2022 Annual Meeting Recap

We celebrated 2021 and looked forward to 2022 during the Waconia Chamber Annual Meeting on January 27. The Board of Directors gavel was passed from Outgoing Chair Andy Strong (Waconia Dodge) to 2022 Board Chair Todd Hann (HomeTown Bank). Lisa Steinbauer (Ridgeview) was installed as a Board Director to fill the vacancy left by Sarah Urtel (Ridgeview) who ended her second three-year term in 2021. Many thanks to Sarah for her years of service on the Board!

Special recognition was given to Mackenthun's Fine Foods for the Social Responsibility award presented by the Minnesota Retailers Association this past fall.

We also recognized Mike Keaveny for his 35 years (and counting) of dedication to the Nickle Dickle Day Antique and Collector Car and Truck Show.

Paul Melchert was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Paul is a founding member of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, started in 1962, and continues to promote Waconia and be a leader in the community.
Sarah Urtel, Ridgeview
Chamber Board Director
2016-2021
Mike Keaveny, Waconia Ford
35 Years of Outstanding Leadership
Nickle Dickle Day Car & Truck Show
Paul Melchert
Lifetime Achievement Award
Founding Chamber Member
Andy Strong, Waconia Dodge
Outgoing Board Chair
2021
2021 Year in Review
We appreciate your support!

Thank you to all our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber. We are looking forward to 2022!
Members renewed for 2022
(List as of 02/04/2022. See January newsletter for more renewed members.)
A-1 Electric Service of Waconia, Inc.
Allstate-Watermark Insurance Agency
American Legion Post #150
Anderson Dahlen
Bergmann Interiors
Cabinetworks Group
Carlson's Llovable Llamas
Carver County Abstract & Title
Carver County Fair
Carver County Historical Society
Carver County Public Health
CD Products, Inc.
Cherrywood Townhome Association
Choices Psychotherapy
Crown College
Crusher Fitness + Health
Dostal CPA Tax & Consulting
Edward Jones Investments-Dale Copeman
Edward Jones Investments-Margaret Runke
Elephant Joe's Coffee
Elite Nutrition
Emagine Waconia Theatre
Everson's Hardware Hank
Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church
Franklin Printing
Freshwater Community Church
GK2promotions
Good Samaritan Society Waconia & Westview Acres
Hancock Group-Re/Max Advantage Plus
HEI Collision Center
Hoxie Homes & Remodeling
Hustle & Heart Sports
Iron River Construction
J. Carver Distillery
KLC Financial
Koch School Bus Service
Kwik Trip
Lake Life Chiropractic
Laketown Electric Corporation
Laketown Home & Garden
Lakeview Clinic
Lelch Audio Video
Lola's Lakehouse
Lovett Garden Home & Floral
Marco
Memorial Blood Centers
Milltronics USA
Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative
Modern Design Cabinetry
Mondi Minneapolis
Neubauer Chiropractic Health Center
New Perspective Senior Living
Oakwood Community Church
OBGYN West
Old National Bank
Parley Lake Winery
Philp Family Dentistry Waconia
Podium Sports Marketing
PuroClean of Waconia
Qdoba
Ridgeview
Rising Star Dance Academy
Sackett-Waconia
Safari Island Community Center
Scheff Insurance
SLS
Snap Fitness
Southern Valley Alliance
State Farm Insurance - Jeff Born
The Community Foundation of Carver County
The Seat Fixer
Thrivent Financial
TMC Industries
Town & Country Glass
Travel Easy
Trinity Waconia
Unearthed Arts
Waconia 1 Collision & Auto
Waconia Baseball Association
Waconia Dance Company
Waconia Free Masons
Waconia Ice Arena
Waconia Lions Club
Waconia Patriot
Waconia Public Library
Waconia Veterinary Clinic
Waconia Women's Health
Welcome Neighbor!
West Metro Shuttle
Westrum's Quality Food
Yetzer Home Store
A Message from the Board Chair
Try something new in 2022



by Todd Hann, HomeTown Bank
Board Chair, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
The Waconia Community continues to be a great place to live, work, and play. In 2021 we welcomed thousands of visitors with great events such as a record-setting Polar Plunge, the Minnesota State Amateur Baseball Tournament, and the celebration of the 60th Annual Nickle Dickle Day. The volunteers for these great events make them successful and the willingness of our community to continue to put forth those passionate efforts demonstrates how much we care to see Waconia thrive. Continue reading...
Welcome New Members
Sota Shine

Ryan Gowans
740 Marketplace Drive, Waconia
Car wash
Waconia DandyLions Club

Brooke Tahedl
PO Box 523
Charitable Non-Profit
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Celebrate Valentine's Day in Waconia

Make Valentine's Day reservations now with these
chamber-member businesses!
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Sovereign Estate Fantasy Wine Week & Winter Hours
Fantasy Wine Week ends February 6! The week when everyone is a wine club member. Offering complimentary tastings just like a member (reservations required) and the opportunity to purchase wine at Wine Club member pricing.

