Don’t Miss Out On Small Business Saturday

With Thanksgiving approaching fast, people are starting to get ready for the shopping spree that follows. Although Black Friday and Cyber Monday are seen as the biggest shopping events, Small Business Saturday is also a great day to shop deals. Small Business Saturday offers people a great chance to get out and explore some of the small businesses in their area, which usually aren’t destinations on Black Friday, as the major retailers draw most of the shoppers.

Last year, 88 million people took part in Small Business Saturday, and this year it could draw even more. This year’s Small Business Saturday will take place on Saturday, November 28th - the day after Black Friday.

    

You have the opportunity win great prizes by taking part in Small Business Saturday. All you have to do is use #ShopSmallSTC on Facebook and Twitter to share where you are shopping during the day. People who use the #ShopSmallSTC hashtag will automatically be entered to win great prizes from a variety of local businesses in the St. Cloud Area.

Winners will be randomly selected following the event on Monday, November 30th. If you win a prize, you will be notified by a private Facebook message or a direct message on Twitter, which will inform you as to which prize you won and how you can go about claiming it.

This is a great opportunity not only for yourself but also for your community. By shopping on Small Business Saturday, you can help the small businesses of St. Cloud grow and thrive as the money people spend stays in the community rather than going to huge corporations. So get up, get out, and shop local on Small Business Saturday - and don’t forget to share your experience on Facebook and Twitter using #ShopSmallSTC.

The Best Fall Outing Locations in St. Cloud

In other parts of the country, you may need to travel quite a distance to properly view the changing leaves of fall and enjoy a leisure stroll in the crisp fall air- not so in Minnesota. The St. Cloud area alone harbors some of the best fall walking and biking areas in the state.

River Bluffs Regional Park
River Bluffs Regional Park has much to offer all year round. Picnic areas,  boat launches, and beautiful scenery make this park the perfect destination to take the canoe or kayak and enjoy stunning views of the Mississippi - and maybe get a little fishing done while you're at it. The park also boasts over 12 miles of walking and hiking trails.

Lake George Municipal Complex

Smack dab in the middle of St. Cloud, the Lake George Municipal Complex is located just off Highway 23. There are paved paths around the lake and throughout the park. If you would like to take your family on a short bike ride or walk around the lake, this is the perfect spot. With short paths around the park, it is perfect for families with young children. There is plenty of sprawling green space to take a rest and have a small picnic after your bike ride.

The path around the lake offers a scenic view of the entire lake. Many times, you’ll see families of ducks and swans swimming on the placid surface. If you’re looking for some fresh air and an easy walk, Lake George is the perfect site for your next family outing.


Riverside Park

Riverside Park is just a short walk from the Munsinger/Clemens Gardens located on the southwest side of town. Riverside Park boasts one of the best playgrounds in the area; your kids will love the small rock climbing wall and the open space. Riverside Park is full of large, beautiful trees which, in the next couple of weeks, will be a kaleidoscope of oranges, reds, and yellows. Many paths run along the river and throughout the park. Riverside Park also has an extensive disc golf course that weaves through patches of trees. As it is every year, it’s sure to be a stunning location this fall. (Don’t forget to come back this winter to go sledding!)






Friedrich Park

Friedrich Park, located at the eastern end of University Drive by St. Cloud State University, just celebrated its official re-opening. The park is the site of the old quarries and was originally opened as a park in the 1930’s. George Friedrich, along with St. Cloud State University, opened up the quarry pits for swimming; he installed diving boards and rafts for the area’s swimmers.



Besides the granite quarries, the land was described as “barren”, but George Friedrich went through the park planting trees which are still there today. With trails weaving through the forest and water-filled quarries, this will be a colorful and beautiful spot to bike or stroll this fall. The previously closed park already boasts signs of an avid mountain biking community. The trails through this park are probably for the more advanced cyclist, but would also make a great destination for hikers of any skill.

Upcoming Fall Events in St. Cloud

Autumn is undoubtedly a busy season for many families, professionals, and students, with new schedules, routines, deadlines, and assignments, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take some time to kick back and relax with loved ones. Celebrate the season by exploring these upcoming, late fall events in the greater St. Cloud community.

Pumpkinfest

Location and Time: Friday, October 16, at Lake George from 4 to 7 p.m.

