Mar 2021
Chamber Connection
Join us for a Chamber Connection hosted by the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce in the Willmar Conference Center Atrium. Come ready to mingle with other local business people and learn what's new in the business community. Bring $1 and your business card for networking and a light breakfast. All are welcome, and need not be a member of the Chamber to participate. Masks and social distancing are encouraged. Registration is requested.
Find out more »Jul 2021
Wellness Wins: Dealing with Toxic Co-Workers and Creating Healthy Boundaries
Wellness Wins: Dealing with Toxic Co-Workers and Creating Healthy Boundaries Presented by Heather Christensen, PE from Envisioneering, LLC Thursday, July 15th from 12-1pm Hybrid Event at the Willmar Conference Center or through Zoom Do you feel like there is no “right way” to deal with some co-workers or even some people in general? That any way you respond, you’ll get a rotten comment back or be immediately under assault? Toxic co-workers are common. They stir the pot and steal joy…
Find out more »Sep 2021
neXt Kick-Off Party
NeXt was formed to attract and retain young talent in the community, while developing the next generation of leaders. Focused on young adults, we use fun social activities and structured educational opportunities to help you grow your network, learn new skills and develop as a leader. Please RSVP if possible to assist with event planning: willmarareachamber.com/next.
Find out more »Oct 2021
Willmar Area Community Foundation Awards in Philanthropy Celebration
WILLMAR AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION CELEBRATION OF OUR COMMUNITY 2021 Creating Pathways, Building Community: Stories of Philanthropy at Work in the Places We Call Home Date: Thursday, October 14, 2021 Location: Willmar Area Conference Center Time: 5:30 - 9:00pm Schedule: 5:30 - 6:30pm - Social Hour with Hors D'oeuvres 6:30 - 8:00pm - Dinner & Program 8:00 - 9:00pm - Afterglow Reception Meal Options: Main Entrée - Bacon Wrapped Turkey Tenderloin with Smoked Gouda Sauce, Mascarpone Garlic Roasted Mashed Sweet Potatoes…
Find out more »Nov 2021
Red Carpet
Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce's Red Carpet Event Featuring SongBlast dueling guitars Friday, November 5th at the Willmar Conference Center Prepare to Laugh, Sing & Rock 'N Roll! 5:30pm Doors Open & Food (see menu on ad) 7:30pm SongBlast Performs Tickets are $85.00 for food & the show Contact the Chamber for tickets by calling 320-235-0300 or by emailing chamber@willmarareachamber.com What is SongBlast? It’s all about great songs, wonderfully performed…and having a BLAST! Pat Balder and Glen Everhart have spent…
Find out more »Dec 2021
neXt Ugly Sweater Bean Bag Tournament
This FREE networking event is open to everyone, so please bring a friend, come dressed in your ugliest sweater, and be ready to have fun! Prizes will be awarded for the ugliest sweater and tournament champions Free admission with the donation of an unwrapped toy. The greatest need is gifts for infants and teenagers. Gift ideas for teenage boys: wallets, fishing/camping, or outdoor items. Gift ideas for teenage girls: purses, bath sets/lotion, or jewelry. Cash bar will be available
Find out more »Jan 2022
U.S. Grains Zoom In & Luncheon
The U.S. Grains Council develops export markets for U.S. barley, corn, sorghum and related products including distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and ethanol. With full-time presence in 28 locations, the Council operates programs in more than 50 countries and the European Union. The Council believes exports are vital to global economic development and to U.S. agriculture’s profitability. The WLACC's Agri-Business Committee member Chad Willis is currently serving as the U.S. Grains Chairman. Please join the WLACC Agri-Business Committee and…
Find out more »May 2022
2022 Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
2022 Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Thursday, May 5, 2022 at the Willmar Conference Center Our speaker this year is Mayor Marv Calvin, who has been a faithful God servant to all of the citizens of Willmar, and a great leader to all of the people in Kandiyohi County.
Find out more »Jun 2022
Wisdom & Wine 2022
Wisdom & Wine Thursday, June 9th, 2022 at the Willmar Conference Center Doors Open - 6:00pm Dessert - 6:30pm Author Presentations - 7:00pm Wisdom and Wine Tickets available at the Willmar Public Library and willmarwisdomandwine.eventbrite.com until Wednesday, May 18th. Cost is $35.00 Tickets will NOT be available at the door of the event.
