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Coffee Connection
Thursday, March 6 | 7:30-9:00AM
Trinity Waconia
601 E 2nd St, Waconia
Network and connect! We'd love to hear what's new with you and your business. Coffee Connection offers a perfect opportunity to explore the benefits of Waconia Chamber membership and connect with local professionals before becoming a member. We'd love to meet you! Stop in for as long as your schedule allows.
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We appreciate your support!
Thank you to all our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber. We are looking forward to 2025!
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Abbywood Carpentry
Auburn Homes & Services
Cabinetworks Group
Carver County Fair
Derrick's Transportation Services
Edward Jones Investments-Dale Copeman
Eva Sophia Project
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Eveslage American Family Insurance
Extreme Events MN
Hustle & Heart Sports
In Towne Marina
Iron Tap
Legacy Health Insurance
Lola's Lakehouse
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Main St. Floral
New Perspective Senior Living
Scholla Insurance
Snap Fitness
Special Olympics Minnesota
True 'N' Fair Tree Care
Waconia Dance Company
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A Message from the President | |
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The Value of Professional Development - Learning, Growing & Strengthening Our Community
Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." — Benjamin Franklin. Investing in professional development isn’t just about gaining new skills—it’s about staying ahead, strengthening our businesses, and boosting our entire community. continue reading...
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The Economic Contributions of New Americans in Minnesota
Over the past sixteen years, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation have issued or sponsored five reports examining the role of immigration in the state’s economy. While the national discourse and policy debates on immigration have shifted considerably during this time, the economic realities remain unchanged: immigration is an essential ingredient of Minnesota’s long-term economic success. New Americans contribute to the economy as entrepreneurs, consumers, taxpayers, and workers, often filling high-demand roles that businesses struggle to staff.
This report shows that immigration has only become more important to Minnesota’s economy in the first half of this decade. This is occurring in two ways...
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Eggs & Issues Recap
A huge thank you to the panel of speakers and everyone who joined us for the Waconia Chamber Eggs & Issues event. We're proud to facilitate discussions on key issues and developments affecting the community, connecting local businesses with the information that matters most.
Special shoutout to Bakery on Main for the delicious breakfast sandwiches, Kwik Trip for the hot coffee, and Carver County Parks for the hospitality in the Lake Waconia Regional Park Paradise Commons
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U.S. Chamber Visit
A big thank you to Micah Olson from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for sharing valuable insights with Waconia Chamber members earlier this month! Below are links to key resources from his presentation. Additionally, here is Micah's contact information:
Micah Olson
Manager, Midwest Region
U.S. Chamber of Commerce | 612-394-5574
molson@USChamber.com
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Women's Connect
Thanks to Stefani Havel for joining this month's Waconia Chamber Women’s Connect! From learning how to craft the perfect 60-second elevator speech to uncovering our DiSC profiles, it was an insightful workshop. Huge thanks to the Uptown Apartments in downtown Waconia for the hospitality!
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February Chamber Luncheon
A big thank you to Stefani Havel for joining us at this week's Chamber Luncheon and sharing valuable insights on DiSC behavior styles! Thanks to everyone who attended and shoutout to Island View Golf Club and Vandy's Grille for the warm hospitality and a delicious lunch.
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Did you attend the February Women's Connect or Chamber Luncheon? Take this short survey for Stefani. If you weren't able to attend, here's her contact information: Stefani Havel, info@stefanihavel.com | |
Everson Retail Coaching & Consulting | |
Primary contact: Deborah Everson
763-226-8364
eversonretail.com
deb@eversonretail.com
Deborah and Tracy Everson are taking the knowledge gained from the sale of their retail business to help other retailers successfully transition and exit their businesses with expert coaching.
Three Strategies to Boost Business Value
Free! Thursday, April 10 | 8:30-10AM
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Primary contact: Barb Sinnen
952-457-9598
256 W 1st Street, Waconia
havenhomemn.com
A new retail shop in Waconia featuring home furnishings, decor, plants, lifestyle products, gifts, and more! Open Tues-Fri 10 AM-5 PM & Sat 10 AM-4 PM. Join Haven and Home for the Grand Opening today 2/28 from 10AM-5PM.
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Primary contact: Cody Clark
612-418-6118
233 S Olive St, Waconia
theuptownapartments.com
cclark@theuptownapartments.com
Offering stunning views of downtown and Lake Waconia in walking distance from downtown Waconia! Apartments available now.
