Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

Embrace Change | Drive Momentum | Champion Growth

The Chamber will be closed August 29 through September 1 in observance of Labor Day. There will be no Connection on August 29. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Congratulations and thank you to Dr. Ryan and Jessica Tollefsrud of South 71 Veterinary Clinic on 40 years of membership and support. Since 1984, South 71 has provided compassionate, comprehensive care for large and small animals across West Central Minnesota. Their new office offers more patient rooms and greater accessibility, creating a welcoming space for pets, owners, and staff alike. With 24-hour emergency services and a dedicated team, their mission remains the same—delivering the best care for pets and their families.

Pictured representing the Chamber Board and/or Diplomats: Tayla Boersma and Lindsey Peters (MinnWest Technology Campus), Brittany VanDerBil (B. VanDerBill Consulting), Jon Schmidt (DATASuccess), Andrew Kveene (Edward Jones), Dustin Kotrba (Christianson CPAs and Consultants), Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking), Jon Rambow (Rambow), Carla Kahle-Miller (Design West Ltd), Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank), Lexi Kopacek (Christianson CPAs and Consultants), Jan Ruby (Little Crow Ski Team), Jeff Martinka (United Prairie), and Jessica Hanson (Willmar Hypnosis).

The community, families, students, and staff recently gathered for an open house to celebrate the completion of the new gymnasium and renovations at Willmar Middle School. The celebration showcased the district’s commitment to creating a modern, welcoming learning environment made possible through strong community support. The 21,000-square-foot expansion features 14,600 square feet of gym space, along with remodeled offices, a fitness center, and other refreshed areas that will serve students for years to come.

Pictured representing the Chamber Board or Ambassadors: Steve Gardner (Willmar Electric), Kami Anez (Anez Consulting), Renee Nolting (West Central Industries), Dustin Kotrba (Christianson CPAs and Consultants), Dawn Lippert (Mainstream Boutique), and Amanda Erickson (Lake Region Bank).

Congratulations to Prairie Lakes Youth Services on the ribbon cutting of Captain’s Academy’s new location at 1005 Lakeland Drive Northeast in Willmar. The move was made necessary after the former site at the MinnWest Technology Campus was damaged by fire and water damage. The new non-secure facility can house up to 12 male juveniles with an on-site manager and continues to provide vital independent living skills and transitional services to help youth successfully return to the community.

Pictured representing the Chamber Board or Ambassadors: Kami Anez (Anez Consulting), Jeff Jensen (West Central Technology), Dustin Kotrba (Christianson CPAs and Consultants), Sarah Feldman (Habitat for Humanity), Alana Ziehl (Kandiyohi County Food Shelf), Suzanne Hass (Allstate Insurance), and Amanda Erickson (Lake Region Bank).

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Chief Executive Officer and Licensed Psychologist Dr. Ashley Kjos from Woodland Centers.

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.

• Citizens Alliance Bank - Teller/Personal Banker, VP/Ag Commercial Loan Officer, Loan Officer, Assistant Insurance Customer Service Representative, Business Banking Assistant, Lending Administrative Assistant, Core Application Specialist



• Community Christian School - Head Administrator

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

• Employment Plus - Lube Technician, Billing Administrator, Logistics Clerk, Outdoor Forklift Operator

• Haug Implement - Ag Equipment Sales, Diesel Technician, Cleaning and Customer Service Assistant, Tire Specialist

• Minnesota Department of Transportation - Human Resources

• North Risk Partners - Personal Lines Associate Account Manager

• Southwest West Central Service Cooperative - Special Education Paraprofessional

• West Central Sanitation - Diesel Mechanic - All Experience Levels, Cart/Container Delivery - CDL Trainee, Customer Service Representative

• Willmar Public Schools - Bilingual Paraprofessional

Thursday, August 28 at 7:00am - Board Meeting at the Chamber

Thursday, August 28 at 10:00am - Chamber Chat on KWLM

Thursday, August 28 at 10:05am - Membership Milestone at Reading Therapy Center

Thursday, August 28 at 11:00am - Serene Willow Psychiatry First Dollar

Friday, August 29 - Monday, September 1 - Chamber Office Closed for Labor Day