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Celebrating Business |
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The Business Awards Luncheon traces its roots back to 1988, when Jim Nahan of Nahan Printing was honored as the Chamber’s very first Small Business Owner of the Year. What began as a single recognition has grown into a 38-year tradition of celebrating the exceptional businesses that shape Central Minnesota. Â Built on entrepreneurship, hard work, and a deep commitment to community, these awards reflect the very best of what it means to do business in the St. Cloud area. Each recipient becomes part of a legacy defined by innovation, resilience, and pride in place. Â We invite you to be part of that legacy this May. Sponsor, attend, and celebrate alongside this year’s honorees - leaders whose names will be forever woven into the story of our region. |
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Date & Time: Wednesday, May 6th Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Lunch at 12:00 p.m. |
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Location: The Park Event Center 500 Division St. Waite Park, MN 56387 |
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Honorees We are thrilled to honor three local businesses this year. Read more about them. |
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Connect, learn, grow! |
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Join us for Sauk Rapids Chamber hosted by Unique Movers on Thursday, April 23rd. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. for networking and meeting begins at 11:45 a.m. - register now to attend! |
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Wednesday, May 6th is the 38th Annual Business Awards Luncheon, where we will celebrate three incredible businesses. Get your tickets now and don't miss out! |
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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 Construction Update on CentraCare Plaza Expansion: Construction continues on the expansion at CentraCare Plaza in St. Cloud. The project will create additional space for orthopedics, rehabilitation, neurosciences, the MedSpa and a new gift gallery. Learn more  Available property in St. Cloud: St. Cloud has a number of sites and resources to help ensure continued business success within our thriving community. Check it out  Mill District Development Plans Unveiled: The City of Sartell got a look at what a long-standing, undeveloped property could be going forward when the final marketing concept package for the Mill District was presented. Learn more  STATE & NATIONAL January Jobs Flat Over the Month: Minnesota's monthly job growth remained flat in January, and the state's unemployment rate ticked up two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.4% while the national rate ticked down one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.3%, according DEED. Read more  13% decrease in MN exports between 2024 and 2025. Minnesota exports of agricultural, mining and manufactured goods were valued at $23.5 billion last year, a drop of $3.4 billion (down 13%) over 2024, according to the annual exports report released by DEED. Read more  Streamlining Minnesota’s environmental permitting, 2026 Scorecard: The Minnesota Chamber Foundation’s 2024 report, Streamlining Minnesota’s environmental permitting process:  State of the Global Workplace 2026: The State of the Global Workplace report features annual findings from the world's largest ongoing study of the employee experience. Read more  ERAF Webinar: Discover how the Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can help your business thrive while fostering a more accessible workplace. Read more |
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Welcome New Members! |
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Welcome to these members that joined the Chamber in the month of March. We are so excited to have you! |
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- Sponsored Content - |
ALIGN Strategy Leadership Event |
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Chamber Open Golf Tournament |
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Celebrate 80 years of connection at the Chamber Open Golf Tournament. Since 1946, this event has brought the business community together for networking, relationship-building, and a great day on the course. |
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Team Registration Team of four: $680 (includes 2 carts and dinner) |
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Sponsorship Opportunities There are over 13 different ways to support the Chamber Open through sponsorship - learn more and get signed up now! |
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Business Awards Luncheon |
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Since 1988 the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce has been recognizing excellence in business with our annual Business Awards Luncheon. Over 85 different businesses and professionals have received recognition at these awards. We take pride in honoring the success of Greater St. Cloud organizations. |
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Date & Time Wednesday, May 6th 11:30 a.m. - Doors open for networking 12:00 p.m. - Lunch is served 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Program  Location The Park Event Center 500 Division St., Waite Park, MN  Support & Celebrate Celebrate this year's recipients by sponsoring the event. Learn more or get your tickets now. |
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Business Central Magazine |
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This July/August, Business Central Magazine will spotlight the impact, innovation, and leadership of women across Central Minnesota with a dedicated Women in Business section. This special feature will include a lead story highlighting the influence of women in our business community, followed by individual business profiles and a Women in Business Directory, creating a powerful platform to share your story and elevate your brand among 5,800+ regional decision-makers. |
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The deadline is Friday, May 22nd, 2026 so reach out now to Melinda to get started! |
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Member-Exclusive Ad Opportunities |
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As a Chamber member, you have access to many different advertising and promotional opportunities at special rates that can help you gain more exposure for your business. |
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Chamber Member Happenings: Include a display ad in this email that is sent monthly (around the 22nd) to all members with info about Chamber member events, jobs, deals, etc. with the opportunity to advertise |
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Mailing List Purchase: Purcahse a list of physical mailing addresses of our members ? (not email addresses). You can learn more by contacting Shelly. Business Central Magazine: Ads of all sizes are available in 6 issues annually at reduced rates for members. |
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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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