Lake Waconia Fireworks Festival
Thank you to the Lake Waconia Fireworks business sponsors! The Fireworks Festival is completely funded by donations and we're seeking to raise $30,000. Now we are asking community members to support the event!
Donate by credit card via PayPal or place a donation can at your business to encourage community donations. Share our fireworks Facebook post to your page to spread the word!
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15th Annual Chamber Golf Scramble
Monday, July 19, 2021
10:30AM registration
12:00PM shotgun start
Location: Island View Golf Club
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We invite accomplished, amateur and wanna-be golfers to join us in this year's Chamber Golf Scramble. This year's theme is "Let's Play Ball!" The scramble is open to the public.
Don't golf? Volunteer at the event, sponsor a hole, or donate to the silent auction! Interested in donating? Email Chelsey at the chamber.
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A Message from the Chamber President |
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Waconia Works Signing Day
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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Last month we celebrated the 1st Annual Waconia Works Signing Day - an event to recognize Waconia High School students entering the workforce directly after high school, and the companies that provide these opportunities. The idea came from (just recently retired) WHS teacher Dave Aeling; and supports the Waconia Chamber’s pillar of work in building workforce development. Similar to signing on to play sports, these students are committing to their careers.
Over the past year-and-a-half, we’ve collaborated with Waconia Public Schools Industrial Technology & Engineering teachers, administration, and area business leaders, to meet monthly to develop partnerships and build future workforce connections. These connections start with guest instruction and job shadowing options; and have led to further education opportunities and employment commitments by 3 WHS students - Kyle Glaeser (Sackett-Waconia), Alex Roell (Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram), and Ben Fensko (Laketown Electric). These businesses created formal opportunities for students to build necessary skills and are also contributing to tuition costs for additional education to obtain these skills. Click here to read more...
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Local communities finding successful workforce solutions
by Doug Loon
Minnesota Chamber President
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The long-standing challenge of finding workers is entering a new phase at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. But even as the economy finds new balance in a post-pandemic world, workforce challenges will continue. The Chamber Foundation's Minnesota: 2030 report outlines that growing workforce and helping individuals develop the skills they need to succeed in a 21st century economy. We see this as our state's key economic imperative to grow our economy over the next decade, and beyond.
There is a network that has been building partnerships and a pipeline of workers at the community level for years: the Business Education Network (BEN). In partnership with local chambers, these efforts are customized to the workforce needs of specific regions. Grassroots private-sector efforts are met with successful collaboration of K-12, higher education and community leaders to build sustainable, nimble pathways to local careers or high education opportunities.
The Minnesota Chamber Foundation released a five-year report summarizing successes of these programs, available at mnchamber.com. Click here to read more...
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Business Education Network |
The Center for Workforce Solutions is the first-of-its kind in Minnesota, a business-led initiative to ensure employers and employees possess the necessary tools for jobs of the future.
The Center for Workforce Solutions builds on the success of the Business Education Network (BEN). In partnership with local chambers, these efforts are customized to the workforce needs of specific regions. Grassroots private sector efforts are met with
the successful collaboration of K-12, higher education and community leaders to build sustainable, nimble pathways to local careers or higher education opportunities. Click here to read more...
Note Waconia mentions:
- page 2: Waconia Business Finance Leaders
- page 3: Waconia Teacher in the Workplace
- page 8
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Minnesota Ready Sends Letter to Governor |
Reactivating the economy from the pandemic-related fallout is a top concern of Minnesota businesses, and we are at a critical juncture. Recovery is hindered by a lack of an available workforce. This challenge comes on the heels of record unemployment, which has depleted the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund to deficit levels requiring an increase in employer payroll taxes in the near future. This additional tax burden further impedes reinvestment and recovery.
There is an immediate solution that provides a win-win for workers, employers and Minnesota’s economy: utilize federal funds available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to incentivize a rapid return to work and simultaneously shore up the trust fund. Click here to read more...
