Thank you to all of our chamber members who have already renewed their membership for 2020!
We appreciate your support.

Today, Make your payment by January 31, 2020 for a $35 discount.
February Coffee Connection
Thursday, February 6, 7:30-9:00AM
SouthPoint Financial Credit Union-502 Cherry Dr, Waconia

SouthPoint Financial Credit Union officially opened their doors on Monday, January 13. This is a great opportunity to see inside their new building and welcome them to our community. Network with fellow chamber members and grab a cup of coffee. FREE! Open House format. Stop in for as long as your schedule allows. Bring a colleague or friend!
Welcome New Chamber Members:
Thrive Physical Therapy
Amanda Bloomer

654 Industrial Blvd
Waconia, MN 55387
952-491-4700

Physical Therapy
Waconia Barbers
Josh Kirkpatrick

9342 Oak Ave, Suite A
Waconia, MN 55387
952-442-9228

Barber Shop
You are my Sunshine...



 by Kellie Sites, Waconia Chamber President
Oh my, so many gloomy days in a row! These sunless days are why many people cannot live in Western Washington. It’s even worse because the winters are wet instead of white, and mossy instead of icy. So why do I love these days?  It just feels okay to stay inside and get things done and watch some tv. But I do need some sun ‘cuz - I ain’t seen the sunshine, since I don’t know when… Click here to read more...
The need to foster Minnesota's global economy



 by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
We live in a global economy. In every community throughout Minnesota there are businesses that supply the world with innovative and much-needed products and services. But that success depends on a business climate that values and supports this forward-thinking, so we are able to continue to compete on the world stage while providing a high quality of life for employees and employers in our communities.

This was abundantly clear on the Minnesota Chamber’s recent Statewide Policy Tour. Throughout December, we made our semiannual tour, meeting with local chambers and business leaders who see every day the fruits of Minnesota’s connections in the world economy. Click here to see a few examples...
Ambassador Ribbon Cutting
SouthPoint Financial Credit Union

Primary Contact: Tom Battis, President
502 Cherry Dr, Waconia
877-794-6712

The Waconia Chamber Ambassadors and city elected officials joined the Leadership Team of SouthPoint Financial Credit Union as they cut a ribbon on their 7 th location! They originated in Sleepy Eye and over the past 83 years their service has expanded to 19 counties with 21,000 members. SPFCU is proud of their new building and more importantly, the people who work there. Tom Battis, President of this location, along with Elysia Marquardt, Service Manager, are available to help with whatever you might need. They take pride that their members feel like family. SouthPoint Financial Credit Union appreciates all the support that they’ve received thus far and are looking forward to being a great community partner in Waconia.  Make sure you stop in at the Coffee Connection on Thursday the 6 th to say hello to their team and see the new space and what they have to offer.
Member News and Happenings
Visionary Leader Wanted
The Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce is searching for a visionary leader to assume the role of the next President. This full-time position is responsible for the leadership and operations of the Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce under the direction of the Board of Directors. The President makes decisions consistent with our mission, “to promote a positive business environment, through Advocacy, Economic Development and Networking Opportunities, to enhance the quality of life in the community,” is responsible for financial management of the Chamber, and consistently demonstrates exceptional communication and relationship building skills. 
 
This leader will help build upon the rich history and successes of the Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce, and is the face of the chamber. The ideal candidate for this job is someone who is passionate about Waconia, and is eager to positively impact and assist the local business community. This person must be comfortable meeting and dealing with people from all walks of life and all areas of the community, have a fundamental understanding of the challenges faced by businesses, and the can-do attitude to help find solutions to those challenges.
 
Interested parties should complete the attached job application found here:  https://www.destinationwaconia.org/chamber/next_chamb_pres.php and send to waconiachamber@outlook.com  In addition, a CV/resume may also accompany application. Application period will close February 29, 2020.
Pick the Super Bowl Winner & Enter to Win
Now through Sunday, February 2
Paws Inn Pet Essentials-120 S Vine St (enter south side of building), Waconia
 
Who do you think is going to win the Big Game? Vote for your team by purchasing the represented team's treat: bully stick (San Francisco 49ers) or no hide chew stick (Kansas City Chiefs), from now until Sunday afternoon and get entered to win a gift basket from Paws Inn Pet Essentials!
Yetzer's Anniversary Sale
Thursday-Saturday, February 6-8
Yetzer Home Store-33 W 1st St, Waconia
 
