Lake Waconia Fireworks
 
Tuesday, July 4th | Show starts at dusk

The Lake Waconia Fireworks, led by the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, hosts the 4th of July Fireworks display. A dedicated group of volunteers work very hard each year to put on the incredible show. The fireworks are completely funded by donations from our local businesses, organizations, and community members. We are still looking for additional sponsors to support and fund this year’s show.
17th Annual Waconia Chamber Golf Scramble
 
Monday, July 17
12:00PM Shotgun Start
Island View Golf Club
 
This year's event is a construction theme with the tag "Tearin' it Up!" Proceeds of the event support your Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau.

We are still seeking sponsorships and donations for the silent auction! Our silent auction is a big part of the event, and we're looking for donations to make it a success. If you have any items or services that you can contribute, we would be so grateful! Your donation will not only support our event, but it will also help us continue to serve our community and promote local businesses. 
A Message from the President
Life Lessons for Graduates



by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
Hats off to the Class of 2023! We’d like to celebrate our graduates and their milestone
achievement! As my oldest daughter graduates from Waconia High School today, I have
her in mind as I share these life lessons for graduates.

1. Volunteer and give back. Take the time along your journey to learn about
yourself. Give your time and talents to organizations that need your help.
Leadership experience could lead you to your next job.

2. Work in hospitality at least once in your life. It teaches you hard work and
customer service. Several years ago an executive of Best Buy once shared a
story with me about how their highest performing talent all had different
backgrounds and educational experiences. However, they all shared a
common thread of all having been a server or bartender once in their lives. Continue reading...
Legislative Update - Minnesota Chamber
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Statewide Policy Tour

Tuesday, June 20 | 2:00-3:30 pm 
Dem-Con Companies
13020 Dem-Con Dr, Shakopee

Tour available at 3:00 pm

The Chamber’s semi-annual Statewide Policy Tour is your opportunity to discuss how actions at the Capitol impact your business. This year, the Legislature passed more policies impacting businesses than in the previous decade. What do these new laws mean for your business? What are the next steps in encouraging lawmakers to make Minnesota an attractive, competitive place for business and talent? Throughout June, the Chamber will host a series of tours throughout the state. Join us in Shakopee to understand more and share your thoughts and ideas.

Interested in attending, email Christine at cfenner@destinationwaconia.org
More Chamber News
3rd Annual Waconia Works Signing Day

An opportunity to recognize Waconia High School seniors for their decision to enter the workforce post-graduation with a local company in the area of manufacturing or trades; and to highlight the local businesses that provide these opportunities.

Thank you to WHS Industrial Tech teachers, Peter Brown and Sam Porthan!
Congratulations Jackson McMerty, with Chamber member Hoxie Homes & Remodeling
Past WHS '21 and '22 graduate signees were also in attendance, as well as other past participating companies.
Pictured: Sackett-Waconia
Congratulations to Logan Roy who will be working for Storms Welding.
Pictured from left: John Hoen, Logan Roy, Jackson McMerty, Jeff Hoxie, Peter Brown and Sam Porthan
Congratulations also to senior Cody Simon, who will also be working for Storms Welding, but was unable to participate in the signing event.
Congrats to the Class of 2023 and the WHS Chamber Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to the recipients of the $1,000 Waconia Chamber of Commerce scholarships. We had numerous outstanding applicants that answered a variety of questions that included an understanding of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, a description of overcoming a difficult situation, and a small write-up of a business that they’d like to bring to Waconia.

Each of the recipients excelled with a strong connection to the business community and entrepreneurship. The selection committee was very impressed by the business plans and we hope these ideas come back to Waconia someday.

Congratulations to the scholarship recipients and the entire Class of 2023 graduates!
Jenna Dahlke

Isabella Hoxie

Victoria Parpart

Welcome New Members
Brush Dental Studio

Shannon Toftely
(952) 300-8028
8800 Partridge Rd, St Bonifacius
Dentist
Ruthie's House Vintage

Ashley Klatte-Olson
44 W 1st St, Waconia
Retail
Candie Clouds

Crystal Jensen
Gourmet Cotton Candy


Scooter's Coffee

Angela Miller
660 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
Drive-thru Coffee
Membership Renewals
Help us thank these businesses for their commitment to the business community!
Bundle Studio
Mediacom
Pangea Cafe
Shed & Fence Co
Waconia Apparel Company

