Shop Local this Holiday Season!
Chamber Bucks Giveaway

Shop local this month for the chance to win one of three Waconia Chamber Bucks prizes! Shop at a chamber-member business and submit your receipt into a drawing to win $200 Bucks, $100 Bucks, or $50 Bucks. Watch for a post today on social media and share to your page!
Waconia Bucks

Waconia Bucks can be spent like cash at any chamber-member business. They make a great gift and ensure your dollars are spent locally. Visit DestinationWaconia.org > Find a Business for a full list of businesses where Bucks are accepted. Order and pickup by December 21 to have in time for Christmas.
A Message from the President
History of the Tree Lighting


by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
The lights displayed in City Square Park are a must see! Thank you to all that were able to come out for the Annual Tree Lighting, and a special thanks to the volunteers and City of Waconia staff that helped to put it together. A couple days prior to this year’s event, I started to reach out to several people involved throughout the years to get the history of this beautiful, Hallmark-like event. Continue reading...
Thanks to everyone who had a hand in the 2022 Tree Lighting event!
Characters
Buddy the Elf (Jeff Hoxie)
Papa Elf (Mark Fredericksen)
Jovie (Gretchen Hoxie)
Frosty the Snowman (Erin Weppner)
The Grinch (Geo Villavicencio)
Cindy Lou Who (Soraya Hagen)

City of Waconia
Choir Director Aaron Olson
WHS and Faith Lutheran Church choirs
Lynn Laumann Photography
DJ Mike Norrbom
Santa Claus & Waconia Fire Department
Women of Waconia
Waconia Scouts
Volunteers: Heidi Nessa & family, Amy & Jason Graupmann & family, Erica Bergmann, Kim Funk, Clinton Fenner
Welcome New Members
Wave Commercial Consulting

John Wood
(612) 812-7305
Real estate management
Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings
Sota Shine
Primary contact: Ryan Gowans
740 Marketplace Drive, Waconia
(763) 233-1758

Sota Shine is a locally owned and operated express car wash founded with Minnesota roots and opened in early 2022. Sota Shine has the goal to provide your vehicle with "A Superior Clean." From single washes to the Unlimited Wash Club, clean and protect your vehicle from the harsh Minnesota conditions.
Bundle Studio
Primary contact: Rebecca Petersen
104 West Main Street, Waconia
(612) 386-3787

Bundle Studio is a photography studio specializing in the newborn to early elementary years. Rebecca's minimalistic and baby-led approach to photography allows her to capture classic moments of playing, exploring, snuggling, and just being.
Dostal CPA Tax & Consulting
Primary contact: Matt Dostal
220 W 1st Street, Waconia
(952) 214-4633

Matt Dostal operated from a home office in Waconia before opening a downtown Waconia location. Dostal CPA provides a full range of tax, accounting, bookkeeping, consulting, payroll and business services for both business and individuals.
Member News and Happenings
Santa Sightings in Waconia
SouthPoint Financial Credit Union Holiday Open House
 
Saturday, December 3
8:30AM-11:30AM
502 Cherry Drive, Waconia
Mackenthun's Fine Foods Holiday Open House
 
Saturday, December 3
9:00AM-2:00PM
851 Marketplace Drive, Waconia

You're invited to our Holiday Open House! We'll have Santa, llamas, holiday treats, and a special Caribou deal to sweeten your day.
9AM-12:30PM Santa & Elf
10AM-2PM Free Holiday Samples
10AM-2PM Carlson's Llovable Llama-deer
Paws Inn Pet Essentials Photos with Santa
 
Saturday, December 3
9:00AM-12:00PM
120 S Vine St, Waconia

Dogs, cats, reptiles & small animals. $30 donation includes one high resolution digital download. Prints & additional images available for purchase. First come first serve, Reservation not required. Hot cocoa and cookies while you wait.
MidCountry Bank Holiday Open House
 
Tuesday, December 6
4-7:00PM
200 E Frontage Rd, Waconia

Please join the Waconia MidCountry Bank branch for a holiday open house and to spread holiday cheer! The evening will include:
• A fun and festive holiday party with friends
• Photos with Santa
• Face painting for children
• Delicious holiday treats and refreshments
Shape It Up Athleisure Boutique Launch Party
 
Thursday, December 10
5-8:00PM
44 W Main St, Waconia

You're invited to our open house event for 10 and older to celebrate the launch of our athleisure boutique. Shopping, Giveaways, Vision Board making, Christmas Music, snacks and sips. Plus Waconia's Famous Santa spreading cheer 5-6 p.m. No registration necessary.  
Waconia Brewing Company Santa in the Taproom
 
Saturday, December 10
11:00AM-1:00PM
255 W Main St, Waconia

Santa Claus is coming to the Taproom on December 10th, 11am-1pm! Enjoy a beverage while the kids take a picture with Santa Claus.
Elite Nutrition Santa's Workshop
 
Sunday, December 11
11:00AM-2:00PM
36 W Main St, Waconia

Join us at Elite Nutrition for a meet and greet with Santa himself  He will be here from 11am - 2pm. There will be some crafts to do, while you are here. We also will have the shake/energy bar open if you would like to grab something.
The Winery at Sovereign Estate Spirit of Winter
 
Now thru December 30
 
The Winery at Sovereign Estate invites you to light-up the season with our Spirit of Winter: Festival of Lights. The Estate is transformed into a majestic, illuminated winter wonderland, with over twenty miles of musical, synchronized lights strung over 20 acres of their lakeside vineyard. This is a Family Friendly event that everyone is sure to love with a range of hot treats to keep you warm and toasty!
Congrats on new locations!
Andy Mohn State Farm
235 West Main St, Suite 230
Waconia, MN 55387
American Legion
4 E Main St, Ste 1
Waconia, MN 55387
Dostal CPA
220 W 1st Street
Waconia, MN 55387
Nice Shirt Co.
19 W 1st St.
Waconia, MN 55387
Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe
141 W 1st St, Suite 300
Waconia, MN 55387
Trending Upward Christmas Pop-up Christmas Store
 
141 W 1st St, Suite 50
(upper level)

Come check out the Trending Upward pop-up Christmas store open Wednesday through Saturday
featuring all things Christmas! 

