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Lake Waconia Fireworks
Friday, July 4 | 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 local businesses, organizations, and community members. Fundraising becomes more difficult each year due to rising costs. Currently we are $6,000 short for this year's show. Donate today to support the fireworks!
| | Printables for your business! | | |
19th Annual Waconia Open
SPOTS ARE FILLING FAST!
Monday, July 14 | 11:00AM
Island View Golf Club
7795 Laketown Pwky, Waconia
The 19th Annual Waconia Open is set for Monday, July 14. The tournament kicks off with an 11:00 AM shotgun start, and this year with a Wild West twist. So round up your team and get ready for a rootin’-tootin’ good time! Registration is open now!
| | A Message from the President | | |
Saddle Up for Summer
Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
As we head into the summer season, I want to show appreciation for your continued engagement and commitment to our local business community. Thanks for showing up, supporting one another, and creating opportunities together.
Mental Health Matters Luncheon Recap
Yesterday’s Mental Health Matters luncheon addressed the growing mental health challenges impacting families and our community. We were appreciative to hear Dr. Matthew Herold and Heather Johnson’s insight and honest discussion. Special thanks to Ridgeview; their presence reinforced that mental health is a community conversation that needs continuous support. As a chamber, let’s continue to build connections with each other (it’s good for mental health too)!
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Summer Events
Summer kicks off with the Waconia Rodeo happening this weekend! Over the past 14 years, it’s grown to be a favorite event and tradition. Bring your family and friends; boots and cowboy hats are encouraged! And don’t miss WBC’s Don’t Worry Be Hoppy Run - supporting the KAT6 Foundation. Come out, have fun, and make a difference. Last, be sure to print our events calendar, mark the dates, and celebrate all that our community has to offer!
June Luncheon: Celebrating Agritourism
At next month’s June luncheon, we’ll shine a spotlight on the intersection of agriculture, tourism, and community. This farm to table experience will bring together local leaders and entrepreneurs who are creating experiences that draw visitors to our area. Until then, check out a newly added Agritourism section of the website to read about Waconia’s agricultural charm.
Cheers to summer!
-Christine
| | | Legislative News & Resources | | |
Fueling prosperity through productivity and innovation
Growth in the state’s economy matters. Businesses expect to increase their bottom line so that workers and families can earn more income. Investors expect returns. Communities expect improvements in their schools, infrastructure and amenities. Delivering these outcomes requires sustained, healthy growth in the economy over time.
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This has raised concerns for Minnesota in recent years, as economic growth has slowed to less than 1.4% annually this decade, ranking in the bottom third of states. Indeed, Minnesota’s economy has expanded faster than the national average just five times in the past twenty years and not once in the past decade – growing at an average annual rate of just 1.5% since 2004. The impacts of slow growth are typically felt more in the long term than in the present moment. At current growth rates, it would take Minnesota 52 years to double the size of its economy, compared to just 29 years in the U.S. This means that future Minnesotans would inherit an economy relatively less prosperous with lower living standards than its peers nationally.
| | Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings | | |
Primary contact: Sem Mand
612-234-6722
813 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
http://www.sizzlestreet.co
sizzlestreet813@gmail.com
Sizzle Street celebrate their one-year Anniversary in May! Spice up your day with a unique and diverse menu offering an array of flavorful options. Congratulations to the Sizzle Street team on one year!
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| Warwick Plumbing & Heating | |
Primary contact: Tyler Warwick
952-529-0412
warwickplmn.com
Tyler@warwickplmn.com
A trusted provider known for delivering high-quality plumbing and heating services with a personal touch. Owner Tyler truly cares about every customer, ensuring comfort and reliability for homes and businesses across the area.
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Primary contact: Cheryl Shohet
952-522-4465
23 W 1st St, Waconia
healinginkandart.com
Info@healinginktattoo.com
A creative space that's thriving in downtown Waconia! Local artists whose unique and inspiring works are showcased in the shop helped to celebrate the opening. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves original art with heart.
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| Waconia Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram | |
Primary contact: Heidi Strong
952-442-2010
905 Strong Dr, Waconia
waconiadodgechryslerjeep.com
heidi@waconiadodge.com
Known for outstanding inventory and top-notch customer service, this family-owned dealership is a Waconia staple with a long history - celebrating 60 years in business this summer!
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We appreciate your support!
