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Waconia Chamber Newsletter  |   October 2023
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Waconia Scarecrow Tour

October 12-22

Enjoy a self-guided tour of over 40 scarecrows hosted by Waconia businesses all over town! Vote for your favorite and enter to win prizes. Ballots due back to a participating business or the chamber office by Monday, October 23. Thanks to all the hosting businesses!

2022 Scarecrow Tour Grand Prize Winner

Rebound Orthotics & Prosthetics | The Very Hungry Caterpillar

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A Message from the President

Resources, Networking & Events in October





by Christine Fenner

President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce

Happy Fall! What’s next? As we move into a new season; we’ve begun to plan, strategize, and build programming for the remainder of this year and next. We want to continue to be a resource to you by offering educational opportunities, networking, events and fun! We’re also in the process of enhancing our committees and groups, and I’m especially excited for what’s ahead with the Waconia Young Professionals group. We also want to hear from you! Watch for a member survey to come out in the upcoming weeks. Last, it’s National Manufacturing month and I invite you to discover and join us for the annual “Made in Waconia” tour. Mark your calendars, here’s what’s ahead in October. Continue Reading...

Legislative Update

Earned sick and safe time takes effect Jan 1, 2024


Earned sick and safe time (ESST) is a new Minnesota law that will impact employers and employees throughout the state, when it begins Jan. 1, 2024. ESST will be overseen and enforced by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). DLI has created an ESST homepage with basic information, fact sheets and videos in multiple languages and other resources: www.dli.mn.gov/sick-leave

Timeline
Welcome New Members

The Otto Apartments


Alaina Burkholder

(952) 592-3381

theottowaconia.com

Apartments

Traveling with Jess


Jess Lundgren

[email protected]

www.facebook.com/travelingwithjess

Travel Agent

Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings

Brush Dental Studio

Primary contact: Dr. Jesse Toftely

(952) 300-8028

8800 Partridge Road, St Bonifacius

[email protected]

Brushdentalstudio.com


Dr. Jesse Toftely and his wife Shannon opened Brush Dental Studio July 1st in St. Boni. Brush offers dental check-ups and surgeries, and even Invisalign and braces! Their comfort menu offers a spa-like dental experience like no other. Brush offers an in-house membership plan for those without dental insurance. Stop in and see their beautiful space and consider Brush Dental Studio when looking for a comforting, friendly, and relaxing dental experience.

ISD 110 Community Ed

Primary contact: Steven Jensen

(952) 442-0610

516 Industrial Blvd, Waconia

[email protected]

isd110.org


Community Education Director Steven Jensen and his coordinators offer programming from birth to elder. Along with sports and activities, they offer enrichment classes, Kids Company child care before and after school care, and special events throughout the year. Community volunteers are a big part of their success, as well as their great teamwork. Whether you’re 2 or 82, there is something for you at Community Ed.

Luncheon Recap

Thanks to Ridgeview Hospitals and Clinics Ambulance Director Mark Anderson, Waconia City Government Fire Chief Justin Sorensen, and Carver County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Tyler Stahn for speaking at September's Burgers + Badges Chamber Luncheon! The Luncheon highlighted the excellent first responder services in Waconia and Carver County and how the three organizations work together to serve the community. 


Thanks to Minnesota Valley Electric Cooperative for being a sponsor of the Luncheon! 

Pictured left to right: Ridgeview Hospitals and Clinics Ambulance Director Mark Anderson, Carver County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Tyler Stahn, and Waconia Fire Chief Justin Sorensen

Membership Renewals

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

Nice Shirt Co.

Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake Pizza

Shape It Up Fitness

Southwest Eye Care

Suburban Waste Services

Twin Cities Orthopedics

Member News

In The News

TCO expansion plans to make

Waconia health care hub

Patriot Article


In Times of Trouble

Patriot Article

Buy a patch to support Southern Valley Alliance


All 10 Law Enforcement agencies in Scott and Carver counties have partnered with Southern Valley Alliance to create and sell a Limited Edition Collector's Patch in support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM). Proceeds from this patch support the domestic violence services and programs that Southern Valley Alliance provides our community. DVAM (October) is an important time to honor and remember victims and survivors of domestic violence. The patches have been made purple, as purple is the symbolic color for domestic abuse awareness. 

