Waite Park Chamber is hosted by Mad Hatter Designs and Imprint Apparel on Wednesday, November 19th. Doors open at 11:15 a.m., and the meeting runs from 11:45 - 1:00 p.m. - register now to attend!

Join us for Sauk Rapids Chamber hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota on Thursday, November 20th at The Clearing. Doors open at 11:15 a.m., register now to get in on the lunch count! 

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

Fall 2025 SCSU Factbook. Get a snapshot of St. Cloud State University through the Fall 2025 Factbook from Analytics & Institutional Research, featuring up-to-date data on admissions, enrollment, student demographics, and degrees awarded. You can also view previous Factbooks here. 

 

St. Cloud explores fast tracking development to encourage growth. The St. Cloud City Council is searching for solutions to encourage more development in the community. Learn more

 

After officially joining the race for Minnesota governor, House Speaker Lisa Demuth has revealed her running mate. The Republican from Cold Spring announced Ryan Wilson as her choice for lieutenant governor. Learn more

 

Johnson wins election for Stearns County commissioner seat. Bob Johnson, a longtime St. Cloud nonprofit leader, won a special election for a vacant seat on the Stearns County Board of Commissioners. Learn more

 

St. Cloud is seeking local artists. The city is seeking original artwork to replicate on vinyl wraps that will be installed on utility boxes and other public spaces throughout downtown. Read more

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Apply today for the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics. The BBB Torch Awards for Ethics honor companies that lead with integrity, trust and a people-first mindset. These awards celebrate marketplace role models who set the standard for doing business the right way. Apply now

 

DEED announced 7 grant recipients for growing careers program. MN DEED awarded $2.4 million to seven local partners to develop and implement agriculture-focused workforce training programs for the Growing Careers initiative. Read more

 

How AI can help small businesses compete and grow. While it may seem like a tool reserved for tech savvy companies, AI is quickly becoming essential for small businesses and entrepreneurs who want to save time, grow smarter, and stay competitive. Learn more

 

Federal agencies begin to reopen after longest-ever shutdown ends after 43 days. The final vote in the House was 222 to 209, with six Democrats and two Republicans crossing the aisle. Learn more

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!

 

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. 

On the Cover: Fiercely Independent

With leadership that prioritizes its people and a strategic and intentional succession plan, AIS Planning has sown success for over 25 years. 

 

Feature: A Chain Reaction

For big organizations, supply chain management is an ongoing process that often includes local connections.

 

Special Focus: Cover Your Assets

Building a winning game plan for business insurance takes the right moves, solid defense, and smart strategy. 

Also in this issue...

• The Tax Tango: What passed, what didn't, and what it means. 
• Track That: The importance of analytics in marketing strategy.
• Give a Little, Get a Lot: Volunteering is good for your bottom line and more. 
• The PTO Disconnect: Don't make assumptions about time off. 
• Data-Driven Decisions: Use economic data to make business decisions. 
• In Memory: A look back at those we've lost whose impact remains. 

The holiday season is the perfect time to showcase your business and attract new customers! As part of our Shop Small Season promotion, the St. Cloud Area Chamber will be highlighting Chamber Perks — exclusive deals, discounts, and specials offered by Chamber members.

It’s easy to participate:

1. Add your deal to the Chamber Perks section on our website by logging into your account here and clicking on Chamber Perks on the left side.

2. We’ll promote these offers throughout the holiday shopping season on our website, social media, and e-newsletters.The sooner you add your perk, the more exposure you will receive!

Your perk could be anything from a discount or free gift with purchase to a holiday special or service package. Big or small, every deal helps encourage our community to shop local and support Chamber members like you!

Don’t miss out on this free exposure!
Add your Chamber Perk and help us spread the word that local businesses make the holidays shine. View current Perks.

Need help? Reach out to Vicki with any questions you have. 

Chamber Connection takes place every Friday morning (excluding holidays) from 7:30-8:45AM (doors open at 7am). It is hosted by a different business each week, and costs $1 and your business card to get in - no registration required!

 

The Chamber Connection Friday Location Committee (FLC) secures hosts and sponsors for the weekly Chamber Connection meetings and welcomes new attendees and members.

Friday Location Committee Members

• Jeff Lawson, Coldspring
• Mike Forsberg, Forsberg Investments & Insurance, LLC
• Theresa Henning, St. Cloud VA
• Mark Harren, Harren Companies, Inc.
• Jenna Kingsley, St. Cloud Area Family YMCA
• Kate Meemken, Shanti Yoga Center
• Jon Shulte, Project 37
• Cheryl Hochhalter, Edward Jones - Joe Tetrault Office
• Christian Kirmeier, Wits Realty, Vice-Chair
• Maraya Robbins, WELL & Company
• Laura Holzheimer, CentraCare, Chair
• Ryan Unger, 87 Lumens
• Ben Sanders, Dream Home Furniture & Mattress
• Lizzy Deutscher, Bookkeeping Barista
• Bruce Merrell, Shepherd Security

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com