Our NEXT - Chamber's Young Professionals meeting on Tuesday, March 10th is giving members a behind-the-scenes look at Fable Roasters from 12-1pm. Click below to learn more & register!

Lunchtime Learning on Wednesday, March 11th features speaker King Banaian talking about Forecasting (or the fine art of being almost right.) It's 12-1pm at the Chamber office, register now to attend!

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

University Bridge in St. Cloud to Close March 3rd for One-Day Inspection. University Drive and the University Bridge will be closed from 5th Ave South to Kilian Blvd beginning at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3rd. Learn more

 

Where Will Central Minnesota Students Go After High School? Understanding where young people see their future is critical for workforce and community planning. A recent student survey across Central Minnesota offers new insight into how students are thinking about life after graduation. Learn more

 

Stearns County’s Justice Center project continues to move forward. 

The project received 225 total bids, and they have come in lower than expected. Early projections indicate the project remains on track to stay under the County’s $325 million budget, with construction estimates currently around $290 million. Learn more

 

STATE & NATIONAL

MN Chamber's 2026 session priorities: According to the MN Chamber, the state’s economy is capable of strong and sustained growth. But costs are too high, demographics are working against us, and a sense of urgency and vision for the state’s economic future need to be articulated and agreed upon. Learn more

 

PFAS in products: Currently unavoidable use The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is planning new rules governing how it determines currently unavoidable uses of PFAS in products. Learn more

 

IRS Fraud Reporting: The Internal Revenue Service has launched a new web page that allows taxpayers to confidentially report suspected tax fraud, scams, evasion, or other tax-related illegal activities, as well as internal-facing improvements that will enhance how referrals are used to stop illegal activity. Learn more

- Sponsored Content -

- Sponsored Content -

Join us in St. Paul for an impactful evening connecting with House Representatives, Senators, and key government leaders. This unique event offers the chance to have meaningful, informal conversations about the issues that matter most to your business and community while proudly showcasing the strength and importance of the St. Cloud area. 

Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Jermaine Davis, Jermaine M Davis Seminars & Workshops, Inc.
• Dr. LaDonna Butler, LMHC, MCAP, President & CEO, The Well, PLLC

Registration: $40 per person

Registration deadline is April 7, 2026.

The BDC provides education and training opportunities to Chamber members in order to assist in their success and growth. Volunteers that like to keep busy planning, promoting, coordinating, and educating are just right for this committee. Programs include Lunchtime Learning, the Supervisor Development Certificate Program, and one-time training opportunities.

Committee Members

• Doug Cook, Headwaters Strategic Succession Consulting, LLC
• Troy Lenarz, Regional Diagnostic Radiology, Alliance Imaging, The Vein Center Laser Treatment & MedSpa
• Paula Capes, Falcon National Bank
• Matt Siers, Jacobs Financial
• Jeremy Johnson, Frandsen Bank & Trust
• Laura Hartog, Bad Habit Brewing Co.
• Sarah Dean, Scouting America
• Charlene Ridlon, Anna Marie's Alliance
• Melody Vachal, RISE UP Care & Wellness
• Casaundra Pfeiffer, Junior Acheivment
• Alex Stay, Stay Clean Detailing
• Kristine Sylvester, GC Realty
• Tina Mrozak, Blacklight Adventures
• Jessica Johnson, Evermore Co.
• Molly McAlister, St. John's Prep
• Cindy Battleson, Lakeside Bridal and Formal
• Katie Jo Anderson, Infinite Eye Care

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact the committee chair!

Sarah Dean, Central Minnesota Council ? Scouting America

Programs Overview

 

Lunchtime Learning: Held on the first Wednesday of every month, Lunchtime Learning presents important and useful information over the lunch hour through a series of lectures. This educational networking event includes audience introductions, lunch, a presentation, time for questions and networking.

 

APEX Groups: Advisory Peer Exchange (APEX) Groups are an opportunity for professionals to cultivate meaningful relationships with peers at similar stages in their careers. Group members engage in confidential discussions, sharing business challenges, questions, and insights, and receiving valuable advice from one another.

 

Supervisor Development: This program is designed for the new supervisor, one who has received limited supervisor training, or one who needs to strengthen their leadership skills. The program offers six different courses in six distinct areas that will give new supervisors the necessary tools to become more effective.

 

ACTION Summit: The Chamber's annual ACTION Summit is a day dedicated to fostering community and inclusion in the workplace.

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com