The City of Willmar invites you to celebrate the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and honor his legacy at an MLK Day event on Monday, January 15 at Ridgewater College. The event is free and includes a meal, keynote presentation by Dr. Ronald Ferguson and panel discussion.

Join us as we explore the performance of Minnesota’s economy and key trends and opportunities in southwest Minnesota. Business and community leaders will come together to discuss challenges and assets in the region around the economy and business climate, entrepreneurship and key community priorities like childcare, housing and growing workforce diversity.

The annual conference (formerly known as Cultures on the Prairie) is uniquely designed to share the stories and experiences of community members to engage in meaningful conversations centered around diversity, equity and inclusion.

Bankers, lenders and economic development professionals are invited to join us for an informative session on partnering with non-traditional lenders, including Southwest Initiative Foundation, Minnesota Business Finance Corporation, Southwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center and Mid-Minnesota Development Commission. Learn about a variety of loan programs and technical support that is available through these organizations and how you can partner with non-traditional lenders to help entrepreneurs and business owners grow and succeed. Lunch is included!

Bankers, lenders and economic development professionals are invited to join us for an informative session on partnering with non-traditional lenders, including Southwest Initiative Foundation, Minnesota Business Finance Corporation, Southwest Minnesota Small Business Development Center and Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission. Learn about a variety of loan programs and technical support that is available through these organizations and how you can partner with non-traditional lenders to help entrepreneurs and business owners grow and succeed. Lunch is included!