Members of the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce have big things happening! Here are the news briefs from September & October, 2025.
Have some news to submit? Send press releases, staff additions, awards and more to Emily Bertram.
SCSU professor appointed to MNSILC
Dr. Brian Valentini, associate professor of special education at St. Cloud State University, has been appointed to a three-year term on the Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (MNSILC). The Council provides statewide planning and policies necessary to provide independent living services to people with disabilities.
Stearns History Museum presents Zapp Historian Award
Roger and Jean Paschke received the Zapp Historian Award for 2024 from the Stearns History Museum board of directors. The award is presented annually in recognition of contributions to the preservation, interpretation, or promotion of Stearns County history.
Promotions, new staff at Coborn’s
Chad Nellis was promoted to vice president of operations – franchise, fuel and pharmacy at Coborn’s. In this expanded role he will continue to lead pharmacy, fuel, and franchise operations, while also taking on new responsibilities to support strategic growth initiatives across the organization. Nellis joined Coborn’s in 2021 as director of pharmacy operations.
Sarah Putnam was promoted to vice president of fresh merchandising at Coborn’s. Putnam has been with the organization for 27 years, working previously as director of operations and senior director of fresh merchandising.
Catherine Potter joined Coborn’s as director of culinary and food service. Potter previously worked with Target, Kowalski’s, and Pillsbury, and holds a degree in food science. Potter will lead the development of fresh prepared meals and deli programs and help shape the vision for the Next Generation Grocery & Liquor, opening in early 2026.
Metro Bus receives innovation award, adds location
Metro Bus received the TripSpark Ignite 2025 Transit Awards Transit Innovation Award. This award recognizes an agency that has or plans to leverage technology to improve rider satisfaction, attract new and/or recover ridership, and make a difference in the communities it serves. In the last decade, Metro Bus invested almost $8 million in technology to provide better customer and employee information, tracking and reporting.
Metro Bus has announced plans to construct a new Western Transit Center in Waite Park at 2nd Ave. S. and Sundial Dr. Scheduled to open in late 2026, the facility will support growing transit needs and serve as a key transfer point under the upcoming Metro Bus Forward service changes.
Libbesmeier joins United Way
United Way of Central Minnesota hired Ashley Libbesmeier as marketing and communications coordinator. In her role, Libbesmeier focuses on promoting the United Way’s mission through strategic storytelling and impactful messaging on social media and other content platforms.
Meyer named Leader to Watch
St. Cloud Financial Credit Union (SCFCU) President and CEO Jed Meyer was named to The Enterprise World’s Most Successful Business Leaders to Watch list. Meyer was named to the list for his commitment in leading SCFCU through a vision centered on financial stability, innovation, trust and meaningful community impact.
CentraCare Foundation supporters honored
CentraCare Foundation’s La Gratitude event serves as a tribute to those whose generosity and dedication continue to shape the future of health care for patients and families across the region. The 2025 La Gratitude Award ceremony included a special tribute to three long-time supporters who passed away in 2024: Doug Bischoff, Design Electric; Roger Duininck; Royal Tire; and Al Kremers, DeZURIK. The program also honored the Foundation’s 2025 award winners:
- Rising Star: Janet & Chuck Andres, MD
- Corporate Partner of the Year: K. Johnson Construction
,Inc. - Service to the Foundation: Duane & Kim Koepp
- Lifetime Achievement: John & Cherie McDowall
Montenegro joins Apex Engineering
Apex hired Danika Montenegro as a BIM CADD technician in the electrical group. Montenegro is experienced in drafting, building information modeling, architectural planning and design, and 3D visualization, previously holding internship roles at Penhead Architectural Services; and Conservation & Heritage Research Institute of Society and Its History. She earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of San Carlos.
Mernaugh earns CPA
Olivia Mernaugh, Schlenner Wenner & Co., has earned her CPA. Mernaugh joined the audit team in 2022 as an intern, graduating from St. Cloud State University in December 2023. She works out of the St. Cloud office with the for-profit audit team and is responsible for working on financial statement audits and reviews, as well as other non-attest services.
St. Cloud Industrial Products rebranded
A longtime St. Cloud business changed its name from St. Cloud Industrial Products to Scipi Companies. Employee-owned for 50 years, Scipi Companies is the holding company of Sunburst Memorials, North Central Bus and North Central Upfitting, Parts Midwest, and Vehicle Personalization of Canada.
