Shop Hop
Saturday, April 1, 2023
9AM-5PM
Store hours may vary
Don't be fooled by the weather forecast! Join us for a grown-up egg hunt! Participating businesses will have plastic eggs filled with special deals for their business and others. Hop from shop to shop and enjoy a day of fun and shopping in Waconia. The Easter Bunny will be hopping around downtown Waconia from 10:00AM-2:00PM.
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April Coffee Connection
April 6, 2023 | 7:30-9:00AM
SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
502 Cherry Dr, 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!
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Waconia Chamber is Hiring!
Membership & Tourism Coordinator
The primary role is to provide organizational support with emphasis on membership and Waconia tourism-related events.
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Part-time Summer Intern
The Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau is committed to building the chamber of commerce profession by providing an opportunity for a college student to learn about the industry through hand-on internship experiences. For more information or to make a referral, please reach out to Christine.
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Bode Gray's
Jared DeWolf & Greg James
(952) 444-0795
Restaurant
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Red Fox Bakehouse
Nikki Peterson
(651) 208-0493
Bakery
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Waconia Target
Shane Nardi
(952) 442-9333
Retail | Grocery
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Thanks for your continued Membership Investment!
Membership Renewals This Month:
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Bergmann Interiors LLC
CenterPoint Energy
Eva Sophia Project
Infinity Diamond Jewelers
MoveWell Chiropractic & Wellness
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Myron & Ginny Karki
Schram Vineyards
Waconia 1 Collision
Waconia Family Chiropractic
Waconia Lions Club
Waconia Moravian Church
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A Message from the President |
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Issues affecting the cost of doing business
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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Policy, workforce, and other outside factors all impact the cost of doing business. In the weeks ahead, we’ll continue to advocate and discuss issues that affect our local businesses including: Minnesota’s legislative proposals, Waconia’s workforce, and protecting our local businesses. April is filled with specific dates to discuss, advocate, and take action. Now is the time to “do no harm” for the businesses that support our thriving community. Continue reading...
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Happenings at the Capitol
Massive budget proposals show $18 billion, 34% increase in state spending.
The state released an updated budget forecast with a still-record surplus of $17.5 billion. The $17.5 billion is what lawmakers will use to set the state budget for the next two years.
Last week, Governor Walz and House and Senate leaders released general fund budget targets that provide a preview of what spending in various policies might look like in the final budget.
What's concerning is that despite a record $17.5 billion surplus, tax and fee increases could be on the horizon to pay for new spending. There have been tax increases proposed for non-general fund items such as the $1.4 billion annual payroll tax for mandated paid leave, a 1% sales tax rate increase in the metro area for housing and transportation, a new delivery fee of 75 cents for transportation, the governor’s capital gains tax increase and motor vehicle license tabs increase plus many other fees. Stay tuned as House and Senate committees refine their budget bills in the coming days.
Some details about the overall budget agreement:
- Minnesota has a historic budget surplus of $17.5 billion for FY 2024/25. This surplus is on top of 7.4% spending growth that is assumed in the budget forecast of $3.84 billion.
- The state also has a structural surplus of over $5 billion in the next biennium, FY 26/27. That surplus is on top of 7% spending growth of $3.87 billion.
- Shocking 34% plus spending growth adopted by joint budget targets by Governor Walz and DFL House/Senate majorities in their joint budget targets of $71.9 billion for FY 24/25. The current budget is $51.655 billion for FY 22/23.
- The budget forecast with a structural surplus of over $5 billion would allow for a 16.6% general fund spending growth in the next biennium of FY 2026/27 – without raising any taxes.
Instead of increased spending, these dollars could be used to provide tax relief as half of all states have done in the last three years.
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Since 2021, over half of other states have enacted permanent tax relief in order to make their tax systems more competitive. With a record budget surplus, policymakers should be looking to provide overdue tax relief and lower the cost of doing business, not increase spending to a point where more tax increases will be necessary.
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Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings |
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Fetch! Pet Care West Metro |
Primary contact: Alana Whittaker
763-401-6070
Alana Whittaker and the Fetch! Pet Care team offer in home pet care and services for all kinds of animals. Their app makes scheduling convenient and allows for updates and photos to be shared with the pet owner. They care for over 200 pets and all employees are licensed, insured, and bonded. Call or schedule on the app today!
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Primary contact: Janelle Rearick
952-686-8378
Janelle at Bloom Studio specializes in wedding and event floral, offering custom wedding packages, à la carte and event packages, and in-studio shopping for dried and preserved floral. Bloom Studio is also now offering a subscription service for fresh flowers delivered each month. Visit them online to learn more!
