59th Annual Nickle Dickle Celebration!
September 17-26

We have modified our event this year and extended the celebration to accommodate social distancing & gathering restrictions. We hope you take the time to visit our local shops and businesses!

2020 Nickle Dickle Sponsors:
Premium: OBGYN WEST, Old National Bank, Qdoba

Gold: City of Waconia, Garage Bar & Bowl, HomeTown Bank, Iron Tap, Melchert Hubert Sjodin, PLLP, Nate Matousek State Farm Agency, Subway

Silver: CenterPoint Energy, Elite Nutrition, Franklin Printing, HomeFront Realty, Hoppers Bar & Grill, Hustle & Heart Sports, Mackenthun's Fine Foods, Mystic Fortress Games, Nagel Assisted Living & Memory Care, Philp Family Dentistry Waconia, Sackett Waconia, St Joseph Catholic Community, SLS CPA, Smothers Falk Realty Group, SPOKES, Taylor Hubbard Photography, Waconia Barbers, Waconia Brewing Company, Waconia Comfort, Waconia Ford, Waconia Veterinary Clinic

Ways to celebrate in 2020:

Nickle Dickle BINGO presented by OBGYN West, Old National Bank & Qdoba
Play along & participate in activities around town September 17-26! Complete BINGO and enter to win one of 6 Waconia Buck Checks. Watch for your card in the Waconia Patriot, get your BINGO card at participating businesses or download your card at www.destinationwaconia.org after 9/10/20.

Digital Jigsaw Puzzles
FREE online jigsaw puzzles! Challenge your family, friends and co-workers to see who can complete the quickest. Choose from 5 iconic Nickle Dickle images. Click Here to play.

Medallion HUNT presented by Cabinetworks Group
The medallion has been found! We appreciate everyone who took the time to search around town. Watch for Medallion presentation on Saturday, September 19 at noon.
Welcome New Chamber Members:
Fourfold Collective
Heather Precht

100 Main St W
Waconia, MN 55387
952-649-8277
Co-working space & photo studio
The Hive
Heather Boll

29 Main St E
Waconia, MN 55387
952-567-9210
Mental health, professional speaker
Waconia Tobacco & Vape
Ali Maghtheh

246 W 1st St
Waconia, MN 55387
952-442-4844
Retail-tobacco, vape, cigar
Economic Development Plays a Big Role in the Chamber


by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
During our August chamber luncheon last week, we reflected on stories of the
past. The history of Coney Island, Nickle Dickle Day, and the Chamber of Commerce
were all shared. From its origination (legally incorporated in 1962), the mission of the
Waconia Chamber of Commerce has been to promote a positive business
environment to enhance the quality of life in the community.

Fast forward to 2020, that statement is still the mission today; along with the
addition of: Advocacy, Economic Development and Networking Opportunities. The
Chamber of Commerce may be most known for the networking opportunities like
events, ribbon cuttings, and social gatherings. However, in addition to advocacy;
economic development in our community is a big part of the equation. Click Here to read more...
Economic data show early signs of Minnesota's COVID-19 recovery



by Doug Loon, Minnesota Chamber President
It’s hard to put into words the impact that COVID-19 has had on all of our lives. We’re all feeling the sting, as employers, employees, parents to young children, children to older citizens and as members of our communities.
 
Just like we all follow the health indicators as a barometer of the pandemic, understanding key economic indicators will help employers make critical decisions that will make the most out of the new normal for surviving, providing careers to our workforce and thriving into a post-COVID-19 landscape.
 
New data released on a dashboard from the Minnesota Chamber Foundation shows what local chambers and businesses throughout the state have witnessed firsthand in recent weeks and months. This online portal offers indicators and analysis of employment and income, business recovery and consumer and business spending.
 
