Farewell!
/ˌferˈwel/ exclamation
Used to express good wishes on parting.
It is hard to believe it has been 13 years since I came to work at the Waconia Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. Working alongside businesses to help support them in times of celebration and challenge has been extremely rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and hope I have had a positive impact here. I've met some amazing people and formed what I hope are lasting relationships. Today, Friday, April 2, is my last day at the chamber. I have accepted a marketing position with Parks Place Memory Care in Plymouth. Even though I won't be working here daily, I still plan to be involved in our community and hope our paths cross again soon. Best wishes and I bid you, farewell!
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How to get involved with the chamber
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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Good news! The Waconia Chamber 2021 calendar is filled with networking,
education, and events; and we’re looking forward to what’s ahead. There are
numerous ways to get involved, stay connected, and grow your business. Being
involved and leading creates greater opportunities for business and employee
development, as well as providing countless benefits to the community at large. Our
membership-driven organization continuously works to promote local businesses
and enhance the quality of life in our community.
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Reopening Minnesota's economy: Where's the plan?
by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
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Last week’s announcement about increasing capacity in some businesses was good news. But with President Biden’s announcement that all Americans will be eligible for vaccination by May 1 at the latest, the business community again asks – where is the plan to fully reopen our economy?
Throughout the challenges presented by this public health emergency, the Minnesota Ready Coalition’s goal has been to strike a balance between safeguarding health and protecting our economy. Businesses that were deemed essential developed detailed strategies to protect their workforce from the spread of COVID-19 while ensuring continuity of operations. Consumer-facing businesses that were closed or allowed to operate only at limited capacity have used this time to develop their own plans and procedures to reopen their doors and restart their operations safely and responsibly in line with the requirements of this “new normal." Click Here to read more...
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Lovett Planters & Willow Winds
Brianna Lovett
9460 CR 10 E
Waconia, MN
952-367-7021
Container gardening company for
residential & commercial customers.
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Skin Professionals West
Dr. Kamruz Darabi
582 Cherry Dr
Waconia, MN 55387
612-567-1941
Dermatology services.
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Primary Contact: Lauren Swee, Owner
Started in May of 2020, Swee Videos is a video marketing and content creation company. After finishing college with an English major, Lauren Swee started her own company to assist companies in creating promotional and training videos for marketing and education. Lauren now has a drone available for aerial shots, and wants to help make social media more “human” and engaging. We’re happy to have Lauren’s fresh new ideas and perspectives as part of the Waconia Chamber!
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Primary Contact: Joe & Vicky Polunc, Owners
24 W 1st St, Waconia (moving to new location May 1-see info below)
612-466-4788
Joe and Vicki Polunc are in their 29th year in business. What started out as a hobby and a curiosity, has become their full-time business, post-retirement. Joe is a retired Carver County Sheriff and Vicki has retired from Ridgeview. Framing Images provides custom matting and framing for prints, photos, puzzles, needle art and more. The company also offers picture frame repair and glass replacement. Joe enjoys a good challenge, and customizes each framed image to the client’s vision. The couple enjoys engaging with the community, and we welcome them to the Chamber!
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Waconia United Food Shelf |
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Primary Contact: Angie Cruzen, Executive Director
11 S Elm St, Waconia
952-442-3878
The Waconia Food Shelf came into being after a local business woman saw the need and began distributing food from her business location. It soon became apparent the need was more than what she could meet on a personal basis, so the food shelf moved into their current space almost 20 years ago. The Waconia Food Shelf is operated in part by over 100 volunteers including board members, volunteer coordinators, site workers, and delivery persons. Currently, they assist clients living in the communities of Waconia, New Germany, Victoria, Cologne and St. Bonifacius. Executive Director, Angie Cruzen, started in the summer of 2020 and is passionate about assisting the need in the community and enjoys partnering with local business sponsorship opportunities.
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Member News and Happenings |
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Carver County SHIP Worksite Wellness Tip of the Month |
April is national stress awareness month. This month, Carver County Public Health's Newsletter will teach you 3 scientifically proven ways to reduce stress: breathing, exercise and meditation. Click Here to read more...
