News from Your Chamber

Tuesday, August 27th, 2024

This e-newsletter is brought to you by Chairman's Circle member:

ADVERTISE IN THE E-NEWSLETTER

One top banner ad is available every week in the Chamber e-newsletter. Reach over 1,500 people for just $125! Ads are on a first come, first served basis, and are also available in the body of the e-news for $100. Partner level members and up receive one complimentary e-news insert per year.

Please email jtanner@willmarareachamber.com to reserve your space.

The Chamber office will be closed August 30th - September 3rd in observance of Labor Day and in appreciation for all the hard work that went into organizing three successful fundraisers. Thank you to those who volunteered, sponsored, and/or attended the Golf Classic, Aggie Open, and Melvin's Throwback! Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Minnesota Paid Leave Information and Engagement Session

Paid Leave is coming to Minnesota. Is your business ready?

In 2023 the Minnesota Legislature passed Paid Family and Medical Leave. The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is tasked with establishing this program, and work is well underway for the January 1, 2026, effective date.

As an employer, you play an important role in Paid Leave. To help employers prepare and answer questions about the new state program, Minnesota Paid Leave Director Greg Norfleet and division staff are partnering with the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber for an in-person information and engagement session on the Paid Leave Program to cover the following:

• Provide employers with program updates, respond to questions, and gather feedback.

• Share information employers need to make sure they are ready when wage detail reporting begins this October.

• Connect and establish open lines of communication with employers around the state.

The Willmar Lakes Area Chamber is hosting a Minnesota Paid Leave information and engagement session:

Thursday, September 5th

1:00 - 2:30 pm

Willmar Conference Center

This is a great opportunity for you to gain important information and provide feedback to DEED leadership. All local employers are invited to attend. Advance registration is welcomed but not required. Light refreshments will be provided.

September Chamber Connections Schedule

There will not be a Chamber Connection this week due to the holiday weekend. Chamber Connections will resume on Friday, September 6th at Bremer Bank. Hope to see you there!

New Members Welcome

Rendezvous Axe Throwing

Wanted: Zero Hour & Career Presenters

The Business Education Program (BEN) is excited to be welcomed back to Willmar High School on Wednesday mornings again this year for Zero Hour. On Wednesday mornings from 8:00 am to 9:00 am at Willmar High School, the students have Zero Hour. For some students, these mornings are spent catching up on tests or missing work. The rest of the students are waiting in the commons area for class to start. The BEN program has been given the opportunity to have one or two businesses set up tables in the commons area to interact with these students. This time is meant for your business to promote itself as an option for students to start considering as they move toward the workforce. This is not meant as a hiring fair. The goal is to build relationships between our students and businesses to help students understand the various levels of work that are available in our community.

If this opportunity sounds like something your business wants to participate in, please send an email to bencoordinator@willmarareachamber.com.

Willmar Needs Your Input!

The City of Willmar is in the midst of developing a comprehensive plan, a visioning document that will guide the city's development over the next two decades. This plan is more than just a roadmap; it's a reflection of the collective aspirations for the future of Willmar. It will address current challenges and seize opportunities, setting ambitious goals for 2045. To achieve this, the City of Willmar needs your input and collaboration.

WITHWILLMAR Comprehensive Plan

CentraCare Employer Summit

Join us at the CentraCare Employer Summit 2024 in Willmar on Thursday, Sept. 26. This event is tailored for employers across the Southwest region including Willmar, Paynesville, Benson, Litchfield and Redwood Falls territories. This half-day event is designed exclusively to give regional employers the tools you need to create a resiliency-focused culture of mental well-being in your workplace. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with CentraCare leadership to explore emerging employee health challenges.

Event Highlights

• Tailored Mental Health Training: Gain valuable insights through a short, focused training session on building an inclusive mental health workforce. Learn practical strategies to support your employees' well-being and create a healthier work environment.

• Interactive Round Table Discussions: Have your voice heard by the presidents of CentraCare's Southwest region. Share your insights, concerns, and ideas on emerging trends and health care needs that are impacting your workforce. This is your chance to influence the direction of workplace health initiatives and ensure your voice is heard.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow employers and industry professionals who share your commitment to fostering a healthy, thriving workforce.

Connect with CentraCare leaders:

Melissa McGinty-Thompson, President, CentraCare - Benson
Craig Henneman, President, CentraCare - Paynesville
Carnie Allex, President, CentraCare - Redwood
Michael Schramm, President, CentraCare - Willmar
Mary Ellen Wells, CEO, Meeker Memorial Hospital & Clinics

Chamber Community Job Board

Hiring? Don't forget to login to ChamberMaster to post your openings on the Chamber Job Board! Job postings will be shared weekly in the e-newsletter that reaches 1,500 people as well as on the Chamber website. Please contact the Chamber if you have any questions.