Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

Embrace Change | Drive Momentum | Champion Growth

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 on Friday, October 24th 7:30-8:30am at The Village (1312 Lakeland Drive SE, Willmar). 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: United Way of West Central Minnesota.

Congratulations and thank you to Jordan Barrett, Brenda Nelson, and Caleb Hornung of Runnings for 50 years of membership and support of the Chamber!

Originally founded and headquartered in Marshall, MN, Runnings operates 91 stores across 12 states. Throughout decades of growth and change, one thing has remained constant—the company’s unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Each Runnings location offers thousands of dependable everyday essentials at great value, supported by knowledgeable team members who provide expert advice and friendly, hometown service. Runnings takes pride in being the trusted home, farm, and outdoor store, with its Willmar location recognized as the largest Runnings store in Minnesota, employing 71 dedicated team members.

Representing the Chamber: Jan Ruby (Little Crow Ski Team), Dan Jacobs (Marcus Construction), Christina Williams (R&J Tours), President/CEO James Miller, Suzanne Hass (Allstate), Jaime Martinez (CentraCare), Jon Schmidt (DATASuccess), Lindsey Peters (MinnWest Technology Campus), Carla Kahle-Miller (Design West Ltd), Andrew Kveene (Edward Jones), and Jean Geselius (CDS).

Congratulations and thank you to Ben Taatjes, Kendra Peterson, Libby Niemeyer, Brenda Olson, and Cynthia Williams of Stewards Planning Group for 10 years of partnership!

Stewards Planning Group is an independent tax-intelligent financial planning firm located in Willmar that serves values-driven clients across the country. Founded by President and CEO Ben Taatjes, CKA®, the firm has long been driven by a desire to help clients steward their wealth (in all its forms) to maximize the experiences and impact of their lives. With a proprietary process designed to uncover the best use of clients’ time, talent and treasure, the firm works with pre-retirees, retirees, individuals and families, as well as business owners, to plan for purpose-driven use of their wealth today, in retirement and for generations to come.

Representing the Chamber: Lindsey Peters (MinnWest Technology Campus), Carla Kahle-Miller (Design West Ltd), Jessica Hanson (Willmar Hypnosis), Christina Williams (R&J Tours), Jon Schmidt (DATASuccess, Inc), President/CEO James Miller, and Jon Rambow (Rambow).

Congratulations to Cody and Nathalie Johnson of Willmar Junk Removal on their First Dollar with the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber! Willmar Junk Removal is a local, family-owned junk removal business based in Willmar. Cody takes pride in his honest work, fair prices, and fast service. Whether it’s a single item or a full cleanout, he's ready to make junk disappear—so you don’t have to lift a finger—turning your piles into smiles!

Representing the Chamber: Sarah Feldman, Jesse Hulscher (TerWisscha Construction, Inc.), Lindsey Fischer (Christianson CPAs and Consultants), Kami Anez (Anez Consulting), Amanda Erickson (Lake Region Bank), Kris Gulbrandsen, Alana Ziehl (Kandiyohi County Food Shelf), Dave Feist (TPI Hospitality), Mitch Ashburn (Edina Realty), Doug Kuhenast, Amber Barber (320 Real Estate Co), President/CEO James Miller, Jeff Jensen and Mary Hagen (West Central Technology, Inc.), Julie Anderson (Kensington Insurance/ Nesbit Agencies), Lisa Groff (Lake Region Bank), and Kim Richardson (Cornerstone Insurance).

The Minnesota Farmers Union (MFU) to invites you to participate in—and share information about—the upcoming Small Business Roundtable for Willmar and New London-area small and mid-sized businesses on Thursday, October 23 from 5:30-7:00pm at Goat Ridge Brewing Company (17 Central Ave W, New London). Pizza will be provided. Please RSVP if you can (not required but greatly appreciated).

This roundtable is part of a statewide series MFU is hosting to hear directly from small business owners about the impacts of corporate consolidation. We also want to discuss the broader challenges you face—whether it’s red tape, taxes, access to capital, workforce shortages, tariffs, or other barriers.

Justin Stofferahn, MFU’s Antimonopoly Program Director, along with local community leaders, will open with brief remarks before leading a facilitated discussion where you’ll have the opportunity to share your experiences, concerns, and ideas. Your input will help guide MFU’s antimonopoly work in the years ahead and will be reflected in a forthcoming report shared with legislators, decision-makers, and community members. All feedback will be kept anonymous.

