13th Annual
D.E.A.R. Hunting Day
(Divas Enjoying Awesome Retail!)
November 7

Come out and shop, dine, play, stay in Waconia! 
A great day to hang out with your girlfriends, sisters, moms, aunts... scout deals for yourself or get a start on your holiday shopping ... fun! Bring your mask-physically distant & socially fun!

Participating Businesses:
Elite Nutrition
Emagine Theatre
Everson's Hardware Hank
Hustle & Heart Sports
Garage Bar & Bowl
Hoppers Bar & Grill
Infinity Diamond Jewelers
Iron Tap
Laketown Home & Garden
Lola's Lakehouse
Mackenthun's Fine Foods
Mainstream Boutique
Main St Floral
Mocha Monkey
Mystic fortress Games
one.boutique
Pangea Cafe
Paws Inn Pet Essentials
Shop Chicks Co.
The Stash of Waconia
Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe
Unearthed Arts
Waconia Apparel
Willow Winds Gardens
Welcome New Chamber Members:
Framing Images
Joe & Vicky Polunc

24 W 1st St
Waconia, MN 55387
612-202-8615
Custom matting & framing for prints, photos, shadow boxes, mirrors & repair
Swee Videos
Lauren Swee

952-607-8016
Video marketing and content creation
Waconia United Food Shelf
Angie Cruzen

11 S Elm St
Waconia, MN 55387
952-442-3878
Non-profit food shelf
Gratitude for Strong Leadership


by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
Rather than focus on the uncertainty at the national level, let’s direct the attention to what’s happening right here in this community and give special recognition and thanks to a couple of strong women business leaders. It is the
time of year to be especially grateful for all that makes the Waconia area a wonderful place to visit, live, and work. Click here to read more...
Elections are critical to the future of our economy



by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
We are now less than a month from Election Day. While what’s at stake at the top of the ticket is clear and engagement at the presidential level is high, that’s not always the case for Minnesota’s legislative and local races. Yet, these races have significant implications for the future of our state.

Before elected officials take the oath of office, they’re on the campaign trail, working hard for support from voters. Chambers are there too, asking questions on economic issues and public policy to those who want to occupy the halls of the Legislature and Governor’s office. 

Our partners in local communities throughout the state are finding ways to make sure that local businesses know where candidates in their areas stand on the issues. Click Here to read more...
Member News and Happenings
Minnesota Ready Coalition Support of Safely Opening
Please see Minnesota Ready Coalition letter sent to Governor Walz signed by 75 trade associations and Chamber of Commerce offices around the state.

As we face the winter months, businesses face increased financial challenges and have learned a lot and are doing their part to reassure and help protect consumers and workers. We continue to find the balance between fighting against the spread while also protecting the local business economy. Click here to read letter sent to Governor Walz
Carver County receives $2.5 Million in State Funds for Regional Park

Carver County received $2.5 million from the most recent State bonding bill to use towards a waterfront pavilion and other support services in the redesigned Lake Waconia Regional Park.
 
“This funding serves as a major step forward into making Carver County’s Lake Waconia Regional Park a true State of Minnesota recreational gem,” Carver County Commissioner Tim Lynch said. “The Board and Parks staff have worked to create a solid master plan, and with this funding in place we can start to realize some of these plans.” The County plans to provide a matching $2.5 million to complete this portion of the project. Lake Waconia is the second-largest lake in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul metropolitan area, and the 135-acre park sits on the southern end of the lake. Click here to read more...
Carver County would like to share these resources:

Carver County Help Line: (952) 361-1559 | Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Carver County COVID-19 web page: www.co.carver.mn.us/covid-19
Businesses
Community
Mental Wellbeing
Thank you to Front Line Workers
November 2-30, Saturdays & Sundays Noon-6:00PM
Parley Lake Winery-8280 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia

Since November is all about giving thanks and being appreciative of what we have, Parley Lake Winery is going to honor our frontline workers with a couple discounts! Health Care and Education workers can get $7 white flights and $8 red flights as well as buy one, get one 10% off bottles of wine. Workers will be required to show valid badge as proof of employment.
Gifts of Hope
Donations accepted Now-December 4
Waconia Chamber of Commerce-209 S Vine St

Southern Valley Alliance is requesting support for "Gifts of Hope" this holiday season. Donations will be distributed to adult clients of Southern Valley Alliance. Gift ideas: gift cards (gas, grocery, coffee, etc.), make up sets, bath & body care supplies, scarf & glove sets, travel coffee tumblers, perfume/cologne, books, planners. No time to shop? Visit www.svamn.org to give a donation. Drop off (unwrapped) gifts in the entry of city hall, outside the chamber office.
Poinsettia Sale
Now through November 19

Southern Valley Alliance's annual fundraiser~ Live plants that raise funds to save lives. Order your poinsettias now to support Southern Valley Alliance. Choose from red, white or pink-8" potted plant with 8-10 flowers (2 plants in each pot). FREE delivery on orders of 5+ plants delivered inside Carver & Scott Counties (Delivered the week of December 7) Cost: $25
Coney Island-Visions of an American Dreamland
November 10, 2020-January 7, 2021
Carver County Historical Society-555 W 1st St, Waconia
 
Make plans to see this amazing traveling exhibit. Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland will be coming to the Carver County Historical Society. In addition to pieces of the traveling display, this exhibit will feature artifacts from our very own Coney Island of the West!
Museum Exhibit Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00AM-3:00PM and Saturday 10:00AM-2:00PM
Admission is FREE but donations are gratefully accepted. Face masks & visitors reservations requested
Bag Hunger Event
Now Through November 13
Mackenthun's Fine Foods-851 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
 
