This time of year might be filled with chocolate bunnies and marshmallow treats, but here at the Chamber, the real sweet treat is you?our amazing members, sponsors, and partners. Your support keeps our basket full and our community thriving. Whether you're showing up, speaking up, or stepping up to sponsor, we’re grateful for the sweet role you play in making our business community stronger (and way more fun). Hop into this newsletter to see what’s coming up next!

Waite Park Chamber is hosted by AMG Promotions & Apparel and Pizza Ranch on Wednesday, April 16th. Doors open at 11:15AM and the meeting starts at 11:45AM. Register now and we will see you there!

Join us for Sauk Rapids Chamber on Thursday, April 24th. We are hosted by AMG Promotions & Apparel and Manea's Meats at The Clearing. Come early for networking, the meetings starts at 11:45AM - register now!

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

St. Cloud Public Safety Town Hall: Engage directly with local officials from the police department, fire department, and public health services to discuss key issues and initiatives on April 24th. Learn more

 

Hodel to be city administrator. St. Cloud Public Works Director Tracy Hodel has been picked as the new city administrator. Hodel’s appointment will be formally presented to the city council on April 21st. Learn more

 

The final results are in from the special Apollo High School referendum. Voters have approved both questions on the ballot. Learn more

 

From Paychecks to Healthcare: Join Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, State Senator Aric Putnam, and State Representative Dan Wolgamott for a special town hall meeting on April 17th. Register now

 

The City of St. Cloud is currently updating its Downtown Plan. The updated Downtown Plan will provide recommendations and serve as a guide for future land use and development, transportation and parking, pedestrian mobility, and streetscape improvements. You are invited to participate in the Downtown planning process.

 

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Small Business Briefing on Tariffs: The U.S. Chamber hosted a briefing on tariffs, and you can watch the replay of the conversation here.

 

Income Distributions and Dynamics in America. This Minneapolis Federal Reserve tool uses statistics from the Income Distributions and Dynamics in America dataset to visualize how income is distributed across dimensions that reflect communities and geographies in the United States. Check it out

 

Minnesota Economic Trends: March Issue. Every quarter, the Labor Market Information Office of DEED publishes research articles that offer insights into important labor market trends. Check it out now

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.

The 2025 Honorees Are:

• 2025 Small Business Owners of the Year: Mike and DeNae Hiltner, Great Harvest Bread Company

• 2025 Business Central Mark of Excellence Family-Owned Business: Doug Dingmann Jr. and Deb Dingmann, Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Homes

• 2025 Entrepreneurial Success Award: Jim Beck and John Malikowski, Modern Barnyard

COMING IN THE JULY ISSUE: We’re celebrating the bold, driven, and inspiring women who make Central Minnesota thrive ? and we want you to be part of it!

The July/August 2025 issue of Business Central Magazine will include a special advertising section highlighting Women in Business, and we’re inviting Chamber members to participate. This is a great opportunity to:

• Showcase a female leader in your organization
• Promote your woman-owned business
• Celebrate the achievements of the women who keep your company moving forward

Let’s work together to recognize the powerful impact women make in our business community! By advertising, your business will be seen by nearly 6,000 business professionals, decision-makers, and potential clients across Central Minnesota. To reserve your spot in this must-read issue or learn more, contact Melinda today. 

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!

St. Cloud Area Leadership is designed to help current and emerging leaders understand the dynamics of the community and the role leadership has in building healthy communities. This program brings together men and women of diverse backgrounds who share a common commitment to the future of the St. Cloud area.

 

The program begins in September and meets for one full day per month through May the following year. Each day is organized by a Day Chair and Vice-Chair, with help from the steering committee.

2024-2025 Steering Committee

• Sara Putnam, Coborn's Inc.
• Lance Barthel, Batteries Plus - Chair
• Mike Brower, American Family Ins- Mike Brower
• Adam Vee, American Heritage BAnk
• Jason Primus, Creative Planning
• Debbie Clausen, Thrivent Financial
• Stephanie Court, 7Sigma Systems
• Larry Logeman, Executive Express
• Brittney Goebel, North Creative Co. - Vice Chair
• Aimee Asp,  Coborn's Inc.

2024-2025 Day Chairs and Vice-Chairs

• Brandon Zylka, Catholic Charities
• Lacey Solheid, Blattner Company
• Kayla Epsen, Bremer Bank
• Brandon Anderson, Coborn’s
• Joe Zidon, Beacon Financial Group
• Robin Caufman, Bolton & Menk
• Abbey Laudenbach, Homeowners Financial Group
• Emmitt Edwards, Catholic Charities
• Mike Nichols, WACOSA
• Jenna Storms, American Heritage National Bank
• Bri Torborg, Falcon National Bank
• Guy Magno, Switchboard
• Mary Kruck, Coborn’s Inc.
• Stacy Lund, Catholic Charities
• Aaron Green, American Heritage National Bank
• Kimberly Shoberg, Blattner Company
• Hanna Lord, GeoComm
• Jason Bloch, Park Industries

St. Cloud Area Leadership is a nine month program that runs from September 2025 through May 2026 with one full-day class per month and an overnight retreat in October. Apply now for your chance to take part in the 2025-2026 leadership class.

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com