A spooktacular fall festival for kids under 12, this exciting, fun, and free event is the perfect place for your family to begin celebrating Halloween over MEA weekend. It’s also the perfect opportunity for your kids to test out their costumes for Halloween night. Come for arts and crafts, a petting zoo, hayrides, pumpkin painting, food vendors, and treats. Stay for the outdoor movie, Monsters University, at dusk.

Women’s Showcase

Location and Time: Saturday, October 17, at the River’s Edge Convention Center, All Day

As part of Small Business Saturday, the 18th Annual Saint Cloud Women’s Showcase will feature nationally-recognized speakers, entertainers, and hundreds of exhibits focusing on resources, companies, and products that enhance the lives of women. The event will focus on themes of health, education, and entertainment for women.

Downtown Art Crawl

Location and Time: Friday, November 6, downtown St. Cloud, along West St. Germain Street between 5th Avenue North and 9th Avenue North, 5 to 9 p.m.

Looking to add more culture to your life? Visit the St. Cloud Art Crawl to celebrate and discover local and regional artists, and engage in St. Cloud’s diverse and vibrant growing arts community as artists present their works on the streets of downtown and in participating local shops and boutiques. Engage with friends, maybe do some early Christmas shopping, and explore historic downtown while taking in new and beautiful creations in our local community.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

Location and Time: October 16 through October 25, at the Paramount Theater, various times

Recommended for all ages and presented by the Great River Educational Arts Theater, this Stephen Duckham-adaptation will be a non-musical and comedic version of the classic Grimm Brothers fairy tale. Escape into the fun and enchanting fairy tale for one magical night. For more information on show times and ticket purchases, visit the Paramount website.

For more information on these and more events in the Greater St. Cloud Community, visit Around the Cloud.

What Does Downtown St. Cloud Have to Offer?

The city of St. Cloud has much to offer to families, young professionals, and those looking for a new start in life. Historic downtown St. Cloud has become a cornerstone of change and excitement by embracing new businesses, trends, and people from all walks of life. 

Enticing Entertainment

Downtown St. Cloud offers the best entertainment and events in the regional area. The beautiful and recently renovated River’s Edge Convention Center offers events, conferences, expos, job fairs, and more. The Paramount Theater & Visual Arts Center and Pioneer Place play host to a variety of cultural experiences and local talent in the form of art exhibits, theater shows and musicals, comedy shows, live music performances, workshops, and so much more. Downtown St. Cloud also hosts a number of annual events, such as:

St. Cloud Farmer’s Market
Historic Pub Crawl
Winter Festival
St. Cloud Art Crawl
Granite City Days

Fabulous Food

The downtown food scene embraces a variety of classic St. Cloud to upcoming trendy bars and eateries. Take your pick from locally-owned restaurants; grab a plate of Parmesan Encrusted Walleye at Nick’s on Third of D.B. Searle’s or try the Spicy Thai Burger at The White Horse, or, of course, the Bison Burger at MC’s Dugout. With the recently opened Beaver Island Brewing Company Brewery and Taproom, local craft brewing has returned to Downtown St. Cloud for the first time in over 75 years!

Sensational Shopping

Look beyond Crossroads Mall for shopping and retail experiences. Downtown offers everything from big department store browsing at Herberger’s to novelty shops like Granite City Comic and Invincible Costumes. You can find sports shops, bridal boutiques, salons, used book stores, jewelers, and more locally-owned shops that offer unique opportunities with a small-town, local feel.

Downtown St. Cloud truly has something to offer everyone. If you don’t believe us, check it out for yourself! We are confident we will change your mind. Check out aroundthecloud.org and stclouddowntown.com for the most up-to-date events.

Welcome Back St. Cloud Students!

As summer draws to a close, we’d like to take this opportunity to welcome back the students of St. Cloud State University to campus for another year of academic excellence and excitement. There’s no better way to have a fantastic college career than to get involved on campus and in the community, and to try new experiences with new friends. Take advantage of all that St. Cloud has to offer.

Whether you are interested in exploring the numerous parks, trails, and Mississippi river points or taking in a bit of culture at the Paramount Theater, Parkwood Cinema, and Great River Regional Library, there’s something for everyone in the Greater St. Cloud area. Visit with friends at one of the many delicious and diverse dining spots and bars all over town. Use the moments of exploration and experience to enhance your studies on campus.