Find out more »Jul 2022
Kandiyohi County Commissioner District 3 Candidate Forum
The purpose of the candidate forums is to help our members and the public become better informed on where candidates stand on the issues important to business. Additionally, the forums are an opportunity for the candidates to hear what’s important to our local businesses. The cost is $20 to attend. RSVP is required to the Chamber at (320) 235-0300 or chamber@willmarareachamber.com.
Find out more »Nov 2022
Small Business Network Lunch – Get Financial Support for Small Businesses Through Federal Loan
Lunch Buffet will be provided Location: Willmar Conference Center - Gallery 2 Address: 240 23rd St, Willmar, MN 56201 Schedule 11:30am - 11:45am Check in and network 11:45am - 12:30pm Presentation 12:15pm - 1:00pm Buffet Lunch 1:00 - 1:30pm Discussion and Networking Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/3wBE5pxDs Please register at https://www.cognitoforms.com/MICS3/SBAFinancialSupport2022
Find out more »Mar 2023
Hattie Klavetter Benefit with the Dam Jammers
Hattie Klavetter Benefit Saturday, March 4th at the Willmar Conference Center Doors Open at 6:00pm Band Starts at 7:00pm Come enjoy the Dam Jammers and help raise funds for Hattie! Music and silent auction! All proceeds from event goes to Hatties mom and dad for medical bills and expenses. Tickets are $10.00 in advance thru any Willmar Firefighter or $15.00 at the door. Sponsored By: Mike & Jess Kubesh See Hattie's story and more on the flyer below.
Find out more »Workplace Culture – Get It Right!
Your people ARE your greatest asset, hear how to attract talent, have world class onboarding and development of your team and retain your rock stars in today’s challenging world! This session will show a new path to developing a winning workplace culture that others want to be a part of, while still having accountability! Through this interactive workshop you will learn: How fast recruiting is changing The new list of what employees are looking for Strategies that are successful today!…
Find out more »The Fortress 10th Annual Banquet
The Fortress 10th Annual Banquet Friday, March 31st from 5:30-8pm at the Willmar Conference Center Featuring our Guest Emcee Scott Barney It's that time of year again everyone, time to come together and celebrate what God is doing in and through The Fortress Ministry right here in Willmar Minnesota! This year the event will be hosted by Willmar's own, Scott Barney. Come and hear testimonies from our residents or alumni of the program. Worship and enjoy fellowship during a delicious…
Find out more »Apr 2023
40th Annual Kandiyohi County Pheasants Forever Chapter Banquet
40th Annual Kandiyohi County Pheasants Forever Chapter Banquet Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the Willmar Conference Center Crowing Hour at 5:00pm Dinner at 7:15pm A great night to visit with friends and help support our conservation and youth agenda. Bring your children, we have the Laser Shot game scheduled, a hit with the kids at they try their skill on the Flushing Pheasants. The youth raffle is free to all registered youth attending. Click Here for the Order Form Your…
Find out more »May 2023
American Red Cross Blood Drive
American Red Cross Blood Drive Let's Save Some Lives Monday, May 15th from 11:00am - 5:00pm at the Willmar Conference Center Gallery 5 & 6 For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org Or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
Find out more »Sep 2023
Celebration of Life Fundraising Banquet
Sliding into September with Hope Pregnancy Center Annual Celebration of Life Fundraising Banquet Monday, September 18, 2023 at 5:30pm at the Willmar Conference Center Must RSVP to attend Please join us for our largest fundraiser of the year, our Annual Celebration of Life! Details to come... To start off this awesome event, we will have a silent auction, a wonderful meal and testimony. Come prepared to be moved and inspired! 5:30pm: Doors Open, Silent Auction & Social Hour Begin 6:30pm:…
Find out more »Jan 2024
Screening of “Eight Women Together Alone”
You are invited to a FREE screening event featuring: Eight Women Together Alone Wednesday, January 10 at 4 p.m. Willmar Conference Center - 240 23rd Street SE, Willmar, MN Pioneer PBS and Kandiyohi County Historical Society will be co-hosting a screening of “Eight Women Together Alone.” The event is at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10 and is taking place at the Willmar Conference Center located at 240 23rd Street SE, Willmar. The screening is free and open to the…
Find out more »Mar 2024
