19th Annual Sister Saturday
Saturday, May 13
9:00AM-5:00PM
Deals & Steals all over town
Join us for shopping and dining specials at over 30 participating businesses! 9:00AM Swag Bag Line at Nice Shirt Co. and Paws Inn Pet Essentials. 50 FREE swag bags at each location. Line up early as these bags go fast!
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Advanced Dermatology and Cosmetic Institute
Bloom Studio
Bode Gray’s
Bundle Studio
Elite Nutrition
Franklin Printing
Garage Bar & Bowl
HomeTown Bank
Hopper’s
Hustle & Heart Sports
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Infinity Diamond Jewelers
Iron Tap
Lola’s Lakehouse
Mackenthun’s Fine Food
Main St. Floral
Mainstream Boutique
Mocha Monkey
Mystic Fortress Games
Nice Shirt Co.
Never Bored Adventures
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Paws Inn Pet Essentials
Red Fox Bakehouse
Shape It Up Fitness
Shop Chicks Co
Soulful Smoothies
Studio Maretta
The Hive
The Stash
Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe
Waconia Brewing Company
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Borderwerx Concrete Landscape Curbing
Andrea Brooks
(952) 855-3166
Landscape & Lawn Care Services
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Keller Williams Premier Realty
Chelsea Hall
(612) 364-5088
Real Estate
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Help us thank these businesses for their commitment to the business community! |
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Arts Consortium of Carver County
Auburn Homes & Services
A-1 Electric Service of Waconia, Inc.
Crown College
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Lola's Lakehouse
The Community Foundation for Carver County
Waconia Tobacco & Vape
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A Message from the President |
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5 Strategies to build and keep relationships that matter
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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Warm sunny days and connecting with people are a couple of my favorite things. While walking to and from Chamber Day at the Capitol a couple weeks ago, we soaked in the summer-like 80 degree temps. The drive with chamber members to St. Paul and back involved conversations on new ideas, different perspectives, and discussion on how to collaborate to overcome challenging situations.
While unfortunately it’s not summer yet; we are in a season of growth and springing forward. Building and keeping relationships allows us to connect, have better outcomes, and improve our local communities. Continue reading...
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Chamber Day at the Capitol |
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Chamber Day at the Capitol, led by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, included conversations with legislators on how proposals impact small business. Your voice matters! Continue to reach out to your legislators to let them know how proposals impact your business.
Pictured below: State Representative Jim Nash, Waconia Chamber President Christine Fenner, Todd Hann of HomeTown Bank and Taylor Hubbard of Taylor Hubbard Photography.
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Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings |
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All Seasons Garment Care and Tailoring |
Primary contact: Rochelle Hartung
712 B Vista Blvd, Waconia
952-442-3250
All Seasons Garment Care and Tailoring is family owned and offers more than just dry cleaning. See Rochelle and team for your specialty item cleaning needs as well as shoe repair, zipper repairs, and more. They also offer laundry service and monthly specials so visit them online to learn more!
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Primary contact: BreAnne Violet
641 Marketplace Dr #5, Waconia
952-922-5677
Legacy Health Insurance offers a variety of health insurance plans for individuals, seniors and groups across Minnesota. They have a broad range of plans to fit your specific needs and budget.
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Wave Commercial Consulting |
Primary contact: John Wood
10055 Orchard Rd, Waconia
612-812-7305
John has 25 years of experience in commercial real estate consulting. Contact John if you are looking to grow, expand, or purchase in the commercial real estate space.
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Business Resources and Updates |
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Theft Protection: Ways to prevent burglary and theft at your business
Thank you to Sgt. Tyler Stahn and Deputy Garrett Corkins of the Carver County Sheriff’s Office for your informative presentation on theft protection.
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Downtown Construction Project Update
Tuesday, May 9th | 11:00AM and 4:30PM
City Hall, 201 S Vine, Waconia
A preconstruction meeting for the Downtown Reconstruction Phase 1 project will be held late next week. After this meeting, the construction start date and tentative construction schedule details will be known. This information will be included on the project website and in a direct mailer to the impacted properties. Also, the City of Waconia is hosting a business Question & Answer Session for the upcoming construction project on Tuesday, May 9th at City Hall. Two times are available at 11:00 am and 4:30 pm. Please join us to discuss the project and ask any questions that you may have.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to one of the project contacts listed on the project website.
