2023 Session Priorities

Over 1,500 business and legislative leaders from across the state came together last week to kick-off the 2023 legislative session with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce's Session Priorities at the Saint Paul RiverCentre. The session included a legislative leadership panel featuring the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders, Speaker of the House and House Minority Leader; an interview with Governor Tim Walz; and a panel on working together in a one-party legislature featuring Representative Dave Baker. The focus of the session was working together to create economic opportunity.

The Willmar Lakes Area business community was well represented with Chamber President Ken Warner, Jason Duininck (Duininck), Scott Marquardt (Southwest Initiative Foundation), Brittany VanDerBill (B. VanDerBill Consulting), Joanna Schrupp (MinnWest Technology Campus), Representative Dave Baker, and Senator Andrew Lang in attendance.

Learning to Curl with neXt

Special thanks to Glacial Ridge Curling for teaching neXt how to curl at the Blue Line Arena last week. It was a blast! Up next, the Olympics! Pictured are Andrew Kveene (Edward Jones), Hunter Rommes (Willmar Stingers), Jay Halliday (Vaxxinova), Jami Tanner (Willmar Lakes Area Chamber), Tayla Boersma (MinnWest Technology Campus), Jaydon Simonson (Willmar Stingers), Kelsey Hedlof (Jennie-O), Kit Grode (West Central Tribune), and Spencer Johnson (Bolton & Menk).

Glacial Ridge Curling is hosting an open house on Thursday, January 12th from 4-6 PM for all club and community members. If you've never tried curling, here's your opportunity to give it a shot!

You're Invited: neXt Educational

This event is open to all (not just neXt members), however an RSVP is requested for planning purposes. Questions may also submitted for the panelists with your RSVP.

Primrose Boutique Celebrates Groundbreaking

The Chamber Ambassadors were thrilled to attend the groundbreaking for Emma Whitcomb's Primrose Boutique with Marcus Construction and look forward to returning in March for the grand opening ribbon cutting! Ambassadors pictured are Dawn Lippert (United Prairie), Michelle Marotzke (Mid-Minnesota Development Commission), Jim Rudnick (CDS), Amanda Erickson (Lake Region Bank), Doug Kuehnast (United Prairie), Julie Anderson (Kensington Insurance), and Vicki Davis (Fladeboe Land).

Host a Chamber Connection

Chamber Connections are professional networking events hosted Friday mornings from 7:30-8:30 at different Chamber member businesses. Everyone gets a chance to introduce themselves and share a brief update on their business or community happenings. The host ends the Connection with an overview of their business followed by a drawing for door prizes. All are welcome, and need not be a member of the Chamber to participate. Please bring $1 and your business card. 

Why host a Chamber Connection?

• Make connections with local business people and community leaders
• Educate local leaders about your business
• Increase exposure of the goods and/or services you offer
• Promote an upcoming event or milestone
• Show off your facility

Is Your Business In Compliance with 2023 Labor Laws?

Businesses are required to post federal and state labor law posters to clearly inform employees of their legal rights, benefits, and procedures on how to report potential violations.

KCEO Glow Gala

Virtual Job Fair

Are you tired of trying to find talented employees? Let THEM come to YOU at the West Central Minnesota Virtual Career fair. Register for a booth by clicking the image above. A $50 contribution is asked to help make this event possible. For questions contact Kelsey at the EDC at (320) 979-5815 or kelsey@kandiyohi.com.

Are you 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. Please contact the Chamber if you have any questions at chamber@willmarareachamber.com or (320) 235-0300.

• Citizens Alliance Bank - VP Loan Officer - Clara City, Loan Portfolio Officer - Clara City, Loan Portfolio Officer - Watertown, Operations Lead - Clara City, Credit Analyst/Loan Officer - Watertown, VP Loan Officer - Watertown, VP Loan Officer - Sacred Heart, Cash Management Specialist

• Christianson PLLP - Auditor, Payroll Specialist, Accounting Specialist

• Haug Kubota - Sales, Service Technician-Compact Equipment

• Insurance by Strehlow - Insurance Account Manager

• Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA - Building and Grounds Director

• Lake Region Bank - New London - Operations Associate

• Life Science Innovations, LLC. - Accounts Receivable & Collections Specialist, Controller, Part-Time Administrative Accounting Specialist



• Marcus Construction - Architectural Designer & Drafter, Commercial/Industrial Construction Sales Representative

• Northern Radiator - Willmar Warehouse Associate, Administrative Assistant

• Nova-Tech Engineering - Field Engineer

• United Community Action Partnership - Grant Accountant

• Willmar Electric - Electrical Drafter, Electrical Engineer, Journeyman

Coming Up This Week

• Friday, January 13 at 12:00pm - Ambassadors Meeting at Kandiyohi County Power Cooperative
• Tuesday, January 17 at 10:00am - BEN Advisory Board Meeting at the Chamber

Stay Connected with YOUR Chamber!

www.willmarareachamber.com

chamber@willmarareachamber.com

 (320) 235-0300