Community Expo Early Deadline 3/4

The Early Bird Deadline for registration for the Waconia Community Expo (formerly Business Home and Family EXPO) is extended to Friday, March 4! The Expo will take place at Waconia High School on April 9 from 9AM-2PM. There will be a Touch-a-Truck for kids, Carver County Sheriff K9 Unit, demonstrations, educational seminars, children’s story time, food, and more! This is a great opportunity to get in front of the Waconia Community.
In addition to the Community Expo, the Career Exploration Fair will be on Friday, April 8 from 8:30AM-11:00AM. Waconia High School students can learn about and “explore” post-high school career paths. Set up your booth on Friday morning, interact with the high school students, leave your booth, and come back on Saturday!
 
Two separate events; with one registration. Can’t make both? That’s okay, just indicate on the registration form. Questions? Please contact the Chamber office at 952-442-5812 or reply to this email.
A Message from the President
Getting engaged and making your voice heard



by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
During the past several weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to meet face-to-face with numerous business leaders. During these conversations, it’s been shared that nearly every industry whether it be healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, trades, education, childcare, police force, hospitality, or retail; they’re all experiencing a labor shortage. At our most recent chamber luncheon, President and CEO Mike Phelps shared that there are 200 job openings at Ridgeview. In addition, a manufacturing company shared that they recently had a brief moment of staffing relief by having employees back after high covid cases, only to once again be challenged with supply chain issues. Furthermore, there’s uneasiness in the recent global and humanitarian crisis that will have impacts on our businesses as well. While difficult issues continue to emerge, sharing your stories matters to us. Continue reading...
Welcome New Members
WELCOME
NEW
MEMBERS!
Eva Sophia Project

Kris Lamkin
Non-profit
Mathews Vasek Construction

Andy Vasek
Construction
Christensen Group

Tayler Amoe
Finance, Insurance & Investments
Meyerhoff Design

Will Meyerhoff
Graphic Design
Shred with Shannon

Shannon Turek
Fitness
Ambassador Visits
UBS Financial Services
Dan Monahan

Dan Monahan is a certified financial planner helping clients grow, protect, and transfer wealth. He offers comprehensive services in customer portfolios, alternative investments, legacy planning, retirement planning, philanthropy, and more.
Dawson & Associates
Jill & Marc Dawson

Jill and Marc Dawson and their team have over 60 years of experience in the insurance business. Dawson & Associates has had a Bloomington office since 2019 and just opened a Waconia location in July 2021.
Member News and Happenings
SouthPoint Financial Credit Union
March 3, 3:00-6:00PM
 
We are hiring at our Waconia Branch! Come to our in-person hiring event on March 3 from 3-6:00PM. 
Shape It Up Fitness - Beginners Series
March 3-31
 
Join the Beginners Series: 4 weeks, 13 private workouts
Monday & Thursday 6:15PM-6:45PM
$199
6 spots available! 
Shop Hop 
March 26, 10-5:00PM
 
A grown up egg hunt! Participating businesses will have plastic eggs filled with prizes for their business and others. Hop from shop to shop and enjoy a day of fun & shopping in Waconia.
 
PARTICIPAITING BUSINESSES so far..
Elephant Joe's Coffee
Everson's Hardware Hank
Infinity Diamond Jewelers
Laketown Home & Garden
Mainstream Boutique
Paws Inn Pet Essentials
Sam & Friends
Shop Chicks
Trending Upward
Unearthed Arts
Waconia Brewing Company

Retail Shops & Restaurants: To register for Shop Hop, email Chelsey!
Waconia Young Professionals
March 29, 5-7:00PM
Vandy's Grille

Join Waconia professionals to sip beer, connect with friends & colleagues. Purchase your own food and beverage. 
4th Annual Rocks for Ridgeview Curling Event
April 22, 2022
Chaska Curling Center
 
It’s time to dust off your gripper, gather your friends and meet us on the ice for our 4th Rocks for Ridgeview curling event. Join us on April 22 at the Chaska Curling Center. Curling time are 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 6:00 pm (FULL) and 7:30 pm. Register today!
Renegade Monster Truck Tickets on Sale Now!
July 2, 2022
Two shows: 1:00PM & 7:30PM
Carver County Fairgrounds
 
Monster Trucks RETURN on July 9. LIMITED tickets are on sale NOW and start at JUST 10 BUCKS! Bringing more Renegade Monster Truck Tour action to the Carver County Fairgrounds than before. An event that includes - NEW Monster Trucks, Freestyle Motocross, Monster Truck Rides (ADD-ON), and MORE! FREE Pre-Show Track Party with purchase of any General Admission or VIP Experience Ticket. Where you can see these 10 foot tall 12,000lb Monsters up close!
 
Get the most bang for your buck with our VIP Experience that includes an exclusive VIP Meet & Greet, Premier Seating, and even a Monster Truck Ride!
Crusher Fitness + Health Personal Training
Have you thought about Personal Training and you keep putting if off? Working out on your time, your goals. Coach al is now taking on a limited number of clients. Don't miss out on an opportunity you won't regret. Inquire today to met with Coach Al to discuss your goals and how she can get you there.
Melchert Hubert Sjodin
Melchert Hubert Sjodin PLLP, with offices in Waconia and Chaska, has recently accepted Jason R. Lee into the partnership and added a new associate, Timothy S. Anderson, to their Waconia office.  
2022 Waconia Events Calendar
Mark your calendar for all the fun events happening in Waconia this year! For more events and more details, visit DestinationWaconia.org.
Save the Date: Waconia Open Golf Scramble
July 18
12PM Shotgun Start

The Waconia Open Golf Scramble will be on July 18 at Island View Golf Club. Watch your mailbox for sponsorship and golfer signup information coming soon!
Upcoming Events
March Luncheon

Thursday, March 24, 2022
11:30AM-1:00PM
Location: Vandy's Grille

Guest Speaker:
Tim Schmidt
DRYDOCK Consulting

Cost: $30/member; $40/nonmember
Deadline to register: Monday, March 21
Chamber Calendar - March 2022
MARCH 16 Board Meeting, 11:30AM @City Hall
MARCH 17 Ambassadors, 8:30AM @Chamber office
MARCH 24 Annual Meeting Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Vandy's Grille
MARCH 26 Shop Hop, 10AM-5PM
Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812