WILLMAR—After being in the works for several years, a local angel fund now has nearly $1.4 million ready to invest in private companies that have the potential for profitable growth. Based in Willmar, the West Central Angel Fund I LLC officially began accepting applications this fall from “early to middle stage” private business ventures that […]
New angel fund ready to invest in west central Minnesota Read More »
The EDC thanks the West Central Tribune for bringing today’s face of agriculture and its impact on our region to the public in the 2017 IMPACT magazine. Understanding the importance of agriculture and its contributions to our economy and quality of life is emphasized in this thorough publication. The interviews include those of family farmers,
IMPACT of Agriculture in Kandiyohi County 2017 Read More »
WILLMAR—The potential workforce housing development planned for Willmar, called 15th Street Flats, has conquered a major hurdle this week, as the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency approved approximately $8 million in tax credits and $1,259,000 in Minnesota Housing investment. “I am really happy. This is significant,” said Aaron Backman, executive director of the Kandiyohi County and
15th Street Flats clears major hurdle Read More »
NEW LONDON—When the golfing season ends next week at the Little Crow Country Club, the construction season will begin. A $7.8 million project will change the face of the popular New London area golf course and put it at a new level in the recreation and hospitality realm. Groundbreaking for the project—which includes a 51-room
SPICER—On a bus ride from Paynesville to Spicer, Minnesota Transportation Commissioner Charles Zelle saw trucks hauling wind turbine blades south on Highway 23. Zelle jokingly asked members of the Highway 23 Coalition Friday if they had arranged for those trucks so he could see the need for a four-lane state Highway 23 from Willmar to
Highway 23 Coalition makes pitch to transportation commissioner Read More »
WILLMAR—As the Willmar City Council considers whether to establish a redevelopment tax increment financing district for lots along First Street South, between Minnesota and Monongalia Avenues, the Planning Commission on Tuesday night approved a site plan for a new development on the west side of that possible TIF district. “Now it is vacant land that
Plan OK’d for commercial development on Willmar’s 1st Street South Read More »
Kandiyohi County/Willmar is honored to be featured in the September 2017 issue of Business in Focus. Read the article here.
Kandiyohi County/Willmar featured in Business in Focus magazine Read More »
WILLMAR—The city of Willmar has officially joined the Highway 23 Coalition. “This has been a long-term project,” said Councilor Kathy Schwantes. While the coalition has been in existence for several years now, there has been a recent push to become more formally organized in an attempt to persuade the state to approve money for state
Willmar joins Highway 23 Coalition seeking funds to close four-lane gaps Read More »
WILLMAR—Kwik Trip is continuing its planned expansion into Willmar. The Willmar Planning Commission last week conducted three public hearings tied to two new gas station and convenience stores. The commission approved conditional use permits for gas sales, but some further actions are still required. Both of the planned stores would be on redeveloped land left
Two more Kwik Trips possible in Willmar Read More »
BLOMKEST—When the Damhof family of Blomkest retired from the dairy business after 50 years of milking cows earlier this year, they didn’t retire from raising livestock completely. Today, instead of Holstein dairy cows filling the barns, there are now tens of thousands of Pacific white shrimp being raised in what was once a calving barn.
Simply Shrimp: Blomkest farmer raises saltwater shrimp in former dairy calving barn Read More »
WILLMAR—Those interested in purchasing land in the Willmar Industrial Park 3rd and 4th Additions, and using the city’s Industrial Land Pricing Write-Down policy to reduce the purchase price, will have to put a little more money into their land purchase starting Jan. 1. The Willmar City Council amended the policy Monday and set the maximum
Industrial Park land write-down policy amended Read More »
WILLMAR—A recent survey indicates about 12 percent of all the businesses in Willmar are owned by minorities. The survey also indicates that the new Americans who own nearly 70 businesses currently operating in Willmar view the town favorably—calling it safe and quiet. Conducted by the Kandiyohi County and City of Willmar Economic Development Authority and
Survey provides picture of ethnic businesses in Willmar Read More »
