Each year, the Willmar Area Community Foundation recognizes a local organization that has gone above and beyond to make Kandiyohi County stronger — not just through business success, but through heartfelt community investment. In 2015, that honor was awarded to Affiliated Community Medical Centers (ACMC), a healthcare organization whose roots ran deep in Willmar and whose spirit of service touched every corner of the county.
From the very beginning, ACMC stood for more than medical care. Founded in 1971 through the merger of two clinics — Lakeland Clinic and Willmar Clinic, the new organization embodied collaboration and innovation. Originally known as the Willmar Medical Center, the group later adopted the name Affiliated Community Medical Centers as it expanded to 11 different locations across the region. That name reflected more than geography — it represented a philosophy of connection, service, and shared responsibility.
“Our philosophy was that it’s a very high priority for our physicians and medical staff to give back to the community — through volunteerism, gifting, and use of their talents in many ways.”
That philosophy guided ACMC for decades. Its employees and physicians were catalysts in some of Willmar’s most transformative projects. For example, several ACMC doctors were among the founding group that helped establish the YMCA, a cornerstone for family wellness and community activity. Many continued to serve on the YMCA board, ensuring that future generations benefited from spaces that promoted health in body, mind, and spirit.
Beyond volunteer leadership, ACMC consistently demonstrated generosity through corporate and individual giving. The organization contributed annually to initiatives like the Y Partners Program, supported local nonprofits, and encouraged its team members to invest their time and talents across a range of community causes — from youth sports to civic leadership to health education.
For the Willmar Area Community Foundation, the choice to recognize ACMC as the 2015 Community Builder was clear. Its leadership extended far beyond the walls of the clinic; its influence strengthened neighborhoods, inspired service, and uplifted the collective wellbeing of the region.
“They made an outstanding effort in volunteerism, local investments, and charitable giving that improved the quality of life for all of us.”
The story of ACMC is the story of a community made stronger by those who cared. In every act of service, every gift, and every partnership, ACMC embodied what it meant to be a true community builder — one that healed not just individuals, but the heart of the region itself.