As another school year begins, campuses across our region are alive with energy and possibility. We congratulate the incoming and returning students at St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud Technical & Community College, the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University, and all other higher education institutions in the region. Their dedication to learning today will shape the workforce, leadership, and innovation of tomorrow.

 

As business owners and professionals, we play a vital role in supporting these students, whether by encouraging their studies, offering mentorship, or simply recognizing the value they bring to our community. By investing in their success, we are also investing in the future strength and vitality of Central Minnesota’s business community. We encourage you to connect with local schools, partner with programs and students, and help nurture the future of our workforce. As always, if you need a hand, your Chamber is here to help! 

Join us on Wednesday, September 17, from 8-9:30 a.m. at Granite Innovations to hear from Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada to the U.S. She’ll share insights on trade, security, and Canada’s ties to Minnesota in this special Government Affairs event.

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

Apply now for Enterprise Academy. The Initiative Foundation is accepting applications for a September-December Enterprise Academy cohort in Sherburne/Wright counties. This is the single-largest early-stage entrepreneur training program in Central Minnesota. Learn more

 

The end of the line. Northstar Link commuter bus service will end with the final run on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. Effective January 5, Northstar Rail will be replaced with bus service that will only serve as far as Ramsey. Learn more

 

Stearns County looking for input. Stearns County has completed a draft of its 2026?2027 Child Care Plan, and community members are invited to review and provide feedback. View the draft

 

Disrupt HR event coming to St. Cloud. The first-ever DISRUPT St. Cloud 1.0 will unite innovators, disruptors, and changemakers from across the Greater St. Cloud region to challenge the status quo and ignite bold conversations about the future of work. Learn more

 

United Way Days of Caring are September 15-19. Take action and sign up for your Day(s) of Caring project today. Days of Caring presents a wonderful chance to volunteer alongside coworkers, friends, family, and service groups, addressing various community issues and needs. Volunteers will be provided free t-shirts and Coborn's food vouchers. The last day to register is September 5. Sign up now

 

STATE & NATIONAL

St. Cloud to receive $80,034. The Minnesota Public Facility Authority announced more than $236.4 million in loans and grants to 30 wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects in 18 cities throughout the state. Learn more

 

Support for the cannabis industry. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development announced $3.6 million in funding to help businesses enter Minnesota's new adult-use cannabis industry, and to train workers for jobs in the cannabis field. Learn more

 

MN Paid Leave Premium Rate and Contributions: This calculator can be used to estimate costs for Minnesota employers and individuals under Paid Leave. The tool gives an estimate of the premiums that will be first due in April 2026, after the program launches in January 2026. Learn more

 

State appointments announced. Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced appointments to several state boards and councils. Learn more

The Annual Chamber Celebration is more than a meeting, it’s the premier night to honor the very best of our business community! Join us as we celebrate achievements, recognize our dedicated volunteer leaders, and connect with the people who keep Central Minnesota strong. BE THERE!

Meet Our Shining Star Finalists!

Every year, the Chamber recognizes one outstanding volunteer who goes above and beyond to make a difference. The Shining Star Award honors someone whose energy, commitment, and passion have truly lit up our Chamber community — whether by leading, recruiting, lending a hand, or simply stepping up when it mattered most.
 
We’re thrilled to announce the Top 5 Finalists for this year’s award:

• Alex Stay, Stay Clean Detailing - Business Development Committee
• Jenna Kingsley, St. Cloud Area Family YMCA - Chamber Connection Friday Location Committee (FLC)
• Ben Sanders, Dream Home Furniture - Chamber Connection Location Friday Committee (FLC)
• Bri Torborg, Falcon National Bank - Government Affairs Division
• Dakota Johnson, Blacklight Adventures - Waite Park Planning Committee 

The winner will be revealed live at the Annual Chamber Celebration and trust us, you’ll want to be in the room when the spotlight shines brightest! 🌟

The Action Summit agenda is here! This year’s sessions are packed with timely insights and practical strategies to help you lead and succeed in today’s workplace. From inclusive leadership to compliance, Gen Z engagement, and sustaining belonging, you’ll leave with tools you can put into action right away.

 

Take a look at what’s ahead and be sure to join us for this powerful morning of learning and connection.

8:00 a.m. ? 8:15 a.m. ? Welcome & Introductions, A Word from Sponsors

8:15 a.m. ? 9:15 a.m. ? Inclusive Leadership in Politicized Times: Staying Grounded ? Shannon Watson, Majority in the Middle

9:20 a.m. ? 10:20 a.m. ? Legal & Practical: How to Stay Compliant and Competitive ? Betsey Lund Ross, Revermann Lund Ross

10:20 a.m. ? 10:35 a.m. ? Break

10:35 a.m. ? 11:35 a.m. ? Gen Z Unfiltered: A Panel on Reaching, Recruiting and Retaining the Next Generation ? Moderated by Ruthanne Kim, St. Cloud State University

11:35 a.m. ? 12:15 p.m. ? “BE”longing Fatigue: Pushing Forward in Resistant Environments ? Jason Woods, St. Cloud State University

Tell Us What You Think!
Your feedback helps us grow and better serve our business community. If you’ve benefited from Chamber networking, advocacy, or resources, we’d love for you to share your experience. Leaving a quick Google review is an easy way to help other business owners see the value of being part of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

Thank you for helping us strengthen our Chamber and our community!

The Fall Lunchtime Learning lineup is out, and it's going to be a really great season of important, timely topics! Registration is $25 per session for members (and includes lunch) but you can also purchase a season pass for just $100! Reach out to the Chamber to get your season pass now.

Fall 2025 Lunchtime Learning Lineup

 

September 10th - Power in Numbers: Using Financial Statements to Drive Smart Business Decisions 

October 1st - Building Better Business Through Belonging: From Fatigue to Focus

November 5th - In Case of Emergency: Building a Business Safety Plan
That Works

December 3rd - Click Refresh: Tips for Bringing Your Website Up to Speed

January 7th - The Art of Feedback 

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com