Sovereign Estate winter hours begin February 8.
Tuesday - Thursday: 12-6PM
Friday: 12-9PM
Saturday-Sunday: 12-6PM
Beer & Chocolate Pairing at WBC

February 11-14

Beer and Chocolate Pairing Feb. 11-14! A flight of four WBC beers paired with four Laketown Chocolates. Stop by and enjoy this Valentine’s special while supplies last!
Lola's Lakehouse Valentine's Special

February 12 & 14

Enjoy a Valentine's dinner special for two: four-course surf and turf dinner for two includes appetizer, salad, entree, and dessert. Available February 12 or 14. Reservations are required.
Schram Vineyards Valentine's Day Experience

February 14, 6-8:30PM

Join us at Schram Vineyards for a laid back four course meal with Schram Vineyards wine pairing. Reservations are per couple for this intimate experience. Tickets include appetizer, salad, entree and dessert with wine pairings. Make reservations and see full menu online.
Celebrating Cupid's Cocktail Class

February 18, 6-8:30PM

Join us for our first ever FRIDAY NIGHT "Celebrating Cupid's Cocktail Class" at J. Carver Distillery on February 18 with our own Gina Holman, one of the Twin Cities’ premium mixologists. Gina will help you discover intriguing and delicious ways to use some of J.Carver's fine products including many of our gold-medal winning spirits. You'll take home much more than recipes as you learn the inventive techniques and philosophy that goes along with the mixology.
See a movie at Emagine Waconia
A movie makes a great date night! Check out showtimes and reserve your seats on Emagine-Entertainment.com.
Save on Elephant Joe's Coffee
Save 20% on your EJ merchandise order with code BeMine! Code valid until 2/14. Coffee orders due by 2/10 to allow time for processing by 2/14. As always, free local delivery on orders over $20! shop here: https://elephantjoescoffee.square.site
Member News and Happenings
Waconia DandyLions Club Frozen Fairway Open
February 5, 11:30AM
Carver County Fairgrounds
 
Introducing the Waconia DandyLions 1st Annual Frozen Fairway Open! This is our club's first official fundraiser to help fund US - the DandyLions. In addition we will be supporting the newly opened Brielle House - a women's recovery home located in Waconia! All of the golfer registration fees will be donated to The Brielle House. Hole sponsorships are also available.
Chamber Business After Hours is Back for 2022!
February 10, 5-7:00PM
HomeTown Bank
 
We're bringing back Chamber Business After Hours for another opportunity for you to connect with chamber member businesses. HomeTown Bank will host the first event of the year. This is a casual social networking event. No registration required and free to attend.
Inspire! Carver 
February 17, 6-8:30PM
 
We invite those who live, learn, work, play or pray in Carver County. Together we’ll uncover ways to better support each other during these challenging times, as we begin to build a pathway towards a healthier future for all.
Southern Valley Alliance Bingo Night
February 20, 2-4:00PM
Excelsior Brewing Company

Join us for a fun night of Bingo, with all Bingo proceeds supporting SVA! Sunday, February 20th from 2-4pm. Includes 10 Rounds of Bingo ($15), prizes, fun. All Bingo proceeds support Southern Valley Alliance - partners in ending the cycle of violence in Scott and Carver counties.
Waconia Young Professionals
February 23, 5-7:00PM
Lola's Lakehouse

Join Waconia professionals ages 21-39. Sip beer, connect with friends & colleagues. Purchase your own food and beverage. 
Waconia Dance Company Spring Try-It Classes
March 14 - April 7
Cost: $50

If you have a preschool-5th grader who wants to give dance a try, now is the perfect time! Classes March 14-April 7 with limited spots available. Visit WaconiaDanceCo.com to register.
Career Exploration Fair & Community Expo
April 8-9
Waconia High School

It’s EXPO time! This year the Career Exploration Fair will be paired with the Community Expo (formerly Business Home and Family EXPO). Both events will be held on back-to-back dates at Waconia High School on April 8 & 9, 2022. These events take place every other year, and will not be back until 2024. Two events, one registration! Early-bird registration ends March 1 and the deadline to register is March 31.
CD Products Expo Supplies
Are you ready for the Career Exploration Fair and Community Expo? We can help you with feather flags, table throws, banners, and more customized with your business logo. Contact 952-442-7481 or [email protected].
February American Heart Month - Blood Donations Needed
The need for blood is constant, but the supply isn’t. Founded by the community, for the community, donors with Memorial Blood Centers help supply nearly 40 local hospitals and more than a dozen air ambulance bases. Help hospital patients in need by scheduling an appointment online at MBC.ORG or by calling 1-888-GIVE-BLD (888-448-3253). 
 
February is American Heart Month and all presenting donors will be entered to win a free pair of professional basketball tickets 
Yetzer's 81st Anniversary Sale
Join us for our 81st Anniversary Sale! The whole store will be on sale! 
- UP TO 30% OFF LIST PRICE
- TAKE-HOME IN-STOCK TODAY
- UP TO 80% OFF CLEARANCE ITEMS
- SET UP YOUR IN-HOME APPOINTMENT DURING THE SALE AND GET SALE PRICING
- 12 MONTHS, NO INTEREST FINANCING
- CUSTOM ORDERS QUALIFY
Come in today, you won't want to miss this event!
Culver's New Ownership & Hiring Management 
Waconia natives Aaron and Jessica (Heimdal) Parsons recently took over ownership of the Waconia Culver's. They are currently hiring a full-time management position with minimum pay $17 and hour with health insurance and 401k match. High school students are also wanted to fill various positions. 
Upcoming Events
February Luncheon

Thursday, February 24, 2022
11:30AM-1:00PM
Location: Vandy's Grille

Guest Speaker:
Mike Phelps
President & CEO, Ridgeview

We love that you read the February newsletter in its entirety. Be the first person to reply to this email and receive a free lunch (good for the February 24 luncheon)!
Chamber Calendar - February 2022
FEBRUARY 8 Tourism Committee Meeting, 9:00AM @Carver County Historical Society
FEBRUARY 9 Board Meeting, 11:30AM @City Hall
FEBRUARY 10 Retail Committee Meeting, 8:00AM @City Hall
FEBRUARY 10 Business After Hours, 5-7:00PM @HomeTown Bank
FEBRUARY 17 Ambassadors, 8:30AM @Chamber office
FEBRUARY 24 Annual Meeting Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Vandy's Grille
Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812