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⏳ The countdown is on! Join us at the 🚜 Partners in Ag Innovation Conference🌱 on June 17 in Willmar. We’re proud to be a Sponsor of this important event. 🎤 Don’t miss keynote speaker Mike Pearson as he unpacks: • The end of the Free Trade Era • Commodity trends • Farm Bill updates and implications If you work in ag, this is your moment to connect, learn, and lead. ✔️ FREE for qualified ag professionals. ✔️ Save your seat: www.partnersinag.com
🌟 Start Your Business Successfully - Free Workshop! 🌟 Ready to turn your business dreams into reality? Join us on June 10th and 12th for a Free English Language Workshop in Willmar, MN for an amazing free workshop designed just for you! 💼✨ In this hands-on session, you’ll learn all about: ✅ Business structures ✅ Credit & financial planning ✅ Business planning basics ✅ Social media marketing strategies Whether you're starting a new venture or planning for the future, this workshop is your one-stop shop for Business 101 education! Dinner included! 🍽️ 📅 Date: June 10th and 12th, 2025 📍 Location: KCED Office at 1601 AppleTree Square, Hwy 12 E, Willmar, MN 🔗 Register today: • Use the QR Code on the image below to register • Email: sbdc@smsu.edu • Call or Text: 402-681-6820 Sponsored by: Latino Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota | SBDC | CLUES | KCED Don’t miss out—secure your spot today by registering using the QR code on the Spanish or English poster and take the first step toward business success! 🚀
📅 June 17, 2025 | 📍 Willmar, MN Agriculture is changing fast. Are you ready? We’re proud to support the 🚜 Partners in Ag Innovation Conference🌱, where nationally-known 🎤 broadcaster Mike Pearson will present: “What’s Driving Agriculture Now?” Expect timely insights on trade, markets, and policy—all designed to help you lead with confidence.📈 ✔️ Complimentary registration for qualified ag professionals. ✔️ Register today: www.partnersinag.com
Spend Saturday, June 7 in New London for two great community events! 🎶 Porchfest 2025 | 11 AM – 6 PM Celebrate Bill Gossman Day with live music on porches and stoops throughout town. 11 AM–3 PM: Local musicians perform along Main Street 3 PM: Dedication and speech from Mayor John Dahl at the Gossman Stage 4 PM: Headliner Galactic Cowboy Orchestra performs across from Goat Ridge Brewing Co. Porchfest is free and open to all ages—bring your lawn chair and enjoy the day! 🔥 Smokin’ for The Link Rib Fest | 2–5 PM The 9th annual Rib Fest returns to the city parking lot behind The Link. A dozen teams will smoke and grill over 4,000 lbs. of ribs. Enjoy a huge variety of homemade pies Proceeds support children, families, and seniors through The Link Tickets: https://buff.ly/cmW247U 🌞 Make a day of it—great music 🎤, amazing food 🍖🥧, and strong community 🤝.
“What’s Driving Agriculture Now?” 🤔 Big changes are coming to agriculture—and we invite you to be part of the conversation. Join us at the 🚜Partners in Ag Innovation Conference🌱 on June 17 in Willmar, MN, where ag broadcaster 🎙️ Mike Pearson kicks off the day with insights on: • Global trade shifts 🌏 • Crop pricing pressures 📈 📝 • The next Farm Bill We’re proud to support this impactful event as a Sponsor! ✔️ FREE for qualified ag professionals. ✔️ Register now: www.partnersinag.com
🌟This week’s business highlight🌟 is 🌑Lunar Media 🎥, a creative media company owned and operated by Patrick Gilmore! What began as a passion for 📸 photography and videography turned into a full-fledged business in June 2023, and Lunar Media has been making waves ever since. 🌊 From testimonials to event coverage, and from social media content to engaging video storytelling, Lunar Media helps businesses, organizations, and individuals showcase their unique brand. 🌟 🎬 Based in Willmar, Lunar Media is all about delivering high-quality visuals at a balanced price point. Whether it's capturing community events like KCED’s Elevate Graduation, helping an organization connect with it’s audience, or personal moments like a marathon runner’s journey—Gilmore brings stories to life through his lens. 🏃♂️🎓✨ 💡 Gilmore’s favorite part of the job? The creativity, variety, and storytelling that come with every project. He's always open to sitting down and 🧠brainstorming your next idea. (He also serves as the President of KCED’s Marketing and Communications Committee! Thanks, Patrick 😉) 📱 Find Lunar Media online at lunarmedia.video and follow on Facebook and Instagram at Lunar Media (@lunarmediamn). Let Lunar Media help your story shine! 🌕📷
🌟 Congratulations to the Elevate CBA Spring 2025 graduating class! 👨🎓 A special thanks to Lunar Media and Celebration Creation for creating and capturing the celebratory atmosphere of graduation night! Follow Lunar Media 📸 to learn more and call Jasmine at Celebration Creation at 320-444-3146. 🎈
🌟 Big News for Minnesota Workers! 🌟 Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota will launch its new Paid Leave program — giving employees time off from work when you need it most, with income support. Here’s how the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is helping employees like you learn more: Watch the New Videos Just released: the first in a series of short videos explaining what Paid Leave is, who’s eligible, and how it works. 👉 Watch it now: https://buff.ly/hsb8Ips Join a Free Webinar 📅 Thursday, June 12 🕛 12:00–1:00 PM CT Get an overview of the program and your rights as a worker. 👉 Register here: https://buff.ly/rYhrID2 💬 Share Your Story Have you taken (or needed) paid or unpaid leave? Help shape the program by joining a short virtual interview — you may receive a gift card! 👉 Sign up here: https://buff.ly/CebgN9n 🧾 Answers to Common Questions ✔ Am I covered if I work remotely? ✔ Can I take leave for different reasons? ✔ Who qualifies as “family”? ✔ Is there a waiting period? (Spoiler: No!) ✔ Had a baby in 2025? You may still qualify for bonding leave in 2026! Find your answers here: https://buff.ly/DwOe1zI 🔗 Learn more and sign up for updates at: https://buff.ly/hsb8Ips
KCED is deeply saddened by Les Heitke's passing. Heitke was a dedicated public servant and valued member of the KCED Team, having served in many roles, including most recently as President of our Joint Powers Board. Les brought a lifetime of leadership, wisdom, and heartfelt commitment to every role he served. His passion for community and economic development and unwavering belief in the potential of Kandiyohi County and the City of Willmar are a legacy he leaves behind for future generations. Thank you for your service, Les! https://buff.ly/hhEqa55 💐 🏪 🌿 🤝