Thank you to all our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber. We are looking forward to 2025!
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Art Consortium of Carver County
Assured Cleaning Services
Dostal CPA Tax & Consulting
Emagine Waconia Theatre
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Franklin Printing Inc.
Havenwood Meats
Infinity Diamond Jewelers
Magnolia North
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Nordic Components, Inc.
River Valley Behavioral Health and Wellness Center, PLLC
Westrum's Quality Foods
| | Congratulations on your milestone! Wishing you continued success. | | Celebrating 60 years of business! | | Celebrating 40 years of business! | | |
5th Annual Waconia Works Signing Day
On May 6, the Waconia Chamber's Business Education Network-Manufacturing & Trades and Waconia High School honored the incredible Waconia High School seniors who committed to entering the workforce after graduation in the fields of manufacturing and the trades.
Join us in congratulating: Carter Staber, signed with Compass Carpentry under the guidance of Sunny Dubay.
Past Waconia Works signees returned to share their journeys and inspire the next generation:
- Kyle Glaser – Sackett-Waconia, WHS ’21
- Konrad Breeggemann – Modern Design Cabinetry, WHS ’22
- Isaac Damlo – Crimson Copper Plumbing, WHS ’23
- Natalie Uecker – Sackett-Waconia, WHS ’24
Spotlight on Trades & Apprenticeships:
- Brady Glaser, with Jeff Hoxie of Hoxie Homes
- Alexander Konietzko, enrolled in the electrician program at Ridgewater
This annual event connects students, educators, and employers to build a strong and skilled future workforce. Special shout out to the WHS teachers and local employers who help create these opportunities!
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Congrats to the Class of 2025 and the WHS Chamber Scholarship Winners
Waconia High School seniors Logan Meyer, Evie Tellers, and Morgan Yaeger were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the Waconia Chamber of Commerce. The scholarship committee was blown away by the outstanding applicants who demonstrated an understanding of the chamber, shared inspiring stories of overcoming challenges, and proposed exciting new business ideas for Waconia. A bright future is ahead for these young leaders!
Congratulations to the scholarship recipients and the entire Class of 2025!
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Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executives
Summer Refresh Conference Recap
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce team was inspired at the 2025 Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executives Summer Refresh Conference! Leading up to the conference, Chamber President, Christine Fenner attended the Grow Minnesota luncheon, plus the Federation meeting that highlighted research and data on the 2025 State of Business Retention & Expansion.
These events brought together chamber professionals from across the state to collaborate, learn, and explore new strategies to better support our local businesses.
We’re excited and motivated to continue supporting and growing our lively business community!
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Chamber executives
from around the state.
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Christine with chamber
executives from Worthington
and Mankato.
| | Sean O'Neil from Grow MN spoke to the group. | | |
May Luncheon Recap
Mental Health Matters
Thanks to everyone who joined us for the May Chamber Luncheon at Island View Golf Club on the topic: Mental Health Matters. Speakers Dr. Matthew Herold and Heather Johnson addressed the growing mental health challenges impacting families in the community and provided an introduction to Ridgeview's new mental health services.
LEARN MORE about Ridgeview’s mental health services provided in partnership with Allina Health.
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Sudheimers recognized for community service
Congratulations to Waconia Chamber Members Darrel and Joan Sudheimer, the recipients of the second annual Waconia Stewardship Award! Darrel and Joan are former Waconia business owners and longtime Waconia community supporters. The Sudheimers were presented with the award by the City of Waconia at a City Council meeting earlier in May.
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Baseball Day Minnesota Recap
On May 17, the Waconia Baseball Association hosted the 2nd Annual Baseball Day Minnesota at Waconia Lions Field. It was a full day of baseball with eight teams from around the state going head-to-head. The evnt was capped with a win by the Waconia Wildcats against the Chaska Hawks.
| | Choir Director Aaron Olson and the Waconia High School Choir | | Waconia Lakers with the metro baseball team. | | Chris Ohm (Waconia Baseball Association) and Bucky Mieras (Waconia Public Schools Activities Director) with members of the WHS Baseball team | | Chamber President Christine with St. Paul Saints mascot Muddona. | | Minnesota Twins mascot TC Bear with Parker Hageman (Prep Baseball) | | |
Waconia PRCA Rodeo
May 30-June 1
Carver County Fairgrounds
501 W 3rd St, Waconia
The Waconia Rodeo, hosted by Extreme Events MN, returns to the Carver County Fairgrounds May 30, 31, and June 1 with rodeo action including bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, and more. Gates open at 5:00 PM with food, vendors, a mechanical bull, and kids' activities. Don’t miss Sunday’s pancake breakfast from 8–9:30 AM and Cowboy Church at 10:00 AM in the grandstand.