Ambassador Visits
Southwest Eye Care
Primary contact: Taylor Ritenour
1200 Chaska Creek Way Suite 110, Chaska
952-466-3937

Southwest Eye Care offers more than just eye care - see them for eye exams, lasik, botox, and cataracts surgeries. Their mission provide full scope medical, refractive, and surgical care to patients of all ages, utilizing advanced technologies in a welcoming and modern medical setting.
DHA CPAs
Primary contact: Jayme Miller
544 Bavaria Lane, Chaska
952-448-4220

DHA CPAs have been in business for 20 years. They offer accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, tax planning, and business advisory services. They provide customized, comprehensive consulting and compliance services for both businesses and individuals.
First Years Academy
Primary contact: Stephanie Schultz
583 Cherry Drive, Waconia
952-442-4194

First Years Academy offers childcare for infants through fourth grade. Their educational programs are centered on exploration and development while providing care, with additional enrichment programs to compliment their curriculum. School-age summer programs are also available.
Groundbreaking Happenings
Scooter's Coffee
Primary contact: Angela Miller
660 Marketplace Drive, Waconia
952-210-0418

We welcomed Scooter's Coffee with a groundbreaking visit, we are excited to see the progress and try their coffee, smoothies and more once they are open! Scooter's Coffee is family-owned and values-driven, delivering high quality drinks through a drive thru lane, fast & friendly.
Mackenthun's Fine Foods
Minnetrista Location
4751 Kings Point Road
Anticipated opening March 2024.

Congratulations to Mackenthun's Fine Foods on the groundbreaking for a new location in Minnetrista! The new location will be 49,000 sq ft and will include a liquor store and drive-thru Caribou Coffee, as well as the many grocery offerings currently available in the Waconia location.
Member News and Happenings
Ruthie's House Vintage Grand Opening
 
Saturday, May 27 | 12:00-4:00PM
Ruthie's House Vintage
44 W 1st St, Waconia

Stop into the Grand Opening of Ruthie's Vintage House tomorrow and check out the fun, unique, vintage items for sale. Congratulations on your Grand Opening!
Memorial Day Service
 
Monday, May 29 | 10:45AM
City Square Park, Waconia

Join American Legion Post 150 and VFW Post 5462 on Monday, May 29th to pay tribute to those who fought and died in battle for our great country. There will be a parade beginning at 10:45AM followed by a program at City Square Park. The program will begin at 11:00AM. Click below for schedule of cemetery services.
Memorial Day Special
 
Wednesday, May 31st | 9:00AM
Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe
141 W 1st St, Waconia

Trending Upward will be opening an hour early at 9 AM and offering a 10% discount to all active duty, veterans and seniors 55+. They must show valid ID to redeem the special. 
June Coffee Connection
 
Thursday, June 1st | 7:30-9:00AM
539 S Elm St, Waconia

Network and connect! We'd love to hear what's new with you and your business. Coffee and a light snack will be served. No need to register. Stop in for as long as your schedule allows. FREE! Hope to see you there!
Kickoff summer vacation at the ballpark with HomeTown Bank!

Thursday, June 1st | 7:30PM
Waconia Lion's Field
927 Wildcat Way, Waconia

The Waconia Lakers will be playing against St. Boni at Waconia Lions Field, and the HomeTown Bank crew will be hosting lots of fun and games for the whole family!
Waconia Rodeo

June 2 & 3
Carver County Fair Grounds
 
Extreme Events is proud to present the Waconia Rodeo June 2 & 3 at the Carver County Fairgrounds! The gates open at 5PM each night with events starting at 7:00PM. Events include bareback and saddle bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, team roping, and more! Tickets on sale now online.
Lola's Lake Waconia Run

Saturday, June 3rd

Join in for the 11th Annual Lola's Lake Waconia 10 Mile & 5K race. This race is 30 minutes west of the Twin Cities around the beautiful Lake Waconia. Race starts and finishes at City Square park then join the post race party at Lola's Lake House. 
Health & Wellness with Carver County Library

Mindful Meditation with The Hive
Saturday, June 3rd | 9:30-10:30AM
City Hall | 201 S Vine St, Waconia

Learn about healing and strengthening your mind, body, and soul with specialists from The Hive. We will finish the class with a guided meditation that you can practice in your daily life. 
Sound Bath with The Hive
Saturday, June 17 | 9:30-10:30AM
City Square Park, Waconia

This gentle, yet powerful sound immersion uses the resounding vibrations of crystal singing bowls to allow mind, body, and spirit to combine energy. City Square Park is located near downtown Waconia on Main Street between Pine and Spruce Streets.

