Happy Veterans Day

Thank you to all those who answered the call to duty to serve our great country. We appreciate your dedication to defend our freedom. We salute you, veterans!
Lions Free Shipping to Military

The Waconia Lions will again be sponsoring a program to pay the postage for Christmas gifts sent to deployed military personnel. Bring packages to the Waconia post office November 19 and December 3 between 8:30AM and 10:15AM. Packages must be addressed to an APO or FPO. Please use flat rate boxes available from the post office and have the required customs form completed for each package.
November Chamber Luncheon

Thursday, November 17
11:30AM - Doors open / check in
12-1:00PM Program

Topic: Leadership vs. Followership
Want to be a good leader? Learn to follow. There cannot be leadership without followers. Followership - the idea of being a leader and a follower - and it's a good thing!

Meet Dr. Andrew Denton, Crown College President 
Speaker: Joel K. Johnson, Vice President of College Relations, Crown College

Location: Crown College
8700 College View Drive, St. Bonifacius
Main Administration Building, Fireside Room
 
Register today! First two people to respond to this email will each receive a complimentary pass to this month's luncheon! Deadline to register: Monday, November 14
Lake Waconia Regional Park Waterfront Service Center Groundbreaking
 
The Carver County Board of Commissioners held a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of the construction of the Lake Waconia Regional Park Waterfront Service Center project on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022.
 
Located at Lake Waconia Regional Park, this new waterfront service center building will provide event and classroom space, modern restrooms, and rental concessions, as well as enhanced lakeshore access to service the beach and picnic areas, trails, and other site amenities as well as making a stronger connection for users to Coney Island of the West.
Homespun Holiday Section Ads
 
Reserve by November 11
 
Place an Ad in Waconia's Homespun Holidays Section and your business will be sure to shine this holiday season! The Homespun Holidays Section coming soon...
• Waconia Patriot, Nov 24th
• News & Times, Nov 24th
• LakerPioneer, Nov 19th
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$16.75 per column inch includes color. This is 55% - 65% Off Our Regular Rates!
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Sample sizes/rates:
2 columns (3.222") x 3"............ $101
2 columns (3.222") x 5"............ $168
3 columns (4.888") x 6.5"............ $327
We can put together any size Ad you would like and we can accommodate any budget...discounts are available.
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Contact Mike Specht today to reserve your Ad space. The Ad Space Reservation deadline is this Friday, Nov 11th. Ad Copy Deadline is Tuesday, Nov 15th, 11am.
November Ladies Night Out
 
Thursday, November 17
4-7:00PM
Downtown Waconia
 
Grab your girlfriends for a fun night out! Visit your local downtown Waconia businesses to find their specials during Ladies Night Out. Who doesn’t love a few extra shopping hours?
3rd Annual Experience the Trades
 
Wednesday, December 7
7-8:15AM
Waconia High School
 
Students, grades 9-12, are invited to meet local industry partners to learn about the features and benefits of the trade industry.
 
Students will:
·    Meet WHS alumni and local employers
·    Learn about future course options, work experience, summer jobs, and paid internship opportunities
·    Ask questions about registration and scheduling
 
Connecting opportunities in Manufacturing, Automotive, Construction, and Engineering. Email Christine at [email protected] for additional details and to participate. 
Register by November 18.
Waconia Toy Drive
 
Donate through November 25
See donation locations below
 
Toy donation boxes are out! Please consider donating a new and unwrapped toy to one of the following Chamber-member locations: American Family Insurance – Eveslage Agency, Apiary Aerial Studio, Children of Tomorrow Learning Center, D.R. Horton - Fields of Waconia, Everson’s Hardware, Freshwater Church, HearingLife, HomeTown Bank, Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, Mainstream Boutique, MidCountry Bank, MoveWell Chiropractic and Wellness, Mystic Fortress Games, Old National Bank, Regarding Dentistry, Safari Island Community Center, Security Bank, Snap Fitness, SouthPoint Financial Credit Union, Trending Upward, Waconia Brewing Company, Waconia City Hall, Waconia Ice Arena, Waconia Moravian Church

