I believe in American business. I believe in the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels innovation, creates jobs, and propels our communities forward. This belief stems from an unwavering conviction: business, when done right, is a powerful force for good. But for a business to live up to this potential, it must operate with integrity, accountability, and a commitment to hiring the best and most qualified people.

The annual Edelman Trust Barometer offers fascinating insights into public sentiment toward institutions like business, government, NGOs, and media. For the 23rd year, the study highlights where trust is gained, where it is lost, and how these trends shape our collective confidence in systems that drive society. Encouragingly, business remains the most trusted institution globally, ahead of government and media.

This trust is not accidental - it is earned. It reflects the values of companies that prioritize long-term value over short-term gains, transparency over obfuscation, and inclusivity over exclusivity. Trust is built by businesses that hire the best talent, foster innovation, and commit to the well-being of their employees, customers, and communities.

However, trust is fragile. It cannot be taken for granted. The Edelman report reveals skepticism, particularly in how businesses address societal challenges and their role in advancing equality. If we, as business leaders, fail to honor our responsibilities to our stakeholders, we risk undermining not just trust in our companies but faith in capitalism itself. People not only expect business to lead; they want business to lead.

Capitalism, despite its imperfections, remains the best system we have. History shows us that alternatives—whether oligarchies, monarchs, authoritarian governments, or other systems—have consistently fallen short in promoting human prosperity. This is not blind faith; it is an acknowledgment of what works. Capitalism rewards effort, innovation, and ingenuity. But for it to be sustainable, it cannot operate in a vacuum. Businesses must recognize their role in a broader ecosystem, where doing good and doing well are not mutually exclusive.

Faith in business also means rejecting practices that harm the bottom line in the name of expediency or bias. Not hiring the best person for the job because of outdated thinking, or failing to invest in diversity and inclusion, is not just morally indefensible—it is economically unsound. Data consistently shows that diverse teams are more innovative and perform better financially. Making decisions that undermine these principles is not just shortsighted; it is incompatible with the entrepreneurial spirit that defines American business.

Perhaps I am overly optimistic. Perhaps my belief in the power of business blinds me to its flaws. But I hope not. I hope my faith is justified, not just by the headlines or data but by the actions of the many entrepreneurs and business leaders who make a difference every day. They invest in their people, innovate with purpose, and contribute to their communities.

We cannot expect perfection from business, just as we cannot expect it from any human endeavor. But we can expect progress. We can demand integrity. And we can trust that when business gets it right, it has the power to make the world better - not through mandates or coercion but through the ingenuity and hard work of people who believe in what they do.

That’s the kind of capitalism I believe in. That’s the kind of capitalism we need. That’s the kind of business that makes communities stronger. And it’s the kind of business I see over and over in Eagle County, which gives me immense faith in our future.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, 3-time national chamber of the year. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com