Members of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce have big things happening! Here are the news briefs from May & June, 2023.
Have some news to submit? Send press releases, staff additions, awards and more to Emily Bertram.
Kramer “Top Financial Advisor”
James Kramer III, an independent LPL Financial advisor at Kramer Financial in St. Cloud, was recently recognized for his inclusion in the LPL Patriot’s Club. This award is presented to less than 7 percent of the LPL Financial’s more than 21,000 independent financial advisors nationwide.
Schlenner Wenner adds partner, staff earns master’s degree
Dan Wainright, CPA, is now a partner at Schlenner Wenner & Co. He has worked in public accounting since 2013 and works out of their Monticello office. Jacilyn Nemec, CPA, MBT, recently completed her Master’s of Business Taxation. She specializes in real estate, construction and rental properties industries and works out of their St. Cloud office.
College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University names new COO
Dr. Kara Kolomitz is the inaugural joint chief operating officer (COO) for the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University. Dr. Kolomitz has worked in Catholic higher education for more than 25 years, including COO from 2016-22 at Regis College, a liberal arts institution in suburban Boston.
Way joins Visit Greater St. Cloud
Olivia Way joined Visit Greater St. Cloud in the role of information specialist. She handles content asset management, visitor guide distribution, visitor inquiries, website listings. Previously, Way worked in social media and at the St. Cloud Public Library. She is originally from Wisconsin, and a graduate of St. Cloud State University. Visit St. Cloud is the convention and tourism arm of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.
Sentry Bank supports Humane Society
In 2022, Sentry employees raised $1,348 by wearing jeans on Fridays. The annual “Jeans for a Cause” fund was donated to the Tri-County Humane Society.
Gate City Bank opens new location, promotes staff
Gate City Bank is set to open its 44th location in the summer of 2023. It will be located inside the Coborn’s grocery store located at 19425 Evans St. NW, Elk River, MN.
Adolfo Chavez Romero has been promoted to assistant vice president, customer service and sales supervisor at Gate City Bank in Waite Park. He previously served as customer service representative. Brady Jameson has been promoted to assistant vice president, mortgage lender, also at the Waite Park location. He previously served as senior mortgage lender.
Catholic Charities Mardi Gras raises over $350,000
Over 550 people attended the 41st annual Mardi Gras in January 2023 to support Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud. The event raised over $350,000 for Catholic Charities Emergency Services, with programs that include a food shelf, clothing program, and financial assistance program; and Catholic Charities Domus Transitional Housing, a facility for single women and their children.
Metro Bus CEO receives safety award
Metro Bus CEO Ryan Daniel was named one of the National Safety Council’s Safety+Health Magazine’s 2023 CEOs Who Get It.This award recognizes leaders who ensures safety remains their organization’s top value by building a strong safety culture and encouraging workers to use their voice to speak up about safety issues, near misses, and possible improvements.
Brenny Transportation donates $10,000
Brenny Transportation Inc. in St. Joseph donated $10,000 to Saint Christopher Truckers Relief Fund for the Highway to Hope Concert.
Kremer Joins Apex
Adam Kremer recently joined Apex’s newest office in St. Cloud as a municipal engineering technician. He will support the team through CADD, in-the-field project inspection, and surveying.
Coulter to chair Quiet Oaks Hospice Board
Alex Coulter recently took over as chair of the Quiet Oaks Hospice Board of Directors. He has been a volunteer with the organization for four years. He replaces volunteer Tammy Moore, who will remain on the board as a member-at-large.
Rinke Noonan adds staff
Rinke Noonan added two new attorneys to their staff. Aisha Ibrahim will practice in the areas of business, real estate, and estate planning. She was most recently a law clerk at Nyemaster Goode, P.C. in Des Moines, Iowa.
Mitchel Anderson will practice in the areas of banking and lending, business, and real estate law. He previously worked as an attorney at Jellum Law, P.A. in Stillwater, Minn. and as an assistant general counsel for Stearns Bank, N.A. in St. Cloud.
Thompson receives state award
Rachel Thompson, executive director of Visit Greater St. Cloud, received the 2023 Emerging Leader award at the annual Explore Minnesota Tourism conference in February. The award is given to an individual who exhibits a passion for Minnesota’s tourism and hospitality industry, is mindful of their role in making the state a welcoming place for all travelers, and through their work ensures the future growth and vitality of Minnesota tourism.
Six-hour event a fundraising success
The 13th annual Pack the Porches food and fund drive, benefiting Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, received 6,246 pounds of food and $21,321 in donated funds from 7 am to 1 pm on March 17th. Coborn’s matched all food and fund donations up to $10,000. Food and funds from the event support Catholic Charities Food Shelf, serving the communities of Stearns, Benton, and Sherburne Counties.