As November begins, many companies are entering open enrollment season. As you're navigating the world of benefits this fall, we would like to remind you that the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce is a member of the Minnesota Chamber's Small Business Federation. This means that any of our members who have 10 employees or less automatically qualify for a complimentary membership to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. That membership comes with many benefits, including access to ChamberHealth, an affordable health insurance option for you and your employees. Here's a quick overview.

• Employee Benefits: Access all products and services with the MN Chamber, including ChamberHealth, Group Life, Dental, Vision, and more.
• Exclusive Content: Stay connected with access to all MN Chamber events, subscriptions to newsletters, access economic data and reports, and more.
• Enhanced Advocacy: Get to know your legislators and amplify your voice at the capital thanks to the influence of the MN Chamber's policy team.

Learn more about if you are eligible, what your membership includes, and more by contacting Jennifer Byers at the Minnesota Chamber or reaching out to the St. Cloud Area Chamber.

If you are a newer Chamber member or representative, join us for a New Member Mixer on November 14th at Blue Goose Speakeasy!

Waite Park Chamber is hosted by Chiropractic Performance Center on November 15th - Register now!

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

Conduct mock interviews with students. Tech High School work experience classes will be conducting Mock Interviews to give students experience and feedback on their interview skills on November 8th and 9th. Contact Derek Miller if you'd like to take part.

 

Minnesota and National Young American Leaders Program (MYALP): The MYALP is an intensive, three-and-a-half day program at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities convening approximately sixty rising leaders from across business, non-profit organizations and government who are committed to working across sectors to help their communities and our region prosper inclusively. Applications are being accepted until November 14th, apply online here. 

 

ICYMI, the Q3 Quarterly Business Review: The Q3 2023 QBR, conducted by SCSU staff King Banaian and Mana Komai Molle, indicates stronger business activity than in Q2, though doubts are still looming on the horizon. View the full report. 

 

Stearns County Jail & Justice Center: Stearns County commissioners voted to accept a special law that allows for the use of local sales tax initiative to fund construction for a new justice center. Learn more

 

Highway 10 and 23 update: Some lanes of traffic are set to open on November 1st - visit the project website to learn more.

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Who's not working? MNDEED has created a tool to allow college students to visualize their expected income long-range in a large number of fields based on the degree they have attained. This helpful tool is aimed at helping students determine what degree to pursue. View it here.

 

YOU'RE INVITED: Join the MN Chamber for a roundtable discussion about legislative impacts on your businesses on November 14th at Coborn's Inc. Register Now

 

The Child Care Crisis: Even though 2022 saw a 13 percent increase in child care license applications, it's not enough to offset the closings plus the increased need. Learn More

 

Busineses and rising crime rates - A new report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce highlights the surge in retail and related crime and commends progress in the fight while outlining needed policy actions from local, state, and national lawmakers. Learn more

 

Virtual Event: Foreign-born worker barriers. The Minneapolis Federal Reserve invites you to join them November 6 for a virtual convening about barriers foreign-born workers may experience in the labor market and how states are responding. Learn more and register.

- Sponsored Content -

Stearns History Museum

 

Join or renew your business membership at the Stearns History Museum in November and 5% will go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central MN.

Don’t delay! Join today! 

Hosting a Chamber event is a great way to get your company's message in front of anywhere from 60-200 people who want to learn more about you. There are a number of different opportunities to fit your needs!

Sauk Rapids Chamber

What: The Sauk Rapids Chamber promotes a healthy business environment in Sauk Rapids, working with member businesses, local government, the public school system, and other community organizations. 

 

Host Benefits:

• Before: Marketing on social media and in emails to all members.
• During: About 13 minutes to talk plus ability to give out handouts and donate door prizes.
• After: Get attendees' business cards.

When: 4th Thursday of the month from 11:45 to 1pm

 

Where: The Clearing in Sauk Rapids, unless another location is preferred. 

 

Cost: Hosts cover the cost of lunch for all attendees (typically between 60-90 attendees) and any venue fees if applicable

 

Want more info? Contact Brandon Voit, Falcon National Bank.

Waite Park Chamber

What: The Waite Park Chamber is a networking event where business, education, and the government come together. They keep members up-to-date on local business issues through monthly meetings.

 

Host Benefits:

• Before: Marketing on social media and in emails to all members.
• During: About 13 minutes to talk plus ability to give out handouts and donate door prizes.
• After: Get attendees' business cards.

When: 3rd Wednesday of the month from 11:30 to 1pm

 

Where: At a Waite Park business location of the host's choosing.

 

Cost: Hosts cover the cost of lunch for all attendees (typically between 60-90 attendees) and any venue fees if applicable

 

Want more info? Contact Kelly Doss, Resiliency Coaching.

Chamber Connection

What: Chamber Connection is a fun and informal networking group open to all members of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. 

 

Host Benefits:

• Before: Marketing on social media, in emails to all members and at the week prior's event.
• During: About 13 minutes to talk plus ability to give out handouts and donate door prizes.
• After: Get attendees' business cards.

When: Every Friday morning from 7:30am (doors open at 7am) until about 9am.

 

Where: Around St. Cloud at locations of the hosts' choosing. 

 

Cost: Hosts cover the cost of coffee and breakfast for attendees (usually between 80-120), any venue fees if applicable, and a $275 host payment. 

 

Want more info? Contact Michelle Henderson, BadCat Digital Marketing.

Business After Hours

What: Business After Hours is a montly open-house style event for members and their guests. There are usually some refreshments, and plenty of networking! 

 

Host Benefits:

• Before: Marketing on social media, in emails to all members, and via text to 1,100+ members.
• During: Educate attendees on your business, hand out info or trinkets, and donate door prizes.
• After: Get attendees' business cards.

When: Once a month on a date of the host's choosing from 4:30-6:30pm.

 

Where: At the hosts location of choice

 

Cost: Hosts cover the cost of food and beverages for attendees (usually between 100-130) and a $450 host payment. 

 

Want more info? Contact Laura Wagner, St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

BONUS: February & March 2024 are currently available for hosting if you're interested!

Formerly known a Chamber Pack Online, the revamped Chamber Member Happenings is a monthly email that is all about YOU - our members! It includes member events, deals, job openings and even ad placements.

 Want to get in for free? Login to your account to add your event, perk or opening now!

Did you know that the Chamber has a text message service that allows our members to stay connected with event reminders? It's just one more way we are keeping members informed on everythin that's happening!

 

Want to get registered?

Text SCC to 38316 to get in the loop! 

 

Don't worry - we send out about one text a month, so you won't be overwhelmed! Plus, you can unsubscribe at any time.

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com