Thank you to all of our chamber members who have already renewed their membership for 2019!
We appreciate your support.

For those of you who have not yet renewed, there is still time!
Make your payment by January 31, 2019 for a $35 discount.
January Coffee Connection
January 3, 7:30-9:00AM
Snap Fitness-1309 Oak Ave, Waconia

New year-new connections! Resolve to make more chamber connections in 2019...join us for coffee and a light snack. Open house style format-stop in for as long as your schedule allows. FREE!
Welcome New Chamber Member:
HealHer-Peer Support Specialist
Heather Boll

141 W 1st St
(inside Shape It Up Fitness)
Waconia, MN 55387
952-567-9210

Mental Health guidance & support


Doing Business in Waconia, Minnesota



by Kellie Sites, Waconia Chamber President
2019 will surely be a year of…. well, we just don’t know, do we?
   
My philosophy is always that the glass is half full.  I think there are opportunities where some see road blocks, change can be good – even when it’s hard. I’m speaking in general terms here!   Your Chamber is here to provide support of all kinds and we are so glad to be in business FOR business.  

Here’s something we do know - that there are plenty of conversations happening about the potential labor mandate proposals in the 2019 Legislative Session including paid sick and safe leave; paid parental leave; paid family leave; increased minimum wage; scheduling rules as well as changing the legal standard for sexual harassment. Click here to read more...
Revitalized Chamber Foundation focuses on developing state's economy



by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
On Dec. 14, 1908, a group of employers from various industries and corners of the state came together on Robert Street in St. Paul. Over lunch, they discussed their successes and challenges, and conversation evolved to the agenda of the upcoming legislative session. They saw firsthand the effect that policy had on their ability to do business: to move goods and services, and to provide a quality of life for their employees. Leaning on their shared experiences at the local level, they decided the statewide business community needed a voice – a collective voice – at the Capitol.

And the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce was born. Click here to read more...
Chamber Ambassador Visits
Chestnut Realty

Primary Contact: Lacey Shaw
413 Chestnut St N, Chaska
952-448-3344

The Ambassadors went to visit with founder Cal Haasken and his family at Chestnut Realty in Chaska.  This Realty group has years of combined experience in all facets of real estate. We had a great conversation about everything from apartment buildings to single family homes to developments to the economy.  When Chestnut Realty was founded, Cal had an idea of how real estate transactions should be handled that was far above the common practices of the day. Today the team has expanded and they have a strong presence all over Carver County.

Feel free to contact this experienced team of realtors. We welcome them to the Waconia Chamber! Pictured with the Ambassadors are Ken Haasken, Cal Haasken, Christy Haasken Schuler, Brian Haasken and Nathan Haasken. Not pictured, Lacey Shaw.
Member News and Happenings
Chamber Holiday Hours
Closed at Noon on December 31 and all day January 1

Happy New Year!
We look forward to working with you all and growing your business in 2019!
Christmas Tree Recycling Drop Off
Monday-Friday through January 10, 2019, 7:00AM-3:30PM
City of Waconia Public Services Dept-310 10 St E
 
All live Christmas trees will be accepted, however, the tree must be free of ALL decorations, stands, etc. There is NO CHARGE for this service.
Questions, call 952-442-2615
Save the Date: Business Home & Family EXPO
Saturday, March 30, 2019, 9:00AM-4:00PM
Waconia Middle School-1400 Community Dr

It's coming! Save the date and watch for the registration form coming soon. Start planning how you can reach our community. If you have an idea for a presentation, contact Kellie Sites by Friday, January 4, 2019. ksites@destinationwaconia.org 
New Quick Lunch Menu!
Monday-Friday, 11:00AM-2:00PM
Ground Round-520 Cherry Dr, Waconia
 
 Ground Round has a new Quick Lunch Menu: featuring 10 Items under $10! Consider next week's lunch solved!

Also-Karaoke is coming!
Friday, January 4, 9:00PM-Midnight

Ground Round is happy to present Karaoke with Oasis Entertainment on Friday, January 4th from 9PM to midnight. Happy Hour with specials on All Drinks and 1/2 price Apps!
Snap Fitness of Waconia is Hiring!
Snap Fitness-1309 Oak Ave, Waconia

Snap Fitness of Waconia is hiring for a part-time Membership Services position.
They are looking for a friendly person to join their highly motivated and successful team at Snap Fitness! The right candidate will have a passion for fitness, a desire to help others, and a fun upbeat attitude.
Please send info to waconia@snapfitness.com.
Show Choir Spaghetti Dinner
Friday, January 4, 4:00-9:00PM
Waconia High School Performing Art Center-1650 Community Dr
 
 The Waconia Choir Boosters invite you enjoy the debut of the 2018-19 show choirs. This event marks the beginning of the show choir season. Hosted in the Performing Art Center and there will be 3 exciting shows for you to choose from. The all you can eat dinner which includes homemade sauce, salad, bread, beverage & dessert will be served continuously from 4:00-8:00. Shows at 5:00, 6:40 and 8:20. Tickets are still available for all shows and can be purchased at the door.
Adults: $15, Seniors (65+): $8, Students: $11, Children (5 and under) are free when sitting on a lap at performance
Prices are per show and include dinner.
Waconia Basketball Association Tournament
basketball_old_court.jpg
January 5-6, 2019
Waconia High School & Middle School
 
