Destination: Summer Fun

There’s no shortage of summer fun in Greater St. Cloud. From patio dining and live music to festivals, fairs, and family adventures, this is the season to get out and explore everything our community has to offer.

 

Whether you're planning a staycation, entertaining visiting friends and family, or simply looking for something new to do this weekend, Visit Greater St. Cloud has you covered as the go-to resource for discovering all our region has to offer. Their website is packed with ideas on where to eat, what to see, where to catch a show, where to stay, and where to cool down during those warm summer days. Here are just a few highlights! 

  • Events like Granite City Ski Show (June 27), Summertime by George (Wednesdays from June 17 through August 12), Lemonade Concert & Art Fair (June 25) and the Benton County Fair (July 28 through August 2) and many more.
  • Shows at The Ledge Amphitheater, Pioneer Place on Fifth, Rolling Ridge's Woodfired Wednesdays and dozens of other patios and venues. 
  • Outdoor fun at Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Munsinger Clemens Gardens, the Mississippi River and much more.

As we welcome visitors to our community and support the businesses that make Greater St. Cloud a great place to live, work, and play, we encourage you to take advantage of the many experiences available right in your own backyard. Happy exploring!

 

Connect, learn, grow!

Join us for Lunchtime Learning on Wednesday, May 3rd from 12-1:00 p.m. at the Chamber office as we talk about Building Your Brand. Register now - lunch is included!

Business After Hours is hosted by Sunburst Memorials on Wednesday, June 10th. Join us anytime between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. for networking and refreshments!

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

The City is issuing a Request for Qualifications. This RFQ is to identify experienced development partners interested in purchasing and redeveloping the site in a manner that supports downtown growth, enhances housing diversity, and strengthens the Lake George neighborhood as a destination for residents and visitors. Learn More

 

Filing for office for the 2026 November General Election opens on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Individuals intending to run for federal, state, judicial, or county office in the 2026 General Election must file during the official filing period, which opens at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Learn More

 

Creating a river walk along the Mississippi River has long been the dream of St. Cloud city leaders. That dream will finally become a reality with the help of the Minnesota State Legislature and the bonding bill that passed this session, which includes $3 million for the river walk project. Learn More

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Looking to invest in equipment to improve your company's efficiency and capacity? Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development continues to accept applications for the Automation Loan Participation Program. Learn More

 

Minnesota gained 15,900 nonfarm jobs over-the-month (up 0.5%) on a seasonally adjusted basis in April ? the state’s largest over-the-month increase since March 2024, according to data released by DEED. Learn More

 

What passed, what didn't and what it means for your business. The 2026 legislative session concluded with the Minnesota Chamber having achieved many of its goals for the session, above all a more balanced approach to policymaking that helps to advance our state’s economy and a growing recognition that Minnesota has the potential for more growth and success, but is not turning its assets into results. Learn More

 

Get a Blue Book! The Minnesota Legislative Manual, also known as the Blue Book, is a comprehensive guide to Minnesota’s government, including information on the state legislature, state executive offices, state agencies, and state judiciary; local, federal, and tribal governments; as well as election results. Learn More

 

A blueprint for economic growth: Growing the state's economy will require focused attentio on three key priorities. Learn More

 

Happy Chamber Anniversary!

We want to extend our gratitude to these members that celebrated milestone Chamber membership anniversaries in May 2026 - we are so thankful for your continued support!

 

Session Wrap-Up 

During this luncheon, we will take time to express our appreciation to retiring legislators for their dedicated service to our region. Their leadership has helped shape the strength and growth of our community, and we look forward to celebrating their contributions. We will also feature a moderated legislative session wrap-up, providing thoughtful insight into this year’s outcomes and what they mean for our region moving forward.

The cost to attend is $30 for members, $40 for non-members and includes lunch. 

Date and Time

Wednesday, June 17th, 2026

11:30 a.m.: Networking and lunch

12:00 p.m.: Panel discussion 

Location

The Clearing
195 River Ave. S,
Sauk Rapids, MN 56379

 

Chamber Open Golf Tournament

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.

Help us celebrate this 80 year milestone!

 

Team Registration
Individual player: $180

Team of four: $680

(includes 2 carts and dinner)

 

Sponsorship Opportunities

There are over 13 different ways to support the Chamber Open through sponsorship - learn more and get signed up now!

 

Coming in September: Family Legacies

This special Business Central Magazine section celebrates the power of family-owned businesses and the professionals who help them endure. From founders to future generations, these stories highlight the resilience, vision, and values that make legacies last.

 

Contact Melinda to learn more and reserve your space by July 24th.

ALSO IN SEPTEMBER:

2026 Central MN Growth Guide

 

Spring Into Membership

With our Spring Into Membership campaign, we are focused on helping more businesses connect to the resources, relationships, advocacy, and visibility they need to succeed in today’s challenging business climate.

As part of the campaign, new members who join the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce before June 20th, 2026 will receive a FREE Web Enhancement Package for one year — a $50 value that helps strengthen their digital presence right from the start.

 

We’re also asking current members to help us grow the Chamber community by referring businesses to the Chamber. If they join during before 6/20, you’ll receive a $15 gift card for gas, groceries, or dining from a Chamber member of your choice as our thank you.

 

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com