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63rd Annual Nickle Dickle Day
Saturday, September 14 | 8AM-5PM
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce started Nickle Dickle Day in 1961 as a sidewalk sale to promote local spending and keep a vibrant downtown. Now the tradition brings thousands of people to Waconia to experience a thriving retail community, small town hospitality, and family-friendly activities that make the day a classic celebration.
Nickle Dickle Day supports our local businesses and is the largest fundraiser of the year for the chamber and other community organizations. Consideration of your time and treasures is appreciated and helps our community continue to thrive and grow.
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Watch Nickle Dickle Day video | |
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Sign up for the Chamber Booth at the Carver County Fair!
August 7-11, 2024
Carver County Fairgrounds
501 W 3rd St, Waconia
The Carver County Fair kicks off on August 7 and the Waconia Chamber will once again host a booth in the Carver County Commons building. The booth is staffed by chamber members and is a member benefit for you to utilize and promote your business. The schedule sign-up is open now! Click below to sign up.
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We appreciate your support!
Thank you to all our renewing members for your investment in the Waconia Chamber.
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BCS, Inc
Express Employment Professionals
Frattallone's Hardward & Garden
Frozen Five Ice Creamery
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Graphic Print Promo & Design
Nautical Bowls
Vandy's Grille
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A Message from the President | | |
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Enjoy the Last Days of Summer Adventures in Waconia
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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Summer may be winding down, but there's still plenty of time to enjoy all that the Waconia area has to offer. Check out these summer adventure ideas + more in the links below! | |
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Grow MN Visit with Ridgeview Medical Center
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce recently participated in a Grow Minnesota visit with Ridgeview Medical Center. As a participant of the Minnesota Chamber’s Grow Minnesota program since its inception 21 years ago, the Waconia Chamber has partnered to support local businesses through this impactful program. We’ll continue to commit and strengthen our local businesses and community through these collaborative efforts.
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About Grow Minnesota!
- Business Assistance: Helping businesses navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
- Economic Insights: Providing valuable data and analysis to foster economic growth.
- Local Development Services: Supporting the development and expansion of local businesses.
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Pictured L to R: Lisa Steinbauer (Ridgeview), Sarah Urtel (Ridgeview), Sarah Erickson (MN Chamber), Mike Phelps (Ridgeview), Nolan Thomas (MN Chamber) | |
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A report from the Minnesota Chamber’s Grow Minnesota Program
2024 State of business retention and expansion in Minnesota
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Thank you Moving Volunteers!
The chamber storage moved this week and the work was made lighter with the help of our volunteers. Thanks to Jess Lundgren (Traveling with Jess) and Andy Strong (Waconia Dodge) for your time!
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Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings | |
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Primary contact: Clarence Hudinski
(952) 442-1123
200 W Main St, Waconia
hei@heicollision.com
heicollisionmn.com
Many thanks to HEI Collision Center for continued chamber membership since 2007! Clarence and his team specialize in auto body and mechanical repairs after a collision.
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Primary contact: Kristin Genev
(952) 442-1244
44 W 1st St, Suite E, Waconia
soulfulsc@gmail.com
soulful-smoothies.com
Congratulations to new Soulful Smoothies owner Kristin! The Soulful Smoothies menu features smoothies, smoothies bowls, salads, and wraps made primarily with organic ingredients.
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Early Voting is Underway for the Aug. 13 Primary
2024 Election Calendar
- August 13, 2024: State Primary Election
- November 5, 2024: General Election
Early voting for each election begins 46 days prior to the election. Waconia residents can absentee vote at City Hall Monday-Thursday 7:30AM-4:30PM or Friday 7:30-11:30AM. If you are not a City of Waconia resident (but reside in Carver County) you can absentee vote at the Carver County Government Center in Chaska. Their hours are different than the hours listed above.
To get a sample ballot, simply enter your address into the Secretary of State's website here. After the Primary on August 13, you will be able to use the same website to generate a sample ballot for the General Election.
Voting Resources
Here are several important links that you can use to check your registration, request an absentee ballot, and more!
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Waconia Mayor & City Council Candidate Filing Now Open
Deadline to apply: Tuesday, August 13 at 5:00PM
Interested in running for office? Open seats on the Waconia City Council: Mayor and two City Council (at large) seats. Candidate filing is open now. Candidates can submit an affidavit of candidacy (available in person at City Hall or via the City's website) to City Hall and pay a $5 filing fee. Filing hours are Monday - Thursday, 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, Fridays 7:30 am - 11:30 am, Saturday, August 10 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Filing closes at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, August 13. Affidavit's can be notarized at City Hall.
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Save the date for the Waconia Chamber Meet the Candidates Luncheon on August 22.
See Luncheon section below for details.
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HomeTown Bank Block Party: Celebrating 100 years!
Friday, August 2 | 4-7:00PM
HomeTown Bank
641 Marketplace Dr, Waconia
Join HomeTown Bank for the annual Block Party! Help celebrate HomeTown Bank's 100th birthday of being the bank our customers love. The event features live music by Where's Karl, a photo booth, a duck pond for kids to win prizes, local food vendors including chamber members Culver's, Sweet Wink's, and Mocha Monkey, and more activities for the family!
