May Coffee Connection
Thursday, May 3 7:30-9:00AM
Crusher Crossfit-219 E Frontage Rd, Waconia
 
A great opportunity to put faces with names! This chamber member favorite is an open house style event. No need to register for this FREE event, just drop in as your schedule allows. Coffee and a light snack will be served.
14th Annual Sister Saturday
Saturday, May 12 9:00AM-5:00PM
Participating Businesses all over town!

9:00AM Swag Bag Give-a-Way at Mainstream Boutique & Paws Inn Pet Essentials. 50 bags at each location. (One bag at each location will contain a $50 Waconia Buck!) Get there early!
10:00AM Fashion Show at Freshwater Community Church. Learn fashion tips and trends from our friendly boutiques. Show will last approximately 45 minutes. BONUS: 3 swag bags will be given away at the show!

Participating businesses:

Swag Bag Opportunity : There is still time to get your insert into the swag bag! Get your business name in front of SHOPPERS! We need your 103 items by Wednesday, May 9. Must be a tangible item (no coupons unless attached to an item of "value"). Call the chamber office to reserve your spot 952-442-5812 Cost: $25
Welcome New Chamber Member:
Garage Bar & Bowl
Dan & Amy Madsen

16 W First St
Waconia, MN 55387
Boutique Bar, Restaurant & Bowling Alley


Setting a bar...




by Kellie Sites, Waconia Chamber President
Many of you know that I received some nice recognition from my colleagues from the Mid America Chamber Executive group.  There is a scholarship involved, so I’ll be taking advantage of that next week at the conference in Sioux Falls. Carmen and Amy will be joining me there, to learn more in order to stay on the cutting edge of chamber work…. Which will benefit you.    Click here to read more...
Growing Minnesota at center of legislative tax debate



by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
The Legislature is in its final stretch, and the supplemental budget and tax bills are center stage. The Minnesota Chamber and our local partners continue to impress upon Governor Dayton and the Legislature the opportunity – and need – to rightsize Minnesota’s tax structure for the benefit of employers and employees. We urge the state to start on a path of incremental reductions in both corporate and personal income tax rates.  Click here to read more...
Chamber Ambassadors
Allstate-Watermark Insurance

Primary Contact: Stanley Winnie
9360 Oak Ave, Waconia MN 55387
612-721-7883

The Ambassadors had a great visit with the team at All State Insurance and learned a lot about how they do their business. They are glad to have an office in Waconia since they all live in the area and like doing business with people they know. They appreciate the city’s loyal commitment to the community and family and are proud to be a part of this community. They enjoy getting to know so many local families and take pride in helping people with the protection you need. Whether you need auto, home, life, boat, motorcycle, business or long-term care insurance, they can help. Give them a call!
Ribbon Cutting
Emagine Waconia Theatre

Primary Contact: Paul Holmzeyer
101 W 1st St, Waconia
952-442-5885

We were happy to celebrate the newly renovated Waconia Theatre with the leadership of Emagine who traveled here from Michigan to be with us. This ribbon cutting was extra special as we have looked forward to the improvements and new offerings that Emagine is bringing to all of the theatres previously owned and operated by the Muller family. They now have a full bar, wood fired pizzas and more which they will deliver to your fully reclining seat and more! They do all kinds of events and look forward to working with our business community.  Congratulations Emagine Waconia Theatre!  
Everson's Hardware Hank

Primary Contact: Deborah Everson
121 E Hwy 5, Waconia
952-442-2622

The Ambassadors congratulated Everson’s Hardware Hank on their grand Re-Opening with a ribbon cutting! With new offerings and a new look, they welcome everyone to stop in and see for yourself all the changes they have made. 
It is awesome!

Rising Star Dance Academy

Primary Contact: Maryann Porter
564 Cherry Dr, Waconia
952-442-1350

Many years ago, Maryann started thinking about her dream studio. The Ambassadors loved being with her and her team to cut the ribbon on that dream studio! Maryann’s goal was to create a studio that the entire community could enjoy. Rising Star Dance Academy provides an extensive curriculum for all levels and ages - from the beginner to advanced - from the very young, to the young at heart. It is their goal to provide a comprehensive dance education to all our students and to help them develop an understanding and love of the Art of Dance.  It’s exciting to see dreams come true. Congratulations Maryann!
Member News and Happenings
Family Health & Safety Day
Saturday, May 5 9:00AM-Noon
Children of Tomorrow-316 Hwy 212 W, Norwood Young America

