...for chaotic schedules, never-ending shopping lists, and stress levels on the rise. We're all striving to find the perfect gifts, attend as many holiday gatherings as possible, and make lasting memories with family and friends. It can get to be a lot! 

 

Make some time for you time this holiday season, and treat yourself to whatever fuels your soul. Take a crisp winter hike at an area park. Meet a friend for coffee or dinner and catch up. Indulge in some retail therapy for yourself, or get started on that home project you've been putting off. Whatever it is that brings you peace, take care of yourself. Because it's the most wonderful time of the year, after all! 

 

Happy Holidays from the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. We hope your days are merry and bright and we can't wait to head into 2023 with you!

Waite Park Chamber, hosted by Sentry Bank, meets on Wednesday, December 21 from 11:30 to 1pm at the Moose Family Center. Register now to attend and enjoy some networking, lunch, and a special performance by the Sauk Rapids High School Singers!

Chamber Connection is hosted by Green Thumb Etc. on December 16th at the former Herberger's Building in downtown St. Cloud.

Here are a few more important dates to put on your calendar, but don't forget to check out our full events calendar for even more.

• Sauk Rapids Chamber Meeting 12/15/22
• Chamber Connection: Green Thumb Etc
• Waite Park Chamber Meeting 12/21/22
• Lunchtime Learning: Business Successsion & Continunity Planning - What Owners & Managers Need to Know 1/4/23

With the goal of keeping members informed and up to date, these news bites feature local, regional and national news items that relate to the business community in Central Minnesota. 

 

LOCAL

Demuth's plans for the capital: New House Republican leader Lisa Demuth plans to lead minority with ?calm and conversational? style. Read More

 

St. Cloud offering tax help: The City of St. Cloud has released several different programs to assist with property tax bills and utility bills. View the list

 

Downtown Summit Recap: The City of St. Cloud held a summit on December 12th to talk about priorities and the future of downtown - learn more

 

Your survey responses are requested: Share your feedback and vision for Downtown St. Cloud with this Downtown Perception survey - Take the survey

 

STATE & NATIONAL

 

Real ID Deadline Extended: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has delayed enforcement of its Real ID standard until May 2025; standard driver?s licenses or ID cards will no longer grant access thereafter. Learn more

 

Election impacts on 2023: The Minnesota Chamber has release an experts' take on how the election will impact business in 2023 - read more

 

Quarterly Economic Snapshot: This overview of key indicators measuring Minnesota's current economic performance is from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce - read more.

 

Now accepting lender RFPs: DEED is now accepting request for proposal responses from lenders who would like to participate in the Small Business Loan Participation Program. Learn more

 

MN DEED seeking applications: The Automation Loan Participation Program (ALPP) makes companion loans intended to fill gap financing needs for businesses purchasing machinery, equipment, or software to increase productivity and automation. Learn more

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Please join us in sharing a warm welcome with these new members who joined the Chamber in November. It was a great month! Thank you so much for your commitment to the success of the St. Cloud Area business community. 

• Alloy Insurance
• American Family Insurance - Michael Brower, Agent
• APEX Engineering Group
• Bulljive Brands & Bulljive Solutions
• Chris Hauck & Associates - Coldwell Banker Realty
• Corqueboard, Inc.
• Direct Insurance Services of MN, LLC
• HerARTS in Action
• Holiday/Circle K
• Ironwood Logistics, LLC

Each One Reach One

Each One Reach One is the Chamber's referral program that rewards members for qualified referrals that turn in to new members of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. The member with the most referrals-turned-members wins an award at the end of the Chamber's fiscal year, with recognition at the Star Celebration in October! Here is the leaderboard so far...

Tied for 1st place with 2 referrals:

• Mike Brower, American Family Insurance - Mike Brower, Agent
• Michelle Henderson, BadCat Digital Marketing

Have a referral to share?

Tied for 2nd place with 1 referral:

• Tanja Goering
• Ashley Green, Green Thumb Etc
• Carrie Karki, WhiteBox Marketing
• Nick Novak, Nick Novak Homes at NRG Realty
• Bernie Perryman, Batteries Plus
• Overlander Coffee Company
• Randy Weiher, Erbauer Built
• Donella Westphal, Jules' Bistro

Committee Highlight: Top Hat Ambassadors

Have you ever wondered why most Chamber events include sharply dressed greeters donning top hats at the door? You're not alone - here is some more information!

The Top Hat Ambassador committee serves as the retention arm of the Chamber.  Top Hat Ambassadors participate in photos with new members and members who have expanded or relocated.  Top Hat Ambassadors also participate as good-will ambassadors at Chamber events and assist with membership sales.

Who Can Serve

In order to be a Top Hat Ambassador, you must have served as the chair of another St. Cloud Area Chamber committee.

Top Hatter History

The Top Hat Ambassadors have been a part of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce nearly since inception. Originally a traditional part of formal attire, the top hat soon came to signify business progress, growth, and success in the St. Cloud area. 

Top Hat Duties

Members of the Top Hat Ambassadors serve as the face of our Chamber in the community. Their duties include:

• Top Hat photo visits to welcome new members, congratulate new locations or remodels, new ownership or major anniversaries.

• Welcoming members at Business After Hours, Chamber Connection, Sauk Rapids and Waite Park Chambers, and other Chamber events. 
• Serving as ambassadors for the Chamber - welcoming new members, getting to know members, and acting as a liaison to all of Chamber's opportunities.

Is your business opening, moving or expanding? Contact Laura to schedule a Top Hat photo visit or a Ribbon Cutting and celebrate your major milestones!

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com