Tuesday, October 6, 2026

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 on Friday, October 9th 7:30-8:30am at Community Christian School (1300 19th Ave SW, Willmar). $1 will be collected from each attendee to benefit our Nonprofit of the Month: Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA. Click here to view the Connection Calendar.

Congratulations to Toni Sing, Professional EOS Implementer on her new business and welcome to the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber!

Toni Sing, Professional EOS Implementer, helps business owners and leaders get what they want out of their businesses through Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) tools and proven processes. Specializing in goal setting, leadership retreats, and strategic planning, Toni energizes teams to overcome the spiral, strengthen accountability and alignment, and renew a path toward peace and accomplishment.

Pictured: Ken Quist (Quist Wealth Management), Doug Kuehnast, Jean Geselius (CDS), Dawn Lippert (Mainstream Boutique), Julie Anderson (North American Insurance Agency/Nesbit Agencies), Jeff Newberg (Duininck Inc), Renee Nolting (West Central Industries), Dustin Kotrba (Christianson CPAs and Consultants), President/CEO James Miller, Kim Richardson, and Jim Rudnick (CDS).

Congratulations to Donna Kuehnast on the Ribbon Cutting of Health Plan Options located in Apple Tree Square in Willmar!

With more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Donna provides friendly, personalized guidance for health insurance, life insurance, and Medicare. Donna and Amanda Kuehnast help you understand your options, navigate the process with confidence, and find coverage that fits your needs and budget.

Pictured: Dawn Lippert (Mainstream Boutique), Keri Ohren (CentraCare), President/CEO James Miller, Lindsey Fischer (Christianson CPAs and Consultants), Julie Anderson (North American Insurance Agency/Nesbit Agencies), Donna, Amanda, Myles, Riker, and Doug Kuehnast, Kris Gulbrandsen, Tracy Lundy and Amanda Erickson (Lake Region Bank).

Thank you to Kevin Cook and Joy Waterfield of McDonald's on 5 years of membership and support of the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber and the area-wide business community!



McDonald’s brings together iconic favorites like the Big Mac, World Famous Fries, Chicken McNuggets, and Egg McMuffin with the fast, friendly convenience customers love. With 75% of sales coming through the drive-thru, McDonald’s keeps things moving while staying ahead of the latest trends—like dirty sodas!

Pictured: President/CEO James Miller, Tracy Lundy (Lake Region Bank), Lexi Kopacek (Christianson CPAs and Consultants), Amy Evink (Mick Quinn State Farm Agency), Suzanne Hass (Allstate Insurance).

Congratulations to Fred and Doris Cogelow and the Cogelow Art Center Board on its First Dollar with the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber! 

The Cogelow Art Center is pleased to present Coming Home, an exhibition featuring the work of renowned woodcarver Fred Cogelow, along with selected works by area artists Jesse Garcia, Mary La Patka, Shalese Sands, and Ana Serrano.

The exhibition will be on display September 28 through October 30 at the Kandiyohi County Historical Society in Willmar. Visitation Hours: Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Stop by to experience these works in person and enjoy the craftsmanship and creativity of the artists featured in the exhibition.

For more information about the Cogelow Art Center, or to become a founding member, visit CogelowArtCenter.org.

Students from the West Central MN CEO program recently visited the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber and Explore Willmar Lakes Area. During the visit, these young entrepreneurs learned how the Chamber brings businesses together to address regional challenges through community promotion, advocacy, relationship-building, and economic development. The discussion highlighted the value of Chamber membership, the importance of entrepreneurship, and the role strong business connections play in creating vibrant communities and supporting the next generation of leaders.

The Business Education Network (BEN) is excited to be welcomed back to Willmar High School on Wednesday mornings for Zero Hour this school year.

Each Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., students participate in Zero Hour. While some students use this time to catch up on tests or missing assignments, many others gather in the commons area before classes begin. BEN has been given the opportunity to host one or two local businesses each week to set up a table and interact with these students.

This is a unique opportunity for your business to build relationships with students and introduce them to the many career paths available within our community. Rather than serving as a hiring fair, the goal is to help students learn about local industries, workplace opportunities, and the skills needed for future success.

If your business is interested in participating, please email BENCoordinator@willmarareachamber.com.

We look forward to partnering with you throughout the school year and helping connect students with the outstanding businesses in our area.

Thursday mornings on Open Mic, Chamber President James Miller hosts Chamber Chat. Last week, James was joined by Taylor Marcus and Darin Bushard from Marcus Construction.



Chamber Chats are a complimentary membership benefit. If you are interested in being a guest, contact James at jmiller@willmarareachamber.com.

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 1,700 people as well as on the Chamber website, and occasionally on social media. This is a complimentary service offered exclusively to Chamber members.

CentraCare - Surgical Technician | RWF, Paramedic, Licensed Dental Assistant, Dental Hygienist

Citizen's Alliance Bank - Banking Automation Specialist, Loan Portfolio Officer, Teller/Personal Banker, Vendor Management Analyst, VP Commercial Loan Officer, VP - Ag Loan Officer, Loan Officer, Training Specialist, Loan Administration Clerk, Cash Management Specialist, Insurance Agent

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

Goodwill Easter-Seals - General Manager, Assistant Store Manager

Haug Implement - Precision Ag Specialist, Equipment Detailer, Assistant Service Manager

Heritage Bank - Teller

Jennie-O - Willmar Plant Production Worker

Kandiyohi County Food Shelf - Site Coordinator Part-Time

Nova-Tech Engineering - CNC Machinist

Ridgewater College - Buyer 2/Purchasing Specialist

Water's Edge Ministries - Director of Development

West Central Technology - Procurement Admin, Account Specialist

Willmar Area Community Foundation - Communications & Outreach Coordinator

Tuesday, October 6 at 1:00pm - Special Events Meeting at the Chamber

Tuesday, October 6 at 6:00pm - Candidate Forum at Sibley Auditorium

Wednesday, October 7 at 6:00pm - Candidate Forum at Sibley Auditorium

Thursday, October 8 at 10:00am - Chamber Chat with Northern Services

Friday, October 9 at 7:30am - Chamber Connection at Community Christian School

Tuesday, October 13 at 10:00am - Business Education Network Advisory at Chamber

Tuesday, October 13 at 11:30am - Marketing Meet-Up at the Chamber