Hours
Monday-Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday-Friday: 10AM-6PM
Saturday: 9AM-5PM
Downtown Reconstruction Updates
 
Property evaluations are currently being conducted. If you received a letter about these, please contact the Public Services Department to schedule an appointment. Final design of the Phase 1 project has been authorized and is now underway. Final project scope determinations will be made by the City staff and the City Council this winter.
Now Playing at Emagine Waconia Theatre
 
  • Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
  • Devotion
  • Strange World
  • Top Gun: Maverick
  • Violent Night
Ridgeview Foundation Gala Raises $400k
 
After a two-year hiatus, Ridgeview Foundation hosted Under the Harvest Moon gala at Hazeltine National Golf Club on Saturday, Nov. 19. It was a record-breaking 12th year, raising more than $400,000. Proceeds from the event benefit phase one of the Cause for the Community campaign, a multi-year initiative to enhance nearly every area within the Ridgeview system. The fundraising goals of phase one include bolstering Ridgeview’s clinical education program to provide advanced training and simulation technology. 
Crusher Fitness & Health Bring a Friend Week
 
December 5-December 10
 
Do you know someone that works out at Crusher? Our members LOVE the workouts, community, and vibe here at Crusher. Now is the perfect time to try us out before the New Year so you can commit and make 2023 your best year yet. BRING A FRIEND WEEK December 5-10. Classes are free all week long and everyone is welcome regardless of fitness background. Contact Geo at Crusher for more info.
CareerForce Chaska Employer of the Day
 
Monday, December 5
10:00AM-12:00PM
602 E 4th St, Chaska
 
This in-person event is an opportunity to meet with local employers and learn more about their company and job openings. 
Waconia Patriot Last Minute Gift Guide
 
Deadline to reserve: December 9

It’s time for Last Minute Gifts…well, to advertise for it. This section publishes Dec 15 & 22. Contact Mike Specht to reserve your spot. Ad space reservation deadline is Friday, December 9th. We appreciate you, your business, and your participation in this section. Merry Christmas!
Bougie Ball at The Hive
 
Thursday, December 8
5-7:00PM
29 E Main St, Waconia

The Hive’s first annual ‘Bougie Ball’ event. Bougie by definition is: relating to or characteristic of a person who indulges in some of the luxuries and comforts of a fancy lifestyle. Join us for a glamourous shopping experience with special beverages, hors d’oeuvres, AND 20% off all items at our Mental Health and Wellness Boutique. You’ll find one of a kind jewelry, apparel, books, self-care, spiritual and mental health focused items. Products are ethically sourced and thoughtfully chosen.
Lynn Laumann Photography Headshot Event
 
December 9-10
117 East 2nd St, Chaska
 
Start out the new year with a new headshot for your business! Lynn Laumann Photography. Your session includes 15 minutes and a retouched headshot cropped for website and social media emailed to you. $99 Limited availability. For time slots available email Lynn.
CD and Money Management Specials
 
MidCountry Bank is committed to banking that works harder and smarter for you. And right now, we can help your money work smarter for you with our CD and Money Management Specials! 

CD Rate Special:  3.53% APY* for 12, 24, or 36-month CD. Minimum $25,000 deposit. Limited Time Offer and Subject to Change without Notice (*See details in flyer)  
 
Money Management Special: Rates increase over the 3-year term, with a 36-month blended rate of 3.71% APY*. Minimum $50,000 deposit. Limited Time Offer and Subject to Change without Notice (*See details in flyer)
Elephant Joe's Coffee Now Delivers
 
Are you hosting an event and want hot beverages? Special treat for the office? We can help! Brewed coffee, hot tea, apple cider, we've got you covered!
Local delivery available on orders of $20 or more. Send us a Facebook message or email and let us know how we can keep you caffeinated!

*Local delivery available in NYA, Cologne, Waconia, Glencoe, Plato, New Germany, Mayer, Chaska, Chanhassen, Victoria, Hamburg, Lester Prairie, and Carver.
Upcoming Events
Jingle & Mingle Holiday Social

Monday, December 12
5-8:00PM
J. Carver Distillery

The Waconia Chamber Holiday Social will be on December 12 at J. Carver Distillery. Registration includes a J. Carver signature cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, and comedy trivia with John Cosgrove.

Deadline to register: Monday, Decemeber 5
Chamber Calendar - December 2022
DECEMBER 7 Business Education Network Experience the Trades, 7:00AM @WHS
DECEMBER 12 Jingle & Mingle Holiday Social, 5-8:00PM @J. Carver Distillery
DECEMBER 13 Tourism Meeting, 9:00AM @Island View Golf Club
DECEMBER 14 Board Meeting, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Waconia City Hall
DECEMBER 15 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Waconia City Hall
DECEMBER 23 & 26 Chamber office closed
Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812