Chamber Connection

Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber on Friday, March 28th 7:30-8:30am at Divine Hope Counseling (328 3rd Street SW, Willmar) for networking, prize drawings, and all the latest news and announcements from the local business community. 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: Kandiyohi County Food Shelf. Click here to view the Connection Calendar.

Join Us to Celebrate Community Leadership

Save the Date!

Heritage Bank - Willmar Celebrates 40 Years

Congratulations to Joshua Dierks, Mandy Fleming, Jon Liesener, Bob Mathiasen, Kelly Pickle, and Dave Henle of Heritage Bank NA - Willmar on 40 years of membership!

Heritage Bank is a trusted financial partner providing exceptional banking services and personalized financial solutions with a focus on agriculture, business, and home ownership. Their commitment to innovation, customer service, and community development has made a lasting impact on the Willmar Lakes Area.

Pictured representing the Chamber: President James Miller, Jessica Hanson (Willmar Hypnosis), Jayme Sczublewski (New London Real Estate), Jon Schmidt (DATASuccess, Inc), Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking Inc.), Shelly Bormann (Goodwill-Easter Seals), Jeff Martinka (United Prairie), and Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank).

Ambassadors Welcome Mill Pond Salon

Congratulations to Brittany Johnson and Jean Klose, new owners of Mill Pond Salon on their First Dollar and Ribbon Cutting! We are also proud to welcome them as the newest members of the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber!

Brittany and Jean are excited to continue offering a big city experience with small town service in beautiful downtown New London. From haircuts, colors, and pedicures to massage, facials, waxing, lashes, skin care, spray tans, and more – they'll have you feeling and looking your very best!

Also pictured are Chamber Ambassadors and/or Board members: Michelle Marotzke (Kandiyohi County Economic Development), Julie Anderson (Kensington Insurance Agency/ Nesbit Agencies), Doug Kuehnast, Amber Barber (320 Real Estate Co), Tracy Lundy and Lisa Groff (Lake Region Bank), Kelsey Olson (Kandiyohi County Economic Development), Jeff Jensen (West Central Technology, Inc.), Chamber President James Miller, Sam Quam (Bethesda), and Mitch Ashburn (Edina Realty).

Last Chance to Register

Join us for a Legislative Breakfast hosted by the Kandiyohi County Farm Bureau Federation, Kandiyohi County Economic Development, and the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber. This free event is open to the public and offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from Senator Andrew Lang and local Representatives Dave Baker and Scott Van Binsbergen about key legislative issues impacting our community, businesses, and agriculture. Engage in meaningful discussions, gain valuable insights, and connect with local leaders over breakfast. Please RSVP via email or on the Chamber website by March 26th.

Business Education Network

Last month, the Business Education Network brought Classroom to Career to ACGC, connecting local professionals with students to explore career paths and the impact of high school choices. Thanks to presenters Kevin Dietrich (Willmar Area Community Foundation), Jessica Hanson (Willmar Hypnosis), Stephanie Jensen (Central MN Jobs and Training Services), and Robin Kopel (Jennie-O/Hormel), as well as our business partners and ACGC Schools for making it possible.

neXt Gathers at Willmar Indoor Golf

Shout out to Willmar Indoor Golf for being the perfect host for a fun networking event! Missed it? Stay tuned for more info on the educational mixer with Education Minnesota and Central Lakes United coming up on April 22nd!

Chamber Chat

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Nick and Candace Aaker, owners of Goodness Coffee Company.

Looking to Connect with the Future Workforce?

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.

CentraCare - EMT, Paramedic

Citizens Alliance Bank - Core Application Specialist, Customer Service Representative, Loan Admin Clerk, Loan Officer - Granite Falls, Marketing Supervisor, Payroll and Benefits Coordinator, Risk Manager, Loan Servicing Specialist, Teller - Clara City, SVP/Market Manager - Granite Falls, Teller/Personal Banker - Multiple Locations, Loan Admin Officer - Watertown

Dooley's Petroleum - Billing Specialist, Accountant, Bulk Fuel & Propane Driver, Fuel Transport Driver, Help Desk Level 1, Diesel Technician

Haug Implement - Ag Equipment Sales, Diesel Technician, Professional Truck Driver, Accounting Specialist, Assistant Controller

Haug Kubota - Service Technician

Heritage Exteriors - Project Manager, Carpentry Foreman, Sales Representative

Kandiyohi County Food Shelf - Inventory Specialist

Marcus Construction - Carpentry Field Coordinator, Construction Superintendent (Traveling)

Northern Radiator - Customer Service Representative

Prinsco- Financial Planning Analysis Manager

Ridgewater College - Veterinary Technology Instructor

Southwest West Central Service Cooperative - Special Education Teacher - ELC New London, Special Education Paraprofessional - ELC New London, Youth Mental Health Navigator, Facility Manager