What's your resolution?

Ask anyone their opinions on New Year's Resolutions, and you'll likely get a wide range of responses. Some people like having a reason to focus on improving themselves. Others see it as an unnecessary pressure to place on oneself in a world that's already stressful. No matter your thoughts on the new year tradition, there's nothing wrong with taking a look inside ourselves and determining where we could use a little work - we can all agree on that, right?

 

No matter what your goals are - resolutions or not - our Chamber membership is made up of hundreds of companies that offer products and services to fit your needs. Spend some time browsing the directory to get an idea of the diverse offerings available. You might just realize that keeping that resolution is easier than you thought. 

 

Connect, learn, grow!

Register now to attend Waite Park Chamber on Wednesday, January 18th from 11:30am to 1pm. Hosted by Dick's Nuisance Animal Control of St. Cloud, this meeting takes place at Back Shed Brewing in Waite Park. 

Business After Hours this month is hosted by the St. Cloud Country Club on Thursday, January 26th. Come enjoy some food, drinks, and great networking whenever your schedule allows from 4:30pm to 6:30pm. 

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

Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Join St. Cloud State University at the River's Edge Convention Center on January 16th for a free community celebration for MLK Day. Learn more and save your spot here.

 

Downtown Grant Opportunities: The City of St. Cloud Economic Development Authority has made more grant funding available for businesses located Downtown St. Cloud. Learn more

 

St. Cloud Lawmaker Named Speaker Pro Tempore: Democratic State Representative Dan Wolgamott will serve as Speaker Pro Tempore. The title means in the absence of the Speaker; he will take on the duties of managing the House Floor and ruling on legislative debate. Learn more

 

Quick wins for Downtown St. Cloud: The St. Cloud Downtown Alliance has been working hard since inception this fall, here's a look at some of the projects that have been tackled so far. View presentation

 

Familiar face as Minnesota Commissioner of Education: Former St. Cloud Area Schools Superintendent Willie Jett will serve as commissioner of education. Read more

 

STATE & NATIONAL

 

House Speaker - Who? What? How? Kevin McCarthy was elected House Speaker - a process that is difficult to understand, to say the least. Former House Parliamentarian Tom Wickham sheds some light on the process in this video.

 

MN Chamber outlines priorities: The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce held a forum on January 4th with state legislators in attendance to talk 2023 session priorities. Learn more

 

How to access DEED's funding programs: As a part of the 2021 American Rescue Act (ARPA) Minnesota was awarded up to $97 million through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI). Here's how to access those funds.

 

5 Greater Minnesota storylines to watch at the Legislature in 2023: With the shift to DFL control at the capital, MinnPost outlines 5 things to watch as we head into the new session. Read more

 

Welcome New Members

A big welcome to all of the members who joined the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce in the month of December, 2022! We are so glad that you part of this organization. 

 

Evening at the Capital 2023

Enjoy a relaxed evening with Minnesota?s legislative delegation at the St. Cloud Area Chamber?s annual St. Cloud Area Evening at the Capital reception. Become better acquainted with our elected representatives and discuss the issues that impact your business.

Please note the date change to February 8, 2023.

Free Transportation

Metro Bus is proving free transportation to this event. Please sign up during registration. The bus will depart St. Cloud promptly at 3:00 PM from the Northstar Link Park and Ride Lot at 1919 Lincoln Ave SE, St. Cloud.  The bus will depart Saint Paul at 7:15 PM.

Register Now

Evening at the Capital is $39 per person to attend. Register now by emailing registrations@StCloudAreaChamber.com,

 calling (320) 656-3826, or using the link below to register online.

 

Business Central Magazine

Advertise in the next issue of Business Central Magazine 

Our most recent membership survey tells us our readers are business owners, CEOs, presidents, and senior managers. That means when you advertise in Business Central you?re reaching the people who make the final decisions on purchases for their businesses and organizations.

DEMOGRAPHICS

  • Circulation: 6000 business owners and executives in Central Minnesota
  • Job Title: 87 percent CEO, Owner, President, Senior Management
  • Pass Along: 68 percent of our readers pass their issue of Business Central on to at least one other person
  • Age: 35 ? 54
  • Gender: 70% male; 30% female
  • Industry: 32% ? Business Services; 18% ? Retail; 16% ? Manufacturing/Wholesale; 14% ? Government/Non-profit; 11% ? Personal Services; 9% ? Other
  • Employee Size: 28%: 1-4; 35%: 5-24; 23%: 25-99; 14%: 100+

BUYING DECISIONS

92% or nine out of 10 readers tell us they prefer to do business with other Central Minnesota businesses. What?s more, almost 60% or six of 10 readers say they are likely to give preference to Business Central advertisers when making business purchases.Business Central magazine is the best business-to-business choice in central Minnesota.

Want to learn more?

Contact Melinda to talk about advertising opportunities, or check out our editorial calendar online to get started. 

Share your news and company updates with Business Central

Do you have a story idea or want to share newsworthy information about your company? Contact Emily with any press releases, pitches, or ideas. 

 

The ?Unite for Success? Scholarship Program recognizes area high school seniors for their excellence in high school and encourages continued success in post-secondary institutions.

The History

The Chamber?s scholarship program for area high school graduates has grown over the past 44 years. In 1978, six sponsors contributed $1,400. In 2021, ten businesses and organizations contributed over $20,450.

The Chamber of Commerce believes the business and education communities must partner to build a successful future for the St. Cloud area. 

Get Involved

You can make a difference in the opportunities available to area high school seniors. Join with other Chamber members to provide financial resources for post-secondary educational experiences for our area youth. After all, they are our future leaders! The deadline for 2023 contributions is January 27, 2023.

 
 

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com