a post-election conversation on what the results mean for Minnesota's political landscape and the 2027 legislative session.
Panelists:
- Torey Van Oot, Axios Twin Cities
- Todd Rapp, Rapp Strategies
- Chas Anderson, Park Street Public
Moderated by:
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Chamber Connect
Tuesday, November 17 • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
These events are low-key networking events aimed at building and strengthening connections, and supporting our member organizations, businesses and venues.
This month we will be at Allianz Field to hear updates on the developments at United Village.
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Member Content Submissions
Fill out our form to submit your content for a chance to be featured on our social channel(s).
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Circus Juventas Presents: A Hygge Holiday
The Performing Arts Circus School’s 2026 Holiday Production • December 4 – 13
Follow the north star and join us this winter as Circus Juventas makes a triumphant return to the magical forest of their beloved yuletide hit, a Hygge Holiday!
When a group of young people head for a cozy weekend at grandma’s cabin in the woods, they stumble into a holiday haven of mystery and magic. Beyond the reach of cell reception and the non-stop distractions of the modern world, they travel deep into the woods to discover that a comfy cabin and close friends are all you need to kindle the spirit and warm the heart.
Mischievous mice and contorting cardinals, candle-lit winter feasts and snow-dappled pines, towering tomten, tumbling lumberjacks, and a high-flying Christmas morning celebration will unfold to remind us all that the comfort of friends and family and fond memories of holidays past make for an unforgettable Hygge Holiday. Find tickets now.
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Registered Apprenticeship Metro Summit - St. Paul
Goodwill-Easter Seals Financial Industry Training • Saint Paul, MN
Friday, November 13 • 9 AM - 12 PM
Learn about apprenticeship as a workforce solution and the elements that create a registered apprenticeship program.
Join us and learn about apprenticeship as a workforce solution, the elements that create a registered apprenticeship program, how the development process works, and its benefits to businesses. An apprenticeship panel discussion with current programs will also be highlighted so attendees can hear directly from programs about thier development process experience, program operation, and successes.
LEARN MORE & REGISTER
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Minnesota Aurora FC will host its second annual Support Women’s Sports Small Business Saturday event on Saturday, Nov. 28, bringing together Minnesota women’s sports organizations for a unique holiday shopping experience. (ASSETS: Click here for images).
The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Minnesota Aurora offices in Eagan and gives fans an opportunity to discover new teams, shop their favorite sports merchandise, purchase tickets to upcoming games and support the continued growth of women’s sports in Minnesota. Participating organizations include Minnesota Aurora, Minnesota Forge, LOVB Minnesota, Minnesota Frost, Minnesota Roller Derby, TC Gemini, Minnesota Strike Professional Ultimate and MN Vixen. Plus, fans can score big with a chance to win a Minnesota Lynx-signed team basketball or a 4-pack of tickets from Minnesota Frost. Coinciding with Small Business Saturday, the event also encourages shoppers to support local organizations and businesses during the holiday season. READ MORE
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Give to the Max Day is back on November 19th
Here is how to get involved:
Minnesota’s biggest giving holiday is back: Give to the Max Day will take place on November 19, 2026! Every year, thousands of nonprofits, schools, and individuals generate donations and excitement for Minnesota causes that are working to improve the quality of life for all Minnesotans.
For Nonprofits: Are you taking part this year? Make sure your organization is registered by November 18th to be included on all leaderboards, unlock access to more prize grants, opt into appropriate search filters to help donors expand their generosity, and more!
For Breweries, Distilleries, Wineries, & Coffee Shops: Each year, GiveMN activates the community further by partnering with breweries, wineries, and coffee shops interested in engaging their patrons in some collective giving, in support of nonprofits that align with their mission and values. Learn how to become a Pour it Forward partner for GTMD 2026!
For Other Businesses: Whether your goal is increasing brand awareness, deepening community relationships, fulfilling corporate giving objectives, or demonstrating your commitment to Minnesota, sponsoring Give to the Max Day provides a meaningful platform to make an impact while showcasing your organization's leadership.
| | Royal Credit Union (Royal) received a Bronze Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) Award for its social short-form video campaign created in partnership with Team Hebert Curling. The award was presented during the 2026 Marketing Association of Credit Unions Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE | |
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Iceberg Web Design
Your next customer may start looking for your services by asking an AI tool a question. Will they find enough useful information about your business to take the next step? Learn more in our latest blog and how Iceberg Web Design can help your website be ready for 2027.
| | Drake Bank welcomes Joe Dinzeo as Treasury Management Solutions Officer. In this role, Dinzeo will support the banking team in delivering deposit and treasury management solutions for current and prospective clients. Dinzeo will play a key role in onboarding and training clients who utilize treasury management services. READ MORE | | |
Rice and Larpenteur Alliance Celebrates Momentum Amid Funding Cuts Pioneer Press, October 11, 2026
Our work and funding challenges were recently highlighted in the Pioneer Press.
- Crime is way down.
- Safer road and sidewalk infrastructure is installed or planned.
- Enhanced transit services are coming.
- New businesses are choosing the area, and legacy businesses are growing here.
- Our community events, signage, and public art celebrate our diverse cultures and neighborhood pride.
- We have been through hard times, and we have continued to rise and face challenges.
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We have a bright future ahead and a long path to get there. Join us!
