Last Chance, Leaders

Don't miss your opportunity to join the 2026-27 St. Cloud Area Leadership Program. For more than 30 years, this premier leadership development experience has helped current and emerging leaders build meaningful connections, gain a deeper understanding of our community, and discover how they can make a lasting impact in Central Minnesota.

 

Meeting one full day each month from September through May, participants explore key community issues, engage with local leaders, and develop the knowledge and relationships needed to lead effectively.

 

Whether you're new to the area or have called Central Minnesota home for decades, St. Cloud Area Leadership offers valuable insights, professional growth, and a unique opportunity to help shape the future of our region.

 

Applications close Friday, June 19. Apply today!
 

Connect, learn, grow!

Waite Park Chamber is hosted by Amazon Hub on Wednesday, June 17th at Pizza Ranch. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. and the meeting begins at 11:45 a.m. - register now to join us!

Join us for Sauk Raids Chamber on Thursday, June 25th hosted by City of St. Cloud Age-Flourishing Initiative. The meeting begins at 11:45 a.m. at the Clearing - register now!

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

Now Accepting Applications: Applications are open for the 2026 GSC Innovation and Employer of Choice Awards — two signature honors recognizing the organizations shaping the future of work and ingenuity across Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties. Apply Now

 

Waite Park road construction updates - Spring has Sprung and along with that comes road construction.  Waite Park will be focusing road construction improvements on the following roadways this year. View Map

 

Is your business age-flourishing? The mission of Age Flourishing St. Cloud is to support a community where all people at every age have opportunities to flourish in all dimensions of their lives while elevating the St. Cloud area. Take the assessment and schedule a review now!

 

Help imagine the future of regional transportation in the Saint Cloud area. Imagine 2055 is the Saint Cloud region’s long-range transportation planning effort focused on how people will move throughout the region over the next 30 years. Led by the Saint Cloud Area Planning Organization (APO), this effort combines updates to the region’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Regional Active Transportation Plan into one shared vision for the future. Learn More

 

The updated Downtown Comprehensive Plan will make its final stop tonight. The St. Cloud City Council will hold a public hearing on the updated plan during its regular meeting. Learn More

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Xcel Energy Minnesota Impact Report - This report highlights the ways Xcel Energy is working to power a brighter future for the state and support the communities they serve. View Report

 

Do Business in Minnesota: Whether you’re looking to expand an existing business, relocate from another state or country, or need regulatory and permitting guidance for a complex startup, expansion or relocation, MN business consultants have the right background, information, and connections to other state and local agencies to help turn your plans to reality. Learn More

 

CSFS: Natural refrigerants in retail food refrigeration and cold storage - The MPCA has nearly $8.5 million to award for refrigeration projects where existing refrigeration systems are replaced with equipment using a natural refrigerant such as, but not limited to, carbon dioxide, propane or ammonia. Learn More

 

Minnesota’s New Labor Exchange Now Live - The State of MN rolled out CareerForce.MN.gov as the state's official online labor exchange, replacing MinnesotaWorks.net. The new site is mobile-friendly, has more job search resources and is easier to access. Check It Out
 

Welcome New Members!

Welcome to these new members that joined the Chamber in the month of May, 2026! We look forward to getting to know you all better. 
 

APEX Groups

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

GETTING STARTED

  • Groups are segmented based on job title or level.
  • The Business Development Committee (BDC) will place you in a group that makes sense for your needs. The BDC will do its best to not include competitors in the same group.
  • Members can join a group at any point in the year, as long as there is an opening for them in a group that makes sense for their needs.
  • Members will be asked to sign an NDA so that all conversations are kept confidential.

MEETING FORMAT

  • APEX Groups meet once a month on a day and time agreed upon by the group.
  • A facilitator will be named for each group, and they are responsible for communicating with the group about meeting times and any other communication deemed necessary.
  • Each meeting, one member of the group will come prepared with a business issue, question, or challenge that they are facing. They will present the topic to the group.
  • Meetings will typically be about an hour long, but the groups are free to decide if they’d like more time, more frequent meetings, etc.

The next APEX Group will meet monthly on the first Tuesday at 7:30a.m. at the Chamber office. The cost to join a group is $195/year. If you are interested in joining a group, please email Laura or click below and you will be contacted regarding next steps.
 
 

Membership Maximizer

Whether you’re brand new to the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, a new employee at a member business, or simply looking to become more involved, Membership Maximizer is the perfect place to start. This interactive morning session is designed to help you make the most of your Chamber membership by connecting you with fellow members, Chamber staff, and volunteers while introducing you to the many programs, events, and opportunities available through the Chamber.

UPCOMING SESSION

Date: Thursday, August 6th, 2026

Time: 8:00 ? 9:00 a.m.
Location: Chamber Office
1411 W. St. Germain St., Suite 101
St. Cloud

DETAILS

Membership Maximizer takes place on the first Thursday of August, November, February, and May. It is free to attend, but advance registration is requested. 

 

FUTURE DATES

  • Thursday, November 5, 2026
  • Thursday, February 4, 2027
  • Thursday, May 6, 2027

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN

  • Network with fellow members and staff
  • Learn how to maximize your Chamber membership
  • Discover opportunities to get involved and grow your connections
  • Explore resources designed to help your business succeed

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

  • New Chamber members
  • New employees of member businesses
  • Current members seeking a refresher
  • Businesses looking to maximize their membership investment
  • Anyone wanting to become more connected to the local business community
 

Member Login

Have you created your Chamber account login yet? All representatives of member businesses can access exclusive member benefits, update business information, register for events, and more. Login today to make the most of your Chamber membership.
  • Manage Your Listing: Update contact information, description and more with accurate info.
  • Job Bank*: Post your job openings on the Chamber’s website.
  • Business Calendar*: Post your business events for free on the Chamber’s online calendar.
  • Chamber Perks*: Offer “perks” (deals, promos, etc.) to fellow members. 

*These are emailed out monthly for free to 2,500+ Chamber contacts through the Chamber Member Happenings email.
 

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com