Your Chamber membership comes with many opportunities to connect and grow, and one of the simplest is sharing a testimonial. By recognizing a fellow member you’ve worked with, you not only highlight their business but also gain additional visibility for your own. Here's what a few members have said about their business partners...

 

"Their creativity, flexibility, and commitment to quality have been a huge asset, and I appreciate having such a reliable resource to collaborate with."

 

"His attention to detail, reliability, and genuine care for his work truly stand out. It’s rare to find someone so dependable and accommodating."

 

"I’ve been absolutely blown away by the detail, care, and passion their entire team brings to every project."

 

Want to read more? Click here! Testimonials are published on the Chamber website, shared on social media, and appear in the Member Happenings email at no cost to you. It’s an easy way to make your membership work harder for you while strengthening our business community.

Join us for a conversation with Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada to the United States on Wednesday, September 17th at 8 a.m. Register now for this rare and significant opportunity - space is limited!

Business After Hours is hosted by Legacy Upfitters (formerly Line-X) on Wednesday, September 24th from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Come as your schedule allows for networking, refreshments, and fun!

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

The 7th Annual St. Cloud Development Summit is October 9th. Brought to you by the City of St. Cloud and Minnesota REjournal, explore the state of real estate in the region, new opportunities driving downtown revitalization, and the growing impact of higher education on the local economy. Register now

 

Manufacturing Week and Manufacturing Month in Central Minnesota: Celebrate the Central Minnesota Tour of Manufacturing October 1 - 4, 2025 - Learn more

 

Don't miss the QBR on September 18th. The St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report (QBR) Review highlights the latest data on employment, workforce trends, and business growth, paired with expert analysis on what it means for the Greater St. Cloud region’s future. Register now

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Request for proposals for labor standards outreach grant: Up to $200,000 in grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry to support outreach, education and technical assistance efforts that increase worker awareness of Minnesota's labor standards laws. Learn more

 

Workplace Rights Week in Minnesota is Sept. 21-27, 2025. This is an opportunity to educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Safe and healthy workplaces are what make our economy and communities strong, and it’s important Minnesotans understand their workplace rights and are empowered to assert those rights. Learn more

 

U.S. Chamber Letter to Congress on Comprehensive Permitting Reform: This letter from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce urges Congress to pass bipartisan permitting reform to reduce delays, lower costs, and enable communities to build essential infrastructure for growth and quality of life. Read more

 

Businesses struggle with uncertainty and high costs: Regional businesses reported decline in revenue and profits in a July survey. Read 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!

We hope to see you on Tuesday, October 7th from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m at The Park Event Center for an evening of reflection and celebration! 

On the Cover: Selling Inspiration

John Malikowski and Jim Beck have crafted a shopping experience that ensures no two visits to Modern Barnyard are the same. 

 

Feature: New Kids on the Block

Surprise! Young entrepreneures are achieving success using the same basic principles as their predecessors. 

 

Special Focus: Logistics at a Crossroads

Worker shortages mean speed bumps ahead.

Also in this issue...

• Capitol Recap: What passed, what changed, what it all means.
• Cha-Ching! POS system reviews
• Healthier Employees, Stronger Communities: Occupationsal health
• When Life Happens: MN Paid Leave
• The Minor Leagues: Teen workers
• It's Not Them, It's You: Behaviorial economics matter
• A Bright Future: Two area solar projects fueling energy growth

The 2026 St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory is in production! Over 3,000 copies will be printed and delivered directly to Chamber members and local businesses, making this an incredible opportunity to showcase your company to the Central Minnesota business community.
 
The Membership Directory is a go-to resource for professionals in our region, featuring:

• A complete roster of Chamber members
• Information on schools, education, tourism, and community activities
• Exclusive visibility in high-traffic locations, Chamber offices, and local businesses

This is your chance to position your business in front of decision-makers who keep this publication on hand for reference all year long. Many different kinds of advertising is available.

 

PLUS: Now is the time to make sure your business listing is accurate. Login to your Chamber account to verify your information before December 1st, 2025.

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 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.

2025 ACTION Summit Agenda

 

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

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com