News

Spring 2023 Newsletter: Industrial Hemp for Consumer Products: CDB, CBG, THC from Hemponix

April 3, 2023

Spring 2023 Newsletter: Industrial Hemp for Consumer Products: CDB, CBG, THC from Hemponix
*This article was originally published in the’s EDC Spring 2023 Newsletter* Walking into the Hemponix store in New London is like walking into a spa meets a holistic doctor’s office of sorts. The pink hue of a salt lamp shines onto a bottle of Hemponix Full Spectrum CBG Tincture, educational posters hang above well-organized tables with products, and a friendly face welcomes you, asks what they can do for you, and whether you are familiar with the products. “The number of people that

Spring Newsletter 2023: Industrial Hemp for Hempcrete from the Lower Sioux Indian Community

April 3, 2023

Spring Newsletter 2023: Industrial Hemp for Hempcrete from the Lower Sioux Indian Community
*This article was written as part the EDC’s Spring 2023 newsletter. Pictured above is the demonstration building constructed with hempcrete grown and made by the tribal members* Sitting down with Earl Pendleton, Vice President of the Tribal Council, the expectation was to learn about the Lower Sioux Indian Community’s plan for producing industrial hemp for use as building insulation . . . the true depths of the story reach much deeper than just a plan for a product. Here, in west central

Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce announces Community Leadership Award recipients

March 8, 2023

Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce announces Community Leadership Award recipients
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

Housing study shows need for various types of properties across Kandiyohi County

February 28, 2023

Housing study shows need for various types of properties across Kandiyohi County
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. Read

A new housing report predicts the need for an additional 1,580 housing units in Willmar by 2030

February 28, 2023

A new housing report predicts the need for an additional 1,580 housing units in Willmar by 2030
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 mayor gives state of the city address

February 25, 2023

Willmar mayor gives state of the city address
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

City of Willmar awarded $200,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All grant

February 7, 2023

City of Willmar awarded $200,000 Safe Streets and Roads for All grant
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

Kandiyohi County planning to extend broadband to three more townships

February 7, 2023

Kandiyohi County planning to extend broadband to three more townships
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

Kandiyohi County encourages residents with inadequate broadband to apply for Minnesota line extension program

February 3, 2023

Kandiyohi County encourages residents with inadequate broadband to apply for Minnesota line extension program
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 of Kandiyohi County and Willmar EDC earns title of Emerging Young Professional of the Year

January 30, 2023

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
Translate »