Just north of St. Cloud, alongside the Mississippi River, is the city of Sartell. Its slogan, “Alive and Growing!” is apt—for between 1980 and 2000, Sartell has increased its population by 181%, now boasting more than 14,000 residents. What draws people to Sartell is its atmosphere: extensive parks and trails, growing businesses, and an outstanding educational system. Enjoying the outdoors is easy in Sartell, as it has 24 parks, 17 miles of trails, playgrounds, a bike lane, tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields, ice rinks, a disc golf course, and a wading pool. With the ever-increasing population, there are now more than 100 local business. Renowned for its educational system, Sartell’s Independent School District #748, created in 1969, has become a Minnesota leader in education.

In 1854, the city’s namesake, Joseph B. Sartell, arrived to the area, while working at a local sawmill. His entrepreneurial spirit resulted in the Sartell Brothers Lumber Company, which began in 1884. In 1907, as the Watab River runs through Sartell, the Watab Pulp and Paper Company began. The paper mill grew to become Sartell's largest employer for many years. In May 2012, an explosion inside the mill started a fire which led to the ultimate closure of the mill.

Offering quaint and quiet neighborhoods, Sartell is the ideal family-friendly community.

The Sartell Area Chamber of Commerce was formed in 1994.  With the determination of community members Jim Barker, his wife Pat and publisher/manager of the Sartell Newsleader, Janelle Von Pinnon, who managed to round up enough interest.  At that time, the Chamber began with a membership of 30.  Throughout the years of strong leadership and endless hours of volunteers promoting Sartell and it's area businesses, the Sartell Area Chamber has grown to a membership of 170.  The Sartell Area Chamber strives to make Sartell a better place to live, work and do business by strengthening the economic vitality and the quality of life in the community.

The Chamber board is made up of 10 volunteer members who represent area businesses. Board members may serve a total of three, two-year terms. Elections are held each November at the monthly membership meeting. The board has regular monthly meetings to review Chamber business and members are actively involved in Chamber events and activities.

2013 Chamber board members:

Walker Brown, Pine Cone Pet Hospital, President

Deb Paul, CentraCare Health System, Past- President

Shawna Hanson, Times Media, President-Elect

Juli Sieben, Array Services, Vice President

Cheri Carlson, Synergy Chiropractic & Wellness Center, Secretary

Rod Oltz, Granite City Tire & Auto, board member

Jeremy Mathiasen, Stantec Consulting Services, board member

Dave Miller, MinnWest Bank, board member

Kristen Stebbins, State Farm Insurance, board member

Nathan Tykwinski, Coborn’s, board member