Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

Embrace Change | Drive Momentum | Champion Growth

Join local business and HR experts for an interactive session that explores how to stay compliant, strengthen your workforce, and turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s competitive advantage. Whether you’re a business owner, HR professional, manager, or front-line supervisor, this session will provide practical solutions and tools to help you lead confidently through the workforce and compliance challenges of the year ahead! 

Plus, buckle up for these exciting mini presentations:

• Tackling Toxicity and Promoting Positivity
• Why Do Employees Leave? It’s Because of You! Being the Nice Guy Can Backfire
• How to Put Butts in Seats: Using Technology to Set the Hook When Fishing for Candidates

Award recipients will be announced soon. Thank you for all the fantastic nominations!

Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber at Glacial Ridge Curling for Business After Hours on Tuesday, January 27th 4:30-6:00pm. This is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with local business professionals, expand your network, and enjoy a casual, fun evening out at the new curling facility! All are welcome. Come and go as you are able. No RSVP required.

Here's what you can expect:

4:30 PM Networking, appetizers, and beverages

5:20 PM Introductions

5:30 PM Host interview

5:50 PM Drawing for door prizes (must be present to win!)

Project management isn’t limited to one industry—it’s a skill that shows up in every career and in everyday life. Join neXt for an interactive Lunch and Learn that offers a behind-the-scenes look at how professionals manage projects, prioritize their workload, and keep work moving forward.

Hear real-world perspectives on juggling deadlines, collaborating with diverse teams, adapting to shifting priorities, and staying organized in fast-paced environments. Panelists will share practical strategies and approachable tools—plus takeaways you can apply right away to make your day-to-day easier. No matter your role, industry, or experience level, you’ll walk away with something useful.

The City of Willmar invites community members to attend the 3rd Annual Willmar Martin Luther King Jr. Event on January 19th at Ridgewater College. This free community celebration provides an opportunity to come together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through reflection, dialogue, and fellowship.

The evening will include vibrant performances, community fellowship, and a free meal, which will be provided to all registered attendees. Families and individuals of all ages are encouraged to attend. Click the image above to register.

The keynote speaker for the event is Duchesne Drew, Senior Vice President at American Public Media Group and President of Minnesota Public Radio, who will deliver an inspirational presentation reflecting on Dr. King’s enduring legacy.

Get ready for a night straight out of Hollywood with Dueling Duo! Reserve your tickets today by clicking the image above. Make sure to dress to impress!

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.

ESS - Substitute Teacher, Substitute SpEd Paraprofessional, Food and Nutrition Service

Haug Implement - Cleaning and Customer Service Assistant

Life-Science Innovations - Chief Financial Officer

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment - Advance Dental Therapist, Special Care Dentist, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

Old National - Business Banking Relationship Manager - Marshall

Southwest Initiative Foundation - Vice President of Philanthropy and Communications

January 13 at 6:30pm - Ribbon Cutting at Willmar Civic Center Outdoor Ice Rink

January 14 at 3:00pm - Student Job Fair & Career Expo Planning Meeting

January 15 at 10:00am - Chamber Chat on KWLM

January 15 at 11:15am - First Dollar at Timshel Counseling

January 15 at 12:00pm - Ambassador Meeting at Bethesda

January 27 - Business After Hours at Glacial Ridge Curling

January 29 - KCEO Gala at Willmar Conference Center

February 12 - Community Leadership Celebration at Willmar Conference Center

February 26 - Partners in Ag Innovation Conference at MinnWest Technology Campus

April 23 - Student Job Fair & Career Expo at the Willmar High School

April 28 - Business After Hours at Quist Wealth Management

May 14 - Business After Hours at Max's on the Green hosted by SDN Communications

May 21 - Leadership Perspectives Graduation

June 22 - Aggie Open at Island Pine Golf Club

July 25 - Rock the Dock at Zorbaz on Green Lake

August 3 - Golf Classic at Eagle Creek Golf Club