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Waconia Chamber Newsletter  |   November 2023
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D.E.A.R. Hunting Day

Divas Enjoying Awesome Retail


Saturday, November 4 | 9AM-4PM

All around Waconia

 

Set your sites on Waconia for D.E.A.R. on November 4. Wear orange and hunt for deals during this fun shopping and dining event.

Look for D-E-A-R in the shop windows to complete the scavenger hunt and enter to win a “Basket of Waconia”!

Map & Deals
More Details

2023 Participating Businesses

Bode Gray’s

Elite Nutrition

Freshwater Church

Garage Bar & Bowl

Hoppers Bar & Grill

Hustle & Heart Sports

Infinity Diamond Jewelers

Iron Tap

Lola’s Lakehouse

Mackenthun’s Fine Foods

Magnolia North

Main St. Floral

Mainstream Boutique

Mocha Monkey

Mystic Fortress Games

Nice Shirt Co.

Pangea Cafe

Paws Inn Pet Essentials

Ruthie’s House Vintage

Shape It Up Fitness

Shop Chicks Co

Shred with Shannon

The Stash of Waconia

Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe

Waconia American Legion

Waconia Brewing Company

A Message from the President

Businesses are the backbone of our economy and community





by Christine Fenner

President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce

Businesses help to build, strengthen and support the community. Over the past month, our members and staff have had the pleasure to meet with a wide variety of different businesses that support the backbone of our economy and community through jobs, income, innovation, and higher standards of living.


Manufacturing Tours

Last month was National Manufacturing Month and we visited several local manufacturing businesses, including TMC Industries and Hemp Acres for the Made in Waconia luncheon tour. Manufacturing supports 320 thousand jobs in Minnesota and is the third largest industry employer, contributing $53.1 billion dollars to our state economy.


Non-profit Businesses

Earlier this week, I was invited to meet with a group of fellow non-profit executive leaders in the county. Continue Reading...

Member Survey - We want to hear from YOU!

We want to hear from YOU!


We’re seeking to collect feedback, enhance programing, and identify areas for improvement in order to make informed decisions. This membership survey helps us to better understand your business needs. Thank you in advance for taking the time to take this 10-minute survey.


As a thank you for completing the survey, your name will be included in the drawing for:

(2) Registration for the Speed Networking Luncheon on Thursday, November 16

(2) Tickets for our Holiday Social on Monday, December 11

(2) Bottle of Wine

Take the Survey Now

Celebrating National Manufacturing Month

Made in Waconia Manufacturing Tours


October is National Manufacturing Month; a dedicated time to learn about the innovative and high-tech world of modern manufacturing, and to inspire career paths and advancement in this key sector of our economy.

During October's Chamber Luncheon on October 26, Chamber members had the opportunity tour two of Waconia’s manufacturing facilities: TMC Industries and Hemp Acres, LLC. Chamber Staff also visited Transport Security, Inc. in October.

Waconia High School Students Tour Manufacturing Facilities


Last week Waconia High School Industrial Tech students, led by teachers Peter Brown and Sam Porthan, learned about jobs in this high growth, high pay, and high demand industry. Thank you to Cabinetworks Group, Nordic Components, Midwest Expanded Metal, Modern Design Cabinetry, and Sackett-Waconia for hosting our next generation of talent!

Check out all of our Chamber Member Manufacturing partners at DestinationWaconia.org.

Welcome New Members

Cultivate Dance Collaborative


Maddie Burnham

44 W Main St

Waconia, MN

(612) 940-3409

cultivatedancecollaborative.com

Dance Studio

The Local Nutrition


Allie Hoen

4080 Tower Street, Ste 120

St. Bonifacius, MN

(320) 224-9654

[email protected]

Shakes and Smoothies

Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings

Scooter's Coffee

Primary contact: Angela Miller

952-210-0418

660 Marketplace Drive, Waconia

[email protected]


We welcomed Scooter's Coffee with a ribbon cutting, where we were excited to try their coffee, smoothies and more! Scooter's Coffee is family-owned and values-driven, delivering high quality drinks through a drive thru lane, fast & friendly.

Teresa Fogarty-Colwell Banker Realty

Primary contact: Teresa Fogarty

(952) 473-3000

121 W Main St #119, Waconia

[email protected]

TeresaFogarty.com


Teresa can help you sell your current home and find your dream home. Contact her to set up an appointment in her Waconia location. Many thanks to Teresa for her time spent volunteering in the Nickle Dickle Day Waconia Chamber Pop Booth! 

Frattallone's Hardware & Garden

Primary contact: Dave Byrd

(952) 442-2622

121 E Hwy 5, Waconia

[email protected]

frattallones.com


Frattallone's has been in business since 1976 and now have 22 locations. The Waconia location is open 7 days a week, offers small engine repair, and is pet-friendly. Watch for expanded offerings in the garden center. They are hiring!

Metronet Inc.

Primary contact: Jill Cordes

(855) 769-0936

[email protected]

metronetinc.com


Metronet offers fiber optic internet and phone services, with 2000+ miles of fiber optic in Minnesota. They offer business and residential service.

Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe

celebrates 10 years and expansion!

Primary contact: Brianna Roth

(952) 261-2343

[email protected]

TrendingUpward.org


Trending Upward Thrift Shoppe is elated to celebrate their 10 year anniversary of first opening with a second location in partnership with Love Inc. Carver County.

Monthly Membership Renewals - Help us thank these businesses for their commitment to the business community!

