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.Â
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LOCAL
Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day:Â 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.
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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
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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
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Quick wins for Downtown St. Cloud:Â 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
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Familiar face as Minnesota Commissioner of Education: Former St. Cloud Area Schools Superintendent Willie Jett will serve as commissioner of education. Read more
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STATE & NATIONAL
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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.
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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
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How to access DEED's funding programs:Â 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.
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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