The 80th Annual Chamber Open

For 80 years, the Chamber Open has brought the Central Minnesota business community together for a day of networking, friendly competition and tradition. While this year's tournament on August 24 is officially sold out (except a few sponsorship opportunities), you can still be part of the celebration.

 

You don't have to be golfing in the Chamber Open to get in on the fun! Custom 80th Anniversary Chamber Open polos are now available for purchase. Whether you're hitting the course, heading to the office or simply want to commemorate eight decades of one of the Chamber's longest-running traditions, this limited-edition polo is a great way to celebrate. Even better, a portion of every purchase supports the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce and the work we do to strengthen our business community.

 

Order yours today before they're gone!

 

Connect, learn, grow!

Join us for Business After Hours hosted by Moxie Creative on Tuesday, July 21st from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.. No need to register - come as your schedule allows! 

Sauk Rapids Chamber is hosted by Shepherd Security on Thursday, July 23rd. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. and it starts at 11:45 a.m. - register now to attend!

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

Nominate a local organization. Greater St. Cloud is now accepting nominations for its annual Innovation Awards. Learn more

 

Stearns, Benton and Sherburne County residents looking to clear out closets and storage spaces have a free option this weekend. The Tri-County Solid Waste Commission is hosting a textile recycling event Saturday, July 18th, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Stearns County Service Center, 3301 County Road 138 in Waite Park. Learn more

 

Child-Care Market Analysis Presentation: Join the Initiative Foundation and partners at St. Cloud State University on Thursday, Aug. 6, for a presentation of new child-care market analysis findings for Central Minnesota. Learn More

 

St. Cloud residents: Use the St. Cloud Consumer Water Portal to monitor your water use on demand. Learn more

 

STATE & NATIONAL

Help our community get ready to vote through a voter education programs or by signing up to be an election judge. Learn more about how citizens, non-profits and businesses, high schools, and colleges can get involved here

Earned sick and safe time (ESST) rules go into effect. The Department of Labor and Industry recently completed the process to adopt rules that clarify how certain aspects of earned sick and safe time (ESST) apply. Learn more

 

How is the economy performing this year so far, and how are businesses in the region feeling about the rest of the year? Join the Minneapolis Federal Reserve for an economic check-in at midyear. Learn more

 

Minnesota has been named one of the top states in the nation for business. According to a new report from CNBC, Minnesota ranks fifth overall, placing top ten in quality of life, infrastructure, and economic environment. Learn More

 

DEED announced over $1.4 million in child care economic development grants. Awarded to 11 programs and organizations around the state, the grants are projected to support the creation of more than 1,100 new child care slots. Learn more

 

Minnesota companies have a long history of innovation, creating some of the “coolest” products to fuel our economy. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is again searching for the Coolest Thing Made in Minnesota! Learn more

 

As part of the PFAS pollution prevention law, manufacturers are required to report intentionally added PFAS in products sold in Minnesota and pay a fee. A one-time reporting fee of $800 per manufacturer is due when an initial report is submitted. Learn More

 

Welcome New Members

Welcome to these members that joined the Chamber in the month of June, 2026! We are so excited to have you onboard. 

 

Fall 2026 Lunchtime Learning Lineup

Grow your knowledge over lunch with the St. Cloud Area Chamber's Lunchtime Learning series. Each session features practical insights from local experts on timely business topics, along with opportunities to network with fellow professionals. Your registration includes lunch, audience introductions, an interactive presentation, Q&A and plenty of networking.

September 2nd

Developing and Optimizing Your Employee Handbook
Speaker: Tina Mrozek, Blacklight Adventures

Sponsor: Jacobs Financial

 

October 7th

AI 101: Best Practices & Platforms for Beginners
Speaker: Mark Gill, St. Cloud State University
Sponsor: Scouting America


November 4th

AI at Work: Developing Policies That Protect Your Business
Speaker: Teddy Flemming, LathropGPM
Sponsor: AGC Agency

December 2nd

Networking Basics: From Introductions to Opportunities
Speaker: Jason Miller, Trust Real Estate
Sponsor: Bad Habit Brewing


January 6th

Creating a Customer Experience that Shines
Speaker: Crew Carwash

Sponsor: Motor Works Auto Repair

All sessions are held in person at the Chamber office. Please register at least two business days in advance so we can include you in the lunch count. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the event are nonrefundable.

 
 

Business Central Magazine

The July/August 2026 issue of Business Central Magazine is now available! Read on below for a glimpe at the issue, or check out the full magazine online or at the Chamber office.

Hand-Tossed Tradition

House of Pizza Owner Brandon Testa tees up new opportunities while holding fast to his family roots and hometown flavors.

 

The Invisible Load

Employers can benefit from recognizing and supporting the unseen responsibilities many employees carry outside of work. 

 

2026 Women in Business Directory

More From This Issue:

Coming in September:

Central MN Growth Guide

Family Legacies

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

 

How is the economy affecting your business?
Let the Minneapolis Fed know.

The St. Cloud Chamber is partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis on 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.

 

Answers to these questions contribute to regional data that directly inform the Minneapolis Fed, local partners, policymakers, and others — a public good ultimately benefiting your business and others like yours.

Please complete this survey by Friday, July 31. All responses are confidential.

 

Chamber Member Testimonials

Did you have a great experience working with a Chamber member, either personally or professionally? Share it online with our Chamber Member Testimonials feature! Fill out the form on our website to submit a testimonial for a fellow Chamber member for approval. After approved, testimonials will appear on our website, with some also appearing on social media and in the Chamber Member Happenings monthly email. It's a great way to show your appreciation for a fellow Chamber member, and gain even more exposure for your brand!

 

St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce

1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101

St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301

 

320-251-2940

StCloudAreaChamber.com