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Primary contact: Nic Meyer
1309 Oak Ave, Waconia
952-442-9919
Nic's parents started with Papa Murphy's in 1999 in St. Cloud and now own 39 stores. Nic got his start with the Waconia store and currently owns six locations. Their busiest days of the year are Valentine's Day and Halloween. Now hiring!
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MN Cup - Opportunity for Minnesota Business Owners
The Secretary of State's office wants to let you know about a great opportunity for entrepreneurs, researchers, inventors and small business owners. It's called MN Cup, and it's available to any early-stage founder in the state.
MN Cup has become a great first step for launching a new business, offering free education, mentorship, promotional opportunities and seed funding for those that advance. The competition is free to enter and participants have until Friday, April 14, 2023 to submit their application.
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March Luncheon Recap: Resources and Grants to Help your Business Grow
Thanks to our March Chamber Luncheon speakers, Shane Fineran (Waconia City Administrator), Lee Hall (CEO of NextStage), and Craig Eldred (Waconia City Public Services Director) for the informative presentations on resources to start or grow your business.
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Member News and Happenings |
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Vote for Minnesota's Best
Daily Now-April 5th
It’s time to choose Minnesota’s best professionals, businesses, restaurants, and cultural institutions. To cast a vote, click below. You may vote once a day per device now through April 5. Winners will be featured on VoteMinnesotasBest.com. Many Waconia businesses are in the running, so vote and show your support!
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Congratulations Mike on 50 Years!
A big congratulations to Mike Keaveny, who is celebrating 50 years of selling Ford cars and trucks. Mike began selling Ford vehicles in January 1973 and joined Waconia Ford (now Fury Ford) 1.5 years later. Stop in to Fury Ford to congratulate him and shop for your new vehicle.
Mike has also been leading the Nickle Dickle Day Car and Truck Show since it's inception. The Car and Truck Show is celebrating its 37th year in 2023. Thank you, Mike, for all you do to make the Car and Truck Show and Nickle Dickle Day a success!
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Congratulations to Koch School Bus Service!
Brian Koch, who is the 3rd generation owner of Koch School Bus Service, just hired his oldest son Sam to continue on into the 4th generation! Brian's grandfather Victor started the company right here in Waconia, way back in 1938. With the new facilities Brian built in 2019, it looks like Koch School Bus Service will be serving Waconia for quite some time into the future!
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Hoxie Homes & Remodeling is Hiring
Hoxie Homes is hiring for a carpenter position. Come work with us! Message them on Facebook for more information.
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The City of Waconia is Hiring
Do you know someone looking for a great summer job? The City of Waconia is now hiring for seasonal summer employees. Seasonal employees help with the maintenance and upkeep of the City of Waconia during the summer months and work with our park, street, and utilities departments.
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Fresh Flower Subscription Now Available
Bloom Studio Wedding & Event Floral is now offering fresh Bloom Subscriptions! Treat yourself, someone you love, or your place of business to Monthly Delivered Blooms. Delivery is offered within 20 miles of Bloom Studio's location in Waconia on the first Tuesday of each month.
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Knights of Columbus Fish Fry
Friday, March 31 | 4:00PM-7:30PM
St Joseph School
41 E 1st St, Waconia
Join us for the last Fish Fry of Lent. All you can eat fish fry, Adults $15, Ages 6-12 $7, Children under 6 eat free! $50 max per family. Children's menu and take out available.
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Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves Release Event
Friday, March 31 | 2:30PM-9:00PM
Emagine Waconia
101 W 1st St, Waconia
Calling all moviegoers!
Mystic Fortress Games is teaming up with Emagine Theaters in Waconia this Friday March 31st from 2:30pm- 9:00pm to celebrate the release of the new Movie-
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves!
Come early before the show or stay after to learn all about the immersive world of D&D. We will have tables setup to demo how to play, D&D merchandise for purchase, as well as expert help to answer any questions you may have about D&D.
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Sota Shine Anniversary Sale Extended
April 1st - 2nd
740 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
Sota Shine Unlimited Monthly Membership Sale EXTENDED!
This weekend only!
All Monthly Unlimited Memberships are on Sale. Get your whole first month for only $1! Memberships can be purchased in store or online Here
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Flag Retirement Event
Saturday, April 1 | 10AM-1PM
Carver County Fairgrounds Main Gate
W 3rd & S Walnut St, Waconia
Drop off your old, worn, faded flags between 10AM and 1PM. Free replacement flags will be given away on a first come first served basis. All flags dropped off will be retired with dignity and respect at a formal ceremony scheduled for approximately 1:30PM
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Waconia Putt Putt Challenge
Saturday, April 1 | 12PM
7PM Finale
Waconia's Putting Challenge is Saturday, April 1. Tickets are $20 per person and must be 21+ to play. 11AM registration, 12PM start, 7PM finale at the Waconia American Legion. You must start at the bar you purchased your ticket. Participating bars: Hoppers, The Garage, The Saloon, Chumley's Bar, Waconia American Legion.
