Halloween isn’t the only event sneaking up this week - Election Day is almost here, too! Before you grab your costume or candy, take a minute to make sure you’re ready to vote.
Not every community has an election this year, but it’s always a good idea to check your registration and see what’s on your local ballot. You don’t want to miss your chance to make your voice heard, because realizing too late that you had an election would be the real fright!
Make sure you know what’s happening where you live, and encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to do the same. Click here to check your ballot for your address, or click the link below to learn more about election day. And remember, civic engagement doesn’t have to be scary, it’s how we keep our communities strong!
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At Lunchtime Learning on Wednesday, November 5th, we'll hear from a local business and the St. Cloud Police Department about Building a Business Crisis Plan That Works. Join us at noon, lunch is included!
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Business After Hours is hosted by Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Homes on Thursday, November 6th from 4:30 - 6:30pm. Come as your schedule allows for refreshments and networking!
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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
Develop St. Cloud at a glance. The City of St. Cloud's Economic Development department has released a new Key Industries Highlight brochure. Read more
Revitalize downtown. St. Cloud is moving forward with an ambitious plan to revitalize downtown, which will require state bonding money. Learn more about the plans
Do you know — or are you — a young professional in the Greater St. Cloud community who’s passionate about community leadership? Nominate or encourage them to apply for MYALP, happening May 17?20, 2026, at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Learn more
The Minnesota Department of Transportation is kicking off a study of Highway 10 between St. Cloud and Little Falls. There is an online comment map for users to share their concerns and identify problem areas. View now
The St. Cloud Veteran's Day Parade is November 8th. Join the St. Cloud MetroVets and City of St. Cloud to honor our Veterans. Learn more
SCSU President Search: The four finalists to become the next president of St. Cloud State University have been announced. Read more
District 742 School Board Candidates: Meet the 4 candidates on the ballot in St. Cloud. Learn more
STATE & NATIONAL
Small business environmental improvement loans: The MPCA provides loans at zero-percent interest to small businesses for capital equipment purchases that help the company meet or exceed environmental regulations, and covering costs associated with the investigation and cleanup of contaminated sites. Learn more
Share your good work on moving Minnesota forward. Introducing MN RISING, a site where you can shine the good things you’re doing in our community. Learn more
Minnesota has been named one of the top states in the nation for jobs, according to a new report from WalletHub. Minnesota ranked third overall and placed top ten for median annual income, economic environment, and job market. The report also named Minnesota the fifth-best state for working parents. Learn more
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Thank you to these members that celebrated milestone anniversaries in October, 2025 - we are so grateful for your continued support!
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Business Awards Nominations
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We are looking for the owners who are leaving a legacy, the innovators who are blazing new trails, and the leaders who are impacting the future. If you know of a deserving company or professional, please submit your nominations now!
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Award Categories
- Small Business of the Year
- Entrepreneurial Success Award
- Family Owned Business
- Women in Business Champion
- Emerging Entrepreneur
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Nominations must be sumitted by January 5th, 2026. Nominations are reviewed by the selection committee and recipients are announced in April of 2026. The Business Awards Luncheon is on May 6th, 2026.
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2026 Membership Directory
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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.
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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.
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Book your Business After Hours
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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 to 6:30 P.M. at the host location. Hosting a Business After Hours comes with many perks!
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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
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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
Interested in hosting Business After Hours? Reach out to Laura to secure your spot now!
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Featured Committee: Top Hat Ambassadors
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If you have ever attended a Chamber Connection, Business After Hours, Waite Park or Sauk Rapids Chamber meeting or special event, chances are, you've seen some snazzy folks in top hats welcoming you in. But do you know everything about this helpful group of Chamber advocates? They do much more than welcome you to events.
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Top Hatter Responsibilities
- Ribbon Cutting: Opening a new business? Wrapped up a remodel? New location? Schedule a Ribbon Cutting with the Top Hat Ambassadors to celebrate!
- Milestone Celebrations: If your company is celebrating a major milestone, such as a new location, anniversary, or Chamber member anniversary, the Top Hat Ambassadors can visit you for a special keepsake photo! Plus, these photos are published in Business Central Magazine for additional exposure.
- New Member Photos: Every business that joins the Chamber gets a photo visit from the Top Hat Ambassadors, which doubles as a chance to get to learn more about the Chamber and all there is to do. Plus, all photos are published in Business Central Magazine!
- Networking & Events: At almost every Chamber event, keep an eye out for the Top Hat Ambassadors. They are the welcoming face you see at the door, and they can help you get comfortable at the event and learn more about the Chamber. Make sure to say hi!
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2025 - 2026 Top Hat Ambassadors
- Brady DeGagne, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central MN
- Brenda Eisenschenk, InteleCONNECT, Inc.
- Brian Jarl, Advantage 1 Insurance Agency
- Chris Jacques, Premier Real Estate Services
- Debbie Clausen, Thrivent Financial
- Donna Roerick, Inspired Health & Wellness
- Guy Magno, Switchboard
- Jason Miller, Trust Real Estate, Chair
- Jenna Binsfeld, St. Cloud Orthopedics, Vice Chair
- Kris Nelson, Motor Works Auto Repair
- Kristin Hannon, Big Brothers Big Sisters
- Lance Barthel, Batteries Plus
- Mike Brower, American Family Insurance- Michael Brower Agency, Inc.
- Patrick Hollermann, InteleCONNECT
- Paula Capes, Falcon National Bank
- Rachael Sogge, Eyecon Graphics
- Rachel Layton, Tri-County Abstract & Title Guaranty
- Rory Cruser, Lamar Advertising
- Tauna Quimby, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP (City of St. Cloud)
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If you would like to schedule a visit with the Top Hat Ambassadors, contact Laura.
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St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce
1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101
St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301
320-251-2940
StCloudAreaChamber.com
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