about
our story
NeXt has been bringing together young professionals in the Willmar Lakes Area since 2010. We operate as an affiliate of the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and even welcome Chamber members to join us frequently for our get togethers.
We are currently over 200 members strong and have over 60 local businesses supporting us by sending their employees to our events. All of our events are planned by NeXt members themselves. To take their leadership skills to the next level, members have the option to volunteer on either of our committees - the Social/Educational Committee & Marketing Committee.
Heavy hands always make light work. Which is why we're extremely thankful for our great leadership team and volunteer committees.
our leadership
During the work week, Manon
is an Account Manager at
Nova-Tech Engineering. She's also a newlywed and proud dog mom to two golden doodles.
PRESIDENT
Manon
claux
Michelle is a pro at staying busy. Her day job is at the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, her night job is with Rambow and she even owns her own photography business during all of her free time.
administrator
michelle jenniges
As a Senior Accountant for Christianson & Associates, Jordan keeps our budget in check and event details organized. Accountant perks.
soc/ed chair
jordan
Retmann
Jayme is passionate about marketing and community building. Two skills she lives out every day in her role at WORKUP and redstar creative.
marketing chair
Jayme
sczublewski
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Gretchen has a passion for music, event planning and doing good. She currently serves as the Outreach Generalist at Project Turnabout.
VICE PRESIDENT
gretchen otness
Melissa's an advocate for neXt and many other community volunteer groups. She's a natural people person which suits her in her role as a Recruiter for Life Science Innovations.
chamber liason
MELISSA
SORENSON
Ben works for Heritage Exteriors as a construction worker and all-around handy man. He also knows how to make wine - a skill we appreciate at committee meetings.
soc/ed co-chair
ben
NElson
She processes real estate loans at Lake Region Bank during the day and works in retail by night. Megan's easily the most organized member of our leadership team.
marketing co-chair