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Waconia Career Exploration Fair & Community Expo

Last chance to register! Ends 4/1

Career Exploration Fair

Friday April 5 | 8:30-11:00AM

List of participants

Community Expo

Saturday, April 6 | 9:00AM-1:00PM 

Please share the Community Expo Facebook event on social media with your followers and encourage them to attend! 

Volunteers Needed: Spots are available on Friday and Saturday for volunteers. Do you have a high school student that needs volunteer hours - sign up to be PAWS at the Expo!

See you at the Expo!

Proceeds from the Career Exploration Fair and Waconia Community Expo benefit scholarships for Waconia High School seniors.

There's still time to donate to the scholarship fund in $100 increments. Donors will receive a NEW Waconia Chamber events mug (pictured). Click below to donate.

YOU'RE INVITED: Waconia Community Expo

If we gathered a group of Waconia residents and asked them to describe the city in one word, we would no doubt hear terms like inviting, beautiful, vibrant, and home. There are a million reasons (sorry, biased resident here) why these words ring true. You simply can’t beat a drive along North Shore Road taking in the mirror-like sight of Lake Waconia, nothing makes you feel more a part of something than joining the whole town for a busy morning of school drops or bus stops, and you can feel the energy radiate in town on a Saturday afternoon.

But what truly makes Waconia inviting, beautiful, vibrant, and home are the people. Their smiles are big, their doors are open wide, and when they gather… just picture the biggest family get-together ever. No matter if it’s an impactful Saturday morning cleaning up the school grounds with Conservation Club or gatherings that offer resources and networking avenues, the people are at the heart of it all.

Minnesota Chamber Updates

Minnesota Chamber: A mid-session update on key business issues

The Legislature is near the midpoint of the 2024 session. Last Friday marked the first committee deadline. 

Streamlining Minnesota’s environmental permitting process: Essential for Economic Growth

Chamber Day at the Capitol

Thursday, April 11, 2024 10:00 AM - 12:00

Minnesota State Capitol

75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard

St. Paul, MN 55155

As legislators consider these new costs and mandates on businesses, it's important they hear the stories of employers. On April 11, the Chamber is headed to St. Paul for Chamber Day at the Capitol. Ensure legislators know how their decisions impact your business and your employees. Interested in attending: Email Christine at cfenner@destinationwaconia.org. 

Welcome New Members

Member Renewals

We appreciate your support!

Thank you to all our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber.

Cherrywood Townhome Association

Crown College

Darabi Dermatology

Infinity Diamond Jewelers

Never Bored Adventures

Pine Products, Inc.

Shed & Fence Co

Waconia DandyLions

Welcome Neighbor

Westrum's Quality Foods

Luncheon Recap

Luncheon Recap: Unburden Your Business and Win Your Day!

Waconia Chamber members had the opportunity to hear from speaker Jill Dawson, Dawson & Associates American Family Insurance at the monthly Chamber Luncheon on March 28. Jill shared insights on business and workplace efficiencies and how to take advantage of AI during your work day. Thank you, Jill for sharing your expertise!

Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings

Waconia Works

4th Annual Waconia Works Signing Day: Seeking Participants

Tuesday, May 7 | 7:30 - 8:30AM

Waconia High School

Signing day is an opportunity to recognize Waconia High School seniors for their decision to enter the workforce post-graduation with a local company in the area; and to highlight the local businesses that provide those opportunities. In the past we’ve highlighted students that are entering the manufacturing, trades, and/or automotive workforce. If you know of a student and business that would be interested in participating, please email Christine at cfenner@destinationwaconia.org for more details.

Member News & Happenings

Pictures with the Easter Bunny!

Saturday, March 30 | 11AM-1PM

Waconia Brewing Company

255 W Main St, Waconia

Stop into the taproom for pictures with the Easter bunny! Also, the Rakow Ranch mobile petting zoo will be here with bunnies and ducks! Rolling Hearth Bistro will be serving pizza and wings.

