Recipients will be recognized at the Chamber Community Leadership Celebration breakfast at 7 a.m. Friday, March 31, at the Sibley Auditorium on the MinnWest Technology Campus in Willmar.
WILLMAR — Three Kandiyohi County leaders will be recognized for contributions to their communities at the end of the month.
The Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has announced its Community Leadership Award recipients — Hallie Johnson of CentraCare — Rice Memorial Hospital, Aaron Backman of the Kandiyohi
A housing study created for the county and city Economic Development Commission showed a need for nearly 1,000 housing units to be constructed across Kandiyohi County by 2030.
WILLMAR — The 2023 Housing Market Analysis for Kandiyohi County identified a significant need for additional housing options across the county. While 48% of the county’s population lives within Willmar, the surrounding rural areas and 11 cities are home to thousands of people and they all need places to live.
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It is predicted that seniors will see the most population growth and make up a large portion of the additional housing needed in Willmar and Kandiyohi County by 2030.
WILLMAR — There is an estimated demand for an additional 1,580 housing units in the city of Willmar between 2022 and 2030, according to an updated housing report completed by Viewpoint Consulting .
Aaron Backman, executive director of the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission, presented the report
WILLMAR—During the state of the city address at Tuesday’s Willmar City Council meeting, Mayor Doug Reese touted the recent accomplishments of the city under former Mayor Marv Calvin, the City Council and city staff. He also set his agenda for the upcoming year.
“Tonight’s a night to reflect on our progress and look forward to the future of Willmar,” Reese said. “And, first of all I would like to thank the citizens of Willmar for their overwhelming support in the election. I count it
WILLMAR — The U.S. Department of Transportation on Feb. 1 announced the city of Willmar was awarded a $200,000 grant through Safe Streets and Roads for All , which will allow the city to complete a citywide Safety Action Plan to address safety, accessibility and equity concerns throughout the city’s transportation system.
Willmar received one of 12 grants awarded to communities in Minnesota, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Transportation. There were 510 grant awards
WILLMAR — Kandiyohi County is seeking grants to extend broadband service to three more townships.
The County Board voted Tuesday morning to use nearly $400,000 of federal funds held by the county and to seek other funding to provide high-speed broadband to addresses in Lake Elizabeth, East Lake Lillian and Harrison townships.
Mark Boeschen, broadband chair for the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission, described the two projects.
Funding would come from the county’s
WILLMAR — The Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission Broadband Committee remains committed to working with internet providers to complete broadband construction projects in Kandiyohi County so that all premises have access to high-speed internet, according to a news release from the EDC.
The state’s Broadband Line Extension Connection Program is a great opportunity for businesses and residents outside of the recent Border-to-Border Broadband Development
Sarah Swedburg, the business development manager for the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission, was recognized Thursday night as Emerging Young Professional of the Year by the Economic Development Association of Minnesota for her achievements in economic and community development in Kandiyohi County.
Read the full story at the WC Tribune
By Commissioner Steve Grove
Budget items focus on decreasing disparities, paid family and medical leave, supporting small businesses, and more.
On Tuesday, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced the totality of their One Minnesota Budget, which includes Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) budget proposals that I’m excited to share with you in more detail today.
Read the full story at the DEED Developments Blog
By Jennifer Kotila
Solange Cooley started Ag Jobs in 2019 in Willmar and now employs more than 500 people, helping to fill a workforce shortage in the agricultural and manufacturing fields.
WILLMAR — An attorney from Ecuador has found a new calling as a coach, mentor and friend for her employees at Ag Jobs.
Solange Cooley started Ag Jobs in 2019, providing her clients with a diverse workforce and her employees with jobs that include transportation, as well as room and board. She also provides