Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

Embrace Change | Drive Momentum | Champion Growth

Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber on Friday, March 21st 7:30-8:30am 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! $1 will be collected from each attendee to benefit our Nonprofit of the Month: Kandiyohi County Food Shelf. Click here to view the Connection Calendar.

Congratulations to Mandy Fleming, Dave Henle, Desirae McNeil, Alina Hince, and Kathy Fritz of Hertiage Bank - Raymond on 20 years of membership!

Heritage Bank is a trusted financial partner providing exceptional banking services and personalized financial solutions. The Heritage Bank employee owners offer unwavering support for their customers with a focus on agriculture, business, and home ownership. Their commitment to innovation, customer service, and community development has made a lasting impact on Raymond and the surrounding areas. We are grateful for their dedication to strengthening our local economy and helping businesses thrive.

Pictured representing the Chamber: Jayme Sczublewski (New London Real Estate), Chamber President James Miller, Jon Schmidt (DataSuccess), Jeff Martinka (United Prairie Bank), Jessica Hanson (Willmar Hypnosis), Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking), and Shelly Bormann (Goodwill - Easter Seals).

The Business Education Network and Willmar Senior High welcomed Jennie-O/Hormel Foods and West Central Steel. Students had the chance to meet the Jennie-O mascot, explore welding opportunities, and learn more about these two impressive organizations.

Zero Hour is the first hour every other 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 the opportunity to connect with students, please reach out to program coordinator Jennifer Lindquist at bencoordinator@willmarareachamber.com.

Join us for golf, cornhole, pool, and all the chill vibes you need to make real connections without the awkward small talk. Oh, and did we mention FREE FOOD? Bring your club or snag a set from WIG (limited supply of left-handed clubs). All skill levels welcome. Don’t miss this afternoon of fun, food, and friendly competition!

Join us for a Legislative Breakfast hosted by the Kandiyohi County Farm Bureau Federation, Kandiyohi County Economic Development, and the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber. This free event is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from Senator Andrew Lang and local Representatives Dave Baker and Scott Van Binsbergen about key legislative issues impacting our community, businesses, and agriculture. Engage in meaningful discussions, gain valuable insights, and connect with local leaders over breakfast. Please RSVP via email or on the Chamber website by March 26th.

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Habitat for Humanity of West Central Minnesota Executive Director Kayla Klein and Operations Support Manager Greg Brandt.

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 - Multiple Locations, Loan Admin Officer - Watertown

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

• Haug Implement - Ag Equipment Sales, Diesel Technician, Professional Truck Driver, Accounting Specialist, Assistant Controller

• Haug Kubota - Service Technician

• Heritage Exteriors - Project Manager, Carpentry Foreman

• Kandiyohi County Food Shelf - Inventory Specialist

• Marcus Construction - Carpentry Field Coordinator, Construction Superintendent (Traveling)



• Northern Radiator - Customer Service Representative

• Prinsco- Financial Planning Analysis Manager

• Ridgewater College - Veterinary Technology Instructor, College Lab Assistant - Nursing & Allied Health Tutor

• Southwest West Central Service Cooperative - Special Education Teacher - ELC New London, Special Education Paraprofessional - ELC New London, Youth Mental Health Navigator, Facility Manager

• United Community Action Partnership - Head Start Assistant Teacher - Willmar

• West Central Sanitation - Roll Off Driver - CDL Required

• Willmar Public Schools - Early Childhood Manager

Tuesday, March 18th at 10:30am - Ribbon Cutting at Mill Pond Salon

Tuesday, March 18th at 12:00pm - CVB Board Meeting at the Chamber

Tuesday, March 18th at 3:30pm - neXt Networking Event at Willmar Indoor Golf

Wednesday, March 20th at 9:00am - BEN Advisory Meeting at the Chamber

Thursday, March 20th at 10:00am - Chamber Chat with Goodness Coffee Co

Thursday, March 20th at 11:00am - Ribbon Cutting at Gilbertson Management Group

Thursday, March 20th at 11:30am - First Dollar at Pure Zen Esthestics

Thursday, March 20th at 12:30pm - Membership Milestone for HMD Photography

Friday, March 21st at 7:30am - Chamber Connection at Jennie-O

Friday, March 21st at 8:00am - Leadership Perspectives at Ridgewater College

Tuesday, March 25th at 7:00am - Executive Committee Meeting at the Chamber

Business After Hours at New London Real Estate

Tuesday, April 1st

Chamber Community Leadership Celebration at Willmar Conference Center

Thursday, April 3rd

Student Job Fair & Career Expo at the Willmar High School

Thursday, April 24th

Business After Hours at Quist Wealth Management

Tuesday, May 20th

Leadership Perspectives Graduation at Willmar Conference Center

Thursday, May 29th

Aggie Open at Little Crow

Monday, June 16th

Special Event at Zorbaz

Saturday, July 26th

Golf Classic at Eagle Creek

Monday, August 18th