Waconia High School Student Council will also accept donations from students and staff. Also, the Women of Waconia will be accepting money donations as well as new, upwrapped toys at the community Christmas Tree Lighting held at the Waconia City Park on Friday, November 25. The group will be providing free hot chocolate at the event as well.
Lafi Arts Dress Up Drive
 
Donate through November 25
141 W 1st Street, Waconia

Bring your gently used old dance costumes, tutus, leotards into the studio for our first annual Dress Up Drive. All donations will be resold at a deeply discounted price at our Winter Ballet Boutique on November 26 benefiting Backyard Wishes.
St. Joseph Youth Winter Outwear Drive
 
Donate through November 28
See donation locations below
 
Providing winter wear to youth in need! Please donate gently used winter outerwear in Youth Toddler Size to Adult XL. Accepted items: Boots, Hats, Gloves/Mittens, Snowpants, Coats, Scarves/Neck Warmers. Drop off donations at these locations: Bayview Elementary, Waconia City Hall, Clearwater Middle School, ECFE #110, Laketown Elementary, Safari Island, Snap Fitness, Southpoint Financial Credit Union, Southview Elementary, St. Joseph Catholic Church & School, Waconia 1 Collision, Waconia High School. 
Southern Valley Alliance Give the Gift of Hope
 
Donate through December 1
Drop-off location: Waconia Chamber of Commerce
209 S Vine St, Waconia

Give the gift of hope this holiday season to those in our community who have experienced abuse. Each year, Southern Valley Alliance (SVA) hosts an annual holiday gift program for the individuals and families that they serve. They are invited to pick a variety of items to make their holiday season a little brighter. Items include toys for children, games, personal care products, hats and mittens, and gift cards for gas and groceries. All of these items are donated by the community, so the amount they are able to give, depends on the amount which is donated. Help spread hope and cheer this holiday season by donating to SVA's Gifts of Hope Program. For more information, a list of current needs, and link to their wish-list, visit: svamn.org or call 952-873-4214.
Shape It Up Fitness Women & Strength Series
 
November 14-December 12
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
6:30AM-7:00AM
 
Four weeks, 12 classes, 30 minutes of strength training for women. Class size limited to 14 spots. $249 *No class on November 25. Email Megan to sign up. 
Chakra Balancing with Sound at The Hive
 
November 17 | 5:45PM
29 E Main St, Waconia

This gentle, yet powerful sound immersion uses the resounding vibrations of crystal singing bowls to allow mind, body, and spirit to combine energy. A guided meditation into your chakra's reveals the vibrations that live inside you. Explore the healing power of sound with tones and mantras that balance your chakra. Spots are limited, so please reserve your space early
Auburn Homes 11th Annual Festival of Trees Gala
 
November 17, 2022
5:30PM
Bavaria Downs
3919 Bavaria Rd, Chaska
 
Celebrate the upcoming holiday season with an elegant evening at our Festival of Trees venue, Bavaria Downs. Start the holiday season with dinner and dancing among the beautiful designer Christmas trees. There will be new, exciting live and silent auction items. The online silent auction will begin a week prior to the event. All proceeds will directly impact the lives of the residents and staff at Auburn Homes & Services.
Volunteers Needed - Ridgeview Foundation 12th Annual Under the Harvest Moon Gala
 
November 19, 2022
4-7:00PM or 7-9:00PM
Hazeltine National Golf Club
1900 Hazeltine Blvd, Chaska
 
Spend an evening at beautiful Hazeltine National Golf Club under the bright lights of Las Vegas and help Ridgeview Foundation fund a simulation center as part of our Cause for the Community campaign. Volunteer support is needed with Registration, Jewelry Box Surprise Sales, the Paddle Wheel Game, Live Auction Spotters and more! Most volunteer shifts are 4:00pm-7:30pm or 7:00pm-9:00pm, but, you can sign up for both and be there for the whole event! Dinner will be provided. Registered volunteers will have an additional training session the week of the event through video conference. Please reach out to the events coordinator Brian Mastel by email or call 952.442.6011 for more information or to register.
2nd Annaul Trinity Waconia Turkey Trot
 
