Tuesday, July 28, 2020

This week's e-newsletter brought to you by Chairman's Circle Level Member MAG Wealth Management

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Only a Week Left to Reserve your Tickets for WILLMAR LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO RECOGNIZE COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE IN THE WILLMAR LAKES AREA

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The public is invited to the Chamber Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Event Luncheon recognizing community leadership, volunteering and giving. The event is Thursday, August 6, 2020 from 12:00 – 1:30 P.M. at Bill Taunton Stadium and is presented by the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. Individual tickets are $25 include lunch and a program recognizing the recipients who will be accepting their individual awards for leadership and support of the Chamber and community. Tickets can be purchased by contacting the Chamber. Tickets include a fun meal consisting of Street tacos, with grilled sweet corn, queso and chips, water melon wedges and lemonade prepared by Heglund Catering. Ticket price helps to pay for the meal and all other costs associated with the awards that are presented.

EDC on Board to take lead on CARES Act business relief

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.

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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.

We will be receiving 30,000 masks. We have received the masks and they will be available tomorrow 7/29. If your business is in need of masks for employees or to provide to customers that do not have their own, please reach out and let us know.  Email Us

Disposable Face Mask Handout

COVID Resources for our Business community Mask Pick-up Information The Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is distributing a one-time supply of masks for businesses Kandiyohi County from the Department of Employment and Economic Development. We have been notified by DEED to expect our shipment to arrive sometime today, Tuesday, July 28. Businesses within Kandiyohi County can pick-up masks at the Chamber of Commerce located at 2104 East Highway 12, on the following dates/times. ·          Wednesday, July 29 – 11 am to 4:30 pm ·          Thursday, July 30 – 7:30 to 10:30 am ·          Friday, July 31 – 11 am to 2:00 pm   It is preferred that businesses utilize these designated distribution times for pick-up. Beyond these distribution dates, any remaining masks will be distributed via appointment by contacting the Chamber at (320) 235-0300. Masks are available for any business to ensure they are following the state requirement. Masks come in packages of 50. Mask Pick-up Map & Instructions:    You can pick up your donation at the Chamber north side entrance. The pick-up method will be via drive-thru volunteers will provide contactless delivery to your vehicle. You will be asked for your name, business name and how many masks you are requesting.

The City of Willmar has an immediate opening on the Planning Commission

The Planning Commission is charged with the duty of reviewing and reporting on revisions to the City's Zoning Ordinance and Comprehensive Land Use Plan. In addition, the Commission reviews requests for land use, such as conditional use permits and rezoning. It is also engaged in promoting interest in and understanding of planning, zoning, and the physical development of the City. This is done through the encouragement of citizen participation in its meetings and upcoming revisions of the City's Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The Planning Commission is the City Council's land-use advisory committee, and many of their decisions are subject to City Council approval.   WHAT EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED? Applicants must live within the city limits of Willmar. No prior experience needed, but an interest in serving the community in this way. It’s a great opportunity to learn about land use in the City. Many who serve on the Planning Commission move on to serve in other areas of their community.   WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT? The Planning Commission meets twice a month on the first and third Wednesdays at 7pm. Meetings last approximately 60 minutes. Terms are 3 years in length, with the opportunity to serve up to 2 terms. The Commission continues to meet virtually via GoTo Meeting due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions. Interested parties can download the application from our website willmarmn.gov > I Want To... > Apply For > Commission Appointment. https://tinyurl.com/56201PlanCom

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In our discussions of what direction to take, we discussed that due to a robust growing season, harvest could be starting earlier than normal and many of our Ag related friends were hesitant to pre-register for the event due to the fact that they might be busy with harvest season. The Aggie Open has always been designed to focus on Ag and really gave the opportunity to our Chamber members to thank and spend time on the golf course with their customers and friends. With many of these businesses dealing with their own respective COVID-19 policies that prevent them for being able to participate in large groups or gatherings, the registration numbers were at a point that it just wasn’t feasible for us to hold the event in 2020. In addition, due to staff changes at the Chamber, the people power is just not there to do the kind of event you all of come to enjoy and appreciate.

Less than 12 Spots Left 31st Annual Golf Classic August 3rd Golf is on! Due to Covid restrictions we are limited to 128 golfers. Don't delay! Signup today contact Ken at kwarner@willmarareachamber.com

neXt Visioning Team Searching For Team Members We Believe in Developing Networks and Advancing Careers

Because we believe in Developing Networks and Advancing Careers, the Willmar Chamber is embarking on a journey to develop a vision for the future of neXt. neXt has been bringing young professionals together in the Willmar Lakes Area since 2010. We are looking for someone passionate about their personal and professional development with a desire to help others. An advisory team is currently being developed and we invite you to join us. We value your time and ours. That’s why we promise not to take much of it. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Jared Voge at jared.voge@bolton-menk.com or 612-756-0326.