Spring Shop Hop-New Event!
Saturday, March 27, 10:00AM-5:00PM
Participating Businesses in Waconia
Kids don't get to have all the fun!
We're offering our own Egg Hunt-hop from business to business, choose an egg and get a special prize, offer or discount! Look for photo-ops with the Easter Bunny & Easter Llama around town.
Watch for updates on participating businesses...
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Spring Ahead on the Road to Recovery
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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Being outdoors, fresh air, and warmer temps have provided a feeling of newness filled with optimism for what’s to come. Our businesses and community have rallied together to come up with new ideas to provide a fresh start to keep us all moving forward; and there’s a full calendar of events and outdoor activities that will allow us to connect and build community. We’re excited for a Shop Hop, Sister Saturday, Chamber Golf Scramble, and Fireworks to name a few!
At the chamber office this week, we’ve been participating with the (virtual) Chamber Week at the Capitol to collectively advocate for businesses and communities to continue to expand their capacities in a safe way. Additionally, we’ve been attending the (virtual) Explore MN Tourism Conference to discover new opportunities that draw visitors to the Waconia area. We care about our local business community and have been continuously inspired by your grit, compassion, and resilience. Click Here to read more...
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Providing relief for business helps the community, quality of life
by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
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Businesses throughout Minnesota continue to struggle their way through the COVID-19 pandemic. With tax filing season upon us, it’s time to help employers who have sacrificed, yet still maintained paychecks for their employees.
Lawmakers in Minnesota can ease some of this uncertainty, support struggling small businesses and propel the state toward economic recovery by preventing taxes on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.
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Primary Contact: Travis Sohlman & Adina Bergstrom, Owners
724 Vista Blvd, Waconia
952-230-1155
Anytime Fitness has become the world’s largest and fastest-growing co-ed fitness franchise, as well as Entrepreneur magazine’s #1-ranked global franchise. Travis Sohlman and Adina Bergstrom recently opened the Waconia location on Feb. 1 into a 5,000 square feet space. They offer personal training, fitness classes, and 1-on-1 comprehensive programs with accountability. Travis and Adina are enthusiastic and passionate about helping their clients achieve their fitness goals.
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Primary Contact: Kelsey Hackler & Katie Klein, Owners
Mobile Coffee Truck
952-999-2766
Starting at the beginning of the pandemic, a dynamic pair of couples brought their coffee truck business to town. Both couples; Katie and Damon Klein, and Kelsey and Jeff Hackler live in Cologne and collectively came up with the idea to start a business together. Passionate about coffee and community focused, the Elephant Joe’s team is proud of where they’re from and are dedicated to serving the local community. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to plan your next coffee run.
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A-1 Electric Service of Waconia, Inc. |
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Primary Contact: Ted Lafrance, New Owner
348 Industrial Blvd, Waconia
952-442-5332
Under new ownership, A-1 Electric is a commercial and light industrial electrical contracting company serving the Waconia area. In November 2020, Ted Lafrance, transitioned into ownership of the company. He also owns Holton Electric in the Twin Cities, and the two companies share in the mission of being grounded in honesty and thorough communication. Ted also tends to his 7th generational family farm in Red Wing, MN.
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Member News and Happenings |
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Thursday, March 4, 7:30-9:00AM
Jeff Schulz Team RE/MAX-100 W 1st St, Waconia
Gathering restrictions will allow us to meet in-person again!!
Join us for a Chamber member favorite! We will be following all MN DOH guidelines.
No registration needed, stop in for as long as your schedule allows. FREE!
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Paycheck Protection Program Fact Sheet |
U.S. Travel has consolidated this information into a new PPP fact sheet that includes details on the updated regulations, as well as links to relevant sites.
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Click below for updates from the MN Department of Health: |
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Carver County COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics |
Due to limited vaccine supply, Carver County is providing the vaccine in phases. Carver County Public Health will be offering a limited number of vaccination appointments to individuals in Phase 1b who are 65 years or older, pre-K through 12th grade educators, and/or child care workers. Please review the information below to determine if you are eligible. Click here Carver County vaccine distribution information.
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Chamber Member Membership Special |
Anytime Fitness-724 Vista Blvd, Waconia
New business opening-membership special for Chamber Members:
No joining fees-$19.99 Bi-weekly dues, month to month membership.
