Members of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce have big things happening! Here are the news briefs from March & April, 2025.
Have some news to submit? Send press releases, staff additions, awards and more to Emily Bertram.
Wing joins Coborn’s Inc.
Joshua Wing joined Coborn’s Inc. as the vice president of IT. Wing will lead the IT department’s daily operations and drive the implementation of innovative business solutions that align with strategic goals. With over 20 years of experience in the retail sector, Wing brings a wealth of knowledge in merchandising, e-commerce, inventory management, and supply chain systems.
Hoelscher named director of membership
The St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce hired Bradley Hoelscher as director of membership. Hoelscher will work to educate the business community on the benefits of a Chamber membership, grow existing member retention efforts, and maintain a presence for the Chamber among other stakeholders in the St. Cloud area. Hoelscher previously worked at Gallagher Insurance where he was a commercial insurance advisor.
Stearns Bank, Habitat for Humanity partner
Stearns Bank has partnered with Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity (CM Habitat), committing to purchasing $3 million worth of Habitat mortgages. CM Habitat holds the mortgages of the homes that are built within the program, limiting its ability to grow in scale. With Stearns Bank now committing to purchasing $3 million worth of CM Habitat mortgages, funds will be freed up to allow increased production of more affordable homes in Central Minn.
DSC Communications adds staff
Mat Solberg joined DSC Communications (formerly Granite Electronics) as director of technical services. Solberg holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota Duluth and has a background in business, healthcare, and operations management.
Metro Bus hires director of finance
Nene Israel joined Metro Bus as director of finance. Israel holds a Master’s in Business Administration and brings over 10 years of experience in the transportation industry. She currently serves as the treasurer for the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials, is an ambassador for the Transportation Cooperative Research Program (TCRP) and serves as a panelist for a TCRP study on financial management.
Thiesse named vice president
Rachel Thiesse was promoted to vice president at the St. Cloud Rox. Thiesse most recently was an assistant general manager after three years in promotions, beginning as a Rox intern in 2019. Originally from Becker, Thiesse received her ungraduated degree from St. Cloud State University and her graduate degree in sports management from Concordia University-St. Paul.
Catholic Charities promotes, hires staff
Alyssa Knese was promoted to director of behavioral health at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud. Knese will oversee Granite City Counseling and the day treatment programs in both St. Cloud and Elk River for Catholic Charities. Prior to her new role, Knese worked as clinical director of Granite City Counseling and a licensed therapist for Catholic Charities.
Emmitt Edwards joined Catholic Charities as development officer, where he will work on fundraising, growth and development for the organization. Edwards most recently served as community engagement coordinator at Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Minnesota.
Gallagher purchases insurance broker
Arthur J Gallagher Insurance purchased insurance broker AssuredPartners. The deal will expand Gallagher’s offerings in niche segments, including transportation, energy, healthcare, government contractors and public entity, and bolster its business in the UK and Ireland.
Jensen joins InteleCONNECT
Taylor Jenson joined InteleCONNECT as a customer service representative. In her role, Jensen will provide support and solutions to customers. Jensen has held roles at Tenvoorde Ford and Collins Brothers Towing of St. Cloud.
Metro Bus Jolly Trolley
During its annual food drive campaign, the Jolly Trolley, Metro Bus collected $1,851 and 9,766 pounds of non-perishables for local area food shelves. Metro Bus partnered with a number of local organizations for promotion, location services, weighing services, food for volunteers and printed materials.
Over $1 million raised
CentraCare Foundation celebrated its 50th anniversary of Holly Ball by raising more than $1million during the event, held in December at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. The funds raised for Holly Ball directly impact patients and families during their cancer and hospice journeys, and for those needing the services of the Child Advocacy Center.
DCI welcomes new president
Dan Larsen joined DCI as president, taking over for CEO Jeff Keller, who will step back from his role at the end of April 2025. Larsen brings over 22 years of leadership experience, including roles at Donaldson Company Inc., and as president of Hengst Filtration, North America. With a strong background in strategic growth, organizational development, and global market leadership, Larsen is well-positioned to continue DCI’s tradition of excellence.
Flour & Flower earns national recognition
St. Joseph bakery Flour & Flower was recognized by The New York Times as one of “22 of the Best Bakeries Across the U.S. Right Now.” Flour & Flower, founded and owned by Erin Lucas, was recognized for pastries that “give locals a reason to wake up early,” among other accolades.
O’Connor named Coldspring CEO
Mike O’Connor is the new chief executive officer of Coldspring, becoming the fourth generation of the family to lead the company. He takes over the role from his father-in-law, Pat Alexander, who has transitioned to a role as chairman of the board. O’Connor, who joined Coldspring in 2019, is known for his thoughtful leadership, strong relationships with employees, and deep understanding of the company’s core values.
Gruber receives award
Rachel Gruber, owner of Dale Gruber Construction, received the Woman in Construction of the Year award from Associated Builders and Contractors. Gruber, whose father founded Dale Gruber Construction, joined the company in 2008 as marketing, HR, and operations manager and became the owner in 2022. She has played a vital role in the company’s growth, and aims to set an example for young women who are interested in the trades.
Franklin Outdoor announces three promotions
Franklin Outdoor Advertising is a third generation, family-owned billboard company based in Clearwater, Minn. Three employees have recently been promoted in the company.
Dan Franklin was promoted to chief executive officer. He joined Franklin Outdoor in 1998 and was most recently director of operations.
Robert Schwartz was promoted to chief revenue officer. He began his career with the Franklin Outdoor division in 1989 as a sales rep, later serving as national sales manager, and most recently as vice president of sales.
Janelle Hennen was promoted to office manager. Janelle joined Frankin Outdoor in 2020, most recently working in administrative support.
Reuhle promoted at Inventure Properties
Austin Reuhle was promoted to president at Inventure. Reuhle previously held the role of vice president of real estate. Doug Boser has transitioned to the role of CEO.
Greenfield announces name change
St. Cloud’s Greenfield Communications has changed its name to Greenfield Public Relations, which owner Steve Greenfield says better reflects the 20-year-old company’s focus on media relations, crisis communications, government relations, referendum strategizing and community engagement. Since its founding in 2005, the company has assisted nearly 200 public and private sector clients.
Crew named best workplace
Crew Carwash was named a winner of Glassdoor’s Employees’ Choice Awards, ranking #2 out of 100 on the Best Places to Work U.S. Large list. Rankings are determined based on the quantity, quality, and consistency of Glassdoor-approved company reviews submitted by U.S.-based employees between October 17, 2023, and October 16, 2024.
Trelfa promoted at ConnectAbility
ConnectAbility of MN announced the promotion of Rebecca Trelfa from director of divisions to senior director of coordinated services. Trelfa has been with the organization since December 2019, and has played an instrumental role in advancing the mission of ConnectAbility of MN.
Noble becomes owner at AIS
Sarah Noble is now part of the ownership of AIS Planning. Noble, who has been with AIS Planning since 2019, serves as associate advisor and operations coordinator at the firm.