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2nd Annual Waconia Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 2 | 12:30PM
City Square Park, Waconia
Hop over and join Nate Matousek State Farm Agency and Trinity Lutheran Church & School in a hunt for 10,000 Easter Eggs!
Starting at 12:30pm:
• Refreshments so no one is eggs-hausted for the hunt
• Easter Bunny visits and photos(make it a good hare day!)
• Raffle Entries to test your cluck!
1:00pm: The eggs-citing hunt for TEN THOUSAND eggs will begin followed immediately by raffle drawings you won’t want to whisk missing. That’s all for now, yolks!
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Super Mario Bros Midnight Screening
Tuesday, April 4th - Wednesday April 5th | 12:10AM
Emagine Waconia
101 W 1st St, Waconia
Grab your friends for this awesome experience at Emagine Waconia on Tuesday, April 4th at midnight (Going into April 5th). They will be showing The Super Mario Bros. Movie movie at 12:10AM, which is currently one of the earliest shows in the metro!
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Waconia Wine Hop
Saturday, April 8
Parley Lake
Schram Vineyards
The Winery at Sovereign Estates
Waconia Wine Country is hosting a special Easter Weekend Hop!
Follow the bunny trail and HOP your way between Waconia’s three premium wineries, each offering wine tastings of four wines, special wine deals, and food. Guests may choose the winery and time they would like to start, then hop to the next winery for a fun filled day. Registration required. $15 tasting fee will be charged at the door of EACH winery. Must be 21 to register.
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Theft Protection: Ways to prevent burglary and theft at your business
Tuesday, April 18 | 9-10:00AM
Waconia City Hall | Senior Center
201 S Vine St, Waconia
Sergeant Tyler Stahn will present on how to protect your business from theft and burglary. The seminar is free to attend but an RSVP is requested. Register online today!
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Chamber After Hours
Thursday, April 20 | 4-6:00PM
Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery
8785 Airport Rd, Waconia
It's Happy Hour! Network and connect with other Waconia Chamber members after hours. No fee to attend and no registration needed. Hosted by Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery
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2023-24 Chamber Membership Directory
Thanks for support of our annual Chamber Membership Directory – an efficient way to connect with other members and to learn about opportunities your membership offers. The 2023-24 Membership Directory is in production and limited ads are available in our directory.
The benefits of advertising in the directory:
· High Readership from your Target Market.
· Cost Effective Marketing Tool.
· Support of the Chamber.
To reserve your space, please contact Shelley Dery with Adams/ECM Publishers, at [email protected]. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Chamber office at 952-442-5812. Thank you for making our annual directory possible.
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17th Annual Waconia Golf Scramble
Monday, July 17
12:00PM Shotgun Start
Island View Golf Club
Register now for the 17th Annual Waconia Chamber Golf Scramble on Monday, July 17! This year's event is a construction theme with the tag "Tearin' it Up!" Proceeds of the event support your Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.
Don't golf? Volunteer, sponsor a hole, or donate to the silent auction.
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Chamber Luncheon & Calendar |
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April Chamber Luncheon
Thursday, April 27
11:30AM-1:00PM
Auburn Meadows
Waconia's Current & Future Workforce: A discussion on challenges, best practices, and solutions
Panel Speakers from:
Auburn Homes & Services
Ridgeview
ISD 110
Mackenthun's Fine Foods
Deadline to register: Monday, April 24
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Future Luncheon Schedule
Registration for the May and June Luncheons are now open! Luncheons are $30 members/$40 non members.
Topics
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May 25: How Local Non-profits Impact the Strength of Our Community
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June 22: Waconia Then and Now - A Historical Look of Waconia
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Chamber Calendar - April 2023 |
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APRIL 6 Coffee Connection, 7:30AM-9:00AM @SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
APRIL 11 Tourism Meeting, 9:00AM-11:00AM
APRIL 12 Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Waconia City Hall
APRIL 13 Retail Meeting, 8:00AM-9:00AM @Waconia City Hall
APRIL 20 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Waconia City Hall
APRIL 20 Chamber After Hours, 4:00PM-6:00PM @Schram Vineyards
APRIL 27 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Island View Golf Club
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STAY CONNECTED
@DestinationWaconia
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Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
952-442-5812
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