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April Luncheon Recap | Waconia's Current & Future Workforce: A discussion on challenges, best practices, and solutions
Thanks to our April Chamber Luncheon panel, Kelly Dohm (Partner, MHS Law Firm), Enid Schonewise (Director of Human Resources, Waconia Public Schools), Tracy Rheineck (Chief Operating Officer, Lakeview Clinic), Lisa Schwartz (VP Human Resources/CHRO, Ridgeview), Jaime Mackenthun (Owner, Mackenthun's Fine Foods), Steve Smith (Assisted Living Manager, Auburn Homes & Services) for the informative discussion. We appreciate the hospitality from the Auburn Homes & Services team!
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We're Hiring! Join our growing team!
Business Development Coordinator
The Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce is searching to fill the role of a Business Development Coordinator position. This 25-hour position is responsible for building partnerships and membership operations for the Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce and works under the general supervision of the president. This position has the potential for full-time, and also offers a flexible office schedule while maintaining a consistent hourly work schedule. Read more…
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Member News and Happenings |
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May Coffee Connection
May 4, 2023 | 7:30-9:00AM
MoveWell Chiropractic + Wellness
1309 Oak Ave Suite 207, 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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Wild Game Feed & Sportsman Dinner
April 29 | 4:00PM-8:00PM
Carver County Fairgrounds
501 W 3rd St, Waconia
For over 40 years the Waconia Lions club have been hosting a WILD GAME FEED. Sample various wild game dishes and enjoy the sportsman dinner. This year there are over $12,000 in door prizes and raffle drawings.
New this year: look for the Ice Castle Fish House to appear at the Annual Lions Game Feed Dinner! The Lions are the biggest supporter of the Lake Waconia Fireworks on the 4th of July! This year the Waconia Lions, the Waconia Fire Relief Association, and the Lake Waconia Fireworks Festival (a 501c4 nonprofit organization led by the Waconia Chamber) have teamed up to sell raffle tickets to assist in funding this year’s 2023 show. There are only 1000 tickets available, and a $25 raffle could put you in the running to win!
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Rising Star Summer Classes BOGO 50% Off
Registration Discount Now thru April 30
Rising Star Dance Academy
564 Cherry Dr, Waconia
Summer dance & tumbling classes are BOGO 50% off when you register by April 30th! Register for a summer session class and get the second class 50% off. Limit 1 per dancer, cannot be combined with other offers.
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Waconia Lakers Home Opener this Sunday!
April 30 | 2:00PM
Waconia Lion's Field
927 Wildcat Way, Waconia
Show your support for the Waconia Lakers this Sunday as they take on the Cologne Hollanders at Lion's Field.
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Lunch and Learn with Free Hearing Assessments
Friday, May 5 | 1:30PM-3:30PM
Vandy's Grill
7795 Laketown Parkway, Waconia
Join HearingLife for a free lunch and learn about hearing health and loss. Call to RSVP by May 4th - 952-395-2983 (Mention code AGX6-4).
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Don't Worry Be Hoppy Run
Saturday, May 6
A potion of the profits supports the KAT6A Foundation. The 10K starts at 9:30am, 5k at 10:00am, and Kids Run:11:00am. The 5K & 10K start & finish @ Waconia Brewing Company.
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Schram Vineyards' Annual Kentucky Derby Party
Saturday, May 6 | 4:00-7:00PM
Schram Vinyards
8785 Airport Rd, Waconia
Grab your fanciest hats, fascinators, dresses, suits, canes, and other fashionable attire to complete your dapper Derby look. There will be contests for Best Dressed (male and female) and Best Hat, live music, and Russell's Travelling Kitchen Food Truck onsite.
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Waconia Young Professionals Happy Hour
Thursday, May 11 | 4:00-7:00PM
Iron Tap Lounge
140 W Main St, Waconia
Join the Waconia professionals to connect with friends & colleagues.
Drop in as your schedule allows. Purchase your own food and beverage. Questions? Email Stephanie and Chelsea.
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Shred with Shannon Box and Breathe
Friday, May 12 | 6:00-7:00PM
City Square Park, Waconia
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Join Shred with Shannon for a kickboxing class followed by breathwork & guided meditation. This class is FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! If you feel so inclined, any donations received will go to a suicide awareness non-profit organization
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17th Annual Walk on Waconia
Saturday, May 20th
St Joseph Catholic School
41 E 1st St, Waconia
10K and 10 mile run start at 8:00 a.m., 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. Proceeds benefit the Gather and Grow Food Shelf.