Thursday, November 24
Trinity Waconia
601 E 2nd St, Waconia

Trinity welcomes all to the 2nd Annual Trinity Turkey Trot! Kick off Thanksgiving morning dressed in your best turkey-themed costume for this family-friendly fun run that benefits our local Love INC. After the run, enjoy music, snacks, and an awards ceremony before joining us inside for worship at 10:00 am. Registration closes November 16, be sure to register before November 1 to be guaranteed a t-shirt!
Black Friday Shred and Shop - Shred with Shannon & The Hive
 
Friday, November 25
8:00AM-11:00AM
37 & 29 E Main St, Waconia

Join Shannon, owner of Shred With Shannon, for a full-body workout using a variety of equipment. ALL Class participants will receive a FREE Shred with Shannon tank AND 15% OFF at The Hive's Boutique! Shred Camp Drop-in Price = $15. Class is included with memberships & punch cards. Don't want to Shred? No worries! You'll still get 10% OFF at The Hive's Boutique! A limited amount of Mystery Grab Bags will be available at a HUGE DISCOUNT!
Tree Lighting in the Park
 
Friday, November 25
6:00PM-6:30PM
City Square Park, Waconia
 
Sip hot cocoa by the warm fire while caroling with holiday characters. Santa will arrive just in time to light up City Square Park at 6:30PM. Bring a new, unopened toy for the Waconia Toy Drive. Big thanks to the Women of Waconia for supplying and serving the hot cocoa and organizing the toy drive. 
Homespun Holiday | Small Business Saturday
 
Saturday, November 26
 
Small Business Saturday Shopping
All day | All over town
 
City of Waconia Candy Cane Hunt
10:30AM | City Square Park
 
Santa at the Fire Station
11:00AM-2:00PM
Take your own photos. Bring canned or dry food items for the Waconia Food Shelf.
December Coffee Connection
 
Thursday, December 1 | 7:30-9:00AM
Neubauer Chiropractic Health Center
20 W Main St, Waconia
 
Network and connect! We'd love to hear what's new with you and your business. Coffee and a light snack will be served. No need to register. Stop in for as long as your schedule allows. FREE! Hope to see you there!
Book Now at Waconia Barbers
 
Thanksgiving is just over two weeks away and appointments are filling up quickly! Visit us, leave a review, and you could win a FREE straight-razor, hot shave! Check out our current Google reviews!
Elephant Joe's Coffee Now Delivers
 
Are you hosting an event and want hot beverages? Special treat for the office? We can help! Brewed coffee, hot tea, apple cider, we've got you covered!
Local delivery available on orders of $20 or more. Send us a Facebook message or email and let us know how we can keep you caffeinated!

*Local delivery available in NYA, Cologne, Waconia, Glencoe, Plato, New Germany, Mayer, Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria, Hamburg, Lester Prairie, and Carver.
Nice Shirt Co. is Opening a Retail Shop!
 
Opening late November
19 W 1st St, Waconia

Nice Shirt Co. is opening up a location in downtown Waconia at 19 W 1st Street. Owner Brooke anticipates opening up at the new location later this month.
Shop Chicks Hiring
 
Shop Chicks is hiring a sales person that's available Thursday-Sunday from 10AM-5PM. Work 2-6 shifts per month. If interested, send a message to [email protected].
Save the Date: Jingle & Mingle Holiday Social
 
Monday, December 12
5-8:00PM
J. Carver Distillery
1320 Mill Lane, Waconia
 
The Waconia Chamber Holiday Social will be on December 12 at J. Carver Distillery. Register by November 30. Registration includes a J. Carver signature cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, and comedy trivia with John Cosgrove.
Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812