Running a business comes with plenty of questions, challenges and “where do I even start?” moments. That’s why the Chamber is here.
Through our Business Resource Roundtables, we’re bringing local experts and business resources directly to our members, creating opportunities to ask questions, make connections and find the support you need. And because we know you can’t always make every session, we’re making those connections easier to access anytime with our new Business Resources Guide.
The guide brings together information from our past sessions, including what each organization or resource expert can help with and how to connect with them directly. We’ll continue updating it after each roundtable, so it will grow into an ongoing resource for businesses in our community. And the best part? These resources are free.
Whether you attended a roundtable or are just looking for a little help navigating your next business challenge, we’re here to help connect you to the right resources.
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SAVE THE DATE: The next Business Resource Roundtable will take place on Wednesday, October 28th from 8 - 9:15 a.m at the Chamber office. Watch our calendar for more info!
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It's almost time for the biggest night of the year! The Annual Chamber Celebration is on Tuesday, October 6th at the Park Event Center - do you have your tickets yet?
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Lunchtime Learning on October 7th features speaker Mark Gill of SCSU talking about tips and tricks to get started using AI. Join us, 12-1pm at the Chamber office - lunch included!
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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
Mark your calendars: The 8th Annual St. Cloud Development Summit is a half-day conference focused on the issues and opportunities shaping economic development, housing, real estate, planning, and higher education in the St. Cloud region. Learn more
In 2026, there will be one proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot in Minnesota. The question states, "Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to increase the funding going to all school districts from the permanent school fund, which is a fund that supports school districts without raising individual income or property taxes, effective July 1, 2027?" Learn more
Strong nonprofit organizations are supported by engaged and effective boards. Join the Initiative Foundation on October 14th for a training session designed to help organizational leadership and board members better understand their leadership roles and provide practical tools that strengthen board engagement, governance, and organizational impact. Learn more
Quarterly Business Report: In a survey taken between Aug. 9 and Sept. 5, 2026, business leaders responding to the St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Survey were more positive in the latest quarter. Read more
STATE & NATIONAL
Pick the Winner! The MN Chamber's Coolest Thing Made in MN started with 64 amazing products and public voting has narrowed it down to our FOUR finalists. Vote now!
Small Cities Development Program Grants: The Small Cities Development Program (SCDP) Unit is accepting Preliminary Proposals for eligible activities addressing community needs for owner-occupied housing rehabilitation, rental rehabilitation and/or commercial building rehabilitation or public facility improvements through SCDP. Learn more
The Minnesota Chamber tracks hundreds of bills during each legislative session. The Chamber scores votes on bills or amendments that illustrate this impact. To view the votes cast in the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions, click here.
Minnesota Job Growth Continues to Outpace U.S. Over the Year. Minnesota added 1,500 jobs in August and continued to significantly outpace the nation in job growth over the year. Minnesota added 45,041 jobs, a 1.5% increase, compared with national job growth of 0.3%. Read more
Debatable. Minnesota voters can watch key debates as governor and attorney general candidates tackle pressing issues ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Learn more
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Congratulations to these members that celebrated milestone anniversaries in the month of September. We are very grateful for your continued support and partnership!
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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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Build stronger employees and stronger communities with Civics Academy.
Offered by the St. Cloud Area Chamber in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this nonpartisan, nine-week online course helps employees strengthen skills like critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration and active listening while becoming more engaged citizens. Participants go at their own pace and complete community service through a Civic Day of Action, putting what they learn into practice.
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Online Learning Platform
The online course component of Civics Academy is a self-guided learning experience with five topical modules:
- Foundations of Federalism: How Power is Shared in the U.S.
- Government in Action: Branches, Power, and Public Debate
- Citizenship: Rights, Responsibilities, and Participation
- Civic Engagement: Taking Action in Your Community
- Civil Discourse: Communicating Across Differences
- Navigating Your Local Civic Landscape
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Experiential Learning Opportunities
In addition to online learning, Civics Academy equips employers to put course themes into practice.
- Civic Day of Action: Through volunteer projects, employees take in-person action that directly improves their communities and their civic skills.
- Civics Academy Championship: Modeled after the National Civics Bee, this is an optional opportunity to celebrate participants and test their civics knowledge through friendly competition, either in-person or online.
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The next cohort begins on October 12th and runs 9 weeks to account for Thanksgiving. The deadline to register is October 9th, 2026. Civics Academy is free to participate in, and includes access to a self-paced online learning module for employees to compete over time and a Civic Day of Action requirement for participants.
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When employees thrive, businesses thrive. This year’s summit will provide actionable tools, real-world perspectives, and fresh ideas to help organizations strengthen employee engagement, improve retention, and build resilient teams for the future. Whether you lead a small business, manage a growing team, or shape organizational culture, you’ll leave with practical solutions you can put into action immediately.
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October 29th, 2026
8:00 a.m. ? 12:30 p.m. (Doors open at 7:30 a.m. for networking and light breakfast)
Scouting America - 1191 Scout Dr. Sartell, MN
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Fees/Admission
Chamber Members: $25 or 2 for $40
Non-Chamber Members: $30
Students: $15
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SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE: Sponsoring the ACTION Summit shows a commitment to building inclusion and culture in the workplace and the business community. This year, event sponsorship is available for partner organizations at three levels. Learn more
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Whether you’re brand new to the Chamber, a new employee at a member business, or simply looking to become more involved, Membership Maximizer is the perfect place to start. This 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.
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DETAILS
Membership Maximizer takes place on the first Thursday of November, February, May and August. It is free to attend, but advance registration is requested.
FUTURE DATES
- Thursday, November 5, 2026
- Thursday, February 4, 2027
- Thursday, May 6, 2027
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Annual Chamber Celebration Presenting Sponsor: Batteries Plus
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Batteries Plus Owner Bernie Perryman has been involved with the St. Cloud Public Safety Foundation since around 2016, when she joined the board as the first COP House was being developed. Batteries Plus has supported the houses with sponsorships and donations, including LED lighting, batteries and phone chargers. For Batteries Plus, it’s a natural extension of what they do every day: find solutions that help power a stronger community.
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Featured Committee: Annual Chamber Celebration Planning Committee
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The Annual Chamber Celebration on October 6th is made possible by the Annual Chamber Celebration Planning Committtee!
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Every great celebration needs a great crew behind it. Meet the Annual Chamber Celebration Planning Committee: a team of party planners, fun-havers and sponsorship superstars who have been working behind the scenes to make this year’s celebration one to remember.
From dreaming up the details to rallying sponsors and making sure the fun is actually happening, this crew helps bring the whole evening together.
So before you grab your name badge and hit the dance floor, get to know the people who helped make it all happen!
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Annual Chamber Celebration Planning Committee
- Tina Mrozek, Blacklight Adventures (chair)
- Alexis Demuth, Nurture to Play (vice-chair)
- Brittany Liberty, Central Minnesota Mental Health Center
- Ann Thelen, Falcon National Bank
- Brandon Voit, Falcon National Bank
- Christian Kermeier, Wits Realty
- Laura Holzheimer, CentraCare
- Taylor Feero, Switchboard
- Maddie Berg, White Wolf Custom Apparel & Design
- Jordan Jackson, Trust Real Estate
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St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce
1411 West Saint Germain Street, ste. 101
St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301
320-251-2940
StCloudAreaChamber.com
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