Big news this morning with Governor Walz selected as Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris’ running mate! She has reached into the Midwest to select a “military veteran and union supporter.” Big news for Minnesota as well, of course, potentially shaping our own gubernatorial future. Stay tuned for more!

As we gear up for the end of summer (and the State Fair!), I also continue to track economic indicators. Prices continue to be uncomfortably high this year so far, likely reinforcing the Fed’s reluctance to cut interest rates anytime soon. But I keep watching. A recent NY Times article indicates that “The Fed Suggested That Rate Cuts Could Come Soon.” Chair Powell has said that a rate cut “could be on the table” at the next meeting. Let’s hope so. We were hoping for the same at the July FOMC meeting, but inflation remains above the 2% objective (according to Morningstar, inflation rate in the U.S. is expected to average 2.4% in 2024). For now, the Fed released a policy statement at the end of July indicating they will continue to hold the federal funds rate in a range of 5.25% - 5.5%, leaving it at its highest level in 23 years. Of course, the timing of potential rate cuts will be of keen interest in the presidential election!

Read more in my blog, It's Our Business. Each week I post thoughts and a quick read on things I think you should know.

See you in the trenches.

B

B Kyle

President & CEO

St. Paul Area Chamber

Career Connect:

Sponsor/Exhibitor Registration Now Open!

Career Connect Day is an opportunity for high school students to interact with local organizations and businesses - and explore future career paths! It’s also a great opportunity for your business to gain visibility with others, and to network! For 90 minutes, students will have the opportunity to meet and talk with a wide array of organizations and businesses to find out what it takes to move toward their dream job. Businesses have the opportunity to interact with young people, learn about their interests, and spark their interest in becoming their next generation of leaders and employees. Join us for an inspiring day!

LSP Masters: Family Feud

This event is part of a series that gathers our Leadership St. Paul alumni, and is open to all. We will be playing rounds of Family Feud, we will provide light appetizers, beer and wine will be available! Come on your own to connect, or bring a few LSP classmates!

Chamber Connect: St. Paul Parks Conservancy

This month we are partnering with the St. Paul Parks Conservancy for networking at the Como Lakeside Pavilion. Enjoy a sampling of the new appetizers available at the Pavilion, as well as the latest designs for potential improvements to this vital community structure.

Young Professionals:

Boat Cruise

Enjoy summer in Minnesota and connect with Twin Cities young professionals and others during a boat cruise on the Mississippi River! We invite you to join us for networking on a Padelford River Boat. Your ticket will include dinner; a cash bar with drink specials and non-alcoholic beverages will also be available to enjoy.

Lunch with Leaders - Save the Date!

Wednesday, Sept 11 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Chamber Connect: Allianz Field - Save the Date!

Thursday, Sept 19 | 4:00 - 6:00 PM

View more Chamber & community events!

Come make good luck for the St. Paul Parks Conservancy at Scott & Zelda's Bad Luck Ball, The Commodore, Friday, September 13. Amazing music with Miss Myra and the Moonshiners, a French inspired family dinner, and towering, golden croquembouche by master pâtissier Marc Heu for dessert. Register now.

Join Blaze Credit Union at their first ever (free) Young Adult Advisory Council Event on Wednesday, August 14. This will take place over the lunch hour (11:30am – 1pm) at the Securian Club at CHS Field. Connect over a complimentary lunch, explore the topic of Financial Branding, and hear from Crisco from KS95! Register now.

The Twin Cities Metro Workforce Development Boards are establishing a new partnership with Goodwill Easter Seals, the Urban League, the Saint Paul Area Chamber and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber for the MN Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator program. Learn more.

Celebrating culinary excellence in the heart of downtown St. Paul, those who come to 1881 by Lake Elmo Inn will be provided an unparalleled dining experience. Owners Chef John and Christine Schiltz and their team will launch their new restaurant on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Learn more.

Ramsey County selects Ling Becker as next county manager! Read more.

The City of St. Paul is seeking comments and input on proposed changes the City’s stormwater program and regulations. Submit written comments to the MPCA at:

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, c/o Cole Landgraf, 520 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, MN 55155. Submit comment.

Irish Fair of Minnesota, the annual three-day outdoor celebration of all things Irish, returns to Saint Paul’s Harriet Island Friday, Aug. 9 through Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. It is recognized as one of the most family-friendly events in the Twin Cities and one of the largest Irish festivals nationwide. Learn more.

Step into the Glamorous 1920s at Landmark Jewelers on Thursday, August 10th from 4pm to 8pm! Discover vintage jewelry and indulge in prohibition style refreshments. Come dressed to the nines for an unforgettable evening of fun and giveaways! Learn more.

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 CONNT WITH US!