There’s nothing quite like summer in Central Minnesota - long days, warm sunshine, and just the right excuse to use that well-earned PTO. Whether you’re heading to the lake, firing up the grill, or simply enjoying a walk by the Mississippi, now is the time to soak up every bit of beautiful weather while we can.

 

But don’t forget, the Chamber is still buzzing with activity! From the always-popular Chamber Golf Open to the energy and excitement of the Sauk Rapids Rock the River Expo and many networking opportunities in between, there’s no shortage of fun ways to stay connected while enjoying the season.

 

So go ahead and enjoy your summer adventures. Just know we’ll be here with events, networking, and opportunities to keep your business thriving all season long.

The June 4th Lunchtime Learning topic is It's Complicated: Upcoming MN Legislation Review. Join us at noon for a panel discussion on what business owners and HR professionals need to know. Stay for an optional additional hour deep-dive from 1-2pm - register now!

NEXT - Chamber's Young Professionals is a monthly gathering of young professionals from around Greater St. Cloud. At the June 10th meeting, join us from 12pm to 1pm at Joe Faber Field to enjoy some time with the St. Cloud Rox! Register now to check it out.

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

City of St. Cloud News: The Spring/Summer 2025 City of St. Cloud Newsletter has been published. You can view it here.

 

Tis the season for roadwork. Stay informed on state-level projects through the MNDOT website here. You can also track county-level projects here. 

 

District 4 Special Election. Filing for the Special Election to fill the Stearns County District 4 Commissioner seat is now open. Candidates must file with the Stearns County Auditor’s Office, located at 705 Courthouse Square, Room 148, in downtown St. Cloud. Learn more

 

One area city is committed to growing in 2025. That was the message at the Waite Park State of the City Address, where the city focused on six key areas: the importance of growing the fire and police departments, the expansion of city hall, improving communication, engaging more with residents, continued business growth, and thoughtful development. Learn more

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Programs: MN DEED is accepting grant applications through the Redevelopment Grant and Demolition Loan Programs. Applications are due on August 1st. Call for applications. Learn more about each:

• Redevelopment Grants
• Demoltion Loans

Little change to jobs picture in April, 2025. Minnesota lost a small number of jobs in April, and the state's unemployment rate increased slightly as more people joined the labor force, according to data from MN DEED. Read more.

 

Fueing prosperity through productivity and innovation. The Minnesota Chamber Foundation released Fueling prosperity through productivity and innovation. The report is an in-depth analysis of the state’s economic trajectory and the critical role of productivity in sustaining long-term growth and prosperity. Read the report.

 

Why should your business be energy efficient? Reducing energy waste can reduce your bottom line, reduce your greenhouse gas emissions, and help your business and community thrive. Here are some resources to help reach your energy efficiency goals.

 

Happy Chamber Member Anniversary to these members celebrated milestone anniversaries of Chamber membership during the month of May. We are so thankful for your continued support!

 - Sponsored Content - 

This year, the Chamber Foundation awarded 37 scholarships to area students, totaling $20,100 thanks to generous support from these donors.

Bernick’s Scholarship

• Marisa Sollard, Royalton High School

Coborn’s/Cash Wise Scholarship

• Gaspar Svay, Apollo High School
• Jaelyn Olson, Becker High School
• Lily Yapuncich, Cathedral High School
• Alexis Reis, Holdingford High School
• Mason Tschida, Little Falls Community High School
• Emerson Steffen-Johnson, Long Prairie-Grey Eagle High School
• Logan Schad, Melrose High School
• Deyja Sienben, ROCORI High School
• Marisa Sollard, Royalton High School
• Madelyn Smith, Sartell High School
• Evelyn Jarez Valencia, Sauk Centre Secondary School
• Halle Buchert, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School
• Katie Nguyen, Tech High School
• TBA, Foley High School

PineCone Vision Center Health Education Scholarship

• Megan Gmach, Apollo High School
• Lily Schmitz, Sartell High School
• Myla Heurung, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School
• Aisha Yusuf, Tech High School

SCSU Business Student Executive Council Scholarship

• Alexa Welsh, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

DeZURIK Scholarship

• Treyton Blum, Sartell High School
• Tyler Larson, Sartell High School

Central MN Farm Show Scholarship

High School

• Gracy Bayerl, Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School
• Dan Frericks, Melrose High School
• Heidi Jo Zimmerman, Staples-Motley High School
• Madelyn Johnson, Willmar Senior High School

College

• Katie Orth
• Ava Molitor

GATR Truck Center Diesel Scholarship

• Alexander Burns, Apollo High School

Glenn J. Imholte Memorial/Chamber Connection Scholarship

• Addison Schirmers, Apollo High School
• Gaspar Svay, Apollo High School
• Lillian Warren, Becker High School
• Yasli Jimenez Pesqueda, Melrose High School
• Garret Broman, Sauk Rapids-Rice High School

St. Cloud Lions Scholarship

• Juztice Haynes, Apollo High School
• Finley Pothoff, Cathedral High School
• Annika Rammel, Tech High School

Interested in donating to or running a scholarship through the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce next year? Reach out to Shelly for more information. 

From concerts under the stars at The Ledge Amphitheater to live entertainment at Summertime by George and venues across the area, there’s no shortage of music, fun, and festivities. Town celebrations like Granite City Days and the Benton County Fair bring people together with parades, food, and family-friendly activities. Make the most of the season and experience all the energy and excitement St. Cloud has to offer!

Stroll through the stunning blooms at Munsinger and Clemens Gardens, take a refreshing swim at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, or hop on your bikes for a scenic ride along the Lake Wobegon Trail. Whether you’re looking to relax, play, or discover something new, there’s outdoor adventures to enjoy together no matter what you're into.

Summer tastes better in Greater St. Cloud! Whether you're sipping drinks on the patio at The Ultimate Sports Bar, treating the kids (and yourself) to a cone from Mr. Twisty’s, or enjoying a classic ballpark hot dog while cheering on the St. Cloud Rox, there’s plenty of delicious ways to soak up the season. From casual bites to sweet treats, summertime here is full of flavor and fun!

Register for booth space now. Last year each booth saw over 150 visitors! 

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com