These projects were made possible by a grant from the Charles J. Dahlke Grant Program.
Free Wellness Workshop

Wednesday, June 7th | 6:00-7:00PM
Soulful Smoothies
44 W 1st St, Waconia

This FREE how to quit sugar workshop explores the effects of sugar on your body and how you can successfully overcome it. Participants will gain a greater understanding of why we crave sweets, how sugar decreases our energy, and the cycle of sugar addiction. They will learn how to identify the hidden refined sugar in common foods and explore tasty alternatives to stay sugar-free for life. 
Waconia West Carver Rotary Golf Challenge

Monday, June 19th | 12:15PM Shotgun Start
Island View Golf Club
7795 Laketown Parkway, Waconia

This event supports Backyard Wishes and the Rotary Youth Exchange and Strive programs. Sign up for 18 holes at Island View, golf challenges, a box lunch, a cold beer, and a bite to eat after golf. Sponsorships also available.
Ridgeview Foundation's 38th Annual Golf & Taste Celebration

Saturday, June 26th | 5:00PM-8:00PM
Island View Golf Club
7795 Laketown Parkway, Waconia

Join the Ridgeview Foundation in raising funds for mental health services at their Golf & Taste Celebration. New Taste format in 2023, come and enjoy an evening of food and drink from the area’s finest restaurants, breweries and distilleries. Live music from The Johnny Holm Band starts at 6:30 p.m.

Donations are also welcomed, and in-kind donations from local businesses like yours help make these events a success. For more information email or call (952)442-6010.
Downtown Construction is Underway

Construction has begun downtown, initial work will include traffic control setup, erosion control setup, and light pole removals.

Office hours are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 - 4:00pm at the job trailer west of Vine Street if you need to speak with construction staff. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to one of the project contacts listed on the project website.
Shape It Up Fitness Welcomes new instructor

Shape It Up Fitness is excited to welcome Sherry Anderly of PWRFITMN to their Team. Sherry is starting a small group strength training series Tue/Thur. from 9-9:45 a.m. this Summer. Dates include June 22, 27, 29 July 6, 11, 13, 18 20 Cost: $249  Sherry is also open for personal training sessions this summer. 

Contact Megan@shapeitupfitnessmn.com to sign up or book a free consult!
Make a difference by giving blood

Make a positive impact this week to ensure we can supply our local hospitals with enough blood, plasma and platelets for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and summer! 

As a special thank you, all presenting donors from May 24th- May 31st will get a cool new tote, perfect to take up to the cabin or the beach. Click below to make an appointment today! New donors are highly encouraged and welcomed! Bring a friend and double your impact!
Now Hiring
Southern Valley Alliance is Hiring!

Southern Valley Alliance is hiring a Part-Time Development Manager to assist with fundraising strategies, grant writing, and donor relations.
If you are looking for fun and exciting ways to give back to your community, consider joining their team!
For more info, visit: svamn.org/jobs-and-internships 
Scholla Financial is Hiring!

Assistant Office Manager wanted to assist the Office Manager and Sales Agents in day to day tasks. Click here for more information. Email your resume to tim@schollafinancial.com to apply
Find and Post Jobs with the Chamber

We have resources to help you find the right person for your open positions!

Post job openings on Destinationwaconia.org/jobs using your member log in information.

Join the Waconia Works group on Facebook, where members can post job openings and job-seekers can search Chamber member openings all in one place.
Upcoming Events
June Chamber Luncheon

Thursday, June 22 | 11:30AM-1:00PM
American Legion Post #150
4 E Main St, Suite 1, Waconia

Waconia Then and Now, A Historical Look of Waconia

Speaker: Local Historian Clark Machtemes

Catered by Iron Tap

Deadline to register: Monday, June 19
Chamber Calendar - June 2023
JUNE 1 Coffee Connection, 7:30AM-9:00AM @Security Bank w/Lynn Laumann Photography
JUNE 8 Retail Meeting, 8:00AM-9:00AM @Waconia City Hall
JUNE 13 Tourism Meeting, 9:00AM-10:00AM @Waconia City Hall
JUNE 14 Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Waconia City Hall
JUNE 15 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Waconia City Hall
JUNE 22 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @American Legion Post #150
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Chamber Office Closure

We will be closed on Monday, May 29th in observance of Memorial Day.
Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812