Legislative Breakfast
Friday, March 20, 7:30-9:00AM
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum-3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska

Co-hosted by the SouthWest Metro & Waconia Chambers of Commerce. Senator Scott Jensen, Representative Rick Boe and Representative Jim Nash will be joining us. Questions from chamber members welcome on business topics.
March Coffee Connection
Thursday, March 12, 7:30-9:00AM
Elite Nutrition-36 W Main St, Waconia

A chamber member favorite! Bounceback from spring break by connecting with fellow chamber members. Grab a cup of coffee and start your day with a lift. FREE! Open House format. Stop in for as long as your schedule allows. Bring a colleague or friend!
Welcome New Chamber Members:
Bear Market Intelligence
Alan Bear

1244 Gusty Dr
Waconia, MN 55387
612-532-1116

Materials Management
Edward Jones-Dale Copeman
Dale Copeman

121 W Main St, Ste 116
Waconia, MN 55387
952-442-1398

Financial Services
Fire and Ice Tourism Economy



 by Kellie Sites, Waconia Chamber President
Those words maybe don’t seem to go together for you, but having just returned from the Explore Minnesota Tourism Conference in Alexandria, they mean everything to me.

What words do you use when you talk about Waconia – to your colleagues, your employees, your kids, your friends, your relatives… Do you talk about the rich history? Or perhaps an event that is coming up? Do you talk about the one-of-a kind shops and restaurants that we have in Waconia? Maybe you talk about all the services you can find in Waconia, from automotive, to legal to medical… Click Here to read more...
Chamber Federation launches legislative agenda



 by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
Strike up a conversation with any business owner on the challenges to growing jobs in Minnesota, and the themes ring familiar.

High taxes hinder growth. Access to quality health care at an affordable price. The increasing number of government-mandates on employee benefits. S hortage of skilled workers.

Businesses of all types and sizes feel these stresses.  Click here to read more...
Ambassador Ribbon Cuttings
Movewell Chiropractic & Wellness

Primary Contact: Brad Hauer DC
1309 Oak Ave, Suite 207, Waconia
320-583-8237

MoveWell Chiropractic and Wellness has created a wonderful environment in which to treat their patients. Dr. Brad Hauer and his wife Jennifer are so glad to be in Waconia and we are glad they are here! At MoveWell Chiropractic, they hear your story and take a detailed history. They then create an individualized treatment plan aimed at achieving the functional goals you set together. The Ambassadors enjoyed this visit to celebrate the opening of his practice in Waconia with a ribbon cutting and his first dollar of clear profit.  Congratulations and welcome to the Chamber!
Thrive Physical Therapy

Primary Contact: Amanda Bloomer
654 Industrial Blvd, Waconia
952-491-4700

Thrive Physical Therapy is now in Waconia!  The Ambassadors did a ribbon cutting with Colin Rust to celebrate their new space inside of Laketown Gymnastics.  With no referral needed, it is their hope that you will check out their practice and learn all about them.   Their mission is to provide health and wellness in the community by providing comprehensive and personalized rehabilitation service. They strive to help individuals reach their goals by delivering exceptional care, resources, education, and compassion to make long-lasting change in their life. Welcome to Waconia and to the Waconia Chamber!
Ambassador Visit
Waconia Barbers

Primary Contact: Josh Kirkpatrick, Owner
9342 Oak Ave, Suite A, Waconia
952-442-9228

Waconia Barbers made a splash in Waconia in 2019 with its cool studio and great offerings.  Our Ambassadors welcomed Josh to the Chamber with his First Dollar of clear profit and enjoyed getting to know about this business. With on-line booking, straight razor shaves and modern or traditional cuts, Josh Kirkpatrick is your guy. He has been in the barber industry since 2003 as both an instructor and a barber. Josh loves getting to know his customers and hopes you’ll make an appointment soon. Gift Cards available! Welcome to the Chamber, Waconia Barbers!
Member News and Happenings
Visionary Leader Wanted
The Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce is searching for a visionary leader to assume the role of the next President. This full-time position is responsible for the leadership and operations of the Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce under the direction of the Board of Directors. The President makes decisions consistent with our mission, “to promote a positive business environment, through Advocacy, Economic Development and Networking Opportunities, to enhance the quality of life in the community,” is responsible for financial management of the Chamber, and consistently demonstrates exceptional communication and relationship building skills. 
 
This leader will help build upon the rich history and successes of the Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce, and is the face of the chamber. The ideal candidate for this job is someone who is passionate about Waconia, and is eager to positively impact and assist the local business community. This person must be comfortable meeting and dealing with people from all walks of life and all areas of the community, have a fundamental understanding of the challenges faced by businesses, and the can-do attitude to help find solutions to those challenges.
 
