Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

This e-newsletter ad is sponsored by Glacial Ridge Curling.

Known for her dynamic and engaging style, Princess Paula will show you how Generative AI is transforming the business landscape, and more importantly, how you can harness its power for your own success. The world of technology is growing and evolving quickly and whether you’re a small business owner or leading a growing enterprise, this session will provide the insights and tools you need to embrace AI and enhance your operations. With Paula’s engaging and hands-on approach, you’ll leave equipped and confident to put AI to work for you right away!

Key takeaways include:

- Explore the history and background of generative AI

- Discover practical, easy-to-apply AI strategies for your business

- Get hands-on experience with AI tools during the event

- Leave with actionable insights that you can implement immediately

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to uncover practical insights and strategies that can truly elevate your business! A light breakfast will be provided.

Paid Leave recently published guidance for employers who may wish to meet their responsibilities under Minnesota Paid Leave by providing employees an equivalent plan that meets or exceeds the coverage offered by the state. This initial guidance outlines key information including the criteria that will be used to determine if a plan is equivalent with the state offering. Employers who wish to provide an equivalent plan to their workforce will have the option to either purchase a plan from a private carrier or create their own self-insured plan. Employers can begin to apply with the state for an equivalent plan exemption in the spring of 2025. Additional information will be available in the coming months, including a calculator to estimate employer and employee costs under Minnesota Paid Leave, and details on how to apply. Subscribe to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development newsletter to receive timely updates on equivalent plans and other aspects of the Paid Leave program.

The Business Education Network and the Willmar Senior High School welcomed Westberg Eischens on December 11th. Students had a chance to spin the wheel to win a prize while learning about accounting. Zero Hour is the first hour every other Wednesday for students to catch up on tests or missing work. Those that do not have work to catch up on are in the commons area until classes start at 9am. This provides an opportunity to showcase all the fantastic businesses in the Willmar Lakes Area. If you would like to connect with students, please reach out to Program Coordinator Jennifer Lindquist at bencoordinator@willmarareachamber.com.

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. On January 2nd James was joined in studio by Alex Malmgren and Nate Erickson with Willmar Indoor Golf. Chamber Chat is also available on Spotify.

Hiring? Don't forget to login to ChamberMaster to post your openings on the Chamber Job Board! Job postings will be shared weekly in the e-newsletter that reaches over 1,500 people as well as on the Chamber website. Please contact the Chamber if you have any questions.

• Anez Consulting - Part-Time Office Assistant

• CentraCare - EMT, Paramedic

• Citizens Alliance Bank - Branch Manager and Lender - Echo, Core Application Specialist, Customer Service Representative, Insurance Agent, Loan Admin Clerk - Clara City, Loan Admin Clerk - Granite Falls, Loan Officer - Granite Falls, Loan Servicing Specialist - Howard Lake, Marketing Supervisor, Payroll and Benefits Coordinator, Teller, Teller - Granite Falls, Teller - PT - Howard Lake, VP Ag/Commercial Loan Officer, Risk Manager, Project Manager, Automation Specialist

• City of Minneota - Police Chief

• Heritage Exteriors - Project Manager

• Minnesota Department of Human Services - Special Care Dentist, Child & Adolescent Psychologist, Advance Dental Therapist

• Minnesota Department of Transportation - Civil Engineer

• Nova-Tech Engineering - HR Generalist

• Prinsco - Director of HR

• Southwest West Central Service Cooperative - Behavior Analyst or Behavior Specialist

• Willmar Electric - Project Engineer

• Thursday, January 9 at 10:00am - Chamber Chat with West Central Technology
• Friday, January 7 at 12:00pm - Ambassador Meeting at Woodland Centers
• Friday, January 7 at 12:00pm - Public Policy Meeting at Heritage Bank
• Monday, January 13 at 12:00pm - Diplomats Meeting at the Chamber
• Tuesday, January 14 at 7:30am - GrowMN Meeting at the Chamber