HearingLife

Jersey Mike's Subs

Member News & Happenings

Waconia Young Professionals

 

Thursday, November 9 | 5PM - 7PM

Waconia Brewing Company

255 W Main, Waconia

 

Join the Waconia professionals for a MN Mosaic Art Class with Ashley Clemensen at Waconia Brewing Company. Fee for the class ($40) covers art instruction, painting materials, and a drink chip. No sign up required, just show up at 5PM for some fun.

 

Questions? Reach out to Stephanie and Kristin at [email protected].

Event Flyer

Shred & Share Charity Workout & Food Drive


Saturday, November 11 | 9:00AM-10:30AM

Shred With Shannon

37 Main St E, Waconia


'Tis the season to GIVE BACK! Join Shred With Shannon for 2 different class formats, SHiNE Dance Fitness & Barre, back to back. Come for 1 or both! Entrance fee: 1+ non-perishable food item to donate to Gather & Grow Food Shelf. To register: www.shredwithshannon.com/schedule

Turkey & Fixings Carver County

 

Donate by November 13

 

Through a collaborative effort, with your support, we can ensure everyone has the food needed to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. This year ingredients for a delicious Thanksgiving meal will be provided to 600-800 families and we would love your support! Get involved by donating cash or food items or hosting a food drive. Questions? Contact [email protected]

More Details

Dive-in Movie Night


Friday, November 17 | 6PM start time

Safari Island Community Center Pool

1600 Community Dr, Waconia


Join the fun for this family - friendly movie event like no other. Watch the newly released live action movie Little Mermaid. Bring your floaties and watch a movie in the recreation pool on a 16 ft screen. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Snacks are allowed, and sign up is required. Members - $2. Non-Members - $5.

More Details

Military Mailing



Saturday, November 18 | 8:30AM - 12:00PM

Waconia Post Office

208 S Elm St, Waconia


The Waconia Lions Club sponsors an annual project that pays the postage for Holiday mailings to military personnel deployed overseas. Bring your packages to the Post office during this time and we will pay for the shipping.

More Details

Youth Winter Outerwear Drive

 

Donate by November 20

 

Please donate your gently used winter outerwear in sizes toddler through Adult XL. Look for drop off bins at these locations: City Hall, ECFE #110, Elite, HearingLife of Waconia, Safari Island, Snap Fitness, SouthPoint Financial Credit Union, St. Joseph Catholic Church & School, Waconia 1 Collision, Waconia Public Schools.

More Details

Waconia Toy Drive

 

Donate by November 27


Toy donation boxes are out! Please consider donating a new and unwrapped toy to one of the following locations: All Season’s Garment Care, American Family Insurance, Apiary Aerial Studio, Children of Tomorrow Learning Center, D. R. Horton - Fields of Waconia, First Years Academy, Frattallone’s Hardware & Garden, Freshwater Church Waconia Campus, HearingLife, Mackenthun’s Fine Food (starting 11-10-23), Mainstream Boutique, MidCountry Bank, MoveWell Chiropractic, Mystic Fortress Games, Nice Shirt Company, Old National Bank - St Bonifacius, Old National Bank - Waconia, Pangea Cafe, Regarding Dentistry, Safari Island Community Center, Security Bank & Trust, Snap Fitness, Soothe Your Soul Massage, SouthPoint Financial Credit Union, The Eveslage Agency, Waconia Brewing Company, Waconia Ice Arena.


Also, the Women of Waconia will be accepting money donations as well as new, upwrapped toys at the Waconia Tree Lighting held at the Waconia City Park on Friday, November 24. The group will be providing free hot chocolate at the event as well.

Gifts of Hope Donations Needed 


Donate by December 4

 

Give the gift of hope to survivors of abuse this holiday season by donating much needed gift cards to Southern Valley Alliance. With the increased gas and food prices, individuals that SVA is serving are in need of extra support navigating to safety. These gift cards help provide immediate relief, allowing survivors to focus on the next steps of their journey and safety plan. Donations needed by December 4th, 2023. 

More Details

Save the Date


Holiday Social

Monday, December 11 | 5-8PM

Bode Gray's

Tickets: $50

All chamber members and guests are welcome.

Register Online

Save the Date


Career Exploration Fair & Community Expo

April 5 & 6

Waconia High School

Registration opens January 2024

‘Tis the Season to Shop Local



Small business plays an integral role in the unique character and charm of Waconia. Later this month a postcard will be mailed to over 6,000 households in Waconia. The postcard, as well as social media engagement to 16,000-plus followers, will encourage local spending through a Waconia Bucks giveaway.


Any receipt from a Waconia Chamber member business collected during the holiday season can be entered into a drawing for a chance to win Waconia Chamber Bucks. Giveaway details will be available at DestinationWaconia.org

Upcoming Events

November Chamber Luncheon


Thursday, November 16 | 11:30AM - 1:00PM


Speed Networking

Island View Golf Club / Catered by Vandy's Grille


Connect with a diverse array of professionals from various industries in a fun, fast, and effective way during the Speed Networking Luncheon.


Cost: $30/member, $40/not yet member

Deadline to register: Monday, November 13

Register Here

Chamber Calendar - November 2023

NOVEMBER 4 D.E.A.R. Day, 9AM-4PM @all around Waconia

NOVEMBER 8 Board Meeting 11:30AM-1:00PM @Waconia City Hall

NOVEMBER 9 Retail Meeting 8-9:00AM@Waconia City Hall

NOVEMBER 9 WYP Happy Hour 5-7:00PM @Waconia Brewing Company

NOVEMBER 16 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Waconia City Hall

NOVEMBER 16 Chamber Luncheon 11:30AM-1:00PM @Island View Golf Club

NOVEMBER 24 Tree Lighting Ceremony 6-6:30PM @City Square Park

NOVEMBER 25 Homespun Holiday All Day @all around Waconia

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@DestinationWaconia

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Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812