We’re thrilled to share some exciting news: our very own Chamber President, Julie Lunning, has been chosen to join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s prestigious Business Leads Fellowship Program!

 

Julie is one of just 35 leaders nationwide selected for this six-month program, designed to bring together top minds from chambers, economic development agencies, and associations to tackle critical education and workforce challenges. Her selection means Central Minnesota will have a direct seat at the table, learning from national experts, sharing our successes, and bringing home strategies that will benefit businesses right here in our region.

 

As Julie says, “Being part of this national fellowship will help us align local strategies with proven approaches from across the country, ensuring we stay competitive and future ready.” We couldn’t be more proud, and we can’t wait to see the ripple effects her work in this program will have on our members, our workforce, and the future of our community. View the full press release.

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

Business 2.0 kicks off on August 20th. Presented in partnership with JPMorgan Chase & Co and Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation (Thrive MN), this six-session series is designed for businesses that are two or more years into their venture and ready to take their next step toward growth. Learn more

 

The Saint Cloud Area Planning Organization (APO) is in charge of developing a Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). APO staff is in the process of completing the fiscal years 2026-2029 TIP and is asking for your opinion on these proposed federally-funded projects. Share your feedback

 

Stearns County District 4 Commissioner race narrowed down. Results of the Aug. 12 primary, voters show that the top two vote-getters were Amin Ali and Bob Johnson. They will face off in a Nov. 4 general election to fill former county commissioner Leigh Lenzmeier’s vacant seat. Learn more

 

Stearns new jail, justice center moves forward amid increasing costs. Estimated construction costs on the project were higher than anticipated, adding a potential $4.5 million to the project. Read more

 

It's budget season. The City of Waite Park is beginning its 2026 budget planning process. Learn more about the timeline here.

 

The St. Cloud EDA recommended nearly $551,000 in grant money to four planned projects. The latest round of Main Street Economic Revitalization grants is expected to spark over $2.1 million in private investment in downtown St. Cloud. Learn more

 

STATE & NATIONAL

The Northstar Line is a rail service between Big Lake and downtown Minneapolis. The Metropolitan Council’s transportation committee unanimously voted to suspend the Northstar Commuter Rail and replace it with an enhanced bus service. Learn more

 

Minnesota Job Market, Labor Force Shift in July. Minnesota's employment level, unemployment rate and labor force indicators show mild signs of slowing in July, reflecting national trends. But Minnesota's over-the-year job growth was stronger than the nation as a whole, according to new data from DEED. Learn more

 

Services firms remain optimistic after a year of slight growth. According to the Minneapolis Fed, firms saw mild growth in sales, productivity, and employment over the past year, and are expecting more in the year to come. Learn more

• Bernick's
• Career Solutions
• Estate Claim Services
• Falcon National Bank
• GATR Truck Center
• Kraft Mechanical
• Motor Works Auto Repair
• NextEra Energy
• Nichols WD
• Refreshing Perspectives Therapy

• Renewal by Andersen - The Greater Twin Cities
• Sauk Rapids Herald
• Sauk Rapids Lions
• Scooter's Coffee
• Smart Organizing Solutions - SOS
• St. Cloud Live
• St. Cloud Orthopedics
• State Farm Insurance - Paul Hanson
• T-Mobile Fiber
• WeCare

Celebrating Greatness
Join us for the Annual Chamber Celebration ? one of the most anticipated evenings of the year and the official annual meeting of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy a delicious dinner, connect with fellow professionals, and raise a glass as we honor the volunteer leaders, outgoing Board members, and committee chairs who drive our mission forward.

Whether you’re a small business owner, corporate leader, or emerging professional, this is your chance to celebrate success, build relationships, and be part of something bigger. Don’t miss it!

Tuesday, October 7th, 2025

4:30-7:30pm
The Park Event Center

Today is your LAST CHANCE to nominate 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

Sponsorships + Tickets Available!

Workplaces are changing?so are DEI expectations. At the Action Summit, get real talk and practical insight from Gen Z voices, legal experts, and business leaders. Learn what today’s workforce wants, stay compliant, and sharpen your DEI strategy for a competitive edge.

Business After Hours is a monthly networking event for Chamber members, their guests and colleagues. It is open-house style, where people can come and go as they please. There are usually some refreshments, and plenty of networking! Business After Hours takes place from 4:30 ? 6:30 P.M. at the host location.

Chamber Promotion

• Custom artwork creation by Chamber to promote event (unless host chooses to provide)
• Text message blast invitation sent to 1,170 members
• Access to the Chamber membership mailing list (a $400 value)
• Event listing on the Chamber website calendar (averages over 300 views daily)
• Announcements made during Chamber Connection events to over 120 attendees as well as Sauk Rapids and Waite Park when possible.

Email Promotion

• Custom email invitation sent from Chamber to 2,500+ contacts
• Inclusion in at least 1 Bottom Line newsletter sent to 2,500+ contacts

Upcoming Hosts

• August 19: Motor Works Auto Repair
• September 24: Legacy Upfitters (formerly Line-X)
• October: Open hosting opportunity!
• November 6: Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Homes
• December: St. Cloud Technical and Community College
• January - March, 2026: Open hosting opportunity!

Social Media Promotion

• Facebook and LinkedIn events that average 43 RSVPs each on Facebook and over 230 impressions each on LinkedIn ? invite to co-host event
• Additional social media promotion post before event that averages a reach of 407 ? host is tagged
• Social media post after event with photos that averages a reach of 811 ? host is tagged
• Facebook and Instagram stories posted during the event ? host is tagged when possible

 

To learn more about hosting Business After Hours, contact Laura Wagner at 320-656-3831.

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com