Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

Embrace Change | Drive Momentum | Champion Growth

Join us for connection, celebration, and community! We’ll kick things off with a ribbon cutting to celebrate Quist Wealth Management’s beautiful new office located at 902 1st Street South, Willmar. Stick around to meet the team, enjoy delicious appetizers and beverages, and mingle with members of the business community. Admission is $2 and a business card. No RSVP necessary.

4:30PM Ribbon Cutting, networking, appetizers, and beverages

5:20PM Introductions

5:30PM Host interview

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

Memorial Day is a time to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. As we pause to reflect, we extend our gratitude to those who have served and continue to serve. There will be no Connection this week, and the Chamber office will be closed on Monday, May 26th.

Join the ag community for a day of friendly competition and connection on the green. Whether golfing or sponsoring, your support helps fund scholarships for Ridgewater College students pursuing agriculture careers. Email info@willmarareachamber.com to register or inquire further.

The Chamber’s Business Education Network hosted a Touch a Truck event at the Willmar High School on= April 16th. This hands-on event gave students the opportunity to explore a variety of commercial vehicles, learning about their unique functions, operations, and contributions to our community. Thank you to Dooley's Petroleum, Duininck Inc, Duininck Concrete, Ed's Service Center, Jennie-O, Kandiyohi Power Cooperative, MnDOT, Ridgewater College, Willmar Bus Service, and Willmar Municipal Utilities for making this event possible.

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Jennifer Seubert with Central Community Transit and Terry Smith with Mid-Minnesota Development Commission.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an informative session on Minnesota’s new Paid Leave Law! Vinna Human Resources covered key updates, eligibility, and what employers need to know to stay compliant.

AI is the tool savvy young professionals are using to automate the grunt work, personalize at scale, and move faster—without burning out. Whether you're managing projects, building your brand, or just trying to keep up, this session will help you work smarter—not harder.

Join neXt and Vivid Image Founder and CEO Steve Gasser to:

• Discover easy-to-use AI tools that free up your time and boost your creativity
• Learn how young pros are using AI in marketing, communication, and planning
• Get real examples (and a few laughs) without the tech overwhelm
• Walk away with tools you can use immediately to stand out at work and in life

AI isn’t here to replace you—it’s here to give you an edge.

RSVP was required by May 19th for lunch.

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

• Citizen's Alliance Bank - Loan Admin Clerk, Loan Servicing Specialist, Teller/Personal Banker, VP/Ag Commercial Loan Officer, RE Loan Processing Specialist, Mortgage Operations Supervisor, Operations Lead

• Dooley's Petroleum - Bulk Fuel & Propane Driver, Fuel Transport Driver

• DREAM Technical Academy - Special Education Paraprofessional

• Employment Plus - Manufacturing/Processing Shift Supervisor

• Haug Implement - Parts Counter Professional, Tire Specialist, Truck Driver

• Haug Kubota - Service Technician

• JR Business Solutions - Human Resources Coordinator

• Marcus Construction - Safety Manager, Agriculture Construction Sales

• Northern Radiator - Warehouse Associate

• Perkins Lumber Company - Delivery Driver

• Ridgewater College - Human Resources Assistant

• Southwest West Central Service Cooperative - Speech Pathologist (Virtual, Hybrid, or In-Person)

• West Central Roofing - Foreman/Lead

• West Central Sanitation - Diesel Mechanic - All Experience Levels, Full Time Drivers - All Experience Levels

• Willmar Electric - Electrical Drafter, Project Engineer

Tuesday, May 20th at 10:00am - Ribbon Cutting at CCS STEM Lab

Tuesday, May 20th at 12:00pm - neXt Level Up with AI Educational

Tuesday, May 20th at 4:30pm - Business After Hours at Quist Wealth Management

Wednesday, May 21st at 9:00am - BEN Advisory Meeting at the Chamber

Thursday, May 22nd at 10:00am - Chamber Chat on KWLM

Tuesday, May 27th at 7:00am - Executive Committee Meeting at the Chamber

Tuesday, May 27th at 11:30am - Membership Milestone at Bremer Bank

Business After Hours at Quist Wealth Management

Tuesday, May 20th

Leadership Perspectives Graduation at Willmar Conference Center

Thursday, May 29th

Aggie Open at Little Crow

Monday, June 16th

Special Event at Zorbaz

Saturday, July 26th

Registration opening soon!

Golf Classic at Eagle Creek

Monday, August 18th

Registration is open for Advocate - Chairman's Circle Members