As you know, there are dozens of ways to get involved with the Chamber and get the most out of your membership.

• Learn more about the community at Chamber Connection, Waite Park or Sauk Rapids Chamber.
• Professional development through Lunchtime Learning, Leadership Program or Supervisor Development.
• Network at special events like the Business Awards Luncheon, Chamber Open, and Star Celebration.
• Legislative connections through government affairs programming like Evening at the Capital or Session Wrap Up. 

Did you know there is also a Chamber group that is specifically catered towards young professionals? NEXT - Chamber's Young Professionals (formerly Emerging Leaders) meets monthly and offers those who are new to their careers the opportunity to grow, the skills to network, and the chance to get more involved in the St. Cloud community.

 

If you are a young professional or you have employees who would be a great fit for the program, learn more here - or register for the meeting on February 13th to experience it yourself!

NEXT is the group for young professionals to connect, grow and learn more about the community. Register now to check it out on February 13th from 12-1pm. 

If you are new to the Chamber in any way, come check out the New Member Mixer at Green Mill on February 13th from 4:30-6:30pm to meet others and learn more. 

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

ATHENA Award nominations now open. The Women’s Fund ATHENA Award is a lifetime achievement award. The Award’s mission is to recognize and honor St. Cloud area women who have achieved excellence in their careers and who inspire others. Submit your nomination.

 

Absentee balloting for the Minnesota presidential nomination primary (PNP) is underway. Absentee voting began on January 19, with the PNP election taking place on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. The purpose of the presidential nomination primary is for voters to choose the presidential candidate they wish their party to nominate to be on the November general election ballot. Learn more.

 

DEIAB: More Than Just an Acronym - Register now for this CareerForce workshop to learn more about how you can take action on your DEIAB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Accessibility, and Belonging) initiatives. Register now.

 

Waite Park introduces safe exchange zone. The city set aside two parking stalls at its public works building, 670 17th Avenue South, near The Ledge Amphitheater. The spot is intended for people buying and selling things online or for child custody exchanges. Learn more. 

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Final rule on employee/independent contractor classification - The U.S. Department of Labor published a final rule, effective March 11, 2024, revising the Department’s guidance on how to analyze who is an employee or independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Learn more

 

Take the rulemaking public input survey: As part of the first phase of engagement, the Office of Cannabis Management wants your input on specific topics for rulemaking as well your help to identify other priority areas so they can further build out an engagement plan. Take the survey.

 

Employer reasonable accomodation fund: The Department of Employment and Economic Development Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund creates a central fund where small to mid-sized Minnesota employers can request reimbursement for expenses related to providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. Learn more

 

Join the Small Business Call. Hosted by MN DEED on the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 2:00 p.m., this call is an opportunity for small business owners to have a conversation with business experts and their peers. Join the February 13th call! Add to your Calendar

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Businesses today face a multitude of challenges. To help understand these challenges, we have partnered with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis on this 7-minute survey to help understand the impact that the economy is having on your business.  

Tuesday, March 19th, 2024

5:00pm - 7:00pm

Radisson Hotel St. Paul Downtown

This exclusive event provides an opportunity to engage with Minnesota's legislative delegation and state leadership in a relaxed setting. Hosted by the St. Cloud Area Chamber, the Evening at the Capital reception provides you an opportunity to have meaningful conversations on the issues impacting your business. Transportation is included in your registration as well.

The January/February 2024 issue of Business Central Magazine is now available! Here is a glimpse at some of the topics covered in this issue.

Read the rest online or pick up a copy at the Chamber office!

On the Cover: Staying Nimble

Momentum Truck Group President Jon Pearson is always looking down the road for unexplored routes. 

 

Special Focus: Representation Matters

Embracing diversity, equity and inclusion in your marketing initiatives can boost your company culture and your ROI.

Feature: Central MN Farm Show 

Take an peek at the 2024 Central Minnesota Farm Show on February 27th and 28th.

 

Business Tools:

• Save Your Cash - Equipment Financing
• Rethinking Sustainability - Sustainable business solutions
• Add to Cart - E-commerce 101

St. Cloud Area Business Showcase highlights a variety of Chamber member businesses at the River’s Edge Convention Center on April 9, 2024 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. The event is open to Chamber members and the public. Enjoy great food samples, a cash bar, fun exhibitor games, door prizes, and more! Vendor booths and sponsorship opportunities are still available, but going fast! 

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com