Homespun Holiday
December 1, 9:00AM-5:00PM
Participating Businesses all over Waconia

We invite you to gather, shop & celebrate our small town charm for the holidays!
9:00-5:00 Shop charm, not chain all over town!
10:00 Mounted Posse-find them on the streets downtown
10:00-2:00 Kettle Korn for Sale-Corner of Olive & 1st Street (behind RE/MAX building)
BONUS! Spend $20 or more at these participating businesses and receive a voucher for a FREE bag of kettle korn. (Redeemable on Saturday, December 1 ONLY)

List of participating stores:
Clearwater Clothing, Haven & Home, Legacy Wine & Spirits,
Mainstream Boutique, Paws Inn Pet Essentials, Regalia Men's Clothier, The Stash, Trending Upward Thrift Shop, UFC Farm Supply,
Yetzer's Home Furnishings

Thanks for shopping Waconia this holiday season!
December Coffee Connection
December 6, 7:30-9:00AM
HomeTown Bank-641 Marketplace Dr, Waconia

A chamber member favorite! Don't let the hustle and bustle of the holidays keep you from business to business networking. This is a free event with an open house style format-stop in for a minute or as long as your schedule allows. Coffee and a light snack will be served. FREE!
Welcome New Chamber Member:
Nate Matousek State Farm
Nate Matousek

1870 W Wayzata Blvd
Long Lake, MN 55356
952-473-8637

Insurance & financial services


Job opportunities...



by Kellie Sites, Waconia Chamber President
Always wondering about the Metropolitan Council and wish you could be a player? Now’s your chance to apply and be a decision maker.  Here’s some scoop from their latest newsletter: “The Council plays a key role in coordinating regional growth and planning, and operating essential services like transit and wastewater treatment. Seventeen Council Members (including the Chair) have the opportunity to guide policy decisions impacting the future growth and economic vitality of our region. How to apply for a seat on the Council.

If not the Met Council, then perhaps you’ve always wanted to work for the State of Minnesota as a Commissioner. Click Here to read more... 
Minnesota Chamber’s 2019 Business Benchmarks highlights economic rankings and workforce challenges



by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
A talented workforce remains a foundation of growing Minnesota companies and the overall state economy, according to the 2019 Minnesota Business Benchmarks report. But the difficulty of finding skilled and qualified workers and our business climate are threatening growth. Click here to read more...
Ribbon Cutting
Philp Family Dentistry

Primary Contact: Mary Philp DDS, owner
9366 Oak Ave, Waconia
952-442-4891

The Ambassadors were pleased to cut a ribbon for Dr. Mary Philp and her team!  She is located in the office where Dr. Oswall last practiced and is working to create a new experience there which reflects her style. In her words, “I am honored to be a hometown dental care provider in Waconia. My goal is to make you feel comfortable and well-cared for. You will find that honesty and integrity are two traits I highly value.  I offer services in all areas of dentistry and focus on contemporary cosmetic and esthetic dentistry, including bonding, ceramic veneers, crowns, and smile enhancement services. I also offer tooth replacement options such as implant restorations, bridges, and dentures.” Check out their website for more information on their complete list of services. Congratulations and welcome to Waconia and the Chamber!
Farmer's Insurance

Primary Contact: David Iverson, owner
4080 Tower St, St Bonifacius
952-693-0090

The Ambassadors joined in the grand opening celebration with Farmers Insurance Agent, David Iverson, by cutting the ribbon for his new office in St. Bonifacius.  He has lived in Minnesota for the past 30 years, working in financial services as well as life insurance. His goal is to help customers identity the insurance coverage that best fits your needs. He has the knowledge and experience to help you better understand your coverage options--whether that's auto, home, renters, business insurance and more. David is one of our newest members and has already attended a number of Chamber meetings.  Please join us in welcoming David Iverson – Farmers Insurance Agent – to the Waconia Chamber!
Member News and Happenings
Holiday Lights Tour-Book Now!
10,000 Lakes Limo 612-564-5466 (LIMO)

Book your holiday lights tour now with 10,000 Lake Limo! Great idea for company parties, employee incentives or gifts. Contact for rates at 612-564-5466 or [email protected]
Bring your pet to see Santa at Paws Inn Resort
Saturday, December 1, 9:00AM-Noon
Paws Inn Resort-8127 Yale Ave, New Germany
 
Start the holiday season with a fun gift for yourself! Receive a USB drive with photos of your pet with Santa. The first 20 people to arrive will receive a free gift bag of goodies!
$20 Donation-Benefits THE RETRIEVERS Volunteer Lost Dog Team!

