Having trouble viewing this email? Click Here

Waconia Career Exploration Fair & Community Expo

The early bird deadline to register for the Career Exploration Fair is extended to Monday, March 4. Checkout the website to register.

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.

A Message from the President

Community Connection



Christine Fenner, President,

Waconia Chamber of Commerce

Click image to read.

Minnesota Chamber Updates

Minnesota Chamber: Streamlining Minnesota's Permitting Process

The Minnesota Chamber Foundation released a report on Minnesota’s permitting process this week.

The research examined Minnesota’s air, water and wetland permitting process, along with environmental review.

The report also identifies clear and actionable strategies to streamline permitting while protecting Minnesota’s cherished natural resources.

New Federal Reporting Requirement - Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)

Beginning on January 1, 2024, many companies in the United States have to report information about their beneficial owners, i.e., the individuals who ultimately own or control the company. They will have to report the information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). FinCEN is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Click the button below for more details.

More State Updates

Minnesota Makes 'historic investment' with $25M to market state to tourists, new residents

Delivery Tax Takes Effect in July

Starting this summer, you may notice a new fee when you get a delivery. The state put out an alert Wednesday that a fifty-cent charge will soon be added to most deliveries over $100.

“The idea is that it helps augment transportation funding, there’s some decline in gas tax revenues,” explains Bruce Nustad with the Minnesota Retailers Association. “So, the idea is it’s a new way to boost transportation funding.” The fee, which takes effect in July, is expected to raise about $60 million. The money is to go to local governments to help pay for road maintenance. Source: KSTP, Richard Reeve, February 21, 2024

Welcome New Members

Member Renewals

We appreciate your support!

Thank you to all our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber.

American Family Insurance-Eveslage Insurance Agency

Backyard Wishes

Deardorff Orchards & Vineyards

Edward Jones Investments-Dale Copeman

Good Samaritan Society Waconia & Westview Acres

Hustle & Heart Sports

Iron River Construction

Ladybug Child Care Center

Mini Biff

Mystic Fortress Games

Nordic Components, Inc.

Parley Lake Winery

Podium Sports Marketing

Rising Star Dance Academy

Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery

Simple Grace Promotions

Shop Chicks Co

Shred With Shannon

Smothers & Falk Realty Group

Systemhouse, Inc

The Stash of Waconia

True 'N' Fair Tree Care

Waconia Dance Company

Welcome Neighbor!

February in Review

Session Priorities

Kicking off the 2024 Legislative Session at the Minnesota Chamber’s Session Priorities event, joined by Representative Jim Nash, Senator Julie Coleman, and Waconia Chamber business leaders.

“Commerce is the best engine of society,” Kirk Cousins. 

Inaugural Women's Connect

In February, the inaugural Women’s Connect meeting was held - a focused network designed to encourage, support, and create resources for professional women entrepreneurs and leaders. To learn more, email Christine at [email protected].

Luncheon Recap: State of the City, County, Carver County Parks

Waconia Chamber members had the opportunity to hear updates from Mayor Nicole Waldron and Shane Fineran of Waconia City Government, Carver County Commissioner Tim Lynch, and Sam Pertz of Carver County Parks at February's Chamber Luncheon held at the newly opened Paradise Commons building at Lake Waconia Regional Park.

City of Waconia updates

Carver County Parks updates

Ambassador Visits

Ribbon Cuttings

Shop Local this Spring

Spring Break Shopping & Dining

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 and Restaurants & Libations Facebook groups for current deals and events.

Spring Break Staycation Ideas

Have a great spring break experience right here in Waconia! Check out these fun, family-friendly staycation spots. Click here for Family Winter Activities

Shop Hop

Saturday, March 23, 2024

9AM-4PM

Store hours may vary

A grown-up egg hunt! Participating businesses will have plastic eggs filled with special deals for their business and others. Hop from shop to shop and enjoy a day of fun and shopping in Waconia.

Member News & Happenings

Waconia's Show Choir Spectacular

Friday, March 1 | 7PM

Saturday, March 2 | 2PM and 7PM

Waconia High School Performing Arts Center

1650 Community Dr, Waconia

Performances Friday, March 1st featuring: The Current, Power Company, Spotlight Acts and Saturday, March 2nd at 2pm featuring The Current, Power Company, Spotlight Acts, and Saturday, March 2nd 7pm featuring: The Current, Power Company, and Spotlight Acts. Seniors will be honored at the Saturday 7PM performance

Adult Line Dancing Classes

Thursday, March 7 | 7:30-8:30PM

Cultivate Dance Collaborative

44 W Main St, Waconia

Come one, come all to this exciting new class at the studio! We are thrilled to be offering a Line Dancing Class for ages 18+! Sign up for the class on a drop in basis for $20, or sign up for all Thursdays until May 23rd for only $180! (This is a $5 discount on all classes.)

