New years are a time for new goals and dreams. Hit up the gym, organize your house, eat more green veggies - a fresh start always feels great. When it comes you your professional goals, the Chamber can help you achieve many of them. 

 

Want to grow your network?

Check out over 150+ annual events to meet other professionals and increase your professional network. 

Looking for some professional development?

Whether you're hoping to increase your leadership skills, the depth of your skillset, or more, the Chamber has programming to aide you in your journey.

Hoping to be more involved in the legislative process?

The Chamber is your direct connection to the laws that affect your business every day.

 

We are excited to help you reach your goals in 2024. If you ever have any questions about getting the most out of your Chamber membership, feel free to reach out. And cheers to starting out the new year right!

Business After Hours is hosted by CliftonLarsonAllen on Thursday, January 11th. Come anytime between 4:30 and 6:30pm for a great evening of networking!

Get ready for the 2024 session by hearing from local legislators about their priorities at the Capitol at the Session Preview on Wednesday, January 17th at 7:30am. 

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

Downtown St. Cloud momentum continues. City of St. Cloud Economic Development Director Cathy Mehelich says there is more to come for downtown in 2024. Read more here

 

Seasonal needs in Central MN. This season, children, adults and families in Central MN will struggle to keep food on the table, stay warm through the coldest days and find joy in the small moments. You can help bring cheer and warmth this season. Learn more

 

CentraCare/U of M Medical School update: With final approval by the Board of Regents, the University of Minnesota Medical School is expanding its program for the first time in 50 years with the addition of the CentraCare Regional Campus St. Cloud location. Learn more

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Minimum wage goes up January 1st. Minnesota's minimum-wage rates will be adjusted for inflation Jan. 1, 2024, to $10.85 an hour for large employers and $8.85 an hour for other state minimum wages. Learn more

 

Farm hands needed. A look at the agricultural workforce in the Ninth District reveals a very tight labor market. Learn more

 

Just for fun... Let's take a look at the Most Ridiculous Lawsuits of 2023. Check them out

 

REMINDER: Several new laws take effect on January 1st. Are you prepared? Learn more

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.

February 7: Getting Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Resistance to Do the Things We Should

Speaker: Dave Faust, Stonehouse Resources
Sponsor: Granterion 3PL Solutions

 

March 6: Bridging the Generational Age Gap: Connecting with the Emerging Leaders in Your Life

Speaker: Clare Richards, Impacks

Sponsor: Statewide Property Inspections

 

April 3: An Intro to AI: Tools, Tips and Tricks for Using Artificial Intelligence Effectively

Speaker: Jami Bestgen, St. Cloud State University

Sponsor: Alliance Imaging

Thursday, May 2: Fortify your Digital Defenses: Practical Strategies and Safeguards for Cybersecurity

Speakers: Mark Kroska and Kris Crandall, AGC Agency 

Sponsor: St. Cloud Technical & Community College

 

June 5: Canva 101: Up Your Marketing and Social Media Design Game

Speaker: Brittney Goebel, North Creative Co.

Sponsor: Neuro Health

To view all session descriptions and register online, click below.

Members: $25/session | Non-Members: $35/session

SAVE $25: Purchase a season pass and get in to all five sessions for just $100!

Email the Chamber to purchase yours.

All Lunchtime Learning sessions take place at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce office located at 1411 W. St. Germain St. ste. 101, St. Cloud. Please register at least two days before the session by calling (320) 656-3826, emailing registrations@StCloudAreaChamber.com, or online here. Reservations must be cancelled 48 hours in advance to receive a refund.

New to a supervisor role? Looking for some additional managerial training? Hoping to expand and strengthen your leadership skills? Responsible for helping your employees grow their skillsets?

 

The Supervisor Development Certificate Program is a great way to help you or your employees grow managerial skills!

The Central MN Farm Show is February 27th and 28th, and sponsor and vendor booths are filling up fast! Learn more about these opportunities to get in front of several thousand agriculture professionals, farmers, students and more. 

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com