More details at www.pawsinnresort.com .
Santa at UFC Farm Supply
Saturday, December 1, 10:00AM-1:00PM
UFC Farm Supply-801 Highway 284, Waconia
 
 Bring your family and pet to get your FREE photo taken with Santa and his reindeer!
Leashed pets welcome. Live reindeer! Donation drop off site for toys, pet food, and pet supplies.
Opportunity to take your own photo.
Waconia's Famous Santa at SIU
Saturday, December 1, 2:00-5:00PM
Shape It Up Fitness-141 West 1st St, Waconia (lower level)

Come get your photos with Waconia's Famous Santa! Milk, cookies and activities for the kiddies. Adult coffee bar featuring Mocha Monkey coffee! Open House Style-First come, first serve. Along with a private sitting, you'll receive a professionally edited, copyright-free digital file of your child(ren) with Santa emailed to you after the event.

Cost: $40 per family (call 952-215-7431 or email to reserve your spot!)
Interactive Live Nativity & Chili Feed
Saturday, December 1, 5:30-7:30PM
Waconia Moravian Church-209 E 2nd St
 
On Saturday, December 1, the Waconia Moravian Church will host a Live Nativity and Chili Feed. All are welcome to take part. Costumes of all sizes are available for all characters. If you have ever wanted to be Mary or a Wise Man (or woman) or a shepherd this is your chance! The Live Nativity will begin at 5:30, with a narrated interactive play, come early to get dressed. Following this you will be welcome to dress up with family and friends for pictures at the manger. Come inside and warm up with a bowl of chili at our Chili Feed Fundraiser which supports our Youth Camping Program. All are welcome!
Waconia Toy Drive
toy-trian-sm.jpg
Toys due to City Hall: Monday, December 3 @ 4:30PM
Waconia City Hall-201 S Vine St

The Women of Waconia are coordinating the 15th annual Waconia Toy Drive. They anticipate this toy drive benefiting over 300 kids in the Waconia school district area. Please consider supporting the Waconia Toy Drive and keeping your donations local.
Workplace Wellness Funding Opportunity
Create a Culture of Health

Carver County Public Health is excited to announce a funding opportunity for Carver County businesses. Public Health is accepting grant proposals for funding from worksites interested in creating healthier work environments. Creating healthy work environments and encouraging healthy behaviors can have a positive impact on worksite culture and employee health. 

Grant proposals must address healthy eating, physical activity, breastfeeding support, tobacco use, or the fundamentals of workplace wellness. Public Health will provide assistance and resources to partners to implement evidence-based strategies. Please visit www.co.carver.mn.us/worksites to learn more or complete the grant proposal. Grant proposals are due no later than January 18, 2019. 
Lutefisk Buffet Luncheon
Wednesday, December 5, 11:00AM-1:00PM
Good Samaritan Society/Westview Acres-433 W 5th St, Waconia
 
Join the Good Samaritan Society in the Greenleaf Dining Room for their annual Lutefisk Buffet Luncheon. Music provided by Terry Nelson. Reservations required. $15 per person.

RSVP to Mikayla at 952-442-7191 or [email protected]
Orange Ball Bootcamp Big Give
Thursday, December 6, 9:00AM-4:00PM
Chaska Curling & Event Center-3210 Chaskia Blvd, Chaska
 
The one day, practically free, event to get your brand in shape and give back. Hone skills to simplify your message, differentiate your message from your competition, and understand how your audience thinks. Lunch catered by The Crooked Pint Restaurant. Click here for more information.
Cost: $25 ($495 value)
Orange Ball is partnering with Toys For Tots-bring a gift and make a kids' Christmas merry and bright!
Winter Wonderland Wine Tasting
Thursday, December 6, 7:00-9:00PM
The Granary Event Center (Chaska Mill)-500 N Pine St #104, Chaska
 
 Join Lake Life Chiropractic for a holiday wine tasting! Catered by Pangea Cafe's L&L Catering with wine from Dolce Vita.
Cost: $5
All proceeds benefit Launch Ministry, a faith-based non-profit organization established to expose young adults to opportunities that will promote healthy, productive transitions into adulthood.
Kids Santa Shop
Saturday, December 8, 3:00-5:00PM
Everson's Hardware Hank-121 E Hwy 5, Waconia
 
Stop by Everson's Kids Santa Shop and your little ones will have the opportunity to play Santa as they are guided by a Santa helper to shop for mom, dad, brothers, sisters, Grandma, Grandpa, Rover or who ever they wish. There will be gifts from $5 & under, $10 & under, and $20 & under.