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Trunk or Treat Sponsors and Donations Needed


Children of Tomorrow Learning Center in Waconia is looking for sponsors and donations for two upcoming events for their attending children, Fall Fest Trunk or Treat Event on Thursday, October 26th and a Storybook Character Parade on Tuesday, October 31st. Click below for more details or to sign up to help now.

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Sign Up Now

Metro Area Sales Tax Set to Increase 1% October 1st

 

In Effect as of October 1

 

Starting October 1, 2023, there are two new metro county area sales and use taxes dedicated to transportation and housing. The new Metro Area Sales and Use Tax for Housing rate will be 0.25% and the Metro Area Sales and Use Tax for Transportation rate will be 0.75%. The total increase in the metro area sales tax will be 1% and the Minnesota Department of Revenue will administer this tax. 

 

The 1% sales tax applies to retail sales made into any of the following counties: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington Counties. The use tax applies to taxable items used in any of the following counties: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington Counties if the local sales tax was not paid.  

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Custom Furniture Event


Yetzer Home Store

33 W 1st St, Waconia


The first annual custom furniture ordering event is happening now at Yetzer Home Store. You will be offered the lowest price of this Custom Furniture Event. All furniture, mattress sets, and accessories will be sold at historic low prices. Stop in or call (952) 442-4242 for more details.

Car Wash Membership for Charity


Now thru October 31

Sota Shine

740 Marketplace Dr, Waconia


During the month of October, Sota Shine will be donating 100% of proceeds from New Membership Sign Ups directly to Carver Scott Humane Society. Please visit us in store or online for more details. Already a member?!? No problem! Donations are always accepted on the Carver Scott Humane Society website at www.carverscotths.org/donate-sota. Do your part to help animals in need while keeping your car clean!

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Fall Family Portraits

 

Now thru November 15

Taylor Hubbard Photography

44 W 1st St, Waconia 

 

Fall special includes a studio or woods session, one 8x10 finished portrait, 25 holiday greeting cards and special pricing on additional products. $199 for Saturday sessions, $149 for weekday sessions. Call 952-442-2711 to schedule your appointment today. Click here for flyer with more details.


Halloween Portraits

 

Friday October 27 | 4PM-6PM

Bayview Gymnasium 

24 S Walnut St, Waconia

 

Receive a free 4x6 portrait of your child(ren) in costume with a $15 donation to the Gather & Grow Food Shelf. Additional 4x6's or the digital image file can be purchased on-site with cash, check or credit card. You must reserve a portrait time- One sign up per one family. Immediate families only in a slot. 

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Sign Up Here

Pancake Breakfast

 

Sunday, October 8 | 8:30AM-12:30PM

Waconia Fire Department

26 S Maple St, Waconia



Fire prevention week kicks off with the Fall Pancake Breakfast. Join us for pancakes, French toast, sausage, and more. Tickets are $10, 5 and under are free. Bring your appetites!


Ice Castle Fireworks Raffle



Raffle tickets for the Ice Castle Fish House will be available to purchase at the Pancake Breakfast. Tickets are $25 each and proceeds fund the Lake Waconia Fireworks. Only 1,000 tickets available! 

Autumn Open House - New Date!

 

Thursday, October 12 | 4PM-7PM

Nice Shirt Co.

17 W 1st St, Waconia



Autumn leaves and pumpkins please! Join us for our Autumn Open House! Enjoy fun sips, super sales, a custom earring bar by Katie White Designs and a sneak peek at our new fall apparel and products! Let's FALL in love with shopping local again!

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WHS Fall Musical: Beauty and the Beast

 

October 12-14 | 7PM & October 14 | 2PM

Waconia High School Performing Arts Center

1650 Community Dr, Waconia

 

The Waconia High School Theatre Program will present its Fall Musical, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Oct. 12-14 at the Waconia High School Performing Arts Center.

 

Tickets are now on sale and are reserved seating for $10 each, buy your tickets early for the best seat choices. 

