Shutdown Ends - K-Shaped Economy Ahead?


Big news last week. A lot happened! The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended after 43 days, Minnesota property taxes are going up, And Mayor-Elect Her shared her priorities for the year ahead. 

Give to the Max day is November 20. Give early and support the Chamber’s own Foundation as we work to fund workforce and talent initiatives as well as scholarships for Leadership St. Paul (LSP) tuition and community grants for our LSP Nonprofit Engagement Program Partners.

Know someone who should enroll in LSP 2026? Applications are open now! 



What is LSP? Leadership St. Paul (LSP) is the premier cohort learning program in the Twin Cities for emerging and current civic & business leaders that prepares, challenges, and engages leaders to strengthen the St. Paul/East Metro region.


Find out more information here and tell your friends and colleague to apply.

MN Skills - Based Hiring Accelerator



Wednesday, November 19 | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM


The Twin Cities Metro Workforce Development Boards are establishing a new partnership with Goodwill Easter-Seals, the Saint Paul Area Chamber, the Minneapolis Regional Chamber and Twin Cities SHRM for the MN Skills-Based Hiring Accelerator program. Employers can participate in a half-day in-person workshop to receive in-depth learning 

Roseville Business Exchange


Wednesday, December 3 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM


Join us as we recognize the outstanding contributions of Roseville businesses, network with fellow professionals, and share in the goodwill of the holidays. Enjoy light refreshments, lively conversation, and a warm, festive atmosphere — the perfect way to close out the year.

Holiday Chamber Connect


Tuesday, December 9 | 5:00 PM


The St. Paul Area Chamber, along with our partner chambers, annually hosts a wintertime celebration for Chamber members, friends and colleagues. We'll have free food and drink samples from local restaurants, caterers, breweries and more, as well as a cash bar.


Young Professionals: Holiday Party


Thursday, December 11 | 4:30 - 6:30 PM


oin the Young Professionals for their Holiday Party at MetroNOME Brewery and GLOW Holiday Festival.

Is your small business a certified Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) being impacted by the US DOT Interim Final Rule (IFR)?

If so, please share your story so we can prepare resources to address your concerns.

The Marketplace brings together trusted, Chamber-vetted businesses and showcases exclusive offers for our community. If you haven’t explored it yet, now is a great time to take a look—and if you’re a Chamber member, you can even add a coupon or special offer directly through your profile to attract new customers.


Let’s continue strengthening our local business community together.

Ramsey County invites you to apply for CEO Next, a dynamic peer-learning program designed for business leaders ready to take their companies to the next level. This program brings together CEOs to address the challenges of scaling and provides access to high-quality research and expert support. Through a partnership with Dakota, Scott and Hennepin counties, CEO Next is available at no cost to individuals leading companies with annual revenues over $1 million and between 10 to 99 employees. Get more details and apply at RamseyCountyMN.gov/CEONext.

SAINT PAUL, Minn. (November 14, 2025) DGPilot, the Twin Cities’ premier travel-lifestyle store, is preparing for takeoff at a new location within the historic Union Depot in downtown Saint Paul. The store will open on Friday, November 28 just in time for the holiday shopping season.

 

The move marks an exciting new chapter for the local retailer, which has spent the past five years in its previous Saint Paul storefront and 10 years building a brand rooted in all things Minnesota, travel, and aviation.


View the full PRESS RELEASE here.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – With 50 days to go until the best hockey players under 20 take the ice in Minnesota for the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, local organizers officially “dropped the puck” today at Mall of America®, marking the start of the state’s countdown to hosting the 50th edition of the iconic international tournament, taking place Dec. 26, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026, at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul and 3M Arena at Mariucci in Minneapolis. 


CLICK HERE to read the full press release.

SAINT PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – In a night filled with laughter, tears, and the unmistakable spirit of the State of Hockey, Jacqueline (pron. JACK-a-LEEN) Nowakowski of Lino Lakes, Minn., was crowned as the 2026 Hockey Mom of the Year during the Hockey Mom Face-off at the Huntington® Bank Rotunda inside Mall of America.


Hosted by WCCO-AM’s Vineeta Sawkar and Kristi Plante, hockey mom of 2025 World Junior gold medalist Max Plante, the event brought hockey family, friends and fans together to celebrate the unsung heroes who make youth hockey possible.


View the full PRESS RELEASE HERE.

This December, the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship celebrates its 50th anniversary right here in the State of Hockey. Over 29 games and 11 unforgettable days, fans from around the globe will experience not only world-class hockey, but also the best of Minnesota hospitality, events, and culture.


The World Juniors Puck Partners program is your chance to help welcome the world and show why Minnesota is the State of Hockey. Participating businesses will be featured in the official World Juniors visitors guide, gaining direct exposure to thousands of fans. By offering special promotions, events, or extended hours, you’ll help create an atmosphere that makes this milestone tournament one to remember—and keeps fans coming back to Minnesota long after the final horn.