MFU exists to protect and enhance the economic interests and quality of life of family farmers and rural communities. We believe small businesses are the backbone of a diverse, resilient rural economy—and we want to ensure your voice is heard.

The Business Education Network is excited to return to the Willmar High School on Wednesday mornings for Zero Hour from 8:00-9:00am. While some students use this time to catch up on tests or missing work, others wait in the commons for class to start. BEN has been given the opportunity to invite one or two businesses to set up tables in the commons area to interact with these students. This time is meant for your business to promote itself as an option for students to start considering as they move towards the workforce. It is not meant as a hiring fair. The goal is to build relationships between students and businesses to help them understand the variety of career paths available in our community. If this sounds like an opportunity your business is interested in, please email bencoordinator@willmarareachamber.com.

Your career is more than a résumé — it’s a brand. Whether you’re just starting out, building credibility in your field, or exploring a new path, the way you present yourself — in person, online, and in your community — shapes the opportunities that come your way. Personal branding isn’t just for entrepreneurs or influencers; it’s for anyone who wants to build trust, credibility, and momentum in their career. At its core, your personal brand is the story others tell about you when you’re not in the room.

At this Lunch and Learn, you’ll hear from a diverse panel of professionals who’ve leveraged their personal brand as a tool for success. From media to marketing to entrepreneurship, each panelist brings a unique perspective on how personal branding can help you:

• Build trust and credibility in your workplace and community
• Elevate your presence online and offline
• Attract opportunities that align with your goals
• Communicate your value with confidence

Why it matters: Your personal brand is already being formed — in how you show up, the relationships you build, and the reputation you carry. This session will help you take charge of it and use it intentionally to open doors, grow your network, and elevate your career.

This event is free for neXt members and $15 for guests. Registration is required by October 20 for lunch.

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Suzanne Hass of Allstate Insurance.

Exciting changes are on the horizon — the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber and Explore Willmar Lakes Area are relocating to the MinnWest Technology Campus! Our new home will be a modern hub designed for collaboration, training, and community connection. The expanded space will feature enhanced technology and larger meeting areas, allowing us to better serve local businesses, partners, and visitors in fresh and innovative ways. To bring this vision to life, we’ve launched a $100,000 capital campaign to support the build-out of the new space. If you’d like to be part of this exciting next chapter, we’d love to connect with you. Stay tuned — more details and an open house date will be announced soon!

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.

• Cash Wise - Meat Clerk

• Dooley's Petroleum - Bulk Fuel & Propane Driver, Field Service Technician

• Employment Plus - Electrician/Sales, Building Maintenance Tech/Carpenter

• Haug Implement - Ag Equipment Sales, Parts Counter Professional, Service Technician, Professional Truck Driver

• Headstart Hatching - Assistant Hatchery Manager, Hatchery Manager, Industrial Maintenance Supervisor

• Lake Region Bank - Full-Time Teller

• Mainstream Boutique - Part-Time Boutique Stylist

• Northern Radiator - Chief Financial Officer

• Southwest West Central Service Cooperative - Special Education Paraprofessional, Physical Therapist or Physical Assistant Long-Term Substitute

• West Central Sanitation - Diesel Mechanic, Cart/Container Delivery Driver - CDL Trainee, Local Route Driver, Customer Service Representative - Bilingual, Driver Trainer/Operations Supervisor, Transfer Station Yard Attendant - Payloader Operators Encouraged to Apply!

Tuesday, October 21 at 12:00pm - Personal Branding at Life-Science Innovations

Wednesday, October 22 at 12:00pm - Agri-Business Meeting at the Chamber

Thursday, October 23 at 7:00am - Planning Conference at Life-Science Innovations

Thursday, October 23 at 10:00am - Chamber Chat with Vinna Human Resources

Thursday, October 23 at 5:00pm - Ambassador Social at Intuition Brewing

Friday, October 24 at 7:30am - Chamber Connection at The Village

Friday, October 24 at 3:00pm - Ribbon Cutting at Lofts of 7th

Monday, October 27 at 11:30am - Milestone at Total Glass

Monday, October 27 at 4:00pm - First Dollar at Old Mill Orchard and Tasting Grove