Shop Waconia this holiday season!
This season, perhaps more than ever, we encourage you to shop Falalala local. Many of our local shops and restaurants have added online shopping and curbside pick up or delivery. Check them out! Gift cards are a perfect size every time. Let's #KeeptheCheerHere!
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Click this image for Take Out/Curbside Delivery options for Chamber Member Restaurants, Bars,
Breweries & Wineries:
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Welcome New Chamber Member: |
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Anytime Fitness
Travis Sohlman
724 Vista Blvd
Waconia, MN 55387
952-230-1155
Health Club, Personal Training-opening late January 2021!
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What's the story behind the businesses you love?
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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Behind every start-up is a story with entrepreneurs following their passion,
taking a risk, and are creating something innovative in the market. The Waconia
area is filled with really cool stories; and many of the entrepreneurs behind them are
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Benchmarks Report
by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
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Each year, the Minnesota Chamber releases the Business Benchmarks report. Its purpose is to make sense of all of the economic rankings that impact Minnesota’s competitiveness. What makes us the best or worst state to do business? We help break it down by category, analyzing what elements help or hurt our business climate.
This year’s report benchmarks our “new economy.” By this, we mean the economy that will operate under the cloud of uncertainty until the pandemic is over. We hope to move toward recovery as soon as possible – and will join forces with the entire network of local chambers throughout the state to advocate for our members’ interests and make sure they can step into a place where long-term economic success is possible. Click Here to read more...
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Yetzer Home Store-Sleep Store Now Open |
Primary Contact: Tom Wiest
132 S Olive St, Waconia
952-442-4242
Just 5 years after purchasing Yetzer Home Store, owner Tom Wiest, has expanded to include a sleep store! The new store is located across the street from the flooring store (old Clearwater Clothing space). Since we spend a third of our life sleeping, choosing a quality mattress is a sound decision. Looking for unique gift options this season? Consider checking out their pillows and sleep kits too. We’re thrilled to have these mattress and sleep accessory options available in town. Congratulations on your expansion!
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Member News and Happenings |
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Minnesota Ready Coalition Support of Safely Opening |
Please see the Minnesota Ready Coalition letter sent to Minnesota's Congressional delegation that was signed by 90 trade associations and Chamber of Commerce offices around the state.
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Waconia Patriot $20 to Close Out 2020!
Waconia Patriot has been here for our community in 2020. They have a great offer to end the year: $20 to Close Out 2020!
You Can Keep Your Customers Informed FOR $20. 2 Column (3.222”) wide x 2” high, Full Color Ad Space for $20
Waconia Patriot, News & Times and/or LakerPioneer, you can advertise in the publication of your choice or reach more customers by advertising in all 3 for $50.
Please feel free to contact Mike Specht with any questions or concerns or to reserve your space today! mike.specht@apgecm.com
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COVID-19 Updates
With the recent surge in cases, some County residents have trouble finding testing options. Click the following links for more information:
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Gifts of Hope-Support a parent in need |
Donations accepted Now-December 7
Waconia Chamber of Commerce-209 S Vine St
Southern Valley Alliance is requesting support for "Gifts of Hope" this holiday season. Donations will be distributed to adult clients of Southern Valley Alliance. Gift ideas: gift cards (gas, grocery, coffee, etc.), make up sets, bath & body care supplies, scarf & glove sets, travel coffee tumblers, perfume/cologne, books, planners. No time to shop? Visit www.svamn.org to give a donation. Drop off (unwrapped) gifts in the entry of city hall, outside the chamber office. Even though city hall is closed to visitors at this time, the donation box is accessible 24/7.
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Special Holiday Hours at Once Again Shop |
Mondays-Saturdays through December 23, 9:00AM-Noon
American Legion Post #150-233 S Olive St
The Once Again Shop we be open for business Monday thru Saturday from 9 AM until Noon thru December 23rd! All proceeds from the store's sales help support the mission of the American Legion in Waconia. The store carries gently used clothing & shoes, kitchen & office items, toys & dolls, purses, linens, books, and more! Buy items individually or see how much you can fit into one of their $8.00 bags! All purchases are cash only. No checks or credit cards accepted.
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Kids After Hours Christmas Shop |
Sunday, December 13-starting at 3:30PM register for private time slots
Everson's Hardware Hank-121 E Hwy 5
Everson's Hardware is happy to be able to offer this FREE event this year with modifications. You will need to register your child and each child will need to be registered individually. During their time your littles will have the opportunity to play Santa as they are guided by a Santa’s helper to shop for mom, dad, brothers, sisters, Grandma, Grandpa, their favorite pet or who ever they wish when they come into our Christmas shop. Space is still available, but filling fast. Register TODAY!
