What was your first car?

That was the light-hearted theme at the October “Chamber Connection” for about 60 members of Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce hosted at Mills Auto Center in Willmar. 

After networking over coffee and a light breakfast, Chamber members introduced themselves and shared their memories of that first car. Joining the fun were a dozen Mills Auto Center team members in sales, service, and office staff, along with their colleagues from Mills Ford Chrysler and Mills Parts Center in Willmar. Mills has about 180 team members at the three locations in Willmar. 

Chamber members took home Mills Automotive gift cards and Mills hats as door prizes. Sandra Genz, administrative manager at Mills Auto Center and Mills Ford Chrysler, hosted the event. 

“It was great to have members of our Chamber and community at Mills Auto Center,” Genz said. “As our community is ever changing and growing, we had some new faces join us as well as long-standing members.” 

Genz added that the gathering helped convey that Mills is more than just a car dealership. “We live our Mission every day by building long-term relationships with our customers and community, “she said. “Mills is fortunate to have great team members. They thrive on providing services that exceed expectations and create world-class experiences.” 

“Chamber Connection” has been a popular program of Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce since 1996. 

Mills Auto Center will celebrate its third anniversary in February 2017 at the Highway 71 South location. It moved to the new nearly 54,000 square foot building after about 26 years at its South First Street location in Willmar. Its innovative design includes the iconic and historic Mills “wheel” that weighs approximately 1,000 pounds and is attached to a 20-foot ceiling above the receptionist desk. 

Mills Ford Chrysler hopes to host a “Chamber Connection” in the future.