July Coffee Connection
Thursday, July 2, 7:30-9:00AM
McDonald's of Waconia-910 Strong Dr

We are excited to announce an in-person Coffee Connection. We will be following
COVID-19 guidelines for gathering and social distancing. Please note that McDonald's dining room is not currently open to the public even though it is allowed for up to 50% capacity. Therefore, our event will be a private, chamber only gathering. McDonald's is requesting that all guests wear a mask. There is no fee to attend and we hope to see you there!
14th annual Waconia Open Golf Event presented by Cabinetworks Group
Monday, July 27

We are very excited for our 14th annual Chamber Golf Scramble. We already have 20 teams registered, but there is room for many more! Accomplished, amateur and wanna-be golfers are all welcome. This year's theme is "Salute to Healthcare" so grab some scrubs and your mask!

Hole Sponsors to date:
American Family Insurance
Cabinetworks Group
CD Products, Inc.
CenterPoint Energy
DHA CPAs
HomeTown Bank
Hoxie Homes & Remodeling
Mackenthun's Fine Foods
Melchert Hubert Sjodin, PLLP
Ridgeview Medical Center
TMC Industries
Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep

Beverage Tent Sponsor
Smothers & Falk Realty Group (Margarita)

Survivor Ball Sponsor
Old National Bank

Beer Cart Sponsor
Waconia Brewing Compan y

IT'S NOT TOO LATE!
There is still room to golf, sponsor and donate to the Silent Auction.
Call or mail your checks TODAY to Waconia Chamber of Commerce
209 S Vine St, Waconia 952-442-5812
Welcome New Chamber Members:
ASP
Natalie Gustafson

1286 Park Rd, St B
Chanhassen, MN 55317
952-529-2594
Plumbing
HomeFront Realty
Cindy Jamison

121 W Main St #125
Waconia, MN 55387
612-402-8382
Real Estate
Elephant Joe's Coffee
Katie Klein

Community at Large
Coffee and beverage truck
Working Alongside You




by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
Whether it be live and socially-distanced, wearing a mask, or virtual; I’m honored to be with the Waconia Chamber of Commerce and look forward to working alongside you. 

This is an incredible community...to live, work, and raise a family. My husband and I moved to the Waconia area 15 years ago, and are raising our family here. My entire career has involved being engaged in the business community, with the majority of time spent in the financial services. Over the past few years, I’ve worked with the Waconia School district to build partnerships between the schools and the business community. I’m proud to promote our community and all it has to offer.  Click here to read more...
Businesses are leading by example in keeping Minnesota safe



by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
Minnesota is at a critical point in our shared effort to manage COVID-19 and bring forth a recovery of our state’s economy. As many states experience upticks in COVID-19 cases, it is important that Minnesota businesses and citizens understand and put into practice effective health and safety precautions. We’ve all sacrificed a lot in the last few months to prevent dire health consequences from COVID-19. And now our economy is opening up again, mitigating long-term economic devastation in our state.
 
The Minnesota Chamber has assisted businesses since the onset of COVID-19, helping them navigate health and safety recommendations and government regulations. We have a toolkit of resources for businesses to use in creating their preparedness plans. These highlight recommendations from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Following these guidelines will help you keep a healthy workforce in place and offer your vendors and customers peace of mind in working with you or coming into your workspace. Click here to read more...
Teacher in the Workplace-Trades Focus

As part of a grant from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Foundation's Business Education Network, teachers partnered with Waconia Area Chamber members to better understand skills required and jobs available in the trades for students upon graduation, as well as apprenticeship opportunities available while in high school. Waconia High School teachers in the areas of Industrial Technology, Engineering, Chemistry, and Statistics partnered with companies to connect classroom curriculum with the industry. This is the third time the chamber has partnered with the state chamber to bring this program to our schools.
2020 Participating Businesses:
  • Sackett-Waconia
  • Cabinetworks Group
  • Larkin Electric Inc
  • Midwest Expanded Metal Inc
  • Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep
  • HEI Collision Center
  • Hoxie Homes & Remodeling
  • TMC Industries Inc
  • Modern Design Cabinetry
Previous Participation in the Trades:
  • Nordic Components Inc
  • Applied Vacuum Technology LLC
  • Elkay (now Cabinetworks Group)
Ribbon Cutting
Koch Bus Services

Primary Contact: Brian Koch, owner
150 Victor Court, Waconia
612-599-1100

Koch School Bus Service’s new garage is spacious and modern, and located in close proximity to Waconia High School. Designed by Kaeding Architecture, the new location allows for easier traffic flow and increased energy efficiency. Owner, Brian Koch, has a great story to tell of how his grandfather started the bus company by giving his friends rides to school in 1938. Eventually he traded his car in for a station wagon, then a van, and eventually a bus. The fleet has now grown to 140 school busses and vans. The company services schools in Waconia, Watertown, and Shakopee; with 94 routes; and 175 drivers, mechanics, and support staff. At the start of the 2019-2020 school year, they were transporting 7000 students to and from school daily, with safety as the #1 priority. Congratulations on your new space, Koch Bus Services!
Ambassador Visits
Bear Market Intelligence

Primary Contact: Alan Bear
612-532-1116

The chamber ambassadors were happy to welcome Bear Market Intelligence to the community and the chamber in a socially distant manner. Alan Bear has helped companies in the metals (including steel, aluminum, stainless, and nickel alloys) and materials management industries to increase profits through analysis, consulting, and executing. Alan holds a passion for custom metal fabrication, race car building, employee training, and design for manufacture activities. We’re thrilled to have this specialized business as a part of the chamber!
Hoxie Homes & Remodeling