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Waconia Rodeo Window Tour
Tour through June 1
Congratulations to the winning window displays!
- 1st Place: Paws Inn Pet Essentials
- 2nd Place: Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe
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Tour Waconia to check out all the rodeo window displays and enter to win Waconia Rodeo tickets at participating businesses.
The Waconia Rodeo is set for May 30-June 1 at the Carver County Fairgrounds. Get rodeo tickets online at ExtremeEventsMN.com.
| | 1st Place: Paws Inn Pet Essentials | | 2nd Place: Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe | | More Rodeo Window Tour displays. Tour them all through June 1! | | |
Don't Worry Be Hoppy 5K, 10K & Kids Run
Saturday, May 31
Waconia Brewing Company
255 W Main St, Waconia
Waconia Brewing Company's Don't Worry Be Hoppy Runs are fun for the whole family! The event goes beyond good times and great brews. A portion of proceeds will support the KAT6 Foundation and its mission to raise awareness, fund research, and support families affected by KAT6A and KAT6B gene disorders. Come out, have fun, and help make a difference.
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Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe Rodeo Special
Saturday, May 31 | 9:00AM-5:00PM
Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe
141 W 1st St, Waconia
Show your Waconia Rodeo ticket at Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe on Saturday only and get a $5 gift certificate!
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ATTENTION REALTORS! - Add Property Listings Online!
The Chamber is thrilled to announce the launch of a new online platform, designed to spotlight local realtors and serve as a go-to resource for home buyers! Realtors, showcase your property listings on DestinationWaconia.org and tap into an incredible audience - 166,000 page views in the past year. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with future clients.
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Waconia City Council Agenda
Monday, June 2 | 6:00PM
Waconia City Hall
201 S Vine St, Waconia
Stay informed on what's happening in the City of Waconia.
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June Coffee Connection
Thursday, June 5 | 7:30-9:00AM
O2B Kids
410 10th St, Waconia
Network and connect! We'd love to hear what's new with you and your business. Coffee Connection offers a perfect opportunity to explore the benefits of Waconia Chamber membership and connect with local professionals before becoming a member. No need to register. FREE! Hope to see you there!
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National Donut Day at Mackenthun's Fine Foods
Friday, June 6
Mackenthun's Fine Foods
851 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
Celebrate National Donut Day on Friday, June 6!
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Place an online order for donuts, coffee, and OJ for a sweet start to your day!
- Veterans & Active Military receive a free raised donut on June 6.
- Donut specials: Donut Hope Cups, Donut Sushi
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Cadence Academy Summer Open House
Friday, June 6 | 6-8:00PM
Cadence Academy
240 E Frontage Rd, Waconia
Come visit our school, meet our teachers, and start your summer in style with a food truck, yard games, a visit from Moana, and fun for the whole family!
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Founders & Fashion: Celebrating Women Business Owners
Thursday, June 12 | 6-8:00PM
The Stash
34 W Main St, Waconia
Join us Thursday, June 12th from 6-8pm for an inspiring and stylish evening at The Stash of Waconia as we bring together women business owners to connect, celebrate, and elevate both their style and business strategy—all while supporting the heartbeat of our community: local retail. Hear from our dynamic speakers: Eleece Pink, Owner of The Stash; Megan Van Eyll, Owner of Shape It Up Fitness; Deborah Everson, Retail Strategist and Speaker.
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Arts in Harmony
Friday, June 13 | 5-8:00PM
Parley Lake Winery
8280 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia
Join us on Friday, June 13 for a summer evening in support of the Arts Consortium of Carver County. Enjoy live music, local art, and the scenic charm of Parley Lake Winery - all while supporting the arts in our community. Free and open to the public. All are welcome!
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HomeTown Bank Block Party
Friday, June 20 | 4-7:00PM
HomeTown Bank
641 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
Join us for our annual Block Party on Friday, June 20th from 4-7 PM with live music by Where's Karl at HomeTown Bank Waconia's parking lot! All proceeds from this year's Block Party will be going to Backyard Wishes.