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Lelch Audio Video
Taylor Schmidt
5600 Excelsior Blvd, Ste 201
St. Louis Park, MN
218-343-7130
Handyman/home improvements, TV sales & repair
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Mediacom
Lesley Holland
1670 Lake Drive West
Chanhassen, MN
855-224-2253
Utilities, telephone, cable
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Senior Living Insights
Brian & Sara Hood
763-300-1924
Home products & services
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Trucker Logistics
Chad Almjeld
235 West Main Street - Suite 290
Waconia, MN
952-224-6972
Transportation
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Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Institute P.A. |
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24 E Main Street, Waconia
952-915-6000
Dr. Briden opened Advanced Dermatology & Cosmetic Institute in Edina in 1997 and a Waconia office in December 2020! When she opened her own dermatology practice, she envisioned a place that would offer the highest level of personalized medical and cosmetic care in a relaxing environment. ADCI offers comprehensive and personalized medical and cosmetic dermatology services, skin surgery, and skin rejuvenation.
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Island View Golf Club & Vandy's Grille |
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7795 Laketown Parkway, Waconia
Island View Golf Club: 952-442-6116
Vandy's Grille: 952-856-1672
Vandy’s Grille and Island View Golf Club officially opened a newly expanded deck space last month! Funded by Island View Golf Club members, the deck features stunning lake views and adds around 80 seats. Vandy’s Grill will celebrate with a grand re-opening of the deck on June 4-5 with live music. Congratulations on the new space and cheers to a great season!
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Member News and Happenings |
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Waconia Works Signing Day |
The first annual Waconia Works Signing Day took place on May 11! Three Waconia High School seniors - Kyle Glaeser, Alex Roell, and Ben Fensko - were recognized for their decision to enter the workforce upon graduation with local manufacturing and trade companies. It’s exciting to see our local businesses and schools working collaboratively to create these unique experiences.
Special thanks to the teachers, businesses, and everyone involved for making this program and event a success. We are thrilled to see these partnerships continue to thrive in the future!
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Chamber Scholarship Winner |
Congratulations to Waconia High School graduate Joel Willsey, the recipient of this year’s Waconia Chamber of Commerce Scholarship!
Joel was an active member in several school groups and clubs, participated in school and American Legion baseball programs, and volunteers his time with area churches and the chamber’s Nickle Dickle Day! He is also on staff at Everson’s Hardware Hank and takes pride in being a part of the Everson’s staff over the last year when COVID-19 circumstances required extra hard work and dedication to adapt to new standards.
We wish Joel all the best as he pursues a degree in digital communications at Crown College this fall!
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Nickle Dickle Day Pop Champion Wanted! |
The chamber is in search of someone to lead the pop booth facilitation during Nickle Dickle Day!
The chamber is the only beverage vendor on Nickle Dickle Day. The pop booth is staffed by volunteers and all proceeds from the sale benefit the chamber. If you're interested in spearheading the pop booth, please reach out to Christine and Chelsey at the chamber!
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Waconia Chamber of Commerce - 209 S Vine St, Waconia
Download free MN trail maps for biking and hiking scenic loops! A great resource for your groups, families, friends, and even travel club outings!
Check out pages 32-33 for our pages and map. Stop in the Waconia Chamber office to receive a printed guide.
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Library Summer Reading Program |
June 1 - August 13
Carver County Library - 217 S Vine St, Waconia
The library Summer Reading Program for children and teens will run from June 1 through August 13 and will be as robust as ever. The reading activity and book review forms are found at the online Beanstack system through the Library’s web site. See the full schedule of performers at the Carver County Library and other events at www.carverlib.org.
Waconia Library Updates
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Friday, June 11, 8:00AM-2:00PM
Ridgeview Medical Center - 500 S Maple St, Waconia
Amid the ongoing challenges of recruiting blood donors during the COVID-19 pandemic, local nonprofit Memorial Blood Centers (MBC) is facing a shortage of blood and platelet donations.
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, 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).
As a thank you, all presenting donors through June 30th will be entered in for a chance to win weekly drawings for Minnesota Twins Tickets
More than 50% of the blood supply was lost when community blood drives were cancelled due to COVID-19 this year, and the supply remains low (less than a 3-day supply of all blood types). Blood drives are resuming, with additional precautions at all donation sites; appointments are preferred to help maintain social distancing, and donors are required to wear a face mask or face covering.
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We invite the Waconia Chamber of Commerce members to join the celebration by participating in Purple Regins ... "painting the county purple" during the month of June. In this 5th anniversary of his passing, the Arts Consortium of Carver County, posthumously names Prince Honorary Member, 2021. |
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Saturday, June 12, 8:30PM
The Saloon
Join Gary Fritz, Jason Kamerud, and the Where's Karl band at the Saloon on Saturday, June 12 at 8:30PM. It's the first time the band has played since Thanksgiving 2019!
