12th Annual Scarecrow Tour
October 10-20

Over 50 scarecrows will be on display all over Waconia starting next week! We can't wait to see the Fashion Shark, Flower Power, Toasty to the Bone and so many more! We will have a link to the map in next week's Friday Facts!


by Kellie Sites, President
In conversations recently, and relating to a book I’m reading,* I do wonder – Who are You?  And really who am I?  It’s a pretty common question, but do you really know who you are?  In my study of Leisure Services, (yes, that is my degree!) we talked about how we usually introduce ourselves around our work. When we meet someone new, the first question is typically “What do you do?” Is what you “do” representative of all that you are?  

At a regional conference I attended in May, we did a really interesting ice breaker.   Click here to read more...
Manufacturing success at foundation of state's economic vitality

by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
Minnesota manufacturers are a resourceful, innovative and resilient group. Their collective value to our state’s economic vitality cannot be overemphasized.

Consider these statistics compiled by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development:
·          Manufacturing represents 322,000 jobs statewide – 13% of all private-sector jobs.
·          The average manufacturing job supports another 3.24 jobs in other segments of the economy.
·           Manufacturing added $52.7 billion to the state’s economy in 2018, representing the second largest contribution to the state’s gross domestic product by an industry.
·          Across the state, manufacturing accounts for between 8% and 21% of total employments, depending on the region. Click here to read more...
Welcome New Chamber Members
Guaranteed Rate Mortgage
Gary Fritz

12924 63rd Ave N
Maple Grove, MN 55369
612-868-9226

Mortgage Lending
Mystic Fortress Games
Dale Inman

104 W Main St
Waconia, MN 55387


Retail game shop for the family
Smothers & Falk Realty Group
Laura Falk

100 W 1st St
Waconia, MN 55387
651-380-4755

Real Estate Services
Chamber Ribbon Cutting
Waconia Apparel Company

Primary Contact: Luke Henning
PO Box 34
Waconia, MN 55387
602-300-6233

Four couples, having conversations for about year, starting with this sentence, “I wish we had…” turned into a new business in Waconia!  Their main focus is Waconia Wildcat sports gear and swag.  Pictured are the ambassadors cutting a ribbon with Mike and Kate Dickson, and their son William; Sarah and Derek Urtel with their kids Jackson, Lucy and Vaughan and Luke and Katie Henning with their son Cameron. This is a strong and mighty business team! Give them a call if you have an idea you’d like to run by them. Congratulations and welcome to the Chamber!
Member News and Happenings
October Coffee Connection
Thursday, October 3, 7:30-9:00AM
Auburn Home-591 Cherry Dr, Waconia

A Chamber member favorite. Follow up on connections and make new ones. Open house format. Stop in for as long as your schedule allows. Coffee and a breakfast snack will be served.
Stuff a Truck
Friday, October 4-Thursday, November 7
Mackenthun's Fine Foods-851 Marketplace Dr, Waconia

Mackenthun's Fine Foods is organizing its 16th Annual Food Drive to support the local food shelves. Since 2003, Mackenthun's has collected over 300,000 pounds of food with support from the Community! The annual Stuff-A-Truck food drive benefits the Waconia United, Southwest Carver (NYA) and Watertown Friends for Life food shelves.
The food collected comes at a crucial time, as the food shelves are preparing for the coming Winter/Holiday season. If you are looking to get involved, contact Bethany Mackenthun.
Waconia's Oktoberfest presented by Hoppers, Waconia Hockey Association and Snap Fitness
Saturday, October 5, 11:00AM-11:00PM
Carver County Fair Grounds-501 W 3rd St, Waconia

Live music, Dankenshoen Dash 5K, Classic Car Roll-In, German food, a 5K Rootbeer Run for the kiddos and so much more!
Tickets: $5 in advance (Hoppers Bar & Grill-119 S Olive St, Waconia) or $7 at the door.
Compost Collection
Saturdays, October 5 & 26, 8:00AM-Noon
Wednesday, October 30 3:30-7:00PM
Public Services-310 E 10th St, Waconia

Residents can bring grass clippings, garden waste, shrubs and branches no larger than 3” in diameter and 4’ in length. Cost is $1.00 per bag or $10.00 per pick-up or trailer. A copy of the full schedule is available at www.waconia.org/compost. 
Fall Family Portraits
October 1-November 15
Taylor Hubbard Photography-44 W 1st St, Waconia