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Ridgeview Foundation's Groovin' on the Green
June 22-23
Ridgeview Foundation’s popular two-day fundraising event is back. Tickets are now on sale for Groovin’ on the Green, June 22-23. Formerly known as the Golf & Taste Celebration, this event has a new name and some exciting changes, but the same great cause of supporting Ridgeview so local health care remains accessible. Proceeds will help support Ridgeview’s Cardiovascular services.
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Waconia Young Professionals
Tuesday, June 24 | 3:30-5:00PM
Waconia Brewing Company
255 W Main St, Waconia
Join the Waconia Young Professionals for a happy hour at the Waconia Brewing Company on Tuesday, June 24. Network with other professionals new in their career! Free to attend but RSVP requested.
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Chamber Booth at the Carver County Fair
The Carver County Fair kicks off on August 6 and the Waconia Chamber will once again host a booth in the Carver County Commons building. The booth is staffed by chamber members and is a member benefit for you to utilize and promote your business. The schedule sign-up is open now! Click below to sign up.
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Ridgeview welcomes Dharmik Patel, MD, to Dermatology practice
Dharmik Patel, MD, is now seeing patients in Waconia for dermatology care. Dr. Patel treats a large range of conditions and has special medical interest in inflammatory skin concerns such as psoriasis and eczema, hair loss, skin surgery and cosmetic dermatology. Ridgeview’s Dermatology team provides diagnosis and clinical treatment for a full range of skin, hair and nail conditions. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Patel, call 952.442.3188.
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WHA Coaching Opportunities - Boys and Girls
The Waconia Hockey Association is looking for non-parent and parent coaches’ applicants for boy levels Bantam, Peewee and Squirts and U13, U12, and U10 for girls levels. Non-parent coaches and assistant coaches are paid, including paid travel for out of town tournaments and reimbursement of expenses. (Head non-parent coach- $4,000, Assistant non-parent Coach - $1,500, $1,500 total coaches’ expenses per team, all coaches combined). Parent coaches receive full Dib volunteer hours for the season
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Post your jobs on DestinationWaconia.org
and the Waconia Works Facebook Page.
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Waconia Events Calendar
Mark your calendars for these fun events happening in Waconia this year! For more events and details, visit DestinationWaconia.org.
If you have an upcoming event, add it to the Community Calendar. Click for instructions to add your event.
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Destination Waconia Visitor & Membership Directory
The Destination Waconia Visitor & Membership Directory is an annual publication produced by the Waconia Chamber of Commerce and distributed in the Waconia Chamber tourism kiosk, given out in new resident and visitor information packets, at many local businesses, and major local events such as the Carver County Fair and Baseball Day Minnesota. The directory is also available on DestinationWaconia.org.
If you would like copies available in your business, email Bobbi at bgrohmann@destinationwaconia.org.
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Weekly Friday Facts Switching to Monthly Newsletter for the Summer
The Waconia Chamber's weekly Friday Facts email is switching to a monthly newsletter for the summer. To stay up to date on Waconia events, follow us on social media and click below for the monthly chamber events calendars.
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- June Luncheon -
Agritourism: A Local Farm to Table Experience
Thursday, June 26 | 11:30AM-1:00PM
Bode Gray's
125 W 1st Street, Waconia
Join us for a unique luncheon that celebrates the intersection of agriculture, tourism, and community. This farm-to-table experience brings together local producers, chefs, and community leaders for a delicious, locally sourced meal.
A behind-the-scenes look at the role agritourism plays in the Waconia community.
A can’t-miss opportunity to taste, learn, and connect!
Interested in being a part of our farm-to-table experience? Email Christine at cfenner@destinationwaconia.org. We’re looking for member farmers, growers, chefs, and ag-based businesses to participate.
Deadline to register: Monday, June 23
| | Chamber Calendar - June 2025 | | |
JUNE 5 Coffee Connection, 7:30-9:00AM @O2B Kids
JUNE 10 Tourism Committee, 9-10AM @Carlson's Llovable Llamas
JUNE 12 Retail Committee, 9-10AM @Chamber Office
JUNE 19 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Chamber Office
JUNE 24 Waconia Young Professionals, 3:30-5PM @Waconia Brewing Company
JUNE 26 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Bode Gray's
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STAY CONNECTED
@DestinationWaconia
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Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
952-442-5812
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