Tuesday, August 11, 2020
This week's e-newsletter brought to you by Chairman's Circle Level Member

WILLMAR LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
RECOGNIZES COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE IN THE WILLMAR LAKES AREA
2019-2020 Leadership Perspectives Graduates
Jon Schmidt, Data Success
2019 "Milo" Award recipient
Betsy Bonnema, Red Star/WorkUp
2019 ELA (Exemplary Leadership Award)
Nate Erickson, MN You/The Salvation Army
2019 Emerging Young Leader Award
The Goodness Coffee House
Chris & Vicki Davis
*NEW* 2019 Willmar Human Rights Commission Diversity Award
The public was invited to the Chamber Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Event Luncheon recognizing community leadership, volunteering and giving. The event was Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Bill Taunton Stadium. A program recognizing the recipients for their individual leadership and support of the Chamber and community.
31st Annual Golf Classic Winners
United Prairie Bank
Batman and Cat Women Enjoying the day
Thank you to our Technology Sponsor this year.

Thank you to our
Corporate Event Sponsor this year.
CANCELLED UNTIL JANUARY 2021 
Due to COVID uncertainties the decision has been made to postpone Chamber Connections until January 2021. Confirmed sponsors have been calling saying they need or have to postpone or cancel hosting their scheduled Chamber Connection due COVID and physical distancing concerns. As you know our attendance had been really good (40 – 60) pre-COVID and sometimes the hosts barely had enough room or business wants to sponsor but couldn’t due to the space limitations. Many businesses are also dealing with their own respective COVID policies that prevent them for being able to participate in large groups or gatherings,

As an alternative, the Chamber will still offer 2 Chamber Connections per month via Zoom through December to keep the Chamber Connection group together. Our plan will be to host them on the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. Stay tuned for more details to come soon.

On behalf of the Chamber Connection planning team and your Chamber staff, thank you again for your support. Of course if you do have any questions, please contact me via email and I will respond to you as soon as I can. 
As of July 25, 2020, per the Governor's Executive Order,
people in Minnesota will be required to
wear a face covering in all public indoor spaces and businesses,
unless you are alone.
The $7.6 million Kandiyohi County, Willmar and most of the other cities and townships in the county received in total from Minnesota through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act is both an opportunity and a challenge. An opportunity because it is much-needed funding for local units of government to meet a pandemic no one expected. It is a challenge because the amount of money, the reporting requirements attached to it and short time frame could be too much for some. Following conversations with the county, cities and townships, the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission is prepared to help, to lead a grant program that will provide relief to businesses and non-profits in the county.
To access the applications for businesses or nonprofits, please check out the EDC’s Website at Kandiyohi.com.