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Voice of Business The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual Washington, D.C., fly-in trip yielded effective conversations and stronger relationships. By Julie Lunning
Three SCSU employees recognized Three St. Cloud State University employees were honored at the Minnesota State 2025 Board of Trustees Awards for Excellence for excellence in teaching and service. Associate Professor of Secondary Education Dr. J. Scott Baker was named
Members of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce traveled to Washington, D.C., in April. ———————
a 2025 Educator of the Year.; Dr. Melanie Guentzel, director of graduate student services, was a 2025 Outstanding Service Faculty recipient.; Dr. Jungwon Ahn, associate professor of engineering and engineering technology, was named a 2025 Outstanding Educator.
Cooper joins Jacobs Financial Gabby Cooper joined Jacobs Financial as marketing coordinator. In her role, she will help to elevate the brand, connect with clients, and support the mission of financial empowerment. Cooper previously worked at Anderson Trucking Service and Sun Tan City.
Stearns Electric earns award The marketing team at Stearns Electric Association took home the Gold Award for Best Internal Engagement at the annual National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Excellence Awards Program. The award recognized the success of their 2024 game-show-themed employee appreciation week.
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n April, 17 members of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce traveled to Washington, D.C., for our annual fly-in, an experience that blends purposeful advocacy with meaningful connections. This longstanding Chamber tradition puts business leaders from Central Minnesota face-toface with federal decisionmakers, ensuring that our region’s voice is heard where it matters most. Over the course of three days, we met with Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and Congressmen Tom Emmer, Pete Stauber, and Brad Finstad. Our conversations focused on top issues affecting our
business community, such as workforce shortages, housing needs, tax policy, and immigration reform. The discussions gave our members a chance to share how these national issues are playing out across industries in our region. We also received an insightful policy briefing from senior leaders at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, engaged in a housingfocused session with Tobias Peter from the American Enterprise Institute, and toured the White House. While the agenda was full, we carved out time to enjoy the culture and history of our nation’s capital. Group dinners
gave us the opportunity to build camaraderie and reflect on the value of our shared work. Our fly-in is a powerful example of what can happen when business leaders show up, speak out, and engage. We’re proud of what was accomplished and grateful to the Chamber members who gave their time and insights while representing the St. Cloud area. As we look ahead to our 2026 trip, we encourage you to join us. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned voice in public policy, this experience is an unparalleled opportunity to influence decisions that impact our region’s future, and to connect more deeply with fellow leaders who care just as much as you do. Julie Lunning is president of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce.