Tuesday, February 23, 2021
This e-newsletter is brought to you by Chairman's Circle member:
Help feed the world by being a part of something bigger. Jennie-O Turkey Store has immediate openings for Plant Production Team Members on all shifts with competitive wages and great benefits! Career growth opportunities, education assistance, free two-year college education to eligible children of Team Members and so much more. Attend the hiring event in Willmar on February 24th from 9am to 6pm and February 25th from 9am to noon at the main office located at 2505 Willmar Avenue SW. Please share the event information. For more information, scan the QR code, check out the Jennie-O Careers Facebook page or call Patty at 320-214-5888. Jennie-O Turkey Store EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled.
*This advertisement is sponsored by Jennie-O Turkey Store.
A Note from Chamber President Ken Warner
The Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is in the people business. Half of its budget comes from membership and the rest is generated from programs and events. Due to the pandemic, the Chamber has not been able to offer in-person events and programs which has led some members to question their membership value. 

Learn how the Chamber is showing value in new ways through messages of membership versus investment and participation versus engagement. Plus, learn how our members’ financial investments have helped the Chamber help members, non-members, and the community over the past year.
30 Year Membership Milestone - Rule Tire and Auto
Congratulations to Dean Smith - owner of Rule Tire and Auto on 30 years of membership with the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce! Known for its longstanding reputation for quality repair and service, Rule Tire and Auto is one of the leading auto repair shops in the Willmar Lakes Area. Rule Tire and Auto does more than just sell tires; their ASE-certified technicians take care of all your automotive needs such as alignments, brakes, oil changes, cooling system flushes, trailer tires and repair, and more!

*Masks were removed only for the photo.
Community Chat with Rep Baker and Rep Urdahl
First Dollar - La Manzanita Mexican Market
Congratulations to Esteban and Jackie Mejia - owners of La Manzanita Mexican Market on their First Dollar of clear profit! La Manzanita is owned and operated by the Mejia family. They are proud to offer fresh produce, meats, breads, and a wide variety of ethnic foods - specializing in spices and foods from South America. They opened in December and plan to open Pollo Charro - a drive-thru restaurant within the next couple of weeks. We look forward to watching the business grow and wish the Mejia family much success! *Masks were removed temporarily for the picture.
Seeking Advisory Committee Leaders for NeXt
Do you believe in developing networks and advancing careers? Join the neXt Advisory Committee to help shape the future of the Chamber's young professionals program. The Advisory Committee meets once a month and is in the process of developing the framework for a neXt re-launch. Current Advisory Team members include Jared Voge (Bolton & Menk), Joanna Schrupp and Elizabeth Dyrdal (MinnWest Technolgoy Campus), Travis Steffensen (Westberg Eischens, PLLP), Sara DeRoo (Christianson, PLLP), and Jami Tanner (WLA Chamber). Contact the Chamber to learn more!
Meet the Chamber!
Are you a new member looking to learn more about the Chamber to get the most out of your investment or a long-standing member looking for a refresher? Join us for a brief presentation to "meet the Chamber". Learn what your Chamber membership can do for you!
Educational Offer
How have the current circumstances changed the way you lead? If you have been thrust into leading a remote team, leadership may have taken a back burner to other more reactive priorities. As much of the workplace has newly experienced working remotely, the need for a more modern approach to leading is necessary. Join us for an interactive workshop in which Heather Christensen shares best practices for leading remote teams to success. Please bring your successes and challenges to share with the group.
Coming Up this Week at Your Chamber
  • Wednesday, Feb 24, 12:00pm - Agri-Business Committee Meeting; Zoom
  • Thursday, Feb 25, 7:00am - WLACC Board Meeting; Zoom
  • Friday, Feb 26, 7:30am - Community Chat with Reps Baker and Urdahl; Zoom
  • Friday, Feb 26, 12:00pm - Red Carpet Committee Meeting; Zoom

Interested in learning more about one of the Chamber volunteer committees? Contact the Chamber to "test drive" a committee(s) of interest and sit in on one of the meetings to see if its a good fit for you!
Stay Connected with YOUR Chamber!
 320-235-0300