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The Business Excellence Awards are nominated by Waconia Chamber members and the Waconia community.

Interim Communications & Administration Coordinator

Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism

(Part-Time, Temporary)

Position Overview

The Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism is seeking a temporary part-time Interim Communications & Administration Coordinator with some training overlap, covering approximately 16 weeks (February through mid-June 2026).

Position Type: Part-Time, Temporary

Hours: 20 hours per week

Duration: Approximately 16 weeks (February through mid-June 2026)

A Message from the 2026 Board Chair

The Power of Community 



by Christine Fenner

President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce

As we step into 2026, I'm filled with excitement about what lies ahead for our Chamber and community. Our greatest strengths are the people here, the businesses, and the partnerships we create.



In times when headlines from Minnesota feel heavy, our community becomes even more vital. The connections we build with one another keep us grounded: the relationships made over coffee, the partnerships formed at Chamber events, the way we show up for each other.

Honoring Our Trailblazers

Our community was shaped by people who looked ahead. Settlers established roots here, and entrepreneurs invested and built businesses. We're continuing that work.

The Chamber presidents who came before me laid a foundation of excellence and community commitment that guides our work today.

This year, as we celebrate being named Minnesota Retail Community of the Year for 2025-2026, we honor legacy and continue to write the next chapter together. Continue reading...

Minnesota Chamber News

2026 Business Benchmarks Report

For generations, Minnesota’s private sector has powered a remarkable story of innovation, productivity and prosperity, with diverse industries, global companies and a highly skilled workforce that have long positioned our state among the top for quality of life and economic strength. Today, new data reveal important shifts in key measures such as GDP, job growth, labor force growth and household income—signals that it is time to take a fresh look at what will drive Minnesota’s next era of success. The Minnesota Chamber’s economic growth initiative outlines the opportunities, challenges and solutions needed to keep our state competitive. Read the full report to explore the data and learn what’s next for Minnesota’s economic future.

New Members

Member Renewals - Update

We appreciate your support!

Thank you to all our members who renewed their membership in December and January.

A.A. Segner Insurance Agency

Abbywood Carpentry

Ameriprise Financial, Harris Wealth Partners

AssuredPartners

CareerForce Chaska

Carver County Abstract & Title

Carver County Community Development Agency

Carver County Fair

CenterPoint Energy

Choices Psychotherapy

CorTrust Bank

Crimson Copper

Crown College

Dahlheimer Beverage Green Isle

Danielle Alexander Design, LLC

Dave Philp-Coldwell Banker Realty

Derrick's Transportation Services

Dojo Karate

Extreme Events MN

Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church

First Years Academy

Frattallone's Hardware & Garden

Freshwater Church

Garage Bar & Bowl

Gather and Grow Food Shelf & Connection Center

George and Carol Braunwarth

Gilbert Legal, PLLC

GK2promotions

Golden Dragon

Gongoll Beef

HomeTown Bank

Hoppers Bar & Grill

Hoxie Homes & Remodeling

Iron Tap

Island View Golf Club

Jeff Schulz Team-RE/MAX

Johnson Funeral Home, Inc.

Kaeding Architecture

Kayleen Lahoud State Farm

Koch Bus Service, Inc.

Lake Life Chiropractic

Lakeside Farm and Flowers

Laketown Electric Corporation

Laketown Gymnastics

Lakeview Clinic

Lola's Lakehouse

Mackenthun's Fine Foods

Mad Muscle Garage

McDonalds of Waconia

McLeod County Garage Doors

Memorial Blood Centers

MidCountry Bank

Midwest Expanded Metal, Inc.

Mini Biff

Mocha Monkey

Modern Design Cabinetry

Mondi Minneapolis Inc.

Mystic Fortress Games

Neubauer Chiropractic Health Center

O2B Kids

Oakwood Community Church

Ovation Orthodontics

Parley Lake Winery

Philp Family Dentistry Waconia

Podium Sports Marketing, Inc.

Precision Eye Care

Rebound Orthotics & Prosthetics

Ridgeview

Rising Star Dance Academy

Sackett-Waconia

Scheff Insurance Agency

Scholla Insurance

Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery

Security Bank & Trust Co.

Simple Grace Promotions, Inc.

SLS, Inc.

Snap Fitness

Southern Valley Alliance

St. Joseph Catholic Community

SunnyDays Therapy, Inc

Systemhouse, Inc

The Saloon-Waconia

Thrivent Financial

Title Mark

TMC Industries Inc.

Town & Country Glass, Inc.

Travel Easy Inc.

Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe

Trinity Waconia

Truline Contracting, LLC

Waconia Baseball Association

Waconia Comfort

Waconia Hockey Association

Waconia Lions Club

Waconia Patriot

Waconia Public Schools

Waconia West Carver Rotary

Waconia, Victoria & Tonka Living Magazines

West Metro Shuttle

Video credit: KristineAnna Photography

Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings

Schram Vineyards, Bonfire & Barrel

Primary contact: Ashley Schram

952-442-5105

ashley@schramvineyards.com

schramvineyards.com/bonfireandbarrel

Bonfire & Barrel is officially open! We celebrated with a ribbon cutting, confetti, and a whole lot of excitement for this new chapter at Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery. Check out their full menu Tuesday-Sunday at 8785 Airport Road in Waconia!

Boll Custom Concrete

Primary contact: Jesse Boll

952-201-1342

Bollcustomconcrete@gmail.com

bollcustomconcrete.com

Welcome Boll Custom Concrete! Based in Waconia, they specialize in driveways, patios, sidewalks, and decorative concrete, serving Carver County and surrounding communities. To learn more about them & what they do, visit their website!

Ovation Orthodontics

Primary contact: Janie Castilla

952-937-0111 

ovationorthodontics.com/waconia-orthodontist

Congratulations to Ovation Orthodontics on the completion of their recent remodel! Their refreshed Waconia space looks fantastic and offers an updated, comfortable environment for patients of all ages. Learn more about their services or schedule an appointment by visiting their website.

Wilford

Primary contact: Lisa Moe

952-240-2306

livewilfordwaconia.com

Exciting progress is underway at the Wilford Apartments in downtown Waconia! Now leasing, this upscale community offers modern amenities and stunning views of Lake Waconia, with a full opening planned for spring 2026. Learn more about this new downtown living option by visiting their website.

More Chamber News

Thanks for coming to the Holiday Social!

Our Holiday Social was a blast! Thanks to everyone who joined us and helped make it such a memorable night. A huge shoutout to Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery and the Bonfire & Barrel team for hosting us. Cheers to a great year ahead!

Annual Retail Committee Marketing Meeting

Big ideas, great conversations, and a fun year ahead! The Waconia Chamber Retail Committee met yesterday to plan the shopping and dining events you won’t want to miss in 2026. The collaboration between these local shop owners is a big reason Waconia was honored as the 2025–2026 Retail Community of the Year.

Upcoming Retail Committee Meetings:

9-10:00AM, @Waconia Chamber Office

• February 12
• March 12
• April 9

Member News & Happenings

Standing with Our Neighbors: A Learning Session with

Mi CASA

Friday, January 9 | 1:30-3:30PM

Waconia Moravian Church

209 E 2nd St, Waconia

A two-hour discussion designed to equip community members with ways to stand alongside families affected by immigration challenges—whether by attending court hearings, understanding the impact of ICE detentions, or simply being a compassionate, informed presence. Bring your questions for an open Q&A.

Hockey Fights Cancer

Saturday, January 10 | 11:30-7:30PM

Waconia Ice Arena

1250 Oak Ave, Waconia

Join us for the Hockey Fights Cancer! This fun-filled day is open to the entire community and features hockey games from JV to Varsity. This year, we are coming together to support Dan Weir and his family through our fundraising efforts. Players, families, and fans are invited to rally together and show the strength of our hockey community.

Winter Lodge: Goat Cuddling

Saturday, January 10 | 12:00PM

Schram Vineyards

8785 Airport Rd, Waconia

Experience winter at Schram Vineyards! Enjoy snowy vineyard trails, cozy drinks, and festive fun, including Goat Shine Farms from 12–4 PM ($8 per person), a 1 PM Signature Tasting, 3 PM Wine & Cheese Tasting, and live music from 4–7 PM. Warm up with mulled wine or hot chocolate and join in the winter fun—grab your tickets for tastings and goat cuddles!

DECA Competition Judges Wanted!

Sunday, January 18

7:30-11:30AM or 11:30AM-3:30PM (or both)

Waconia High School

1650 Community Drive

This year's DECA district competition is at Waconia High School and judges are needed! No experience judging is required. We will go over the guidelines with judges before they meet with students. Anyone who runs a business, works in a business field - management, entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, accounting, hospitality, tourism, etc., or went to college for business can be a judge. 

DECA is a global student organization preparing future leaders in marketing, finance, hospitality, merchandising, management, and entrepreneurship. District 8 includes seven schools and 500+ students competing in events that build college and career readiness skills. 