Show your support for RLA in the following ways:
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Send an email stating your support of the RLA to ward5@ci.stpaul.mn.us
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Join/Become a member at www.riceandlarpenteur.com/support
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Donate at www.givemn.org/story/alliancerice
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Why Cybersecurity is a Shared Responsibility for Small Businesses
It’s more important than ever for small businesses to use Cybersecurity Awareness Month as a reminder that cybersecurity is a shared, year-round responsibility.
Comcast Business's latest 2026 Cybersecurity Threat Report analyzed 79.3 billion cybersecurity events over the past year, which is roughly 2,514 per second. In May alone, Comcast Business blocked threats targeting small businesses at an average rate of more than 230 per second.
Building devices like security cameras outside a storefront, routers in the back office, TVs providing entertainment for customers, and point-of-sale systems are often unprotected and becoming targets for hackers.
Protective measures, like securing every device, implementing stronger password mandates, and training employees to spot attacks like phishing, can help prevent small businesses from becoming victims. Additionally, choosing a network provider that offers built-in protection against threats and consistent monitoring ensures business owners can stay on top of their security.
For more information, read the full report or reach out to your local Comcast Business team representative, Michael Sarne.
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The Mission of the Young Professionals Network (YPro) is to build relationships, develop professionally, become politically and philanthropically active, and contribute to the economic development and high quality of living or working in the Twin Cities. Learn more about the Young Professionals Network. | |
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Ramsey County is launching the Re-Imagination Resource Center, a new initiative aimed at strengthening local Business Community Organizations (BCOs) by enhancing their capacity and expanding their services to better support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
This resource center will focus on three key areas:
- Enhancing Technical Capabilities – Supporting the development of new and existing technical skills within BCOs.
- Expanding Training & Mentorship – Strengthening training and mentorship programs for entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Providing Financial Assistance – Offering additional financial support to participants who successfully complete their training.
Small business owners and entrepreneurs in Ramsey County can receive free support. Connect with the right resources for your business below or fill out the Small Business Intake Form.
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DEED’s business financing programs help companies and communities retain existing jobs and create new high-quality jobs. Not all businesses are eligible. Qualifying companies must meet specific job creation and wage goals.
Trying to grow your business? Minnesota’s tax credits programs can help. Businesses must meet certain criteria to be eligible for tax credits. Requirements are set by each program.
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Taste of Saint Paul, on Tuesday, December 1st, 2026
New this year! The St. Paul Area Chamber is excited to partner with Visit Saint Paul and invite our restaurant members to join the fun!
Join us for an exclusive gathering showcasing indulgent food and beverage tastings from over 30 of Visit Saint Paul’s premier restaurants, breweries, and caterers. The evening will also feature live entertainment, exciting prizes, and valuable networking opportunities.
Check out last year's fun!
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For more than 25 years, East Side Learning Center has paired children with caring volunteer tutors who show up week after week to help them read, grow in confidence, and discover what's possible. Those consistent relationships often become just as life-changing as the reading lessons themselves. This year, those relationships will help provide more than 17,600 one-on-one tutoring sessions.
This fall, they will host their 3rd Annual Igniting Possibilities Benefit, an evening celebrating community, inspiration, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to become a confident reader. They invite you to partner with them by donating an item to their silent auction. Popular donations include gift cards valued at $50 or more, merchandise, experiences, services, themed baskets, or other in-kind items. Every donation helps create a successful event while showcasing the generosity of businesses that invest in our community's children.
Your donation will be recognized in our event materials and throughout the evening, highlighting your commitment to helping children and strengthening our community. DONATION FORM
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Ramsey County is a vibrant and growing community with opportunity for everyone!
Ramsey County is a bustling, thriving and growing community that benefits from the amenities of Saint Paul and the Twin Cities metro. Saint Paul is a charming, historic and vibrant city, and suburban Ramsey County is defined by abundant green space, good schools and affordable housing options. People are flocking to the county to enjoy the incredible quality of life, while entrepreneurs and developers are leveraging this growth to start businesses and invest in the community.
To facilitate this consistent growth, Ramsey County Community & Economic Development (CED) provides access to financial incentives and hands-on business support while acting as the first stop for site selectors searching for community information and available sites. Visit the Ramsey County Means Business website to learn more.
| | Looking to make sustainability a priority for your business this year? BizRecycling can help improve waste and recycling practices while offering access to grant funding up to 50k. BizRecycling can help cover cost for eco-efficiency equipment, upgrades, and supplies. The grant can also aid in reducing waste pricing for businesses. Please consider applying! | | The MN Department of Labor and Industry currently has several grants available related to registered apprenticeship. Grants provide the seed money to train people for new careers or to advance labor-enhancing programs. The Department of Labor and Industry’s (DLI) grants programs help to ensure that Minnesota’s work and living environments are equitable, healthy and safe.The open opportunities can be found here. | | |
The Equity Committee of the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County has assembled this action guide to help employers in our community and region improve inclusion. Our purpose in creating this resource is to provide practical tools that will ultimately help move the needle on workforce disparities and provide equitable access to wealth and opportunity.
This guide offers concrete practices to build diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces in the areas of staff recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention. Much of the information contained in this guide was crowd-sourced from employers and experts committed to achieving equity outcomes.
| Discover how the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can help your business thrive while fostering a more inclusive workplace. Small to mid-sized businesses in Minnesota can receive reimbursements of up to $30,000 for providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. | | | |
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