Local chambers help bridge the trust gap

A recent study by Edelman, a global communications firm, shows that trust in national institutions continues to decline. According to the 2026 Edelman Trust Barometer, there’s a growing divide in how people engage with one another.

People are placing more value in the relationships closest to them -- co-workers, employers, neighbors and local organizations.

That shift creates both a challenge and an opportunity for chambers of commerce, which have long served as relationship builders within their communities. And that local approach to trust-building is something business and community leaders say they see reflected in the Quad Cities Chamber’s work.

“The Chamber does an exceptional job of bringing folks together from varying industries and backgrounds for a common goal of building community within the Quad Cities,” said Viminda Shafer, Community Relations and Development Coordinator for The Project. “They strive to make sure everyone belongs and everyone is heard through intentional communication and interactions, creating a sense of security and trust. The Chamber advocates on behalf of the businesses and organizations in the Quad Cities at the local and federal level,” added Shafer. “This is so important for our often-overlooked slice of Americana in Illinois and Iowa,” she said.

Shafer’s comment exemplifies a key idea in the report -- something called “trust brokering”. According to the study, that’s the ability to help people understand one another and work toward shared outcomes, despite differences. And it’s a role chambers are uniquely positioned to fill.

Here are a few ways the QC Chamber instills trust:

• We are bridge-builders, making people feel respected, understood and showing them we’re always working towards a common goal.
• We are focused on shared outcomes. We lead conversations around community development in a balanced way.
• We make a visible impact. We grow trust when people see tangible, local results and transparent data. This is less about changing minds, and more about revealing shared intent.

“The Chamber has helped bring our community together and has helped form our foundation,” said Ian Frink, Chamber Board Member and Co-owner of Crawford Company. “I think organizations like the QC Chamber are especially important right now because people value local relationships and trusted connections. The Chamber does a great job bringing businesses and communities together, helping build collaboration, trust and a stronger Quad Cities region,” he said. 

Trust, according to the report, is no longer a passive asset. It’s an active responsibility – especially when conversations get difficult.

“Trust is earned by showing up consistently, doing the work with integrity and staying focused on what’s best for the community, even when the conversations are difficult," said Peter Tokar III, President & CEO of the Chamber and Grow Quad Cities. "At the QC Chamber, our members and regional partners know we will continue to be a steady, reliable voice for business and for the QC. We are committed to bringing people together, listening to different perspectives and leading with transparency and purpose as we work toward a stronger regional economy and community.”