We get it, the sun is shining, the lakes are calling, and the patio weather is perfect. Mid-summer brings plenty of reasons to slow down, but staying motivated during these warmer months can help you maintain momentum and avoid playing catch-up come fall.

 

Here are a few simple ways to stay productive and enjoy the season:

• Take your meetings outdoors. Try walking meetings or work sessions on a shaded patio.
• If your schedule allows, shift your hours earlier or later so you can soak up the sunshine mid-day.
• Don’t forget to use your PTO! Time away helps you recharge and return with fresh energy.
• Stay active, eat fresh, and stay hydrated, your body and brain will thank you.
• Tackle one lingering task each week. Even a small win can help you feel accomplished.
• Set a “summer goal” - something manageable and motivating to work toward over the next couple months.

Summer doesn’t have to mean stepping back from your business goals. With a little creativity, you can stay on track while still making time for all that Minnesota summer has to offer.

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

We're calling on YOU to help showcase the people, places, and moments that make our region shine. The GSDC has kicked off its first ever Greater St. Cloud Snapshot Challenge, a regional photo contest running until August 29. Learn more

 

CentraCare and the University of Minnesota Medical School are excited to invite the public to a Community Open House celebrating the grand opening of the new Medical School  Regional Campus in St. Cloud. This free event on Sunday, July 27, 2025, includes tours, music, food trucks and more from 4:00 - 6:00p.m. Learn more

 

Help us understand. As the Chamber 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. Take the Survey

 

It’s hard to be a tourist in your hometown. However, St. Cloud proves it’s worth visiting for both Minnesota and out-of-state travelers. According to the 2024 Visitor Profile by Visit Greater St. Cloud, 24.6% of all people seen in-market are visitors. Learn more

 

STATE & NATIONAL

How is the economy affecting your business? Let the Minneapolis Fed know. The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis on a short survey to give local businesses a voice. Your response to this survey will help the Minneapolis Fed and its local partners understand the impact that the economy is having on your business. Click here to take the survey. by Friday, August 1.

 

How the One Big Beautiful Bill act impacts your business. It’s been impossible to turn on the news lately and not hear updates on the One Big Beautiful Act (OBBBA), which was signed into law on July 4, 2025. To help you stay informed, watch a short video on how the OBBBA may affect your business. Learn more

 

DHS to End ‘Shoes-Off’ Travel Policy: The Department of Homeland Security announced a new policy which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints. Learn more

 

Do you make the “coolest thing made in Minnesota”? NOMINATE TODAY! Minnesota companies have a long history of innovation, creating some of the “coolest” products to fuel our economy. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is again searching for the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota! Submit Yours Now

 

DEED awards infrastructure grants to three cities. DEED awarded more than $5 million in grants to three infrastructure projects in Greater Minnesota, including one in Sartell. Read more

A huge welcome to these members that joined the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce during the month of June. We are so happy you are here!

 - Sponsored Content - 

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. Your participation is key in the creation of the Plan. It provides a great opportunity for residents and businesses to communicate their vision and identify what issues are most important for the City to address in the near term and in the future.

On the Cover: Generations of Grace

Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Homes have served Central Minnesota families with compassion and integrity for decades. 

 

Feature: Who's There? Disruption

During time of economic turmoil, businesses should take a proactive approach to planning and developing relationships.

 

Special Focus: Mentorship Matters

Mentor relationships fuel professional and personal growth - both for mentors and mentees. 

Also in this issue...

• Voice of Business: Washington, D.C. Chamber trip recap
• It's Tax Time? Always. Reduce stress by taking small steps all year.
• A Necessary Evil: Job descriptions
• (Net)work It: Tips for effective professional networking
• Granted! Navigating grant writing
• Unvarnished Truth: How and why to conduct focus groups
• A Tariff Primer: The economist's opinion on these import taxes

COMING IN SEPTEMBER: Transportation, Logistics & Warehousing

Reach out to Melinda for more information, the deadline to reserve your spot is July 25th.

Thursday, October 30th | 8AM ? 12PM
Scouting America, 1191 Scout Dr, Sartell, MN 56377

 

Join us for the 3nd annual DEI summit dedicated to fostering community and inclusion in the workplace. Today’s workplaces are evolving, and so are the expectations around diversity, equity, and inclusion. The Action Summit brings together professionals for real talk and actionable insight. Hear directly from Gen Z about what they want in an employer and how DEI shapes their decisions. Learn how to stay compliant while building a competitive, inclusive workplace. Gain perspective on leading with purpose in politically charged times, and rethink your DEI strategy with a business-focused lens.

Sponsorships Available

Sponsorship opportunities for the ACTION Summit are now available. Learn more online.

Save your Seat

Registration is now open for the 2025 summit, with agenda information coming soon. 

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