A more perfect union through trusted institutions

Free people, strong communities, shared commitments key to our success

By Dale Kooyenga, MMAC President & CEO

“By pursuing his own interest, he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it.” – Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations

MMAC President & CEO Dale Kooyenga

That quote, written in 1776, reminds us of the importance of individual freedoms and how empowering people to pursue their talents, ideas and ambitions ultimately improves the quality of life for everyone.

On the eve of our nation’s 250^th anniversary, the American experiment in democracy has proven Smith’s wisdom. It’s also produced the greatest and most sustained economic success story the world has ever known. It proves free people create more opportunities than a government ever can.

Today, more than ever before, those freedoms shouldn’t be taken for granted. We need to celebrate building something from nothing; starting our own businesses; failing, picking ourselves up and trying again. These freedoms have generated innovation, raised our standard of living and given generations of Americans hope that they can achieve more than the generation before. They serve as a cornerstone of our way of life, but they aren’t enough.

Our country’s success also depends on strong institutions. Businesses, families, churches, nonprofits and organizations like the MMAC have served as places where leadership is developed, trust is built and the challenges we face are met head-on.

Unfortunately, in 2026, those institutions are facing challenges of their own.

Too much of our public discourse takes place not face-to-face, but through algorithms that create contempt and magnify our perceived differences rather than encouraging constructive dialogue. Oftentimes, social media has divided us and amplified our worst tendencies. Populism, on both sides of the aisle, drives us to distrust institutions while failing to fill that vacuum with anything but bombastic personalities, misinformation and the latest viral outrages.

This should concern us all.

The success of communities – whether that’s at home, church, at the workplace or elsewhere – depends on that trust. We cannot move the ball forward without having confidence in others, which doesn’t occur by happenstance. It requires institutions that create credibility over time with leaders willing to strengthen them instead of tearing them down.

This is where chambers of commerce matter.

MMAC exists because for more than 160 years, leaders in southeastern Wisconsin have known that institutions bring people together to solve problems, build consensus and make improvements. There will always be disagreements and different approaches to confront our challenges. But through engagement, listening and working together, we come to solutions that make our region more competitive.

America is not a perfect union, but our founders called on us to strive for a more perfect one. We can do that by confronting the challenges we face today – runaway debt, over-regulation, hyper-partisanship and challenges to America’s global leadership by nations that do not share the principles fundamental to man and embedded in our Constitution.

Political philosopher Alexis de Tocqueville said, “The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults.”

The faults we have today differ from those our founders faced, but the formula to overcome them – free markets, free people, strong institutions and responsible leadership – remains the same.

These ideas helped form the strongest economy in the history of the world. They’ll serve as a foundation for the next 250 years if we are responsible caretakers.  On this historic anniversary, I therefore encourage you to reflect on JFK’s most powerful quote: “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”

Happy Birthday, America!