Tuesday, February 4, 2020
This week's e-newsletter brought to you by Chairman's Circle Level Member
2020 Chamber Connections Start This Week!
See you this Friday, February 7th for our first Chamber Connection of 2020 hosted by the Willmar WarHawks (2707 Arena Drive - Civic Center Arena). Bring $1 and your business card, network with other Chamber Members and let us know what's going on in your company.

Starts at 7:30 am!
CultivateHER Tickets Available at Chamber Member Discount
CultivateHER 2020 is a day-long professional and personal development women's conference held right here in Willmar on Minnwest Campus on March 5, 2020. The day is full of great speakers and opportunities for creating connections with other attendees! You can check out the lineup out at kmadsenconsulting.org . If you have not gotten your ticket yet you have one last chance to grab one of the remaining few at a special Chamber Member price of only $135! Regular price is $169.  

All you need to do is email Kim Madsen at kim@kmadsenconsulting.com and she will invoice you for the tickets at this special price.  

Thursday, March 5th
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
MinnWest Technology Campus Auditorium
Business Day at the Capitol
On Thursday, February 27th our Leadership Perspectives class will be attending Business Day at the Capitol ; once again, Chamber Members are invited to attend! The cost is to be determined but will be under $50, including continental breakfast, lunch and transportation. In the past we have co-sponsored this event with the Minnesota Chamber but have opted to try something different this year.

We will leave from the Chamber office at 7:30 am and return at 5:30 pm. The day will include a guided tour of the State Capitol from the Historical Society as well as touring the Senate Office Building. We will have an informational lunch with Representative Baker and Senator Lang and hear from some of the newly appointed Department Commissioners.

Please RSVP if you would like to attend.
Careers in Manufacturing Training Opportunity for Women
Do you know of any females that would be interested in the “Career in Manufacturing” course? Central Minnesota Jobs & Training Services still has spots available for this awesome "Women on-the-Move" Program! Women will be able to learn about manufacturing opportunities and processes alongside other women. This two-week training also includes forklift certification. They'll introduce the participants to some of our local employers and may be able to help further their journey with additional training funds for a number of high-opportunity career pathways! They also have support dollars available to help with transportation expenses (e.g. gas cards), and other barriers to participation!
 
Please let Delina know if you have any referrals. Also, if you have any questions feel free to reach out to her via email; dwoltjer@cmjts.org . 
Stakeholder - Vetting of Proposed Renaissance Zone Incentive Package
The incentive package for the City of Willmar's proposed Renaissance Zone (RZ) Overlay, is being submitted to you for introduction to our proposal.
 
Staff is seeking stakeholder feedback inside and outside City Hall, so that we may best refine the package. Initial vetting will close on Friday, February 7th . The incentive package is scheduled to be reviewed by the Planning Commission on Wednesday, February 5th at 7:00 p.m. and with downtown property owners & Willmar Main Street on Tuesday, February 11th at 5:00 p.m. After initial vetting, we will begin drafting the policy ordinances with City Attorney Robert Scott. The final step will be returning to Planning Commission & Willmar's Community Development Committee for either further feedback/revisions or a motion to proceed to City Council. As a part of this final process, an additional public hearing will be held at Planning Commission & City Council before final adoption.