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Congratulations on your milestone! Wishing you continued success. | | |
Celebrating 10 years of Business! | |
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In Towne Marina Lake Waconia Conditions Update
2/25/25: The water that covered the ice during the last couple of days has drained through drain holes and the softening ice. The warm weather ahead will continue to diminish what was some of our best ice in years. Most houses have moved off the ice. Our access is hanging in there but can only take so much of this extremely warm weather. We will continue to update you daily when it makes sense.
2/27/25: Our access will be closed to driving Cars and Trucks starting Thursday, 2/27/25. ATVs and Side by Sides will still be allowed. On Friday, 2/28/25 we will post an update explaining what we will be allowing through here for the weekend. The bait shop will be open from 9am to 5pm from Friday, 2/28/25 through Sunday, 3/2/25. The bait shop and access will be closed for the season after Sunday.
Stay up to date on Lake Waconia ice conditions on In Towne Marina's Facebook page.
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Groundbreaking at Olive & 2nd
Partners and city officials gathered for the official groundbreaking at Olive and 2nd this week. Crews have already been working to prepare the site this winter. The site will be home to a 92-unit apartment complex with retail space on the ground level. It is expected to be complete by Spring 2026. Want to know more? Email Steve Yetzer at yetzersteve@gmail.com.
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Haven and Home Decor Grand Opening
Friday, February 28 | 10AM-5PM
Haven and Home Decor
24 West 1st Street, Waconia
Join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of the Waconia location of Haven & Home Decor!
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Waconia Show Choir Spectacular
Friday, February 28 | 7PM
Saturday, March 1 | 2PM & 7PM
Waconia High School
1650 Community Drive, Waconia
Just a couple days away from the Waconia Show Choir Spectacular 2025. Get ready for a weekend of incredible performances! Featuring The Current, Power Company, and Spotlight Acts – you don’t want to miss this! Grab your tickets now and experience the magic of show choir!
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MN Food Share Matching Donations to Gather and Grow
March 1-April 6
Gather and Grow Food Shelf & Connection Center
11 S Elm St, Waconia
From March 1 – April 6, all food and fund donations to Gather and Grow Food Shelf qualify for a percentage matching donation through the MN FoodShare Campaign, maximizing your impact! Your support helps provide essential food access to our neighbors in need. Join us by hosting a food drive, making a donation, or spreading the word. Together, we can fight hunger—let’s connect! Email us at angie@gatherandgrowmn.org
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Waconia Moravian Church Alligator Gumbo Fundraiser
Sunday, March 2 | 4:30-6:30PM
Waconia Moravian Church
209 E 2nd Street, Waconia
Join us for the annual Alligator Gumbo Fundraiser at Waconia Moravian Church! Come hungry for homemade alligator gumbo, chicken noodle soup, and a plethora of delicious desserts! This fun, family-friendly event helps fundraise for our youth summer camps, and we’d love to see you there! All are welcome – bring your friends, family, and your appetite! Sunday March 2nd 4:30-6:30pm.
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Business Education Network
Tuesday, March 4 | 7:00-8:00AM
Waconia High School
1650 Community Drive, Waconia
WHS teachers and admins with manufacturing and trades businesses developing partnerships and building future workforce connections through program development, skills, and real-world, hands-on learning experience. RSVP to cfenner@destinationwaconia.org.
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Hiring Event
Tuesday, March 4 | 1-3:00PM
CareerForce Chaska
612 E 4th St, Chaska
Calling all job seekers! You are invited to attend Carver County CareerForce in Chaska’s Hiring Event on Tuesday, March 4 from 1PM-3PM. Career opportunities available in healthcare, government and postal services, veteran’s services, manufacturing, and the service industry!
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A Coffee Chat for International Women's Day
Thursday, March 6 | 3-4:00PM
Online - Free
Register in advance
Join us for an inspiring International Women’s Day event, featuring a warm and insightful coffee chat with Dr. Margie Blanchard, co-founder of Blanchard, Madeleine Blanchard, co-author and leadership expert, and April Hennessey, Director of Strategy and Transformation at Blanchard. This event is a unique opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and share experiences. Whether you're a leader or aspiring leader, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to make a difference
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Knights of Columbus Fish Fry
Fridays in Lent starting March 7 | 4-7:00PM
St. Joseph Catholic School
41 E First St, Waconia
Fish Frys are on Fridays during Lent starting March 7 through April 11. All you can eat serving 4-7:00PM. Children's menu and take out are available. Adults are $16 and kids 6-12 are $7. Children under 6 eat free.