We are welcoming new instructor Holly Wood. In this class we will be learning beginner style line dances to a variety of songs from different genres. It will be a laid back class and very beginner friendly. Holly will teach you to learn some FUN dances to some FUN songs! No dance experience needed!

Guided Networking Happy Hour

Monday, March 11 | 4:30-6PM

Garage Bar & Bowl

16 W 1st St, Waconia

Join Waconia Young Professionals to network and connect with friends and colleagues. Drop in as your schedule allows. Guided Networking and hear from Garage Bar & Bowl owners Dan and Amy. Purchase your own food and beverage.

Stewardship Award Nominations

Submit by Friday, March 15

Nominations are being accepted for the City of Waconia Stewardship Award. This award is given annually to an individual or group who has dedicated a significant amount of their time and talent to selflessly give back to our community. These volunteers are a vital asset to the community and deserve recognition!

The nominee(s) must be a resident of the City of Waconia. Fill out the nomination form below and include the details of the nominee's outstanding achievements. 

Shamrock Swim

Saturday, March 16 | 12:30-2:30PM

Safari Island Community Center Pool

1600 Community Dr, Waconia

Join us for this family - friendly event! The pool will be DYED green while you dive for gold. Enjoy the slide, and run across the WIBIT (Inflatable Obstacle Course). Space is limited! Reserve your spot early. *Registration required for children only* Members $5; Non-members $10

Purse & Cooler Bingo

Sunday, March 17 | 1-3PM

Chanhassen Brewing Co.

951 W 78th St, Chanhassen, MN

Join Southern Valley Alliance for our first ever PURSE AND COOLER BINGO!

Sunday, March 17th. First call at 1pm. Arrive early to secure your spot. This is an 18+ Event. MUST be 18 years or older to participate. Prizes include purses and coolers valued over $100.

$40 for 10 rounds of Bingo.

Proceeds made during Bingo will be donated to Southern Valley Alliance and make a difference in the lives of victim-survivors of abuse in Carver and Scott Counties. Hope to see you there!

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, March 24 | 12:30PM-1:30PM

City Square Park

1600 Community Dr, Waconia

Join Nate Matousek State Farm and Trinity Lutheran Waconia for the third annual Easter Egg Hunt with 10,000 eggs! Treats, drinks, and Easter Bunny visits will begin at 12:30pm followed by the egg hunt at 1:00pm. Immediately after the egg hunt will be the raffle basket giveaway.



*NEW THIS YEAR* There will be donations collected to support Waconia’s food shelf, Gather & Grow. All donations greatly appreciated. The food shelf is currently in need of diapers, especially sizes 4-6

Custom Signage

Custom products available including feather flags, table top banners, table covers, large banners and more. Contact CD Products for options and more details. Order now for the Community Expo in April!

Chamber Luncheon

SAVE THE DATES!

Paradise Beach Bash

Friday, June 21 | 3-10:30PM

Lake Waconia Regional Park

featuring live music by Ragtown

7-10:30PM | Free admission

18th Annual Chamber Golf Scramble

Monday, July 15

Island View Golf Club

Theme: Rewind the 1980s

March Chamber Luncheon

Topic: Unburden your business and win your day!

Thursday, March 28 | 11:30AM-1:00PM

Island View Gold Club | Vandy's Grille

7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia

Learn steps to improve business efficiencies.

Speaker: Jill Dawson, Dawson & Associates | American Family Insurance

Deadline to register: Monday, March 25

Chamber Calendar - March 2024

MARCH 5 Tourism Committee Meeting, 8:45-10:30AM @Chamber Office

MARCH 7 Coffee Connection, 7:30-9AM @The Patriot

MARCH 11 Young Professionals, 5:00-7:00PM @Garage Bar & Bowl

MARCH 13 Board Meeting, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Waconia City Hall

MARCH 14 Retail Committee Meeting, 8:00-9:00AM @Chamber Office

MARCH 19 Business Education Network 7:00-8:00AM @Waconia High School

MARCH 21 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Chamber Office

MARCH 23 Shop Hop, 9AM-4PM @All Around Town

MARCH 28 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Island View Golf Club

STAY CONNECTED

@DestinationWaconia