Tuesday, July 21, 2020
This week's e-newsletter brought to you by Chairman's Circle Level Member
WILLMAR LAKES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO
RECOGNIZE COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE IN THE WILLMAR LAKES AREA

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.
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.

Only 30 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.

Online virtual open house for Highway 23
South Gap project starts July 13

MnDOT District 8 is hosting an online virtual open house for the Highway 23 South Gap project.  The virtual open house will run July 13, 2020 through July 27, 2020.

In May of 2018, the Minnesota Legislature passed a bonding bill which included funding for the Highway 23 gaps projects.

The two locations of the Highway 23 Gaps are on Highway 23 from Paynesville to Richmond (North Gap) and New London to Paynesville (South Gap). The projects will improve roadway capacity, travel times and interstate access to west central and southwest Minnesota residents and businesses.

Construction of the North Gap will begin first in 2022 and will take two construction seasons to finish. Construction of the Highway 23 South Gap will begin in 2023 and will also take two construction seasons. MnDOT District 8 (Willmar office) is the lead on both projects.

There is much work to be done to get the South Gap project ready for a 2023 construction start. Staff are working on design of the roadway, acquiring right-of-way (land for the road expansion) and securing utility and environmental permits.
The online virtual open house will allow participants the opportunity to learn more about the project, view the current roadway layout, ask questions and give their feedback.
The open house is posted on the project webpage. Community members are invited to view the open house materials when it is convenient for them.
Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) invites and encourages participation by all. We believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to enjoy the programs, services and activities we provide.
For more information and to sign up for project updates, please visit www.mndot.gov/d8/projects/hwy23southgap .



We’re looking for an Industrial Maintenance Technician and Manufacturing Operators to play a critical role in the success of JUST Egg at our Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Appleton, MN.    
At JUST, we believe everyone deserves to eat well. We're searching faster and further, working with rural farmers, Michelin-starred chefs and world-class product developers to find tools in the plant kingdom that will make our food tastier and healthier. 
 
Want to learn more? Visit our  Career Site or email Recruiting@ju.st
 

$100 Credit for Private Cruises  
Book a last-minute private cruise for 2020 between July 21 - August 7, 2020 and enjoy up to a $100 pre-paid bar tab! Cruise must be booked between July 21-August 7, 2020, and take place before the end of the 2020 season.
Book online: www.greenlakecruises.com/private-cruise and enter code CHAMBER2020. For questions, call 320-894-5774.