Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

Embrace Change | Drive Momentum | Champion Growth

Please note there are no Connections scheduled during the month of July.

Intentional Leader Summit Ticket Winners

Congratulations to Nick Hinz with Nova-Tech Engineering and Joy Waterfield with People First Foods for winning free tickets to the Intentional Leader Summit!

The Willmar Lakes Area Chamber is accepting nominations for its Board of Directors. Any member in good standing is eligible to be nominated or to self-nominate for a three-year term. A Nominating Committee will review submissions. Nominations may be sent to Chamber President/CEO James Miller at jmiller@willmarareachamber.com.

Congratulations and thank you to Willmar Ten Investors for 20 years of continuous support and partnership with the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber! For 45 years, the Willmar Ten have been investing in the Willmar community, buying properties, and renovating them, adding back beauty and tax base to the city of Willmar. The first project they took on was Appletree Square on the northwest corner of Highway 12 East and Lakeland Drive, which used to be a nursery.

Representing Willmar Ten Investors: Dion Warne, Marguerite Swenson, Ken Behm, Pat Peterson, Jeff Danielson, Kelly TerWisscha, and Greg Swenson.

Representing the Chamber: Lexi Kopacek (Christianson CPAs and Consultants), Jean Geselius (CDS), Suzanne Hass (Allstate Insurance), Lindsey Peters (MinnWest Technology Campus), Christina Williams (R&J Tours), Jon Schmidt (DataSuccess), Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking), and Andrew Kveene (Edward Jones).

Join 144 golfers and more than 30 sponsors for the Chamber Golf Classic presented by JD Kreps Financial Group. With only 40 golfer spots remaining, now is the time to secure your place in this highly anticipated annual event. The Golf Classic offers an outstanding opportunity to connect with fellow business and community leaders, gain visibility for your organization, and demonstrate your support for the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to foster a strong and vibrant local economy. Stay after for awards, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy socializing outdoors by the Eagles Nest sponsored by West Central Technology.

Participant Takeaways:

• Mastery of the first 9 Human Relations Principles to build stronger teams
• Techniques for reducing stress while increasing focus and effectiveness
• Tools to stay composed, collaborative, and confident under pressure
• Communication strategies to reduce friction and increase alignment
• Personal resilience habits to sustain motivation and energy
• Renewed ability to thrive without burning out in a do more with less environment

Click the image above to learn more and register!

Join us for Rock the Dock, the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber's annual fundraising event - formerly known as Melvin's Throwback! Enjoy this beachfront concert featuring live music from Pirates, Guitars, and Beachfront Bars! Show off your best pirate look for a chance at fabulous prizes! Click the image above to reserve your tickets or email info@willmarareachamber.com to claim the last boat slip!

Want a shot at $5,000 or other fantastic prizes? Get your raffle tickets from a Chamber Board member or stop by the Chamber office or Zorbaz.

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Ashley Roemhildt - Customer Success Manager for SERVPRO - Team Ray.

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.

• Cash Wise - Meat Clerk, Deli Clerk

• Citizen's Alliance Bank - Loan Officer, Loan Admin Clerk, Operations Lead, Teller/Personal Banker, Risk Manager, Insurance Customer Service Representative, Loan Servicing Specialist, VP/Ag Commercial Loan Officer

• Community Christian School - Head Administrator

• Dooley's Petroleum - Bulk Fuel & Propane Driver

• Employment Plus - Controller

• Haug Implement - Ag Equipment Sales, Diesel Technician

• Jennie-O - Revenue Finance Specialist



• Minnesota Department of Transportation - Design Hydraulics Technician

• Northern Radiator - Willmar Warehouse Associate

• Southwest West Central Service Cooperative - Special Education Paraprofessional

• Suite Liv'n - Maintenance Supervisor

• West Central Sanitation - Full Time Drivers - All Experience Levels, Cart / Container Delivery - CDL Trainee, Diesel Mechanic, Transfer Station Attendant

Tuesday, July 22 at 7:00am - Executive Meeting at the Chamber

Thursday, July 24 at 10:00am - Chamber Chat with 100 Yard Club

Thursday, July 24 at 11:00am - Ribbon Cutting at United Way West Central Minnesota

Saturday, July 26 at 7:00pm - Rock the Dock at Zorbaz on Green Lake