March Coffee Connection
March 2, 2023 | 7:30-9:00AM
American Legion Post #150
4 E Main 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!
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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.
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True 'N' Fair Tree Care
Matt Wentzlaff
952-737-2300
Tree services
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Membership Investment Renewals this Month
Thanks for your continued membership!
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American Legion Post #150
Cabinetworks Group
Carver County Abstract & Title
Cherrywood Townhome Association
Choices Psychotherapy
Darabi Dermatology
Edward Jones Investments-Ryan Pederson
Elephant Joe's Coffee
Emagine Waconia Theatre
Express Employment Professionals
Extreme Events MN
Good Samaritan Society Waconia & Westview Acres
In Towne Marina
Iron Tap
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Kelly, Holt & Christenson, PLLC
Lake Life Chiropractic
Lakeview Clinic, Ltd.
Larkin Electric, Inc.
Main Street Exchange LLC
Marco
Mathews Vasek Construction
Melchert Hubert Sjodin, PLLP
Memorial Blood Centers
Milltronics USA, Inc.
Nagel Assisted Living & Memory Care
Nordic Components, Inc.
Parley Lake Winery
Podium Sports Marketing, Inc.
Rising Star Dance Academy
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Scholla Financial Inc.
Security Bank & Trust Co.
Smothers & Falk Realty Group
Snap Fitness
Taylor Hubbard Photography
The Stash of Waconia
The Winery at Sovereign Estate
Waconia Free Masons
Waconia Landscaping Company
Waconia Roll-Off Service, Inc.
Waconia United Food Shelf
Waconia Veterinary Clinic
Welcome Neighbor!
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A Message from the Board Chair |
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The Halo Effect of Destination Waconia
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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How often do we hear of someone that has come to the Waconia area as a visitor and now has become a resident and/or started a business? From dining experiences, to wineries, time spent on the lake, to Nickle Dickle Day; I’ve heard a wide array of countless stories that often involve a particular place and a welcoming experience. Tourism attraction in the Waconia area does not just involve a place to visit; but rather a ‘halo effect’ of a place to live, work, start a business, and/or retire Continue reading...
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Happenings from the Capitol
The state released an updated budget forecast with a still-record surplus of $17.5 billion. The $17.5 billion is what lawmakers will use to set the state budget for the next two years.
Legislators and the governor should focus on policies that will best Minnesota for future economic success, which requires a strong private sector and a competitive business climate.
Despite a $17.5 billion surplus, lawmakers continue to push for higher taxes and more regulations, especially on Minnesota businesses. Lawmakers are on a path to:
- Increase additional, unsustainable spending growth of 25%.
- Impose a $1 billion annual payroll tax on employers to fund a 24-week paid leave mandate.
- Make Minnesota more of an outlier by increasing the state's capital gains tax to the highest in the nation.
This historic surplus provides a tremendous opportunity to reduce uncompetitive taxes or risk becoming a prohibitively high tax outlier, especially as many other states, including Iowa and Wisconsin, have enacted tax reforms to make their states more attractive for business investment and talent. With a $17.5 billion surplus and an uncertain economy, this is not the time to raise costs on Minnesota employers.
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Beth Kadoun
Vice President, Tax and Fiscal Policy
Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
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2023 Chamber Day at the Capitol - a Mid-Session Review
Join us at the Capitol on April 13 and help move the business community policy agenda forward! Our legislative leaders need to hear from you, business and community leaders who create jobs and economic prosperity across Minnesota.
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Meeting with legislators to share the voice of small business |
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Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings |
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Mathews Vasek Construction |
Primary contact: Andy Vasek
1040 Adams St SE, Hutchinson
320-587-9669
Mathews Vasek Construction owners Andy Vasek and Shandon Mathews have been in business for 18 years. The custom builders work on mostly residential projects but also take on commercial projects. With an office in Hutchinson, they're searching for a home base location in Waconia to focus their business in the Waconia area.
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Primary contact: Ben Simon
763-568-3183
Ben Simon and the Shed and Fence team are installing quality fences year round, even through the winter weather. The Shed and Fence team is growing to be able to run two install crews this season. Try the free estimator tool on the Shed and Fence website!
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Primary contact: Lauren Tideman
23 W 1st St, Waconia
518-542-0988
Lauren Tideman and the instructors at Studio Maretta offer yoga classes for all levels, including Baby & Me Yoga, prenatal yoga, foundational beginner yoga, and more. Class sizes are capped at 12 people so you can connect with the instructor.
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Fireworks in February
Thank you to the Waconia DandyLions and Hoppers for hosting the Fireworks in February event last Friday. The event raised over $1,000 for the Waconia July 4th Fireworks.
The Lake Waconia Fireworks, led by the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, hosts the 4th of July Fireworks display. A dedicated group of volunteers works hard every year to put on the Lake Waconia Fireworks. The fireworks are completely funded by donations from our local businesses, organizations, and community members.
