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You don't want to miss this. |
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October 6th, 2026 | Doors open at 4:30pm | The Park Event Center  It’s time to celebrate another year of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce!  The Annual Chamber Celebration is our annual meeting, but it’s much more than a look back at the year. Join us for an evening of connection, celebration and recognition as we highlight the people who make the Chamber - and our business community - strong.  We’ll reflect on the past 12 months, recognize our outstanding volunteer leaders, and celebrate outgoing Board of Directors members, Chamber committee and division chairs, and this year’s Rising Star. And, of course, we’ll have plenty of great hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar to keep the celebration going!  Come raise a glass, celebrate our volunteers and connect with |
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Connect, learn, grow! |
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Waite Park Chamber is hosted by Bad Habit Brewing on Wednesday, August 19th. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. for networking - register now to be included in the lunch count! |
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Join us for the annual Sauk Rapids Chamber Business Showcase on Thursday, August 27th and hear from 7 hosts in one. Meeting begins at 11:45 a.m. - register now to attend! |
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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 The Initiative Foundation and its partners hosted an Aug. 6 Child Care Market Analysis presentation at St. Cloud State University. Click here to review the infomation, agena and presentation materials from the event.  The City of Waite Park is proud to introduce the Citizen Recognition Nomination Program. This new opportunity for residents to celebrate the people whose kindness, service, and commitment strengthen our community. Learn more  The Minnesota Secretary of State Business Services Pop-Up is Wednesday, September 23, Stop in from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Stearns County Courthouse. Staff will be available to assist businesses and entrepreneurs with business filings and apostille authentication. Secretary of State Steve Simon is also scheduled to provide remarks from 12:15 to 12:30 p.m. Learn more  The primary election was on August 11th. Here are the local results.  STATE & NATIONAL How is AI influencing interest rates? Artificial intelligence might yet change the world. For monetary policy, the focus is on today’s economy. Learn more  The Employer Reasonable Accommodation Fund (ERAF) can help your business thrive while fostering a more accessible workplace. Small to mid-sized businesses in Minnesota can receive reimbursements of up to $30,000 for providing reasonable accommodations for job applicants and employees with disabilities. Sign up now for the August 26th info session.  As workforce needs continue to change, employers are thinking differently about how to retain talent, prepare for transitions, and grow employees from within. Register now to attend Future-Ready Talent: Building Your Bench Through Mentorship, Sponsorship & Succession Planning on Wednesday, September 2nd with CareerForce. Learn more  By July 31 of each year, Paid Leave sets the premium rate for the following calendar year. For 2027, the rate will stay at 0.88% of covered wages, and 0.66% for Paid Leave small employers. Learn more  The Minnesota Trade Office at DEED are accepting nominations for the 41st annual Governor's International Trade Awards. These awards recognize Minnesota companies that have demonstrated exceptional export growth and success in international markets. They also highlight the important role international trade and foreign investment plays in strengthening Minnesota's economy. Learn more |
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Welcome New Members |
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Welcome to these new members that joined the Chamber in July, 2026 - we are so grateful to have you onboard and can't wait to see you more! |
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- Sponsored Content - |
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It’s Your Business. We’re Your Bank. |
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Big enterprises. Small start-ups. Local nonprofits. Â No one does business quite like you. That’s why we offer business banking solutions tailored to fit your goals. From checking accounts to equipment loans to merchant services, welcome to business banking customized for the way you work. Â Visit GateCity.Bank/Business and discover better benefits for your business. |
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LAST CHANCE to nominate!
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Know a Chamber volunteer who really stepped up this past year? Nominate them for the Rising Star award!  Whether they brought in new members, volunteered on committees, helped with marketing or simply went above and beyond, we want to hear about them.  Nominate your Rising Star now - the deadline is the end of the day on Friday, August 14th! |
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2026 ACTION Summit |
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Today's workplace challenges won't solve themselves. Join the conversation and leave with strategies you can put to work immediately. Â Hiring is hard. Retention is harder. Discover how putting people first can help your organization attract talent, strengthen culture and build resilient teams at the 4th Annual ACTION Summit. |
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Agenda at a Glance Creating a Culture to Cure Hiring Headaches Create a workplace people want to join - and stay. Tim Johnson, AccentCare  Beyond the Stigma Supporting addiction and recovery in the workplace. Katie Blue, Recovery Community Network  Different Doesn’t Mean Difficult Bridging generational gaps and building connection. Nicholas Olberding, College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University  Seen, Heard, Empowered Creating workplaces where women feel valued, supported and inspired to thrive. Sarah Noble, AIS Planning; Melody Vachal, RISE UP Care & Wellness; Pam Bjerke, Stearns Bank |
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Details Thursday, October 29th 8:00 - 12:15 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 a.m.) Central MN Council - Scouting America 1191 Scout Dr, Sartell, MN 56377 Â Cost $25 for members or two for $40 $30 for non-members $15 for students |
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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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