Weekly Networking Event

Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber for networking, prize drawings, and all the latest news and announcements from the local business community. The event will take place in the Dining Area in the Ridgewater College Student Center (2101 15th Ave NW, Willmar). Please park in lots A or B and enter through the Student Center main entrance and go up the stairs near the Bookstore. 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: Alzheimer's Association.

Leadership Perspectives Kicks Off

Leadership Perspectives is a positive force in shaping the communities of Kandiyohi County, and is a dynamic and interactive educational experience. Over 1,000 community leaders have graduated from Leadership Perspectives to date.

Specials thanks to Steve Gardner (Willmar Electric), Bill Adams (Willmar Public Schools), Heather Hanson (United Way of West Central Minnesota), Christina Boike (Anfinson Thompson & Co), Chamber Board Chair-Elect Dustin Kotbra (Christianson CPAs and Consultants), and Board Chair Suzanne Hass (Allstate Insurance) for addressing the class and sharing their experience in the Leadership Perspectives alumni panel.

Interested in joining this year's cohort? We still have a couple spots available. Please click the link below to apply. If we can't squeeze you in this year, you will be added to the wait list for next year.

Learn More

Paid Leave Info Session

The Lit Path Massage Celebrates First Dollar

Congratulations to Certified Massage Therapist Angelina Trask of The Lit Path Massage on her First Dollar with the Chamber Ambassadors!

The Lit Path Massage is located within the Meridian Disc Institute in Willmar and offers a wide range of services designed exclusively for women. From therapeutic and relaxation massage to IASTM/Gua Sha, cupping, scraping, and ear candling, each treatment is tailored to help you feel your best. Whether you’re looking to reduce aches and pains, improve circulation and range of motion, or simply relax and relieve stress, Angelina provides a personalized experience that supports both body and mind. Angelina is a proud graduate of Ridgewater College.

Representing the Chamber Ambassadors: Fernando Alvarado, Tayla Boersma (MinnWest Technology Campus), Mitch Ashburn (Edina Realty), Kris Gulbrandsen, Doug Kuehnast, Dawn Lippert (Mainstream Boutique), Jeff Jensen (West Central Technology), and Dan Hubbard (On the Run Promotions).

Business Education Network

The Business Education Network and the Willmar Senior High welcomed Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP and Central MN Jobs and Training Services for the first Zero Hour of the year on September 10th. Students enjoyed a sweet treat and played a form of Jenga while they learned more about these organizations.

Zero Hour is the first hour on Wednesdays at Willmar High School. This time is scheduled every other week for students to catch up on tests or missing work. Those who do not have work to catch up on are in the commons area until classes start at 9am. This gives us the opportunity to showcase all the fantastic businesses in the Willmar Lakes Area. If you would like the opportunity to connect with the Willmar High School students, please reach out Program Coordinator Jennifer Lindquist at BENCoordinator@willmarareachamber.com.

Classroom to Career Presenters Needed

The Business Education Network is beginning to schedule Classroom to Career presentations in school districts across our region. These 45 minute slide presentations introduce eighth graders to the many job/career opportunities available in the Willmar Lakes Area. This program has been running for four years.

We are currently looking for volunteers who can give an hour or two of their time to present at various schools across Kandiyohi County. The presenter will need to attend a one-hour training in September and then have the flexibility to choose a school from our list for their presentation at least once during the school year. If interested, please email BENCoordinator@willmarareachamber.com.

Free Young Professionals Event!

Join fellow young professionals for a fun evening and get a sneak peek at this year’s networking and professional development opportunities.This is the perfect chance to expand your network, grow your career, and connect locally. Whether you’re a young professional—or simply young at heart—everyone is welcome, so bring a friend!

Chamber Chat

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by VaLoris Anderson of Advocacy and Inclusion Matter of West Central Minnesota (AIM).

Chamber Job Board

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 1,600 people as well as on the Chamber website, and occasionally on social media. This is a complimentary service offered exclusively to Chamber members.

Bethesda - StoneRidge Maintenance, StoneRidge Community Coordinator, StoneRidge Culinary Supervisor, Sunrise Community Caregiver, Home Health Aide, Assistant Recreation Director, Culinary Specialist Evenings, Sunrise Village LPN, Resident Assistant/CNA, ParkView Community Caregiver Days and Overnights, Assistant Director of Human Resources

City of Spicer - Full-Time Deputy Clerk

Citizens Alliance Bank - Teller/Personal Banker, VP/Ag Commercial Loan Officer, Assistant Insurance Customer Service Representative, Business Banking Assistant, Core Application Specialist, Office Coordinator/Teller, Teller, RE Loan Processing Specialist