April WYP Networking Happy Hour

Tuesday, April 9 | 4:30PM - 6:00PM

St. Boni Bistro

8516 Kennedy Memorial Dr, St Bonifacius

Join Waconia Young Professionals to network and connect with friends and colleagues. Purchase your own food and beverage.

Special guest presenter: Laura Falk, Smothers & Falk Realty Group

Topic: Steps to consider when making a home purchase in the current market

Sovereign Estate Wine Dinner @ St. Boni Bistro

Tuesday, April 9 | 6:00PM

St. Boni Bistro

53 W Main St, Waconia

Announcing our next wine dinner event! We partnered with our neighbors at Sovereign Estate Winery in Waconia to bring you this very special night featuring lots of local friends! Come meet your neighbors and indulge in a wonderful evening full of wine, food & conversation. Cheers! For reservations, please contact Molly at 952-446-1600.

Closing Early 4/10

Wednesday, April 10, 2024 | 1PM

Old National Bank

53 W Main St, Waconia

On April 10^th of last year, a tragedy at ONB downtown Louisville, KY location claimed the lives of five of our beloved Old National team members: Josh Barrick, Deana Ecker, Tommy Elliot, Juliana Farmer, and Jim Tutt. These were extraordinary, loving, and gifted individuals. And as we prepare to mark one year since this tragedy occurred, we remain committed to keeping their memories alive.

For this reason, all Old National banking centers will be closing at 1pm CT on April 10^th so that our team members can collectively participate in an afternoon Walk to Remember. We thank you for your understanding. 

Online and mobile banking are available 24/7, while surcharge-free transactions are available at more than 55,000 Allpoint ATM’s

MN Cup Applications Now Open

Application Deadline: Friday, April 12

MN Cup has become a great first step for launching a new business, offering free education, mentorship, promotional opportunities, and seed funding for those that advance. The competition is free to enter.Click the button to learn more about this exciting program.

Waconia Wine Hop

Saturday, April 13 | Check-in Begins at 12PM

Sovereign Estate | Schram Vineyards | Parley Lake Winery

Hop your way around Waconia Wine Country for a very special spring tasting at three award-winning wineries all located within 5 miles of each other in beautiful Waconia, MN! Each winery will offer a wine tasting of 4 different wines, special wine deals, live music, and great food!

Choose a winery and starting time and then hop to the next. Please RSVP for a start time so we can spread out guests and lines and make for the best guest experience. Actual tasting fees will be sold at the door of each location.

Waconia Putt Putt Challenge

Saturday, April 13 | Check-in at 11AM

Challenge begins at noon

Get your tickets now for Minnesota’s original Putting Challenge! Tickets available at Hoppers, Chumly’s, Garage, Saloon, and the American Legion. This is a 21+ event. Check in at 11 am starts at noon.Tickets are $20 each.

Vote now for Minnesota's Best

It’s time to choose Minnesota’s best professionals, businesses, restaurants, and cultural institutions. To cast a vote, click on the button below. You may vote once a day now through April 17th.

Mad Hatter Tea Party

Sunday, April 21 | 4PM

Pangea Cafe

37 W 1st St, Waconia

Celebrate International Tea Day at Pangea with a four-course Mad Hatter Tea Party. RSVP's are required, call 952-300-8604 to reserve your seat. Mimosas & wine available for purchase. 

Stand Up for Hope Fundraising Event

Tuesday, April 23 | 4:30-8:30PM

Chanhassen Dinner Theater

501 W 78th Street, Chanhassen

Join Love, Inc. for a night of heartfelt giving with a famous Chanhassen Dinner Theatre plated dinner with live music. Laugh with Minnesota's own stand up comic, Daren Streblow. And finally, Amber Rhodes inspires us with a One Act Play depicting a tender scene of life when it hurts.

The Live Auction will inspire us all to "stand up for hope." Proceeds support the mission of Love INC serving neighbors in need. We answer calls for help and turn hurt into hope by providing living essentials directly to the doorsteps those who need it.