Primary Contact: Jeff Hoxie
219 E Frontage Rd, Suite 110, Waconia
952-457-4275

Welcome to the chamber! Hoxie Homes & Remodeling specializes in custom home construction, home additions, home renovation, and commercial tenant improvements. Jeff Hoxie started the company in 2006 and has since completed numerous custom projects in the Lake Waconia, Lake Minnetonka, and Edina areas. The company prides themselves on strong relationships with their clients. Hoxie recently hosted a couple of Waconia High School teachers in the Teacher in the Workplace program to highlight the skills and industry requirements needed for construction and project management. 
Member News and Happenings
Live Baseball is BACK!
Wednesday, July 1, 7:30PM
Lions' Field-927 Wildcat Way, Waconia
 
The Waconia Lakers have games on July 1, 2, and 5 at Lions Field. Admission is $5.
Plan to visit the concessions for some great treats & beverages including beer and hard apple cider. For a more a complete schedule, visit waconiabaseball.com
Best of Carver County
Vote by July 5

The Waconia Patriot and ECM Publishing is accepting votes for Carver County Best Of... now through July 5. Submit your choice in many business categories!
Shape It Up Fitness has MOVED!
Shape It Up Fitness-44 W Main St, Waconia

As Shape It Up Fitness moves to Main Street Waconia, they will be offering a number of exclusive services including small, boutique fitness classes with 20 current options per week, private training and goal setting, virtual challenges with accountability, motivation and fun. SIU will be carrying swag and merchandise geared toward fitness and wellness. Interested in Shaping It Up? Visit their website www.shapeitupfitnessmn.com  Follow their social media accounts for tips and inspiration!
Watch Sale!
Infinity Diamond Jewelers-32 W 1st St, Waconia

40% OFF all in-stock Citizen Watches.
Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday 10AM-6PM, Thursday 10AM-7PM, Friday 10AM-6PM, Saturday 10AM-3PM
Business4Business MSP Regional Coalition
Business4Business MSP is a regional coalition of the public and private sectors, including the Carver County CDA and the Waconia Chamber, who have come together to support our small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The coalition aims to connect small businesses to financial and technical assistance resources. Currently, the coalition is collecting financial and in-kind contributions, then later this summer will pair with businesses in need to receive these contributions. To learn how your business can participate visit www.business4businessmsp.com or contact Elise Durbin at the Carver County CDA at [email protected].
COVID-19 Update from MN Department of Health
Information from the Minnesota Department of Health if one of your employees is diagnosed with COVID-19: https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/sickemployee.pdf  
Emagine Theatre Open!
Emagine Waconia Theatre-101 E 1st St
 
Movies are back in the theater! Movie schedules run Friday through Thursday.
Starting THIS Friday, July 3: The Jungle Book (live action), Grease, The Force Awakens, Despicable Me, Deadpool, Followed, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, Ghostbusters (starts 7/1 @ 7PM), Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets
Cost: $5/adult, $3/kid All day, everyday until further notice.

Check out Showtimes:
WYP Meeting
Wednesday, July 15, 5:00-7:00PM
Lola's Lakehouse-318 E Lake St, Waconia
 
Join Waconia Young Professionals ages 21-39. No fee to attend. Food and drink on your own.
Don't Worry Be Hoppy 5K
Saturday, July 18
Waconia Brewing Company-255 W Main St
 
The 6th annual Don't Worry Be Hoppy 5K and kids run is for the whole family. Due to Covid-19, they are making some adjustments to ensure that our Participants & Volunteers are as safe as possible. 5K Event is limited to 250 participants with registration only accepted online. For more information, registration and updated event info, visit their Facebook page:
Waconia Wine Festival
July 25 Noon-6PM
Parley Lake Winery- 8280 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia
Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery -8785 Airport Rd, Waconia
Sovereign Estate Winery -9950 North Shore Rd, Waconia
 
Our Annual Waconia Wine Festival Weekend is on with revised guidelines and safety measures in place. Tour all three Waconia Wineries. All tickets will be pre-sold at designated start times. Your paid reservation includes admission to all three wineries, a souvenir logo tasting glass and a wine tasting at each location.
Check-in from 12pm -3pm, Choose your starting winery and follow the trail!

Cost: $40 for tour (includes admission to all 3 wineries) Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Ribfest-Save the date!
Saturday, August 15 10:00AM-4:00PM
Mackenthun's Fine Foods-851 Market Place Dr, Waconia
 
17th Annual Mackenthun's Rib Fest Event is an Outdoor, Family Friendly event where the community gathers and shares its love for great food, music, and a good time! They will feature a Rib Competition with prizes for the winners and of course bragging rights! Join them for this fun event! Social Distancing measures will be implemented during this event. For more details visit mackenthuns.com
Chamber Calendar-July 2020
JUL 2 Coffee Connection 7:30-9:00AM @McDonald's (910 Strong Dr, Waconia)
JUL 8 Chamber Board of Directors Meeting 12:00-15:30PM Off-site Location
JUL 9 Chamber Retail Committee 8:00-9:30AM @TBD
JUL 14 Bonus Coffee Connection 7:30-9:00AM @Clearwater Clothing (132 S Olive St)
JUL 15 WYP 5:00-7:00PM @Lola's Lakehouse (318 E Lake St, Waconia)
JUL 16 Ambassador Meeting 8:45 @TBD
JUL 27 Chamber Golf Scramble @ Island View Golf Club (7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia) Register by Friday, July 24
Name | Company | Phone | Fax | Email | Website
Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812