Let’s dive into some of what these indicators tell us: Click Here to read more...
Ribbon Cuttings
HomeFront Realty

Primary Contact: Cindy Jamison
121 W Main St, Suite 125, Waconia
612-402-8382


In the Spring of 2020, Cindy opened her own real estate office, HomeFront Realty. With 22 years in the real estate industry, Cindy began as an investor and landlord; and her initial experience involved buying, remodeling and flipping homes. In 2001 she moved to Georgia for an opportunity to start her own real estate brokerage. In 2013, she moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family, and continued her real estate career by becoming licensed in the state of MN. She consistently goes the extra mile to enlighten and educate so her clients can experience a seamless and stress-free journey. We’re glad you’re here, Cindy!
Waconia 1 Collision & Auto

Primary Contact: Chad & Michelle Bijou
524 S Elm St, Waconia
952-855-1192

The Chamber Ambassadors are thrilled to welcome Waconia 1 Collision & Auto! Bringing 27 years of industry experience, owner Chad Bijou and a crew from Kraus-Anderson have turned a 9,400 square-foot former furniture store into a beautiful auto body repair shop - including vehicle rental, auto glass replacement, auto detailing, and hail damage repair. The layout is designed to accommodate customers and create an efficient workplace for employees. With the latest in equipment and technology, the Waconia 1 Collision team provides quality repair service. They know that having an auto collision can be stressful, and they’re here to help through the auto body repair process every step of the way in a timely, friendly, and courteous fashion. 
Member News and Happenings
2% Loan Program for Local Businesses
Security Bank & Trust Co.-539 S Elm St, Waconia
 
Security Bank & Trust has been a strong proponent of local businesses since its founding in 1935. We are launching this new 2% loan program to help support the growth and expansion of local businesses. Our way of giving back to the communities we serve. Click on the link below or contact one of our business bankers for more details.

Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.
Celebrate Nickle Dickle Day at Mackenthun's
Saturday, September 19, 8:00AM-2:00PM
Mackenthun's Fine Foods-851 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
 
Lots of opportunities to celebrate!
Free Mack's caramel or cinnamon roll with purchase of any Mack's Caribou beverage 8AM-1PM
Food at Mack Shack 10AM-2PM
10% OFF floral & gift department with your Mack's Rewards ALL DAY
MN Grown Celebration & Produce Sale ALL DAY
Happy Hour Returns to Lola's Lakehouse
Sunday-Thursday, 3:00-6:00PM
Lola's Lakehouse-318 E Lake St, Waconia
 
Starting Tuesday, September 8, Lola's Lakehouse is bringing back Happy Hour in their bar area. Stop in for $1 OFF drafts, house wine, and signature cocktails. Specials include soft pretzel, lobster deviled eggs, beef tips & fondue, firecracker shrimp, cheese curds and many more! Cheers!
WYP Meeting
Thursday, September 10, 5:00-7:00PM
Sovereign Estate Wine-9950 North Shore Rd, Watertown
 
Join Waconia Young Professionals ages 21-39. Sip wine, connect with friends & colleagues. Please email Breck at [email protected] and/or Abby at [email protected] to reserve your spot.

Food & beverage on your own.
Ridgeview Golf Celebration
Monday, September 14
Island View Golf Club-7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia
 
Ridgeview Foundation’s 35th Annual Golf Celebration will be held on Sept. 14 at Island View Golf Club. Due to COVID-19, this year’s Golf & Taste Celebration will look a little different. Rest assured, this celebration will be the same high-caliber tournament our community has come to know, however, it brings great sadness that guests can’t gather under the tent for the Taste Celebration to celebrate the vibrancy of our local dining scene this year. Proceeds will benefit Ridgeview’s COVID-19 efforts to ensure the ability to care for our communities when they need Ridgeview most. If you would still like to make a donation or bid on the silent auction, the website goes LIVE next week. Click Here to Donate!
Customer Appreciation
Monday-Friday, September 21-25,
MidCountry Bank-200 E Frontage Rd, Waconia

Stop in for gift certificate drawings to local businesses, in-branch giveaways, product specials, refreshments & food trucks!
BONUS: Document Shredding Day! Saturday, September 26, 9:00-Noon
Everyone welcome!
Swing for the Kids Golf Scramble presented by Kwik Trip
Monday, September 21, 1:30PM
Pioneer Creek Golf Club-705 Copeland Rd, Maple Plain