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Maverick City Restoration Hiring Event
Saturday, March 8 | 11:00AM-1:00PM
Maverick City Restoration
711 S Pine St, Waconia
Looking for a rewarding career? Join us for lunch and an info session to learn about becoming a Field Representative with the Mav City Team. No experience? No problem. On-the-job training provided.
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March Cocktail Class at J. Carver Distillery
Friday, March 14 | 6-8:00PM
J. Carver Distillery
1320 Mill Lane, Waconia
This is an evening that you won't want to miss! In anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day and indulgent springtime cocktails, guest mixologist Garret will offer you the opportunity to learn how to recreate some of his favorite tasty cocktails. Moreover, he will entertain you and make sure you have FUN! Your registration includes:
-Your choice of Runestone Straight Rye, J. Carver Barrel Gin, Sevilla Liqueur, or Cruella Amaro
-Four cocktail samples
-Recipes and class notes and some surprises!
-Light appetizers
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Shape It Up to Sip It Down Fundraiser
Sunday, March 23 | 12:30-3:30PM
Hoppers Bar & Grill
119 S Olive St, Waconia
Help Team VanEyll-Tevis, your Waconia STAR Dance Couple in the 2B CONTINUED Dancing Like The Stars Fundraiser! Our goal is to raise the most money (aka votes) in a pre-event fundraiser while spreading the word about this amazing organization that helps prevent suicide and mental health awareness.
You can join us for 1, 2 or both:
1. A family friendly Scavenger Hunt where you will travel the blocks of Main Street & 1st Street in Waconia searching, collecting, and having some fun getting your fitness on! Open house Check-in is anytime between 12:30-2p (you'll finish at Hoppers).
Pre-Registration is helpful! Venmo $25 to Megan-vaneyll or drop off cash/check at Shape It Up prior to the event.
2. Come to Hoppers and Sip it down! (And eat) Hoppers is donating back 50% of the tab to 2B CONTINUED from 1:30-3:30pm.
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Pins for a Purpose Bowling Event
Tickets on sale now!
Friday, April 25
Bowlero Eden Prairie
1220 Singletree Ln, Eden Prairie
Join community members and health care supporters for a fun-filled evening of strikes, spares and community spirit to support Ridgeview Foundation at Pins for a Purpose. This all-ages event offers two sessions — 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Reserve your lane with options for individuals, groups and VIP packages. All funds raised will support Ridgeview’s Pediatric program.
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Ridgeview expands Spine & Pain services to include surgical options for care
Ridgeview has expanded its Spine & Pain services to include surgical treatment options with the addition of Robert Brenner, MD. Dr. Brenner is a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in operative and nonoperative care of spinal conditions for patients of all ages. Chad Stencel, NP, also joins the team, enhancing comprehensive care for patients seeking relief from spine and pain conditions. To schedule a consult with Dr. Brenner or another Spine & Pain provider, call 952.856.4033.
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Plan Your Perfect Summer & MEA Getaway!
Thinking about a summer vacation or an escape for MEA? Now’s the time to start planning! So many travel suppliers are currently offering promotions, making it the perfect opportunity to book your dream trip at a great value. Whether you're dreaming of a relaxing beach retreat, a relaxing cruise, or a magical Disney getaway, I’m here to help make your trip stress-free and unforgettable. Let’s find the perfect destination for your family—contact Jess at Traveling with Jess at TravlingwithJess@outlook.com today to get started!
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Waconia Chamber is Hiring a Relationship & Events Manager
The Relationship & Events Manager for the Waconia Chamber of Commerce is responsible for creating strong relationships with chamber members, and for coordinating and executing events that promote community engagement and economic vitality. This individual will oversee event logistics, manage volunteers and vendors, and ensure events are successful, aligned with the Chamber’s mission of promoting a positive business environment and enhancing the quality of life in the Waconia community.Submit your resume, cover letter, and a list of references to cfenner@destinationwaconia.org.
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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.
SAVE THE DATE!
19th Annual Waconia Open
Monday, July 14 | 11:00AM shotgun
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- March Luncheon -
Thursday, March 27 | 11:30AM-1:00PM
Topic: Workforce Summit
Watch for details coming soon!
Deadline to register: Monday, March 24
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Chamber Calendar - March 2024 | |
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MARCH 6 Coffee Connection, 7:30-9:00AM @Trinity Waconia
MARCH 13 Retail Committee Meeting, 9:00-10:00AM @Chamber Office
MARCH 20 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Chamber Office
MARCH 27 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM
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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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