Check out what’s happening and how you can get involved:

    📌  Join Us July 23 for PopUp Start.Up Connect + Steve Grove Book Signing

    📌  Celebrate Innovation & Employers of Choice: Apply Today

    📌  Show Off Greater St. Cloud: Enter the Snapshot Challenge

    📌  Ignite Ideas: Register for FastLane94 BarCamp on Sept. 11

    📌  Get Your Tickets for DisruptHR St. Cloud on Sept. 23

📅 Wednesday, July 23

📍 Great River Children’s Museum (Rooftop), 110 8th Ave. S., St. Cloud

⏰ 8-10 AM

Join us for a book talk with Steve Grove, CEO of the Minnesota Star Tribune and Author of How I Found Myself in the Midwest – A Memoir of Reinvention. Grove will share reflections on identity, purpose, and the power of going local—highlighting St. Cloud’s pivotal role in his story. A moderated Q&A, book signing, and photo opportunity will follow.  This free event is open to the public. Registration is encouraged, and walk-ins will be welcomed as space allows.

📖 Book is available for pre-order during event registration, or through Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, Target, and Books-a-Million.   

Register Here

There’s still time to recognize the organizations driving progress and setting the standard for workplace excellence in Greater St. Cloud.

🏆 Innovation Awards
For 13 years, the GSDC Innovation Awards have honored 66 organizations across Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties for their creative solutions and measurable impact—locally and beyond. These awards celebrate organizations that have successfully implemented new products, services, technologies, or business models to solve problems and deliver value.

🌟 Employer of Choice Award
Launched in 2023, the GSDC Employer of Choice Award spotlights organizations that stand out as exceptional places to work. It honors those who prioritize employee engagement, well-being, and talent retention while cultivating a positive, high-performing culture.

Whether you're leading the charge or know a standout organization, we invite you to nominate or apply by July 25.  

Submit Nomination or Application Here

The GSDC has kicked off its first ever Greater St. Cloud Snapshot Challenge, a regional photo contest running until August 29. We're calling on residents, visitors, and photographers of all skill levels to submit photos that capture the spirit of our region—its people, places, and everyday moments—within 25 miles of St. Cloud in Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties.

Top entries will be featured in future GSDC marketing, with cash prizes totaling $1,000: 🥇 $500 | 🥈 $300 | 🥉 $200

Suggested photo themes include: community life, scenic nature, local businesses, industry, hidden gems, architecture, landmarks, events, arts, and culture. 

Think of images that capture the people, places, and moments that show the world what makes the Greater St. Cloud community shine!

Submit Your Photos Here

📅 Thursday, September 11

📍 Milk & Honey Ciders, Harvester Square, 11738 County Road 51, St. Joseph⏰ 4-6 PM

Join us at FastLane94 BarCamp—an unconventional, participant-driven event where anyone can take the stage to share their passion. With no set schedule, expect spontaneous talks on everything from tech tips to whiskey distilling. It’s a great chance to connect, learn, and be inspired. All are welcome!

Learn More & Register Here

📅 Tuesday, September 23

📍 Harvester Square, 539 E. St. Germain St., St. Cloud

⏰ 4-8 PM

Join us at DisruptHR St. Cloud—an information exchange designed to energize, inform and empower people in the HR field.  Speakers get 5 minutes and 20 auto advancing slides to share a fresh, disruptive idea related to HR, talent, workplace culture, or leadership.  Cost to attend is $33.85, including taxes and processing fee.  

Learn More & Register Here

• St. Cloud Area QBR Report - June 2025