Program on immigration and business set for Friday in Willmar

WILLMAR -- Immigration and the economy will be the focus of a presentation from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday at Ridgewater College in Willmar.

Bill Blazar, senior vice president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, and John Keller, executive director and supervising attorney of the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, will discuss how the changing population will affect the workforce pool and the state's economy.

Sponsors of the session say Blazar and Keller will also discuss the mainstream debate that often reflects negatively on immigrants and employers that hire immigrants.

The program is sponsored by the Southwest Initiative Foundation, Ridgewater College and the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

The $15 cost covers the buffet meal, beverage and program. The deadline for reservations is noon Thursday by calling the Chamber at 320-235-0300 or e-mail at chamber@willmarareachamber.com.