We are now accepting nominations for our esteemed I-Awards and Employer of Choice Award. These awards recognize exceptional innovation and outstanding workplace practices among for-profit and non-profit organizations in Benton, Sherburne, and Stearns counties.
Over the past 12 years, 62 organizations have been honored with I-Awards for their creative contributions that have made a significant impact locally and globally. The GSDC defines innovation for its I-Awards as a new product, service, practice, technology, or business model that offers a fresh solution to a challenge, has been implemented, enhances stakeholder experience, and adds value or generates revenue for a business or organization.
Introduced in 2023, the Employer of Choice Award acknowledges an employer that is highly sought after and prioritizes the well-being and happiness of both their employees and customers. This award recognizes companies that attract and retain top talent by offering a desirable work culture and environment.
Nominations/applications must be submitted by July 26, 2024.
May 23 All-Investors Meeting Recap, Plus Community Catalyst & Leadership Awards and Community Pillar Tribute
We had the pleasure of engaging with over 85 investors and stakeholders who joined us at The Ledge Amphitheater for the GSDC's All-Investors Meeting on May 23rd.
The highlight of the event was announcing the Community Catalyst and Leadership Award winners and honoring the Community Pillar Tribute.
Congratulations to EPIC, Exploring Potential Interests & Careers for receiving the Community Catalyst Award and to Patti Gartland for receiving the Leadership Award. The Community Pillar Tribute honored Bob Sexton.
A huge thank you goes out to the City of Waite Park and The Ledge Amphitheater team for their exceptional efforts in seamlessly coordinating and hosting our event.
MedTech 3.0
The leaders of the Minnesota MedTech 3.0 coalition came together on May 15 for an event focused on "Growing Minnesota's Global MedTech Leadership."
The roundtable featured an exciting presentation covering topics such as startup incubation, health data, talent, and workforce. Following this, engaging discussions with stakeholders and interactive Q&A sessions took place, promoting collaboration and fostering innovation within the industry.
A big shoutout to CentraCare and GREATER MSP for their generous support in making this event possible.
June 20 St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report Review
Every three months, King Banaian, the Interim Dean of the College of Education and Learning Design at St. Cloud State University, and Mana Komai Molle, the Chair of the Department of Economics at St. Cloud State University analyze the latest business and worker data, as well as the results from a survey of local business leaders. The result is the St. Cloud Area Quarterly Business Report (QBR). It has been published four times a year since 1999.
The next QBR Review is on Thursday, June 20 from 8 - 9 .m. at the Waite Park City Hall, 19 13th Ave N, Waite Park. Experts will discuss inflation expectations and the anticipated closure of the Fulfillment Distribution Center (FDC) in St. Cloud.
The collaboration of St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud Live, Magnifi Financial, Creative Planning, and the GSDC makes the quarterly QBR a reality, bringing together expertise and resources to foster business growth in the Greater St. Cloud region.
St. Cloud Shines stands out as the region's most comprehensive marketing tool. It showcases the many advantages of the Greater St. Cloud community to employees, entrepreneurs, employers, families, students, and beyond.
Today, we are spotlighting the My Shines Story of Karl Nohner, Workforce Development Program Manager at CentraCare. CentraCare is a founding partner of the GSDC and sponsors the St. Cloud Shines and EPIC (Exploring Potential Interests & Careers) initiatives. Karl initially engaged with the Greater St. Cloud community during his under-graduate education at St. John's University, and then decided to remain in the area to raise his family. He has volunteered his time and exceptional expertise to the GSDC serving as a former Industry Innovators Forum presenter.
This month, we shine the spotlight on our advocate-level investor, the Central Minnesota Builders Association (CMBA).
The CMBA strives to improve the Central Minnesota building industry by advocating for the industry at the local, state, and national levels; educating their members about building industry best practices; and connecting their members in activities that strengthen competitiveness, professionalism, and the public’s confidence in our industry.