The Inclusive Playground committee is excited for the 2nd annual swing for the kid’s golf scramble.  They currently have 30 sponsorships and a lot of great donations for the silent auction. However, they are still looking for golfers, hole sponsors and silent auction items. All the money raised goes directly into building the playground. Please consider a hole sponsorship or donation for the silent auction to help make this dream of an Inclusive Playground a reality. They are doing everything they can to make this a safe and fun event for everyone involved. Please email [email protected] if you would like more information about the event or to make a donation
Fall Rookie Hockey Camp-Save the Date
Saturday & Sunday, September 26 & 27, 8:30-9:30AM
Saturday, October 3, 9:45-10:45 AM & Sunday, October 4, 9:30-10:30AM
Waconia Ice Arena-1250 Oak Ave

Want to try hockey for free? WHA will be offering a free Fall Rookie Camp for ages 4 – entering 3rd grade this fall! Participants will receive free jersey, support on and off the ice from coaches and volunteers and parents can learn more about Waconia Hockey Association. Times and registration will be available soon online!  

Pre-Season Training Camp led by Fortis Academy-This is an opportunity for competitive/travel players to get back on the ice for drills and skills before tryouts! Coaches will be from Fortis Academy & WHA.
Fee: $150 (6 hours of ice time) Schedule varies by level. Schedule and registration at www.waconiahockey.com

Competitive Level Tryouts
Tryouts for the Competitive levels – Squirt, U10, Pee Wee, U12, Bantam and U15 will take place Sept. 25- Oct. 6. More information coming soon.

For more information about Waconia Hockey Association visit www.waconiahockey.org
Coney Island Now Open!
After much research, planning, and movement of a LOT of dirt, Carver County Parks is pleased to announce the opening of Coney Island to the public.

Scarecrow Tour
Thursday, October 8-Sunday, October 18
Chamber Member Businesses all over town...
 
13th annual Scarecrow Tour! Get your business featured on the tour. Folks travel from all over the region to tour the Scarecrows of Waconia-don't be left out. Watch for details...Deadline to register September 30.
Spirit of Enterprise Award
Thursday, October 1, 2:30PM
Via ZOOM
 
We invite you to join us as Ethan Hellier, of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, presents Congressman Tom Emmer with the Spirit of Enterprise Award – Honoring a Strong Record of Support for Business Community with New Emphasis on Leadership and Bipartisanship Efforts. There will be a few comments regarding the achievement, followed by a Q&A session with our members. 

Join Zoom Meeting
Chamber Luncheon & Calendar

September Membership Luncheon
Thursday, September 17, 2020
NOTE: Earlier Date!
11:30AM-1:00PM

Location: Sovereign Estate Wine
8850 North Shore Rd, Waconia
Topic: Meet the Candidates
Hear from candidates for State Legislature & Senate, City Council & Mayor
Plus information on ISD 110 Referendrum

Live event-following CDC and MN Department of Health guidelines.
Cost: $30/member, $40/not yet member
RSVP by Friday, September 11
Chamber Calendar-September 2020
SEP 3 Coffee Connection 8:00-9:30AM @Paws Inn Pet Essentials-120 S Vine St
SEP 9 Chamber Board of Directors Meeting 11:30-1:00PM @Waconia Senior Center
SEP 10 Chamber Retail Committee 8:00-9:30AM @Laketown Home & Garden-24 W
1st St
SEP 10 WYP 5:00-7:00PM @Sovereign Estate Wine-9950 North Shore Rd
SEP 17 Ambassador Meeting 8:45AM @ outside City Hall-201 S Vine St
SEP 17 Membership Luncheon 11:30AM-1:00PM @Sovereign Estate Wine-9950 North
Shore Rd "Meet the Candidates" Registration required by Friday, Sept 11
Name | Company | Phone | Fax | Email | Website
Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812