Having trouble viewing this email? Click Here

We're Taking the Polar Plunge!

We’re plunging for a great cause because we ❤️ Waconia! Support our team - I ♥ Waconia - as we brave the icy waters next Saturday, February 14 to make a positive impact right here in our community.

Want to be part of the fun? Join our team, bundle up, and jump in with us! Register for the plunge and join the I ♥ Waconia team.

February Luncheon

-STRATEGIC NETWORKING-

Thursday, February 26 | 11:30AM-1PM

Island View/Green Fox Grille

7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia

Ready to expand your network and fuel your success? Join us at the Waconia Chamber Strategic Networking Luncheon! 

✔️ Connect with local leaders

✔️ Learn valuable business insights

✔️ Grow your community presence

Welcome, Emily!

We're excited to announce that Emily McKeever has joined the Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism this spring! Emily will be working part-time in communications and administration, bringing fresh energy and talent to our team.

Emily lives in Waconia with her husband Chris, three kids, and their English bulldog, Norm. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, sipping coffee, traveling, and making memories with her family. She loves the Waconia community and is excited to be a friendly face for the Chamber.

Welcome aboard, Emily! We're looking forward to working with you!

New Members

Member Renewals

We appreciate your support!

Thank you to all our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber. We are looking forward to 2026!

A.A. Segner Insurance Agency

Abbywood Carpentry

American Family Insurance

American Legion Post #150

Ameriprise Financial, Harris Wealth Partners

Anderson Dahlen

Auburn Homes & Services

Backyard Wishes

Bywater Business Solutions

Cabinetworks Group

CareerForce Chaska

Carlson's Llovable Llamas

Carver County Community Development Agency

Carver County Fair

Carver County Historical Society

Carver County Public Health

CenterPoint Energy

Choices Psychotherapy

CorTrust Bank

Creature Works

Crimson Copper

Crown College

Crusher Fitness + Health

Cultivate Dance Collaborative

Culver's of Waconia

Dahlheimer Beverage Green Isle

Danielle Alexander Design

Dave Philp-Coldwell Banker Realty

Derrick's Transportation Services

Dojo Karate

Edward Jones - Margaret Runke / Lauren Williams-Kirsch

Edward Jones-Dale Copeman

Edward Jones-Ryan Pederson

Emagine Waconia Theatre

Extreme Events MN

Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church

First Years Academy

Franklin Printing Inc.

Frattallone's Hardware & Garden

Freshwater Church

Gallagher

Garage Bar & Bowl

Gather and Grow Food Shelf & Connection Center

George and Carol Braunwarth

Gilbert Legal, PLLC

GK2promotions

Golden Dragon

Gongoll Beef

Good Samaritan Society Waconia & Westview Acres

Heather Reichenberger RE/MAX Results

HEI Collision Center

HomeTown Bank

Hoppers Bar & Grill

Hoxie Homes & Remodeling

In Towne Marina

Iron River Construction

Iron Tap

Island View Golf Club

J. Carver Distillery

Jeff Schulz Team-RE/MAX

Johnson Funeral Home, Inc.

Kaeding Architecture

Koch Bus Service, Inc.

Kwik Trip

Lake Life Chiropractic

Lakeside Farm and Flowers

Laketown Electric Corporation

Laketown Gymnastics

Laketown Realty Group

Lakeview Clinic, Ltd.

Larkin Electric, Inc.

Lola's Lakehouse

Mackenthun's Fine Foods

Mad Muscle Garage

Main Street Exchange LLC

Mainstream Boutique

McDonalds of Waconia

McLeod County Garage Doors

Melchert Hubert Sjodin, PLLP

Meyerhoff Design

MidCountry Bank

Midwest Expanded Metal, Inc.

Mini Biff

Minnesota Secured Title

Mocha Monkey

Modern Design Cabinetry

Mondi Minneapolis Inc.

Mondi Minneapolis Inc.

Mystic Fortress Games

Nagel Assisted Living

Nate Matousek State Farm Agency

Neubauer Chiropractic Health Center

Nordic Components, Inc.

O2B Kids

Oakwood Community Church

Old National Bank

Ovation Orthodontics

Pangea

Parkside Church

Parley Lake Winery

Patriot

Philp Family Dentistry Waconia

Podium Sports Marketing, Inc.

Precision Eye Care

PuroClean of Waconia

Rebound Orthotics & Prosthetics

Ridgeview

Rising Star Dance Academy

Sackett-Waconia

Scheff Insurance Agency

Scholla Insurance

Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery

Security Bank & Trust Co.

SERVPRO

Simple Grace Promotions, Inc.

SLS, Inc.

