61st Annual Nickle Dickle Day
September 17 | 8AM-5PM


The 61st Annual Nickle Dickle Day is slated for September 17 with the Nickle Dickle Eve Street Dance on September 16. Nickle Dickle Day is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Waconia Chamber. There is still time for you to support this community festival!

POP BOOTH VOLUNTEERS
The Chamber Pop Booth is the exclusive vendor of beverages at Nickle Dickle Day. If you or your organization would like to volunteer in the Pop Booth, click the link below. Wear your logo-wear and have direct interaction with the community. Promote yourself, your business, or your organization while helping the Chamber fundraise!
Nickle Dickle Eve Street Dance

Friday, September 16 | 7PM
Main Street & Vine Street

Tickets are on sale now to the Nickle Dickle Eve Street Dance featuring IV Play! Presale tickets are $8 or $10 at the gate. 21+ only event.
 
Tickets available at Iron Tap, Mackenthun's Fine Foods, or the Waconia Brewing Company.
A Message from the President
Impact of Local Leadership


by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
“What does it mean to be a leader?” was the question asked to my Augsburg College (now Augsburg University) MBA cohort on the first day of the program back in 2010. It was a course in leadership where we were asked to interpret the definition. My big takeaway from that first day was that leadership is not necessarily positional. You don’t have to have a fancy title or job description to be a strong leader. Leadership occurs at every level, including volunteerism. In my own personal story, some of my best examples of leadership development came from volunteering for projects and causes I was passionate about.

As we meet new leaders in our community and also hear from candidates seeking office this fall, I reflect on some of the top leadership qualities that I admire most. Continue reading...
Welcome New Members
Southwest Eye Care

Taylor Ritenour
952-466-3937
Optical
Bloom Studio

Janelle Rearick
952-479-0124
Florist
Hygge Homes

Sara Mielke
651-329-7910
Real Estate/Realtors/Homes
Ambassador Visits
SPOKES Bike Shop
Primary contact: Justin Ratzlaff
8850 Glacier Road, St. Boni
952-446-1666

SPOKES Bike Shop was first dreamed up in a college project by owner Justin Ratzlaff before a professor encouraged him to make the project come to fruition. Now celebrating 10 years of being in business, Justin focuses on bike repairs and tune-ups, as well as selling new and used bikes for all ages.
Brie & Amy | Edina Realty
Primary contact: Brie Pillar
2655 W 78th St, Chanhassen
(952) 994-6753

Edina Realty team Brie Pillar and Amy Labo play off each other's strengths and pride themselves on always being there for their clients. They work all over the metro but focus on the southwest metro area. Brie and Amy are celebrating three years this September!
Kelly, Holt & Christenson, PLLC
Primary contact: Kasina Fejfar
141 W 1st St, Suite 100
(952) 467-6088

With over 50 years combined experience at Kelly, Holt & Christenson the firm specializes in intellectual property law and patents. KHC is celebrating 10 years of business!
More Chamber News
Thank you Waconia Chamber Interns - Riley Rassman and Caleb Sebora

We want to extend a special thank you to Riley Rassman and Caleb Sebora for their hard work and dedication. Both Riley and Caleb worked part-time this summer at the Waconia Chamber assisting with events, communications, and administration. Riley, a recent University of Minnesota Communications & Leadership graduate, will be starting full-time with a franchise marketing agency in Minneapolis. Caleb will be starting back at the University of Minnesota to finish his final year as a Public Policy graduate student. We’re grateful for their talents and wish them all the best! (And we’re excited to have them back for Nickle Dickle Day)!
Member News and Happenings
Fusion Friday! IV Infusion Therapy at Waconia Women's Health  

Fridays | 12:00PM-4:00PM
Waconia Women's Health
133 West 1st St, Waconia

We are beyond excited to be partnering with Nikki Siddons, DNP, APRN, FNP-C of Waterside Health and Wellness who will be offering IV infusions at our every Friday. Dr. Nikki has extensive training and knowledge in this field and to say we are excited at our office is a huge understatement! Start off your weekend a healthier, more energized version of you with IV infusions aimed at helping you feel better fast! IV infusion therapy have gained wide spread popularity in their effectiveness in improving health. IV therapy is an effective therapy to treat: Migraines, hangovers, Nausea, Vomiting, Fatigue, Food Poisoning, Cold & Flu, Dehydration, and more. We are thrilled to be bringing you this therapy to Waconia and the surrounding area!
Schram Vineyards 2022 Grape Stomp
 
Monday, September 5
11:00AM-5:00PM
Schram Vineyards
 
The event you have been waiting for is finally happening! Schram Vineyards will be hosting our first annual GRAPE STOMP! Make sure to leave some fun open on Labor Day weekend as our stomp will be held on Monday, September 5th as a last of summer vacations hurrah! Come have some fun and get juicy with us!  
 