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Waconia Rodeo Sponsorships Available |
August 20-21
Carver County Fairgrounds
Extreme Events MN proudly presents the third annual PRCA rodeo in Waconia! Cowboys and cowgirls from across the country will compete for their place in the national standings. With over 4,500 in expected attendance, we reach many people in a fast-paced exiting way! By choosing a sponsorship package, your message will be available to all those who love the sport of Rodeo.
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After Hours & Ribbon Cutting at Parley Lake Winery |
Friday, June 25, 4:00PM
Parley Lake Winery - 8280 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia
Join the Waconia Chamber Ambassadors for an After Hours and Ribbon Cutting at Parley Lake Winery on June 25 to celebrate the winery's new tasting room bar and deck!
Feel free to stay for wine and pizza. Musician Ben Aaron will perform from 5:00-7:30PM.
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Past-Due Forgiveness Program
Xcel Energy residential electric customers who have between $1,000 to $4,000 in past due charges are eligible for the Payment Plan Credit Program, which could forgive up to 75% of their past-due balance if they enroll and stay current in a payment plan. Customers can enroll in other payment plans offered through the My Account feature at www.XcelEnergy.com, or contact customer care at 1-800-895-4999 for more information.
Amazon Alexa Talks to Xcel
Xcel Energy is pleased to be partnering with Amazon on a new Amazon Alexa skill (a.k.a. voice app) to track energy use. The new Alexa skill will enable customers to check their bill balance, compare energy usage to last year, and even set reminders for bill due dates. We hope this technology will help customers to manager their energy and take advantage of energy efficiency programs.
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Waconia - America's Best Small Towns |
Dreamtowns: The 209 Small Towns Where You Can Live Your Best Life
Waconia ranks no. 30 out of a list of 209 small towns across the country, according to author G. Scott Thomas and his new book Dreamtowns: The 209 Small Towns Where You Can Live Your Best Life.
Thomas measured America's small towns based on a formula of 24 categories, including education, economic growth, job opportunities and housing.
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American Pickers Coming to Minnesota |
The American Pickers are coming to Minnesota in July! The Pickers are looking for unusual items with interesting stories to feature on the show. If you think your hidden treasures might be the right fit, reach out to the show!
-CALL: 1-855-OLD-RUST
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May Luncheon Drawing Winner |
Congratulations to drawing winner Taylor Schmidt of Lelch Audio Video! Taylor won a $30 gift card to Schram Vineyards sponsored by Organized Homes & Staging by Kristin Campbell.
Kristin Campbell was the guest speaker at the May 27 chamber member luncheon at Schram Vineyards.
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Thank you intern Riley Rassman for your hard work this spring at the Waconia Chamber!
Riley is a communications and leadership major at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She will enter her senior year in the fall!
We wish Riley the best of luck as she finishes her college career!
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Chamber Office Summer Hours |
Following the Waconia City Hall new summer hours, the Chamber of Commerce office will follow suit with new hours to begin June 7:
Monday-Thursday - 8:00AM-4:30PM
Friday - 8:00AM-11:30AM
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Chamber Luncheon & Calendar |
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June Luncheon
Thursday, June 24, 2021
11:30AM-1:00PM
Location: Vandy's Grille
8785 Airport Rd, Waconia
Guest Speaker: Carver County Sheriff Jason Kamerud
In-person Cost: $25/member, $40/non-member
Deadline to register: Monday, June 21
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Chamber Calendar-June2021 |
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JUNE 8 Tourism Committee Meeting, 9:00-10:00AM @City Hall
JUNE 9 Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30-1:00PM @City Hall
JUNE 10 Retail Committee Meeting, 8:00-9:30AM @City Hall
JUNE 17 Ambassadors Meeting, 8:45AM starting @Chamber Office (209 S Vine St)
JUNE 24 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Vandy's Grille with Guest Speaker: Carver County Sheriff Jason Kamerud
JUNE 25 After Hours, 4:00PM @Parley Lake Winery (8280 Parley Lake Rd)
JULY 1 Coffee Connection, 7:30-9:00AM @SouthPoint Financial (502 Cherry Dr)
JULY 4 Lake Waconia Fireworks Festival
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Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
952-442-5812
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