Johannes named CFO
Andrew Johannes is the new chief financial officer at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud. He will lead the finance department in financial planning, strategic growth initiatives, and operations. Johannes was previously the president/CEO at C4 Welding in Sauk Rapids.
Trobec’s Bus under new ownership
Sisters Bethany Bertram and Becca Atkinson purchased Trobec’s Bus Service from their father, Tim Schubert. As second-generation owners, they grew up in the business and have a deep-rooted passion for the industry. They have each held various roles in the company, with experience in operations, customer service and leadership.
2025 Top Workplaces
In a survey by Energage published by the Minnesota Star Tribune, Minnesota employees ranked the top 200 employers in the state for the Top Workplaces for 2025. Several St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce members made the list, including:
- Frandsen Bank & Trust
- RE/MAX Results
- Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
- Edina Realty
- Bolton & Menk
- Compeer Financial
- Arvig
- Kwik Trip
- Goodwill-Easter Seals
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
- Lunds & Byerlys
- Preferred Credit
- Scipi Companies
- Froehling Anderson
- Bursch Travel
$20K Grant Supports Central Minn. Development
Falcon National Bank, in partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines, has awarded a $20,000 Member Impact Fund grant to the Initiative Foundation to support affordable housing and community development in Central Minnesota. The funding will help underserved entrepreneurs and rural small business owners access free training and coaching programs.
Duke promoted at AIS
Chris Duke was promoted to advisor in the wealth management division at AIS planning. Formerly an associate advisor, Duke graduated from Virginia Tech’s financial planning program and has been with AIS since 2019.
Stearns Electric promotes safety and outdoor education
In June, eight Stearns Electric Cooperative employees discussed energy safety at the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department Youth Safety Camps in Albany and Clearwater. The cooperative employees spent time with a group of 20 students ages 4-7 who participated in the summer program. Through its “My Co-op Cares” program, the Stearns Electric employees also volunteered with Get Outdoors Minnesota, mentoring young children on nature walks and art projects, helping make the outdoors more accessible and engaging.
BBBS receives national honors
At the Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) National Conference, BBBS of Central Minnesota was one of 17 agencies nationally to receive the Platinum Award for Impact & Growth. It also received the Bronze Biggie award for its annual report.
Wesolowski joins WhiteBox
Rachel Wesolowski joined WhiteBox Marketing as a design and web specialist. Previously a graphic designer at BadCat Digital, her creative background spans from web to all forms of graphic design.
Horstmann named Franchisee of the Year
Jackie Horstmann, owner of Pizza Ranch in Waite Park, was named the 2024 Pizza Ranch Franchisee of the Year at the company’s annual conference. This award recognizes her dedication and commitment to the Pizza Ranch brand and the community. She started her Pizza Ranch journey as a dishwasher in high school and eventually became a general manager before becoming a franchisee in 2009.
Motor Works expands in Waite Park
Motor Works Auto Repair opened a new fleet shop at 820 Sundial Drive in Waite Park, expanding its commercial repair and maintenance services across Central Minnesota. The facility features advanced equipment and ASE-certified technicians to serve fleets of all sizes with faster turnaround and greater efficiency.
Anna Marie’s Alliance receives donation
Together, Gate City Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Des Moines contributed a combined $40,000 to St. Cloud’s Anna Marie’s Alliance, with Gate City Bank providing $10,000 and FHLB Des Moines matching it with $30,000. The grant will help offset gaps in state and federal funding and support the shelter’s broad range of programs.
Churchill named Chief of Staff
Dr. Christopher H. Churchill was appointed chief of staff for the St. Cloud VA Health Care System in July 2025. With extensive experience in internal medicine, hospice care, and VA leadership, Dr. Churchill most recently served as acting chief of staff and has been with the St. Cloud VA since 2015.
Four Quinlivan & Hughes attorneys recognized
Four Quinlivan & Hughes attorneys were named 2025 Super Lawyers, a distinction recognizing the top 5 percent of attorneys in Minnesota. Jessie Becker-Sogge, Dyan Ebert, Steven Schwegman, and Cally Kjellberg-Nelson were selected through a rigorous, patented process based on peer nominations, professional achievement, and independent evaluation. Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
