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Informed and Engaged |
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The 2026 election is approaching, and the decisions made by elected officials can have a direct impact on our businesses, communities and region. Voting is both a right and a responsibility, and being an informed voter is an important part of that responsibility.
One way to make an informed decision is to hear directly from the candidates. We invite Chamber members to attend one of our upcoming candidate forums to learn more about the people seeking to represent our region, hear their perspectives and better understand the issues that matter to Central Minnesota.
Candidate Forums
Take the time to learn, ask questions and engage in the process. Your vote is your voice, and November 3 is your opportunity to use it. |
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Connect, learn, grow! |
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Waite Park Chamber is hosted by Avivo on Wednesday, September 16th at Pizza Ranch. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. for networking, meeting begins at 11:45 a.m. - register now! |
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Join us on Thursday, September 24th for Sauk Rapids Chamber hosted by Central MN Repair and Restoration and Handyman's at the Clearing. 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 Central Minnesota Manufacturers Association’s 2026 Tour of Manufacturing takes place September 30 - October 3 and throughout October in celebration of Manufacturing Month. The Tour of Manufacturing gives students, families, educators, job seekers, and community members an opportunity to explore local manufacturing facilities, learn about the products made in Central Minnesota, and discover high-demand career opportunities. Learn more
What's shaping Central Minnesota's economy — and what does it mean for your business? Find out at the St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report Review on September 24th, where the latest data on employment, workforce trends, and business growth meets expert analysis you can actually use. Register now United Way Days of Caring are September 21 - 25, 2026. Join United Way of Central Minnesota's largest volunteer event of the year, where individuals, families, coworkers, service clubs, and community groups come together to make a real difference across Central Minnesota. Learn more
STATE & NATIONAL Workforce growth is slowing just as demand for workers continues to rise. Around 2030, deaths are projected to exceed births in the United States, meaning future workforce growth will depend increasingly on immigration. Without enough workers, economic growth slows. Learn more
Call for Nominations: Governor's International Trade Awards. The Minnesota Trade Office (MTO) is accepting nominations for the 41st Annual Governor's International Trade Awards. Learn more
Early voting begins September 18th. In Minnesota, you can vote early starting 46 days before Election Day. Learn more about your options to vote early by mail or in person here.
In Minnesota, September is Workforce Development month. It's a time to highlight how workforce development professionals across the state are connecting Minnesotans with employment and helping employers hire the staff they need for their businesses to thrive. Learn more
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Welcome New Members |
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Welcome to these new members that joined the Chamber in August, 2026 - we are so grateful to have you onboard and can't wait to see you more! |
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August 2026 New Members |
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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.
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.
Visit GateCity.Bank/Business and discover better benefits for your business. |
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Business Central Magazine |
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The September/October 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. |
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Guy Magno, Ryan Schoepf and Taylor Feero have built an entrepreneurial partnership rooted in creativity, collaboration and community.
Thoughtful succession planning helps protect both the business and the family relationships behind it.
Five area higher education institutions are evolving their programs, leadership and priorities to meet changing student and workforce needs. |
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More from this issue:
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Coming in November: Financial Services and Wealth Management
Our November/December 2026 issue of Business Central will feature a special Financial Services & Wealth Management section. From banking and insurance to mortgages, investments, legal services and consulting, financial and professional services play a role in virtually every business and household.
Contact Melinda to learn more and reserve your space by September 23rd. |
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The Annual Chamber Celebration |
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Behind every successful Chamber program, event and initiative is a group of people willing to raise their hands and say, “I’ll help.”
Our volunteer chairs do exactly that. They lead committees and serve on boards, bring people together, share their expertise, ask the tough questions and help turn ideas into action. They give their time because they believe in the Chamber and in the businesses and community we serve. At the Annual Chamber Celebration, we have the opportunity to recognize these incredible volunteers, along with our outgoing Board members, and say something that doesn’t get said often enough: Thank you.
Thank you for showing up. Thank you for leading. Thank you for sharing your time and talents. And thank you for helping make the St. Cloud area a better place to do business. We’re incredibly grateful for the people who choose to give back and lead alongside us. |
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Tickets are going fast! Come celebrate the incredible volunteers who give their time, talent and leadership to make our Chamber community stronger. Join us as we recognize and raise a glass to them at the Annual Chamber Celebration. Get your tickets while you still can! |
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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.
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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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
Cost $25 for members or two for $40 $30 for non-members $15 for students |
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Free Community Event: Social Security Explained |
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Featured Committee: NEXT - Chamber's Young Professionals |
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NEXT-Chamber’s Young Professionals fosters professional development and networking opportunities for emerging leaders in Central Minnesota. The planning committee is a group of volunteers who help to plan the monthly meetings including securing speakers, planning new and creative ways to network and engage members, lining up business tours and more. |
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Thanks to the planning committee, NEXT members hear from our community leaders and have the opportunity to:
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NEXT Planning Committee
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If you identify as a young leader and would like to grow both personally and professionally, in a fun and challenging environment, then NEXT may be right for you! NEXT meets the second Tuesday of every month over the lunch hour at various locations throughout the St. Cloud area. |
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St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce 1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101 St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301
320-251-2940 |
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