1 Complimentary personal training session, complete nutritional plans, 24/7 access.
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Beer Release to Benefit Southern Valley Alliance |
Thursday, March 11, 4:00-7:00PM
Turtle's Bar & Grill-132 1st Ave, Shakopee
To celebrate International Women’s Collaboration Brew Day, the women brewers of the Shakopee BrewHall are releasing, The Riveter, on Sunday March 7th. In addition to brewing this NEW Irish Cream Ale, their team decided this would be a great opportunity to give back to the community. For every pint poured and crowler purchased of The Riveter, Shakopee BrewHall will be donating $1 to support Sothern Valley Alliance (while supplies last).
Join the SVA staff for a kick-off event on Thursday, March 11th from 4-7pm, at Shakopee BrewHall. For this kick-off event, Turtle’s Bar and Grill will also be donating 15% of their food sales delivered to the Shakopee BrewHall.
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Sing, Play, Learn with MacPhail-Live |
Monday, March 8, 6:30-7:00PM
Virtual Event through Waconia Public Library Facebook page
For ages birth-PreK. MacPhail Center for Music’s early childhood music specialists will explore the magic of music and play. Through hands-on musical play activities, families will experience music’s impact on learning and reading readiness skills. Together families will sing, rhyme, read, move and create! This project was funded (in part or in whole) with money from Minnesota’s Art and Cultural Heritage Fund.
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Downtown Reconstruction Project Feedback Wanted-DEADLINE EXTENDED 3/12/21
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The Downtown Reconstruction project team is giving the public extra time to comment on the online open house materials on the project website. Visit the Public Engagement tab to view the open house presentation video and share your comments using the business owner questionnaire, interactive comment map, and online comment card.
You're input is important - click the button below to visit the project website now!
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Friday, March 19, 12:00-6:00PM
Neubauer Chiropractic Health Center-20 W Main St, Waconia
Sign up to donate blood for Friday, March 19th at Neubauer Chiropractic downtown Waconia. Register for a time-slot by going to www.redcrossblood.org/give and search “Neubauer” in the search bar. Red Cross is also offering anti-body testing at this location. Register today!
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Polar Plunge for 2 Great Causes |
Saturday, March 20, Starting at Noon
Lake Waconia Regional Park-8170 Paradise Lane, Waconia
Special Olympics Minnesota, in partnership with the City of Waconia and Carver County, is bringing the Polar Plunge to Waconia. We’re fortunate that the Waconia community has many individuals that will benefit from this, there are two Special Olympics Minnesota teams in Waconia: the Wild West as well as the Unified WHS Team. Additionally, Special Olympics MN & Polar Plunge are also partnering with the City of Waconia to help with the funding for the City’s Inclusive Playground – money raised will be divided between the Special Olympics and the Playground Project!
Residents and businesses are invited to set up a plunge team – it’s a great way for coworkers, customers, friends, and families to get together to raise money for some great individuals. Once you have a team set up online, you can share the link with others and invite them to join your team. New this year is an option for a virtual plunge, as well. Each individual who registered is asked to pledge to raise $75.
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Events to look forward to... |
For updated information, make sure to follow the event website or www.destinationwaconia.org
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Chamber Luncheon & Calendar |
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March Luncheon
Thursday, March 25, 2021
11:30AM-1:00PM
Location: Vandy's Grille
(with virtual option)
Topic: Video Production & Communications
Guest Speakers: Paul David, Communications Director, Waconia Public Schools and Rod Rassman, Owner, Rassman Media Group
You're only as good as you can communicate you are. Learn why video is becoming the most important tool in your arsenal.
Cost: $25/member, $40/not yet member
Virtual FREE ($10 donation optional)
Register by Monday, February 22
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Chamber Calendar-March 2021 |
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MAR 3 Business Education Network-Manufacturing & Trades, 7:00-8:00AM via ZOOM
MAR 4 Coffee Connection hosted by Jeff Schulz Team RE/MAX, 7:30-9:00AM
100 W 1st St
MAR 11 Retail Marketing Planning Meeting, 8:00-9:30AM @ City Hall
(201 S Vine St, Waconia)
MAR 17 Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30-1:00PM @ Waconia Brewing Company
(255 W Main St)
MAR 18 Ambassadors Meeting @8:45AM starting at City Hall
MAR 25 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @ Vandy's Grille
"Video Production & Communications"
MAR 27 Shop Hop-Hop from business to business for specials & deals!
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Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
952-442-5812
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