Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

Embrace Change | Drive Momentum | Champion Growth

This advertisement is sponsored by Accru Wealth.

Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber and Desiree Petrich with Intentional Action on Friday, April 4th 7:30-8:30am at Heritage Bank (310 1st St S, Willmar) 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.

Congratulations to Tom Gilbertson, Callie Henscheid, Devory Fischer, Kim Nichols, and Curt Schlenner of Gilbertson Management Group on the ribbon cutting of their new and expanded office located on the beautiful and historic MinnWest Technology Campus.

Gilbertson Management Group creates tailored financial strategies for professionals, including business owners, their companies, and their employees. The campus has supported the business' continued growth while offering the space and resources needed for future success.

Celebrating alongside the Gilbertson Management team: Kami Anez (Anez Consulting), Kris Gulbrandsen, Steve Gardner (Willmar Electric Service), Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking), Fernando Alvarado, Tayla Boersma (MinnWest Technology Campus), Jeff Jensen (West Central Technology), Michelle Marotzke (Kandiyohi County Economic Development), Mitch Ashburn (Edina Realty), Sara DeRoo (Christianson PLLP), Chamber President and CEO James Miller, Dan Hubbard (On The Run Promotions), and Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank).

Congratulations and thank you to Heidi Duke-Wuertz of HMD Photography on 10 years of membership with the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber! From professional headshots and corporate group photography to senior portraits and family sessions, Heidi brings energy, creativity, and laughter to every photoshoot.

Pictured representing the Chamber: Jeff Martinka (United Prairie), Suzanne Hass (Allstate Insurance), Christina Williams (R&J Tours), Jayme Sczublewski (New London Real Estate), Shelly Bormann (Goodwill-Easter Seals), President and CEO James Miller, and Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking Inc.).

Congratulations to Natalie and Patrick Gilmore of Pure Zen Esthetics on their First Dollar! From customized facials and acne treatments to brow, lash, and waxing services, Natalie creates a relaxing and rejuvenating experience to help clients restore and maintain a radiant complexion in a peaceful environment.

Pictured representing the Chamber: Fernando Alvarado, President and CEO James Miller, Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking Inc.), Sara DeRoo (Christianson PLLP), Kris Gulbrandsen, Jeff Jensen (West Central Technology), Mitch Ashburn (Edina Realty), and Dan Hubbard (On The Run Promotions).

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.

Thank you to Representative Dave Baker and Senator Andrew Lang for taking time to provide valuable updates on important legislative issues. Your dedication to serving our area is truly appreciated! It’s great to hear directly from those who are working hard to make a positive impact. 

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Jan Ruby, Kevin Felien, and Mike Schroeder of Little Crow Water Ski Team.

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

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

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

• Haug Kubota - Service Technician, Ag Equipment Sales,

• Heritage Exteriors - Carpentry Foreman, Sales Representative

• Insurance by Strehlow - Insurance Agent

• Kandiyohi County Food Shelf - Inventory Specialist

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

• Minnesota Department of Transportation - Human Resources Specialist, Planner (Transportation)

• Prinsco - Financial Planning Analysis Manager

• Ridgewater College - Automotive Services Technology Instructor, Nursing - AD Instructor

• 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

• United Way - Growmobile Staff

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

• Willmar Public Schools - Bilingual Paraprofessional, Elementary Teacher, Head Boys Hockey Coach

Thursday, April 3 at 7:30am - Chamber Community Leadership Celebration

Thursday, April 3 at 10:00am - Chamber Chat on KWLM

Friday, April 4 at 7:30am - Chamber Connection at Heritage Bank

Friday, April 4 at 9:00am - Ribbon Cutting at Les Schwab

Friday, April 4 at 12:00pm - Public Policy Meeting at Heritage Bank

Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30am - Grow MN! at the Chamber

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

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 New London Real Estate

Tuesday, April 1st

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