Recently, Traust entered our 25th year; it has been our privilege to serve the business community and the communities in which we live and work.
We are grateful to the people and clients who have partnered with us or engaged our services over these many years. The diversity of the people, how their lives unfolded from wherever in the world they came from, and how we have come together to produce success in so many ways has been amazing. It provides me an appreciation for humankind that is immeasurable.
Equally so, we are proud of our individual and corporate efforts to support not-for-profit organizations and community programs. Thank you to all!
A Time to Celebrate, Replaced by a Call to Action
Traust was founded in a troubled time—literally in the weeks after the 9/11 attacks. That tragic time for our country was the result of ill-meaning, ruthless acts of outside forces.
Unfortunately, 25 years later our country is in another troubled, tragic time—this time self-caused. Federal officials and government agents seem to be blatantly disregarding our nation’s Constitution, the rule of law, human rights, and due process.
No matter how they work to disguise it, or create one distraction on top of another, what we are witnessing is the erosion of long-standing democratic norms and the concentration of power in ways that put the rights and safety of others at risk—often in service of narrow interests. These actions purposefully blur the line between true and false, ultimately dulling our collective sense of right and wrong.
The crisis continues to unfold across our country and is happening in living color here in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul and across Minnesota. Whether you live in or outside of Minnesota, we are a state made up of people who came from other places and are privileged to live here and to have what we have—especially the diversity of our people, our land, our industries, and our institutions. Please don’t look away.
Know that the citizens of Minnesota are dedicated to demonstrating justice, love, and mercy in taking care of each other, looking out for our children and neighbors, and withstanding the onslaught. Ideally, we can continue to set an example for others—both the fortunate and unfortunate.
Recent announcements suggest that federal immigration enforcement activity in Minnesota may be pulling back somewhat. If true, this would be a welcome development. Still, uncertainty remains, and the fear experienced by families and communities does not disappear overnight. Vigilance, compassion, and support are still required.
What is happening in Minnesota is a wake-up call for all—an opportunity to elevate our humanity. To take it personally. Tomorrow it could be a ramrod through your front door, a rifle butt through your spouse’s car window, or the tragic killing of your child or law-abiding neighbor.
We, as individuals and as leaders of organizations, need to move beyond any political ideology and respond by elevating our hands-on support to protect our rights, our communities, our local businesses, and our fellow citizens—understanding not only how this affects you, your neighbor, your community, and your county, but also the world.
Traust recognizes that we all have different means and multiple ways in which we can participate. Here are a few places to start, or to add to what you may already be doing:
Please join our team in the chorus of standing together for the freedom, dignity, and betterment of all.
