Get Involved

Volunteer Opportunities

Why Volunteer?

The success of the St. Cloud Area Chamber and its work in the community depends on a strong, active volunteer force. As a member of the Chamber, you and others on your staff are welcome to actively participate in the meetings and projects of our volunteer committees. The Chamber’s volunteer program strives to create an environment that is friendly and welcoming.

Matching

After completing and returning the volunteer application, a member of the Chamber staff will call and talk with you about your interest areas and time commitment. They will help you find the best fit. Once you choose a committee you will be added to the committee roster and begin receiving meeting notices. Want to get started right away? Call Laura at 320-656-3831!

Length

Most volunteer commitments are ongoing and leadership positions last 1-2 years. Most committees meet monthly for 1-1.5 hours. In addition, committees often require tasks to be completed outside of the meetings on the volunteer’s own time.


Volunteer Opportunities

Business Development Council (BDC)

The BDC provides education and training opportunities to Chamber members in order to assist in their success and growth. Volunteers that like to keep busy planning, promoting, coordinating, and educating are just right for this committee. Programs include Lunchtime Learning, the Supervisor Development Certificate Program, and one-time training opportunities.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact the committee chair!

Doug Cook, Headwaters Strategic Succession Consulting, LLC.

Central Minnesota Farm Show Committee

The Central Minnesota Farm Show, the largest indoor farm show in the Upper Midwest, runs for two days at the River’s Edge Convention Center and boasts up to 350 booths and over 200 exhibitors. Volunteers secure exhibitors, plan publicity, make booth assignments, and help with set up and tear down and registration both days of the show. If you want to be part of the Chamber’s largest fundraiser and you like all the details of event planning, you will fit right in. The committee meets monthly from May—February.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact Laura Wagner

NEXT-Chamber’s Emerging Leaders

Participants of NEXT-Chamber’s Emerging Leaders are encouraged to be an integral part of planning this next-generation professional development program. Volunteers can participate in organizing speakers, events and promotions. NEXT-Chamber’s Emerging Leaders meets the second Tuesday of the month over lunch. The planning committee meets quarterly for about 1.5 hours.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact the committee chair!

Allison Baatz, Falcon National Bank

Chamber Connection Location Committee

Chamber Connection is a high-energy networking group that gives Chamber members an opportunity to exchange business information, ideas, products, and services. Location Committee volunteers meet monthly and are responsible for planning and scheduling Chamber Connection meetings, including but not limited to securing sponsors and locations. Applications are accepted year-round.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact the committee chair!

Michelle Henderson, BadCat Ditigal Marketing

Chamber Open Committee

The Chamber’s annual golf outing features a shotgun start, prizes, food, and great networking. Volunteers solicit sponsors, collect door prizes, and help the day of the Open which is always the second Monday in August. The committee meets monthly January – August.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact the committee chair!

Brittany Goebel, North Creative Co.

Government Affairs Committee

Volunteers serve as a link between local and state governments and the business community. Members carry the Chamber’s policy positions to the legislature. Projects include candidate and legislative forums and planning monthly meetings and annual events. Government Affairs meetings are the third Wednesday of the month from 8 – 9 a.m.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact the committee chair!

Steve Gottwalt, Steve Gottwalt Consulting

Marketing Committee

Volunteers with a background in marketing, sales or promotion assist the Chamber staff in creating new membership programs and reviewing and promoting current activities.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact the committee chair!

Rachael Sogge, Eyecon Graphics

St. Cloud Area Leadership Program Committee

Graduates of the St. Cloud Area Leadership Program are encouraged to be an integral part of planning this nine-month community leadership program. Volunteers can participate in interviewing and selecting candidates or day-planning and coordinating.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact the committee chair!

Sarah Putnam, Coborn’s, Inc.

Star Celebration Committee

The Chamber’s annual volunteer recognition event honors those volunteers who served as chair of a committee during the year. Volunteers assist with planning, promotion, decorations, sponsorships, and event registrations. The committee meets monthly February – October.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact the committee chair!

Jason Miller, Premier Real Estate Services

Sauk Rapids Chamber

Volunteers work to promote Sauk Rapids through projects and special events. This may be of particular interest to those who live or work in Sauk Rapids. The Sauk Rapids Chamber meets the fourth Thursday of the month at 11:45 a.m. Location varies.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact the committee chair!

Brandon Voit, Falcon National Bank

Waite Park Chamber

Volunteers work to promote Waite Park through projects and special events. This may be of particular interest to those who live or work in Waite Park. The Waite Park Chamber meets the third Wednesday of the month at 11:45 a.m. Location varies.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact the committee chair!

Kelly Doss, Resiliency Coaching

Chamber connectors

The Connectors are to serve as the engagement arm of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce. They mentor both new and existing members on how to utilize all aspects of their chamber membership, work in conjunction with Top Hat Ambassadors, and seek out new members, new representatives and existing members who are reengaging, at Chamber events.

Want to learn more or get involved? Contact the committee chair!

Debbie Clausen, Thrivent Financial


Volunteer Testimonials

“I love the people! I have met some fantastic, smart people in my volunteer positions with the Chamber. It has been rewarding for me personally and professionally.”

Kara Tomazin, CentraCare

“The Chamber helps build a stronger community that benefits all area citizens. Volunteering and getting involved not only supports our community, it also gives back great rewards personally!”

Jason Bernick, Bernick’s

“My business has not only grown exponentially since joining the Chamber, but my life has changed! I have many new social connections as a fun by-product!”

Ashley Green, Green Thumb Etc.