Goodwill Ribbon Cutting

Friday, January 23 | 10:00AM

Goodwill

860 Marketplace Drive, Waconia

You’re invited to the grand opening of Goodwill's newest store in Waconia! The first 50 customers will be entered to win one of ten $20 Goodwill gift cards.

Waconia DandyLions Host the Frozen Fairway Open

Saturday, January 25 | 12:00-2:00PM

Lake Waconia Regional Park

8170 Paradise Ln, Waconia

Get ready to swing into winter at the Frozen Fairway Open! This fun winter tradition features 9 holes of snow golf played on the ice. For just $25 per golfer, participants receive a ticket for snow golf. Bring your club of choice such as a hockey stick, broom, or tee-ball bat, and tennis balls will be provided.

Enjoy live music from Mike Bustin, a Best Dressed Team Contest, a 50/50 raffle, a NEW putting game to win booze, and a cozy firepit. All proceeds benefit ACT United (Anti Child Trafficking) and the Waconia DandyLions. Don’t miss this chilly day of fun supporting warm-hearted causes.

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.

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.

Friday Facts Submissions

Have an exciting announcement, an event, or deal to submit to Friday Facts? Email 50-75 words and any attachments to Chelsey at ckoubsky@destinationwaconia.org by noon on Wednesday the week you'd like it to run. Your submission will appear in the Friday Facts for two weeks. As part of your 2026 membership investment, you have the opportunity to submit announcements to the Friday Facts up to 10 times a year (20 appearances).

Promote Your Business in the 2026 Waconia Chamber Membership & Visitors Directory!

We’re gearing up for the 2026 Waconia Membership & Visitors Directory! This annual publication highlights Chamber members and our vibrant community, serving as both a trusted local resource and a guide for visitors. This is not only a great way to promote your business, but also a chance to showcase the value of your Chamber membership to residents, newcomers, and visitors alike.

Important: Review Your Member Profile

As a member of the Waconia Chamber, your business will be in the directory listing. Please take a moment to review your member profile to ensure all your business information is up-to-date. This will ensure accurate representation in both the print and online versions of the directory. Click here for instructions.

• Ready to Advertise? Contact Kristine Richter of Adams Publishing Group kristine.richter@apgecm.com.

Eggs and Issues - A Breakfast Conversation with Minnesota Leaders

Tuesday, February 3 | 9:00-10:30AM

Lake Waconia Regional Park

Paradise Commons

8170 Paradise Ln, Waconia

Join us for a legislative breakfast event with critical insights and direct access to the leaders shaping Minnesota's business climate.

Featured speakers:

Doug Loon, President & CEO

Minnesota Chamber of Commerce

Senator Julia Coleman

Representative Jim Nash

This is your opportunity to:

• Understand the legislative landscape for the year ahead
• Learn key economic trends from the 2026 Business Benchmarks Report
• Engage directly with policymakers on issues affecting your bottom line
• Connect with fellow business leaders
• Make your voice heard on the policies that matter most

What to Expect

A dynamic morning of conversation, connection, and insights. Whether you're concerned about workforce development, tax policy, regulatory environment, or economic growth strategies, this is an event to stay informed and get involved.

Register in advance to attend:

$20 includes Bakery on Main Breakfast Sandwich, coffee/water, and event space

Space is limited. Register today to secure your seat at the table.

Deadline: Friday, January 30

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!

Join the Community Expo Committee!

Next Meeting: Feb. 4 | 2-3:00PM

Waconia Chamber Office

209 S Vine St, Waconia

We’re looking for enthusiastic committee members to help plan and shape this year’s Community Expo. The committee will support overall strategy, logistics, vendor coordination, entertainment planning, and creative ideas that make the event memorable. A small team from Waconia High School will also assist with the student Career Exploration Fair, which takes place the day before.

If you're looking for a fun, meaningful way to give back and help bring the community together, we’d love to have you join us! To learn more about serving on the committee, please reach out to Christine at cfenner@destinationwaconia.org.

Chamber Calendar - January 2026

JANUARY 15 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Waconia City Hall

JANUARY 20 Waconia Young Professionals Happy Hour, 3:30-5PM @Iron Tap

JANUARY 22 Annual Meeting Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Freshwater Church

FEBRUARY 3 B.E.N - Manufacturing & Trades, 7-8AM @Waconia High School

FEBRUARY 3 Eggs & Issues, 9-10:30AM @Lake Waconia Regional Park

FEBRUARY 5 Coffee Connection, 7:30-9AM @Waconia High School

STAY CONNECTED

@DestinationWaconia