Joel has had a distinguished career in positioning, growing, and advocating for business and industry organizations across a range of sectors.

About Joel Hoiland

CAREER SUMMARY - President & CEO of the following organizations:

  • Utilimetrics-The Utility Industry Technology Association

  • Window and Door Manufacturers Association

  • International Warehouse Logistics Association

  • National Association of Electrical Distributors

  • Minnesota Grocers Association

  • Earlier … High School Teacher & Coach

LEADERSHIP & CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

BOARDS OF DIRECTORS

  • Food Industry Association Executives (Chairman)

  • Associations North (President/Chairman)

  • Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra (Chairman)

  • MN Council of Retail Trade Associations (President)

  • MN Governmental Relations Council (Officer)

APPOINTMENTS  

  • Dept of Homeland Security (DHS) Food & Agriculture Infrastructure Sector (Chairman)

  • Smart Grid Interoperability Task Force

  • MN Governor’s Food Safety Advisory Committee

  • MN Health Policy Task Force

  • MN Workplace Violence Task Force

  • Convenience Store Industry Environmental Advisory Committee

  • Collaboration means working effectively with others to achieve shared goals. The City Council needs members who can build strong relationships, resolve conflicts, and deliver solutions promptly.

  • Listening is the foundation of good communication. It involves gathering information, seeking diverse input, considering all perspectives, making informed and timely decisions, and ultimately communicating the outcomes clearly.

  • First, identify and prioritize the problems that need solving. Next, uncover the root causes by gathering comprehensive data, engaging with those involved, and distinguishing facts from opinions. Finally, make sound, timely decisions that best serve the community’s interests.

Guiding Approaches

  • While serving as President and CEO of the Minnesota Grocers Association, I also acted as their chief industry lobbyist. In subsequent leadership roles, I directed government affairs programs at the state, national, and international levels, regularly engaging with executive branches, Congress, cabinet members, legislatures, and regulatory agencies. I have testified before numerous legislative committees and signed landmark agreements with federal agencies. Additionally, I have been honored to serve on multiple state and national task forces, committees, and think tanks. In every organization, I have provided strategic guidance to boards of directors and led initiatives to strengthen governance and accountability.

  • Throughout my 35-year business career—and earlier as a high school teacher and coach—I have deeply valued developing strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills. As a business executive, I excelled in leading strategy, governance, planning, financial management, government affairs, marketing, operations, and business development. I directed governmental advocacy programs at both the state and federal levels, successfully turned around underperforming organizations, and identified and cultivated new revenue streams. I have managed budgets as large as $27 million. This track record and breadth of real-world experience equip me with a unique skill set to contribute effectively to the Lake Geneva City Council.

  • We are fortunate to live in one of the greatest countries in history. The phrase “of the people, by the people, for the people” is more than just a timeless line from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address—it embodies the spirit of stepping up to tackle society’s challenges. This conviction drives my commitment to public service, inspiring me to give back by sharing my expertise, talents, resources, and critical thinking to help make the City of Lake Geneva the best it can be.