Lunch & Learn: Navigating Minnesota’s New ESST Law
Every employer with one or more employees is affected by Minnesota’s new Earned Sick and Safe Time law. Employers are required to create policies offering paid time off for illness, doctor appointments and other health or safety matters for employees and their families. Even if you already offer sick time, vacation time, or other paid time off (PTO), you will want to hear more about the requirements, how you can be compliant, and the possible future changes that may be…
Find out more »Lunch & Learn: Leading with Confidence
Leading With Confidence comes down to one thing. A belief that in every situation, you have all the tools you need to overcome any obstacle. But… Is it easier said than done? Desiree Petrich with Intentional Action will break 10 different mindset shifts and life hacks to help you overcome self-doubt and show up as the best version of yourself. Even on the days when you feel like you feel like you’re building your confidence from scratch. What’s holding you…
Find out more »Apr 2024
The Fortress 11th Annual Banquet & Fundraiser
The Fortress 11th Annual Banquet & Fundraiser Friday, April 12th from 6-9pm at the Willmar Conference Center It's that time of year again when we begin to get ready for the banquet season in our community. We hope that you find time to join us at The Fortress' 11th Annual Banquet. This year we will be coming together to worship and give God glory for all that He done through this ministry. Door's will open for check-in at 5:00pm, and…
Find out more »Adult Prom
Adult Prom Saturday, April 20th from 7-11:30pm at the Willmar Conference Center Get ready to relive your high school glory days and dance the night away at the Willmar Conference Center! Adult Prom Night: "A Night in Hollywood" is a special event designed for adults to relive the excitement and charm of their high school prom. Set in a beautifully decorated venue, this elegant affair offers a night of dancing, music and nostalgia. Appetizers and spiked punch will be included.…
Find out more »Jun 2024
Wisdom & Wine 2024
Wisdom & Wine - SOLD OUT Thursday, June 13th, 2024 at the Willmar Conference Center Doors Open - 6:00pm Dessert - 6:30pm Author Presentations - 7:00pm The Willmar Friends of the Library 4th annual Wisdom & Wine fundraising event will take place on June 13th at the Willmar Conference Center. The exciting evening will be an opportunity to hear Minnesota authors: Jess Lourey, J. Ryan Stradal, and Mona Susan Powers. Proceeds from the event will be used to support the…
Find out more »Aug 2024
Flere Lag Stevne
Norwegian-American Heritage Event Rolling Into Willmar! The annual Flere Lag Stevne is coming to Willmar, Minnesota, August 6-9, 2024. This gathering is sponsored by heritage groups whose ancestors immigrated from the old Norwegian regions of Solør, Romerike (Akershus), Hedmark, Gudbrandsdal, and Trøndelag. Volunteer genealogists with experience in researching those areas will be on hand to assist in tracing family history in Norwegian records. This year’s theme is “A Skillet in One Hand, a Hoe in the Other: Norwegian Women Settlers.”…
Find out more »Flere Lag Stevne
Norwegian-American Heritage Event Rolling Into Willmar! The annual Flere Lag Stevne is coming to Willmar, Minnesota, August 6-9, 2024. This gathering is sponsored by heritage groups whose ancestors immigrated from the old Norwegian regions of Solør, Romerike (Akershus), Hedmark, Gudbrandsdal, and Trøndelag. Volunteer genealogists with experience in researching those areas will be on hand to assist in tracing family history in Norwegian records. This year’s theme is “A Skillet in One Hand, a Hoe in the Other: Norwegian Women Settlers.”…
Find out more »Flere Lag Stevne
Norwegian-American Heritage Event Rolling Into Willmar! The annual Flere Lag Stevne is coming to Willmar, Minnesota, August 6-9, 2024. This gathering is sponsored by heritage groups whose ancestors immigrated from the old Norwegian regions of Solør, Romerike (Akershus), Hedmark, Gudbrandsdal, and Trøndelag. Volunteer genealogists with experience in researching those areas will be on hand to assist in tracing family history in Norwegian records. This year’s theme is “A Skillet in One Hand, a Hoe in the Other: Norwegian Women Settlers.”…
Find out more »Oct 2024
Beauty From Ashes Banquet
Beauty From Ashes Banquet (formerly known as the Atlas Dessert Fundraiser) Friday, October 11th at 5:30pm at Willmar Conference Center We want to invite you to ATLAS' 8th Annual Beauty From Ashes Banquet at the Willmar Conference Center on October 11, 2024! We are so excited to announce that Jerrid Sebesta will be our keynote speaker this year! For nearly a decade, Jerrid Sebesta has keynoted in front of 200+ audiences inspiring them to live with more urgency, lead with…