To really make the most of your time, get involved in a campus organization and volunteer through the many community programs. The Greater St. Cloud area has incredible networking opportunities; from internship levels to career prospects with local and national companies. This means equal opportunities to learn, work, and play- and who knows where your adventures will take you?

Visit these sites for more information community happenings, events and employment opportunities in the Greater St. Cloud area:

• Around the Cloud
• Greater St. Cloud JobSpot
• Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
• St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce
• St. Cloud Greater
• St. Cloud State University
• St. Cloud Technical & Community College

In addition to these sites, check out the St. Cloud Times2Go app. The app gives you information on everything from “Things to Do” to “Need to Know” to opportunities for recreation, shopping, dining, rental opportunities, and more. A great portion of the app is designed specifically for the 35,000 college students in the area, making the St. Cloud Times2Go app an excellent option for newcomers and residents alike.

Get connected and get involved with the Greater St. Cloud community, and don’t miss out on any opportunities! Explore and Be Great!

Three Tools for Starting and Expanding Your Business

One of the main focuses of St. Cloud Greater is to help businesses expand or develop within St. Cloud. To help this process, we have included a few tools on our website. These tools could be beneficial to you wherever you are on your entrepreneurial journey; whether you are just starting out or expanding.

Our first tool is the Site Selector.  Location One Information System (LOIS) is a GIS-enhanced mapping tool that enables users to dynamically search for commercial, industrial, office, flex and retail spaces for sale or lease in the City of St. Cloud. You can also use this tool to create site-specific demographic analysis, and utilize interactive maps to identify an optimal business location in the City of St. Cloud. The tool is typically used by real estate brokers, but can be used by anyone looking for commercial or industrial buildings or land.

The next tool is the Development Activity map, which can be incredibly useful to those developing a business in our city. The activity map is updated monthly and shows how property in St. Cloud is being developed. The categories shown are industrial, institutional, medical, office, service, and commercial. The map also defines projects under construction or completed projects in the city with a building permit value equal to or greater than $250,000. This tool can help pinpoint areas in which your business may thrive. (For example, Downtown and Division Street continue to be hotbeds for redeveloping and new construction.)

Lastly, our Business Assistance Resource page is a wealth of resources. Take a look at the Business and Community Resource Guide that was created by The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

The guide’s table of contents will help you ascertain which parts of the guide would answer specific questions you may have relating to your business and which state resources might be your best fit. It covers everything from how to get in the Made In Minnesota Directory to tax exemptions on capital equipment. The Business Assistance page has resources regarding business counseling, loans/grants, tax credits and worker training that are provided by many of our partners.

The St. Cloud Economic Development Department wants to provide you with personalized services to meet your business's  growing needs. You can always call our office to discuss your unique business project. Contact Cathy Mehelich or Tammy Campion at 320-255-7218 and we will connect you with the appropriate resources to help you do things such as locate grants for customized training, find loans for land acquisition, building construction, machinery/equipment, search for tax credits for job creation and tax incentives for job creation and investments in targeted industry sectors.

Spice Up Your Summer with the Sizzlin' Summer Art Crawl

Summertime is a busy time for folks of all ages- full of weddings, festivals, fairs and trips to the beach- but if you haven’t yet made time to go to one of the Downtown St. Cloud Art Crawls this year, The Sizzling Summer Art Crawl on August 14th is sure to be an experience unlike anything else you will do this summer.

10 years ago, a group of small business owners collaborated to create an event that would promote small businesses and the arts of St. Cloud. Now the St. Cloud Art Crawl is a collaboration of volunteers, sponsors, local businesses (big and small), musicians and artists. 

Ellen Nelson (who runs the Paramount Gallery) and Julie Mische (owner of Jules’ Bistro) have been running the Art Crawl for the past few years. Their mission is to promote the work of local and regional artists, engage our community and visitors with a quality arts, encourage visitation to downtown shops and restaurants, and increase the recognition of downtown St. Cloud as a place to go for quality regional art experiences and performances. There are usually a few art crawls that run throughout the year, but for the Sizzlin' Summer Art Crawl, local business and performers up their game, increase their efforts and throw one heck of an all ages event!

For the Sizzling Summer Art Crawl, hours will be extended from normal hours to 3-9 pm. For the first time, St. Germain Street will be blocked off to allow for larger performances and the increase in patrons this special event brings every year. This event is one for all ages- family day or date night, no one will be disappointed. There will be children's activities and wonderful opportunities for kids to be exposed to a wide variety of mediums.

