Our Story

Created by the community, for the community

Connecting What Makes Our Community Thrive

How We Started

The vision for this site and initiative began in the heart of our community, with local business owners, civic leaders and residents in the STMA area coming together to share one goal: to strengthen the local economy, champion our hometown businesses, and build a vibrant place where people live, shop, eat and enjoy life. Inspired by the success of Shop STMA, we launched this platform to bring you a unified destination for everything “local” — from news and events, to businesses and organizations.

Today we continue that mission: connecting you to the people, places, and stories that make our towns unique.

St. Michael-Albertville community at night

What Guides Us

Our Values

Everything we build is guided by a set of core principles rooted in community, transparency, and local pride.

Mission

To promote the value, convenience, and personal connection of shopping locally in STMA and the surrounding area. We exist to encourage our community to support local businesses first, strengthening our local economy and keeping our communities vibrant and thriving.

We Champion Local

We believe local businesses are the backbone of our community. We are committed to supporting, promoting, and advocating for locally owned shops and services so they can grow and succeed.

We Build Community

We bring people together — residents, businesses, and community leaders — to create meaningful connections and a strong sense of belonging throughout STMA.

We Collaborate to Grow Together

We believe we are stronger together. By encouraging collaboration, networking, and shared opportunities, we help businesses and organizations support one another and grow collectively.

We Elevate Visibility and Awareness

We are dedicated to amplifying the voices of local businesses, events, and initiatives so our community knows where to shop, connect, and engage locally.

Local Impact

Why It Matters

“When members of our community shop locally … the whole community benefits.”

— Shop STMA

Shopping local, supporting our schools, staying informed and connected — these aren't just buzzwords. When people invest in their community, the benefits ripple outward.

68¢of every $1 spent locally stays in the community
2 of 3new U.S. jobs come from small businesses
99.9%of all U.S. businesses are small businesses

By bringing together city updates, school news, organizations and business directories, we're making it easier than ever to keep one foot firmly rooted in “here”.

STMA community event

Community comes alive at local STMA events — exactly the kind of moments we exist to help you find.

Your Discover STMA Board

Next time you see them out-and-about, say hi!

Courtney Wiest

Courtney Wiest

President

EMEX Benefit Systems

Corey Schiminski

Corey Schiminski

Vice President

Bravera Bank

Erica Torkelson

Erica Torkelson

Treasurer

The Accountant House

Bailey Schirmers

Bailey Schirmers

Secretary

Dundee Nursery & Landscaping

Amy Dehmer

Amy Dehmer

Retail Ambassador

Dehmer's Meat Market & Deli

John Jost

John Jost

Non-Retail Ambassador

MidWestOne Bank

Jenny Leonard

Jenny Leonard

Non-Retail Ambassador

The Leonard Team – RE/MAX Results

Sandy Greninger

Sandy Greninger

Past President

Founder of FYCC

Get Involved

Whether you're a small business owner, a community organization, or a resident who cares about local vitality — there's a place for you here.

Business Owners

Business Owners

  • Increase your visibility with residents actively looking for local businesses, jobs, events, and services
  • Control your business information, including hours, contact details, links, and descriptions
  • Build trust and credibility with a verified, community-backed presence
  • Connect directly with customers who want to shop, work, and engage locally
  • Be part of a trusted local hub that keeps dollars, jobs, and support within the STMA community
List Your Business
Local Organizations

Local Organizations

  • Increase awareness among residents looking to volunteer, donate, or participate
  • Share your mission, programs, and upcoming events in one trusted local hub
  • Attract volunteers, supporters, and families who want to make a difference locally
  • Ensure your information is accurate and up to date, including contacts and meeting details
  • Strengthen community connection by being visible alongside other organizations serving our area
Add Your Organization
Residents & Visitors

Residents & Visitors

  • Easily find local events, jobs, businesses, and organizations
  • Discover new places to shop, eat, and explore you might not know about
  • Stay connected to what's happening locally, from family activities to volunteer opportunities
  • Support the community by choosing local and getting involved
  • Create a more personalized experience as the site grows with saved interests and updates
Explore STMA
For Business Owners

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Whether you own a business, lead an organization, or just love STMA — there's a place for you here.

Explore by Area

Stronger Together

Connecting St. Michael, Albertville, Hanover, and the STMA School District.

City of St. Michael

City of St. Michael

City of Albertville

City of Albertville

City of Hanover

City of Hanover

STMA Schools

STMA Schools

    About | Discover STMA