Chamber Connection

Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber on Friday, February 21st 7:30-8:30am at the Heritage Bank Community Room for networking, prize drawings, and all the latest news and announcements from the local business community. Don't forget to bring your business card for a chance at door prizes!

NEW: $1 will be collected from each attendee to benefit our Nonprofit of the Month: Hawk Creek Animal Shelter. Each guest introduction will be limited to 30 seconds during circle time. Click here to view the 2025 Connection Calendar. Email info@willmarareachamber.com if you would like to prepay for the year or if you would like to receive a reminder email the day before each event.

Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center Nature Preschool

Congratulations to Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center on the ribbon cutting of their Nature Preschool located in the Westby Observatory! The preschool offers a nature-based outdoor playscape, an engaging indoor classroom, and hands-on learning experiences that inspire children to love and respect nature.

Celebrating with the Preschool Director Hannah Stelley and teachers are City of Spicer Mayor Robin de Cathelineau, Chamber Ambassadors or Board members Caroline Chan (Kandiyohi County), Brittany VanDerBill (B. VanDerBill Consulting), Amber Barber (320 Real Estate Co), Jesse Hulscher (TerWisscha Construction, Inc.), Chamber President James Miller, Dave Feist (TPI Hospitality), Alana Ziehl (Kandiyohi County Food Shelf), and Amanda Erickson (Lake Region Bank).

Know a Leader Who Deserves Recognition?

Business Education Network

The Business Education Network and the Willmar Senior High welcomed Ridgewater College Customized Training and Continuing Education on January 29th. Students were timed as they drove remote control semis through an obstacle course. The top times won a big candy bar while learning about the CDL classes offered in partnership with Ridgewater and WPS.

Zero Hour is the first hour every Wednesday for students to catch up on tests or missing work. Those that do not have work to catch up on are in the commons area until classes start. This provides the opportunity to showcase all the fantastic businesses in the Willmar Lakes Area. If you would like to connect with the students, please email program coordinator Jennifer Lindquist at BENCoordinator@willmarareachamber.com.

The Hydro Hutt Celebrates First Dollar

Congratulations to Mason Burgess, owner of The Hydro Hutt in Atwater on his First Dollar with the Chamber Ambassadors! Celebrating alongside him are his mother Stefanie Burgess and girlfriend and business associate Ava Grace Venstad.

Mason discovered his passion for hydroponics in Michigan and turned his hobby into a business after returning to Minnesota, where the growing season is even shorter. The Hydro Hutt offers hydroponic equipment for indoor and outdoor cultivation, plus expert consultations to help you grow fresh produce, plants, or veggies year-round.

Pictured representing the Chamber: Kami Anez (Anez Consulting), Amber Barber (320 Real Estate Co), Chamber President James Miller, Jesse Hulscher (TerWisscha Construction, Inc.), Dave Feist (TPI Hospitality), Fernando Alvarado (FIAFOTO), Renee Nolting (West Central Industries), and Amanda Erickson (Lake Region Bank).

neXt Lunch and Learn

Ready to break free from outdated financial rules? Join Tim Mattern, NSSA®, as he reveals how to build wealth on your terms. Learn why traditional retirement planning is being disrupted and discover strategic ways to grow your money while maintaining the lifestyle you want. This isn't your parents' retirement strategy – it's a blueprint for financial freedom that works with today's rapidly evolving economy.

RSVP is required to receive lunch by February 24th. Thank you to Taatjes Financial Group for sponsoring this laid back conversational-style educational.

Chamber Chat

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Heather Hanson and Shannon Bohlsen with the United Way of West Central Minnesota.

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.

CentraCare - EMT, Paramedic

Citizens Alliance Bank - Core Application Specialist, Customer Service Representative, Loan Admin Clerk, Loan Officer - Granite Falls, Marketing Supervisor, Payroll and Benefits Coordinator, Risk Manager, Loan Servicing Specialist, Teller - Clara City, SVP/Market Manager - Granite Falls, Teller/Personal Banker - Howard Lake, Loan Admin Officer - Watertown

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

Employment Plus - Accountant

Haug Kubota - Service Technician, Accounting Specialist

Heritage Exteriors - Carpentry Foreman, Sales Representative, Project Manager

Mainstream Boutique - Part-Time Stylist

Minnesota Department of Human Services - Occupational Therapist

Minnesota Department of Transportation - Planner

United Community Action Partnership - Housing Energy Auditor/Inspector Marshall or Willmar, Head Start Cultural Liaison (Temporary) - Willmar , Head Start Assistant Teacher - Willmar

Southwest West Central Service Cooperative - Special Education Teacher - ELC New London, Special Education Paraprofessional - New London, School Social Worker - New London