Tree Lighting
Thank you to everyone who had a hand in the Tree Lighting on November 26!
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Choir Director Aaron Olson
Elizabeth Meyerhoff
Community volunteers: Melanie Hagen, Amy Graupmann, Katie Van Vooren, Andy Strong, Jerry Kahle, Nick Gleason
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Special thanks to the holiday favorites for making the trip to Waconia.
Santa Claus
Buddy the Elf
Papa Elf
Jovie
The Grinch
Cindy Lou Who
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UBS Financial Services
Dan Monahan
Finance & Investments
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Waconia City Lifestyle
Amy Janzen
Publications/Media
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Fibrenew Southwest Lake
Minnetonka
Douglas Flavion
Home products & services
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Andy Mohn State Farm
Andy Mohn
1750 Tower Blvd, Suite 206, Victoria
Insurance
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Waconia Fire Relief Association
Rickard Dahlo
1750 Tower Blvd, Suite 206, Victoria
Non-profit
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A Message from the Chamber President |
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Reflecting on the past and planning for future
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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As we head into the final month of the year, it’s important to reflect and celebrate 2021. I’m proud of our community and what’s been accomplished. We’re growing with new businesses opening their doors, and existing businesses expanding their footprint. We’ve seen countless business relationships and partnerships develop, and
will continue to promote and support the work you do in the Waconia community. A reflection of 2021: Continue reading...
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MN Chamber Named Nation's #1 State Chamber |
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The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce announced that it was selected as 2021’s State Chamber of the Year by the national Council of State Chambers of Commerce. The award recognizes the Minnesota Chamber for its innovative initiatives and best practices that advance the state’s economy and provide exceptional services and results for their members.
"The strength of any member organization comes from the strength of its members. We are proud to represent Minnesota's business community - one that helps create opportunity and quality of life for citizens in every corner of our state." Doug Loon, President, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
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WasteWise Program
We are pleased to share with you details about Minnesota Waste Wise, a free service from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce! Available to Carver County businesses and organizations, Waste Wise provides subject matter expertise and free technical assistance to businesses on recycling and waste reduction. Waste Wise can help you start, expand, or improve recycling, organics, and reuse programs and even help you secure up to $2,500 in project funding through Carver County’s Recycling Grant Program.
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10720 W 10th St, Waconia
Jersey Mike's Subs features freshly sliced, high quality ingredients in every sandwich. Jersey Mike's is community focused, working with schools and businesses to fundraise and give back to the community. Every March, Jersey Mike's Subs shops across the country host a month of giving to raise money for charities.
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Gather and Grow Waconia United Food Shelf |
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11 S Elm St, Waconia
The Ambassadors performed a ribbon cutting of the newly remodeled and rebranded Gather and Grow, Waconia United Food Shelf. The rebranded food shelf is working toward a SuperShelf certification and will focus on healthy choices, as well as offer assistance in finding employment, mental health, nutrition classes, and more.
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Member News and Happenings |
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Keep it Local! Buy Waconia Bucks |
Waconia Bucks are a perfect gift for teachers, stocking stuffers, or the hard to buy for person. Waconia Bucks spend just like cash at Waconia Chamber businesses. Purchase Waconia Bucks at the Waconia Chamber Office (201 S. Vine St, Waconia).
Waconia Bucks are available in any dollar amount. Order ahead and we'll have them ready for pickup. Cash or check preferred.
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Mackenthun's Fine Foods
December 4, 10:00AM-2:00PM
Santa, Christmas llamas, demos, and more fun in the store!
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SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
December 4, 8:30AM-11:30AM
Santa's visit is open to the public!
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Waconia Brewing Company
December 11, 11:00AM-2:00PM
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Neubauer Chiropractic Health Center
December 16, 4-6:00PM
Get a photo with Waconia's Famous Santa Claus by the fireplace!
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December 12, 3-5:00PM
Everson's Hardware Hank
Experience the magic of Christmas at Everson’s Hardware Hank on Sunday, Dec. 12th from 3-5pm for a Kids Christmas Shop. Your littles will have the opportunity to play Santa as they are guided by a Santa helper to shop for mom, dad, brothers, sisters, Grandma, Grandpa, family dog or who ever they wish when they come into our Santa shop. We will have 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.
Santa will be there to shop with the kids.
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Stress-Break Massages by Neubauer Chiropractic |
Neubauer Chiropractic Health Center of Waconia is currently offering stress-break massages at local businesses. Massages are being scheduled throughout the month of December and the start of the New Year. If you are interested in hosting a stress-break massage at your location, email Dr. Kyle to reserve a date. |
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Waconia Lions Club Military Mailing |
December 4, 8:30-10:15AM
Waconia Post Office
The Waconia Lions Club will sponsor a program to pay the postage for Christmas gifts shipped to military personnel deployed overseas. Bring packages to the Waconia Post Office between 8:30AM-10:15AM on Saturday, December 4.
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Etiquette and Trifecta Whiskey Single Malt 375ml Available |
Curbside Pickup
December 4, 4-8PM
Don't miss your chance to grab one of these J. Carver limited edition 375 ml bottles of Etiquette and Trifecta Single Malt Whiskeys just in time for holiday gift giving and top-of-the-line stocking stuffers for the whiskey-lovers on your list. We cannot ship product, this is for curbside pickup at J. Carver Distillery cocktail room only.
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Trinity Lutheran Church Journey to Bethlehem |
December 5, 11:30AM-4:00PM
601 E 2nd St, Waconia
Join us on The Journey to Bethlehem as we take your family back in time for a live, walk-through experience centered around the birth of Christ! Journey through Bethlehem at the time of the census, walk through the streets, experience the shops, spend your denari (but watch out for the tax collectors!), and follow the star to the newborn baby Jesus. You’ll see and even smell what life was like when Jesus was born. Great for all ages. Come to experience a live nativity, crafts, food and fellowship!
