Thank you to all of our chamber members who have already renewed their membership for 2021!
We appreciate your support.
If you would like to set up monthly payments, you can do so in your membership portal or contact the chamber.
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Embracing Six More Weeks of Winter
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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Legend has it that Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow and saw his
shadow this week on February 2nd, Groundhog Day. Therefore, it’s said that
he will go back into hibernation and we should expect six more weeks of
winter. Rather than hiding from the cold, let’s embrace it! In Minnesota we
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Blueprint for economic recovery in our communities
by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
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It’s tough to think about recovering from the COVID-19 while we’re still experiencing new daily cases and government-imposed restrictions on business operations. But our economy needs help, now. Employers and employees from every corner of our state need to recover, or risk losing their livelihoods forever.
Last week, the Minnesota Chamber released the Blueprint for Economic Recovery. This in-depth report outlined the historic and immediate impact of COVID-19 and subsequent government restrictions on our economy, and outlined steps toward recovery that are already underway. Click here to read more...
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Member News and Happenings |
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H&R Block-1309 Oak Ave, Suite 105, Waconia
Thank you to H&R Block for hosting our February Coffee Connection! During our meeting CJ Guron shared how CARES Act funding is impacting how you file your business & individual taxes. H&R Block is taking all precautions to make sure your physical safety and data safety is of the highest priority. They have a secure portal for uploading all of our documentation. To get more information and to set an appointment (virtual or in-person) scan the QR code to the right!
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February is Teen Violence Awareness Month |
Southern Valley Alliance-551 E Park St, Belle Plaine
While Southern Valley Alliance assists all victims of domestic abuse in Scott and Carver counties, it is important to highlight the prevalence and impact of dating violence on teens during the month of February. Nationally, February is acknowledged as Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. According to the organization Love Is Respect, 1 in 10 high school students has experienced physical abuse from a dating partner. We would like to think it doesn’t happen in our community, but the truth is that domestic violence happens everywhere.
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Monday-Thursday 2:00-9:00PM, Friday 2:00-10:00PM,
Saturday 11:00AM-10:00PM, Sunday 11:00AM-9:00PM
Waconia Brewing Company-255 W Main St
Have a puzzle you've completed and looking for a new challenge? Have a puzzle you were gifted that is beyond your patience level? Bring it to Waconia Brewing Company and exchange for a new-to-your-family puzzle! While you're there, pick up a fresh growler for the big game, fish house or refreshment after sledding.
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Trailblazers Circle-Young Ladies Who Lead |
Every other Thursday starting February 11, 4:00-5:00PM
The Hive-29 E Main St, Waconia
Tween and Teens Trailblazers are fearless and aspiring young leaders who desire to learn more about uncovering and becoming her authentic self-mentally, physically, and emotionally. She is dedicated to consistently developing and protecting her skills, knowledge, confidence and courage so that she may make informed choices from a place of self-knowledge, self-respect and strength. Most importantly, a Trailblazer recognizes that she is the author of her own path and is defined only by herself, not by the media, society or anyone else. Trailblazers Circle will offer a variety of discussions, activities, and tools, to bring alignment and empowerment to our future women. Ages 10-15 (recommended)
Cost: $10 per session
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Downtown Reconstruction Virtual Open House |
Thursday, February 11, 6:00-8:00PM
City of Waconia via ZOOM Meeting
The City of Waconia will be hosting a virtual open house for addresses impacted by the 2022-2023 planned downtown reconstruction project. This open house is scheduled for Thursday, February 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This event will be live and will start with an overview of the project, while also allowing time for questions.
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The CURE for Social Distancing with Erik Therwanger |
Wednesday, February 17, 9:00-10:00AM
ThinkGreat90-Virtual Webinar
The vaccine for COVID-19 will only fight the virus. It will not help to cure the impact people have experienced through the long road of remote working & distancing! Nor will it ensure a productive return to work for your team. Erik shares how to recognize the short-term symptoms and long-term effects of social distancing, and the strategies and techniques needed to improve morale, accountability, communication, and team performance during times of separation, and after.
