... Yes, it's another email from us to you!

 

We may send a lot of emails, but this one is special?because it’s wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day! We appreciate you and all that you do to make our business community stronger. Thanks for being part of our Chamber family?your support, collaboration, and dedication make a real difference!

 

To celebrate, we have a few Valentine's Day cards we'd like to share. 

Join us for Waite Park Chamber hosted by Line-X of St. Cloud on Wednesday, February 19th at Pizza Ranch. Doors open at 11:15AM for networking, register now!

The 58th Annual Central Minnesota Farm Show is February 25 and 26 at the River's Edge Convention Center. Join us for speakers, 150+ vendors, giveaways and more - for free!

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

Submit to 5 Under 40: The St. Cloud Times is looking for nominations for its annual recognition of the area's top professionals who are under 40. Learn more

 

Referendum results are in for 2 districts. Results in the referendum votes for Sartell - St. Stephen and Sauk Rapids - Rice are in. Both of the questions in Sauk Rapids - Rice passed, while one passed in Sartell - St. Stephen. Read more here. 

 

SCSU Employer Walk-In Wednesdays: Employers are invited to come to St. Cloud State University to meet with students and provide them with invaluable feedback. Employers can sign up to help students at the SCSU Career Center from 10 A.M. - 1 P.M. on Wednesdays. Learn more

 

STATE & NATIONAL

The outlook on MN's trade growth. Canada and Mexico have long been key markets for Minnesota businesses, and their importance to the state's economy has only grown in recent years. Learn more

 

Progress is in session. With a quorum for the first time, the House officially began the 2025-26 session on Thursday, February 6th after a more than three-week DFL boycott. Learn more

 

Manufacturers report increased optimism for business in 2025. Most Minnesota manufacturers expect improving or similar business conditions for 2025 compared to last year, according to an annual survey conducted by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Read more

 

Survey Says... The MN Federal Reserve Regional Outreach team surveyed businesses across the Ninth District to gauge recent economic activity and the near-term outlook of firms in different sectors. Join Regional Outreach Director Ron Wirtz on February 25th for a free webinar discussing the latest results.

 

Paid Leave Pause? A new proposal would put brakes on the state's paid leave program for one year. HF11 would delay implementation of the state program to provide partial wage replacement for people who need extended time away from work. Read more

- Sponsored Content -

TriUnity Foundation, created by St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, is proud to announce its celebratory launch event, the Light the Way Gala! Join us March 27th at Park Event Center in Waite Park for a special fundraising event to help support individuals and families facing terminal illness.

Date and Time

Wednesday, March 11, 2025
3:15 PM - Bus leaves St. Cloud
7:00 PM - Reception begins

First-Timers
We would love to have you join us for Evening at the Capital! This event is a great way to get introduced to the Chamber's Government Affairs programming while networking with legislators and other members. To help you prepare for the evening, download this Evening at the Capital Toolkit. If you would like assistance navigating the event, reach out to Government Affairs Chair Steve Gottwalt at (952) 923-5265. We hope to see you there!

Your Listing

As a Chamber member, you automatically get a free listing on the St. Cloud Area Chamber website that includes your name, a description, contact information, and a link to your website. Keep it up to date so it can help your SEO grow! PLUS have you checked out an enhanced listing yet?

All of these tools can be managed by logging in to your Chamber account. Anybody who works for a Chamber member can create and use a member login account with the Chamber.

St. Cloud Area Business Showcase features a variety of Chamber member businesses all under one roof at the River’s Edge Convention Center on April 8, 2025 from 4:30-7:00 p.m. The event is open to Chamber members and the public.

 

Grow your network and gain awareness in the community with an exhibitor booth! PLUS: Sponsorship opportunities are also available for additional exposure. Click below to learn more and sign up!

The Business Development Committee (BDC) is responsible for coordinating and executing many of the Chamber's professional development opportunities. The committee brainstorms Lunchtime Learning topics, advises on Supervisor Development training materials, helps to implement APEX Groups, and much more. The committee also brainstorms new ideas for relevant events and opportunities to learn and grow.

Business Development Committee

• Alex Stay, Stay Clean Detailing
• Bisharo Dadow, Thrive Awareness
• Casaundra Pfeiffer, Junior Acheivment
• Charlene Ridlon, Anna Marie's Alliance
• Charlie Lindstrom, Motor Works
• Doug Cook, Headwaters Strategic Succession Consulting
• Jeremy Johnson, Frandsen Bank & Trust
• Kristine Sylvester, GC Real Estate Partners
• Laura Hartog, Saint John's Preparatory School
• Matt Siers, Jacobs Financial
• Melody Vachal, RISE UP Care & Wellness
• Paula Capes, Falcon National Bank - Chair
• Rebecca White, Aslan Health
• Sarah Dean, Scouting America - Vice Chair
• Tina Mrozak, Blacklight Adventures
• Troy Lenarz, Regional Diagnostic Radiology, Alliance Imaging, The Vein Center Laser Treatment & MedSpa

Lunchtime Learning

This monthly educational networking event includes audience introductions, lunch, a presentation, time for questions and networking.

Supervisor Developement Certificate Program

This 6-course program is designed for the new supervisor, one who has received limited supervisor training, or one who needs to strengthen their leadership skills.

APEX Groups

APEX (Advisory Peer Exchange) Groups are an opportunity for ambitious professionals to cultivate meaningful, trusted relationships with peers at similar stages in their careers.

ACTION Summit

Formerly known as the DEI Summit, this event provides strategies that business owners and managers can implement in their workplaces and insights into building diverse teams.

Want more information about the committee or any of its events? Reach out to BDC Chair Paula Capes with Falcon National Bank at (320) 223-6301.

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com