LEADERSHIP PERSPECTIVES
The Willmar Lakes Area Leadership Perspectives program is designed to develop effective community leaders with vision and insight. Session topics include individual and team building; heritage and diversity; government and media; health, human services and volunteerism; law and justice; education; industry and tourism; entrepreneurship and opportunities. Each session focuses on the issues critical to our region's future success. The next class is will start in September. Please stay tune for more information! Contact the Chamber to be added to the waiting list.
Enrollment is limited to the first 40 participants.
Deadline: August 31, 2025
Mission
A leadership program designed to develop leaders who are informed, dynamic, qualified and motivated.
History
Established in 1992, Leadership Perspectives was developed to bring critical issues to the attention of potential community leaders and encourage their active participation in our future. It is a “positive force” in shaping the communities of Kandiyohi County, and is a dynamic and interactive educational experience sponsored by the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.
Valuable for Employer
- Exceptional community training opportunity for employees for less than $55 per day. Includes all meals, session materials and transportation
- Reinforces skills and imparts knowledge to participants
- Provides a package of effective, cost efficient training
- Offers exposure for you, your company, and your participating employees
- Paves the way for cooperative efforts on current and future community projects
With the Community as a Classroom
- You are committed to leadership and community stewardship.
- You want to build a diverse long-term network of colleagues.
- You have a strong desire and interest to promote the organization you represent.
- You want to contribute to the community even after graduation.
- Develop an awareness of issues and challenges affecting the Willmar Lakes Area
Leadership Skills
“Leadership Skills” topics are incorporated into our sessions. Topics to be included are:
- Public Speaking
- Networking
- Motivation/Motivating Others
- Emotional Intelligence
- Ethics/Integrity
- Conflict Management
- Philanthropy
- Multi-Tasking
- Business Professionalism
- Time Management/Planning
- Balance Work & Life
- Team Building
From Our Alumni
“I was so thankful to be apart of the Leadership Perspectives Class. It is amazing what our Community offers along with the Companies we work for. I highly recommend the program to anyone that is able to participate.”
2019-2020
Julia Orth, Jennie-O Turkey Store
"I had the good fortune to represent Ridgewater College in the 2021-2022 Willmar Lakes Area Chamber Leadership Perspectives cohort. The Leadership Perspectives program has allowed people from a variety of business and industry sectors to build and develop rapport with both individual and entire organizations. The collaboration includes learning about our regional service sectors, emergency management personnel, non-profit, State of Minnesota agencies, private, and public organizational collaborations. The collaboration and learning highlight the area’s strengths and provides opportunities for individuals to become more involved to create a more prosperous and thriving region. I believe the Leadership Perspective program has been a great professional and personal development opportunity for me and the emerging leaders."
Jeff Miller
2024 Leadership Perspectives Graduates


Bill Adams
Willmar Public Schools

Kayla Berg
Bremer Bank

Kelly Brunkhorst
Minnesota Department of Transportation

Justin Cardinal
Christianson, PLLP

Christopher Corbett
City of Willmar

Riley Cronen
Christianson, PLLP

Tanner Dahle
Christianson, PLLP

Jenny Danielson
Life Science Innovations

Joshua Dierks
Heritage Bank

Jacklyn Frericks
Dooley Petroleum

Molly Gardner
CentraCare

Forrest Gibson
Marcus Construction

Lora Handt
Willmar Bus

Heather Hanson
United Way Executive Director

Kelsey Hedlof
Hormel Foods

Hailey Helmin
Glen Oakes

Nick Hinz
Nova-Tech Engineering

Jonathan Jungclaus
West Central Industries

Jennifer Justi
AgCountry

Matt Kubesh
Bethesda

Vernae Larson
City of Willmar

Melissa Lauck
Dooley’s Petroleum

Jennifer Lindquist
Coordinator L.E.A.D., BEN Coordinator, President of Willmar Aquatic Racing Stingrays

Mikiaela Meyer
Ridgewater College

Jed Mulder
Minnesota Department of Minnesota

Amy Nieland
Central Community Transit

Justine Nolting

Crystal Olmscheid
State Farm-Teresa Holwerda

Patrick O’Rourke

Jared Osterlund
Quick Signs

Lindsey Peters
MinnWest Technology Campus

Alyssa Sitz
Suite Liv’n

Jon Solberg
Marcus Construction

Cameron Tewari
Jennie-O

Michelle Thissen
CDS

Joe Veeder
Jennie-O

Racheal Walz
Heritage Exteriors

Jenni Zyirek
Habitat for Humanity of West Central MN

Marcia Zylstra
CentraCare