St. Cloud Economic Development Thrives Because Multiple Groups Work Well Together

St. Cloud, Minnesota, is on a path for growth because its economic development efforts are supported by different organizations with unique yet collaborative roles and responsibilities. The City of St. Cloud Economic Development Authority (EDA) works closely with the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce, and the St. Cloud Downtown Alliance.

“We couldn’t make such a large impact without our partners,” says Julie Lunning, President of the St. Cloud Chamber of Commerce. “It’s been a pleasure working with other organizations to make projects happen and get things done.”  

The role of economic development is changing because it covers so much more than industry recruitment and site selection. Economic development professionals are increasingly invested in entrepreneurs, small business owners, and quality of life factors like education and recreation. This means there can be significant overlap in some cities between organizations with the same goal.

Fortunately, St. Cloud has it figured out. Each team works hard to provide resources for businesses and support other entities within the region. Learn more about each organization and the great work they do. 

Get to Know the Business Support Teams in St. Cloud

The business and economic development organizations in St. Cloud thrive through collaboration. This also ensures each organization isn’t wasting time and resources on duplicate results. Each team has its own complimentary role in keeping St. Cloud growing. Here are a few groups you might work with as you grow your business alongside us:

• City of St. Cloud EDA: This city-established public entity is primarily focused on business attraction, retention, and expansion, as well as redevelopment in downtown and key corridors. St. Cloud is the top-performing city in Minnesota and this organization strives to invest the City’s resources to lead and strengthen St. Cloud as the economic heart of the Central Minnesota region.
• Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation: This regional non-profit supports a 25-mile service area and provides inclusive and equitable economic development, prioritizing business and talent development, promoting the region, and enhancing quality of life. The team of five works within St. Cloud and surrounding towns.
• St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce: This 155-year-old Chamber is the fourth-largest in Minnesota with 900 members. It boasts 19 committees and has 150 volunteers. It is also a five-star accredited chamber, one of only two in the state. There are less than 100 five-star accredited chambers out of more than 8,000 groups in the United States.  
• St. Cloud Downtown Alliance: This is a new organization that strives to create a vibrant and thriving downtown. Its purview ranges from beautification projects and business development to hosting events of all sizes.      

“Each organization contributes to the greater economic development ecosystem,” says Cathy Mehelich, Economic Development Director for the St. Cloud EDA. “Whether we are helping businesses move to the area or supporting the residents who live here, we all have an essential role.” 

Each Organization Has Specific Goals and Support Systems

The various economic development organizations in St. Cloud each have their own missions. While one group might be focused on regional growth, another has a narrower scope. One team specializes in supporting entrepreneurs while the other meets with employers relocating to the area.

“We all have economic growth as a goal,” says Lunning. “We all have our own specialties but can’t do our jobs without each other. If my team can’t handle something, we pass it to someone who can.”

Not only does this process allow St. Cloud to scale its economic development efforts, but it also allows different teams to specialize in their work. They can focus on their strengths instead of spreading themselves too thin.

“We’ve really built a dynamic partnership because we can leverage the strengths of the organizations as well as our own individual skills,” says NeTia Bauman, President and CEO of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation. “This lets us take a unique eco-dev approach, not just at a downtown or local level, across a larger service area.”

Rachel Lolmasteymaugh at the St. Cloud Downtown Alliance explains that this is particularly valuable as new organizations (like hers) are formed. She can leverage existing relationships to ensure projects get done — and done efficiently. 

St. Cloud is Entering an Era of Change 

One benefit of working with different organizations to support economic development is that each group sees unique bright spots in the region. St. Cloud is changing in several ways because it has multiple opportunities for growth.

Lunning at the Chamber is thrilled about the area's growing diversity. Immigrants and refugees from around the world are choosing to move to St. Cloud and start new lives here, and new businesses are opening as these recent Minnesotans put down roots.

“It’s been exciting to see this new workforce who is eager to learn and wants to be successful,” says Lunning.  

Entrepreneurship is also on the rise in St. Cloud, further diversifying the local economy. Not only is St. Cloud growing in high-demand fields like Automation, Precision Manufacturing, and Information Technology, but new business owners are breaking into fresh industries like MedTech and AI and bringing them to Central Minnesota.

The changing industries then affect Downtown St. Cloud and create new opportunities for residents and visitors.

“We have stakeholders and interested parties who are focused on the entertainment district and downtown area,” says Lolmasteymaugh. “Not just for visitors and residents, but for economic growth as a whole. To attract employees, you have to have a thriving downtown.”

Change can even be found in elected leadership. Five out of six mayors in the Greater St. Cloud region retired this year. There are new leaders who can bring fresh perspectives to sustainable growth.

“We are working on changing the narrative and dispelling myths about the Greater St. Cloud area,” says Bauman. “We have really great stories to tell and just need a platform to tell them.” 

Grow With St. Cloud

The City of St. Cloud is experiencing tremendous growth as new demographics, industries, and communities form. Business leaders and individuals alike are discovering the beauty of Central Minnesota and the support systems in place here.

“We are happy to welcome any new business that wants to take advantage of our growing workforce, accessible utilities, and strategic location within the United States,” says Mehelich. “Minnesota is set to grow in the coming years, and St. Cloud will be leading the way.”

Learn more about the opportunities available for businesses in St. Cloud and why you should move your business here. Be part of something GREATER in St. Cloud.