Help support our local food shelf.
  • Donate Online at BHWaconia.givesmart.com or text BHWaconia to 76278
  • Purchase a mobile at checkout
  • Donate a pre-packaged bag
Together we can Bag Hunger!
BeautiFALL Sale at Bergmann Interiors
Now through November 15
Bergmann Interiors-7416 80th St Glencoe

Bergmann Interiors is offering savings of up to $1000 plus 12 months financing on select Shaw Floors products as part of their BeautiFALL Sale. Whether you need hardwood, carpet, laminate or luxury vinyl flooring-or something to withstand kids, pets and your active lifestyle, rest assured they have the perfect flooring for you-and convenient financing options. Call TODAY for your FREE in home or studio consultation.
Make your dream home a reality 952-442-5542
Spirit of Winter-Festival of Lights
November 17-January 2
Sovereign Estate Winery-9950 North Shore Rd, Waconia

Sovereign Estate Winery is happy to bring you their 4th year of Spirit of Winter. They will have over 15 linear miles of lights strung over 20 acres. All tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Cost: $7.50/person over 5 years of age (children 5 years and under are free)
WYP Meeting
Wednesday, November 18, 5:00-7:00PM
Victoria Healthy Hub-1486 Stieger Lake Ln, Waconia
 
Bourbon Tasting led Mike McKeever. Join the chamber young professionals.
Ridgeview Foundation's Virtual Under the Harvest Moon Gala
Saturday, November 21
Ridgeview Foundation-Virtual Event
 
NEW WAY TO CELEBRATE. SAME AMOUNT OF FUN! It’s easy to join the event from the comfort of your home, bid on prizes and engage in real-time with other attendees. Ridgeview Foundation’s contribution to hospital operations is more important than ever. Please consider joining them for the 11th Annual (Virtual) Under the Harvest Moon to help them raise money for ongoing COVID-19 efforts.
 
Get Your Big Hats & Bow Ties Ready to Show Off-You'll pick up your Party-in-a-Box on the day of the event, which includes a gift card for Lola's Lakehouse, Hazelwood Food & Drink or Tavern 4 & 5, signature drink and dessert!
Click Here for more information. Or contact Liz Gerards at 952-442-8061 [email protected]
Light Up Waconia!
Friday, November 27
Neighborhoods in Waconia
Virtual Tree Lighting @Waconia Events Facebook Page

At a time when it feels like so many of our favorite things are being cancelled or postponed, we will gain a new Waconia experience this year. Santa and his good buddies at the Waconia Fire Department are going to Light Up Waconia! Late afternoon on Friday, November 27th, the Fire Department will be escorting Santa throughout Waconia. Santa will not be able to visit every street in Waconia, but he would like an opportunity to see all the children, so we will be publicizing his route and approximate time he will be visiting different neighborhoods. Watch for details and tune into Waconia Event Facebook page to watch Santa count down & light up City Square Park!
Thriving in Turbulent Times Webinar
Tuesday, November 17, Noon-1:00PM
Carver County Online Webinar-Registration Required

Carver County Public Health, through the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), is offering mini grants and consulting to businesses that would like to work on various employee wellness strategies. This is a valuable opportunity to improve the culture of health at your workplace through changes to policy, systems and the environment. Kris Keykal from Advantage Health has been hired to offer no-cost consulting to Carver County workplaces through October 31, 2021. Kris will be available to help guide funded projects, as well as to provide expertise to establish the foundational elements of a workplace wellness initiative.
 
Please join us for a webinar on Thriving in Turbulent Times, to learn more about how to keep your employees resilient during these trying times. Information about the SHIP mini grants and available opportunities will be shared during the final portion of the webinar.
 
Cost: FREE!
Chamber Luncheon & Calendar

November Membership Luncheon

Thursday, November 19, 2020
11:30AM-1:00PM
Location: Vandy's Grille
7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia


Topic: Future of Growth & Development in Waconia
Guest Speaker: Lane Braaten, Community Development Director
What does the future of housing, retail, commercial businesses look like?
What's in store for downtown development and expansion along Highway 5?
You'll be updated on city plans in regard to economic development. 
We will also recognize Susan Arntz on her 20 years as City Administrator with the City of Waconia.

We will be following MN Department of Health and CDC guidelines.
Cost: $25/member, $40/not yet member
RSVP by Monday, November 16
Chamber Calendar-November 2020
NOV 5 Coffee Connection 7:30-9:00AM @Fourfold Collective
NOV 7 D.E.A.R. Hunting Day-Shopping and dining event all over Waconia
NOV 11 Board of Directors Meeting 12:00-1:00PM @Waconia City Hall
NOV 12 Chamber Retail Committee 8:00-9:30AM @Laketown Home & Garden-24 W
1st St
NOV 18 WYP 5:00-7:00PM @Victoria Health Hub-1486 Stieger Lane, Victoria
NOV 19 Ambassador Meeting 8:45AM @ Location TBD
NOV 19 Membership Luncheon 11:30AM-1:00PM @Vandy's Grille-7795 Laketown
Pkwy, RSVP by Monday, November 16
NOV 27 Light Up Waconia-Santa Tour of Waconia Neighborhoods
Name | Company | Phone | Fax | Email | Website
Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812