Members of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce have big things happening! Here are the news briefs from July & August, 2025.
Have some news to submit? Send press releases, staff additions, awards and more to Emily Bertram.
JLG Architects promotes Mickelson
JLG Architects’ Pete Mikelson was promoted to director of integrative design. Mikelson, a licensed architect in Minnesota, joined JLG Architects in May 2023 as a senior project designer, bringing over 23 years of experience.
James Kramer III recognized
Kramer Financial Advisor James Kramer III, MBA, CEPA®, CFP was included in LPL Financial’s Masters Club for 2025. This distinction celebrates a select group of advisors who have achieved excellence in financial guidance.
Allen joins Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A.
Attorney Brian Allen has joined Quinlivan & Hughes, P.A., bringing expertise in estate planning, business and real estate law to the firm. Allen, a University of Nebraska College of Law graduate, primarily serves the estate planning group.
Brenny Specialized recognized
Brenny Specialized was named a Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Elite Fleet Certified Carrier. This recognition highlights North American for-hire truckload carriers that foster exceptional work environments, offer competitive compensation, and implement innovative practices to support their drivers.
Lemke joins Schlenner Wenner
Cameron Lemke is now a CPA at Schlenner Wenner. Lemke joined the St. Cloud office in 2022, graduating from Saint John’s University in 2023 before starting full time with the tax department where he works on clients’ bookkeeping, assists with personal and business tax returns, and prepares financial statements.
PCI named at Top Workplace
Preferred Credit Inc. (PCI) was named a USA Today Top Workplace for 2025. USA Today’s Top Workplaces celebrates businesses with over 150 employees who have built outstanding cultures. The award is based on employee feedback.
Food and fund drive raises over $20,000
The 15th annual Catholic Charities Pack the Porches food and fund drive, benefiting Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf, received 6,437 pounds of food and $21,291 in donated funds during the six-hour event in March. Coborn’s matched all food and fund donations up to $15,000.
Coborn’s acquires two new stores
Coborn’s Inc. signed a purchase agreement to acquire two grocery stores in Aberdeen and Miller, South Dakota. The stores were operated by the Kessler family under the Kessler’s Food and Grocery banner. The approximately 250 employees at these stores will be hired by Coborn’s.
Lutgen receives service award
Lutgen Companies received the Master Elite President’s Club Award from roofing manufacturer GAF. This award is given to GAF-certified roofing contractors who consistently demonstrate excellence in performance, reliability, and service.
BCI announces promotions
Several BCI employees have recently been promoted to new roles.
- Elliot Williams was promoted to site superintendent.
- Emma Anderson and Jonathon Rau were promoted to associate project managers.
- Emma Christianson and Ryan Pitman were promoted to project coordinators.
Kinder Coffee Lab opens second location
St. Cloud coffee shop Kinder Coffee Lab purchased the former Rock Creek Coffeehouse location in Sauk Rapids. The Sauk Rapids store is Kinder Coffee’s second location, incorporating Kinder Coffee staples while keeping Rock Creek favorites on the menu.
Larson recognized by Marquis
Chase Larson, executive vice president at St. Cloud Financial Credit Union, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Bremer Bank transitions
Bremer Bank is now a division of Old National Bank. As accounts and services transition in the coming months, all operations will be under the Old National name.
Anderson joins DSC Communications
Ryan Anderson joined DSC Communications as director of sales strategy. Anderson has over a decade of experience driving growth, leading high-performing teams, and implementing strategic initiatives. He is a graduate of University of Wisconsin – Stout and previously held roles at Verizon and Spectrum.
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 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.
Jules’ earns SBA award
Jules’ Bistro was recognized as the 2024 Minnesota Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Owner Donella Westphal purchased the restaurant in 2017, and has since grown it from 15 to 36 employees, and annual revenue from $227,000 to over $1.76 million. She is a 2023 graduate of the SBA’s THRIVE program.
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.
Inselman promoted at Rice
Tonya Inselman was promoted to vice president of human resources at Rice Companies. Inselman joined the company four years ago and now leads an HR team for over 150 employees across seven locations.
CentraCare Foundation welcomes staff
Arlene Williams has joined the CentraCare Foundation as development officer. Williams has experience across multiple industries, previously working for the St. Cloud Country Club, Catholic Community Schools, St. Cloud Technical and Community College, and St. Cloud State University.
Administrative Assistant Season Groess recently joined the staff at CentraCare Foundation. Groess supports the major gifts and development teams.
Owens promoted to Director of Operations
Paige Owens was promoted from executive administrator to director of operations at ConnectAbility of MN. Owens has been with the organization since October 2024 and has played an instrumental role in advancing its mission. In her role, Owens will work with the leadership team to continue the development and fortify the foundation of the organization.
Skalicky appointed to council
Stearns Bank President and CEO Kelly Skalicky was appointed to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council (CDIAC). The CDIAC plays a role in advising the Minneapolis Fed president from the perspective of Ninth District thrifts, credit unions, and banks with total assets of less than $10 billion.
Local law firms merge
Claudia Revermann, Revermann Law Office, and Betsey Lund Ross, Lund Ross, P.A., have merged to form Revermann Lund Ross (rlr). The merger, which was effective May 1, 2025, brings together two women-led practices with a shared passion for accessible, client-centered legal services.
Jungels appointed chair
Joanna Jungels, over-dimensional permits manager at Anderson Trucking Service, was named chair of the Transportation Group of the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA). Jungels has held various committee roles within SC&RA over 19 years, helping drive initiatives focused on safety education and training, regulatory advocacy, and industry advancement..
Schwirtz earns national recognition
St. Cloud Financial Credit Union Chief Experience Officer (CXO) Meggan Schwirtz has been named to Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women Chief Experience Officers list for the second straight year, recognizing her as one of the top women CXOs in the country.
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.
Gustafson named Supplier of the Year
Nikki Gustafson received the 2025 Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) Sam Gilmer Supplier of the Year Award at the National Education Conference. The SGMP mission is to enhance and promote the expertise of government meeting professionals.
