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🌸 Spring into Summer is HERE! 🌞 Celebrate the season in downtown New London this weekend (May 9–11) for deals, giveaways, and sunshine! 🛍️🌼 🌿 Shop local small businesses! 🌿 Win a hanging plant 🌿 Enjoy the warm weather Support local and celebrate the season! See full details at: https://buff.ly/YecppFu
🌱 Supporting Ag Education at NLS! 🌱 KCED's Ag and Renewable Energy Committee 🌞 paid a visit to the New London-Spicer High School Greenhouse a few weeks ago! Members learned about the evolution of the greenhouse to a living classroom that’s helping prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders in our region. 👩🌾👨🔧 🎉 Don’t forget: 🌿 The annual Greenhouse Sale starts Thursday at 8 AM at NLS High School! Come support student learning, the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Program and take home some beautiful plants- they go fast! 🌷 Find full details at: https://buff.ly/mS0tynf
🌾🚜 Save the Date! Registration Now Open! 💡📅 Join us for the Partners in Ag Innovation Conference on June 17, 2025, at MinnWest Technology Campus, Willmar, MN (or attend virtually!). Explore "Ag and the Economy: Cultivating Growth in a Changing Landscape" with top industry experts, innovators, and producers. 🔥 Key Highlights: ✅ Keynote: Ag Economist Mike Pearson ✅ Regional Insights & Producer Success Stories ✅ Tech Showcase & Climate Resilience Strategies 🎟 Complimentary Registration – Includes ☕ breakfast & 🥪 lunch! 🔗 Register Now:
💃 Happy Cinco de Mayo! 🎉 📅 Mark your Calendars the Cinco de Mayo 2025 Celebration! Saturday, May 17th at 4pm 4th Street SW, Downtown Willmar 🎈 Inflatables for Kids – Safe, bouncy fun for the little ones! 🎶 Live Music & Good Vibes – Let the rhythm move you! 🍽️ Delicious Food – Mouthwatering eats from local vendors! 🎉 Bingo & Games – Play to win and laugh with friends! 💃 Folkloric Dancers – Experience the beauty of traditional dance! 🥁 Drumming Circle – Feel the beat and join the rhythm of the community! 🐂 Mechanical Bull Rides – Hold on tight and show us your rodeo skills! Bring your friends, family, and festive spirit, as all are welcome — we’ll see you there! 🎊 Follow this Facebook Page for more details: https://buff.ly/q2OSVTg ———————————————————————- 🎉 ¡Prepárate para un día lleno de diversión en el Cinco de Mayo! 🌟 ¡Únete a nosotros para vivir un momento inolvidable lleno de actividades para toda la familia! 🎈 Inflables para niños – ¡Diversión segura y brincadora para los más pequeños! 🎶 Música en vivo y buen ambiente – ¡Deja que el ritmo te lleve! 🍽️ Comida deliciosa – ¡Sabores irresistibles de vendedores locales! 🎉 Lotería y juegos – ¡Juega, gana y disfruta con tus amigos! 💃 Bailarines folklóricos – ¡Disfruta la belleza de la danza tradicional! 🥁 Círculo de tambores – ¡Siente el ritmo y únete a la energía comunitaria! 🐂 Toro mecánico – ¡Aguanta fuerte y demuestra tus habilidades de rodeo! 📍 En la calle 4, en el centro de Willmar 📅 17 de mayo ¡Trae a tus amigos, familia y tu espíritu festivo — todos son bienvenidos!
🔥 Grill Season is Here! 🔥 The sizzle, the smoke, the savory flavors—we're officially in BBQ season. Whether you're firing up steaks, burgers, brats, or ribs, the quality of your meat makes all the difference. That’s why having trained butchers and meat processors is essential! 🥩The West Central Tribune has a great article about the importance of meat processing, labor, infrastructure and training in rural Minnesota.🍖 Read the full article here:
📣 This week's business highlight is 🌳 Paul’s Tree Work, LLC 🪓, located in Sunburg, is owned and operated by Paul Swanson. This Veteran-owned 🦅 business is entering its third successful season serving the community with expert tree services. Paul’s Tree Works specializes in: 🌲 Tree removal & trimming 🌲 Forestry & lot clearing 🌲 Stump grinding 🌲 Pad & driveway construction 🌲 and even the occasional custom wood sculpture—his favorite to carve is the ‘squishy🧸 bear’ (you’ll just have to ask Paul to learn more!) Paul has been working with chainsaws since he was 12 years old, helping out with his family’s logging business. In 2023, he received a revolving loan💲 from KCED, which helped to officially launch Paul's Tree Works—and he's been growing 📈 🌱 ever since. 🔎 You can find Paul's Tree Work on Facebook and by calling 🤳 612-618-3326.
With the announcement of Michelle Martozke’s resignation, we want to take a moment to thank her for all she’s done for KCED 🙏💼. KCED is grateful for the time, passion, and hard work Michelle has brought to her role ❤️✨, and we’re excited to see where her next adventure takes her 🌟🚀. As the organization moves through this transition 🔄, we stay focused on the momentum of economic development in the county 📈🌱 and appreciate everyone’s support 🤝.
🌎💚 Healthy Earth, Healthy Kids – This Saturday in Willmar! Enjoy this fun, family-friendly event celebrating Earth Day and healthy living! 📅 Saturday, April 27 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 📍 Willmar Civic Center FREE 🌱 Enjoy hands-on activities, outdoor fun, and tips for keeping both our planet and our kids healthy and thriving. 🍎 Learn about nutrition, sustainability, and simple ways to care for the Earth together. Bring the whole family for a day of learning, laughter, and community connection! 🌞🌍
🌍🎉 International Heritage Festival – A Celebration of Cultures 📅 Friday, April 25 | 5:30–7:30 PM 📍 Willmar Senior High School Auditorium & Commons You're invited to an unforgettable evening of food, music, art, and culture from around the world - all represented right here in the community! 🥐 Taste global flavors 🎶 Enjoy music, dancing & cultural performances 🖼️ Explore art and artifacts Come celebrate the rich diversity that makes Kandiyohi County! 🌎💃
🎉 A huge thank you to all the incredible sponsors, employers, and students who made this year's Student Job Fair & Career Expo a big success! 💼✨ From educational conversations to career-changing connections, the energy in the room was electric ⚡. KCED loves being part of an event that opens doors and creates opportunities for the future. 🚀 Special thanks to ✨ sponsors 🌟 Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Initiative Foundation, Jennie-O (especially for vendor snacks and bags for goodies!), Ridgewater College, Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc., Willmar Public School District and Walt's Soft Cloth Car Wash for student gift certificates!
