This is a question asked when a business joins any Chamber. There are many direct and indirect benefits as a result of your Chamber membership. Many are outlined in this publication for your review and consideration. It's fair to say that YOUR Chamber does not "cost,) but rather it "pays.) Every day the Chamber is working to make your business a success in the area. Access the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce through or more of the following.

Resource Publications
Chamber Newsletter: Published monthly on the 1st Tuesday, proving updates on events, issues and positions currently being addressed by the Chamber and the Board of Directors.

City and County Map: The chamber publishes and distributes the official map of Kandiyohi County and communities in Kandiyohi County.

Community Information and Profile: This publication outlines specific features of the Willmar Lakes Area in regards to healthcare, education, growth factors, technology and must more, to better sell out communities.

Services
Referrals: The Chamber, as well as other Chamber members, make frequent referrals for products and services of only Chamber member firms.

Community/Chamber Web Sites: Chamber members are listed on the Chamber's website at no charge as a benefit of Chamber Membership. The chamber also manages Willmar.com, a community web site for the Willmar Lakes Area. Listings, links and banner ads are available on this site.

Directories & Listings
Membership Directory: This is the Chamber's main source of referrals in which members receive a free listing both alphabetically and by category.

Organizational Listings: A current list of the area's principle organizations is maintained and updated annually.

Community Calendar: A listing of the events in the area is maintained on Willmar.com by the Chamber office.

Education
Leadership Perspectives: A community leadership development program has been specifically designed for the area's emerging leaders. Its purpose is to bring critical issues to the attention of potential community leaders and encourage active participation.

Seminars & Workshops: Seminars and workshops are held throughout the year to enhance leadership, management, sales and customer service skills.

Networking
Chamber Connections: Join us each Friday at a Chamber business for a light breakfast and an opportunity to meet other Chamber members and learn more about our member businesses.

Mixers: The Ambassadors host these networking events. Mixers allow the members to network in a social setting and enjoy an evening at a member business.

Gala: Events are held throughout the year that are either informational in nature of social events such as keynote speakers and our Annual Banquet.

Golf Events: Two golfing events are available. The Ambassador's Annual Golf Classic and the Agri-Business Committee's, Aggie Open.

New Members Breakfasts/Lunch: After you join, one of the best ways to learn about the benefit of participating in Chamber activities is by attending the New Members Breakfast. You will get an introduction to Chamber programs and meet fellow new members.

Annual Meeting: Join hundreds of other Chamber members to celebrate the previous year's accomplishments and welcome the incoming Board of Directors.

Committees and Task Forces: The Chamber has six committees made up of volunteers who help to implement the Chamber's business plan every year.

Public Policy
Legislative Breakfast Series: Breakfast meetings with our state legislator are held to discus business, community and environmental issues.

A Strengthened Voice of Business: the chamber speaks out and ensures that the best interests of the private sector are heard by all levels of government. Each year legislative positions are composed from member's needs.

Community Enrichment
Community Marketing Coalition: The chamber is a partner helping promote the Willmar Lakes Area as a great place to live, work, play, learn, and do business.

Grow Minnesota: The Chamber, along with the Minnesota Chamber is working on a business retention and expansion initiative to thank businesses for being located in Minnesota and especially the Willmar Lakes Area.

Young Professionals Network: Actively pursue partnerships with businesses, non- profits, service, professional development, media, cultural and entertainment organizations to help deliver opportunities to the network that are already taking place in the community.

Buy into the Lakes Area: A public awareness campaign initiated by the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is about revitalizing our area economy and creating a sustainable future for our community. The goal of the program is to increase local business to business purchasing. This campaign was developed to reduce the amount of business lost to companies outside of Kandiyohi County. We encourage local businesses to consider buying from other local Chamber businesses before purchasing outside of our community.

Advertising/Business Promotion
Media Bonus!: As a new member, take advantage of media discounts with all of the local media outlets.

Newsletter Advertising: Only chamber members will be given the opportunity to advertise in our Chamber newsletter.

Chamber ADvantage: Place an insert in the Chamber ADvantage and have it mailed directly to over 900 business people on a quarterly basis.

Mailing Labels: In an effort to help your business with promotions, the Chamber will print our membership on labels for you for a minimal charge.

Other Opportunities: Other opportunities to advertise and promote your business will be available throughout the year including maps, community resource materials, tourism pieces and on the World Wide Web.