As spring awakens the world around us - bringing new growth, fresh beginnings, and the promise of warmer days - it’s a perfect reminder that growth isn’t just for nature. At the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, we’re here to help businesses and professionals blossom through new opportunities, meaningful connections, and even a little self-discovery.
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Whether you’re looking to expand your network, sharpen your skills, or explore new possibilities, this season is full of chances to thrive. Let’s grow together - because just like spring, your next opportunity is ready to bloom.
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Explore what’s ahead and see how we’re supporting your growth! View all of the Chamber's professional development opportunities.
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NEXT - Chamber's Young Professionals is on Tuesday, April 8th from 12pm - 1pm. Join us for a meet and greet with St. Cloud Mayor Jake Anderson at St. Cloud City Hall to learn more about his vision for the city. Register now!
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Join us in connecting at the St. Cloud Area Business Showcase on Tuesday, April 8th from 4:30pm - 7pm at the River's Edge Convention Center. Visit with over 60 booths, enter to win prizes, and more - for free!
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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.
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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.
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LOCAL
Stearns County Justice Center engagement sessions - Stearns County residents are invited to participate in one of the community engagement sessions that will provide an opportunity for citizens to review design concepts, discuss project plans, and share feedback. Learn more
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St. Cloud hosting community safety town hall meeting. Mayor Anderson invites you to join him and public safety officials for an important Town Hall Meeting focused on enhancing community safety on Thursday, April 24th from 5:30-7:00 PM at the St. Cloud Police Department. Learn more
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2025 Road Project Update: MnDOT will resurface and update the Stearns Co. Rd. 137 bridge over Hwy 15 in Waite Park. Learn more
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Lincoln Ave. to get updates. The St. Cloud City Council voted unanimously to approve the design for a $5.7 million sewer and resurfacing project on a mile-long stretch of Lincoln Avenue. Learn more
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Huskies Job & Internship Fair: The Huskies Job & Internship Fair gives employers direct, targeted access to talented St. Cloud State University students pursuing degrees in a variety of majors. Learn more
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STATE & NATIONAL
Governor Walz releases revised MN budget. The revised budget includes just under $250 million in additional ongoing reductions in FY 28-29, paired with small, primarily one-time investments in critical work, including funding to respond to Avian Influenza and law enforcement training. Learn more
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The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is set to expire at the end of 2025. Use this calculator provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to determine its impact on your business if it does.
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Holding steady. Minnesota jobs remained stable in February and the labor force grew by 3,800 people, according to data released by DEED. Learn more
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Happy Chamber Anniversary to these members that celebrated a milestone membership anniversary with us during the month of March, 2025. We are so grateful for your continued support!
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St. Cloud Area Busines Showcase
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Come hang out at the St. Cloud Area Business Showcase and check out 60+ local businesses all in one place! It’s a fun, free event with great food, cool giveaways, and plenty of chances to meet new people and explore what our business community has to offer.
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Attend the show for your chance to win a 58" TV or a Chefman Air Fryer! Must be present to win, drawing at 6:45pm.
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Get the Details
Date & Time: Tuesday, April 8th | 4:30-7PM
Location: River's Edge Convention Center
10 4th Ave S, St Cloud, MN 56301
Parking: Parking is available in the Marriott parking ramp, the underground ramp between the Kelly Inn and the convention center, the surface lot to the west, the 5th Ave. parking ramp and street parking.
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Who Will Be There?
60+ local businesses will have booths at the showcase. Come learn more about the community! View the exhibitor list.
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Since 1988 the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce has been recognizing excellence in business with our annual Business Awards Luncheon. Over 85 different businesses and professionals have received recognition at these awards. We take pride in honoring the success of Greater St. Cloud organizations.
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The 2025 Honorees Are:
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2025 Small Business Owners of the Year: Mike and DeNae Hiltner, Great Harvest Bread Company
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2025 Business Central Mark of Excellence Family-Owned Business: Doug Dingmann Jr. and Deb Dingmann, Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Homes
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2025 Entrepreneurial Success Award: Jim Beck and John Malikowski, Modern Barnyard
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The Business Awards Luncheon is on Wednesday, May 7th at the Park Event Center.
You can help to honor these outstanding business owners by attending or sponsoring the event. Sponsorship opportunities of all kinds and investment levels are available to choose from.
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Things are gearing up for the 79th Annual Chamber Open on July 28th at Territory Golf Club.
- Sponsor: Sponsorship opportunities for the Chamber Open are available, including the Champion Sponsor spot! Don't miss out on this great exposure for your business.
- Teams: Chamber Open golf teams fill up fast, get your team registered ASAP so you don't miss out on the fun!
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Business After Hours is a montly open-house style event for members and their guests. There is usually some refreshments, and plenty of networking!
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Host Benefits:
- Before: Marketing on social media, in emails to 2,500+ 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.
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Reasons to Celebrate
Business After Hours is a great way to celebrate big anniversaries, remodels or expansions, new service lines, rebrands, new staff, or just a great way to add some additional promotion to your client appreciation events!
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Openings to Host
We currently have openings for several months in 2025, but spots are filling up fast! Interested in hosting? Contact Laura for more information.
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Featured Committee: Chamber Board of Directors
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The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors plays a vital role in guiding the organization and supporting its members. The Board is responsible for making policy decisions, establishing and updating Chamber goals, and ensuring the Chamber's financial health by approving the annual budget and monitoring monthly financial statements. Board members act as liaisons to Chamber committees, attend monthly Board meetings, and participate in strategic planning sessions. They also actively support membership growth by providing new member leads and assisting with member retention. Through their leadership and dedication, the Board helps shape the Chamber’s direction and ensures it continues to serve the local business community effectively.
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- Nick Bischoff, Design Electric
- Doug Cook, Headwaters Strategic Succession Consulting
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Tanja Goering (Past Chair), Gabriel Media
- Joe Hellie (Chair) CentraCare Health
- Ray Herrington, Pioneer Place/7 West Tap House
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Hudda Ibrahim, OneCommunity Alliance
- Dave Kleis, Central Minnesota Driving Academy   Â
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Matt Laubach, West Bank
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Dr. Laurie Putnam, St. Cloud School District 742
- Paul Radeke (Vice Chair) Creative Planning
- Alex Schoephoerster, Spencer Fane
- Brenda Sickler, Theisen Dental
- Amy Sip, ASip Consulting
- Melinda Tamm, Ms. Melinda’s Dance Studio
- Melody Vachal, Arise Cares & Rise UP Care and Wellness
- Donella Westphal, Jules' Bistro
- Dr. Jason Woods, St. Cloud State University
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St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce
1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101
St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301
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320-251-2940
StCloudAreaChamber.com
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