Join us for the 3rd annual ACTION Summit dedicated to fostering inclusion and belonging in the workplace. From 8AM to 12:15PM on October 30th, let's come together to learn and grow. Register now!

An annual Chamber Connection tradition, this spooky fun meeting on Friday, October 31st (yes, Halloween) is a chance to get your best costumes on and have a great time! Doors open at 7AM, no need to register!

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

You are invited to participate in a SCSU Stewardship Survey. As the search for the next SCSU University President begins, this survey will capture collective insights and ideas on how we can strengthen the University/community partnership in the years ahead. Your investment of time and insights would be a valuable gift from a caring steward.

• Watch the 6 Leaders in 6 Minutes invitation video.
• Preview the questions first from this Survey Preview File.
• Complete the Stewardship Survey by October 17th.

After the survey closes, there will be two optional Stewardship Meetings to share and discuss the resulting Stewardship Report:

• Friday, October 24 from 12 PM - 2 PM at Granite Innovation
• Friday, October 31 from 12 PM - 2 PM at Atwood Memorial Center, St. Cloud State University

Help Make EPIC Happen! Thousands of students will be exploring careers on Oct 24, and EPIC needs your help to help make the event a success! Choose from different positions and time slots to guide, assist, and inspire students. Learn more

 

Vote for Royalton! Friday Night 5G Lights is a T-Mobile program that supports small towns by giving high schools a chance to showcase their spirit and compete for a game-changing football field upgrade, and Royalton High School is in the running! Cast your vote here.

 

U.S. Chamber Update: The U.S. Chamber presented at this month's Government Affairs meeting on the state of the government and what businesses need to know. Download the presentation here.

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Act now: Paid Leave starts January 1. As an employer, you play a key role in helping your employees learn about and access Minnesota Paid Leave. There are three simple steps to get ready for Paid Leave. 

1. Set up your accounts: You will need an Employer Account (at uimn.org) and a Paid Leave Administrator Account (at paidleave.mn.gov) to meet your responsibilities under Paid Leave. 
2. Notify your employees: You must notify your employees about Paid Leave by December 1, 2025. 
3. Set your workplace policies: There are other important decisions you can make today to make Paid Leave work best for your organization. Learn more

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month. It is a time to honor and bring to the forefront the contributions of workers with disabilities, who remain underrepresented in our workforce. This year's theme is Celebrating Value and Talent.

 

Applications are now open for the 2026 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics! This is your chance to shine and be recognized as a leader in integrity and ethical business practices. Learn more

 

Minnesota’s exports drop in second quarter. Minnesota exports of agricultural, mining and manufactured products were valued at $5.8 billion in the second quarter of 2025, a drop of 19% ($1.3 billion) over the second quarter of 2024, according to DEED. Mineral fuel and oil exports to Canada accounted for more than half of the decline. Read more

We've said it before and we'll say it again - our Chamber members are the best.

For those who were in attendance at the Annual Chamber Celebration last week, thank you for making it a night to remember. Events like these wouldn't be possible without the support of our many sponsors, volunteers and YOU. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for another incredible year. And in case you missed it, the video below by Evermore Creative captures the energy and the fun of the last year beautifully. 

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.
 

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.

The Central MN Farm Show is coming up on February 24th and 25th, 2026.

It takes a great team of volunteers to make this community tradition a success, no farm experience necessary. From organizing event details to promoting the show and connecting with sponsors, volunteers are at the heart of it all. Whether your strengths are in planning, marketing, logistics, sponsorships, or scholarships, there’s a place for you to get involved, share your ideas, and help make the next Farm Show our best one yet! 

• Marketing: Help get the word out about the show.
• Logistics + Operations: Join us day-of to keep things running smoothly.
• Scholarship Committee: Play a part in the future of agriculture.
• Sponsor/Exhibitor Committee: Help us fundrais and fill the show!

• Volunteer Coordination: Assign roles, monitor needs, and more.
• Career Exploration: Work with vendors to help kids learn about careers in ag.
• Speaker Coordination: Gather speaker information and help operat the speaker stage during the show.

Interested in helping out with one of these opportunities? We would love to have you join the Farm Show committee! Reach out to Laura Wagner to ask questions and get started. Thank you for your consideration in volunteering - events like this would not be possible without your assistance!

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

Be part of a special section celebrating Central Minnesota’s pride in the work we do.

The upcoming issue of Business Central Magazine will feature a special directory highlighting businesses that reflect and uplift our whole community - organizations that take pride in creating spaces where everyone belongs and thrives.

 

Showcase your pride in the people who make your organization great and help celebrate what makes our region strong, connected, and welcoming.

 

Reserve your space today! Contact Melinda or click here to learn more.

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com