Business Home & Family EXPO
Saturday, March 30, 9:00AM-4:00PM
Waconia Middle School-1400 Community Dr

FREE! Fun for all ages.
Over 60 exhibitors~great food~presentations all day!
Stop in and see what's happening!

10:00 Minnesota Zoomobile Show
11:00 Neubauer Chiropractic   Dr. Dan and Dr. Ashley
                          “ Colic, Ear Infections, Constipation… OH MY!”   We can help!
11:30 Waconia Public Library  E-Books and more!
12:00 Legal Stuff with Leah Gilbert
                         “What’s Your Plan? The Basics of Estate Planning.”
1:00 Rising Star Dance Academy Exhibition
2:00 Dojo Karate Demonstration
3:00 Nicole Skaro The Exceptional Home Team – Keller Williams Elite
                         “ The Housing Market Has Changed and What That Means For You”
Welcome New Chamber Members:
Avada Hearing Care
Debbie Miller
542 S Elm St
Waconia, MN 55387
952-442-6370

Hearing care
Fourfold Studios
Heather Precht & Stacy Zaback
104 6th St
Carver, MN 56315
952-649-8277


Photography

Metlife Auto & Home
Gina Burkel
24 S Olive St #100
Waconia, MN 55387
952-388-5133


Insurance-Personal & Business

Shop Chicks Co. Boutique
Lena Simelzor
4 E Main St
Waconia, MN 55387
952-201-4762

Retail-apparel and home decor



Greetings!



by Sarah Urtel, Board of Directors Chair
As the current Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, I have the great honor to welcome you to Waconia and the Waconia Chamber of Commerce! Waconia is a fabulous community with a rich history, small town charm and progressive growth. Not to mention unique natural beauty and appeal with the lakes, parks and surrounding spaces. When my family and I moved to Waconia eleven years ago, I knew we were moving to a great community. Year after year, I am blown away by just how much Waconia and the surrounding communities have to offer. Waconia is an amazing place to live, work, visit, raise a family and be in business. There is truly something to offer everyone! Click here to read more...
Your opportunity to weigh in on state's tax system



by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
The 2019 Legislature has an excellent opportunity to enhance Minnesota’s business tax climate and remove headwinds to economic growth for employers and employees alike. The first step is to adopt federal tax conformity.

Major federal tax reform in 2017 broadened the tax base but offset that by reducing tax rates and increasing standard deductions at the federal level. Now it’s up to Minnesota.  Click here to read more...
Chamber Ambassador Visits
Kim's Words

Primary Contact: Kim Funk
612-817-0442

Kim Funk does free lance copyrighting and all of the Ambassadors had businesses to refer her to! Kim has a degree in Communications from the University of Minnesota and lives in Waconia. She has worked as a copyrighter for other businesses and decided that now was the right time to start her own business. You can hire her to write your words! Along with free lance copyrighting, Kim does copy editing, research, blogs and sales writing for print, social media - digital marketing, long form blogs and website content. She has a small business focus and is eager to grow her new business.   Give her a call if you need some good words! Welcome to the Chamber, Kim!
United States Army

Primary Contact: SFC Seth Erickson
6605 Nicollet Ave S, Richfield

The Ambassadors met with Staff Sergeant Seth Erickson of the US ARMY, a new Chamber member! With 13 years of active duty, he is now a recruiter, actively recruiting in the metro/west metro area. We learned a lot about Seth’s career thus far as well as the many opportunities for people who are working on their life goals.  There are enlistment incentives. You can enlist as young as 17 years old, with parental consent and as old as 35 years.  There are tests you can take to determine your strengths, which helps to determine what direction to go in. The US ARMY will have a booth at the EXPO – so stop in and see what they have to offer. Welcome to the Chamber!
Waconia Living Magazine