Snap Fitness

Southern Valley Alliance

SouthPoint Financial Credit Union

St. Joseph Catholic Community

SunnyDays Therapy, Inc

Sweet Wink's LLC

Systemhouse, Inc

Taylor Hubbard Photography

The Saloon-Waconia

The Stash of Waconia

Thrivent Financial

Title Mark

TMC Industries Inc.

Town & Country Glass, Inc.

Travel Easy Inc.

Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe

Trinity Waconia

True 'N' Fair Tree Care

Truline Contracting, LLC

Twin Cities Orthopedics

Waconia 1 Collision & Auto

Waconia Barbers

Waconia Baseball Association

Waconia Christkindlsmarkt

Waconia Comfort

Waconia Free Masons

Waconia Hockey Association

Waconia Landscaping Company

Waconia Lions Club

Waconia Moravian Church

Waconia Music Studios

Waconia Public Library

Waconia Public Schools

Waconia West Carver Rotary

Waconia Women's Health

Waconia, Victoria & Tonka Living Magazines

West Metro Shuttle

Whitecap Management - Juniper Minnetrista & Ablelight Village

Xcel Energy

Yetzer Home Store

Member Milestones

Congratulations on your milestone! Wishing you continued success.

January Recap

The membership also approved the nominees for the Waconia Chamber Foundation Board of Directors, marking the official launch of the Chamber’s new 501(c)(3) foundation.

Board members (L to R): Paul Peterson (Sackett-Waconia), Matt Dostal (Dostal CPA Tax & Consulting),Christine Fenner (Waconia Chamber), Andy Strong (Waconia Dodge), Greg James (Iron Tap)

Spirit of Community: Dee DeLange

Pictured: Dee, Chamber President Christine Fenner

Community Service Impact: Waconia Lions Club

Pictured: Waconia Lions Club members, Chamber President Christine Fenner, Chamber Board Chair Jaime Mackenthun

Golden Apple: Mike Jensen, Waconia Public Schools

Pictured: Chamber President Christine Fenner, Mike Jensen, Chamber Board Chair Jaime Mackenthun

Business Person of the Year: Mike Phelps, Ridgeview

Pictured: Chamber Board Chair Jaime Mackenthun, Mike Phelps, Chamber President Christine Fenner

Chamber in the News

click photo to read

Eggs and Issues - A Breakfast Conversation with Local Leaders

This week we welcomed President and CEO of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, Doug Loon, for our Eggs and Issues gathering. Doug spoke on legislative priorities ahead, economic trends, and policies impacting Minnesota’s business community.

Also joining the conversation were Senator Julia Coleman and Representative Jim Nash. It was a great morning of connecting, collaborating, and talking all things small business with our Chamber community.

Thank you to Bakery on Main and Carver County Parks for adding to the welcoming atmosphere and overall experience of the morning.

Continue the conversation at these upcoming Chamber advocacy events:

• Session Priorities – Feb 17th
• State of the City Luncheon - Thursday, March 26th at the Waconia Fire Department
• Retail Day at the Capitol – Tuesday, March 17th
• Chamber Day at Capitol – Wednesday, April 15th

Minnesota Chamber News

Ambassador Visits

Member News & Happenings

Welcome Goodwill

Over 100 people gathered last week for the grand opening of the Goodwill located in Waconia! The grand opening included a presentation and ribbon-cutting with Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN) President and CEO Dr. Michael Wirth-Davis, GESMN Board Secretary Stephanie Albert, Waconia Mayor Tim Litfin, Waconia Chamber of Commerce President Christine Fenner and other city officials. 

Shape It Up Fitness's Galentines Instructor Jam

Saturday, February 7 | 8-10:00AM

Shape It Up Fitness

44 W Main St, Waconia

90 minute workout in matching tank tops, girlie gifts (register by Monday, January 19th). Sips and a shopping discount to follow. Cost: $59 

No Regrets Men's Conference

Saturday, February 7 | 8:00AM-1:00PM

Parkside Church

9560 Paradise Ln, Waconia

Gentlemen, it’s time to mark your calendars! The 2026 No Regrets Men's Conference is almost here, and we want all you men to sign up now. This is the second year we are hosting this incredible event where you will learn and grow from some of the best Christian leaders on how to deepen your faith walk and impact those around you; be it your family, friends, co-workers, and community. We are also rolling out an amazing breakfast to get the day going. This year we have added a light lunch to follow the event.

Special Note: If you are a high school or college student - you are able to attend for FREE.

Spread the Love: A Sweet Soirre

Sunday, February 8 | 10:00AM-12:00PM

St. Joseph Catholic School - Gym

41 E 1st St. Waconia, MN

Join us for our fourth annual free family Valentine’s Day Party! We will have face painting, a bounce house, cookie decorating, photo station, gift making for local assisted living residents, refreshments, and a donation station gathering new clothes and gifts for families in the NICU at Ridgeview Hospital!

