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Waconia Signing Day Recap

This month, we celebrated with 15 students and their families during the 6th annual Waconia Works Signing Day! We’re proud to recognize high school seniors pursuing careers in manufacturing and the skilled trades, as well as those stepping directly into the workforce with local companies after graduation.

Congratulations to all of our students—we’re excited to see what you accomplish in your careers ahead.

"The 6th Annual Waconia Works Signing Day was our biggest yet, highlighting the power of connecting students with local businesses to build our future workforce. Through real-world skill development and strong community partnerships, this event reflects the Waconia Chamber’s commitment to strengthening career pathways— one of the core pillars of our work."

-Christine Fenner, President Waconia Chamber of Commerce

A special thank you to Waconia Public Schools for their partnership, and a heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Kelzer on his retirement after 41 years of dedicated service as an Industrial Tech teacher. This year’s graduates were lucky to learn from him—his guidance and hands-on lessons will stick with them for years to come. Enjoy a well-deserved retirement! 

Interested in joining this next generation of skilled professionals? Contact cfenner@destinationwaconia.org

A Message from the President - Update

It's Official!



The Waconia Chamber Foundation has been formed! 

Our founding board recently came together to sign the official formation documents, marking an exciting new chapter for our community.

Funds raised through the Career Exploration Fair and Community Expo helped establish the Foundation, directly supporting workforce development, education, and community growth right here in our community.

And this Monday, we’re proud to present four $1,000 scholarships through the WHS Scholarship Program — one of the first ways the Foundation is already making an impact.

Waconia Chamber Foundation Board of Directors:

Christine Fenner

Matthew Dostal

Paul Peterson

Andy Strong

Greg James

Legislative News & Resources

Welcome New Members

Member Renewals

Anniversary

Lakehouse Candle celebrated 1 year in Waconia!

Modern Design celebrated 35 years!

More Chamber News

The Destination Waconia Podcast Coming Soon!

We’re thrilled to introduce the Destination Waconia Podcast. In our first episode, we interviewed Kim Mackenthun and learned a great deal about the history of Waconia and the people who helped shape it.

Our first episode is on the way, stay tuned!

If you have suggestions for future podcast guests, email us at emckeever@destinationwaconia.org

April Luncheon:

Elevate Your Health



Thanks to everyone who joined us for April's Luncheon: Elevate Your Health.

Speakers Dr. Andrew Akhaphong, Dr. Brandon Schomberg, Dr. Allie Wagener, and Ellie Magnuson discussed healthy lifestyle topics that focused on nutrition, physical activity, and overall wellness strategies.

Our lunch was catered by Mackenthun's Fine Foods

Community Expo Recap

The 2026 Career Exploration Fair and Waconia Community Expo were both huge successes! We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated, contributed, and helped make these events meaningful and memorable for our community.

The impact in numbers:

*Approximately 1,000 students attended the Career Fair

*Approximately 1,200 community members attended the Community Expo

* In total, 115 businesses participated across both events

The next Career Exploration Fair and Waconia Community Expo will be in 2028!

Sister Saturday Recap

Another Sister Saturday is behind us, and we couldn't be more grateful to everyone who came out to support our local businesses.

Every visit, every purchase, every connection helps our community grow and thrive.

Thank you for showing up, shopping local, and reminding us how powerful community support can be. We can’t wait to do it again next year! 🩷

Women's Connect Recap



Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Women's Connect: Let's Talk Women's Health!

Thank you to our panel:

• Dr. Sean Lejonvarn, DNP, FNP-C, Wound Care Practitioner at Waterside Healthcare & Wellness
• Dr. Katie Toft, Medical Director at OBGYN West
• Dr. Spencer Ferrell, OB/GYN at Lakeview Clinic

Save the date for the next Women's Connect on Monday, August 17th from 11:30AM-1:00PM

Fireworks Announcement

The Lake Waconia Fourth of July fireworks tradition will continue under new leadership as the Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau transitions organizing responsibilities after more than 30 years. The beloved community celebration will now be carried forward by Sovereign Estate Winery, ensuring the annual event on Lake Waconia continues for years to come. The Chamber extends its gratitude to all sponsors, volunteers, and partners who have supported the tradition and remains committed to serving the Waconia community in new ways.

Member News & Happenings

The Devil Wears Prada 2

Don’t miss The Devil Wears Prada 2 on the big screen at Emagine Entertainment Theatres. Be among the first to see the next chapter of this iconic story—secure your tickets now before showtimes fill up.

Opening Weekend at Three Bears Indoor Play Den

May 16-17 | 8:00AM-8:00PM

Three Bears Indoor Play Den

80 8th St E, Suite 300, Waconia



Three Bears Indoor Play Den is officially opening this weekend! After more than a year of planning and preparation, the new family play space is celebrating with two full days of fun for the community. The grand opening will take place both inside the play den and in the parking lot and will feature open play sessions, local vendors, food trucks, coffee, baked treats, giveaways, and more.

Tickets are available online, and families are encouraged to reserve their time slots early. The celebration runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days, with early access at 7 a.m. for members.

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Tuesday, May 19 | 12:00PM-6:00PM

Bode Gray's (Back parking lot by Brass Hat entrance)

125 W 1st St, Waconia



Donate blood and save lives! Roll up your sleeves and join Thrivent - Henke Hess Financial Group and Bode Gray’s on Tuesday, May 19th to donate!

Those who donate will receive a free slice of Bode Gray’s delicious pizza and a drink!

Register now!

The American Red Cross Mobile Donation Bus will be parked in Bode Gray's back lot by the Brass Hat entrance. Registration is required.