Primary Contact: Heidi Nessa
612-803-9935

With an extensive background in publishing and TV, Heidi Nessa is bringing a special, locally focused magazine to Waconia! The Ambassadors had lots of questions for Heidi and her enthusiasm for this product is contagious. The Waconia Living Magazine will be coffee table worthy and feature a different Waconia family on the cover each month.   There will be a community article and a kid’s classified section each month.  If you are interested in advertising in this fun, new magazine, give Heidi a call! The first edition comes out in June – so don’t delay. Visit Heidi at the EXPO! Welcome to the Chamber, Heidi!
Member News and Happenings
April Coffee Connection
Thursday, April 4, 7:30-9:00AM
Jeff Schulz Team RE/MAX-100 W 1st St, Waconia
 
Chamber member favorite! Open house style format. Stop in for a minute or as long as your schedule allows. FREE. No need to register. Coffee and light snacks provided.
Thank you Sackett Waconia!
Sackett Waconia was the sponsor of the Healthy Meal Kit at the Waconia United Food Shelf in March. Thanks so much for supporting this community program. If your business or organization would like to sponsor a future Healthy Meal Kit, please contact Angela Rud, assistant director, [email protected] or Click here for more info.
Open for the Season
Starting Monday, April 1
Willow Winds Gardens-9460 CR 10 E, Waconia
 
Willow Winds Gardens is opening for the season! Who is looking forward to pansies and other blooming annuals?!
Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30AM-6:00PM, Saturday 9:00AM-4:00PM. (Hours will expand as the weather continues to warm up, plus watch for Sundays!)
Live Easter Bunny Portraits-Schedule today!
Friday, April 5, 3:00-7:00PM & Saturday, April 6, 8:00AM-1:00PM
Taylor Hubbard Photography-44 W 1st St, Waconia
 
Session appointments are only $25. View and order your portraits the same day and your package will arrive by Easter. Call 952-442-2711
Wine Not Wednesday
Wednesday, April 10, 7:00-8:30PM
Mainstream Boutique-761 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
 
You're invited to an after hours event at Mainstream Boutique. Start with some yoga hosted by Shape It Up Fitness and then flow into shopping! 15% OFF store wide.
Cost: $20 Register by contacting Mainstream Boutique 952-442-4201 or Shape It Up Fitness 952-215-7431 OR:
Waconia Young Professionals-WYP
Thursday, April 11, 5:00-7:00PM
Waconia Brewing Company-255 W Main St

WYP Time! Waconia Young Professionals, ages 21-39, will meet for a Happy Hour on Tuesday, April 11 from 5-7PM at Waconia Brewing Company. Co-owner Bob DeLange will present. This will be an open house format and all food and beverages are on your own. Get together for networking and idea generating! No need to RSVP. Feel free to bring a colleague.
Twin Cities Business Manufacturing Awards
Application due Friday, April 12
Old National Bank-53 W Main St, Waconia

Old National Bank is proud to sponsor Twin Cities Business magazine’s Manufacturing Excellence Awards. The financial institution is asking for your help to nominate stellar manufacturing businesses from our community for these awards. Original equipment manufacturers, contract manufacturers, and makers both large and small, are invited to enter. Click here for more details.
Don't Worry Be Hoppy
Saturday, April 13, 10:00AM
Waconia Bewing Company-255 W Main St
 
 Registration is open for the 5th annual Don't Worry Be Hoppy 5K & Kids 1/4 mile run. Start & finish at the Waconia Brewing Company. Walk or run and get a free t-shirt, pint glass (5K only), free beer or root beer and tons of door prizes! Part of the proceeds from this event will go to the Waconia Running Club. They help local boys & girls track and cross country programs!
 
Entry fee increases Saturday, March 30!
KleinBank transitioning to Old National Bank
Monday, April 15
Old National Bank-53 W Main St, Waconia

Not familiar with Old National Bank? This community bank extended its footprint to Minnesota last year with its partnership with Anchor Bank. This year, Old National is increasing its commitment to Minnesota with the addition of KleinBank. After KleinBank converts next month, Old National will have 35 banking centers in Minnesota, including one in Waconia. Old National is proud to have been recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for eight consecutive years. Learn more at oldnational.com.
Final Countdown
Last Day-Monday, April 15!
Waconia Trading Company-24 West First St
 
