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 at Engan Associates (311 4th St SW, 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: Alzheimer's Association.

Equine Inspired Soul Celebrates Ribbon Cutting

Equine Inspired Soul offers a unique and individualized, nature-based journey of self-discovery and connection. Tanya Dingmann facilitates experiential opportunities, often paired with equine partners, to foster empowerment, unlearn old beliefs that no longer serve us, and reignite passion and purpose. Whether you’re a career mom seeking to reconnect with yourself, a business seeking team building to solidify internal connection, or feeling a disconnect between yourself and discovering your purpose, Equine Inspired Soul offers a pause that allows you to bring to life hidden strengths. The journey towards wholeness begins with self-awareness.

Full-House for Paid Leave Engagement Session

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Minnesota Paid Leave will offer payments and job protections to Minnesotans when they need time off work for some of life’s most important moments – like welcoming a child, recovering from a serious illness, or caring for a loved one. Employers play an important role in helping employees learn about and access the program.

The Willmar Lakes Area Chamber and The Chamber serving the Meeker County Area were proud to host Minnesota Paid Leave Director Greg Norfleet and Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development for a full-house engagement session yesterday at the Willmar Conference Center. More than 250 people participated, gaining an overview of the program, learning how to set up a Paid Leave account, receiving the latest updates, and getting their questions answered.

A special thank you to Representative Dave Baker for helping facilitate the Q&A and to Senator Andrew Lang for joining us at this important community event.

Free Educational Event

Join local accounting firms Anfinson Thompson, CDS CPAs and Advisors, Christianson CPAs and Consultants, and Westberg Eischens for a comprehensive OBBBA summary, tax updates, and the latest on Minnesota's Paid Leave.

Topics include:

Business Tax Provisions - Learn strategies to optimize your business's tax position in light of OBBBA changes.
Individual Tax Provisions - Discover how the OBBBA's updated provisions may impact your individual tax situation.
Minnesota Paid Leave - Get a clear, actionable overview of Minnesota's new Paid Leave legislation from a local CPA firm.

Want to Connect with the Future Workforce?

The Business Education Network is excited to return to the Willmar High School for Zero Hour on Wednesdays from 8am to 9am. While some students use this time to catch up on missing or incomplete schoolwork, others gather in the commons where local businesses have the opportunity to set up tables to interact with these students. This is not meant as a hiring fair, but an opportunity to showcase your business, share career paths, and build relationships with members of the future workforce. If interested, please email bencoordinator@willmarareachamber.com

Developing Networks. Advancing Careers

neXt recently kicked off another year of great networking and professional development events aimed at helping young professionals develop their networks and advance their careers. It was great to see such a wide range of career paths represented – and even better, seeing everyone connecting, laughing, and building new relationships. Visit willmarareachamber.com/next to stay in the loop.

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.

Cash Wise - Meat 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

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

Employment Plus - Controller, Maintenance Supervisor, Assistant Production Facility Manager, Building Maintenance Tech / Carpenter, Electrician/Inside Counter Sales