Chamber Connection

Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber and Great Lakes Combatives for networking, prize drawings, and all the latest news and announcements from the local business community. The event will take place on Friday, June 6th at their new location: 4722 Highway 71 NE, 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: Advocacy & Inclusion Matter of West Central Minnesota

Leadership Perspectives Class of 2025

Congratulations to the Leadership Perspectives Class of 2025! Since its founding in 1992, Leadership Perspectives has graduated over 1,000 community leaders who continue to shape the future of Kandiyohi County and the broader Willmar Lakes Area. This dynamic program is designed to develop effective leaders with the vision, insight, and passion to make a difference. Over the past year, the Class of 2025 gathered monthly, using the community as their classroom, to explore topics critical to regional success, including: team building, heritage and diversity, government and media, health, human services and volunteerism, law and justice, education, industry and toursim, entreprenuership and opportunity.

Special thanks to class speaker Kelsey Hedlof (Hormel Foods) for inspiring the class to stay engaged and get involved in their community, and to Kami Anez (Anez Consulting) for sharing her powerful story of leadership and resiliency in the pursuit of joy.

We also extend our appreciation to everyone who played a role in planning and facilitating the program. A sincere thank you to the businesses that graciously opened their doors to welcome the class into their facilities, and to our generous sponsors: City of Willmar, Kandiyohi County, and Mid-Minnesota Development Commission.

Preferred Roofing Celebrates New Office

Congratulations to Nick and Ally Moser of Preferred Roofing on the ribbon cutting of their beautiful new office located at 116 25th St SE, Willmar. Preferred Roofing is a trusted local contractor specializing in shingle and metal roofing systems for both residential and commercial clients. With years of experience helping homeowners navigate insurance claims, they offer a full range of services — from roof replacements and new construction to seamless gutters and more.

Pictured: Alana Ziehl (Kandiyohi County Food Shelf), Chamber President/CEO James Miller, Amber Barber (320 Real Estate Co), Tayla Boersma (MinnWest Technology Campus), Brittany VanDerBill (B. VanDerBill Consulting), Renee Nolting (West Central Industries), Dave Feist (TPI Hospitality), Dave Moser, Kevin Rueckert (Lake Region Bank), Hunter Borer, Mike Fagerlie and Amanda Erickson (Lake Region Bank), Jeff Jensen (West Central Technology, Inc.), Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank), and Kami Anez (Anez Consulting).

Welcome to the Chamber

Aggie Open - Less than Two Weeks Away!

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.

Tickets on Sale for Rock the Dock

Join us for Rock the Dock, the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber's annual fundraising event - formerly known as Melvin's Throwback! Enjoy this beachfront concert featuring live music from Pirates, Guitars, and Beachfront Bars! Show off your best pirate look for a chance at fabulous prizes.

Bremer Trust Celebrates 30 Years

Congratulations and thank you to Darin Strand, Javier Valenzuela, and Ed Ulmaniec representing Bremer Trust for 30 years of dedicated membership with the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber.

Over the years, Bremer has been a trusted part of our community, making a lasting impact through service and support. Now part of Old National Bank, the name and look may be changing—but the local faces you know and trust remain the same. Here’s to continued partnership and a future full of growth and community impact!

Representing the Chamber: Jon Schmidt (DATASuccess, Inc), Tayla Boersma (MinnWest Technology Campus), President/CEO James Miller, Dustin Kotrba (Christianson CPAs and Consultants), Brittany VanDerBill (B. VanDerBill Consulting), Lindsey Peters (MinnWest Technology Campus), Suzanne Hass (Allstate Insurance), Terri Wood (Woody's Trucking Inc.), Andrew Kveene (Edward Jones), Jessica Hanson (Willmar Hypnosis), Jeff Martinka (United Prairie), Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank), and Jon Rambow (Rambow).

Business Education Network

The Business Education Network and Willmar High School welcomed Ampact and Haug Implement on May 21st. Students were able to spin the wheel for prizes and answer questions about agriculture while they learned more about these two organizations.

Zero Hour is the first hour every other Wednesday for students to catch up on tests or missing work. Those who do not have work to catch up on are in the commons area until classes start. This provides the opportunity to showcase all the fantastic businesses in the Willmar Lakes Area. If you would like the opportunity to engage with students, email Program Coordinator Jennifer Lindquist at bencoordinator@willmarareachamber.com.

Chamber Chat

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA Board members, Mary Jo deCathelineau, Bradley Pederson, and Interim CEO Missy Fike.

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

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