Tickets

Annual Harvest Bonfire

 

Friday, October 13 | 5:00-10:00PM

Schram Vineyards

8785 Airport Road, Waconia


Our Annual Harvest Bonfire is a tradition at the vineyard. A celebration of our harvest season as we host the biggest bonfire you may have ever seen, which was inspiration for one of our most popular red blends, the Bonfire red wine. We release the new vintage each year at the event! A tent in the vineyard with a live band and dancing, along food trucks, s'mores, community, mulled wine, drinks and more all contribute to this not-to-be-missed event. 

Buy Tickets

Flannel Fall Bar Crawl

 

Friday, October 13 | 5:30PM

Start at Waconia Brewing Company

255 W Main St, Waconia

 

Pull out your best flannel and join the Waconia Dandylions on their 2nd Annual Flannel Fall Bar Crawl! We will be having some "Dandy" fun barhopping around Waconia with each stop having a deal on drinks (food too!) and more importantly, raising money to fund our local Dandylion's initiatives for this upcoming holiday season such as Gifts for Grandpeople and Adopting a Family for the Holidays. We will also be holding a cash prize raffle throughout the evening - win up to $950 in CASH PRIZES!

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Tickets

Free Dance Fitness Class


Saturday, October 14 | 9AM-10AM

City Square Park Gazebo

Main St between Pine & Spruce, Waconia


October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Join Shred With Shannon for their 3rd annual "Shimmy n' Shake em' for Breast Cancer" event - a FREE dance class with ALL donations going to breast cancer research.

Register Here

Pet Nail Trim and Fall Trunk Show


Saturday, October 14 | 9AM-1PM

Paws Inn Pet Essentials

120 S Vine st, Waconia



Nail trims Saturday 9am to 12pm; *please note quick in and outs $12.99, those whom don't enjoy their nail trim are $17.99*. We do dogs, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs & bearded dragons.


Get prepared for winter. Fall/winter pet apparel trunk show 9am-1pm, reps will be onsite to take your custom orders.

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The Loft: Classes through the Library


Monday, October 16 | 6:00PM-7:30PM

Chanhassen Library

7711 Kerber Blvd, Chanhassen

 

The Loft: Improving Emails and Enews is a class at Chanhassen Library on Monday 10/16 at 6 pm. There is also an option to just view the video after the class is over. Registration and more information.

•   If you want to attend live at the library, please select In-Person registration. 

•   If you only want access to the video afterwards, please select for Online Registration. 

2 Doors to Retirement


Wednesday, October 18 | 6:00PM - 7:30PM

Faith Lutheran Church

800 Waconia Pkwy N, Waconia


When it comes to your income in retirement, do you know where your assets are? What is your top risk in retirement? Join Henke Hess Financial Group for a conversation about how you can help reduce the risk of outliving your savings in retirement. Free event, registration requested. Light refreshments will be provided.

Register Here

9th Anniversary Party at WBC



Saturday, October 21 | 11AM - 9PM

Waconia Brewing Company

255 W Main, Waconia



WBC's 9th Anniversary party is on October 21st! Stop in for birthday beers, Sweet Wink's food truck, Studio SLVR permanent jewelry pop-up event, and more!

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Fall Pickleball Tournament

 

Saturday, October 28

Safari Island Community Center

1600 Community Dr, Waconia 

 

Mark your calendars! Safari Island is hosting the first Fall Showdown Pickleball Tournament. Reserve your spot today, space is limited! $40 per team.

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Upcoming Events

October Chamber Luncheon


Thursday, October 26 | 11:30AM - 1:00PM


October is National Manufacturing Month!


Made in Waconia Manufacturing Tours

  • TMC Industries
  • Hemp Acres


Cost: $30/member, $40/not yet member

Deadline to register: Monday, October 23

Register Here

Chamber Calendar - October 2023

OCTOBER 10 Board of Directors Retreat

OCTOBER 12 Retail Meeting 8:00AM-9:00AM@Waconia City Hall

OCTOBER 12-22 Scarecrow Contest

OCTOBER 17 Tourism Meeting, 9:00AM-10:00AM@Waconia City Hall

OCTOBER 19 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Waconia City Hall

OCTOBER 26 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM

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