We Need to Hear from You!

We are partnering with the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis to give local businesses a voice. How is the current economy impacting your business? What challenges are you facing? This short survey will help the Minneapolis Fed assess real-time economic conditions in our region. The survey will close on Friday, February 7th. All responses are confidential.

Last Chance to Register

The world of technology is growing and evolving quickly and whether you’re a small business owner or leading a growing enterprise, this session will provide the insights and tools you need to embrace AI and enhance your operations. With Paula’s engaging and hands-on approach, you’ll leave equipped and confident to put AI to work for you right away!

2025 Session Priorities: Empowering a Healthy Economy

The Willmar Lakes Area business community was well represented at the kick off to the 2025 legislative session with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. This premiere gathering united business leaders and policymakers from across Minnesota for an exclusive preview of the legislative agenda from those at the forefront of shaping it. The sold-out crowd heard from Governor Walz and all four legislative leaders, as well as the priorities of the business community. Pictured front to back: Brittany VanDerBill (B. VanDerBill Consulting), Mary Baker, Nancy Miller (Vinna Human Resources), Mike Beard (Bollig Engineering), Suzanne Hass (Allstate Insurance), Representative Dave Baker, Chamber President James Miller, Senator Andrew Lang, and Ivan Parga (Southwest Initiative Foundation).

Elevate Informational Session

Glacial Ridge Curling Battle of the Businesses

This e-newsletter ad is sponsored by Glacial Ridge Curling.

Know a Leader Who Deserves Recognition?

West Central CEO Fundraiser

January neXt Educational

Unlock your potential to navigate workplace challenges with confidence! Young professionals will gain the tools to turn conflict into opportunity. Learn to harness your strengths, enhance emotional intelligence, and foster psychological safety in every interaction. From resolving workplace tension to mastering hard conversations, you’ll gain practical strategies to build stronger relationships and a more collaborative work environment. Empower yourself to thrive in any professional setting!

Chamber Chat

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. On January 16th James was joined in studio by KCEO students. Tune in this Thursday to hear from Hans and Victoria Hibma with Rendezvous Axe Throwing. Chamber Chat is also available on Spotify.

Chamber Job Board

Hiring? Make sure to log in to ChamberMaster to post your positions on the Chamber Job Board. Job postings are shared in the weekly e-newsletter that reaches over 1,500 people as well as on the Chamber website, and occasionally on social media. This is a complimentary service offered exclusively to Chamber members.

Anez Consulting - Part-Time Office Assistant

CentraCare - EMT, Paramedic

DSC Communications - Field Service Technician

Dooley's Petroleum - Billing Specialist. Accountant , Bulk Fuel & Propane Driver, Fuel Transport Driver, Help Desk Level 1

Haug Kubota - Service Technician

Heritage Exteriors - Project Manager, Carpentry Foreman, Sales Representative

Minnesota Department of Human Services - Special Care Dentist, Child & Adolescent Psychologist, Advance Dental Therapist, Clinical Supervisor/State Program Administrative Director

Minnesota Department of Transportation - Civil Engineer, Human Resources Supervisor

Northern Radiator - Administrative Accounting Assistant

Nova-Tech Engineering - HR Generalist

Prinsco - Director of HR

Southwest West Central Service Cooperative - Behavior Analyst or Behavior Specialist, Special Education Teacher - ELC New London

West Central Roofing - Foreman/Lead

West Central Sanitation - Senior Accountant, Diesel Heavy Truck Mechanic, Local Route CDL Truck Driver

Willmar Electric - Project Engineer

Weekly Calendar

Tuesday, January 21st at 12:00pm - neXt Conflict Resolution at Bremer Bank
Wednesday, January 22nd at 12:00pm - Agri-Business Meeting at the Chamber
Thursday, January 23rd at 7:30am - AI Pulse at Heritage Bank
Thursday, January 23rd at 10:00am - Chamber Chat
Thursday, January 23rd at 11:00am - Ribbon Cutting and First Dollar at Rendezvous Axe Throwing
Monday, January 27th at 12:00pm - Special Events Meeting at the Chamber
Tuesday, January 28th at 7:00am - Executive Meeting at the Chamber
Tuesday, January 28th at 11:00am - Milestone at Vibes
Tuesday January 28th at 11:30am - Milestone at Country Inn & Suites