Partnership Examples

The City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County make up the joint powers agreement that created Kandiyohi County Economic Development through an act of legislation. The City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County are integral in the development work we do.

In 2003, the City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County formed a joint powers agreement to create the Kandiyohi County Economic Development (KCED) through an act of legislation. The unified vision and goals created by the City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County reflect community service, engagement, and celebration with the support of business, childcare, broadband accessibility, ag innovation, and housing development.

The scope of our work is ultimately defined by our mission, to be the catalyst of economic growth for all of Kandiyohi County.

Marketing Kandiyohi County is a pillar for both the CVB and KCED. The CVB’s marketing efforts create a positive image of Kandiyohi County and help fuel economic development objectives. KCED invests in and supports the CVB’s creative and community-centered marketing approaches. One KCED Board Member is appointed to the CVB Board of Directors, creating a bridge between the two organizations.

KCED and the Willmar Area Community Foundation often come together to support projects and events that serve the entire county particularly around critical community issues of child care, housing, support to non-profit businesses and civic engagement initiatives. These two entities often play lead roles in forming public-private partnerships that benefit our entire area.