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Saturday, April 3, Noon-6:00PM
HOP your way through Waconia Wine Country - Parley Lake Winery, Schram Vineyards, and The Winery at Sovereign Estate are ready to host you! Taste four wines at each location, as you hop from station to station! There will be special wine deals at each winery. Reservations must be made at each location see websites for details.
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April 5, 4:00-5:30PM
Waconia High School-1650 Community Dr
This free food distribution is open to everyone. Drive-thru & contact free. Please share with your staff, employees, friends & neighbors. Sponsored by Waconia United Food Shelf, City of Waconia, Waconia Public Schools, Second Harvest Heartland, Esperanza, CAP Agency & Carver County Public Health.
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Thursday, April 14, 9:00-10:30AM
Best Western Plus Bloomington-1901 Killibrew Dr
APG (Waconia Patriot) is hosting a Free Digital Seminar on April 14 at the Best Western Plus Bloomington Hotel, SPACE IS LIMITED (roughly 25-30 spots), the event will be socially distanced (masks are required) and a light breakfast of coffee, bagels and muffins will be provided.
Speaker Mike Martoccia is a Digital Expert; he’s been in the industry helping businesses and their staff for 28 years!
You'll learn how to make the most of your advertising dollars by including digital marketing.
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Rising Star Dance Academy-564 Cherry Dr, Waconia
Buy one, get one: summer dance, tumbling & music classes. Session 1: June 7-30, Session 2: July 5-28. Registration deadline April 30.
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Woodland Creek Lots Available |
Hoxie Homes-219 E Frontage Rd, Waconia
Hoxie Homes & Remodeling is excited to share news of their involvement in Waconia's newest residential neighborhood! They have purchased 3 lots in the Woodland Creek neighborhood off of Hwy 284 (just past the Sierra neighborhood entrance). Bring your ideas! Hoxie Homes is ready to partner with you in building your custom home. Check out their available lots at 1949 Woods Point and 1951 Campfire Drive (both listed on the MLS). 1946 Woods Point is also available (but not currently on the MLS). Take a drive through the neighborhood and check it out! Hoxie Homes & Remodeling will be with you start to finish to make your dream home a reality!
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Friday, April 30, 7:00PM
Online Gala to benefit Southern Valley Alliance
You're invited to join the 22nd Annual Gala – Sip Away for SVA!
Sip Away for SVA will include a silent auction, live streamed program, as well as a virtual wine and beer tasting – all from the comfort of your own home!
$100 Ticket includes:
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Entry and access for TWO to the virtual tasting on April 30th
- 3 crowlers of different flavors and 2 bottles of wine from Schram Vineyards in Waconia
- 4 cupcales (variety of flavors) from Emily Grace Cakes
- 2 cheese varieties to compliment the tasting from Bongards
- SVA swag bag
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Saturday, April 24, 9:00AM-Noon
MidCountry Bank-200 E Frontage Rd, Waconia
Free Community Event: Non-customers welcome. Clean out -files and storage and bring your "stuff". Accepting paper only-please remove cardboard, metal or plastic materials. Covid-19 restrictions will be carefully observed in accordance with local and state health requirements.
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Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 10:00AM-5:00PM
Tuesdays, 10:00AM-7:00PM
Waconia Public Library-217 S Vine St
The Friends of the Waconia Library run a gently used bookstore. The books are for sale the same hours that the Waconia Library is open on Monday-Friday. Masks must be worn while visiting the library and the bookstore, plus other safety protocols are in place. The Library is not able to accept incoming book donations at this time, but they do have plenty to sell. Proceeds from the used bookstore help to support the library programming and the “Your Lucky Day” bestseller collection.
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Now Hiring
Modern Design Cabinetry-209 Paul Ave S, Cologne
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Modern Design Cabinetry in Cologne would love to fill the following positions on their team. Great pay and benefits!
Draftsman/Project manager
Installer
Cabinet delivery/runner
Finisher
Please contact Troy at 952-856-1611 or stop by to fill out an application: 209 Paul Avenue South, Cologne MN
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Now Hiring
The Winery at Sovereign Estate-9950 North Shore Rd, Waconia
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The Winery at Sovereign Estate is hiring! - Kitchen Supervisor, Kitchen Workers, Gardener/Groundskeeper, Sales Associate/Servers. Find an application at sovereignestatewine.com/application-for-employment/ or stop in and fill one out and interview immediately on Tuesday, April 6, 3-6 pm at our wine shop.