Learn how to recognize the signs of negative-impact, caused by social-distancing
- Understand techniques to create cohesion among all leaders
- Discover how to make stronger connections among all team members
- Achieve new breakthroughs by creating The Communication Movement
This is a free event, but registration is required. Please register by 2/15/21.
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Healthy Meal Kit Sponsorship Opportunity |
Hours: Monday & Saturday 9:00-11:45AM, Tuesday & Thursday 4:00-6:45PM
Are you looking for an easy way your business can support our local community? Consider sponsoring a month's worth of Healthy Meal Kits at the Waconia United Food Shelf. This program contains all the ingredients for one main course in a pre-packed bag. They are easy to prepare and nutritious as we've partnered with a dietitian from Carver County Public Health. Contact Angie angiecruzen@waconiafoodshelf.org for more information and sign up for a month this year!
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XCEL Energy Home Vehicle Charging Plan Announced |
Recently Xcel Energy launched a new electric vehicle charging program for residential electric customers: EV Accelerate at Home. This is a turn key offering that makes it easy for customers to lease or purchase a Level II charger, and participants receive low electric rates for charging overnight. The program is part of Xcel Energy’s vision to power 1.5 million electric vehicles in our service areas by 2030.
In addition, Xcel recently took another step towards their vision to provide 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. They are seeking proposals to add approximately 500 megawatts of new solar generation near the existing Sherco Power Plant in Becker, MN. In addition to providing affordable, clean energy to their customers it is anticipated that these projects will employ up to 400 union construction workers. Questions can be directed to Xcel Energy by email at ShercoSolarRFP@xcelenergy.com.
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Know someone on the cutting edge? Barber wanted! |
Waconia Barbers-9342 Oak Ave, Suite A
Waconia Barbers is looking for an experienced barber to expand their team! Part-time and
Full-time positions available. Shop hours: Tuesday thru Thursday 7:30am-5:30pm,
Fridays 7am-5pm, Saturdays 7am-Noon Booth rental (Independent Contractor)
The owner, Josh Kirkpatrick, has over 18 years experience in barbering, including four years as an instructor and a combined 11 years managing and owning barber shops. Each of his barber shops have been featured in local news stories for promoting classic barber services. Interested parties should contact Josh waconiabarbers@gmail.com
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Stir Crazy in your home office?! |
Fourfold Collective-100 W Main St, Waconia
Fourfold Collective offers work space for individuals working remotely. Access controlled building with complimentary coffee, printing, and reliable Wi-Fi. Seating areas vary from desks to sofas. Great for college students working remotely as well. Day Passes are available on their website at www.fourfoldcollective.com.
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Coney Island-Visions of an American Dreamland |
Now through 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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Chamber Luncheon & Calendar |
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February Luncheon
Thursday, February 25, 2021
11:30AM-1:00PM
Location: Freshwater Community Church
(with virtual option)
Guest Speaker: Heather Boll, The Hive
Topic: Mental Health
Heather Boll will take us through an experience of sharing her story, modeling the power of vulnerability. From there Heather will share the latest and greatest wellness opportunities, to THRIVE in 2021! We will explore the inner voice, radical self care, and BEST personal development outlets, that will leave you feeling inspired!
In-person lunch catered by Pangea Cafe
Cost: In-person $25, Virtual FREE ($10 donation optional)
Register by Monday, February 22
Registration required to receive ZOOM link.
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Chamber Calendar-February 2021 |
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FEB 3 Business Education Network-Manufacturing & Trades, 7:00-8:00AM via ZOOM
FEB 4 Coffee Connection hosted by H&R Block, 8:00-9:00AM via ZOOM
FEB 9 Tourism Committee & Board, 9:00AM @ Waconia Brewing Company
(255 W Main St) and ZOOM
FEB 9 Retail Marketing Planning Meeting @6:00PM at Vandy's Grille
(7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia)
FEB 10 Board of Directors Meeting, 12:00-1:00PM @ City Hall (201 S Vine St)
FEB 18 Ambassadors Meeting @8:45AM starting at City Hall
FEB 28 Chamber Luncheon, 11:45-1:00PM at Freshwater Community
Church or via ZOOM (registration required by Mon, February 22)
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Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
952-442-5812
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