A 501(c)3 organization of the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce
Mission Statement:
The Western Star Foundation facilitates and supports sustainable solutions for educational initiatives and leadership, professional, and workforce development for Williston Area Chamber of Commerce Members and the Williston Community.
PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Williston Early Educators Alliance (WEEA)
The Western Star Foundation is pleased to support WEEA, a local group that provides workshops and CPR training for childcare workers that satisfy the requirements needed for licensure. These trainings are free for providers, hands-on, in person, and utilize the talent and expertise of individuals within the community who serve as the trainers.
With this initiative, WSF is pleased to be able to help local businesses and employees while staying true to its mission. The WSF thanks WEEA for taking this on and allowing u to take part.
FBLA Scholarships
The Western Star Foundation has set aside funds this year to provide two scholarships to local students who are participating in FBLA programs at both the high school and the college levels.
FBLA High School
$500 for books/materials/supplies
Eligibility
Graduating senior from Williams County who has participated in FBLA for at least one academic year with plans to attend Williston State College and participate in the collegiate FBLA program
Min. 3.0 GPA
FBLA College
Tuition for Leadership Williston ($500 value)
Eligibility
Williston State College student who is an active participant in the FBLA program
Business Major
Farm to Table Dinner - JUNE 19, 2024
The Williston Area Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee and the Williams County Soil Conservation District are hosting their third annual Farm to Table Dinner, designed to educate and increase awareness about the importance of the local agriculture industry and its products throughout the greater Williston area. This Western Star Foundation event will provide Williston community members the opportunity to learn about agriculture in our region and will feature remarks agriculture producers and leaders, all while attendees enjoy a regional farm-to-table meal.
*Lemonade Day - JANUARY - MAY, 2024
Lemonade Day is a national youth entrepreneurship program that teaches youth how to start, own and operate their own business through a lemonade stand - but this year, it’s so much more!
In 2024, WSF is launching “Lemon University,” which starts with a pizza party kick-off on January 13, 2024, at Strike Zone where kids can get signed up, enjoy some pizza, and get their bowl on!
Next, they’ll take part in a three-month, crash course in entrepreneurship which includes:
Business and Banking (February)
Marketing, Communication, and Sales (March)
Building A Business (April)
Each session is lead by business professionals throughout our community - and there’s still time for YOU to be involved!
This all culminates in a day-long Junior Market on May 18, 2024, at The Raymond Family Community Center, where the kids will sell their wares to the public - whether that’s lemonade or something else they’re passionate about!
Sponsorship, volunteer, and other participation options are available- come join us!
*12% of net proceeds will go towards the childcare initiative with WEEA
*Women in Leadership (WiL) Expo - FALL 2025
What began as a Leadership Williston program in 2014 has continued to grow! Last year, 145 women from various walks of life attended the Women in Leadership (WiL) Expo which focused on leadership training and professional development with an added emphasis on maintaining mental and physical well being amid professional and personal demands. No matter what stage of life and career women are in, they are encouraged to come learn, grow, and be inspired by speakers and peers at this biennual event.
*12% of net proceeds will go towards the childcare initiative with WEEA
Mental Health First Aid - Quarterly, 8:30am - 4:30pm @ TrainND-NW
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) participants will learn:
How to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in those around them
What resources are available to them to connect anyone in distress to a professional
How to recognize the signs of an overdose and administer Narcan
2024 Schedule:
February 7
May 8
August 28
October 16
Leadership Williston - February - October
Leadership Williston (LW) is an 8-month program centered on cultivating leaders each year through community engagement and exploration as well as professional development.
The program is designed to expose existing and emerging leaders to the issues our region faces by using the community as a living classroom. LW strives to provide an in-depth experience to participants by covering a variety of topics each month like education, city and county government, the oil and agricultural industries, and more. Over eight sessions, LW challenges participants to become involved in our community and motivate them to take on leadership roles.
2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORs
The Western Star Foundation Board of Directors is a dedicated group of internal* and external** volunteers who guide the vision, mission, and programming of WSF.
*Kenley Nebeker, Chair
*Ashley Hansen, Treasurer
*Chelsea Ridge, Director
*Brittany Kilgore, Director
*Pat Greenfield, Director
**Char Imsland, Director
**Dr. Richard Faidley, Director
*Also sit on the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
**Chamber members that do not sit on the Williston Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors