The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize our Chamber CORE members, a group of business leaders who have gone above and beyond to invest in the strength, growth, and prosperity of Central Minnesota. Chamber CORE, Champions of Regional Excellence, is more than a designation. It reflects leadership, impact, and a shared commitment to advancing our region’s business climate through advocacy, connections, and community support.

We are deeply grateful to our 2026 CORE members: American Heritage Bank, Batteries Plus, CentraCare, Coborn's, Design Electric, Falcon National Bank, Farmers and Merchants State Bank, Magnifi Financial, Quinlivan and Hughes, P.A., Rice Companies, St. Cloud Orthopedics, and Stearns Bank. Their support fuels the Chamber’s work and helps drive progress for businesses and communities across the region.

To learn more about Chamber CORE, including investment details and benefits, visit our website. Thank you to these leaders for being united in purpose, invested in progress, and committed to excellence.

Join us for Lunchtime Learning on Wednesday, February 4th from 12-1pm at the Chamber office. Lunch is included, and the topic is all about wellness at work with speaker Heidi Uphus from Marco. Register now to attend!

NEXT - Chamber's Young Professionals is an easy and fun way to get your younger employees engaged with the Chamber and the community. Attend the monthly meeting at noon on February 10th to learn more!

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

Bold + Bright is this weekend! This community-wide celebration will feature a variety of activities, including a pond hockey tournament, Mac & Cheese Crawl, Winter Market, Toboggan Derby, Comedy Night, a lights parade, fireworks, and family-friendly events. Learn more

 

President Tomso begins his role at SCSU. The new St. Cloud State president aims to attract, retain more students. Read more

 

The St. Cloud Times is looking for nominations for its annual recognition of the area's top professionals who are under 40. For the 20th year, LocaliQ and the St. Cloud Times needs the community's help. Nominations for 5 Under 40 opens Feb. 1. Learn more

 

STATE & NATIONAL

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

 

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is conducting 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. Take the survey.

 

Jumpstarting the American Dream: Starting in 2026, American children born between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2028 can have a Trump Account opened with a $1,000 government deposit. Parents may contribute up to $5,000 annually, and employers can add up to $2,500 per year tax-free. Learn more

 

MN exports drop in third quarter. Minnesota exports of agricultural, mining and manufactured goods were valued at $5.7 billion in the third quarter of 2025, a drop of 14% (down $964 million) over the third quarter of 2024, according to DEED. Read more

 

February is Shop Local month. State officials have launched Shop Local Stand Together to help struggling small businesses. View the proclamation.

 

AI job growth outpaces displacement. U.S. job postings requiring AI literacy grew 70 percent year over year, and employers created at least 1.3 million AI-related roles over the past two years. Read more 

40 Year Anniverssary

• Traut Companies 

Coming In May/June, 2026

Marketing & Communications: This special ad section puts agencies and advertising experts directly in front of business leaders seeking smart, effective ways to connect with customers and drive growth. 

These are both focused, high-visibility opportunities to showcase your expertise to Central Minnesota decision-makers who influence marketing strategy, purchasing decisions, technology investments, and operational change every day. 

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 

Admission: Free and open to the public

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

The Central MN Farm Show is sponsored by the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, but it would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our incredible volunteer planning committee as well as the dozens of day-of volunteers who step up and help. Thank you to our committee members for all of the time put in to make the Farm Show a success!

2026 Farm Show Committee

• Al Neff, WVAL
• Alba Henesy, Edina Realty
• Allen Brinkman, Forever Young Two Wellness and Skincare - Co-Chair
• Austin Weis, Compeer Financial
• Bernie Quist    
• Bonnie Wenker    
• Col. Frank Imholte, Black Diamond Auction
• Dan Martens    
• Heidi Chandler, Tractor Supply Company
• Jodi Pundsack, Evermore
• John Pantzke, Stearns Electric
• Julie Braun, Smart Organizing Solutions
• Mandy Spiess, Royal Renovations
• Meagan Simonson, Lamar Advertising
• Mikayla Asfeld, Multiple Material Arts
• Rachael Sogge, Eyecon Graphics
• Ross Priest, Forum Communications
• Steve Bernu, Cenaiko Expo
• Steven Ehni, Harvest Bank
• Ted Takala    
• Tina Johanning, Anna Marie's Alliance
• Travis Theis, Dick's Nuisance Animal Control - Co-Chair

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com