Women's Connect

Embracing Hygge: Slowing Down in a Fast-Paced World

Monday, February 9 | 11:30AM-1PM

Parkside Church

9560 Paradise Ln, Waconia

Discover the Danish art of hygge (pronounced "hoo-gah")—creating warmth, coziness, and contentment in life and work. Join us and be inspired by Waconia Chamber women business leaders!

- Short TED-style talks on slowing down, building authentic connections, and finding balance in demanding industries.

- Moderated group discussion on bringing intention into our work

- Meaningful networking in a cozy, welcoming setting

- Please register, but bring your own bag lunch

Galentine's Day in Waconia

Thursday, February 12 | 3-7:00PM

Grab your gals and make a night of it in Waconia. Galentine’s Day runs from 3–7:00 PM on Thursday, February 12, and is the perfect excuse to shop, sip, and dine around town. Participating local boutiques and restaurants will each host their own special deals and experiences. Check out the Shop Waconia Facebook page to find the fun.

Puppy Dinner Date Night

Thursday, February 12 | 5:30PM-6:30PM

Paws Inn Pet Essentials

201 West First St. Waconia

Treat your pup to a Puppy Dinner Date Night—the perfect way to celebrate together! For $24 per dog, your experience includes a reserved table for two humans and one dog, a special Valentine’s dinner meal for your pup, a dog-friendly drink, and a sweet treat or dessert, plus Valentine-themed photo opportunities to capture the night. Availability is limited, with only six tables per seating, so reservations are required. Make it a full date night by pre-ordering dinner for the humans from our local restaurant partners, Bode Gray’s, Iron Tap, or D’Vinci’s, using a special discount code. Simply pick up your meal and bring it along to enjoy while your pup dines!

Cupid's Arrow Boutique and Valentine's Sip 'N Shop

Friday, February 13 | 5:00PM-8:30PM

J. Carver Distillery

1320 Mill Ln, Waconia

Our Valentine Sip ‘N Shop event is back! The “Get Her Exactly What She Wants” and “Get Him Exactly What He Wants” Cupid’s Arrow Valentine’s Boutique Event is a great opportunity for couples, girlfriends, and friends to experience a fun night out, enjoy a cocktail, and buy the perfect gift for your Valentine from local craft vendors and small businesses.

Also, our ONLINE store is open just in time for Valentine's Day!

Waconia Polar Plunge

Saturday, February 14 | Beginning at 12:00PM

Lola's Lakehouse

318 Lake St E, Waconia

Embrace the cold and support Special Olympics Minnesota by taking the Polar Plunge! Can't make the Plunge? Donations are now being accepted, click the button to register to plunge or donate now.

Parents Night Out

Saturday, February 14 | 5:00-9:00PM

Faith Lutheran

800 Waconia Pkwy N, Waconia

Enjoy a night out while your kids enjoy a night of fun at Faith Lutheran! Children ages baby–10 years old are invited to an evening filled with games, crafts, and snacks, all hosted by our awesome adult and youth leaders. This Parents’ Night Out helps support our youth mission trip, so it’s a win-win for families and our youth.

Valentine's Purse Bingo

Sunday, February 15 | 2:00-4:00PM

Hackamore Brewing Co.

18651 Lake Dr E, Chanhassen

Grab your friends for an afternoon of bingo, laughter, and community while playing for a chance to win fabulous designer purses. Enjoy drinks, connect with friends, and support Southern Valley Alliance in helping survivors of domestic abuse.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Tuesday, February 17 | 12:00-6:00PM

Fury Ford

235 HWY 5 West, Waconia, MN

Thanks to the amazing support at our previous drives, we’re proud to host another American Red Cross blood drive at Fury Ford Waconia on Tuesday, Feb. 17th from 12–6pm. Every donation matters, and we’d love your help to top our last event — reserve your time slot today! Be a hero. Save a life. Get a cookie. 

Responsible Beverage Service Training (RBST)

Thursday, February 19 | 10:00-11:30AM

City of Chanhassen

RBST is an important training for establishments selling intoxicating beverages. It covers best practices, current regulations, and now includes updated information on THC. This session also provides local and statewide updates for license holders.