Doors Open at 11am
Grape stomping - teams of two, 6 teams per half hour - reserve a time slot in advance online!
Grape Stomping participation is 21+ only! 
Business Education Network (BEN) - Manufacturing & Trades Meeting
 
Wednesday, September 7
7:00-8:00AM
Waconia High School
 
The group assists with employers’ urgent need to find skilled, qualified and ready workers for jobs available in communities across our state. BEN connects employers with high school students to make them aware of and prepare them for career opportunities in the Waconia area.

Speaker:
Erik Holtan
Dual-Training Pipeline Program Consultant
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

The Pipeline program exists to support employers in creating or enhancing earn and learn, dual-training approaches to meet their workforce needs.

RSVP to Christine at cfenner@destinationwaconia.org
Can You Dig It? The Archaeology of Coney Island
 
Saturday, September 10
9:00AM-1:00PM
Carver County Historical Society
 
In celebration of Minnesota Archaeology Month, join us for an exploration of Coney Island history through maps, photos, artifacts and more on Saturday, September 10, 9am-1pm. Free Admission. Sponsored by Blondo Consulting, LLC and Carver County Historical Society.
Children of Tomorrow Craft Vendor Fair
 
Saturday, September 10
9:00AM-12:00PM
 
Come Shop with us! Join us for a morning of crafts, vendors, food trucks, and live music! Bring your friends, neighbors, and family and shop, have fun, and grab some yummy food!
Waconia Brewing Company Oktoberfest Party
 
Saturday, September 10
11:00AM
 
Mark your calendar for the Waconia Brewing Company Oktoberfest Party on September 10. Come early to get a 1 L. beer stein made by local potter Jon Schmidt.
Community Appreciation Event at Safari Island
 
Saturday, September 10
3-6:00PM
 
To thank you for your continued support, we want to invite to a family-friendly fun event! Pick from a variety of activities: Dunk Tank, 42' Long Inflatable Obstacle Course for Kids & Adults (Gym), Wibit Obstacle Course (Pool), Batting Cage, Gym Games Set Up, Pool, Slide, Diving Boards Open, Sweat Fest Session - Try out a sample of our new fall classes from 3-3:45pm. No registration required.
Available For Purchase: Kona Ice
Members: FREE, Non-Members: $5
Faith Lutheran Church Rally Day
 
Sunday, September 11 | 10:15AM
Faith Lutheran Church
800 Waconia Pkwy, Waconia
 
We have lots of fun planned for Rally Day and the SPARK Carnival. There will be fun games and activities for all ages (bags, bingo, cake walk, face paint & more!) As well as free food (hotdogs, popcorn, & ice cream!) Worship will be at 9am with activities & food following! Be sure to invite your friends and neighbors, all are welcome!
HomeTown Bank - Waconia is hosting a blood drive!
 
Wednesday, September 14
9:00AM-3:00PM
 
The Red Cross Blood Drive Bus will be in the HomeTown Bank/Mocha Monkey parking lot on Wednesday, September 14th from 9 am to 3 pm! We'd love for you to donate!
Inclusive Playground Grand Opening
 
Thursday, September 15
5:00PM
1702 Ravencroft Rd, Waconia
 
Come join us for a grand opening community celebration for the inclusive playground at Waterford Park! There will be a ribbon cutting, presentation, and treats!
11th Annual Nickle Dickle Day Pie Eating Contest
 
September 17, 12:30PM
Deadline to enter: September 14
 
Sign kids up now for the Nickle Dickle Day Pie Eating Contest! Five contestants allowed per division. Youth pie eating contest entries must be received by Wednesday, September 14, 4pm to be entered into drawing. Random Drawing will be held Wednesday, September 14 at 5pm. Winner will be notified by Friday, September 16, 4pm.
Nickle Dickle Day Rotary Races
 
