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
OCTOBER
31 - AIM of West Central Minnesota | 311 4th St SW, Willmar
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
13
20
27
MARCH
6
13
20
27
APRIL
3 - No Connection in observance of Good Friday
10
17
24
MAY
1 - Walmart | 700 19th Ave SE, Willmar, MN
8 - KCEO Trade Show | MinnWest Technology Campus Sibley Auditorium - 1800 Technology Dr NE, Willmar
15
22 - No Connection - Happy Memorial Day
29
JUNE
5
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
SEPTEMBER
4 - No Connnection - Happy Labor Day
11
18
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
11
18
25 - No Connection - Happy Holidays