Free family event! Children of Tomorrow-Norwood Young America's Family Health and Safety Event will have free family resources, car seat safety checks, firetruck and police car experiences, food, drinks, and prizes. Stop in!
WYP Happy Hour
Tuesday, May 15 5:00-7:00PM
Rey Azteca (bar side)-813 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
 
The Waconia Young Professional Group, or WYP for short, is a relaxed setting for members to get to know one another's businesses as well as to establish personal connections. While you may be familiar with other young professional groups in the Metro area, the goal of the WYP group is for members to become involved in Waconia (and surrounding areas) while socializing and networking with other young professionals.
Click here to register so we know who's coming. Beverages & Food are on your own.
Royal Bachelorette Party
Friday, May 18 6:00PM-10:00PM
Participating Shops around town

A new, special, private event! In honor of the upcoming royal wedding, we have planned a progressive bachelorette party in the shops of Waconia. Participating shops will be open to registered guests from 6:00-8:00 with shopping, party games, activities, snacks and beverages. Starting at 8:15, party guests are invited to J. Carver Distillery for a complimentary cocktail and tour. There will be a food truck available at the distillery.
Guest are encouraged to wear festive attire including bridesmaid gowns, fascinators, jewels, etc.

Registration is Required! Cost $10 Only 60 spots available.
Waconia Wine Country Spring Progressive Pairing
Sunday, May 20 1:00-4:00PM
Parley Lake Winery, Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery, Sovereign Estate Wine

Cruise the islands in Waconia Wine Country for a Spring Progressive Pairing event!
Spend a spring, Sunday afternoon touring, tasting, and pairing with the trifecta of Waconia Wine Country wineries! Each winery will be highlighting three wines each paired with an hors d’oeuvre fit with their own unique theme. Mingle, enjoy the savory pairings, and take in the ambiance of each winery.  Enjoy a Cuban flair at Parley Lake, Hawaiian fare at Schram and Saucy Sicilian at Sovereign.
Each winery will be selling a limited number of tickets.  Please purchase tickets from whichever winery you want to go to FIRST.  You will then proceed according to the schedule to the following wineries.
INK Cartridges WANTED
Waconia Transitions Program
 
Waconia Transitions Program (ISD #110 program teaching all students skills for employment and life) wants your used ink cartridges. In an effort to raise money for their school, they are asking that you donate all empty/used inkjet and laser cartridges as well as old cell phones. (Cartridges should be placed in a zip-loc bag or wrapped in cellophane to prevent leakage.)
Pick up is available: email [email protected]
Chamber Luncheon & Calendar
May Membership Luncheon

Thursday, May 24, 2018
11:30AM-1:00PM

Location: Vandy's Grille
7795 Laketown Parkway, Waconia

Guest Speaker: Rob Best
Author of Brain Apps

Cost: $25 per member, $30 for non-members
RSVP Required by May 21, 2018
To streamline check-in at the event, we pre fer that you register and pay here.

All forms of payment will be accepted the day of the event.
Please Register by Monday, May 21, 2018 online or 952-442-5812.
Chamber Calendar-April 2018
MAY 2-4 Chamber Office Closed
MAY 3 Coffee Connection 7:30-9:00AM @ Crusher Crossfit (219 E Frontage Rd, Waconia)
MAY 09 Chamber Board of Directors Meeting 11:30AM-1:00PM Maple Conference Rm, City Hall (201 S Vine St, Waconia)
MAY 10 Chamber Retail Committee Meeting 8:00-9:00AM Maple Conference Rm, City Hall (201 S Vine St, Waconia)
MAY 12 Sister Saturday 9:00-5:00 Shopping & Dining Event at participating businesses
MAY 15 WYP Happy Hour 5:00-7:00PM @ Rey Azteca (813 Marketplace Dr, Waconia)
MAY 17 Ambassador Meeting 8:45 Chamber Office 209 S Vine St, Waconia
MAY 18 Royal Bachelorette Party-Progressive Bachelorette Party at participating businesses
MAY 24 Chamber Luncheon 11:30AM-1:00PM @ Vandy's Grille (7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia) Register by Monday, May 21
Name | Company | Phone | Fax | Email | Website
Friday Facts Is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812