Explore KCED's Key Partnerships in Willmar & Kandiyohi County

KCED Success Partnerships

The value of good partnerships is the collaboration and willingness to take on challenges and solve them together!

City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County Joint Powers Agreement

The City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County make up the joint powers agreement that created Kandiyohi County Economic Development through an act of legislation. The City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County are integral in the development work we do.

In 2003, the City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County formed a joint powers agreement to create the Kandiyohi County Economic Development (KCED) through an act of legislation. The unified vision and goals created by the City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County reflect community service, engagement, and celebration with the support of business, childcare, broadband accessibility, ag innovation, and housing development.

The scope of our work is ultimately defined by our mission, to be the catalyst of economic growth for all of Kandiyohi County.

City of Willmar

KCED collaborates closely with the entire City, with a robust partnership with the Planning and Development Department

Partnership Examples:

KCED worked with the City of Willmar to negotiate the sale of land in the Industrial Park for FedEx, while also supporting the permitting process. KCED worked with the City of Willmar to negotiate the sale of land in the Industrial Park for FedEx, while also supporting the permitting process.
The City of Willmar extended sewer and water to a newly annexed area of the city for the business Vaxxinova after KCED applied for state funding to pay for the extension.
Together with CLUES, the City of Willmar and KCED, were able to gain funding from SWIF for the creation of a community video about ‘What it means to be Latino in Kandiyohi County’ that will be published for Hispanic Heritage Month 2024.

Mid Minnesota Development Commission

Kandiyohi County Economic Development often collaborates with Mid-Minnesota Development Commission through lending partnerships, grant application assistance, joint support of foundation issues including child care, broadband, housing and workforce development, that nurtures economic development and supports the high standard of living our residents expect and deserve.

Partnership Examples:

Co-wrote the successful 2023 Child Care Economic Development Grant that resulted in $200,000 funding for Kandiyohi County from DEED
Collaboration for the September 2023 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED)

DEED is a large supporter of economic growth and development, including the pillars of child care and broadband development and entrepreneur and small business support, for not only Kandiyohi County but the entirety of Minnesota.

Partnership Examples:

Funding received to support the Brownfield Clean-Up site for Block25
$200,000 Child Care Economic Development Grant received for child care support used to create a forgivable loan program, mentorship program, Employee Assistance Program and more

MinnWest Technology Campus

The MinnWest Techonology Campus was formerly owned by the State of Minnesota and operated as a state hospital. In 2006 MinnWest was founded after a nearly 4 year process to transfer ownership and use. KCED assisted with that process and has helped navigate Tax Abatement Financing (TIF) for companies located on the campus and continue to support business development that has resulted in ~$27 million in private investment.

Partnership Examples:

Host the annual Partners in Ag Conference
Partner in hosting events and dignitaries to Kandiyohi County
Together have an annual membership to the Community Venture Network, which hosts events to businesses looking to relocate in rural areas across the mid-west

Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF)

SWIF is one of the greatest financial and celebratory supporters of many KCED programs including child care, Elevate CBA, and future and present business owner programs. SWIF can be found at many celebrations for Kandiyohi County successes.

Partnership Examples:

SWIF is a strong supporter of the Elevate Community Business Academy (CBA)
SWIF often finances child care provider appreciation events in Kandiyohi County
SWIF and KCED together applied for a Main Street Revitalization Grant from DEED in 2022 that was awarded to business owners in the main street corridor of downtown Willmar

United Community Action Partnership (UCAP)

United Community Action Partnership (UCAP) and KCED developed a unique partnership in 2023, coming together to fund and host a Community Child Care Coordinator. This position is staffed by UCAP and housed part time at KCED to be fully integrated into child care initiatives.

Partnership Examples:

UCAP and KCED consistently work together to support the Rural Child Care Initiative (RCCIP) and retain and create child care opportunities in Kandiyohi County.

Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce

Unified by the desire to support economic growth by supporting business owners throughout Kandiyohi County, the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber and KCED come together to create workforce support solutions and celebrate business successes.

Partnership Examples:

Together host numerous job and career fairs for members of the public and high school students in Kandiyohi County
Co-host the annual Legislative Breakfast
KCED supports the Ambassador program by having staff serve as Ambassadors for Ribbon Cutting and First Dollar events.

Willmar Lakes Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

Marketing Kandiyohi County is a pillar for both the CVB and KCED. The CVB’s marketing efforts create a positive image of Kandiyohi County and help fuel economic development objectives. KCED invests in and supports the CVB’s creative and community-centered marketing approaches. One KCED Board Member is appointed to the CVB Board of Directors, creating a bridge between the two organizations.

Willmar Lakes Area Foundation

Childcare Financial Assistance Guide

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Partnership Examples

KCED Success Partnerships

The value of good partnerships is the collaboration and willingness to take on challenges and solve them together!

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