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Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos
Felix and Fingers Dueling Pianos Dinner & Show Saturday, October 26th at the Willmar Conference Center Come join us for a night of music and delicious food at the Willmar Conference! Our dueling pianos will have you singing along to your favorite tunes all night long. Enjoy a scrumptious 2 course dinner of a ceaser salad and fresh baked bread. Stuffed chicken breast, garlic mashed potaotes, and roasted vegetables all while tapping your feet to the beat. Tickets are $50…
Find out more »Jan 2025
Willmar Stingers’ Winter BBQ Event – SOLD OUT
Willmar Stingers’ Winter BBQ Event - SOLD OUT Tuesday, January 21st, 2025 from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM at the Willmar Conference Center Enjoy a BBQ lunch and listen to two rising and stars of the Minnesota Twins for $25 per person(includes lunch). The Winter BBQ will feature these two distinguished guest speakers who both were drafted by the Minnesota Twins following their junior year in college. Varland, a Stingers member during the 2017 and 2018 seasons was drafted by…
Find out more »Feb 2025
Annual KCEO Gala
Annual KCEO Gala Thursday, February 6th, 2025 from 5:30-9:00pm at the Willmar Conference Center Join KCEO’s winter gala for a night of mystery and celebration, supporting students as they showcase their skills in their class project. Masquerade masks will be provided at the door. Semi-formal attire is encouraged. Agenda 5:30-6:30pm Social & Reception 6:30-8:30pm Meal & Mystery Tickets: Individual - $75 Half Table Sponsor - $500.00 Full Table Sponsor - $900.00 Click Here to Purchase Tickets Online
Find out more »Apr 2025
The Fortress 12th Annual Banquet & Fundraiser
The Fortress 12th Annual Banquet & Fundraiser Friday, April 4th at 5:30pm at the Willmar Conference Center Join us on April 4, 2025 for our Annual Banquet Fundraiser! Come together and celebrate what God is doing in and through The Fortress. At the banquet you can expect a great meal catered in from Green Mills, a silent and live auction with many items to purchase, a word from the Executive Director, and most importantly hear inspiring testimonies from Fortres Alumni…
Find out more »Easter Brunch at Willmar Conference Center
Easter Brunch at Willmar Conference Center Sunday, April 20 from 10am-2pm Make Reservations Today by Calling 320-231-2301 Feast on a delicious spread, including 🥓 Carved Prime Rib & Baked Ham 🍳 Cheesy Scrambled Eggs & Sausage 🥗 Fresh Salads & Seasonal Fruit 🍕 Breakfast & Specialty Pizzas 🍗 Bourbon Salmon & Shrimp Alfredo 🍰 Assorted Desserts & More! Adults are $32.99 Seniors (62+) are $26.99 Kids (Ages 5-12) $12.99 Kids (Under 5) Free
Find out more »Finding a Work-Life Balance: Boundaries, Burnout and Bubble Baths
This free educational for neXt and Central Lakes United members will focus on: Boundaries: Setting limits, keeping them, and thriving - at home, work, and everywhere in between Stress: Recognizing positive and negative stress and coping strategies Burnout: Prevention strategies, recovery, and self-care practices Whether you're climbing the ladder, pivoting paths, or seeking balance, this is for you! A meal will be provided.
Find out more »May 2025
Minnesota Paid Leave: What Employers Need to Know
Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber for an informative session on Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program. Vinna Human Resources will provide essential information on how the new laws will impact the workplace. We’ll cover key topics including: Eligibility: Who qualifies for Minnesota’s Paid Leave program and what benefits are available. Employer Responsibilities: What employers need to know about compliance, recordkeeping, and managing paid leave in the workplace. Recent Updates & Changes: Learn about recent updates to the…
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ATLAS Presents Bluegrass & Bingo Fundraiser
ATLAS Presents Bluegrass & Bingo Fundraiser Friday, May 16 at the Willmar Conference Center 5-6:30pm Social Time 6:30pm BINGO Light appetizers are provided but you are able to order off of the menu at your own expense. Get your packets at ATLAS $40 per packet by May 12 $50 per packet after May 12 (you may purchase more than one packet if you wish) Limited to 350 people 10 games and a blackout game $5 for extra blackout game tickets…
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