Over 1,300 students will graduate from St. Cloud State University this spring, and another 850+ will graduate from St. Cloud Technical and Community College. That means there are over 2,000 educated, talented, and eager people either entering the workforce or furthering their careers this month right here in the St. Cloud area. 

 

The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping you meet your workforce needs. Relationships with the career centers at both of these schools is one way that we are able to connect graduates to careers that they can thrive in - without leaving the community. We are continually looking for ways to partner with educational institutions, from scholarships to legislation to the new student membership now offered through the Chamber. As with anything, we are open to any feedback or ideas that you have as engaged members of the business community. 

 

So congratulations graduates! Your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed. We know you will do great things for Central Minnesota and beyond.

Lunchtime Learning is on May 4th (note Thursday date) from 12pm-1pm, and InteleCONNECT will be talking phishing and cybersecurity. Register now!

The 2022-2023 St. Cloud Leadership class graduates on May 11th at Blackberry Ridge Golf Club. Get tickets to attend or learn more about applying for this program!

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.

With the goal of keeping you 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

St. Cloud State of the City. St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis delivered his State of the City Address on April 18th, here are the highlights. 

 

$10 million for African Immigrant loans. Through a partnership with the nonprofit African Development Center, St. Cloud-based Stearns Bank is earmarking $10 million for making loans to African immigrants. Learn more

 

Being an Inclusive Workforce Employer. Attend this virtual event on May 17th to obtain information and strategies on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Learn More

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Minnesota Job Vacancies Declined in 2022. Job vacancies in the state were down 10.3% year over year in 2022's second quarter, but that didn't mean demand for workers slowed, according to DEED. Learn more

 

The impact of decreased immigration. For five years, immigration declined. From employment and prices to innovation and entrepreneurship, the economic implications may be large. Learn more

 

National Small Business Week. NSBW is April 30 - May 6, 2023. Register now for the free virutal summit: Register Now

- Sponsored Content -

Participate in the Apple Duathlon on May 20, 2023.

 

The multi-sport event, which has been drawing local and world-class competitors to Sartell, Minnesota, since 1983, includes a long-course and a short-course duathlon (run-bike-run). Apple Duathlon welcomes participants of all abilities. Come out to bike and run, or relay with friends.

Click the link above to register at ActiveCentralMN.org

Thank you to these members that celebrated milestone Chamber membership anniversaries in the month of March. We are so grateful for your continued support!

77th Annual Chamber Open

The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Chamber Open Golf Tournament on Juy 31st at the St. Cloud Country Club! There are opportunities to play, sponsor, and more. Don't miss out on this fun event!

Sponsor

From holes to carts, there are plenty of ways to get your name out on the course for the Chamber open. You can check them out below or contact Laura Wagner if you have any questions.

Play

Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just in it for a good time, teams are now open for registration for the Chamber Open. Gather your colleagues and save your spot on the course now!

NEXT Emerging Leaders

NEXT-Chamber’s Emerging Leaders fosters professional development and networking opportunities for emerging leaders in Central Minnesota. If you identify as an emerging leader and would like to grow both personally and professionally, in a fun and challenging environment, then NEXT-Chamber’s Emerging Leaders may be right for you!

Hear from our community leaders and have the opportunity to:

• Enhance your networking and career development
• Build strong relationships with other participants and current business leaders
• Develop career-building connections through involvement in Chamber events and programs
• Learn more about the community where we live, work and play

DETAILS

The group meets the second Tuesday of every month over the lunch hour at various locations throughout the St. Cloud area. 

 

The cost is $195 per person for 12 months

(12 lunches included.)

 

The next NEXT Emerging Leaders meeting will be on May 9th.

Today is your LAST DAY to register for the 2023 Business Awards Luncheon on May 3rd!

Tickets are $25 per person and include lunch and the program, held at The Park Event Center.

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com