Planning ahead just got easier. We’re excited to introduce our new 2026 Annual Sponsorship & Promotion Guide, a comprehensive, one-stop resource designed to help members better take advantage of the full scope of the Chamber’s work and the many ways to engage with and support it.

This guide brings together all of our sponsorships, advertising opportunities, and exposure options in one place. It’s intended to help members plan their annual advertising strategically, align their support with initiatives that matter most to them, and maximize both community impact and brand visibility.

 

More than a marketing tool, this guide highlights the breadth of programs, events, and initiatives that drive our mission forward while also creating meaningful opportunities for members to grow their brands, increase awareness, and strengthen connections within the business community. 

Whether you’re looking to deepen your involvement, elevate your presence, or plan ahead for 2026, this resource is designed to help you do so with clarity and purpose.

Join us for Waite Park Chamber hosted by Club Pilates at the Great River Regional Library on Wednesday, January 21st. Doors open at 11:15 a.m., register now to attend!

Sauk Rapids Chamber is hosted by Bee on the Beach and Eyecon Graphics on Thursday, January 22nd. Doors open at 11:15, the meeting begins at 11:45 a.m., register now!

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.

• Legislative Session Review & Preview Breakfast (1/21/2026)
• Waite Park Chamber hosted by Club Pilates (1/21/2026)
• Sauk Rapids Chamber hosted by Bee on the Beach and Eyecon Graphics (1/22/2026)
• Chamber Connection: HOST: St. Cloud Area Chamber (1/23/2026)
• Business After Hours hosted by Central MN Farm Show (1/27/2026)
• Chamber Connection: HOST: Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota (1/30/2026)

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

In the works: The City of St. Cloud is in the early stages of developing its Capital Improvement Plan, a document city leaders call a crucial guide for development and investment over the next five years.

 

Registration is now open! Join thousands of runners, walkers, families, friends, and volunteers at the CentraCare Earth Day Run in St. Cloud on April 17?18. Register now

 

City Updates: The city of St. Cloud has provided another update on the latest information regarding federal agents in the community. Read more

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Your rights. Make sure your employees know their rights when it comes to immigration control with this resource from Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid.

 

Resources from the MN Chamber: Immigration worksite enforcement remains an important consideration for many employers. Staying informed about changes in immigration laws and enforcement priorities is essential to maintaining compliance and reducing risk. Learn more

 

Midwest Summits: Join the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber at four annual summits throughout the year. Learn more

 

Grant funding for food industry: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will offer $5 million in grant funding to replace fossil fueled vehicles and equipment used in Minnesota food systems. Learn more

 

DEED grants than $17.3 million for workforce grants. The 59 organizations receiving grant awards support economically disadvantaged adults, providing workforce development and training opportunities that increase career awareness, basic skills education and training, and more. Funds are expected to serve more than 3,500 Minnesotans. Learn more

 

Live from Washington: U.S. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne Clark delivered the State of American Business 2026 address. Watch now

 - Sponsored Content - 

Looking to expand, upgrade or invest in the perfect space for your business so you can bring to life what you've always dreamed of?

 

At St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, we're offering limited-time Commercial Real Estate Loans with rates as low as 5.75% fixed for up to seven years!

On the Cover: Develop. Adjust. Repeat. 

Frank Ringsmuth has led The Camera Shop through industry upheaval by evolving its services, embracing technology, and focusing on what matters most. 

 

Feature: It Starts From Within

Supporting employees with invisible disabilities means supporting all employees. 

 

2026 Central MN Farm Show Program

Speakers, exhibitor listing, agriculture facts and more. 

Put your business in front of hundreds of community members, job seekers, and fellow professionals at the St. Cloud Area Business Showcase! This dynamic evening celebrates local innovation and connection, bringing Chamber members together with the broader community for networking, discovery, and fun.

 

Date: April 7, 2026

Time: 4:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Location: River’s Edge Convention Center ? Terry Haws A

Admission: Free and open to the public

Highlights: Food samples, cash bar, games, giveaways, networking, and job exploration

Reserve a Booth

Exhibiting at the Business Showcase is a powerful way to:

• Promote your products and services to a broad, engaged audience

• Build brand awareness and generate new leads

• Recruit talent and highlight career opportunities

• Strengthen relationships with fellow Chamber members

With 60+ booths, interactive activities, and a lively atmosphere, this is your chance to stand out and make meaningful connections.

Become a Sponsor

Sponsorship opportunities offer elevated visibility before, during, and after the event. Sponsors benefit from:

• Recognition across Chamber marketing and event signage

• Exposure to attendees and exhibitors

• Association with one of Central Minnesota’s premier business events

• Alignment of your brand with community connection and economic vitality

Sponsorships are available at multiple levels, making it easy to find the right fit for your goals and budget.

The St. Cloud Chamber is partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis on a short survey to give local businesses a voice. Your response to this survey will help the Minneapolis Fed and its local partners understand the impact that the economy is having on your business.

Answers to these questions contribute to regional data that directly inform the Minneapolis Fed, local partners, policymakers, and others — a public good ultimately benefiting your business and others like yours.

Please complete this survey by Friday, February 6 to ensure that your experience is represented. All responses are confidential.

Join us for Lunchtime Learning this spring! Take part in this educational networking event on the first Wednesday of the month. Each session includes audience introductions, lunch, a presentation, time for questions, networking, and a business card exchange.

 

All sessions take place at the Chamber office, 1411 W. St. Germain Street, Suite 101, from 12 ? 1 p.m and include lunch. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for the general public, 

PLUS: Purchase a SEASON PASS for $100 and get in to all 5 sessions ? a savings of $25!

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com