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Facing the Economy Together |
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Earlier this summer, the Chamber asked members to participate in a survey to help us better understand the current economic conditions and challenges facing Central Minnesota businesses. The responses we received were both informative and reaffirming of our current initiatives.
One of the questions we asked was: How are current economic conditions (e.g., inflation, labor costs, interest rates) affecting your business? Respondents could select multiple choices.
The majority (57%) reported increased operating costs, likely due to inflation and rising expenses. More than half (51%) have seen a drop in customer spending, suggesting more cautious consumer behavior. Nearly a third (29%) have delayed investments or growth plans, and 21% are struggling with hiring or staff retention. Only 24% said they are not experiencing major issues, indicating that most businesses are feeling at least some economic pressure.
We also asked members: What type of support, resources, or programming from the Chamber would be most helpful to your business right now, considering current economic conditions and/or trade policies? Again, respondents could select multiple choices.
Members are looking to the Chamber for timely information and strong advocacy. Over half (56%) want regular updates on economic trends, and 54% value advocacy on policy issues affecting their businesses. Others expressed interest in educational opportunities (30%) and peer discussion groups (27%) to support learning and connection.
We greatly appreciate member involvement in the survey and will use this information to guide our work as we navigate whatever the economy throws our way. Whether your business is feeling the strain or not, the Chamber is here to support you. Watch Chamber emails and social media for the latest updates. Attend Government Affairs programming to connect with legislators and leaders. Explore Lunchtime Learning and other professional development opportunities. Join an event or an APEX Group to build relationships and grow your network. This is YOUR Chamber, and we are here to support you! |
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Connect, learn, grow! |
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NEXT - Chamber's Young Professionals is a great way to meet other people at similar levels in their careers. Join us on Tuesday, 8/12 for Visitor's Day as we tour the new St. Cloud COP House from 12 - 1pm! |
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Business After Hours is hosted by Motor Works Auto Repair at their Waite Park location on Tuesday, August 19th. Come anytime between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. for networking and refreshments - no need to register in advance! |
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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.
LOCAL How is the economy affecting your business? Let the Minneapolis Fed know. Take the survey by August 1st.
Delays for drivers licenses. The Stearns County License Center wants residents to know that the Minnesota DVS is currently experiencing significant delays in processing driver’s licenses. Residents are seeing processing times of 17 weeks or longer ? not including additional time for mailing. Read more
2025 Stearns County Commissioner District 4, Special Primary. A Special Primary will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, to nominate candidates to fill the vacancy in Stearns County Commissioner District 4, Special Election held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Learn more
REMINDER: The GSDC is hosting the Greater St. Cloud Snapshot Challenge, a region-wide photo contest running from July 9 through August 29, 2025. Learn more
STATE & NATIONAL The Cost of Living. Residents in Minnesota’s Central regional labor market can face different financial realities depending on the county they live in. Read more
Holding steady. Minnesota's employment level, unemployment rate and labor force were stable in June, with metrics unchanged over the month, according to new data from DEED. Read more
The State Small Business Credit Initiative: The SSBCI is part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and includes $10 billion for state, territory and tribal business finance programs. Minnesota has been approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for up to $97 million for small business financing support. In July, Governor Tim Walz announced a second round of funding totaling $33 million for 225 new and developing small businesses. Learn more
Big & Beautiful. According to the U.S. Chamber, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) will deliver permanent tax relief for American businesses with provisions that would not only drive economic growth and sharpen America’s competitive edge but also put more money in workers’ pockets, increasing prosperity in communities across the country. Learn more |
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Happy Anniversary! |
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Happy Chamber Member Anniversary to these members celebrated milestone anniversaries of Chamber membership during the month of July. We are so thankful for your continued support! |
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15 Year Anniversary |
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Lunchtime Learning Fall 2025 |
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Lunchtime Learning takes place on the first Wednesday of the month unless otherwise noted. Each presentation features a local speaker who specializes in a business related topic. Each presentation is sponsored by a local business and lunch is provided with registration. |
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September 10: Power in Numbers: Using Financial Statements to Drive Smart Business Decisions Speaker: Paul Radeke, Creative Planning Sponsored by CentraCare Foundation
October 1: Building Better Business Through Belonging: From Fatigue to Focus Speaker: Ruthanne Soohee Kim, Ph.D., SCSU Sponsored by Scipi
November 5: In Case of Emergency: Building a Business Safety Plan That Works Speakers: Daniel Nelson, St. Cloud Police Department and Troy Lenarz, Regional Diagnostic Radiology Sponsored by American Family Insurance - Michael Brower Agency |
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December 3: Click Refresh: Tips for Bringing Your Website Up to Speed Speaker: Jessica Johnson, Evermore Creative Sponsored by The Vein Center
January 7, 2026: The Art of Feedback Speaker: Tara Gronhovd, Align Sponsored by Advantage Chiropractic
Members: $25/session Non-Members: $35/session
SAVE $25: Purchase a season pass and get in to all five sessions for just $100! Email the Chamber or click below to purchase yours. |
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All Lunchtime Learning sessions take place at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce office located at 1411 W. St. Germain St. ste. 101, St. Cloud. Please register at least two days before the session by calling (320) 656-3826, emailing registrations@StCloudAreaChamber.com, or online here. Reservations must be cancelled 48 hours in advance to receive a refund. |
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Save the Date! |
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Thursday, October 30th | 8AM ? 12PM
Join us for the 3nd annual DEI summit dedicated to fostering community and inclusion in the workplace. |
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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. |
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Chamber Connection Gavel Change! |
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Friday, August 22nd 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. (doors open at 7 a.m.) Holiday Inn & Suites, 75 37th Ave S., St. Cloud
Join us for the 2025 Chamber Connection Gavel Change!
It’s time to pass the gavel! Help us celebrate this annual tradition as we thank Jeremy Salzbrun for his leadership and welcome Laura Holzheimer as the new Chair of the Chamber Connection. Plus, be there to find out who the new Vice Chair will be!
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Thank you sponsors! |
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87 Lumens Forever Young Two Wellness & Skincare |
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H & S Heating A/C and Electrical |
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St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce 1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101 St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301
320-251-2940 |
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