If you're interested in registering for the training or learning more details, please email or call (952)-361-1329

9th Year Anniversary Celebration

Saturday, February 21 | 10:00AM

Mainstream Boutique

761 MarketPlace Dr, Waconia

Save the date as we celebrate our 9th anniversary! We would love to celebrate this milestone with you. Upon arrival, guests will be invited to select an envelope containing a special surprise, including percentage discounts, complimentary gifts with purchase, and more. Three envelopes will feature our grand prizes: $25 per month for a year, $50 per month for a year, and $100 per month for an entire year. A total of 100 envelopes will be available, and guests who do not receive an envelope will enjoy 15% off their purchase. Plus, treats will be provided! We can’t wait to celebrate with you and would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word by sharing this event.

Skijoring at Caterbury

February 21 & 22 | 11:00AM

Caterbury Park

1100 Canterbury Rd S, Shakopee

Get ready to witness the thrilling and jaw-dropping performances of the best cowboys and cowgirls from across the country at the Skijoring at Canterbury Park in Shakopee MN. This event is not just about the adrenaline-pumping competitions but also about the fun-filled environment, live music, and delicious food. From Freestyle to the open Skijoring, we have something for everyone. So, gather your friends and family and join us for an unforgettable experience at Extreme Events Skijoring!

Youth Spring Sessions Starting in March!

Youth Spring Sessions start March 17th! Crusher Youth Programs are ideal for any young athlete looking to get the edge over the competition in their chosen sport. We aim to create an all-around athlete who will excel in any sport, or physical task life throws their way and help avoid overuse injuries common when children only participate in sport-specific training. .

Pins for a Purpose

Friday, April 17 | 4:30-6:30PM & 7:00-9:00PM

Bowlero Eden Prairie

1220 Singletree Ln, Eden Prairie

Join Ridgeview Foundation for a fun, all-ages evening of bowling, food, and community impact. Pins for a Purpose brings families, friends, and neighbors together to support Ridgeview’s Pediatric Program and strengthen local health care. With unlimited bowling, prizes, a family-friendly buffet, and optional VIP experiences, it’s an easy and meaningful way to have fun while giving back. Tickets are available for individuals, groups, and VIP packages, with all proceeds benefiting care for children and families across the region.

Wine Run 5K

Saturday, April 18 | 8:00AM

Parley Lake

8280 Parley Lake Rd. Waconia

Join us for an exciting new event that features the amazing scenery and landscape of the Parley Lake Winery! Located just west of Minneapolis/St. Paul in the rolling hills of Waconia, we offer a unique setting where art & wine entwine. Whether you are looking to run, walk or just enjoy the wine this race is a sure thing for a great time and an incredible experience! This race is timed and scored by J3 Timing. We are excited to announce that the local charity partner for this event is Ridgeview Foundation!

Business For Sale - Established Cafe

An established, community-loved smoothie café is available for purchase. The business has built a strong local following and brand presence, offering all-fruit smoothies, smoothie bowls, and a complementary café menu. Located in vibrant downtown Waconia, a district recognized as the 2025–2026 Retail Community of the Year by the Minnesota Retailers Association, this opportunity is ideal for an owner-operator or someone looking to step into an existing, turnkey food business with loyal customers and growth potential.

Blood Emergency - Donors Needed

Memorial Blood Centers has declared a blood emergency and is urging eligible donors to give as blood donations across the region have fallen to critically low levels. In recent weeks, donations have fallen nearly 40% below hospital needs, resulting in less than a two-day supply for more than 55 hospitals statewide. 

The declaration comes at a time when many Minnesotans are seeking meaningful ways to support their communities. Blood donation remains a direct, tangible way for individuals to help ensure hospitals have the resources they need to care for patients every day. 

Post Open Jobs on DestinationWaconia.org

Looking to grow your team? Post your job openings on the DestinationWaconia.org job board! It’s a free resource exclusively for Chamber members, offering great visibility to job seekers in the area. Connect with local talent and showcase your business while filling your open positions faster.

Chamber Happenings

Career Exploration Fair & Waconia Community Expo

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Career Exploration Fair | Friday, April 10

Waconia Community Expo | Saturday, April 11

Waconia High School

The Career Exploration Fair on Friday, April 10 brings together local businesses and Waconia High School students, connecting students with real-world career paths. On Saturday, the Waconia Community Expo is open to the public and highlights the businesses that make Waconia thrive. Registration is now open - reserve your booth today!

Chamber Calendar - February 2026

FEBRUARY 9 Women's Connect, 11:30-1:00PM @

FEBRUARY 10 Tourism Committee Meeting, 8:45-10:30AM @Chamber Office

FEBRUARY 12 Retail Committee Meeting, 9:00-10:00AM @Chamber Office

FEBRUARY 12 Galentine's Day, 3:00-7:00PM

FEBRUARY 19 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Chamber Office

FEBRUARY 24 Waconia Young Professionals Happy Hour @The Basement

FEBRUARY 26 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @ Green Fox Grille

STAY CONNECTED

@DestinationWaconia