Business as the Most Trusted Institution
Trust in businesses has never been higher. According to the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer, businesses have risen to become the most trusted institution, carrying the weight of community expectations to drive solutions. This powerful insight set the stage for an engaging presentation by Sheree Anne Kelly, President & CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), at the Future of Business event.
Hosted in partnership with the Celina, Frisco, McKinney, North Texas Disabilities, Plano, and Prosper Chambers of Commerce, the event brought together approximately 150 business leaders from across North Texas. As they gathered, the conversation wasn’t just about business—it was about leadership, responsibility, and the evolving role of companies in shaping stronger communities.
Changing Expectations and Community Roles
“”The public expects us to step in and step up, especially in places where other institutions aren’t delivering,” Kelly told the audience. “We have enormous potential to do really big, bold things, and there’s never been a time in history where we’re better positioned to make a difference than we do right now.”
Research showed:
- Changing expectations for the business community include addressing community challenges, such as crime, homelessness, and the opioid epidemic.
- Businesses are expected to offer mental health support, with 56% of customers believing businesses should prioritize mental health support, but only 27% feeling businesses are doing a good job.
- Consumers expect companies to adapt to their changing needs and preferences, with 65% expecting made-to-order services and 73% seeking better personalization.
- The importance of customer experience is emphasized, with 80% of customers valuing the experience as much as the product or service.
Talent Development and Workforce Challenges
Kelly emphasized the need for early engagement in talent development, highlighting that businesses must start connecting with potential future employees much earlier than traditional approaches. It underscores the importance of creating pipelines, offering internships, and helping students understand career pathways from a very young age.
“We actually have to go younger and younger and younger with our population in order to reach them, because students are making decisions about their future at much younger ages. So you really want to be engaged in elementary and middle schools.”
The Frisco Chamber’s Young Entrepreneurs Academy is a perfect example of this, with students starting as young as 6th grade. To date, the Frisco YEA! program has graduated over 363 students and invested over $130,000 during the past fifteen years.
Research showed:
Talent development at the speed of business is a critical issue nationally, with access to affordable and reliable childcare and income-aligned housing being major challenges.
Skills-based hiring is gaining popularity, with 73% of employers embracing it and finding higher quality talent and better on-job success.
Flexible work arrangements are important for talent retention, with 52% of the public believing it should be a priority, but only 36% feeling businesses are doing a good job.
Young professionals seek work-life balance, learning and professional development, opportunities, positive work culture, flexible hours, and a sense of meaning from their work.
Belonging and Gathering in the Workplace
Kelly highlighted the critical importance of creating meaningful connections and community within the workplace, showing that belonging is not just a feel-good concept but a tangible driver of productivity, retention, and even personal well-being.
- Belonging and gathering are essential for employee productivity, reducing turnover, and improving health outcomes.
- Employees with a strong sense of belonging are 56% more productive and can reduce the risk of early mortality by 50%.
- Gen Z craves real-world experiences and in-person events, which are critical for building interpersonal skills and professional competence.
- Chambers can help foster a sense of community by promoting in-person events and engaging young professionals in activities that build their skills and connections.
With a focus on professional development, leadership opportunities, and meaningful connections, the Frisco Chamber’s Frisco Young Professionals (FYP) program empowers young professionals to navigate their careers while fostering a sense of belonging in Frisco’s vibrant business landscape.
These topics were just the beginning of an impactful discussion that will continue to resonate with today’s business leaders. We look forward to sharing more about this research.
