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NETWORK

Networking At Noon

The St. Cloud Area Chamber’s Business Development Council brings important and useful information to business people over the lunch hour through a series of lunchtime lectures. Take part in this educational networking event which includes audience introductions, lunch, a presentation, time for questions, networking, and a business card exchange.

Spring 2024 Classes

Save your seat today! All classes will be held in-person at the Chamber office. No refunds will be offered for cancellations made within 48 hours of the event. Please register at least two days before class so we can include you in the lunch count! Click on the titles of each event to register. DOWNLOAD SPRING 2024 SCHEDULE POSTER

February 7: Getting Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Resistance to Do the Things We Should

Sponsor:

Granterion Black Background

Let’s face it—most of us have no problem getting started on the things that are fun and easy. Unfortunately, many of the important things we should be doing are not on the fun and easy list. We need something that will get us up and moving toward a goals and that pulls us away from destructive habits, unwanted behaviors, and unproductive thought patterns. Learn more about your brain’s operating system and discover how to get that extra push from within to ensure you achieve what truly matters. Business owners, team leaders and professionals looking to grow will benefit from this session.

Speaker:

Dave Faust, Stonehouse Resources
Dave Faust has over 20 years of experience helping organizations become healthier, more productive workplaces as a speaker, trainer, coach, and advisor. His unique experiences, professionally and personally, have helped him create training and coaching curriculums with an emphasis on organizational health, positive leadership, employee engagement and emotional intelligence. It’s more than just positive thinking; it’s positive thinking that drives positive attitudes, positive actions and meaningful results.

March 6: Bridging the Generational Age Gap: Connecting with the Emerging Leaders in Your Life

Sponsor:

Statewide Property Inspection

It has become increasingly important to bridge the Generational Age Gap. A high-priority goal business and nonprofit leaders share is to find young people to be change-makers within their organizations. While a common goal, this can be uncommonly difficult to achieve as the motivations of younger generations evolve. Join us to hear from Clare Richards, who shares insights and strategies to bridge the gap and better connect with the emerging leaders in your life. Owners, managers, leaders, HR professionals, and anyone interested in improving workplaces will benefit from this session. 

Speaker: Clare Richards, Impacks

Clare Richards is the co-founder and CEO of a startup called Impacks, which supports parents and educators in accessing critical school supplies. Clare is a creative by trade with a strong love for building vibrancy through action and storytelling. Her work as a community volunteer and advocate has gained her recognition as a St. Cloud 5 Under 40 award, a 2022 Top Outstanding Young Minnesotan, and the 2023 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Americans award. Clare volunteers her time on various boards, including Greater St. Cloud Development Center, Central MN Community Foundation, the University of Minnesota Center for Integrative Leadership, and Granite Table. 

April 3: An Intro to AI: Tools, Tips and Tricks for Using Artificial Intelligence Effectively

Sponsor:

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Artificial Intelligence is here to stay. It can help business owners save time, improve the quality of work, and more. In this session we’ll demystify AI and help identify the right tools that will save small businesses time while enhancing their branding and messaging. We will also look at when and when not to use AI, and how to ensure that you produce the best content possible with AI. Business owners, marketing managers, and anyone interested in learning more about the applications of AI in business will benefit from this session. 

Speaker: Jami Bestgen, St. Cloud State University

Jami Bestgen spent 30 years in private sector sales and marketing both internal to organizations and as a consultant. She worked with a variety of organizations including government, retail, medical, manufacturing, and nonprofits. That experience includes understanding each organization’s marketplace position relative to its competitors and working to differentiate each organization to its target markets. Currently, Bestgen teaches marketing in the Herberger Business School at St. Cloud State University including: the principles of marketing, product and price management, promotions, social media marketing, and global marketing strategies.

Thursday, May 2: Fortify your Digital Defenses: Practical Strategies and Safeguards for Cybersecurity

Sponsor:

Sctcc Horz Cmyk 11 16 23

The current state of cybersecurity in business calls for a deep understanding of the digital threat landscape and the tools that help businesses mitigate those risks. This session will include real-world experiences, and practical strategies to fortify digital defenses. Attendees will learn actionable strategies for safeguarding digital assets and gain a better understanding of the importance of compliance with industry regulations to ensure that security measures meet industry standards. Business owners, managers, nonprofits and anyone in IT will benefit from this session. 

Speakers: Mark Kroska and Kris Crandall, AGC Agency 

June 5: Canva 101: Up Your Marketing and Social Media Design Game

Sponsor:

Switchboard Cmprsd

Web-based graphic design program Canva has over 150 million active users, and over 15 billion designs have been created since its launch in 2012. It is one of the most-used marketing platforms in the world, and it could be a great fit for your marketing software mix. In this session, we will talk about the basics of Canva and its capabilities, how you can use all of its features effectively, and the best ways to make your marketing design stand out. This session is great for business owners, marketing professionals, nonprofits, and anyone else interested in upping their design game. 

Speaker: Brittney Goebel, North Creative Co.

Attend A Class!

Join us the first Wednesday of **every month in the Coldspring Conference Room, 1411 W. St. Germain Street, Suite 101, from 12 – 1 p.m. for lunch and a business presentation. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for the general public, which includes lunch.

NEW THIS YEAR: Purchase a SEASON PASS for $100 and get in to all 5 sessions – a savings of $25! This is available to members only.

Because we order lunch for all attendees, cancellations must be received at least 48 hours prior to the session or payment will be expected. 

**Spring programs run February – June; the fall programs run September – January. There are no Lunchtime Learning classes in July and August.


HOW TO REGISTER AND SPONSOR:

To register, call 656-3826 or email Registrations@StCloudAreaChamber.com. The Lunchtime Learning Program is supported monthly by Chamber member businesses. If you are interested in sponsoring a Lunchtime Learning Program call 320-656-3800 for details.
 

PAST BUSINESS TRAINING PROGRAMS INCLUDE:

QUESTIONS?

Contact the Chamber’s front office by calling 320-251-2940. To register, please use the registrations email above, to avoid your email accidentally going to the junk/spam folder. Thank you for attending!

RESOURCES


Contact

Chair

Doug Cook
Business Development Council
Headwaters Strategic Succession Consulting

Chamber Staff

Laura Wagner
Business Development Council
320.656.3831