Shop the Yetzer Home Store Anniversary Sale next weekend, February 6-8. For three days you can save like never before on furniture, flooring, blinds and more! Schedule your free in-home design appointment during the sale and you are guaranteed sale pricing.
Sale Hours: Thursday 9AM-8PM, Friday 9AM-6PM, Saturday 9AM-5PM
Waconia Basketball Association Tournament
basketball_old_court.jpg
Saturday & Sunday, February 8 & 9
Waconia High School & Middle School, Safari Island Community Center
 
The Waconia Basketball Association (WBA) is pleased to announce their annual girls basketball tournament for the weekend of February 8-9. These 3rd -8th grade girls will be traveling from all over the region to compete-96 teams are expected! Although concessions are available, the WBA wanted our local businesses to know that overflow traffic may spill over into our local restaurants and shops.
Open House
Tuesday, February 11, 5:00-8:00PM
Thrive Physical Therapy-654 Industrial Blvd, Suite 300, Waconia
 
 Welcome Thrive Physical Therapy to Waconia! Meet the Thrive Physical Therapy team and check out their new space. Receive a FREE physical therapy assessment and a FREE massage! Food and beverages provided. Open to the public. Bring your friends and family.
Onsite Hiring Events
Thursdays February 13 & March 5, 8:00AM-4:30PM
acpi Wood Products-180 Industrial Blvd, Waconia

acpi Wood Products-Cabinet Manufacturing Plant in Waconia is hiring. They are looking for a variety of positions. Apply online at https://careers.hireology.com/acpicorp or attend a hiring event.
2020 Star Power
Saturday, February 15,
Waconia High School-1650 Community Dr
 
One of the premier high school show choir events in the Midwest. 20+ show choirs competing. Enjoy the competition in the fabulous Waconia Performing Art Center! Competition begins at 7:00AM with preliminary performances. Dinner break is at 6:30PM and finals begin at 7:30PM.
WYP Happy Hour
Wednesday, February 19, 5:00-7:00PM
The Garage Bar & Bowl-16 W 1st St, Waconia

Network with business professionals 21 - 39 years old. Meet up for casual conversation and get to know someone better! Food and beverage on your own.
Waconia Wine Leap-A LEAP Day Wine Tour Adventure
Saturday, February 29, Noon-6:00PM
Parley Lake Winery - 8280 Parley Lake Rd.
Schram Vineyards - 8785 Airport Rd.
Sovereign Estate - 9950 North Shore Rd.

Celebrate Leap Year in Waconia Wine Country! Special tasting offers at each of the three Waconia Wineries. Leap Day only "29" deals at each location!
Each winery will have their own great deals of on-site and take home '29' deals. (ie. $29 package deals or 29% off certain items or packages) *Specials per winery will be posted as they get closer to the date.*
Get a stamp at each winery when you spend at least $29 and hand in your card at your last stop. Each winery will do three drawings from their bucket at the end for a $50 gift card to each place. 9 drawings total.
Chamber Luncheon & Calendar
February Chamber Luncheon

Thursday, February 27, 2020
11:30AM-1:00PM

Location: Vandy's Grille
7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia

Guest Presentation: Twin Metals Minnesota
Learn from the business that has a plan to mine in Northern Minnesota
Presented by David Ulrich, Communications Consultant

Cost: $25/member, $40/non-members

 RSVP Required by Monday, February 24
To streamline check in at the event, we ask that you register and pay HERE.

Call or email to register ksites@destinationwaconia.org

All forms of payment will be accepted the day of the event.
Chamber Calendar-February 2020
FEB 6 Coffee Connection 7:30-9:00AM @SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
(502 Cherry Dr, Waconia)
FEB 11 Tourism Committee Meeting 9:00-10:30AM @ AmericInn of Waconia
(550 Cherry Dr)
FEB 13 Retail Committee Meeting 8:00-9:30AM @Maple Conference Room, City Hall
FEB 19 Chamber Board of Directors Meeting 11:30AM-1:00PM
FEB 20 Ambassador Meeting 8:45AM @ Chamber Office 209 S Vine St, Waconia
FEB 27 February Luncheon @ Vandy's Grille (7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia)
Doors open at 11:30, adjourn by 1:00PM Register by Monday, February 24
Friday Facts Is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812