Tuesday, September 9, 2025

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Weekly Networking Event

Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber for networking, prize drawings, and all the latest news and announcements from the local business community. The event will take place at United Way of West Central Minnesota (1600 US-12 #6, 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: Alzheimer's Association.

Nova-Tech Engineering LLC Celebrates 20 Years

Congratulations and thank you to Landon Fries and his team at Nova-Tech Engineering LLC for 20 years of partnership with the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber! Members of the Chamber's Board and Diplomats Committee were proud to present the award at Nova-Tech's company picnic last week.

Nova-Tech Engineering is a global leader in agricultural and aquaculture automation, designing and manufacturing innovative robotic systems. Headquartered in Willmar, the company employs nearly 300 professionals across 12 countries and holds several US patents. Its equipment is used in more than 600 locations across 65 countries and six continents.

Did you know? In 2005, Nova-Tech partnered with Life-Science Innovations to acquire the 37-building, 110-acre historic state hospital, transforming it into the MinnWest Technology Campus—one of the nation’s largest privately owned technology parks. Today, Nova-Tech hosts all aspects of its operations on the campus, where visitors can see the full process from concept to final product.

Representing the Chamber: Suzanne Hass (Allstate), Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank), Jayme Sczublewski (New London Real Estate), Jessica Hanson (Willmar Hypnosis), Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking), Chamber President/CEO James Miller, Lindsey Peters (MinnWest Technology Campus), Jeff Martinka (United Prairie), Amy Evink (State Farm - Mick Quinn), Jon Schmidt (DATASuccess), Tayla Boersma (Minnwest Technology Campus), Andrew Kveene (Edward Jones), and Caroline Chan (Kandiyohi County).

Paid Leave Info Session

Life-Science Innovations Celebrates 20 Years

Congratulations and thank you to Mike Achman, Beth Wosmek, Pam Schlegel, and Linda Lovold of Life-Science Innovations for 20 years of partnership!

Life-Science Innovations (LSI) is made up of LSI Shared Services, Research & Development, and the Executive Leadership Team. LSI delivers strategic guidance, administrative support, and capital funding to strengthen and grow its current and future affiliate companies, positioning them as leaders in life sciences and engineering. The LSI family of companies operates across diverse industries, including engineering, processing, poultry genetics, and agriculture. Together, they employ more than 1,600 people across multiple states and countries.

Representing the Chamber: Caroline Chan (Kandiyohi County), Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank), Lindsey Peters (MinnWest Technology Campus), Jeff Martinka (United Prairie), Jayme Sczublewski (New London Real Estate), Jessica Hanson (Willmar Hypnosis), Jon Schmidt (DATASuccess), Suzanne Hass (Allstate), Chamber President/CEO James Miller, Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking), Andrew Kveene (Edward Jones), Amy Evink (State Farm - Mick Quinn), Tayla Boersma (MinnWest Technology Campus).

Want to Connect with the Future Workforce?

The Business Education Network is excited to return to the Willmar High School for Zero Hour on Wednesdays from 8am to 9am. While some students use this time to catch up on missing or incomplete schoolwork, others gather in the commons where local businesses have the opportunity to set up tables to interact with these students. This is not meant as a hiring fair, but an opportunity to showcase your buisness, share career paths, and build relationships with members of the future workforce. If interested, please email bencoordinator@willmarareachamber.com

Save the Date & Local Favorites Survey

Join fellow young professionals for a fun evening and get a sneak peek at this year’s networking and professional development opportunities.This is the perfect chance to expand your network, grow your career, and connect locally. Whether you’re a young professional—or simply young at heart—everyone is welcome, so bring a friend!

At 5:30pm, the Leadership Team will host a Family Feud–style game. We’d love your input—please to complete the brief Local Favorites Survey below to help us build the game (you don’t need to be a neXt member to participate!). The survey will close September 15th.

Take the Survey

Chamber Chat

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Alex Malmgren and Nate Erickson of Willmar Indoor Golf and Cages.

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.

Citizens Alliance Bank - Teller/Personal Banker, VP/Ag Commercial Loan Officer, Loan Officer, Assistant Insurance Customer Service Representative, Business Banking Assistant, Lending Administrative Assistant, Core Application Specialist