Consider the rich colors of autumn as the back drop to your next family portrait. Choice of studio or woods session. Don't wait to schedule your appointment, call 952-442-2711 today!
Waconia Fire Relief Association Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, October 6, 8:30AM-12:30PM
Waconia Fire Station-26 S Maple St, Waconia
 
The Waconia Fire Relief Association invites you to the fall pancake, sausage and French toast breakfast at the fire station. Tickets are available from firefighters or at the door.
Cost: $8 in advance and $9 at the door. Children 5 and under are free!
Llama Farm Open House
Sunday, October 6, 11:00AM-4:00PM
Carlson's Llovable Llamas-8380 Cty Rd 10, Waconia
 
Llama walks, visit with babies, fiber crafts, products available. Rain or shine event!
Dream Shadow Box by HealHer Peer Support Specialist
Sunday, October 6, 2:00-3:30PM
Fourfold Studios-104 6th St W, Carver
 
Defining goals that you want to achieve is essential to making sure you’re always growing and becoming the best version of yourself. Creating a dream shadow box will help you visualize your goals and remind you of what you’re working so hard towards when faced with obstacles. 
Cost: $89 + fee Includes snacks and refreshments. Limited to 15 participants.
Wild Harvest Sampling Event
Saturday, October 12, 10:00AM-1:00PM
Mackenthun's Fine Foods-851 Market Place Dr, Waconia
 
Mackenthun's Fine Foods invites you to their Wild Harvest Sampling Event. Taste the Wild Harvest brand (free from over 100 undesireable ingredients), and discover ideas to make healthier meals at home!
Twin Cities Therapy and Performance Grand Opening
Saturday, October 12, Noon-3:00PM
TCO Waconia-820 Village Way, Waconia
 
Ribbon Cutting 12:30 sharp! Clinic tours, games, prizes and more! First 100 people receive sideline swag bag. Minnesota Vikings Defensive End Everson Griffen will appear Noon to 1:30PM.
Twin Cities Ortho looks forward to celebrating their new facility with everyone. We are glad they are here!
Benefit & Brew
Saturday, October 12, 1:00-4:00PM
Schram Haus Brewery-3700 Chaska Blvd, Chaska
 
Benefit for Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women. Come to this family friendly event to raise money for victims of domestic violence. Free Will donations accepted.
Sovereign's Oktoberfest
Sunday, October 13, 11:00AM-6:00PM
Sovereign Estate Winery-9950 North Shore Rd, Waconia
 
Pumpkin Pickin' in the Big White Tent, Music from the Jolly Ramblers 1:00-5:00, Bring your favorite stein for the "Prettiest Stein" Contest! No fee to enter, but you may want to register for the Hog Roast Buffet served 3:00-5:00PM. Prepared by Chef Craig Sharp especially for Oktoberfest!
Hog Roast Cost: $20-Open Seating on the Patio
WYP-Waconia Young Professionals
Wednesday, October 16, 5:00-7:00PM
Hoppers Bar & Grill-119 S Olive St, Waconia
 
Network with business professionals 21 - 39 years old.  Meet up for casual conversation and get to know someone better! Food and beverage on your own.
Memorial Blood Drive
Thursday, October 17, 2:00-5:00PM
Mainstream Boutique-761 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
 
Mainstream Boutique needs your help! On Thursday, October 17th they will be partnering with Memorial Blood Centers to host a Blood Drive. Unfortunately, the amount of donors is down from what it used to be so they hope to make this a very SUCCESSFUL event.
A little education for you, Ridgeview gets its blood supply from Memorial Blood Centers so YOUR BLOOD could potentially SAVE a LOCAL life!! Please Consider Donating!!
Secure your spot by calling 1-888-GIVE-BLD enter sponsor code 4810.
First time Homeowner Class by CDA
Thursday, October 24, 6:00-9:00PM AND
Saturday, October 26, 9:00AM-2:30PM
Carver County CDA-705 Walnut St N, Chaska

Join the Carver County CDA for a FREE homebuyer education class. Held on Thursday, October 24 and Saturday, October 26, you must attend BOTH classes. Learn about financing options, budgeting, working with a realtor and more. Click here for details.
Contact Jack 952-556-2801 to reserve your spot!
Open House Retirement Party
Tuesday, October 29, 4:00-7:00PM
Vandy's Grille/Island View Golf Club-7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia
 