Businesses can CLICK HERE to Register.

Yorth Group Term of the Month: Blue-green Infrastructure

Green infrastructure refers to trees and woods, gardens, parks, green roofs, open spaces, and other “soft” elements in the built environment; similarly, blue infrastructure means features like lakes, streams, fountains, storm drainage, ponds, etc. Together, blue-green infrastructure comprises those elements of urban landscapes that make the environment a pleasant, healthy, and desirable space to live, work and play.

APPLE VALLEY, Minn. – Royal Credit Union (Royal) has announced David Christiansen as Treasury Management Officer. In this role, Christiansen will collaborate with Royal’s business teams to deliver customized treasury and cash management solutions that help business Members enhance their cash flow, streamline daily operations, and manage financial risk. Based in the Apple Valley office, Christiansen will serve Members throughout the Greater Minneapolis–St. Paul area. 

 

Christiansen comes to Royal with 15 years of experience in the finance industry, where he has held a variety of roles. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota- Duluth.  


Click here to read the full press release on our website

Washington County Commissioner and Board Chair Stan Karwoski, District 2, received the Minnesota Transportation Alliance’s Transportation Advocate Award Nov. 3 for his leadership and long-term commitment to strengthening Minnesota’s transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit systems, and other modes.


Karwoski has been a vocal supporter of the METRO Gold Line Bus Rapid Transit project and has championed roadway safety improvements and regional transportation planning that benefit residents and employers throughout Washington County.


Read the full press release HERE.

DEED’s business financing programs help companies and communities retain existing jobs and create new high-quality jobs. Not all businesses are eligible. Qualifying companies must meet specific job creation and wage goals.


Trying to grow your business? Minnesota’s tax credits programs can help. Businesses must meet certain criteria to be eligible for tax credits. Requirements are set by each program.

Beginning Thursday, Nov. 6, at 10 a.m. CT, fans will have the opportunity to purchase medal-round ticket packages for the 2026 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship at WorldJuniorsMN26.com. The medal round of the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held at Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul and feature the final four teams competing for gold, silver, and bronze, culminating with the gold-medal game on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026.

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) is part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 and includes $10 billion for state, territory and tribal business finance programs. Minnesota has been approved by the U.S. Department of the Treasury for up to $97 million for small business financing support. This is the second SSBCI initiative – Minnesota received $15 million through the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. Minnesota will receive funds in three disbursements over several years. DEED has received the initial disbursement of approximately $29.5 million. Watch the webinar recording providing information on the State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0 Program Overview.

Union Depot is getting ready to host its annual Hub for the Holidays event series. A variety of festivities will take place throughout the merry season beginning Friday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025.


Highlights include:


  • European Christmas Market, four three-day weekends beginning November 28 
  • North Pole Express, December 5 – 7 and December 11 – 14
  • Tree Lighting, Movie Night and Saint Paul Winter Carnival Button Unveiling, Saturday, Dec. 6
  • Holiday Bake Sale, Saturday, Dec. 13
  • CPKC Holiday Train, Saturday, Dec. 13

 

CLICK HERE to view details on each event

You could win $500! Take Our Mall of America® Holiday Shopping Survey

The holidays are coming fast! Are you ready to shop, celebrate, and spread some cheer? 

Take our quick Mall of America® Holiday Shopping Survey and tell us how you plan to shop this season. You’ll be entered for a chance to win a $500 Mall of America® shopping spree to make your holidays even brighter! Winners will be contacted by email after the sweepstakes concludes.

Circus Juventas Holiday 2025 Production: Solstice

As the forest creatures prepare for the great winter solstice celebration, a ripple runs through the frosted wood. Jack Frost has gone missing, swept away to the lair of the Summer Sorcerer, who is determined to usher in an age of eternal heat. Only the caretakers of the seasons can free Jack in time to stop the sorcerer and ring in winter.


This December, flip, tumble, and careen through glittering woods and snow-dappled clearings on a holiday adventure to save the seasons as Circus Juventas presents the spectacular holiday production “Solstice.”


Tickets go on sale online on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025

$25 Children - 12 and under, seniors, students, and military

$35 Adults


CLICK HERE to learn more

WORKFORCE

Tree Trust Offers Paid Job Training for Young Adults

Tree Trust is accepting applicants ages 18–28 for its Branches employment training program this fall and winter. The program is open to those with a high school diploma, GED, or completion of 12th grade and enrollment in a transition program.


The next cohort runs Sept. 3–Nov. 12, 2025, with another following from Nov. 17, 2025–Jan. 30, 2026. Participants work Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m., earning $16/hour while gaining experience in tree care and landscape construction. Perks include free daily transportation, paid work gear, certification in CPR/First Aid and arboriculture, driving permit/license support, and a dedicated employment coach.


CLICK HERE to apply.

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