News from Your Chamber

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

This e-newsletter is brought to you by Chairman's Circle member:

*This advertisement is sponsored by Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota.

Chamber Connection

Engan Associates

ADVERTISE IN THE E-NEWSLETTER

One top banner ad is available every week in the Chamber e-newsletter. Reach 1,500 people for just $125! Ads are on a first come, first served basis, and are also available in the body of the e-news for $100. Partner level members and up receive one complimentary e-news insert per year. Please email jtanner@willmarareachamber.com to reserve your space.

James Miller Starts as Chamber President

The Willmar Lakes Area Chamber Board of Directors and staff extend a warm welcome to James Miller in his first week as the incoming Chamber President. James will be working alongside long-time President Ken Warner until his retirement on October 6th. Ken will be sharing his knowledge from 33 years as the WLA Chamber President and 38 years of experience in the Chamber industry. James will be the 21st leader of the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber. James may be reached at jmiller@willmarareachamber.com.

Great Lakes Combatives Celebrates First Dollar

Congratulations to Javier Valenzuela, Trevor Haney, Olivia and Cecilia Maertens of Great Lakes Combatives on their First Dollar and Ribbon Cutting! Located in Uptown Willmar, Great Lakes Combatives is a martial arts dojo that provides a safe and energetic environment for youth and adults to learn and practice Judo, Jujitsu, boxing, kickboxing, and self-defense. They are a proud supporter of Train 2 Thrive Judo, which is a nonprofit that provides mentorship for at-risk youth and underprivileged people. Also pictured are Chamber Ambassadors Julie Anderson (Kensington Insurance Agency/Nesbit Agencies), Mitch Ashburn (Century 21 First Realty), Kris Gulbrandsen, Sam Quam (Bethesda), and Michelle Marotzke (Mid-Minnesota Development Commission).

Great Lakes Combatives

Life Link III Celebrates 10 Years

Congratulations to Life Link III on 10 years of membership! Pictured are Pilot Andrew Lang, Flight Paramedic Pat Lorentz, Flight Nurse Sarah Wold, Regional Clinical Manager Jeremiah Gleitz, and Partner Engagement Manager Brooke Ahlers. Life Link III operates nine helicopter bases throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. Helicopter and airplane services are available 24/7, providing on-scene emergency response and inter-facility transport. Life Link III opened its Willmar base in 2013 to support air medical transport needs in central Minnesota and operates out of the Willmar Municipal Airport. Also pictured are Chamber Diplomats and/or Board members Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank), Jessica Hanson (Willmar Hypnosis), Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking Inc.), Suzanne Hass (Allstate Insurance), Shelly Bormann (Goodwill-Easter Seals), and Zack Mahboub (West Central Interpreting Services, LLC).

Life Link III

Cost and Compliance Guide

Tax and Cost Increases

Business Compliance and Regulations

Save the Date!

Please join us to honor the achievements, contributions, and lasting impact Ken has made during his 33 years as the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber President and 38 years in the Chamber business overall. This is a public, come-and-go reception. No RSVP is required.

Wanted: Classroom to Career Presenters

We are so excited to announce that the Business Education Network (BEN) is beginning to schedule Classroom to Career, formerly called C.E.O. in the classroom, presentations for many school districts in our region for this upcoming school year. The Classroom to Career presentation is a 45 minute PowerPoint that has already been created to present to 8th grade students that begins the conversation of the many job/career opportunities that exist right here in the Willmar Lakes Area. The mission of BEN is to develop our community’s future workforce by providing students with a deeper understanding of career opportunities and aligning skills with current workforce needs; engaging employers directly with students, education and training providers; and better aligning programs and curriculum to the realities of the West Central Minnesota and overall MN economy. If you would like to learn more or become a presenter for this school year, please email BENCoordinator@willmarareachamber.com

neXt Gathers at Ruff's

neXt is a local organization formed to attract and retain young talent in the community, while developing the next generation of leaders. Focused on young adults, we use fun social activities and structured educational opportunities to help you grow your network, learn new skills, and develop as a leader. Whether you are looking to grow personally or professionally, odds are we have an upcoming event that will help you do just that!

West Central Minnesota Area Job Fair

Chamber Community Job Board

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 1,500 people as well as on the Chamber website. Please contact the Chamber if you have any questions.