After they have purchased their gifts they will be able to have them wrapped and tagged so that it is a true surprise. There will be treats and a special guest will be making an appearance.
Alaska Info Night
Tuesday, December 11, 5:30PM
Travel Easy-16 W Main St, Waconia
 
 Join Travel Easy for an information night about their upcoming Alaska tour. The tour is 4 days on land and a 7-night cruise through the inside passage. Early booking discount of $150 off per person. Deposit and final payment must be paid by cash or check to qualify.
RSVP to be entered into a drawing! 952-442-4443
Self-Care Reflexology Workshop
Wednesday, December 12, 6:30-7:30PM
Shape It Up Fitness-141 W 1st St, Waconia (lower level)
 
Jourdan Skrtic of Wildroots Wellness will be hosting a reflexology workshop at Shape It Up. Discover the benefits of reflexology & learn how to perform reflexology at home.
Cost: $25 includes a FREE GIFT and $10 OFF future services at Wildroot Wellness!

Cookie Walk & Santa at Mackenthun's Fine Foods
Saturday, December 15, 10:00AM-1:00PM
Mackenthun's Fine Foods-851 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
 
Get to Mackenthun's Holiday Cookie Walk and choose from their great selection of traditional and delicious cookies. All of their cookies are made in-store by skilled bakers using only high quality ingredients you can trust.  The perfect addition to any Holiday celebration & you can take all the credit!

Plus-bring your children and camera and capture a moment with Santa AND Mrs. Claus.
Host a Coffee Connection
The Chamber is looking for Coffee Connection Hosts for 2019. This is one of the most popular chamber programs and member benefits. If you are interested in spotlighting your business and inviting the membership into your location, click here for details.
Waconia Bucks
Waconia Bucks are a great gift ANYTIME! Valid at any Chamber Member business. (It's a chamber member benefit!) You may want to offer these as an incentive or holiday gift.
Available in any denomination. If you need to order several, we recommend calling 952-442-5812 or emailing the chamber office in advance.
Rotary Wine Dinner
Saturday, January 12, 2019 Social Hour starts at 5:00PM
Vandy's Bar & Grille-7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia
 
 It’s just about time for the popular Rotary Wine Dinner to be held on Saturday, January 12,   2019 at Vandy’s Bar & Grille.   If you would like attend the dinner, sponsor a table (just 1 left!) and/or donate a Silent Auction item, please CLICK HERE FOR ALL INFORMATION . Your participation makes a difference in our community and the world. Thank You. 
Chamber Luncheon & Calendar
Chamber Holiday Social

Thursday, December 6, 2018
4:00-8:00PM

Location: Garage Bar & Bowl
16 West 1st St, Waconia

You're invited to celebrate the holidays with fellow chamber members.
Enjoy hors d'oeuvers and a complimentary beverage.
All chamber members and a guest are welcome.
Great Food~Great People~Great Socializing!

Cost: $25/member/non-members

 RSVP Required by Monday, December 3, 2018
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-December 2018
DEC 6 Coffee Connection 7:30-9:00AM @HomeTown Bank (641 Marketplace Dr)
DEC 6 Chamber Holiday Social 4:00-8:00PM @Garage Bar & Bowl (16 W 1st St)
RSVP by Monday, 12/3!
DEC 11 Tourism Committee Meeting 9:00-10:30AM @ AmericInn of Waconia
Tourism Board Meeting 10:30AM
DEC 12 Chamber Board of Directors Meeting 11:30AM-1:00PM
DEC 13 Retail Committee Meeting 8:00-9:30AM @Maple Conference Rm in City Hall
(201 S Vine St)
DEC 20 Ambassador Meeting 8:45AM @ Chamber Office 209 S Vine St, Waconia
DEC 24-25 Chamber Offices Closed for the Christmas Holiday
DEC 31-JAN 1 Chamber Office will be closed at noon on New Year's Eve through New
Year's Day
Name | Company | Phone | Fax | Email | Website
Friday Facts Is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812