With 2015 being the 10 year anniversary of the St. Cloud Art Crawl, there are some new attractions (as well as some old favorites) added to the lineup. Thanks to a portion of St. Germain being blocked off for the event, students of Jeff Ringer, owner of  StudioJeff, will perform in the street. Carnivale Revolver Burlesque Troupe will be there with their talented hula hoopers, mimes, and performances that have become a staple to the Art Crawls. The Marine Corps is representing its presence in St. Cloud by setting up a rock climbing wall near Falcon Bank for the event.

There will be demonstration artists, including the Mid Minnesota Association of Woodturners and a weaver with her loom by the Metro Transit Station.  Paddy’s Game Shop is even putting on a special Magic tournament on friday night. There is no way to put into words all that this event will entail, you just have to experience it for yourself. Imagine the possibilities of painters, sculptors, potters and live music. Even if you have been to an art crawl before, this one will be different- larger art, bigger performances, more space and more hours to enjoy. 

As with any positive impact on the community, it takes people stepping up to make it happen; Art Crawl St. Cloud is always looking for volunteers, artists, venues and sponsors. If you are interested please visit the  Art Crawl website. You can also contribute just by showing up and being a patron of the local businesses, we hope to see you there!

New Additions to Summertime by George 2015

It’s that time of year again- Summertime By George is finally back in St. Cloud!

Since 2011, each Wednesday night of the summer is filled with music, art and entertainment around Lake George, and this year the tradition continues- with some new additions.

This year, SBG began a new activity for the little St. Cloudians in the area- Little Georgetown. Each week, there are different sports and arts and crafts activities to keep the little ones in your life busy. Sports include soccer, baseball, dodgeball, kickball, and other physical activities. Crafts include face painting, mini canvas painting, clay sculpting, ceramics and much more. Summertime by George, after all, is not just for bringing out the children in the adults of St. Cloud, but for entertaining the actual children as well!

Another new addition this year is the Bike Corral. Though the trolley is a great addition to the parking problems, it still can be pretty difficult to try and find a parking spot around the lake each Wednesday night. This summer, ride your bike instead! You don’t have to worry about leaving it unattended- the corral is a secure area, attended by volunteers from St. John’s Prep School. It’s like a coat check for your bike, and best of all, it’s free!

After you’ve got your bike-check ticket, head over to the tavern area and take advantage of another new addition to the 2015 Summertime By George amenities: the food runners! For a small service charge (donated the rotary club), you can sit in your seat, sip on your beverage, and have food from a weekly menu brought directly to you! No more trying to finish your beverage to leave the tavern area because you want to get cheese curds, or trying to convince a friend to fetch you a Gyro from Middletown Market. Keep your seat safe and enjoy the music as your food is brought directly to you!

Summer is in full swing again and so is St. Cloud’s favorite music festival. With the new additions to Summertime by George this year, you have plenty of reasons to stop by once, twice, or every week!

We Want to See What You See: 2015 St. Cloud GREATER Photo and Video Contest

What does summertime in St. Cloud mean to you? Does it mean a visit to Munsinger Gardens when the flowers first bloom? Does it mean watching fireworks on Fourth of July at Hester Park with sparklers and mini donuts in hand? Or does it mean paddle boating around Lake George after a lazy Sunday morning? We want you to capture all these moments that make St. Cloud a wonderful place to live and share them with your hometown through the 2015 St. Cloud GREATER Photo and Video contest.

Munsinger Gardens: Photo by Lindsey Kramer

The guidelines are simple. You might as well grab your camera now. We’re looking for photos and videos that exemplify what it means to enjoy life in St. Cloud. Whether that means trekking along the Mississippi and Sauk Rivers, venturing through historic downtown, beautiful parks and gardens, or exploring other avenues of community life and culture, we want to see how you see St. Cloud. Check out classic summertime St. Cloud events like Summertime By George, Granite City Days, the Downtown Art Crawl, and the July 4^th fireworks over the Mississippi and capture moments with your neighbors, family, and loved ones.

We encourage photographers and videographers of all ages and expertise levels to submit up to ten entries by 4:00 p.m. on July 10, 2015.

