Congratulations to Waconia Cup Winner:
American Family Insurance!

Thank you so much to all who participated in our 14th annual Chamber Golf Scramble. It was a great day and we are so thankful to all who sponsored, played and donated.

Pictured: American Family Insurance Team-Dan Ford, Paul Eveslage and Tonia Ford (Not pictured Marcus Tevis)

Mark your calendars for July 26, 2021!
Welcome New Chamber Members:
Laketown Home & Garden
Barb Sinnen, Manager

28 W 1st St
Waconia, MN 55387
952-529-2594
Home decor, plants & furniture
Waconia 1 Collision & Auto
Chad Bijou, owner

524 S Elm St
Waconia, MN 55387
952-855-1192
Collision and auto repair

Trying New Things Among Covid Fatigue




by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
Making difficult decisions can be exhausting and many of us have felt covid fatigue. Every situation has brought up a new complexity and challenges with reinventing. Guidelines change daily and it’s difficult to sort through all the noise to seek the best answers. We know that your businesses are constantly making adjustments to accommodate.

Each day brings something new in the Chamber office, and we’ve also been modifying each event to meet new restrictions. Click Here to read more...
Understanding the downturn leads us toward economic recovery



by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
It’s hard to tell where we are in the COVID-19 journey. Four months after the first case in Minnesota, the health risks continue, but businesses have endured state-mandated closures, decreases in consumer demand, supply chain disruptions and staffing challenges. Through it all, they’ve innovated and persevered. Let’s look back at the ups and downs these job creators have experienced as we look forward to economic recovery.
Ribbon Cutting
Edward Jones Investments-Dale Copeman

Primary Contact: Dale Copeman
121 W Main St, Suite 116, Waconia
952-442-1398

Dale Copeman is deeply interested in the financial market and enjoys helping people to achieve their financial goals. Dale has a side passion for horticulture and gives to the Waconia Food Shelf - where he also volunteers and delivers food. Dale’s office is located on 121 W Main St, Ste 116, in a newly designed space. Branch administrator, Patti Higgins, has worked in customer service for over 20 years and is also wealth of knowledge in all things Waconia. 
Hustle & Heart Sports

Primary Contact: Jeni Hunter
25 S Olive St, Waconia
952-442-8625

Hustle and Heart will set you apart! Chris and Jeni Hunter purchased inventory from CDP Sports on January 1 and opened their new store on March 12, 2020. After only 3 days of being open before the covid shut down, they are happy to be back! Located on 25 S Olive Street, they offer New and Used Sports Equipment for all seasons. They’ll also purchase gently used sports gear (equipment or accessories) and take donations. Need trophies, medals, or skate sharpening? They do that too! 
Infinity Diamond Jewelers

Primary Contact: Mimi Swonson
32 W 1st St, Waconia
952-442-4161

We congratulate Mimi and Judi, owners of Infinity Diamond Jewelers, on their new space. They’ve nearly doubled their footprint, and offer a beautiful display area for shopping - using all local products and contractors for their project. The company started in 2017 and their new space was acquired in May 2020. They sell impeccable jewelry, and offer repair, maintenance, and restoration. Come see the sparkle at 32 W 1st St! 
Laketown Home & Garden

Primary Contact: Barb Sinnen
24 W 1st St, Waconia
952-457-9598

Welcome Laketown Home & Garden, to 24 W 1st St. We’re thrilled to see the old Waconia Trading Company building filled with vibrance! This boutique offers house plants, home decor, furniture, and more. Also, the back lot has transformed into a garden center filled with flowers and plants - changing with each season. They will offer classes for adults and kids too. Come meet business owner, Jim Winkels, and shop manager, Barb Sinnen, on their opening day on Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 am

Regular hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 10:00AM-5:00PM, Thursday 10:00AM-7:00PM, Friday 10:00AM-5:00PM, Saturday 9:00AM-4:00PM, Sunday 10:00AM-2:00PM, Closed Mondays
Ambassador Visit
Modern Design

Primary Contact: Jo & Troy Eiden, owners
209 Paul Ave S, Cologne
952-466-4766

 The business that originally started in a barn on the farm, has grown to a beautiful space in Cologne with 5 modifications to the building. Modern Design Cabinetry is one of the largest custom home cabinetry shops in Minnesota and has been in business for 28 years. Owners, Jo and Troy Eiden, enjoy working on new home and remodel projects and will guide their clients every step of the way. Modern Design joined the Chamber in June, and also participated in the Teacher in the Workplace externship that month. Welcome to the Chamber!
Member News and Happenings
Nickle Dickle Day Task Force Meeting
Tuesday, August 4, 2:00PM
Via ZOOM
 
Nickle Dickle Day 2020 is going "old school" and focusing on our shops and businesses with no large community gathering events. Interested in planning? Bring your ideas to a virtual informational meeting on Tuesday, August 4. We will be brainstorming ways to keep this event connected to the community in a safe manner. All are welcome!

Join Zoom Meeting
Virtual Coffee Connection with Congressman Tom Emmer
Thursday, August 6, 8:00-9:00AM
 
We invite you to join us as Ethan Hellier, of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, presents Congressman Tom Emmer with the Spirit of Enterprise Award – Honoring a Strong Record of Support for Business Community with New Emphasis on Leadership and Bipartisanship Efforts. There will be a few comments regarding the achievement, followed by a Q&A session with our members. 