 Still lots of great deals to be had! After more than 20 years in business, Russ Crea is calling it quits. Stop in to check out the vintage and new furniture, home goods, musical instruments and so much more!
WHS Career Exploration Fair-CONNECT NOW!
Wednesday, April 17, 8:00-11:00AM
Safari Island Gym-1600 Community Dr, Waconia

The career fair is your opportunity to inspire students to pursue careers in your field! Perfect for businesses seeking to inspire students and encourage educational paths in relevant fields that are in high demand in our community.
Books & Bubbly Book Club
Thursdays April 25, May 2, May 9, 6:15-7:15PM
HealHer Peer Support Specialist with Heather Boll-141 W 1st St, Waconia
 
Three, one hour sessions to discuss Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis.
Sip on Champagne, Prosecco, (mimosa bar).
Cost $65-includes a copy of the book, 2 drinks per session (non-alcoholic mocktail available) and snacks.
Walk on Waconia

Saturday, April 27 8:00AM
St Joseph's Catholic STEM School Cafeteria-41 E 1st St, Waconia

The friendly, small-town run or walk around beautiful Lake Waconia. 10K and 10 Mile options. Great shirts and chip timing! Proceeds support the Waconia United Food Shelf.
Waconia Hockey Association Concert-Chris Hawkey & Michael Shynes
Saturday, April 27 Doors open at 6:00PM
Lake Waconia Event Center-8155 Paradise Lane, Waconia
 
 This exciting concert is only one month away! The event will be held at the Lake Waconia Event Center, is 21+, there will be a full bar and food available by Vandy’s Grill.Tickets still available, but get yours now as this event will sell out.
Cost: $25-800
Waconia Fire Department Breakfast
Sunday, April 28, 8:30AM-12:30PM
Waconia Fire Station-Corner of Main St and Maple St.

Support the Waconia Fire Relief Association which supports our Waconia Fire Department! Pancakes, French toast & sausage served. Free Fire truck rides!
Cost: $8 in advance (from your friendly neighborhood firefighter) or $9 at the door. Age 5 and under are FREE
Healing Garden
Sunday, April 28, 2:00-3:30PM
Fourfold Studios-104 6th St S, Carver

Learn the healing properties of herbs, soil, recipes for culinary use, and medicinal purposes. Drying, burning, smudging and more.
Stefanie Beilby Design will be collaborating with HealHer Peer Support.
Each participant will get to choose between one of two beautiful potting choices and herbs. Rosemary, Mint, and Lavender will be available.

Sangria and snacks will be served.
Cost: $54 + fees
Chamber Luncheon & Calendar
April Membership Luncheon

Thursday, April 25, 2019
11:30AM-1:00PM

Location: acpi Wood Products
We know it as ELKAY-Medallion Cabinetry Dream Center
233 Industrial Blvd (enter west side with awning)


Topic: What's happening with ELKAY?
Lunch catered by L&L Catering/Pangea Cafe


Cost: $25/members, $30/non-members

 RSVP Required by Friday, April 19, 2019

To streamline check in at the event, we ask that you register and pay HERE.

Call or email to register [email protected]

All forms of payment will be accepted the day of the event.
Chamber Calendar-April 2019
APR 4 Coffee Connection 7:30-9:00AM @ Jeff Schulz Team (100 W First St, Waconia)
APR 9 Tourism Committee Meeting 9:00-10:30AM Location TBD
APR 10 Chamber Board of Directors Meeting 11:30AM-1:00PM
APR 11 Retail Committee Meeting 8:00-9:30AM @ Maple Conference Room City Hall (201 S Vine ST)
APR 11 WYP Meeting 4:00-6:00PM @ Vandy's Grille (7795 Laketown Pkwy)
APR 17 WHS Career Exploration Fair 8:00-11:00AM @ Safari Island Gym (1650 Community Dr)
APR 18 Ambassador Meeting 8:45AM @ Chamber Office 209 S Vine St, Waconia
APR 25 Chamber Luncheon 11:30AM-1:00PM @ ACPI formerly ELKAY Dream Center (233 Industrial Blvd) Doors open at 11:30, adjourn by 1:00PM Register by Friday, April 19
Name | Company | Phone | Fax | Email | Website
Friday Facts Is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812