Saturday, September 17
11:00AM-2:00PM
 
Showcase your business at Nickle Dickle Day by sponsoring and decorating a duck in the Rotary Races! Funds raised support youth and humanitarian efforts locally and internationally. Email Allen Cole to sign up.
Waconia Hockey Association Golf Tournament
 
Monday, September 26
Island View Golf Club
 
Come join WHA at the annual WHA Golf Outing this September at the beautiful Island View Golf Club! Gather a foursome and spend the day out on the greens enjoying good company, fun games and opportunity for prizes all while benefiting youth hockey in Waconia! Check in: 12:00 p.m. and Shot Gun Start: 1:30 p.m. Opportunity for prizes begins at 6:00 p.m. on the patio/deck area.
Fee: $500 for 4 Golfers (or see sponsorship packages below) Registration includes: 18 holes of golf, Cart, Box Lunch and Opportunity to win prizes!
 
Sponsorship Packages
Wildcat Gold Sponsor - $750 - includes 4 golfers, Company Name on a hole, Company Name on WHA website sponsorship page
Wildcat Bronze Sponsor - $250 – Company Name on a Hole and Company Name on WHA sponsorship website page. 
Fall Library Programs
 
The Carver County Library fall program schedule is out. Register online now!

The Loft Literary Center: Blogging for Beginners
Online Tuesday, September 13 at 7 pm

10-Step Marketing Plan with Melissa Harrison of Allee Creative
Online on Tuesday, October 11 at 7 pm

Marketing on a Shoestring Budget with Melissa Harrison of Allee Creative
Online on Tuesday, October 18 at 7 pm

Communication on Point: Best Practices for Digital Marketing with Melissa Harrison of Allee Creative
Online on Tuesday, October 25 at 7pm

Starting a Small Business with Calliope Search and Consulting
Online presented by Rob Lovinger of Calliope Search and Consulting on Saturday, October 29 at 9 am
Laketown Gymnastics Recruiting Board Members
 
Laketown Gymnastics is a non-profit business looking to add members to its Board of Directors. We are looking for new members who can continue to bring good ideas and solutions to the group. Our board meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month.

If you are interested, please email a brief bio to board@laketowngym.org, on why you are interested in serving and what skill set you could bring to the board team. Accepting applicants until October 3, 2022. Any questions, call (612)227-8619.
Friday Facts Submissions
 
Have an exciting announcement, an event, or deal to submit to Friday Facts? Email 50-75 words and any attachments to Chelsey by noon on Wednesday the week you'd like it to run. Your submission will appear in the Friday Facts for two weeks.
Signup for the Waconia Scarecrow Tour
 
With fall approaching, it's time for the 15th Annual Waconia Scarecrow Tour. This year's tour will be October 13-23. Hosting a scarecrow is a chamber-member benefit. The self-guided Scarecrow Tour is a great outdoor activity for the whole family and last year nearly 400 ballots were returned. Don't miss this opportunity to drive the community to your front door!
 
Deadline to be included on the map is Friday, September 30. Contact Chelsey or register online if you'd like to be included. 
Holiday Office Hours
 
In observance of Labor Day, the Waconia Chamber office will be closed on Monday, September 5. Have a great holiday weekend!
Upcoming Events
September Chamber Luncheon

Thursday, September 29
11:30AM-1:00PM

Meet the Candidates
Hear from invited candidates for State Legislature & Senate, Carver County Commissioner (District 4 & 5), Waconia City Council and Waconia Mayor

Have a specific question you’d like to see addressed for a particular group of candidates? Email Christine at cfennner@destinationwaconia.org by Tuesday, September 6.

Location: Island View Golf Club
7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia
Chamber Calendar - September 2022
SEPTEMBER 7 Business Education Netowrk-Mfg & Trades, 7-8:00AM, @WHS
SEPTEMBER 8 Retail Meeting, 8-9:00AM @City Hall
SEPTEMBER 14 Board Meeting, 11:30AM @MHS
SEPTEMBER 15 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @City Hall
SEPTEMBER 16 Nickle Dickle Eve Street Dance, 7:00PM @Waconia City Lot #1
SEPTEMBER 17 61st Annual Nickle Dickle Day, 8:00AM-5:00PM @Downtown Waconia
SEPTEMBER 29 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Island View Golf Club
Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce 
952-442-5812