Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

Embrace Change | Drive Momentum | Champion Growth

Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber at VistaPrairie at Copperleaf (1550 1st St N, Willmar) on Friday, April 11th 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: Safe Avenues. Click here to view the Connection Calendar.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Community Leadership Celebration, where we honored exceptional leaders driving our region’s success and vitality! It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the past year’s achievements, celebrate retiring Chamber Board Members, and recognize key contributors to our thriving community.

Legacy Award

Ross Marcus, Marcus Construction

MILO Award

Jeff Jensen, West Central Technology, Inc.

Exemplary Leadership Award

Michelle Marotzke, Kandiyohi County Economic Development

5 Under 45 Emerging Leaders:

Amber Barber, 320 Real Estate Co

Brittany VanDerBill, B. VanDerBill Consulting

Naomi Hinz, The Main Pointe School of Dance

Griffin Leitch, Anderson Larson Law Office

Kelsey Baker, Kandiyohi County

Retiring Board Members:

Angie Caskey, Jennie-O

Kelly O'Farrell, CDS

Scott Norling, Life-Science Innovations

Stephen Gardner, Willmar Electric Service

We also recognized significant Membership Milestones and looked ahead to the exciting initiatives that will shape our future. Here’s to continuing the work that makes Willmar Lakes Area a place to grow, connect, and succeed! Let’s keep building a stronger, more vibrant business community together!

Please join us in welcoming General Manager Joseph Singhurst, Assistant Manager Bel Stavens, and their team at Les Schwab Tire Centers to the Willmar Lakes Area business community! Les Schwab offers a range of services to keep you on the road. Whether you need a simple tire rotation or more extensive vehicle maintenance, they’ve got you covered. 

What truly sets Les Schwab apart is their commitment to community. Known for their exceptional customer service, they go above and beyond to support local events and contribute to the growth of our area. We’re excited to see them make a positive impact in the Willmar Lakes Area!

Representing the Chamber: Jean Geselius (CDS), Mary Hagen (West Central Technology), Sara DeRoo (Christianson PLLP), Dave Feist (TPI Hospitality), Michelle Marotzke (Kandiyohi County Economic Development), Matt Schrupp (Jennie-O), Jeff Jensen (West Central Technology), President and CEO James Miller, Alana Ziehl (Kandiyohi County Food Shelf), Vicki Davis (Fladeboe Land), Doug Kuehnast, Dan Jacobs (Marcus Construction), Renee Nolting (West Central Industries), Jaime Martinez (CentraCare), Brittany VanDerBill (B. VanDerBill Consulting).

The Chamber’s Business Education Network is excited to host a Touch a Truck event at Willmar Senior High School on April 16th. This hands-on event offers students the opportunity to explore a variety of commercial vehicles, learning about their unique functions, operations, and contributions to our community. To participate or learn more, please reach out to Sam Bowen at Ridgewater College at (320) 222-5206 or via email at sam.bowen@ridgewater.edu.

In March, the Business Education Network hosted Classroom to Career at Central Minnesota Christian School. Jeff Duininck of Duininck Inc. spoke to students about how their high school decisions can shape future opportunities in the Willmar Lakes Area, encouraging them to take charge of their educational journeys.

This free educational for neXt and Central Lakes United members will focus on:

• Boundaries: Setting limits, keeping them, and thriving - at home, work, and everywhere in between
• Stress: Recognizing positive and negative stress and coping strategies
• Burnout: Prevention strategies, recovery, and self-care practices

Whether you're climbing the ladder, pivoting paths, or seeking balance, this is for you! RSVP by April 15th to next@willmarareachamber.com. A meal will be provided.

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Larry Kleindl and Kevin Ochsendorf of Kandiyohi County Pheasants Forever.

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

• Green Lake Lutheran Ministries - Food Service Manager/Head Chef, Seasona Food Service Assistant/Sous Chef

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

• Haug Kubota - Service Technician

• Heritage Exteriors - Sales Representative

• Insurance by Strehlow - Insurance Agent

• Kandiyohi County Food Shelf - Inventory Specialist

• Lake Region Bank - Loan Services/RE Loan Processor

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

• Minnesota Department of Transportation - Planner (Transportation)

• Northern Radiator - Purchasing Manager

• Prinsco - Payroll and Benefits Administrator

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

• West Central Sanitation - Diesel Heavy Truck Mechanic, Local Route CDL Truck Driver, Transfer Station Attendant

Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30am - Leadership Perspectives Trip to the State Capitol

Thursday, April 10 at 10:00am - Chamber Chat on KWLM

Friday, April 11 at 7:30am - Chamber Connection at Copperleaf Senior Living

Friday, April 11 at 12:00pm - Ambassador Meeting at Willmar Conference Center

Tuesday, April 15 at 11:00am - Milestone for Kandiyohi Co Farm Bureau Federation

Student Job Fair & Career Expo at the Willmar High School

Thursday, April 24th

Business After Hours at New London Real Estate

Tuesday, April 29th

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