Tuesday, February 2, 2021
This e-newsletter is brought to you by Chairman's Circle member:
WLACC Supports PPP Loan Forgiveness
Join Us Friday for a Chamber Connection
Join us for a virtual Chamber Connection hosted by Riverview, LLP on Friday, February 5th at 7:30am. Come ready to mingle with other local business people and learn all about Riverview, LLP. Two lucky door prize winners will receive a variety pack of cheese!

Meeting ID: 846 8775 2139
Passcode: 882260
Please Complete this Survey:
How Would You Tell Your Community Story?
Willmar Main Street is working with Rethos to conduct a Downtown Assessment -- an opportunity for strategic planning to continue to remain community focused while leveraging the transformation strategies that Main Street America has developed over the last 40 years. Help shape the future of downtown by completing this brief survey.
Can Searchers Find Your Business Online?
Did you know that the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber website is often the top result when people search for businesses in the area? That means it is important to keep your business profile up to date in the online Chamber Directory! Log into the Chamber's membership software to update your business information, add photos, post jobs, and hot deals to increase traffic to your page. Need help logging in or navigating ChamberMaster? Contact the Chamber for assistance at chamber@willmarareachamber.com.
First Dollar: Renewed Treasures
The Chamber Ambassadors were pleased to welcome Shane, Troy, and Chad Akerson - owners of Renewed Treasures with their First Dollar of clear profit. Renewed Treasures is a different kind of thrift store - constantly updating inventory with new and gently used items. The majority of their inventory comes from storage unit auctions, so there's always something unique! Renewed Treasures also offers junk removal, lawn mowing services, snow removal, and ice skate sharpening.

*Masks were removed temporarily for the picture.
Last Chance to Register:
Leading a Team to Higher Productivity Workshop
It has never been more important to run a lean team. If you aren’t leveraging your talent it’s like throwing money in the trash. So, how do you get the most out of the talent you have, and how do you juggle all the demands of your role and leadership responsibilities? In this interactive workshop, Heather Christensen, PE will share how she has effectively led teams from ambitious organizational roles.
 
Here's what you can expect to learn:
  • Three steps to higher team productivity
  • Five ways to become a more effective leader
WLACC Opposes the California Car Mandate
Following a presentation by Amber Backhaus - Vice President of Public Affairs with Minnesota Auto Dealers Association California Cars at the November meeting, the Public Policy Committee made a recommendation to oppose the Walz Administration California Car Mandate. The WLACC Board approved to advocate against the mandates with its membership and the community.
Complimentary Wellness Series
Have you found yourself enduring more stress over the last months? Are you concerned about your employees’ mental health? You aren’t alone. Join Dr. Kjos to learn how to help employees and reduce mental health stigma in the workplace. Wellness Wins is a free virtual series organized to bring resources to business leaders across Kandiyohi County to help them navigate the uncertainty of turbulent and stressful times.
Host a Chamber Connection
Chamber Connections may be hosted in person or virtually. If in person, all physical distancing guidelines and regulations must be followed. Chamber Connections will be held bi-monthly through June 2021. Please see the tentative schedule linked below for available dates.
 
Why host a Chamber Connection?
  • Educate local businessmen and women about your business
  • Increase exposure of the goods and/or services you offer
  • Make connections with local businessmen and women
  • Show off your facility
Coming Up this Week at Your Chamber
  • Thursday, Feb. 4, 7:30am - Leading a Team to Higher Productivity Virtual Training
  • Thursday, Feb. 4, 10:00am - First Dollar: West Central RockHounds, LLC.
  • Thursday, Feb. 4, 10:30am - First Dollar: Primerica
  • Friday, Feb. 5, 7:30am - Chamber Connection: Riverview, LLP
  • Friday, Feb. 5, 12:00pm - Public Policy Meeting
  • Tuesday, Feb. 9, 7:30am - Grow MN!

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