Today marks the 78th Annual Chamber Open golf tournament, going on right now at Blackberry Ridge Golf Club. With our members filling up sponsorships and teams, it's always a fun and engaging way to network and get the word out about your business - oh, and play a little golf. It got us thinking that Chambers, it turns out, are a little like golf actually...

• Networking: Golfers network on the course, businesses network through Chamber events - both are great ways to meet other people.
• Strategy: Golf, like business, requires planning, precision, strategy and execution.
• Community: Any good golf club fosters camaraderie among the golfers, just like the Chamber builds a supportive business community.
• Improvement: Golfers work to improve their skills and Chambers offer resources for business improvement.
• Challenges and Rewards: Both golfers and businesses overcome challenges and earn rewards - sometimes in the form of business success, sometimes in the form of a birdie or two.

Okay, so maybe it's a bit of a stretch to compare the Chamber to a day on the course. But, at least for today, we can get away with it. Good luck, golfers - and members!

Waite Park Chamber is on Wednesday, July 17th hosted by T-Mobile Fiber. Doors open at 11am for networking and the meeting starts at 11:30 - register now to attend!

Sauk Rapids Chamber is hosted by Bri's Lodge on Thursday, July 25th at The Clearing in Sauk Rapids. Register online or by calling the Chamber office now to attend. 

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

SCSU Facilities Plan: St. Cloud State University announced in July of 2024 a new Comprehensive Facilities Plan that defines and prioritizes how space is used on campus in order to create a more vibrant, connected campus environment. Learn more.

 

It's (still) construction season. The Minnesota Department of Transportation will shut down a six mile stretch of Highway 23 between Milaca and Bock starting July 15th as crews completely reconstruct it, including replacement of underground pipes. It is expected to remain closed until October. Learn more.

 

Submit your nominations. The GSDC is now accepting nominations for the I-Awards and Employer of Choice Award. Learn more

 

STATE & NATIONAL

The deadline is July 22nd to apply for the U.S. Chamber's CO-100 Small Business Awards, so get your application in ASAP! Learn more here.

 

Now Accepting Nominations: The Minnesota Trade Office is accepting nominations for the 39th Annual Governor’s International Trade Awards. Traditionally, these prestigious awards are given out each year to honor Minnesota companies that have excelled in the international marketplace. Learn more about these awards.

 

We need your input. Businesses today face a multitude of challenges. To help understand these challenges, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is conducting a survey of businesses across Ninth District states. Please take this 7-minute survey to help the Minneapolis Fed understand the impact that the economy is having on your business. 

 

Tools to help you succeed: The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development has several tools and resources to find data, whether you're looking for state and local government information or other kinds of business and economy data.

 

The Growth and Opportunity Imperative for America: Through the November elections and beyond, the U.S. Chamber will outline policies that will help the U.S. reach the goal of 3% annual real economic growth. Learn more about the plan.

 

New laws in effect. Retail delivery fee, non-compete ban, ‘deep fake’ penalties among state laws that went into effect on July 1st, 2024. Learn more

Save the date for the second annual ACTION Summit taking place on October 22nd. Registration information is coming soon!

Want to learn more? Click below or direct any questions to Laura.

Plus so much more!

• Progress, Police and Potholes: Area cities share annual updates.
• Flexible Futures: The gig economy has changed how we work.
• Beyond the Basics: How to craft a unique benefits plan.
• Good for Business: Corporate volunteering can strengthen teams.
• Short, Sweet, Successful: Short videos are a valuable tool.
• A Woman's Place: The truth about gender-based quotas.

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com