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Local Shopping, Local Impact. |
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The holiday season is the perfect reminder that every purchase has power - especially when it’s made close to home. As our community starts checking off gift lists and planning celebrations, we’re encouraging shoppers to keep it local by using the Chamber’s online member directory. It’s the easiest way to discover hardworking small businesses right here in Central Minnesota. Â From retailers and restaurants to service providers and makers, Chamber members help make the holidays brighter. When residents choose to shop small, they’re supporting local jobs, strengthening our economy, and helping businesses like yours thrive. |
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As part of our Shop Small Season, we’re also highlighting Chamber Perks, which are exclusive offers from members that give shoppers one more reason to choose local. If you’d like to be included, simply log in to your Chamber account, select Chamber Perks, and add your deal. We’ll feature these offers on our website, social media, and e-newsletters throughout the season - or you can view them online now! |
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Let’s make it easy - and exciting - for our community to support the businesses that make this region special. Encourage shoppers to explore the directory, and consider adding a perk to help your business stand out. |
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Connect, learn, grow! |
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Chamber Connection is celebrating its 36th Birthday on Friday, December 5th. Join us to honor this amazing weekly event at the Best Western Kelly Inn. Bring $1 and a business card - doors open at 7 a.m. and it starts at 7:30 a.m.! |
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Business After Hours is hosted by St. Cloud Technical and Community College on Tuesday, December 9th. No need to register, stop in between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. for hors' d'oeuvres, networking, and fun! |
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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 There are numerous office parks, industrial parks, commercial/professional buildings, and development sites in the greater St. Cloud region. This search tool provides you with property database reports, demographic analysis, business and industry clusters, thematic mapping, and more. Learn more  Local legislator shake-ups. Recent changes in local legislative races are starting to take shape. Here's what we've confirmed so far. Stay tuned with the Chamber for more updates as they arise.
 Holiday shopping is officially underway. St. Cloud State Economist King Banaian says shifting consumer habits — from early deals to heavy online activity — are reshaping the season. Learn more  STATE & NATIONAL Pay the right wage. As holiday and seasonal workforces grow, it's important for employers to keep these wage rules in mind when it comes to overtime and tips.  Minnesota's new Paid Family and Medical Leave law goes live on January 1, and will impact every employer in the state. Here is some info to help you prepare:
An economic imperative for growth. A new report released by the Minnesota Chamber Foundation warns that, despite a long legacy of strength, Minnesota’s economy is losing ground compared to the rest of the nation. View report  Small business, big impact. Small businesses make up 99.5% of Minnesota businesses and employ nearly half our workforce. When you support a small business you're investing in your neighbors, your community and our shared future. Read more  MN DEED awarded more than $4.8 million to 39 organizations. Funds will aid in providing more than 4,000 young people with workforce development and training opportunities. Learn more |
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Happy Chamber Anniversary |
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Happy Chamber Anniversary to these businesses that celebrated milestones of membership in November, 2025. We are thankful for you! |
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5 Year Anniversary |
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10 Year Anniversary |
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25 Year Anniversary |
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45 Year Anniversary |
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Supervisor Development Certificate Program |
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Effective supervisors must possess many different qualities such as flexibility, adaptability, strong leadership skills and commitment to each goal at hand. Supervisors are often seen as teachers, counselors and mentors. This program is designed for the new supervisor, one who has received limited supervisor training, or one who needs to strengthen their leadership skills. |
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About the Program The Supervisor Development Program at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce offers six different courses in six distinct areas that will give new supervisors the necessary tools to become more effective. Â More Information In order to receive the Supervisor Development certificate, participants are required to attend 5 of the 6 courses. Classes range from 2.5 to 4 hours in length. Â All sessions take place at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, 1411 W St. Germain St., Suite 101, St. Cloud. Registrations are due by 5pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Â Cost Members: $350 Non-Member: $550 |
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You can also call 320-251-2940 or email us for more details. |
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January 27, 2026, 8-11am Hiring for Retention with Jill Magelssen, Brookline Consulting  February 26, 2026, 8-11am Helping Employees Achieve Peak Performance with Julie Lunning. St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce  March 5, 2026, 8am-11am Employment Law ? Keeping you and your Employer out of Trouble with Chad Staul, Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A.  March 17, 2026, 8-12pm Conflict and Communication ? Tools for Leaders or Employees with Jodi Maus, Magnifi Financial  March 24, 2026, 8-11:30am Supervising Others ? A Team Approach with Jen Sell Matzke, Scipi Companies  April 24, 2026, 8am-12pm Interpersonal Communication Skills for Managers with Tara Gronhovd, Align Strategy |
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Submit Your Nomination |
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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!  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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Happy 36th Chamber Connection!
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A networking meeting that is out of this world! On December 5th we will celebrate 36 years of Chamber Connection, the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce's premier networking event. Started in 1989 by 22 local business professionals in the Chamber's basement, this weekly networking event now drawn upwards of 150 people at a different location every Friday morning. Help us celebrate another great year of connecting, growing and having a lot of fun together! |
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DETAILS Best Western Kelly Inn, Downtown St. Cloud Doors open at 7 a.m. Meeting goes from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. No need to register, just bring $1 and a business card to attend. |
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Thank you sponsors:
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Featured Committee: Waite Park Planning Committee |
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The Waite Park Planning Committee is a group of volunteers that meets monthly on the Monday prior to the monthly Waite Park Chamber meeting. They are responsible for getting hosts and speakers and running the monthly meetings. The committee meets monthly to plan Waite Park Chamber meetings, braistorm new ideas, and finalize host commitments. |
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Waite Park Planning Committee (WPPC)
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Thank you WPPC for planning and executing great meetings that showcase our members and the Waite Park community! |
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About Waite Park Chamber The Waite Park Chamber is a place where business, education, and the government come together for the betterment of the community. It was started in 2004 when community leaders worked together to raise the profile of this great community. Â Meetings:Â Monthly on the third Wednesday of every month from 11:45AM to 1PM. Â Hosting: To host Waite Park Chamber, contact Ann Thelen. |
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St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce 1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101 St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301 Â 320-251-2940 |
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