The Waconia Chamber Board of Directors is pleased to announce that they have hired Christine Fenner as the new President of the Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce.  She will start on May 1 st , including a 2 month overlap with Kellie, who will retire on June 30, 2020.

Meet Christine Fenner:

As a resident of the Waconia area for the past 15 years, Christine feels incredibly honored and thrilled to work with the Waconia Chamber of Commerce! Christine’s entire career has formed around her passion for bringing new perspectives, promoting growth, economic development, and success for local business. 
Christine’s entrepreneurial spirit drew her early on to financial and hospitality start-up companies. Christine has extensive experience in finance, specializing in business development and sales management for personal and commercial clients in banking and insurance. Christine’s bachelor’s degree is in management-entrepreneurship from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and her MBA is from Augsburg University in Minneapolis.
A strong advocate for education, Christine has worked as Waconia ISD 110’s Social Media Coordinator and as the district’s Business Relationship Consultant, with the goal of increasing student exposure to real-world learning opportunities with local business industries. She recently collaborated with the Waconia Chamber of Commerce and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s Business Education Network to create new career exploration initiatives for ISD 110 students: the Career Exploration Fair and the Manufacturing & Trades Advisory Committee.
As a Waconia Rotary STRIVE program co-advisor and an active leader in Waconia schools, Christine enjoys planning events, leading campaigns, organizing fundraisers, and mentoring students. Christine’s active Waconia community presence allows her to bring a variety of perspectives, networking, sales, communication skills, social media marketing, and educational connections to the Chamber. She’s an avid fan of youth activities, traveling, shopping, coffee, reading; and enjoys spending time with her husband, and 3 children.
ZOOM


 by Kellie Sites, Waconia Chamber President
Until a couple weeks ago, I had never heard of ZOOM the teleconferencing tool.  I only knew it as a verb or the name of a hot cereal I used to eat as a kid.   I now consider the other ZOOM a lifeline to the world, including my family!  Who knew you could enjoy a virtual happy hour or meet up with 100 people all at one time…?
Newest CARE Details
Loans, loans, loans... many of you have expressed to me that you really don't want another loan, or to go into debt... yet most bankers are recommending that you DO apply for something... 
Here are the latest updates regarding the CARES ACT  
Please see the links below for new and updated resources that the U.S. Chamber has developed to assist businesses access resources created under the CARES Act (Phase III bill). This includes an update to the guide they released several days ago on the Paycheck Protection Program.
CARES Details-ZOOM Meeting


 by John Kirchner, Executive Director, Midwest Region, Congressional & Public Affairs Division, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a ZOOM webinar with the US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE to learn more about the CARES Act with Q & A next Tuesday, April 7th  from 3:30 - 4:30... limit 100 attendees Free to attend, but you must register to receive the ZOOM invite link. How to ZOOM
Member News and Happenings
Waconia Patriot Ads
The Waconia Patriot is here for you! Keep the community informed on your current business offers and hours. Place a 3.222" wide x 2" high, full color ad for $20.
Contact Mike Specht 952-442-6819 or  [email protected]
The Saloon is now serving Take Out
Daily 11:00AM-2:00PM & 4:00-8:00PM
The Saloon-Waconia-16 S Elm St, Waconia

The Saloon Waconia is now offering take out. Their full menu is available daily from 11-2 for lunch and 4-8 for dinner. They also have daily specials; see their Facebook page .
Call 952-442-9072 or call or text 952-428-9077
Franklin Printing-Open
Monday-Friday, 9:00AM-Noon
Franklin Printing-25 1st St W, Waconia
 
Franklin Printing Inc provides key printed materials, critical cleaning supplies, computer accessories, ink/toner, paper and other office supplies to local hospitals, clinics, financial institutions, ag and food industry, businesses, and municipalities as well as home businesses. They are considered "essential" under applicable regulations.

Current hours in Waconia & Glencoe: Monday-Friday 8:00AM-Noon.
Contact by phone or email to place orders in advance.
Waconia location: [email protected] 952-442-2520
Glencoe location: [email protected] 320-864-6143
Food Shelf Urgent Needs
As might be expected, the Waconia United Food Shelf has been particularly busy. They have reached out with a few needs. They are very low on sanitizing items to keep the food shelf clean – wipes, spray, hand sanitizer, etc. Without these items they won’t be able to continue to operate. As always, cash donations are always very helpful as well as they could use sandwich meat and produce for their student bags.
Emagine Theatres
Saturdays Noon-6:00PM
Emagine Theatre Waconia-101 W 1st St, Waconia
 
In this era of binge watching and movies at home, Emagine Theatre wants help make your home entertainment experience a little tastier while staying connected to you! They will be selling their delicious movie popcorn on Saturdays from noon-6PM. Purchase a $25 gift card and get a FREE FAMILY-SIZE POPCORN. Treat for now, treat for later. Or... popcorn only for $15 (regular popcorn only).
For your convenience, they will be set up by the front doors. Credit card sales only.
Mackenthun's is Hiring
Mackenthun's Fine Foods is hiring temporary, part-time and full-time positions. Cashiers, deli specialists, online shopping team and carts & clean team. Apply online
Food Shelf Fundraiser

