Chamber Connection

Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber and Willmar Stingers for networking, prize drawings, and all the latest news and announcements from the local business community. The event will take place on Friday, May 30th at Baker Field (1401 22nd 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: Cardinal Pride.

Community Christian School Celebrates New STEM Lab

Congratulations to Community Christian School on the ribbon cutting of their new STEM Lab! STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and opens doors to endless possibilities for students. This incredible space will empower young minds to explore, experiment, and innovate, preparing them for the careers of tomorrow. This achievement was made possible through the unwavering support of the community and the success of dedicated fundraising efforts. What was once a dream is now a reality—a true testament to the power of vision, hard work, and heart. A special shout-out to Marcus Construction for bringing this vision to life.

Representing the Chamber Ambassadors and Board: Dave Feist (TPI Hospitality), President/CEO James Miller, Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking), Amanda Erickson (Lake Region Bank), Dawn Lippert (Mainstream Boutique), Jesse Hulscher (TerWisscha Construction), Brittany VanDerBill (B. VanDerBill Consulting), Jeff Jensen (West Central Technology, Inc.), Doug Kuehnast, Alana Ziehl (Kandiyohi County Food Shelf), Kami Anez (Anez Consulting), and Tayla Boersma (MinnWest Technology Campus).

Welcome to the Chamber

Aggie Open

Join the ag community for a day of friendly competition and connection on the green. Whether golfing or sponsoring, your support helps fund scholarships for Ridgewater College students pursuing agriculture careers. Email info@willmarareachamber.com to register or inquire further.

Quist Wealth Management Celebrates New Office

Congratulations to the Quist Wealth Management team – Ken Quist, Mark Odendahl, Jon Warner, Shanna Quist, Janine Hubbard, Emily Thein, and Abby Stark – on ribbon cutting of their stunning new office located at 9011st Street South in Willmar! The new office isn’t just a beautiful space, it’s a symbol of growth, progress, and the trusted relationships they build every day as they help you pave the road to your financial future. Special thanks to Quist Wealth Management for hosting Business After Hours to share this grand opening celebration with the Chamber!

Pictured representing the Chamber: Brittany VanDerBill (B. VanDerBill Consulting), Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank), Tayla Boersma (MinnWest Technology Campus), Steve Gardner (Willmar Electric Service), President/CEO James Miller, Doug Kuehnast, Jim Rudnick and Jean Geselius (CDS), Jesse Hulscher (TerWisscha Construction), Dan Hubbard (On The Run Promotions), Jeff Jensen (West Central Technology), Michelle Marotzke, Alana Ziehl (Kandiyohi County Food Shelf), Dawn Lippert (Mainstream Boutique), Amanda Erickson (Lake Region Bank), Kami Anez (Anez Consulting), and Mark Meier (DREAM Technical Academy).

Welcome to the Chamber

Business Education Network

The Business Education Network and Willmar High School welcomed Christianson, CPAs and Consultants and VistaPrairie at Copperleaf Senior Living on May 14th. Students tossed bean bags and rings as they learned more about the organizations.

Zero Hour is the first hour every other Wednesday for students to catch up on tests or missing work. Those who do not have work to catch up on are in the commons area until classes start. This provides the opportunity to showcase all the fantastic businesses in the Willmar Lakes Area. If you would like the opportunity to engage with students, email Program Coordinator Jennifer Lindquist at bencoordinator@willmarareachamber.com.

Chamber Chat

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Willmar Rotary President Jesse Schweiss and Membership Chair Michelle Goltz.

AI Tools for Young Professionals

AI isn’t just for techies — it’s the secret weapon for emerging leaders. Big thanks to Steve Gasser with Vivid Image for showing neXt members how to ditch the busywork, lead with creativity, and get more done (without losing your mind). Smarter tools. Bigger impact. And the edge to make you truly remarkable!

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 1,500 people as well as on the Chamber website, and occasionally on social media. This is a complimentary service offered exclusively to Chamber members.

Bernick's Pepsi - CDL Route Driver - $5,000 Sign-on Bonus

CentraCare - EMT, Paramedic

Citizen's Alliance Bank - Loan Admin Clerk, Loan Servicing Specialist, Teller/Personal Banker, VP/Ag Commercial Loan Officer, RE Loan Processing Specialist, Mortgage Operations Supervisor, Operations Lead