Looking Forward
St. Cloud, Sartell, Waite Park and Sauk Rapids have all seen renewed vitality in their retail sectors and downtown areas, while St. Joseph has experienced significant residential growth in its northern and southern parts. Every community within the St. Cloud area has invested in a vision for the future, which includes improvements and additions to all aspects of the region.
Having an established comprehensive plan for future development is important for any growing area. In May 2000, the St. Cloud Area Joint Planning District Board—a cooperative effort involving the cities of Sartell, Sauk Rapids, St. Cloud, St. Joseph and Waite Park, along with Benton, Sherburne and Stearns counties—approved a strategic plan that highlights 11 goals and underlines strong public association and intergovernmental communication and cooperation. It also calls for establishing an area-wide infrastructure for ongoing activities by the participating cities and counties.
Planners have worked, and continue to work, diligently on ensuring the St. Cloud area develops in the right places at the right times. Through such aspects as preserving its natural resources; boosting its already stable economy; and enhancing the standard of living through well-maintained neighborhoods, excellent education and superior medical care, the greater St. Cloud area is sure to continue on its path of well-thought-out, planned development.
BUILDING
INFLUENCE
Business advocacy is critical to regional business success. The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to business growth in central Minnesota. This commitment is demonstrated in the increased level of activity and influence of the Chamber in local, state and even national issues. The Chamber’s leadership as a business advocate is proven over and over again as elected officials make the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce a preferred stop when seeking access to the business community or addressing regional business issues.
The Chamber focuses advocacy efforts in three distinct areas and, in 2009, enjoyed the following successes:
Building Influence and Developing Relationships
- Held regular meetings with St. Cloud, Waite Park, St. Joseph, Sartell and Sauk Rapids mayors and city council members
- Hosted 30 St. Cloud area guests at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Session Priorities Dinner
- Visited our Minnesota federal officials in Washington, D.C. with 17 representatives from our Chamber
- Hosted more than 100 people at “St. Cloud Area Evening at the Capitol” to showcase our area and businesses to statewide legislative leaders
Providing Information and Education
- Hosted a program on exporting products featuring U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar
- Participated in U.S. Senator Al Franken’s Jobs Forum in St. Cloud
- Provided a seminar on Renewable Energy at the Central MN Farm Show
- Hosted Minnesota Assistant Commissioner of Health Scott Leitz, regarding health care reform
Developing Collaborative Partnerships
- Served on the Board of Directors for the Central Minnesota Transportation Alliance
- Made 55 visits with Central Minnesota CEOs and business owners as part of our Grow Minnesota! program
- Hosted the St. Cloud Mayor’s State of the City Address with the St. Cloud Rotary Club
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