Mackenthun's is selling mobiles to raise money for the Waconia United Food Shelf. Grab one ($1, $5, or $10) before checking out and hand it to the cashier. Mackenthun's will match up to 10% for each cash donation up to $2,000!
FREE Orange Ball Bootcamp Webinar
OrangeBall Creative has been thinking a lot about the challenges facing small businesses and non-profits, and they want to help. Their Brand Bounce Bootcamp marketing message course is FREE for anyone who wants to download it. They want to help organizations strengthen their marketing, weather this storm, and get prepared for an amazing future when this all ends!
Choices Psychotherapy is open for Telehealth visits for therapy
Support Waconia Barbers
 The State of Minnesota has mandated the closure of barber shops and salons. Waconia Barbers' version of "takeout " or "curbside" support comes in the form of electronic gift card purchases. If you look in the mirror and think to yourself, "Oh boy, I could use a haircut," please consider purchasing a gift card now to be used when the restrictions are lifted..
Need Hand Sanitizer?
 Looking for a useful, timely give away?  GK2 Promotions is offering a few items that can be imprinted with your logo/information and be delivered in 4-6 weeks with proof approval.  (Manufacturers are working to keep up with demand)
Call Gerry Kirby 612-490-4707
Marketing Help for Small Business
 Danielle Alexander Design is offering fellow small business owners a marketing audit. Following a review of current print and online marketing, Danielle will meet with you for 30 minutes to discuss several personalized, budget-friendly ways to improve visibility during this time. She is also included a branded social media graphic for your business thanking customers for their continued support. This offer is a $250 value but discounted to $99 at this time. Space is limited. Email [email protected]   to reserve your spot.  
Resource: Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women
 If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse amidst the COVID-19 virus outbreak, Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women will continue to provide vital crisis programs for victims of domestic violence in Scott and Carver Counties. Their crisis line is open 24/7 and advocates are available to help by calling 952-873-4214 . Things they can help with over the phone are: safety planning, emotional support, Order for Protection information and community resource updates. Online support groups will start in April.
Carver County Parks News
Fresh air and exercise remain important during times of crisis. Carver County Parks and trails are open! All restrooms are CLOSED.
  • Seasonal buildings, restrooms (portable, vault latrine, permanent) are CLOSED. We recognize this significant inconvenience, please plan accordingly when visiting the parks.
  • Cancellations of future programs, camping, or shelter reservations will be communicated 2 weeks in advance.
  • All programs, events, facility reservations and special use permits have been cancelled through April 11th.
  • Please make note that our primary department phone line has changed (until further notice) to 612-209-0109

What you can do at the parks & trails while practicing social distancing...
  • Go for a walk or ride your bike on Dakota Rail Regional Trail or MN River Bluffs Regional Trail.
  • Explore a variety of natural landscapes. 
  • Have lunch outdoors on a warm sunny spring day.
  • Disc golf at Baylor Regional Park.
  • Other park activities that don't gather people in groups!
  • Playgrounds are open but we encourage other park activities as plastic surfaces are considered as higher risk vectors.
Lake Minnewashta Off-Leash Dog Area:
The Lake Minnewashta Off-Leash Dog Area is remaining OPEN but we strongly encourage users to practice social distancing.

Future Updates on Parks & Trails Open/Close Status:
  • We will continue to provide updates as new information comes out. Follow us on social media or check our website: carvercountyparks.com
  • Please make note that our primary department phone line has changed (until further notice) to 612-209-0109. Please also utilize our email [email protected] and if in-person assistance is needed appointments will be considered.
Waconia Buzz-Bee local, SpendLocal, Live Local
What's the Buzz?
Starting June 4 (pending movement restrictions), Waconia businesses are joining forces to encourage residents to bee local, spend local and live local. Residents and businesses can learn about and share special events via our Waconia Buzz Facebook page. All businesses are invited and encouraged to "Join the Hive"! Simply contact the Waconia Chamber of Commerce for details. You do not need to be a chamber member to participate.
Freshly Fueled & Fit for Summer
 April 27-May 21
Shape It Up Fitness-141 W 1st St, Waconia
Waconia Women's Health-133 W 1st St, Waconia

Shape It Up Fitness and  Waconia Women's Health are teaming up to bring you a Virtual Challenge. Learn to fuel your body properly, detox sugar, balance blood sugar and tone up. 
Cost: $99 To register, contact Megan VanEyll [email protected]
Chamber Calendar-April 2020
APR 8 Chamber Board of Directors Meeting 11:30AM-1:00PM (Virtual Meeting?)
APR 9 Retail Committee Meeting 8:00-9:30AM (Virtual Meeting?)
APR 14 Tourism Committee Meeting 9:00AM (Virtual Meeting)
Friday Facts Is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812