As we celebrate the Fourth of July, we’re reminded of the values that built this country: freedom, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Independence Day isn’t just a moment to reflect on our nation’s founding, it’s a powerful reminder of the role small businesses have played - and continue to play - in shaping the American story.
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From corner shops to growing startups, local businesses like yours are a living example of the opportunity, innovation, and determination our country was built on. Thank you for being part of that legacy and for helping our community and our country move forward.
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Wishing you a safe, joyful, and proud Independence Day!
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NEXT - Chamber's Young Professionals is a monthly gathering of young professionals from around Greater St. Cloud. At the July 8th meeting, join us from 12pm to 1pm at the St. Cloud Area Family YMCA to learn more about what they're up to! Register now to check it out.
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Join us for the Waite Park Chamber hosted by Moxie Creative at the St. Cloud Public Library on Wednesday, July 16th. Doors open at 11:15AM for networking, and the meeting starts at 11:45 AM - register now to attend and enjoy a great lunch!
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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
City of St. Cloud Development Highlights: Awards and recognition, new development and projects plus save the date for the annual conference - find it all in this newsletter here.
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Your participation is key. The City of St. Cloud is creating its new Comprehensive Plan, a roadmap for the City to direct growth, development and investment in the Downtown over the next 10 years. Visit the project website to take part in a survey.
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St. Cloud a Signal City? Business leaders in Minnesota indicated that St. Cloud was one of those places where you start to see changes in Minnesota outside the larger population centers, in terms of what investors and businesses alike could soon be seeing throughout the rest of the state. Read more
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Absentee voting now open. Absentee voting Absentee voting began Friday, June 27th for the August 12th Commissioner District 4 Special Primary Election. Get information on how to vote absentee if you live in District 4.
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The QBR has been released. Conducted quarterly by SCSU, this survey takes a pulse on the economy in Central MN, including thought on tariffs. Read more
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STATE & NATIONAL
MN added jobs, increased labor force: Minnesota saw another strong month of job and labor force growth in May, according to new data from DEED. Read more
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Introduction to AI for Employers: What is it, how does it work, and why does it matter? Join this Workforce Wednesday webinar from DEED and CareerForce on Jully 9th to learn more.Â
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Tariff Impacts: Delayed or Avoided? Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari published an essay explaining some of the questions regarding the potential effects of tariffs on inflation: Will they lead to a one-time price increase, or will the effects persist? And why haven’t the tariffs shown up yet in the data? Read more.
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 Happy Chamber Member Anniversary to these members celebrated milestone anniversaries of Chamber membership during the month of June. We are so thankful for your continued support!
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1 Year Chamber Anniversary
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10 Year Chamber Anniversary
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15 Year Chamber Anniversary
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20 Year Chamber Anniversary
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30 Year Chamber Anniversary
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35 Year Chamber Anniversary
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As the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce continues to advocate for and support our business community, we want to better understand how current tariffs and broader economic conditions are impacting you. Your insights will help shape our programming, advocacy efforts, and communications with policymakers.
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The Annual Chamber Celebration Committee would like your help in recognizing a SHINING STAR! This is an opportunity to recognize a volunteer that really stepped it up this past year with the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. This person does not need to be the chair of a committee, but could be someone who was involved in many different committees, bringing in new members, helping out with marketing, or simply went above and beyond to make a difference with the St. Cloud Area Chamber this year.
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The deadline for nominations is August 15th, so submit yours now!
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The Chamber Open
Monday, July 28th | 10:30a.m Start
Territory Golf Club
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The Chamber Open is coming up and there are very limited options left for sponsorship and golf teams! If you've been waiting to register, now is the time so that you don't miss out on this great day of networking and golf. Get your registration in now!
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Sauk Rapids Chamber presents "Rock the River" Expo!
Thursday, August 21st | 4:30-7:30PM
The Clearing, Sauk Rapids - during the Rock the Riverside Concert featuring Radio Nation!
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This is a tradeshow style event that will take place at The Clearing during the Rock the River concert series on Thursday, August 21st. Exhibitors will have booths indoor and around the main building during the concert and is open to the public.
- 30+ vendors
- Indoor AND outdoor booths available for only $225
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Register for booth space now. Last year each booth saw over 150 visitors!Â
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Featured Committee: Marketing Committee
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The Chamber's Marketing Committee serves as the marketing department for the Chamber. The committee assists in helping all of the other committees with their marketing and communication needs. It also helps to direct the marketing strategy for the Chamber as a whole. Members brainstorm unique ways to communicate Chamber benefits, work on campaigns to promote certain initiatives, and play a pivitol role in determing the look and feel of the Chamber's brand.
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Chamber Marketing Committee
- Amy Hanfler, CentraCare Foundation
- Andrew Jacobson, Coborns
- Brian Gossett, ichols WD
- Dennis Host, Coborns
- Kris Crandall, AGC Agency
- Lisa Stoffel, Nuts & Bolts Marketing
- Mathew Odette, Stop Go Studio - Vice Chair
- Mo Philippi, Moxie Creative
- Rachael Sogge, Eyecon Graphics - Chair
- Rich Thul, DeZurik
- Tina Johanning, Anna Marie's AllianceÂ
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Recent Chamber Marketing Committee Projects include:Â
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Interested in learning more or joining the Chamber Marketing Committee?
Reach out to Rachael to get started!
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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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