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Southern Valley Alliance Gift of Hope |
Drop off donations by
December 7
Southern Valley Alliance serves over 1,000 victims of domestic violence each year in Scott and Carver counties with support and advocacy services. We couldn’t do so without the incredible assistance from our community businesses.
Each December, individuals that we have served are invited to participate in our holiday program, Gifts of Hope. This program allows them the opportunity to pick out a variety of items to make their holidays a little brighter. Items include toys, personal care products, household cleaners, hats and mittens and gift cards for necessities. All items for our clients are donated by the community, so the amount we are able to give depends on the amount which is donated. Will you partner with us and Give the Gift of Hope this holiday season?
With the continued challenges of the last year and the rising cost of rent, gas, food and supplies, we are asking for gift cards, which survivors can use for their most pressing needs. We are specially requesting:
Uber/Lyft Gift Cards
Gas-Only Gift Cards
Grocery Gift Cards
Target/Walmart/Amazon Gift Cards
Fast Food/ Coffee Gift Cards
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ISD 110 Holiday Card Drive |
November 29-December 10
Help us send warm wishes to the senior citizens of our community. We invite EVERYONE to participate! This is a small effort with a BIG impact. Make homemade holiday cards and drop them off at all 110 schools: Waconia High School, Waconia Middle School, Bayview Elementary, Laketown Elementary, Southview Elementary, Wildcat Preschool, or City Hall.
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Freshwater Church Christmas Drive-Thru |
December 17 & 18, 5:00-8:00PM
St. Boni Campus
4139 Steiner St, St. Boni
We look forward to seeing you at Freshwater Church's Christmas Drive-Thru on December 17 and 18 from 5:00PM-8:00PM at the St. Boni Campus!
This is a free, family-friendly event located outside. There will be a drive-thru Christmas light display, a bonfire, hot cocoa, cider, food trucks - and do not forget to have your picture taken with real-life llamas!
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A Festival of Lights, Now Open |
Thru January 2
See website for hours
The Winery at Sovereign Estate invites you to light-up the season with us during our Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights. The Estate is transformed into a majestic illuminated winter wonderland, with over 20 acres covered in sparkling lights.
Grab hot chocolate, cookies, or smore kit for the kids! Adults can enjoy mulled wine, boozy hot cocoa, local brews, and our full range of wine! Our Blizzard Bistro will also be serving up items like chili and our famous flatbreads.
$10 ADMISSION PER PERSON
KIDS 4 & UNDER FREE
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Special Pricing on White Poinsettias While Supplies Last |
Lovett Garden Home & Floral has limited white poinsettias available for a special price, while supplies last. A great addition to your home or office!
6.5" plant - $8.95
10" plant - $27.95
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Carver County Advisory Committee Vacancies |
Carver County is seeking citizens to serve on advisory boards at the County level. Appointments to the extent possible will be made by commissioner district, however appointments may not coincide dependent upon the number of applicants and need. |
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Marco Donates $15k to 15 Schools Nationwide |
Marco Technologies is excited to announce we are taking a step toward curbing childhood hunger by donating to 15 school food pantries in eight states. We are giving each of the 15 schools $1,000 for their school pantry program. These programs help alleviate child hunger by distributing food to children to eat at home after school, on the weekends and during school breaks. For the full news release, please see the attached version or visit our website.
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SBA Updated Guidance. COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program |
the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced updated guidance for COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program applicants to better serve small business owners in need, while funding remains available. See the full press release for updated guidance details.
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Laketown Township Clerk Treasurer Position |
This position is responsible for organizing, directing and coordinating Township government operations under administrative oversight of the Township Board. See full job description at www.laketowntownship.info. Email resume and / or questions to laketowntownship@gmail.com. Call Cathy Nielsen, Laketown Township Supervisor, for questions.
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Kristin Therese Designs Offers Holiday Decorating |
I'm thrilled to announce that I am now offering holiday decorating services for both your home or small office space! There are many ways I can help you this holiday season:
~ Do you want a fresh, new holiday theme for your Christmas Tree, home or office? I can create a stunning new design or theme for you, do all of the shopping and execute the design for you!
~ Are you lacking the time or energy this year to get your own decorations up? Let me help you with that! A fresh set of eyes on your existing decor can give your home a whole new look and feel this season!
Call me at 612.619.0940. I'd love to answer any questions you may have!
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Chamber Holiday Social
Monday, December 6, 2021
5:00PM-8:00PM
Location: Lola's Lakehouse
Join us for a Prohibition Era Holiday Social at Lola's Lakehouse on December 6.
1920s attire is optional.
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The $30 registration includes a drink ticket and appetizers. Games and prizes. Bring a door prize promoting your business!
All chamber members and guests are welcome.
Registration closed on 12/1. However, there is still room for a few more. Please email Chelsey if you would like to be added to the guest list. Hope to see you there!
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Chamber Calendar - December 2021 |
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DECEMBER 6 Holiday Social, 5-8:00PM, Lola's Lakehouse
DECEMBER 8 Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30AM @City Hall
DECEMBER 14 Tourism Committee Meeting, 9:00AM @J. Carver Distillery
DECEMBER 16 Ambassadors, 8:45AM, @City Hall
DECEMBER 24 Chamber office closed, All day
DECEMBER 27 Chamber office closed, All day
DECEMBER 31 Chamber office closed, @NOON
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Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
952-442-5812
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