CHAMBER CONNECTIONS
Kick off your Friday with great connections and community energy! Join the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber for Chamber Connections— fun, fast-paced networking events hosted each week at a different member locations. Share your business updates, hear the latest community news, and enjoy coffee, conversation, and door prizes.
Everyone’s welcome—just bring your business card and $1 to support our Nonprofit of the Month!
Value in Connections
“I drove an hour to attend a Connection within my first month of membership, and it paid for itself with just one meeting. The quality of the connections that I made just on that first day were amazing! I have been back several times, and I have yet to leave an event feeling like it wasn’t worth my time. I have made several connections, clients, and even friends that I wouldn’t have if not for Connections!”
Desiree Petrich, Intentional Action LLC
What to Expect
EVENT TIMELINE
7:15 AM – Chamber staff and volunteers arrive for setup
7:30 AM – Guests begin to arrive
7:45 AM – Group introductions followed by a host presentation (8–10 minutes)
8:30 AM – Door prize drawings (must be present to win!)
HOST RESPONSIBILITIES
Set Up for Success - Use an open layout with minimal seating to keep guests moving and networking.
Fuel the Fun - Offer coffee, water, and a light breakfast. Be sure to support fellow Chamber members when choosing your caterer.
Make It Memorable - Set up a registration table near the entrance and offer fun door prizes (branded swag, gift cards, or local treats). The Chamber will coordinate volunteers to greet guests and emcee the event.
Help Spread the Word - Attend the Connection the week before yours to invite members personally and build excitement for your event. The Chamber will advertise the event in the weekly e-newsletter and on social media.
Interested in hosting an event? Email info@willmarareachamber.com to reserve your date. The investment is $125.
2025 Connection Schedule
NOVEMBER
7 - The Barn Theatre | 321 4th St SW, Willmar
14 - Conway Deuth & Schmiesing (CDS) | 331 3rd St SW, Willmar
21 - Bethesda StoneRidge | 1205 Willmar Ave SE, Willmar
28 - No Connection - Happy Thanksgiving
DECEMBER
5 - Kensington Bank | 2800 1st St S, Willmar
12 - Christianson CPAs and Consultants | 302 5th St SW, Willmar
19 - Heritage Bank Plaza | 310 1st St S, Willmar
2026 Connection Schedule
JANUARY - No Connections scheduled in January
FEBRUARY
6 - Friends of Campus Ministry | Campus Ministry Center - 2100 15th Ave NW, Willmar, MN 56201
13 - MinnWest Technology Campus | Multi-Tech Building Fireplace Room - 1700 Technology Dr NE, Willmar
20
27
MARCH
6
13
20
27 - Willmar Area Women's Fund | Lutheran Social Services Willmar Youth Services - Bethel Church, 411 Becker Ave SW | Willmar
APRIL
3 - No Connection in observance of Good Friday
10 - VistaPrairie at Copperleaf | 1550 1st Street North, Willmar
17 - Nova-Tech Engineering | Location TBD
24 - Jennie-O | 2505 Willmar Avenue SW, Willmar, MN
MAY
1 - Walmart | 700 19th Ave SE, Willmar, MN
8 - KCEO Trade Show | MinnWest Technology Campus Sibley Auditorium - 1800 Technology Dr NE, Willmar
15 - Duininck Inc | 8558 County Rd 9 NE, Spicer
22 - No Connection - Happy Memorial Day
29
JUNE
5 - Gilbertson Management Group | 1700 Technology Drive NE - Suite 114 Willmar, MN
12
19 - No Connection in observance of Juneteenth
26 - Willmar Fests | Heritage Bank - 310 1st St S, Willmar
JULY - No Connections scheduled in July
AUGUST
7
14
21 - CentraCare Foundation | Rice Memorial Hospital - 301 Becker Ave SW, Willmar
28 - neXt | Robbins Island Four Season Shelter - 945 US-71 BUS, Willmar
SEPTEMBER
4 - No Connnection - Happy Labor Day
11
18 - West Central Industries | 1300 SW 22nd St, Willmar
25
OCTOBER
2
9 - Community Christian School | 1300 19th Ave SW, Willmar
16
23
30
NOVEMBER
6
13 - Conway Deuth & Schmiesing (CDS) | 331 3rd St SW, Willmar
20 - Home State Bank| 1610 US-12, Willmar
27 - No Connection - Happy Thanksgiving
DECEMBER
4 - MinnWest Technology Campus | Multi-Tech Building Fireplace Room - 1700 Technology Dr NE, Willmar
11 - Christianson CPAs and Consultants | 302 5th St SW, Willmar
18 - Heritage Bank Plaza | 310 1st St S, Willmar
25 - No Connection - Happy Holidays