Cowboy Crawl

Saturday, May 30 | 12:00PM-10:00PM

Downtown Waconia



Break out your cowboy gear on Saturday, May 30th, for a great day of Waconia fun! Start by picking up your free card at noon at any participating location. "Crawl" to each location to purchase a drink and get your card stamped. Fully stamped cards will be entered for a chance to win tickets to these big summer country events.

• Winstock
• Tim McGraw
• Waconia Rodeo
• Iconic Fest

Cards must be stamped by each bar and turned in to any location that night. Participating locations are the American Legion, Chumly's, Hoppers, The Saloon, and The Garage.

*MUST BE 21 TO PARTICIPATE*

Fore the Students Golf Tournament

Monday, June 1

Island View Golf Club

7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia

Support local students and enjoy a day on the course at the “Fore the Students” Golf Tournament! Join us on Monday, June 1st at Island View Golf Club for a fun day of golf, games, prizes, raffles, and community connection—all in support of students. Sponsorship opportunities are still available at a variety of levels, and prize donations are also being accepted. Whether you register as an individual golfer, a team, or a sponsor, your participation helps make a meaningful impact. Sign up today and help us invest in the future of our students! 

Opening Day of The Waconia Farmers Market

Thursday, June 4 | 4:00PM-7:00PM

224 W 1st St, Waconia

Join us for the Opening Day of The Waconia Farmers Market! There will be 35+ vendors for you to shop and Power of Produce Club begins.

Start of Summer Music Series

Thursday, June 4 | 6:30PM - 8:30PM

Downtown Waconia

Join us in downtown Waconia for Music in the Streets, our free street concert series that will have you dancing through the summer! Hosted by the City of Waconia and supported via various sponsors, these Thursday evening concerts are the perfect way to enjoy great music, good company, and the vibrant energy of Downtown Waconia—all while supporting downtown local businesses and excellent musical talent!

Mark your calendar and get ready for a summer full of live music, community vibes, and unforgettable nights in the heart of Waconia!

Waconia Rodeo

June 5-6 | 7:00PM & June 7 | 5:00PM

Carver County Fairgrounds

501 West 3rd Street, Waconia

The Waconia Rodeo is coming to town June 5–7 at the Carver County Fairgrounds, bringing with it three nights of action-packed rodeo entertainment. Fans can look forward to bull riding, barrel racing, roping events, and more as top riders compete in a high-energy showcase of western sport. It’s a fun, family-friendly summer tradition right in Waconia—don’t miss it!

Sip & Shop

Saturday, June 6 | 10:00AM - 3:00PM

Carver County Fairgrounds

501 West 3rd Street, Waconia

Western-style Sip & Shop at the Carver County Fairgrounds featuring local vendors, boutique finds, and handcrafted goods. 

Now Hiring

Hiring Technical Designer

We’re hiring a Technical Designer with strong Revit experience to support our team. This role focuses on producing clear, well-coordinated construction documents and working through the technical side of projects from design into construction. You’ll collaborate closely with a small team, contribute to detailing and coordination, and help keep projects moving efficiently.

If you’re detail-oriented, practical, and comfortable working across multiple project types, we’d love to connect. Contact Jennifer at jkaeding@kaedingarch.com or (952) 451-9763.

Post your jobs on DestinationWaconia.org

and the Waconia Works Facebook Page.

Waconia Events Calendar

Mark your calendars for these fun events 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!

Nickle Dickle Eve Street Dance Saturday, Sept. 18th | 8:00-11:30PM

Nickle Dickle Day Saturday, Sept. 19th | 8:00AM-5:00PM

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

20th Annual Waconia Open

Monday, July 13 | 11:00AM

Island View Golf Club

7795 Laketown Pwky, Waconia

The 20th Annual Waconia Open is set for Monday, July 13. The tournament kicks off with an 11:00 AM shotgun start. This year's these is Stars Stripes & Birdies - Registration is open now!

Join the Nickle Dickle Day Chamber Planning Committee

Join the Nickle Dickle Day Planning Committee! Help plan one of Waconia’s biggest events by supporting the pop booth, arts & crafts fair, and street dance. It’s a great way to get involved, share ideas, and help bring this longtime community tradition to life each fall.

Interested in joining? Reach out to Christine at cfenner@destinationwaconia.org

Chamber Luncheon

May Luncheon

Putting AI to Work for You

Thursday, May 21 | 11:30AM-1:00PM

Green Fox Grille

7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia

Do you need help managing your overflowing inbox?

Could you use an assistant to keep your staff calendars organized and running smoothly?

What if predicting reorder needs could be easier (and less time-consuming ) for you?

Bill Stineman, Managing Director of Buoy Project Partners, is here to guide you through how AI can help you be more productive in your everyday workflow. During this insightful Luncheon, you’ll have the opportunity to see these tools in action, with functioning examples of AI agents who can complete tasks, answer questions, and create insights - all powered by your business’s data. Explore how AI agents are transforming the way businesses get work done. You’ll see real-world examples of agents that generate insights, support processes and customers, and automate routine tasks. You’ll also learn simple ways to integrate your AI agent into your business. Come with curiosity and questions, and leave with practical tools, insights, and a plan to start using AI in your business.

Chamber Calendar - May 2026

MAY 21 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Chamber Office

MAY 21 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Green Fox Grille

MAY 26 Waconia Young Professionals, 3:30PM-5:00PM @Schram Vineyards

JUNE 4 Coffee Connection, 7:30AM-9:00AM @Extreme Events (Carver County Fairgrounds)

JUNE 9 Tourism Committee, 9:00AM-10:00AM (Location TBD)

STAY CONNECTED

@DestinationWaconia