A jury of photography and video professionals and staff will judge entries based on subject matter, composition, clarity, overall impact, and how well they depict life in St. Cloud. The jury will recommend finalists to Mayor Kleis who will announce the top three winners at the August 24 St. Cloud City Council meeting. Those winners will then compete for the People's Choice Award via

Germain Street. Photo by Rebecca Simpson

Facebook.

Share your work and perspective with us in the 2015 St. Cloud GREATER Photo and Video Contest this summer and capture moments that remind you of why you live and love in St. Cloud.

For a comprehensive and detailed list of contest requirements, visit http://www.ci.stcloud.mn.us/996/PhotoVideo-Contest. Show us your favorite hometown moments and memories and share your thoughts on what makes St. Cloud a great place to live, work, and play. Start flexing those creative muscles now.

Spring Activities in St. Cloud

Photo Credit: Meghan Kiley

The snow is gone, the ground is thawed, and the birds are chirping in the freshly-budding trees; it’s springtime in St. Cloud! Finally the frigid temperatures of winter are gone and St. Cloud residents are ready to get out and about in the city. If you are looking to cure your cabin fever with some outdoor activities, here are a few options around the St. Cloud Area:

Parks- St. Cloud has an array of beautiful parks to choose from. For the flower lover, Munsinger Clemens Gardens never disappoints- especially in the springtime, when the plants and foliage are just beginning to bloom. For a family-friendly park alternative, Lake George comes equipped with a ½ mile walking path around the lake, picnic area, and playground- great for a fun day out for the whole family.

Disc Golf- Growing in popularity over the last decade, St. Cloud has two distinct disc golf courses: Riverside Park and Cavalry Park. As the name suggests, Riverside Park is located on the banks of the Mississippi River just south of St. Cloud State University campus. The park features rolling hills, trees, and scenic views. The winds blowing from the bluffs prove an added challenge to the game. Calvary Hill Park offers an alteration of open and tight shots and dual tees on most holes for all skill levels. For more information, visit the St. Cloud Disc Golf Club’s Facebook page.

Biking- Getting around town can be difficult during the frigid Minnesota winter. When the warm weather comes out again, so do the cyclists of the area. St. Cloud’s Beaver Island Trail follows the Mississippi River from St. Cloud State University for 2.5 miles. The trail carries on past excellent views of bluffs and the river.

Rox Baseball Game- For the sports fans out there, check out a St. Cloud Rox baseball game this spring! Tickets are available now on their website. The first game of the season is Saturday, May 30th hosting the Thunder Bay Border Cats.

Now that the winter weather is gone and Minnesota’s few precious months of beautiful weather are among us again, take advantage of a few activities around the St. Cloud area this spring. Whether it’s walking in a beautiful park, biking around town, or taking in a ball game, there are plenty of spring activities in the St, Cloud area.

River's Edge Convention Center

The River's Edge Convention Center strives to bring events like trade shows, wedding and regional sporting events to central Minnesota. But, did you know that a public art installation celebrating the natural environment walk exhibit and the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame are also housed in the 180,000 square foot space?

Being along the Mississippi has its perks. Enter through the west entrance and experience this two-story exhibit that puts the spotlight on 118 different species of plants, animals, fish and other wildlife that are native to the river. This work is a cross section of the river, which allows viewers to see above and below the waterline.

Here you can visualize the natural history of the Mississippi, as portrayed by artists associated with the Paramount Visual Arts Center. This 40 x 25 ft feature wall was created by three master artists and six apprentice artists from central Minnesota.

The Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame Museum preserves the history of baseball within our state. Minnesota has a glorious past of minor leagues, semi-pro and hometown teams. This museum harbors several artifacts including uniforms, caps, gloves, bats and game day programs. Continuing the tradition of this museum is important to the Convention Center.

The Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame Museum is located on the second floor of the convention center and is open to the public. There is no cost to explore the museum. The museum is open year round 8:00 AM-4:30 PM Weekdays and on weekends when the convention center is open for events but may be closed due to certain events that are being held in the center! If you are interested in when the museum is open you can call the River’s Edge Administrative Office at (320) 255-7272.

The River's Edge Convention Center has more to offer than just a space for the community to meet. This space thrives on the culture that central Minnesota has to supply to its community. Stay up to date on all the GREAT events that are going on at the Convention Center, by following them on Facebook and Twitter!