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 878 3424 5942
Passcode: 435245
Lola's Lake Waconia Half Marathon going Virtual
Thursday, August 6 3:00-5:00PM
 
Podium Sports Marketing, Inc. is sad to announce that Lola's Lake Waconia Half Marathon, 10 Mile and 5K run that had been rescheduled to Saturday, September 12 will not be a "live" event this year. Instead it will be operated as a "virtual run". They are looking forward to better luck and lots of fun when it returns in June of 2020. Click Here for more details.
Children of Tomorrow-Alex's Lemonade Stand
Thursday, August 6 3:00-5:00PM
Children of Tomorrow-410 E 10th St, Waconia
 
Children of Tomorrow is partnering with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to move one step closer to finding a cure for children with cancer! You can help by donating at a Lemonade stand at a COT location on August 6th from 3:00-5:00PM or donate online August 1-9.
Contact Ashley with questions [email protected]
17th Annual Ribfest
Saturday, August 15 10:00AM-4:00PM
Mackenthun's Fine Foods-851 Market Place Dr, Waconia
 
17th Annual Mackenthun's Rib Fest Event is an Outdoor, Family Friendly event where the community gathers and shares its love for great food, music, and a good time! They will feature a Rib Competition with prizes for the winners and of course bragging rights! Join them for this fun event! Social Distancing measures will be implemented during this event. For more details visit mackenthuns.com
Road to Racial Justice: A Pathway to Systemic Transformation
August 18-20, 6:00-8:30PM
Hosted by Faith Lutheran Church online via ZOOM

This seminar engages participants in a comprehensive approach to learn about the social constructs of race. Participating will enhance your ability to identify and address inequities in the work place and in communities. Participants will learn the skills and language necessary to:
• Explore their own racial literacy
• Examine race as a mediating factor for social justice
• Recognize how critical race perspectives can influence racial justice
• Distinguish the complexities of race, culture and diversity
• Work in teams to understand action research processes toward building an antiracist working and living environment

Taught by Dr Timothy Berry, this online Zoom seminar is hosted by Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waconia. Registration will be open to anyone in the community and beyond (up to a maximum number of participants). CLE credits available. Cost: $20
 
Dr. Berry wants each participant to attend all 3 sessions in their entirety.
Register online at Faith Lutheran website or contact Mike Rinke [email protected]
WYP Meeting
Wednesday, August 19, 3:00-7:00PM
B's on the River-1455 Cty Rd 27, Watertown
 
Join Waconia Young Professionals ages 21-39. Best Ball Scramble! RSVP required no later than 8/14/20 - please email Breck at [email protected] and/or Abby at [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Meet at B's at 3 pm for a drink before heading out on the course. $25 per person
Fall Rookie Hockey Camp-Save the Date
Thursday & Friday, September 24 & 25
Sunday & Monday, October 4 & 5

Want to try hockey for free? WHA will be offering a free Fall Rookie Camp for ages 4 – entering 3 rd grade this fall! Participants will receive free jersey, support on and off the ice from coaches and volunteers and parents can learn more about Waconia Hockey Association. Times and registration will be available soon online!   Save the dates – Sept. 24 & 25, Oct. 4 & 5!

2020-2021 Season Registration is OPEN
Waconia Hockey is excited for a new season to start this fall.  Registration for the 2020-2021 season is now open online. Visit www.waconiahockey.org to register.  Competitive level registration deadline is Sunday, Aug. 16 th

Competitive Level Tryouts
Tryouts for the Competitive levels – Squirt, U10, Pee Wee, U12, Bantam and U15 will take place Sept. 25- Oct. 6 . More information coming soon.

For more information about Waconia Hockey Association visit www.waconiahockey.org
Congratulations to Gina Holman, J. Carver Distillery
Congratulations to Gina Holman of J. Carver Distillery! She was recently elected to the American Craft Spirits Association board of directors. This is a national trade association and we know Holman will be an excellent advocate in their organization.
Chamber Luncheon & Calendar

August Membership Luncheon
Thursday, August 27, 2020
11:30AM-1:00PM
Location: Garage Bar & Bowl
16 W 1st St, Waconia
Topic: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Community leaders share historical stories of Waconia and Nickle Dickle Day

Live event-following CDC and MN Department of Health guidelines.
Cost: $25/member, $40/not yet member
RSVP by Friday, August 21
Chamber Calendar-August 2020
AUG 4 Nickle Dickle Day Task Force Meeting 2:00PM via ZOOM
AUG 6 Coffee Connection 8:00-9:00AM via ZOOM
AUG 11 Tourism Committee & Board Meeting 9:00AM @TBD
AUG 12 Chamber Board of Directors Meeting 12:00-1:30PM @ J. Carver Distillery
AUG 13 Chamber Retail Committee 8:00-9:30AM @TBD
AUG 19 WYP 5:00-7:00PM @B's on the River
AUG 20 Ambassador Meeting 8:45AM @ Location TBD
AUG 27 Membership Luncheon 11:30AM-1:00PM @ The Garage Bar & Bowl
Registration required by Friday, August 21
Name | Company | Phone | Fax | Email | Website
Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812