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Social Media for Business: Why, When & How to Connect with Your Customers Using Social Media |
Tuesday, December 15, 10:30AM-1:00PM
Facebook Webinar with Lauren Swee, Swee Videos
If your business has slowed due to the pandemic, now is an incredibly good time to improve your business's online presence. In this free webinar, you’ll learn what free software and techniques can save you time, how to create an actionable, goal-centered posting schedule, and how to create social media content that creates an authentic bond between you and your customers.
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Friday, December 18, 3:00-7:00PM or Saturday, December 19, 1:00-7:00PM
Coming to your Home or Business!
Heather Boll of the Hive and her delightful acapella group, The Dashing Darlings, are ready to bring some Christmas Cheer for all to hear, right to your front door! Sign up for yourself, or give someone the unique gift of a singing telegram! They can even personalize a special Christmas message! The Dashing Darlings will come to you, sing 5 Christmas songs, and gift you with a fun holiday goodie bag! (Please specify how many adults and children for goodie bags.)
When you register, plan to be home in the time window: Dec 18th from 3p-7pm or Dec 19th from 1p-7pm. They will send a text shortly before Rudolph brings them your house!
Cost: $25
Add on for MORE FUN!!
Festive Cheer Basket: Hot Cocoa Bom, sugar cookies with frosting to decorate and enjoy, sparkling juice, and
candy cane game fun for all! Cost: $25 (serves up to 4 people)
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Blue Christmas Service-Online |
Sunday, December 20 @ 6:00PM
Via ZOOM
The holiday season is hard for some of us, particularly this year with the challenges that COVID presents. You are not alone. If you are mourning or remembering the loss of a loved one, if you are dealing with a broken relationship, if you are struggling with depression or sadness, the Moravian Church Northern Province would like to invite you to join them for a different kind of worship service...of comfort...of lament...of hope.
This service will be designed to allow worshippers an opportunity to bring their laments to Christ. In addition to the large group worship opportunity, worshippers will be invited to join a small group as part of the service during which you will have the option to share your personal sorrow and partake in a liturgical practice of tearing cloth or paper that will commemorate your sharing. (This is an optional sharing opportunity, and you are welcome to not share if you'd prefer.) Worship leaders request all participants register in advance
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Coney Island-Visions of an American Dreamland |
Now through 2020-March, 2021
Carver County Historical Society-555 W 1st St, Waconia
Make plans to see this amazing traveling exhibit. Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland will be coming to the Carver County Historical Society. In addition to pieces of the traveling display, this exhibit will feature artifacts from our very own Coney Island of the West! Thanks to the National Endowment for the Arts, the exhibit has been extended through March.
Museum Exhibit Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00AM-3:00PM and Saturday 10:00AM-2:00PM
Admission is FREE but donations are gratefully accepted. Face masks & visitors reservations requested
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Spirit of Winter-Festival of Lights |
Now-January 2
Sovereign Estate Winery-9950 North Shore Rd, Waconia
Sovereign Estate Winery is happy to bring you their 4th year of Spirit of Winter. They will have over 15 linear miles of lights strung over 20 acres. All tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Cost: $7.50/person over 5 years of age (children 5 years and under are free)
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Welcoming Santa to Light Up Waconia! |
Thanks to all the partners who came together to create joy and cheer: Waconia Fire Department, City of Waconia, Community Volunteers!
Thank you to those organizations who donated funds this year for additional lights in City Square Park: Waconia Lions Club ($8,000) and Waconia Fire Relief Association ($4,000).
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Thanks to all who participated in our first ever virtual Holiday Cocktail Class! We had a fun time learning how to craft some amazing cocktails thanks to Gina Holman, J. Carver Distillery founding partner and fabulous mixologist. Mitchell Hall was able to join us to sing a few tunes (FYI-he has a new CD dropping in a couple of weeks!) and everyone looked very festive. Congratulations to Sarah Urtel for winning the Ugly Holiday Sweater Contest! Trivia, holiday surveys and a few drawings rounded out our evening. We missed being able to celebrate in person and hope to return to our "live" Holiday Social in 2021! |
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Chamber Calendar-December 2020 |
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DEC 3 Virtual Chamber Holiday Cocktail Class
DEC 8 Tourism Committee Meeting 9:00AM via ZOOM
DEC 9 Board of Directors Meeting 12:00-1:00PM via ZOOM
DEC 10 Chamber Retail Committee 8:00-9:30AM via ZOOM
DEC 17 Ambassador Visit Cancelled. Watch for email with details.
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Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
952-442-5812
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