Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

Embrace Change | Drive Momentum | Champion Growth

In light of heightened enforcement activity in Minneapolis and beyond, the Minnesota Chamber wants to provide support and clarity for its members. The Chamber is engaging directly with businesses across the state to understand the impacts on operations, employees, and the broader economy. It's role is to provide timely resources, listen to member concerns, and help define the challenges businesses are facing. It does not condone illegal activity, and strongly affirms that legal immigration is a critical component of Minnesota’s economy and workforce.

The current enforcement actions in the state have introduced uncertainty that is challenging for both employers and employees. The Chamber remains committed to advocating for Minnesota employers and the state’s business community while complying with state and federal laws and regulations. Thank you for all you do for Minnesota's business community. 

-Doug Loon, President and CEO, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

The City of Willmar and community members recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of a new covered outdoor ice rink and pavilion next to the Willmar Civic Center. Built for year-round use, the facility features a steel frame, translucent roof for natural light, and paved surfaces that support skating, hockey, and community events. City leaders and Invest In Willmar representatives highlighted the importance of outdoor skating and expanded opportunities for local youth and families.

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
• The Real Root of People Issues

Congratulations to Breanna Gronli, Whitney Berg, Lindsey Elliot, Isabel Kleene, and Michelle Thomas of Timshel Counseling on their First Dollar!

Timshel Counseling is dedicated to providing healing through trauma-informed therapy services to individuals, families, and groups of all ages. Their therapists are committed to creating a safe and supportive environment that fosters healing and growth. They believe in the power of choice and empowerment throughout the healing journey.

Representing the Chamber: President/CEO James Miller, Dawn Lippert (Mainstream Boutique), Julie Anderson (Kensington Insurance Agency/ Nesbit Agencies), Sarah Feldman, Jim Rudnick (CDS), Kim Richardson (Cornerstone Insurance), and Amanda Erickson (Lake Region Bank).

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. Glacial Ridge Curling is located in Uptown Willmar in the former Herberger's location (1605 1st St S, Suite C, Willmar).

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.

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Michael Gramm from Westberg | Eischens Advisors and Accountants.

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.

Citizens Alliance Bank - Core Application Specialist, Teller/Personal Banker, Credit Control Specialist, VP - Branch Manager and Lender, Mortgage Department Manager, VP - Loan Officer, Loan Officer, Credit Analyst

Employment Plus - General Laborer, Administrative Specialist

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

Minnesota Direct Care and Treatment - Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist

Northern Radiator - Willmar Warehouse Associate

Old National - Business Banking Relationship Manager - Marshall

Southwest Initiative Foundation - Vice President of Philanthropy and Communications

January 21 at 9:00am - Business Education Network Advisory at the Chamber

January 22 at 10:00am - Chamber Chat on KWLM

January 26 at 12:00pm - Diplomats Meeting at the Chamber

January 26 at 4:00pm - Membership Milestone and Ag Tour at Haug Implement

January 27 at 7:00am - Executive Committee Meeting at the Chamber

January 27 at 12:00pm - Projects, Priorities, and Progress at Life-Science Innovations

January 27 at 4:30pm - Business After Hours at Glacial Ridge Curling

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