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Spring Break Shopping
Shop local to refresh your spring and warm-weather wardrobe before you head on spring break. Visit the Shop, Dine, Stay page on DestinationWaconia.org for a full list of shops and check the Shop Waconia Facebook group for current deals and events.
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Spring Break Staycation Ideas
Have a great spring break experience right here in Waconia! Check out these fun, family-friendly staycation ideas.
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Member News and Happenings |
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City of Waconia Business Resources
The City of Waconia offers several grant and loan programs for new and established businesses. Specifically, the programs can help to finance equipment for your businesses, remodeling or construction projects, façade improvements, and more.
Additionally, the City participates in the Metropolitan Council's Sewer Availability Charge (SAC) Deferral Program to support new and expanding businesses in the community. SAC fees charged by the Met Council and the correlating city fees related to water and storm water charges may be spread out over a ten-year term. Click below for more details.
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MN Food Share at Gather and Grow Food Shelf
The MN Food Share March Campaign is underway! Any donation (food & funds) made between now and 4/9 will have a percentage match back to Gather and Grow from MN Food Share. Stretch your donation. Give today at waconiafoodshelf.org.
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New at Mocha Monkey!
115 S Olive St, Waconia
641 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
We now offer matcha tea, cold foam, and quiche. Stop into one of our Waconia locations for Happy Hour Monday-Friday 4-7p.m. for BOGO half off drinks!
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Waconia's Show Choir Spectacular
March 3-4
Waconia High School
See Shockwave, The Current, Power Company, and Spotlight Acts perform. Seniors will also be honored at the March 4, 7PM performance. Tickets are available at the door! All performances are in the Waconia High School Performing Arts Center.
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Community of Belonging Living Room Conversations
Options March 6-9
See flyer for dates and times
Due to popular demand, Living Room Conversation sessions are returning this month. Sessions are offered early-morning, mid-day, late-afternoon, and evening. If you find a session that works for you, email Pat Stieg with the Carver County Public Health Department for a link to join the session.
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Waconia Young Professionals
Thursday, March 16
4-7:00PM
Join Waconia professionals to sip beer, connect with friends & colleagues in a casual setting. Purchase your own food and beverage.
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Maple Syrup Festival
Saturday, March 18 | 1-5:00PM
Baylor Regional Park
10775 Co Rd 33, NYA
Tap into the fun and join us at Baylor Regional Park for a sweet time! Experience the entire maple syruping process, from tapping the tree to boiling down the syrup and learn about the ties to Minnesota history-- then taste test the final product with our NEW Maple Syrup Brunch including pancakes, bacon, oatmeal, coffee, and ice cream! Kids 2 and under are free.
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21st Annual Waconia-West Carver Rotary Gourmet Wine Dinner
Monday, April 3 | 5:00PM
Winchester & Rye
7929 Victoria Dr, Victoria
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 21st Annual Waconia-West Carver Rotary Gourmet Wine Dinner! The event features local chefs, restauranteurs, wineries, and distillery. The social hour, mingling and silent auction begins at 5:00PM with a five-course gourmet dinner with wine pairings at 6:00PM. Click the link below for details and sponsorship opportunities.
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Theft Protection: Ways to prevent burglary and theft at your business
Tuesday, April 18 | 9-10:00AM
Waconia City Hall | Senior Center
201 S Vine St, Waconia
Sergeant Tyler Stahn will present on how to protect your business from theft and burglary. The seminar is free to attend but an RSVP is requested. Register online today!
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17th Annual Waconia Golf Scramble
Monday, July 17
12:00PM Shotgun Start
Island View Golf Club
Register now for the 17th Annual Waconia Chamber Golf Scramble on Monday, July 17! 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.
Don't golf? Volunteer, sponsor a hole, or donate to the silent auction.
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Chamber Luncheon & Calendar |
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March Chamber Luncheon
(Rescheduled February Topic)
Thursday, March 23
11:30AM-1:00PM
Island View Golf Club
7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia
Resources & Grants to Help Your Business Grow
Speakers:
Shane Fineran, City of Waconia | City Administrator
Topic: Grants and resources available for businesses in the City of Waconia
Lee Hall, NextStage | CEO
Topic: Carver County Small Business Support
Craig Eldred, City of Waconia | Public Services Director
Topic: Downtown Reconstruction Updates
Deadline to register: Monday, March 20
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Future Luncheon Schedule
Registration for the April, May and June Luncheons is now open! Luncheons are $30 members/$40 non members.
Topics:
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April 27: Waconia's Current & Future Workforce: A discussion on challenges, best practices, and solutions
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May 25: How Local Non-profits Impact the Strength of Our Community
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June 22: Waconia Then and Now - A Historical Look of Waconia
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July 17: Waconia Chamber Golf Scramble - Save the date!
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Chamber Calendar - March 2023 |
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MARCH 2 Coffee Connection, 7:30AM-9:00AM @American Legion, w/Waconia Lions
MARCH 15 Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Waconia City Hall
MARCH 16 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Waconia City Hall
MARCH 16 Waconia Young Professionals, 4-7:00PM
MARCH 23 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Island View Golf Club
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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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