Pasta Night ($10) at St. Joe's School the night before (takeout available) 6-7:30PM
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Friends of the Library Book Sale
Saturday, May 20th | 10:00AM-3:00PM
Waconia Library
217 S Vine St, Waconia
The Friends of the Waconia Library hold their annual spring book sale. Find good deals on gently used books (and more) for all ages. Proceeds from the book sale help to support library programs and the Your Lucky Day collection.
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Mad Hatter Tea Party at Pangea
Sunday, May 21st | 4:00PM Seating
Pangea Cafe
37 West 1st St, Waconia
Celebrate International Tea Day at Pangea cafe with a special Mad Hatter Tea Party! Three courses & tea selections, $30 per person by prepaid reservation only. Ages 12 & up. Call 952-300-8604 during business hours 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. to make your reservation.
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Kickoff summer vacation at the ballpark with HomeTown Bank!
Thursday, June 1st | 7:30PM
Waconia Lion's Field
927 Wildcat Way, Waconia
The Waconia Lakers will be playing against St. Boni at Waconia Lions Field, and the HomeTown Bank crew will be hosting lots of fun and games for the whole family!
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Lola's Lake Waconia Run
Saturday, June 3rd
Join in for the 11th Annual Lola's Lake Waconia 10 Mile & 5K race. This race is 30 minutes west of the Twin Cities around the beautiful Lake Waconia. Race starts and finishes at City Square park then join the post race party at Lola's Lake House.
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Ridgeview Foundation's 38th Annual Golf & Taste Celebration
Saturday, June 26th | 5:00PM-8:00PM
Island View Golf Club
7795 Laketown Parkway, Waconia
Join the Ridgeview Foundation in raising funds for mental health services at their Golf & Taste Celebration. New Taste format in 2023, come and enjoy an evening of food and drink from the area’s finest restaurants, breweries and distilleries. Live music from The Johnny Holm Band starts at 6:30 p.m.
Donations are also welcomed, and in-kind donations from local businesses like yours help make these events a success. For more information email or call (952)442-6010.
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Fundraising Opportunity for Volunteer Group for Waconia Rodeo
Extreme Events MN is seeking a volunteer group for the Waconia Rodeo who is willing to sell popcorn and clean the stands after each performance in exchange for the popcorn sale proceeds. Call 612-807-7270 or email Ted Slathar for more information.
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Waconia Hockey Association Honored by Minnesota Hockey
The Waconia Hockey Association was recently honored with the Minnesota Hockey "Grow the Game" Award, recognizing the Associations dedicated efforts to introduce hockey to the youth in our community.
WHA President Joel Knorr, his son Madden and Girls Coordinator Mike Wozniak accepted the award at the 2022-2023 Minnesota Hockey Awards Banquet held on April 15 in Minneapolis. Read more
Congratulations WHA!
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2023-24 Chamber Membership Directory
Thanks for support of our annual Chamber Membership Directory – an efficient way to connect with other members and to learn about opportunities your membership offers. The 2023-24 Membership Directory is in production and limited ads are available in our directory.
The benefits of advertising in the directory:
· High Readership from your Target Market.
· Cost Effective Marketing Tool.
· Support of the Chamber.
To reserve your space, please contact Shelley Dery with Adams/ECM Publishers, at shelley.dery@apgecm.com. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Chamber office at 952-442-5812. Thank you for making our annual directory possible.
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May Chamber Luncheon
Thursday, May 25 | 11:30AM-1:00PM
Trinity, 601 E 2nd St, Waconia
How Local Charitable Non-profits Impact the Strength of Our Community
Representatives from:
Backyard Wishes
Eva Sophia Project
Gather & Grow Food Shelf & Connection Center
Southern Valley Alliance
Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe
Deadline to register: Monday, May 22
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Chamber Calendar - May 2023 |
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MAY 4 Coffee Connection, 7:30AM-9:00AM @Movewell Chiropractic + Wellness
MAY 10 Waconia Works Signing Day, 7:00AM-8:30AM @Waconia High School
MAY 10 Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Waconia City Hall
MAY 11 Retail Meeting, 8:00AM-9:00AM @Waconia City Hall
MAY 11 Waconia Young Professionals Happy Hour, 4:00-7:00PM @Iron Tap Lounge
MAY 13 19th Annual Sister Saturday, 9:00AM-5:00PM, All Around Town
MAY 18 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Waconia City Hall
MAY 25 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Trinity
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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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