Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

Embrace Change. Drive Momentum. Champion Growth. 

Congratulations to Hans and Victoria Hibma on their recent First Dollar and ribbon cutting for Rendezvous Axe Throwing! Their dream, sparked at a marriage retreat, has officially become a reality! On behalf of the business community, we wish you continued success as you grow your business and bring fun for people of all ages to the Willmar Lakes Area!

Rendezvous is perfect for a fun group outings to date nights. Plus, they have delicious food and drinks to keep you fueled for all the action. We highly recommend the cheese curds and hot honey pepperoni pizza! They began taking DoorDash orders last week.

Representing the Chamber Board and/or Ambassadors: Jaime Martinez (CentraCare), Jean Geselius (CDS), Mitch Ashburn (Edina Realty), Renee Nolting (West Central Industries), Micah Larson (Intuition Brewing), Alana Ziehl (Kandiyohi County Food Shelf), Vicki Davis (Fladeboe Land), Doug Kuehnast, Mary Hagen (West Central Technology, Inc.), Jim Rudnick (CDS), Jeff Jensen (West Central Technology, Inc.), Dan Jacobs (Marcus Construction), Dawn Lippert (Mainstream Boutique), Sara DeRoo (Christianson PLLP), Chamber President James Miller, Fernando Alvarado (FIAFOTO), and Jason Kowalczyk (Marcus Construction).

Generative AI is transforming the business landscape. Paula Skoviera of Princess Paula Consulting met with local businesses last week to share insights and tools to embrace AI and enhance operations. Together, they explored the history and background of generative AI, discovered practical, easy-to-apply AI strategies for business, and left with actionable insights that could be implemented immediately. 

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

Kim Madsen helped young professionals navigate workplace challenges with confidence. neXt members were motivated to recognize their individual strengths and weaknesses, to bring solutions instead of complaints, look for the good, and to ask questions to understand … all actionable steps to conflict management and resolution.

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. On January 23rd James was joined in studio by Hans and Victoria Hibma with Rendezvous Axe Throwing. Tune in this Thursday to hear from Kelly O'Farrell with CDS. Chamber Chat is also available on Spotify.

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

• Lake Region Bank - Commercial Lender

• Minnesota Department of Human Services - Special Care Dentist, Child & Adolescent Psychologist, Advance Dental Therapist,

• Minnesota Department of Transportation - Civil Engineer, Human Resources Supervisor

• Northern Radiator - Administrative Accounting Assistant

• Nova-Tech Engineering - HR Generalist

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

• Prinsco - Director of HR

• Southwest West Central Service Cooperative - Behavior Analyst or Behavior Specialist, Special Education Teacher - ELC New London, Special Education Paraprofessional - New London, School Social Worker - New London

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

• Willmar Electric - Project Engineer

• Tuesday, January 28th at 11:00am - Milestone at Vibes Cut & Color
• Tuesday January 28th at 11:30am - Milestone at Country Inn & Suites
• Thursday, January 30th at 10:00am - Chamber Chat
• Thursday, January 30th at 11:00am - Ribbon Cutting at Body Harmonics
• Monday, February 3rd at 12:00pm - Membership Drive Meeting at the Chamber
• Tuesday, February 4th at 8:30am - neXt Committee Meeting at the Chamber

Business After Hours at Willmar Indoor Golf

Tuesday, February 11th

Chamber Community Leadership Celebration at Willmar Conference Center

Thursday, March 13th

Business After Hours at New London Real Estate

Tuesday, April 1st

Student Job Fair & Career Expo at the Willmar High School

Thursday, April 24th

Leadership Perspectives Graduation at Willmar Conference Center

Thursday, May 29th

Aggie Open at Little Crow

Monday, June 23rd

Special Event at Zorbaz

Saturday, July 26th

Golf Classic at Eagle Creek

Monday, August 4th