News from Your Chamber

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

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

As always, but especially during this season of gratitude, we would like to say thank you to our generous members and dedicated volunteers that make the Willmar Lakes Area a better place to live, work, play, and conduct business. We are grateful for your continued support and wish you a happy Thanksgiving.

New Highway 12 Subway Store Open for Business

Congratulations to Gary Hendrickx, Mac Hendrickx, Ciarra Farber, Brook Johnson, and Jamie Peterson of Subway on their new Highway 12 location that opened in Willmar on Wednesday! Stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and check out the beautiful new building by Marcus Construction. Dine in or check out their efficient self-order kiosk drive-thru system. Celebrating with the Subway team are representatives from the City of Willmar, Willmar Lakes Area Chamber Ambassadors and Board members, West Central Tribune, and Marcus Construction.

New Member Welcome

Lakeview Inn Celebrates 20 Years

Congratulations and thank you to Asim Siddiqui, Lisa Portillo, and Inez Jimenez of Lakeview Inn on 20 years of membership! Lakeview Inn offers affordable accommodations with extended stay rates, weekend stays, and kitchenette suites. The inn also partners with area nonprofits to provide short-term housing.

Pictured representing the Chamber Board and/or Diplomats: Jeff Martinka (United Prairie), Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank), Jon Rambow (Rambow), Chamber President James Miller, and Suzanne Hass (Allstate Insurance).

Shop Small this Holiday Season

The Willmar Lakes Area Chamber is proud to represent small and large businesses. Small Business Saturday is a way to increase awareness and support of small businesses that are making an impact in our community. Thank you to the businesses that support the community as members of the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce! Click the image above to view the membership directory.

Central Tire & Auto Celebrates 10 Years

Locally-owned and operated, Central Tire and Auto pairs a wide selection of brand name tires and professional automotive services with affordable prices and quality work. Representing Central Tire: Seth Zeitz, Jason Hamstad, Michael Wandersee, Keith Moyers, Brandon Haats, Corey Hinkemeyer, Brian Fifield, Dohn Harpestad, Brooke Tjernagel, and Jackie Glesne.

Pictured representing the Chamber Board and/or Diplomats: Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank), Jon Rambow (Rambow), Andrew Kveene (Edward Jones), Jeff Martinka (United Prairie), Chamber President James Miller, Shelly Bormann (Goodwill), Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking), Suzanne Hass (Allstate Insurance), Lexi Kopacek (Christianson PLLP), and Carla Kahle-Miller (Design West Ltd).

Central Tire & Auto

Restorative Sleep Solutions Celebrates 10 Years

Restorative Sleep Solutions is a full service sleep diagnostic testing facility for all types of sleep disorders including insomnia, periodic limb movement disorder, and most commonly sleep apnea. Representing Restorative Sleep Solutions: Jarad Ripperger, Rae Van Meter, Dawn Hedtke, and Becky Schafer.

Pictured representing the Chamber Board and/or Diplomats: Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking), Carla Kahle-Miller (Design West Ltd), Chamber President James Miller, Shelly Bormann (Goodwill), Suzanne Hass (Allstate Insurance), Jon Rambow (Rambow), Lexi Kopacek (Christianson PLLP), Andrew Kveene (Edward Jones), Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank), and Jeff Martinka (United Prairie).

Restorative Sleep Solutions

Suite Liv'n Celebrates 10 Years

Suite Liv'n is a faith-based affordable, workforce housing provider that believes everyone deserves a roof over their head. Representing Suite Liv’n are Becca Olson, Doug Orlowski, Erin Lund, Grant Rios, Spring Loken, Sheila Bass Alyssa Sitz, Tonie Rende, Becca Breashears, and Brandi Breeden.

Pictured representing the Chamber Board and/or Diplomats: President James Miller, Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank), Andrew Kveene (Edward Jones), and Jessica Hanson (Willmar Hypnosis).

Suite Liv'n

Save the Date

The Minnesota Department of Transportation continues its efforts to improve safety and traffic flow at the intersection of Highway 23 and Highway 9 in New London. The public is invited to a meeting to learn more about the upcoming project.

MnDOT plans to build a bridge at the intersection of Hwy 23 and Highway 9 in New London that includes ramp access to and from Highway 23. In addition, a roundabout will be constructed at the intersection of Hwy 9 and the Highway 23 access road, aligning with the safety goals of the project by improving access points, improving traffic flow, and providing a safe pedestrian crossing.

All are invited to attend the public meeting. This is an opportunity to stay informed about the latest project updates, understand how the new design will improve safety and traffic flow, and ask questions about the next steps in the process.

Public Meeting Details:

Location: Peace Lutheran Church

Date: Thursday, Dec. 5

Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

There will be no presentation, join us anytime during the meeting. If you cannot attend, project information will be available on the project website. MnDOT will also host informal gatherings at local venues to share information about the project.

Informal gatherings for the Highway 23 New London interchange project:

Location: Spicer American Legion

Date: Monday, Dec. 30

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Goat Ridge Brewing

Date: Thursday, Jan. 9

Time: 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Location: Lake Affect Coffee

Date: Saturday, Jan. 25

Time: 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

New Advertising Opportunities

Learn More

Health Insurance Savings for Your Business

Does open enrollment have you looking for a different employee health insurance solution? Learn how ChamberHealth is the ideal option for small and mid-sized Minnesota businesses. Available through any broker, ChamberHealth by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is a collection of health insurance products from trusted partners like Medica and UnitedHealthcare designed to give small and mid-sized employers access to high-quality, affordable health insurance for their employees.

Benefits may include:

Average of 5-10%, or more, in lower premiums
Features and benefits for small to mid-sized businesses typically available only to large companies
Access to local doctors, hospitals and other providers
Providing an employee benefit to attract and retain top workers
Additional savings with bundling of group life, disability, dental or vision

Learn More

Chamber Chat

Thursday mornings on KWLM's Open Mic, Willmar Lakes Area Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. On November 21st he was joined in studio by Kelsey Hedlof with neXt. Interested in being a guest on Chamber Chat? Find out more below or email jmiller@willmarareachamber.com.

Listen Now

Chamber Chat

Nonprofit Showcase Recap

Kandiyohi County is fortunate to have several nonprofit organizations working towards various missions that each play a part in bettering our community. Last week neXt heard from six nonprofit leaders who inspired young leaders to get engaged and to find a cause that resonates with their passion, time, and talents. Thank you to Debi Brandt (United Community Action Partnership), Jenny Bork (Hawk Creek Animal Shelter), Greg Brandt and Kayla Klein (Habitat for Humanity), Jen Johnson (Safe Avenues), Heather Hanson (United Way), and VaLoris Anderson (Advocacy & Inclusion Matter) for presenting. Click the link below to learn more about volunteer opportunities in the community.

Volunteer Opportunities

Family Promise Seeks Board Members

Family Promise of Kandiyohi County is actively seeking board members. Family Promise's mission is to help homeless families. They do this by uniting the faith communities to help families find new homes and maintain their dignity. Candidates need to have a compassionate heart and a desire to help those in our community who are struggling in many different ways. If interested, contact Executive Director Jason Burnett at director@familypromiseofkc.org.

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.