Cheers to 60 years! You're invited to celebrate the law career of Paul Melchert and wish him well in his retirement. Hosted by the partners of Melchert Hubert Sjodin Law Firm.
WHS Career Exploration Fair
DEADLINE: Monday, October 28
Waconia High School-1650 Community Dr

This exploratory event will be held on Friday, November 6 and will showcas a variety of careers and training programs in a hands-on environment with an estimated 1,000 students participating. Waconia High School students in grades 9-12 talk with professionals to learn about local careers, work environment, skill sets, earning potential, and training needed to become employed. THIS IS NOT A JOB FAIR! This event is about inspiring students about potential careers. Click here for event flyer.
There is no fee to register, but registration is required by Monday, October 28.
Census Help Needed
Be a Census taker! 2020 Census jobs provide: great pay ($14-20/hour), flexible hours, weekly pay, paid training. The U.S. Census Bureau is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply online at 2020census.gov/jobs
Advertising Opportunity
Be seen with Scene! Scene in the West Metro still has a few advertiser slots open for the popular Holiday/Winter issue! Reach your customer base – and discover new customers – with the West Metro’s premier lifestyle magazine! Contact Mike Specht at   mike.specht@ecm-inc.com  today to be seen with Scene! Click here for more details.
Salute a Soldier
Help us honor all our soldiers this Veteran’s Day with a special recognition in the paper Nov. 7 & 9, 2019. Submissions must be made by 10 pm on Friday, Nov 1, 2019. There is a $20 submission fee. Payment must be received by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, 2019.
Scout it Out-A Pre-D.E.A.R. Event
Friday, November 8, 6:30-8:00PM
Willow Winds Gardens: 9460 Cty Rd 10, Waconia

You're invited to our pre-D.E.A.R. (Divas Enjoy Awesome Retail) Hunting event on the Friday before the firearms deer hunting opener! We'll have a fabulous Fashion Show with tons of tips on holiday home decor and decorating plus a fun make and take bracelet craft.

Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased at a participating Scout It Out businesses: Clearwater Clothing, Everson's Hardware Hank, Haven & Home, Main Street Floral, Mainstream Boutique, Paws Inn Pet Essentials, Regalia, Shop Chicks Co., The Stash and Willow Winds.

Cost: $25 includes beverage, light appetizers, show, bracelet, tips an FUN!
Chamber Luncheon & Calendar
Chamber Monthly Luncheon

Thursday, October 24, 2019
11:30AM-1:00PM

Location: Vandy's Grille
7795 Laketown Pkwy Airport Rd, Waconia


Dispelling the Myth of Fire Service
Guest Speaker: Fire Chief Chris Nelson

Did you know that Waconia’s Fire Department is staffed primarily by people that could be your neighbors? People that leave their jobs, families, and beds to respond to your emergency? Did you know that 94% of the calls for service in 2018 had nothing to do with fires and 12% of calls are for false alarms?
 
During this presentation you will meet new Fire Chief Chris Nelson. Chris will share about trends in our service area, our recruitment efforts, and how we are exploring our future. Come and learn some key tips for protecting your business and how you can help maintain public safety in Waconia.



Cost: $25/members

 RSVP Required by Monday, October 21, 2019

To streamline check in at the event, we ask that members register and pay HERE.
Please note: Non-members must contact the chamber to register.

Call or email to register cgesinger@destinationwaconia.org
952-442-5812

All forms of payment will be accepted the day of the event.
Chamber Calendar-October 2019
OCT 3 Coffee Connection 7:30-9:00AM @ Auburn Home
OCT 8 Tourism Committee 9:00-10:30AM @ AmericInn of Waconia
OCT 9 Board Retreat @ Schram Haus 9:00-3:00
OCT 10 Retail Committee Meeting 8:00-9:30AM @ Maple Conference Room City Hall
(201 S Vine St)
OCT 10-20 Waconia Scarecrow Tour-Tour the scarecrows at participating businesses
OCT 16 WYP Meeting 5:00-7:00PM @ Hoppers
OCT 17 Ambassador Meeting 8:45AM @ Chamber Office 209 S Vine St, Waconia
OCT 24 Monthly Luncheon 11:30 @ Vandy's Grille (7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia)
Chamber Newsletter Is a publication of the
Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812