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WILLMAR—Two local entities that have worked independently to provide information and opportunities for the agriculture industry are teaming up for a one-day conference Thursday in Willmar. Topics for the first-ever Partners in Ag Innovation Conference include new opportunities for industrial hemp, ag technology, marketing trends, government regulations and the art of cooking—and eating—locally-grown foods. The […]
WILLMAR — The Kandiyohi County Commissioners turned down a request Tuesday for a developer’s tax abatement to build a 24-unit apartment building in Willmar, saying they were concerned about the cost to taxpayers and citing worries about setting an unwelcome precedent. The board’s vote, which was unanimous, came after public testimony that was overwhelmingly in […]
WILLMAR — At the end of the old Willmar Municipal Airport runway Tuesday afternoon, golden shovels manned by federal, state and local dignitaries dug out the first few piles of dirt in the Willmar Wye railroad project. “It has been a long journey for many of us and we have accomplished a lot of things […]
Willmar – Exercise undoubtedly contributes to a healthier lifestyle, so why is Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota putting $20,000 into a project here called “Sit With Me”? The answer can be found on the more than 600 ceramic tiles that people of all ages, races and ethnicities have painted this year as part […]
Thomas L. Friedman recently wrote an article about the Willmar Lakes area. The article was published in the New York Times and features interviews from various Willmar Lakes area citizens. Read the full article below or on the New York Times website. President Trump, Come to Willmar This Minnesota town is a modern, successful American […]
During the past quarter, the EDC engaged partners to create an innovative Retail Business Design Workshops, a 10-week program that included five merchandising workshops for small retailers in Kandiyohi County. There were nine partners in this effort—the University of Minnesota Extension, University of Minnesota (U of M) College of Design, EDC, Ridgewater College, Willmar Main Street, Spicer Economic […]
Like many areas of Minnesota, Kandiyohi County is experiencing a lack of quality childcare. A study completed by First Children’s Finance in 2018 revealed a current shortage of childcare access for at least 775 children in Kandiyohi County. The areas with the most need include Spicer, New London and Willmar. The survey identified challenges of […]
A new multi-family housing project is rising in southeast Willmar near the Highway 23/71 bypass–15th Street Flats. This affordable housing project consisting of 47 multi-family rental units is definitely taking shape. Commonwealth Development, the project developer, closed on funding with the State of Minnesota on August 31, 2018. Commonwealth gave the notice to proceed with construction […]
The 2019 Strategic Planning Session for the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Commission (EDC) took place this past March. EDC Marketing and Public Relations Committee Vice Chair, Melissa Knott, shares her experience with us as a first-time attendee: “On March 14th, I had the pleasure of attending the 2019 Strategic Planning Session for the […]
Late in 2018, Willmar City Planner, Sarah Swedburg, published another episode of “the Buzz”. In this episode, Sarah talks about several projects taking place in our community. Co-Op Credit Union Co-Op Credit Union is located on the corner of 5th street and 19th avenue. Construction of this project is underway and is scheduled to be […]
Popular destination in Kandiyohi County was designated on April 23, 1919 Celebration events are planned throughout the summer to honor 100 years of Sibley State Park, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The park, in west-central Minnesota, is named for the state’s first governor, Henry Hastings Sibley, and was funded by the state Legislature […]
After meeting with representatives of nonprofit senior living organization Bethesda, of Willmar, the City of New London passed a resolution Wednesday evening calling for a public hearing to establish a TIF (tax increment financing) District. This TIF District would allow Bethesda to construct a $16 million senior and assisted living facility in New London near […]