Interested parties should complete the attached job application found here:  https://www.destinationwaconia.org/chamber/next_chamb_pres.php and send to waconiachamber@outlook.com  In addition, a CV/resume may also accompany application. Application period will close February 29, 2020.
Fish Fry
Fridays through April 3, 4:00-7:30PM
St Joseph's School (Education Center)-41 E 1st St, Waconia

The Knights of Columbus are hosting fish fry dinners on Friday evenings through Lent (except Good Friday).
Cost: Adult $12, Kids 6-12 $5, children 6 and under eat free. $50 Max/Family!
Children's menu and take out available
Carver County Junior Fair Board Opportunity
Applications accepted through Saturday, February 29
 
Spread the word: The Carver County Agriculture Society, LLC (dba Carver County Fair) is kicking off the introduction of the Carver County Junior Fair Board and would like to invite all students to apply for this great opportunity to build leadership skills and become involved in the community. This organization will consist of 5-7 young adults in grades 9 th -12 th, whom reside in Carver County. The Carver County Junior Fair Board will not only be involved in the Carver County Fair but also in the Carver County community. Accepted members who complete or are completing their second year on the Junior Fair Board will receive the opportunity to apply for a $500 scholarship for the Fall of 2021. Applications due by February 29.Questions? Contact juniorfairboardccf@gmail.com 
Save money for your business!
With energy-efficient natural gas rebates and programs, Minnesota businesses can receive initial equipment savings and lower long-term energy operating costs. S tart saving today!  
Onsite Hiring Event
Thursday, March 5, 8:00-4:30PM
acpi Wood Products-180 Industrial Blvd, Waconia
 
acpi Wood Products-Cabinet Manufacturing Plant in Waconia is hiring. They are looking for a variety of positions. Apply online at https://careers.hireology.com/acpicorp or attend the hiring event.   
Frunge 2020-When the going gets tough...The tough get going
Saturday, March 7, 10:00AM
Lola's Lakehouse-318 E Lake St, Waconia
 
Are you tough enough to jump into icy, 56 degree depths? Lola’s Lakehouse has made a tradition of hosting courageous (or foolhardy) Frungers. For those who would rather watch than jump, you’ll have a front row seat at Lola’s. Sip a warming drink, enjoy a tasty meal or snack and show your support for the hardy souls who are giving their all for a great cause. Even if you’re not jumping, you can still support Children’s Grief Connection with your donation.
Part-time Bookkeeping Opportunity
We are sad to say that our Finance Department, Amy Rottunda, has accepted a new position outside of the chamber. That means the Chamber needs a new bookkeeper. If you are interested or know of someone who is, please have them send Kellie an email at the Chamber  ksites@destinationwaconia.org. 
 
Thank you, Amy, for your excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. We appreciate all you have done to make the Chamber an easier place with which to do business.
WYP Happy Hour
Tuesday, March 10, 5:00-7:00PM
Vandy's Grille-7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia

Network with business professionals 21 - 39 years old. Meet up for casual conversation and get to know someone better! Food and beverage on your own.
26th annual Alligator Gumbo & Pie Dinner
Sunday, March 15, 4:30-7:00PM
Waconia Moravian Church-209 E 2nd St, Waconia
 
 All are invited to gather and "eat Gator"! At Waconia Moravian, any child who wants to attend church camp is welcome to go with minimal (if any) out of pocket expense to the family. History has shown that this is a wonderful opportunity for youth to grow their Christian faith and connect with God. Church camp can have a huge impact on a young person! Alligator Gumbo has been a successful Camp Scholarship Fundraiser for 25 years. In addition to homemade gumbo, chicken noodle soup and fresh pie are served. No need to purchase a ticket, a free will offering is accepted.
Chamber Luncheon & Calendar
March Chamber Luncheon

Thursday, March 26, 2020
11:30AM-1:00PM

Location: Vandy's Grille
7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia

Topic: Speed Networking!
A chamber member favorite. Join us for this unique progressive meal. Sit with a different group for salad, entree, dessert. Make connections!
(Don't forget your business cards and collateral pieces welcome!)

Cost: $25/member, $40/non-members

 RSVP Required by Monday, March 23
To streamline check in at the event, we ask that you register and pay HERE.

Call or email to register ksites@destinationwaconia.org

All forms of payment will be accepted the day of the event.
Chamber Calendar-March 2020
MAR 11 Chamber Board of Directors Meeting 11:30AM-1:00PM
MAR 12 Coffee Connection 7:30-9:00AM @Elite Nutrition, 36 W Main St, Waconia
MAR 12 Retail Committee Meeting 8:00-9:30AM @Maple Conference Room, City Hall
MAR 19 Ambassador Meeting 8:45AM @ Chamber Office 209 S Vine St, Waconia
MAR 20 Legislative Breakfast 7:30AM-9:00AM @ Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska
MAR 26 February Luncheon @ Vandy's Grille 7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia
Doors open at 11:30, adjourn by 1:00PM Register by Monday, March 23
Friday Facts Is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812