Members of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce have big things happening! Here are the news briefs from May & June, 2025.
Have some news to submit? Send press releases, staff additions, awards and more to Emily Bertram.
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.
Ebert reappointed to state council
Quinlivan and Hughes, P.A. attorney Dyan Ebert was reappointed to the Minnesota Legislative Salary Council to represent the sixth judicial district. Her term extends through January 14, 2029. The Legislative Salary Council determines the salaries of state legislators in a manner that is fair, transparent, and reflective of the responsibilities of the legislative office.
Noyes named VP of operations at GRCM
Jon Noyes is now vice president of operations at Great River Children’s Museum. Recently retired from the Social Security Administration, Noyes spent the past 25 years leading teams, directing operations, and managing facilities in Duluth, St. Cloud, and the Twin Cities. He most recently served as deputy area director with the agency, managing 30 offices across MN and WI.
Rice earns four awards, welcomes Waletzko
Four construction projects completed by Rice Companies were honored at the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Minnesota and North Dakota’s annual Excellence in Construction banquet. Rice’s Coborn’s Retail Complex in Otsego, Rice Companies Fargo office, Victory Drive Development in Mankato and Gordini Distribution Center in North Mankato were all recognized.
John Waletzko joined Rice Companies as market development manager in Sauk Rapids. Waletzko brings 18 years of commercial construction experience, from hands-on fieldwork to strategic leadership in preconstruction. He actively serves on multiple community boards and has been recognized as a St. Cloud “5 Under 40” honoree (2023) and St. Cloud State Notable Alumni.
Brenny makes the top 20
Brenny Specialized was recognized by CarriersEdge as one of the top 20 “2025 Best Fleets to Drive For.” This honor recognizes for-hire carries operating 10 tractor-trailers or more for providing the best workplace experiences for their company drivers and independent contractors.
Trombley joins Initiative Foundation
Amy Trombley is the new vice president for community at the Initiative Foundation. Trombley will oversee the Initiative Foundation’s community-focused programs, which include nonprofit programming, community development, grantmaking, disaster recovery, and clean energy initiatives. Trombley previously served as executive director of Partner for Student Success at the United Way of Central Minnesota.
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 of 2023 as a senior project designer, contributing 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.
Moxie Creative welcomes Schmitz
Full-service marketing agency Moxie Creative added graphic designer and illustrator Tyler Schmitz to its team. Schmitz previously worked in the marketing department at Microbiologics.
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.
DSC Communications earns award
DSC Communications was named a 2024 Motorola Solutions Empower Circle winner. Among more than 6,000 professional and commercial radio (PCR) channel
partners and value-added distributors, DSC Communications is one of a select group to earn this honor. The Empower Circle award celebrates local independent distributors and resellers for their exceptional performance and commitment to excellence.
St. Cloud Toyota donates $7,900
St. Cloud Toyota raised $7,900 during the month of February through its used car promotion. The funds were donated to the CentraCare Foundation Heart and Vascular Center.
ConnectAbility of MN promotes LeClerc
Jaime LeClerc was promoted to director of coordinated services at ConnectAbility of MN. In her new role, LeClerc will work with the leadership team to continue the development and execution of all the divisions of coordinated services that support ConnectAbility of MN’s clients, case managers, and services vendors. LeClerc has been with the organization since 2020.
Moilanen joins Apex Engineering
Ryan Moilanen was hired as graduate engineer in the water group at Apex Engineering Group after interning for the company during the summer of 2024. Moilanen will work with both drinking water and wastewater projects. His prior work experience includes an internship with Benton County Public Works Department.
