Why Willmar? - Doug Allen

In your opinion, what makes the Willmar Lakes Area such a great place to live, work, play, learn and do business?

In my opinion, the Willmar lakes area offers unparalleled cultural, spiritual and recreational opportunities, quality school systems both secondary and post-secondary, a progressive and diverse business community, an economic development approach that takes the risks necessary for growth, excellent training opportunities for the current workforce, experienced and committed state and local government leadership, a significant and growing regional health care system committed to quality health care, a genuine commitment to being inclusive and culturally diverse, and finally, great people willing to volunteer their time and talent to make this region the great place it is.

What does community leadership mean to you?

When I think of community leadership I think of people actively involved in and passionate about their community; people willing and able to adapt to change; people open to the ideas of others; people willing to work together to create the kind of community where people want to live and raise their children.

Where do you see the Willmar Lakes Area in the next ten years?

Despite some demographic predictions, I see the area growing and diversifying (both people and economic opportunities); I see it becoming more environmentally friendly and thus sustainable; I see it as a significant regional center in the state; in short, I see healthy communities.