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Downtown Hotel?

WILLMAR—The Willmar Planning and Development Department continues to add to its vision for downtown Willmar as part of the Renaissance Zone economic development program. In addition to bringing in more business and housing and helping property owners rehabilitate their properties, there is also an idea to try and entice a hotel to call downtown home. “We feel it would be […]

County looks to stimulus bill for broadband infrastructure

Kandiyohi County is exploring the possibility of using economic relief from the federal government to fund its longstanding and much-needed border-to-border high-speed internet project. “Kandiyohi County has been actively seeking and trying to improve broadband for the citizens of Kandiyohi County,” said Larry Kleindl, county administrator, during a Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners work session […]

Major Developments/Distribution center, housing projects possible in Willmar

WILLMAR—While specifics were slim, Aaron Backman, Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission executive director, gave some intriguing hints Thursday about possible major economic development projects that could be headed to Willmar. The biggest is a large distribution center project for an undisclosed end user. Back in 2018-2019, a logistics company came close to building […]

Kandiyohi County and city of Willmar Economic Development Commission hires Willmar city planner for business development post

WILLMAR—The Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission has found its next business development manager and didn’t have to look far to find her. Current Willmar City Planner Sarah Swedburg has accepted the position and plans to start around May 6. She is replacing Connie Schmoll, who is retiring at the end of May. Schmoll […]

Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission hints at major developments that could be on the way to Willmar

WILLMAR—While specifics were slim, Aaron Backman, Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission executive director, gave some intriguing hints Thursday about possible major economic development projects that could be headed to Willmar. The biggest is a large distribution center project for an undisclosed end user. Back in 2018-2019, a logistics company came close to building […]

EDC celebrates 30 years of membership

The EDC was recently presented a plaque by the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce in celebration of 30 years of continuous membership. We are glad to support and work in partnership with our local Chamber.

County gets up to speed on broadband

WILLMAR—Expanding high-speed broadband to all corners of Kandiyohi County has been a dream and challenge for many for more than two decades. “This is an ongoing issue. It is a task we are constantly struggling to fix,” said Kandiyohi County Administrator Larry Kleindl, during a work session of the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners. The […]

Mill Pond Mercantile building in New London gets new owner, new purpose and new name

NEW LONDON—The Mill Pond Mercantile building in downtown New London has new owners. The Goose Group, which currently owns three businesses in Perham, will be opening Lucky Duck in New London. Featuring a unique line of toys, games, puzzles and old-fashioned treats, the retail store is tentatively scheduled to open in mid-May. “Our goal is […]

Willmar Housing

WILLMAR — If one is looking for a home to buy or an apartment to rent around Willmar, they might have some difficulty. Housing availability continues to be an issue in and around the Willmar area. According to the Minnesota Realtors Association, there were only 97 homes for sale in February in the southwest central […]

Latest round of COVID-19 financial relief for businesses helps 66 Kandiyohi County establishments

WILLMAR — In Kandiyohi County, the Minnesota Pandemic Relief grant program has successfully assisted 66 county businesses by distributing $843,754 in state-provided funds. The county, along with the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission, reviewed dozens of the applicants over the past several weeks, trying to help as many businesses as it could with the […]

Kandiyohi County to offer funds to townships expanding broadband reach

WILLMAR — Any township in Kandiyohi County that decides to bring high-speed fiber broadband to its residents, or expand a system already in place, is eligible to receive $25,000 from the county to assist with the project. The Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners, at its meeting Tuesday, approved a resolution approving the $25,000 investment for each township that is […]

County distributes $314,000, more than half of business relief

On Tuesday, the Kandiyohi County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the disbursal of $314,000 in the second round of Minnesota Pandemic Relief (MPR) grants to local establishments reeling from the last round of COVID-19 related shutdowns. “The applications are still coming in,” said Jean Spaulding, who is overseeing the MPR grant disbursement. MPR program is […]

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