The Waconia Basketball Association (WBA) has announced their annual boys basketball tournament for the weekend of January 5-6. These 3rd -8th grade boys will be traveling from all over the region to compete. Although concessions are available, the WBA wanted our local businesses to know that overflow traffic may spill over into our local restaurants and shops.
Next up: Girls Basketball Tournament February 16-17.
Grand Opening
Sunday, January 6, 2:00-3:30PM
HealHer-Peer Support Specialist-141 W 1st St, Waconia (inside Shape It Up Fitness)
 
Get to know about a new chamber member business. Hear from the founder , Heather Boll, and learn about her services. Lots of giveaways, refreshments, and snacks will be provided. Registration recommended! First 20 who register will get a swag bag with goodies from 7 local business, including a make and take inspirational piece of jewelry from No.59 Boutique.  
Workplace Wellness Funding Opportunity
Create a Culture of Health

Carver County Public Health is excited to announce a funding opportunity for Carver County businesses. Public Health is accepting grant proposals for funding from worksites interested in creating healthier work environments. Creating healthy work environments and encouraging healthy behaviors can have a positive impact on worksite culture and employee health. 

Grant proposals must address healthy eating, physical activity, breastfeeding support, tobacco use, or the fundamentals of workplace wellness. Public Health will provide assistance and resources to partners to implement evidence-based strategies. Please visit www.co.carver.mn.us/worksites to learn more or complete the grant proposal. Grant proposals are due no later than January 18, 2019. 
Upcoming Events at the Waconia Performing Art Center
"Takin' It to the Limit" Eagles Tribute Band
Saturday, January 19, 7:30PM
Waconia Performing Art Center-1650 Community Dr

Takin' It to the Limit is presented by Fabulous Armadillos and Collective Unconscious.
Now in its 9th year, The Fabulous Armadillos and Collective Unconscious come together to recreate the magical songs of the premier band of California Rock in the 70’s, the Eagles! You will hear all the hits and relive the thrill of your turntable spinning those incredible albums.
With this 9 piece band you can sit back, close your eyes and feel the energy of the Eagles live. Groove to Take It Easy, Lyin’ Eyes, One Of These Nights, Desperado, I Can’t Tell You Why, Witchy Woman, Hotel California, Take It To The Limit and so many more!
Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Show
Friday-Sunday, January 25-27, 2019
Lake Waconia Regional Park-8155 Paradise Lane, Waconia
 
 The world's largest antique, vintage and collector snowmobile show is held on the southeast shores of Lake Waconia. This year's featured sled: Ski Doo. Trail ride, swap meet, races and more. 
Cost: $20 for all weekend (pre-register) or $15 for Saturday only & $10 for Sunday only (you will receive a button) Children 12 and under are FREE.
Host a Coffee Connection
The Chamber is looking for Coffee Connection Hosts for 2019. This is one of the most popular chamber programs and member benefits. If you are interested in spotlighting your business and inviting the membership into your location, click here for details.
2019 Island View Golf Club Membership Promotion
Runs through March 15, 2019
Island View Golf Club-7795 Laketown Parkway, Waconia
 
IVGC is planning for the 2019 golf season and has some exciting programs and events scheduled.
A new member who joins IVGC now thru March 15th will receive the following gifts valued at $600:
  • Free Driving Range program for 2019
  • Five (5) Free Guest Passes
  • One (1) Free Golf Lesson with Dan
If you have any questions about the 2019 Membership Promotion please contact Head Golf Professional Dan Callahan at danc@islandviewgolfclub.com or call 952.442.6116, ext 4
Chamber Luncheon & Calendar
Chamber Annual Meeting

Thursday, January 24, 2018
11:30AM-1:00PM

Location: Freshwater Community Church
138 West 1st St, Waconia

Topic: Year in Review

  • State of the Chamber from President Kellie Sites
  • Installation of 2019 Board of Directors
  • Waconia News by Mayor Jim Sanborn
  • Don't miss it! Bring a potential member...

Cost: $25/member/non-members

 RSVP Required by Friday, January 18, 2019
To streamline check in at the event, we ask that you register and pay HERE.

Call or email to register cgesinger@destinationwaconia.org

All forms of payment will be accepted the day of the event.
Chamber Calendar-December 2018
DEC 31-JAN 1 Chamber Office will be closed at noon on New Year's Eve through New
Year's Day
JAN 7 Coffee Connection 7:30-9:00AM @Snap Fitness (1309 Oak Ave)
JAN 9 Chamber Board of Directors Meeting 11:30AM-1:00PM
JAN 14 Annual Retail Committee Marketing Meeting 6:30PM @Maple Conference Rm in City Hall (201 S Vine St)
JAN 17 Ambassador Meeting 8:45AM @ Chamber Office 209 S Vine St, Waconia
JAN 24 Annual Meeting-Freshwater Community Church (138 W 1st St, Waconia) Doors open at 11:30,adjourn by 1:00PM Register by Friday, January 18
Name | Company | Phone | Fax | Email | Website
Friday Facts Is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812