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.
2021 Membership Brochure is now available
- Membership rates held steady from 2020. However, please note that the Individual and Retired Executive rate has been decreased from $300 to $130. Invoices will be adjusted.
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Now is a great time to update your member information for the chamber website. If you haven't done so lately, we suggest you log-in to update active representatives, email addresses, company size, add current logo, include business updates, etc. Your listing on our website is direct access to the community! Our 2021 Membership Directory will be printed later this spring. If you need your log-in information resent, please contact Carmen Gesinger cgesinger@destinationwaconia.org.
- Thank you to Danielle Alexander Design, LLC for designing the brochure's new look!
- Please feel free to share with businesses that you feel would benefit from chamber membership!
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Welcome New Chamber Member: |
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PuroClean of Waconia
Ryan Back
1224 Night Trail
Waconia, MN 55387
701-866-7861
Opening mid-February.
Emergency property restoration company-commercial & residential.
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There is always a silver lining
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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As we turn the page to a new calendar year, the rollercoaster of change, emotions,
difficulty, and national turmoil haven’t disappeared. It’s important to discuss the
issues affecting our nation, state, and local community; and also reflect on what this
past year has taught us. With 2020 now in our rearview mirror, we look ahead to 2021
and seek the silver lining in what’s to come. Of the numerous life lessons to come
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Business Community Policy Priorities
by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
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Local chambers represent economic vitality in their communities. The Minnesota Chamber Federation unites and amplifies the voice of local chambers by advocating for policies to advance business in every corner of the state. Federation partners represent more than 43 local chambers representing 75 communities and more than 21,000 businesses across Minnesota.
They have worked together to promote pro-growth policies to the Legislature for more than a decade, helping ensure that state lawmakers understand the needs and interests of Minnesota’s diverse and successful local business community. Each year, Federation members work together to develop a set of policy priorities that matter most to their members, and the business community as a whole. Click Here to read more...
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Member News and Happenings |
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Carver County Small Business Relief Funding Available
Businesses in Carver County are continuing to see the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including financial hardships. Carver County CDA is moving ahead with making funds available to Carver County businesses who have been affected by the pandemic. This includes funding which has been allocated to the counties by the State of Minnesota, as well as funding from Carver County. There is approximately $4M in grant money available. Program guidelines and application priority are now posted on the CDA’s website.
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How to process Chamber Bucks at your business |
The Chamber would like to recognize Cabinetworks Group, Mackenthun's Fine Foods, Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep, Smothers Falk Realty Group, Franklin Printing, Western OB/GYN, Trinity Lutheran School, Everson's Hardware Hank, Salon Trende', Gilbert Legal, Waconia Public Schools, Mainstream Boutique and any businesses that participated for their generous purchases of Waconia Chamber Bucks this holiday season. There were several other businesses that also purchased bucks for employee and customer appreciation gifts. Everyone's collective generosity spread the cheer of over $60,000 back into the community during the month of December. Thank you!
Accepting Waconia Bucks is a member benefit. These gift certificates are purchased for the express purpose to be spent at chamber member businesses. As a reminder, this is how you should process:
- Waconia Bucks spend just like a personal check (except they may not be redeemed for cash by the gift recipient). They must purchase a product or service from the business. The company receiving the check fills in THEIR BUSINESS name on the “Pay to order” line of the check. e.g. “Holiday” or “Lola’s Lakehouse”
- Any change due will be given in cash.
- This check is valid ONLY at CHAMBER MEMBER BUSINESSES. We do include a list of businesses with most checks, but for a complete list, please direct purchasers to www.DestinationWaconia.org.
Any questions, call the Chamber Office at 952-442-5812.
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Public Input for Lake Waconia Regional Park-Waterfront Service Center |
Tuesday, January 12, 6:30-8:00PM
Carver County Parks & Recreation via ZOOM Meeting
Carver County Parks & Recreation Department staff and project consultants have planned a public presentation open to community feedback regarding a new Waterfront Service Center scheduled to be built at Lake Waconia Regional Park. They are hoping to hear from the community on what they see as priorities for this new facility. If you are unable to join the January 12 meeting, you may share comments and ask questions through an online survey/questionnaire available through mid-January on the website www.carvercountyparks.com.
Join Online Event: Click Here ZOOM Password: 276606
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Studies show that physical movement leads to mental clarity! Check out these chamber member businesses to get your body moving in 2021:
Looking for options to keep your kids and family active?
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Memorial Blood Center-Donations Needed |
Register for a January appointment online
The need for blood is constant, but due to the pandemic, many drives have been canceled or postponed. To replenish supplies for Twin Cities’ hospitals (including Ridgeview Medical Center), trauma centers, and air ambulance bases, more healthy donors are needed at blood drives and donor centers in the coming weeks. Appointments can be made online at MBC.ORG or by calling 1-888-GIVE-BLD (888-448-3253). You may also give blood at their pop-up locations at Ridgedale Center and Maplewood Mall.
Through January 31st, MBC will test all donations for COVID-19 Antibodies. In addition Memorial Blood Centers is collecting convalescent plasma from people who have recovered from COVID-19 in efforts to help treat the virus (MBC.ORG/CPdonor). Plasma Donation Center-12200 Middleset Rd #500, Eden Prairie.
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Tuesday, January 19, 9:00-10:00AM
ZOOM Seminar
Are you…
- A new Chamber member since January 2020?
- A new representative of a Chamber member?
- A Chamber member who would like a refresher course on what the Chamber can do for your business?
Register for Chamber 101! This mini-seminar will be effective and enlightening. In 1 hour, we will cover...
- How to effectively utilize your Chamber membership in today’s economy
- How to navigate the Chamber’s website
- Exclusive opportunities available to Chamber members only
- What the Chamber is doing to support your business
- So much more...
Prospective members welcome. Invite someone you know that could benefit from chamber membership!
Registration required. Please reserve your spot by Monday, January 18.
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Coney Island-Visions of an American Dreamland |
Now through 2020-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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Extra-Extra!
We have extra 2020 Chamber Membership Directories and disposable face masks in our office.
If you would like an extra directory or box of masks, please contact cfenner@destinationwaconia.org We can make arrangements for you to pick up at our office or have one dropped off at your business.
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Save the Date for some of the Chamber's BIG Events in 2021!
Mark your calendars now:
- 15th Annual Chamber Golf Scramble-Monday, July 19
- 60th Annual Nickle Dickle Day-Saturday, September 18
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Chamber Luncheon & Calendar |
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Chamber Annual Meeting
Thursday, January 28, 2021
12:00-1:00PM
Virtual Meeting
Topic: Year in Review
- State of the Chamber from President Christine Fenner
- State of the City by Mayor Kent Bloudek
- State of the County by Commissioner Tim Lynch
- Update on Lake Waconia Regional Park
- Installation of 2021 Board of Directors
Cost: $0, $10 (optional donation)
Register by Monday, January 25
Registration required to receive ZOOM link.
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Chamber Calendar-January 2021 |
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JAN 13 Business Education Network-Manfacturing & Trades
7:00-8:00AM via ZOOM
JAN 13 Board of Directors Meeting 12:00-1:00PM via ZOOM
JAN 14 Chamber Retail Committee 8:00-9:30AM via ZOOM
JAN 19 Chamber 101 9:00-10:00AM via ZOOM
JAN 28 Chamber Annual Meeting 11:45-1:00PM via ZOOM
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Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
952-442-5812
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