One of the best parts of being active in a community is seeing your dollars at work right where you live, work and play. It always feels good to support causes you believe in, whether through your time or treasure. August 17th is National Nonprofit Day, a day to recognize all of the organizations who support our community in many ways. Corporate giving - at all levels - has a major impact on our world. 

• $5 billion: Approximately how much money is raised through workplace giving annually
• 71% of surveyed employees say it is imperative or very important to work where culture is supportive of giving and volunteering.
• 84% of donors say they're more likely to give if a match is offered, and one in three say they would give a larger gift if matching is applied to their donation.
• 75% of U.S. adults feel physically healthier by volunteering, 93% report an improved mood, 79% reporting lower stress levels, and 88% reporting increased self-esteem by giving back.

Giving back is important. So, how can you celebrate? Check out all of our nonprofit members for more information on local and regional organizations that are working to make a difference. There is a cause for everybody to get behind, and we are happy to help connect you!

Check out local artists at downtown businesses during the Art Crawl on Friday, August 18th. Plus, it will also include the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Granite Trio sculptures!

Don't miss the passing of the gavel from Mike Brower, American Family Insurance to Michelle Hederson, BadCat Digital Marketing - and the new vice chair reveal on August 25th!

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

2024 Proposed Budget: St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis presented his proposed budget for 2024. View it here.

 

Attention all hospitality business owners! Are you eager to stay up-to-date with the latest legislative changes affecting your industry? Look no further than the 2023 Summer Legislative Recap Tour, presented by Hospitality Minnesota on August 16th. Register now

 

Help wanted? Exhibit at the St. Cloud Area CareerForce job fair on Tuesday, September 26th Learn more and register here. 

 

STATE & NATIONAL

SBA disaster loan program updates - The Small Business Administration is more than doubling the size of its disaster loans as part of a series of changes designed to expand access to small businesses. Learn more

 

Small Business Grants - As interest rates climb, small business grants are a great form of funding. Here are some you can apply for in August.

 

LIBERTY Update: The US Chamber's LIBERTY campaign has released the latest immigration numbers. 85,000 of 780,884 requested H-1B visas will be granted this year, at a rate of less than 1 in 9. View the full dashboard.

 - Sponsored Content -

As a full-service marketing agency, we don't just take your order. We listen to your business goals and get to know you in a way that provides real value in the form of strategic planning, creative ideas and effective results.

A warm welcome to all of these members who joined the Chamber in July, 2023. We are so happy you're here!

• AMPED Wellness with Melaleuca The Wellness Company
• Big Frog Custom T-shirts & More of Plymouth
• Blue Goose Speakeasy
• Harvester Square
• Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota

Lunchtime Learning

Lunchtime Learning takes place on the first Wednesday of the month unless otherwise noted. Each presentation features a local speaker who specializes in a business related topic. Each presentation is sponsored by a local business and lunch is provided with registration. The Lunchtime Learning schedule for fall 2023 has officially been released! See below for all the great topics and speakers lined up for the fall season.

September 13:

Mental Health in Manufacturing: Embracing Best Practices for Sustainable Success

Speakers:

Allison Waggoner, DCI

Lynn Seagraves, Park Industries

JaDee Kubesh, New Flyer

Sponsor:

Doctor's Park Mental Health Center

November 1:

Work/Life Balance and Its Impact on Employee Retention

Speakers:

Brad Hoelscher, Gallagher

Casey Gordon, College of Saint Benedict

Sponsor:

St. Joseph Health and Wellness Center

Lunchtime Learnings are $25 for members or $35 for non-members. View more about each session and register online to attend!

October 4:

Strategies for Attracting Top Talent

Speaker:

Kelly Walz, Bernick's

Sponsor:

PeopleReady

December 6:

Everyone’s A Critic: Giving & Managing Online Reviews

Speaker:

Michelle Henderson, BadCat Digital Marketing

Sponsor: 

AMG Promotions and Apparel

January 3:

Lessons in Leadership: Growing Through Conflict

Speaker:

Tara Gronhovd, Align

Sponsor:

YuppyPhoto

Did you know you can purchase a season pass to attend all 5 Fall 2023 Lunchtime Learning sessions for the price of 4? Contact us at 656-3826 or email Registrations@StCloudAreaChamber.com to purchase yours!

Business After Hours is a monthly networking event for Chamber members, their guests and colleagues. It is open-house style, where people can come and go as they please. There are usually some refreshments, and plenty of networking! Business After Hours takes place from 4:30 - 6:30 P.M. at the host location.

Now booking for 2024! 

Would you like to host a Business After Hours? Reach out to Laura to get on the schedule! 

The cyber threat landscape is rapidly evolving, and now is the time for individuals and businesses to learn about the latest threat intelligence, collaborate and be prepared. This summit will cover major industries, business attacks, remote workforce, emerging tech, national security, artificial intelligence and much more.

Livestream this event for FREE!

August 17th, 2023 | 8am - 11am

SEE YOU ON OCTOBER 3RD!

The Star Celebration is the Annual Meeting for the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce held each autumn. The evening includes a short program where we take a look back at the past 12 months and also honor and recognize the outstanding Chamber volunteer leaders, including outgoing Board of Directors members and Chamber committee and division chairs.  

 

Sponsorships & tickets are still available.

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com