Book your next Vacation

Book now thru April 30

Dreaming of your next vacation? Look no further! As your trusted travel advisor, I'm here to make your travel dreams a reality, whether it's a magical Disney getaway, an exhilarating Universal adventure, a relaxing cruise, or any other destination you desire. Best of all, my services come at no additional cost to you! Plus, by booking your Walt Disney World through me by April 30th for travel June 1st through September 15th, you'll have the chance to win an incredible Disney vacation! Don't wait - let's start planning your next unforgettable journey today! 

Outstanding Patient Experience Award

Ridgeview

Ridgeview announced that it has been recognized as a 2024 Outstanding Patient Experience Award™ recipient by Healthgrades, the leading resource consumers use to find a hospital or doctor. This distinction places Ridgeview among the top 5% of hospitals nationwide for patient experience, according to Healthgrades, the leading marketplace that connects people with the right doctor and hospital. Congratulations Ridgeview! Read full press release by clicking below.

Summer Brochure Available

Waconia Public Schools & Community Education

The Summer 2024 Waconia Community Education and Recreation brochure is now available online and will be in resident mailboxes this week, or browse online by clicking the button below.

Waconia Community Education offers something for everyone! Whether you are looking for early childhood and preschool offerings, youth enrichment and recreation opportunities, or adult enrichment classes, we have you covered.

Accept Waconia Chamber Bucks

A few things to remember about Waconia Bucks:

• Waconia Bucks are just like a personal check except they can not be redeemed for cash by the gift recipient. They must purchase a product or service from the business. The company receiving the check fills in THEIR BUSINESS name on the “Pay to order” line of the check.
• Any change due will be given in cash.
• This check is valid ONLY at CHAMBER MEMBER BUSINESSES.

For a complete list, please direct purchasers to DestinationWaconia.org.

Any questions, call the Chamber Office at 952-442-5812.

Friday Facts Submissions

Have an exciting announcement, an event, or a deal to submit to Friday Facts? Email 50-75 words and any attachments to Laura by noon on Wednesday the week you’d like it to run. Your submission will appear in the Friday Facts for two weeks.

Now Hiring

Shed and Fence Co.

Are you or someone you know an experienced fence installer? Shed and Fence Co. is hiring! We want to add to this growing team. The benefits? We're a tight-knit group. We work year-round. We're a small business. AND we love what we do!

Email us at info@shedandfenceco.com, or by phone or text at 763-568-3183 to learn more about this great opportunity.

Chamber Events

April Chamber Luncheon

Topic: Empowering Communities: The Vital Role of Nonprofits

Thursday, April 25 | 11:30AM-1:00PM

Crown College

8700 College View Dr, St. Bonifacius

Panel speakers:

Mark Anderson, Special Olympics Minnesota (Waconia Polar Plunge)

Angie Cruzen, Gather and Grow Food Shelf & Connection Center

Al Norby, Love INC Carver County

Luncheon Sponsored by: SouthPoint Credit Union

Cost: $30/member, $40/not yet member

Deadline to register: Monday, April 22

SAVE THE DATES!

Paradise Beach Bash

Friday, June 21 | 3-10:30PM

Lake Waconia Regional Park

featuring live music by Ragtown

7-10:30PM | Free admission

18th Annual Chamber Golf Scramble

Monday, July 15

Island View Golf Club

Theme: Rewind the 1980s

Chamber Calendar - April

APRIL 4 Coffee Connection, 7:30-9AM @McDonald's

APRIL 5 Career Exploration Fair, 8:30-11AM @Waconia High School

APRIL 6 Waconia Community Expo, 9AM-1PM @Waconia High School

APRIL 9 Tourism Committee Meeting, 8:45-10:30AM @Chamber Office

APRIL 9 Young Professionals, 4:30-6:00PM @St. Boni Bistro

APRIL 10 Board Meeting, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Waconia City Hall

APRIL 11 Retail Committee Meeting, 8:00-9:00AM @Chamber Office

APRIL 18 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Chamber Office

APRIL 25 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Crown College

STAY CONNECTED

@DestinationWaconia