Tuesday, May 18, 2021
This e-newsletter is brought to you by Chairman's Circle member:
Join Us for a Chamber Connection on Friday!
Please join us Friday morning at 7:30am at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists! Come ready to mingle with other local business people and learn what's new in the business community. Bring $1 and your business card for networking, a light breakfast, and a chance at three gift cards to local dining establishments. All are welcome and need not be a member of the Chamber to participate. As Heartland Orthopedic Specialists is a health care facility, they have requested that attendees mask due to limited space and ability to spread out.
Congrats to Colleen Thompson Michels on 50 Years!
Congratulations to Colleen Thompson Michels on 5️0️ years of membership! Throughout most of her professional career Colleen served as faculty and in leadership positions at Ridgewater College, including six years as its president (1998-2003). Colleen is a dedicated community volunteer who has received several honors and awards for her leadership with other organizations. Colleen’s late husbands Bill Thompson and Dr. Jim Michels were also dedicated supporters of the Chamber and the Willmar Lakes Area community. Colleen and Bill were the first married couple to serve as Chamber Board Chairs (Bill in 1979 and Colleen in 1985). Now retired, Colleen maintains her membership with the Chamber as a way to stay active and engaged in the community she loves. Colleen encourages others to continue their membership with the Chamber into retirement.

Pictured left to right are Chamber Diplomat Jon Schmidt (Data Success), Chair-Elect Jared Voge (Bolton and Menk), Colleen Thompson-Michels, President Ken Warner, Chair Paul Kuehneman (Jennie-O), Board Member Alana Ziehl (Kandiyohi County Food Shelf), and Diplomat Suzanne Hass (Allstate Insurance).
Drive Thru Dinner at the Barn Theatre
28th Annual Aggie Open
25th Annual Fifth Grade Ag Tours
The Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce's Agri-Business Committee would like to thank Matt and Greg Jans of CoJo Dairy, Erin Larson of Riverview, LLP (Louriston Dairy), and Ashley Warren of First District Association for presenting the 25th Annual 5th Grade Ag Tours on May 12th and 17th! This year was a little different as the tours were presented virtually but it was still a very educational and interactive experience for the 280 students who participated from Roosevelt Elementary, Kennedy Elementary, Lakeland Elementary, and Community Christian School. New this year was the opportunity for the students to learn about the processing side of the dairy industry with First District Association.
Complimentary SBDC Virtual Marketing Series
This complimentary class will give you tips on how to get your Facebook posts seen in busy newsfeeds and what efforts will work for you (or against you) so you don’t waste time. Space is limited!
Upcoming Chamber Connections
May 21 - Heartland Orthopedic Specialists
May 28 - No Chamber Connection
June 4 - Heritage Exteriors and Restorations
June 11 - Big Kahuna / Godfather's Express
June 18 - Supreme Lending
June 25 - Willmar Fests
Coming Up this Week at Your Chamber
Thursday, May 20, 7:00am - WLACC Board Meeting - Hybrid, Chamber EBO Board Room
Thursday, May 20. 10:00am - First Dollar - Godfather's Pizza Express
Thursday, May 20, 10:30am - First Dollar and Membership Milestone - Island View Resort
Friday, May 21, 7:30am - Chamber Connection - Heartland Orthopedic Specialists
Friday, May 21, 12:00pm - Red Carpet Committee Meeting - Chamber EBO Board Room

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