Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Thank you to our Chairman's Circle investors:

Embrace Change | Drive Momentum | Champion Growth

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 Vinna Human Resources (412 Litchfield Ave SW, 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: United Way of West Central Minnesota.

Join local accounting firms Anfinson Thompson, CDS CPAs and Advisors, Christianson CPAs and Consultants, and Westberg Eischens for a comprehensive OBBBA summary, tax updates, and the latest on Minnesota's Paid Leave.

Topics include: 

• Business Tax Provisions - Learn strategies to optimize your business's tax position in light of OBBBA changes.
• Individual Tax Provisions - Discover how the OBBBA's updated provisions may impact your individual tax situation.
• Minnesota Paid Leave - Get a clear, actionable overview of Minnesota's new Paid Leave legislation from a local CPA firm.

The Willmar Lakes Area has been blessed with beautiful fall! While you are out and about enjoying the natural beautify of our region, make sure to check out the exciting updates at the Glacial Lakes State Trailhead in northeast Willmar located east of the Willmar Civic Center on Civic Center Drive. What's new: shelter and picnic tables, an expanded parking lot, updated landscaping, and a self-contained Green Flush Restroom. The trailhead also connects to the Willmar Trail and Eagle Lake Trail.

The Willmar Lakes Area Chamber was proud to host the West Central MN CEO students for an energizing session. Chamber President James Miller shared not only career wisdom and business savvy, but also a contagious energy that kept students laughing, learning, and fully engaged. His message was clear: relationships are everything, curiosity fuels growth, and bold risks pave the way for big rewards. The Chamber is grateful for the opportunity to invest in tomorrow’s changemakers and proud to be a partner in cultivating the next generation of leaders.

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined in studio by Tanya Dingmann with Equine Inspired Soul LLC located near Belgrade.

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.

• Cash Wise - Meat Clerk

• Citizens Alliance Bank - Teller/Personal Banker, VP/Ag Commercial Loan Officer, Assistant Insurance Customer Service Representative, Business Banking Assistant, Core Application Specialist, Office Coordinator/Teller, Teller, RE Loan Processing Specialist

• Dooley's Petroleum - Bulk Fuel & Propane Driver, Field Service Technician

• Employment Plus - Controller, Maintenance Supervisor, Assistant Production Facility Manager, Building Maintenance Tech / Carpenter, Electrician/Inside Counter Sales

• Haug Implement - Ag Equipment Sales, Parts Counter Professional, Service Technician

• Lakeland Media - Sports Director & KWLM Morning Show Host

• Northern Radiator - Director of Warehouse Operations

• Southwest Initiative Foundation - Director of Entrepreneurship Finance

• Southwest West Central Service Cooperative - Special Education Paraprofessional

• Suite Liv'n - Maintenance Technician

• West Central Sanitation - Diesel Mechanic, Cart/Container Delivery Driver - CDL Trainee, Local Route Driver

Thursday, October 2 at 9:00am - Leadership Perspectives at Prairie Woods

Thursday, October 2 at 10:00am - Chamber Chat on KWLM

Friday, October 3 at 7:30am - Chamber Connection at Vinna Human Resources

Friday, October 3 at 12:00pm - Public Policy Meeting at Heritage Bank

Tuesday, October 7 at 8:30am - neXt Leadership Meeting via Zoom