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WYP-Waconia Young Professionals |
Thursday, April 22, 5:00-7:00PM
Lola's Lakehouse-318 E Lake St, Waconia
It's back! They WYP group will meet this month at Lola's Lakehouse. Young professionals ages 21-40 gather to network, learn and socialize. No registration necessary. Food & drink on your own. Questions, contact Abby Koppen akoppen@titlemark.com
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Friday, April 23, Starting at 3:00PM
Chaska Curling Center-3210 Chaska Blvd
It’s time to dust off your gripper, gather your friends and meet us on the ice for Ridgeview Foundation’s 3rd Annual Rocks for Ridgeview curling event. The event includes a curling lesson and match.
Everyone walks away with custom apparel and a free drink coupon to Crooked Pint.
Curling Matches at 3 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. | 6 p.m. | 7:30 p.m.
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Saturday, May 1, Starting at 10:00AM
Waconia Brewing Company-255 W Main St
Get ready to move :-) There will be a free beer awaiting you upon finishing! (21 years and up, of course) 5K starts at 10:00 (chip timed) and Kids Run at 11:00 (kids get a free root beer, naturally). Run starts & ends at Waconia Brewing Company. Covid guidelines will be in place, click to read more:
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Framing Images-11 N Olive St, Waconia (Coming soon!)
Framing Images is re-locating, just around the corner and down the street! They are currently closed to new business, but customers can leave a message and they will add you to a list to contact when they are up and running, 612-466-4788. Re-opening May 1. They appreciate your patience during their move.
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Sister Saturday-May 15
Participating Businesses around Waconia
Sister Saturday brings hundreds of ladies from across the region to shop in Waconia. Get your business in front of these decision-makers by inserting an item into the Swag Bag. 100 bags are distributed at 9:00AM the day of the event. Ladies line up early to get one of these coveted bags and they patron the businesses featured inside. Don't miss out!
Cost: $25
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Starting May 3, 12 week Challenge
Crusher Fitness+ Health-219 E Frontage Rd, Waconia
Summer is just around the corner. Will you be ready? Everything you need for your fittest summer yet:
Flexible schedule, accountability & motivation, results based programming, injury prevention, supportive coaching and peers, goal session meeting with a fitness and nutrition coach, nutrition starter guild.
Cost: $495 for 12 weeks
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Coming Spring of 2022!
Do to gathering restrictions, we were not able to host the Business, Home & Family Expo event in 2021. We are looking forward to bringing it back in 2022!
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Chamber Luncheon & Calendar |
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April Luncheon
Thursday, April 22, 2021
11:30AM-1:00PM
Location: Vandy's Grille
(with virtual option)
Guest Speaker: Jon Schmidt
Topic: Taking your business online-
My story from Mocha Monkey to Jonthepotter
Cost: $25/member, $40/not yet member
Virtual FREE ($10 donation optional)
Register by Monday, April 19 (Noon)
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Chamber Calendar-April 2021 |
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APR 1 Coffee Connection hosted by Elite Nutrition, 7:30-9:00AM @36 W Main St
APR 7 Business Education Network-Manufacturing & Trades, 7:00-8:00AM via ZOOM
APR 8 Retail Committee Meeting, 8:00-9:30AM @City Hall (201 S Vine St)
APR 13 Tourism Committee, 9:00-10:30AM @City Hall
APR 14 Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30-1:00PM @City Hall
APR 15 Ambassadors Meeting, 8:45AM starting @Chamber Office (209 S Vine St)
APR 20 Chamber 101 @9:00-10:15 am @City Hall
APR 22 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Vandy's Grill with Guest Speaker:
Jon Schmidt, Mocha Monkey
APR 22 WYP (Waconia Young Professionals), 5:00-7:00PM @Lola's Lakehouse (318 E
Lake St, Waconia)
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Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
952-442-5812
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