May 2025 Board Member Newsletter Article

The Importance of Leaders to their People and Community

Matt Baumgartner
President
Duluth Chamber of Commerce

Leadership is not a destination, but a continuous journey—one filled with learning, growth, and a relentless pursuit of elevating those around us. Whether we’re managing a team, shaping the culture of a business, or contributing to our community, our true impact as leaders is measured by the success and well-being of others.

At its core, leadership is about lifting up the people we work with, fostering environments where they can thrive, and ultimately building a stronger community together. Strong leaders don’t just set the vision; they empower their teams to realize it. They don’t just manage operations and financials; they build cultures that encourage innovation, trust, and a sense of purpose. The most effective leaders understand that the success of any business or organization is deeply tied to the growth of its people.

I am continually inspired by the organizational executives and local business owners across Minnesota who exemplify this kind of leadership. They build businesses and operations that not only succeed and thrive, but also uplift their employees, customers, and neighbors. In our Chamber leadership roles, it is important to highlight locally owned and operated organizations with leaders that make a remarkable impact—not just within their own walls but throughout their entire community. These are leaders who understand that when their teams grow, their businesses flourish, and the community prospers. These are leaders who understand that the community that supports their organizations is a community that they want to support. These are leaders that actively advance three strategic pillars: economic development, improved business conditions, and community progress.

Leadership, of course, is a lifelong pursuit. It demands constant learning, self-reflection, and adaptation. We all face new challenges, evolving markets, and shifting expectations. It’s in how we respond—how we grow—that defines us. The best leaders are perpetual students, always seeking ways to improve themselves and their organizations.

It is with this spirit in mind that I encourage all of us to continue our own leadership journeys by focusing on the people around us, empowering our teams, enriching our business cultures, and contributing to the greater good of our communities. Together, we can build a brighter future for everyone in Minnesota.

Thank you to all the leaders in our state who inspire and elevate those within their organizations and around their communities.