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Lakeside Farm and Flowers Open for Season
Summer Hours:
Tuesday | 9am-12pm, 5-8:00pm
Thursday | 9am-12pm, 5-8:00pm
Saturday | 9:00am-1:00pm
Lakeside Farm and Flowers is open for the season! Unwind in the you-pick flower field. Bouquet options: small $20, medium $30, large $40.
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Vintage Baseball at the Andrew Peterson Farm
Saturday, August 3 | 1-3:00PM
Andrew Peterson Farm
8060 Hwy 5, Waconia
FREE ADMISSION! This game is free to attend so bring your family and friends! Donations gladly accepted. Please bring your own chairs and blankets to sit on for this game. Please remember it is a field game and seating will be located in the grass around the edge of the field. Snacks including Peanuts, Cracker Jacks and Ice Cold Beverages will be sold at the game by the CCHS. Cash only. We will also be joined by a food truck - Tacos Los Cuatro Carnales!
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Blood Drive Hosted by Thrivent Financial and Bode Gray's
Tuesday, August 6 | 1-7:00PM
Bode Gray's - Brass Hat back entrance
125 W 1st St, Waconia
Thrivent Henke Hess Financial Group and Bode Gray's have teamed up to host a Blood Drive on Tuesday, August 6 from 1:00-7:00pm. The American Red Cross Blood Bus will be parked in the back parking lot by The Brass Hat entrance.
Please consider joining us and donating to save lives! Every person who donates will receive a slice of Bode Gray's delicious pizza, as well as special discount offers if dining in at Bode Gray's.
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Waconia National Night Out
Tuesday, August 6 | 5:30-7PM
Brook Peterson Park
1400 Oak Ave, Waconia
Family-friendly community event for all of Waconia to join together for a night to make connections, live music, fire truck splash pad, food trucks, and more! We will have the parking lot at Brook Peterson Park blocked off for all festivities. Parking available across the street at Waconia Middle School. Hosted by the Gather and Grow Food Shelf & Connection Center and the City of Waconia. Bring non-perishable donations.
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Concert Tickets Available Now
Tuesday, August 6 | 7:00PM
Carver County Fairgrounds
501 W 3rd St, Waconia
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of country music at the Carver County Fairgrounds Grandstand on August 6 at 7:00 p.m. The legendary band Confederate Railroad will be headlining, bringing their iconic Southern rock and country sound to the stage. Opening the night will be the talented Shane Martin, setting the tone with his energetic performance. Join us for a night of great music and fun, kicking off the Carver County Fair! Tickets are available starting at just $20, so don't miss out on this exciting event.
Lunch at the Fair
August 7 & August 8
11:00AM-1:00PM
Carver County Fairgrounds
501 W 3rd St, Waconia
This year we will celebrate the 112th annual Carver County Fair on Wednesday, August 6 through Sunday, August 11. We would like to invite you and your employees to come to the fair for lunch on Wednesday and Thursday. Gate admission to the Fair during lunch hour (11am-1pm) is complimentary. Please enter through Gate #3 (South Gate) and be prepared to show your company ID badge or name tag. Wristbands will not be offered upon entry or exit.
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Good Samaritan Donut Drive Through
August 7 | 7:30-8:30AM
Good Samaritan-Westview Acres
433 W 5th St, Waconia
On Wednesday, August 7 from 7:30 - 8:30 Good Samaritan - Westview Acres will host a 'Donut Drive Through' from 7:30 - 8:30 am for chamber members to swing through and grab a quick donut on their way into the office. Thank you for making this community so great.
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Freshwater Church Global Leadership Summit
August 8 | 9:30AM-4:30PM
Freshwater Church
138 W 1st St, Waconia
Come to The Global Leadership Summit on August 8 and 9 at Freshwater Church for two powerful days of world class speakers such as Craig Groeschel, Mike Kryzyzewski “Coach K”, and Amy Edmondson. Every year Freshwater Church is a host-site for this empowering two-day event because they believe in the power of equipping leaders. Whether it’s just you, or your entire team who comes to GLS – they promise that you will walk away with new tools to improve your future.
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WYP Night Out at the Fair
Thursday, August 8 | 7:30-8:30PM
Join us for the concert: 8:30PM
Carver County Fairgrounds
501 W 3rd St, Waconia
Join the WYP for a vibrant evening at the Carver County Fair in the Entertainment Center! Meet outside the entrance to the Entertainment Center at 7:30PM. RSVP to this event so we know who to look for. Enjoy networking before live band IV Play at 8:30PM. It's a perfect opportunity to connect and unwind.
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The Arts in Harmony at Parley Lake Winery
Friday, August 9 | 5:30-9PM
Parley Lake Winery
8280 Parley Lake Rd, Waconia
Join the Arts Consortium of Carver County for a very special evening of music and art, featuring musical performances by Katy Tessman and the Turnbuckles, as well as the Tanescha Jones Band. There will be a silent auction with incredible items donated by local artists and businesses. Your support is crucial in helping the Arts Consortium continue their mission to promote and support the arts in Carver County.
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Quarterly Women's Connect
Monday, August 12 | 12-1:30PM
The Otto Apartments
601 Industrial Blvd, Waconia
Topic: Work-Life Balance
Special Guests: Sara Kuester and Mindy Antiel of River Valley Health & Wellness Center
Lunch: Catered by St. Boni Bistro
Women's Connect is a focused network designed to encourage, support, and create resources for professional women entrepreneurs and professional business leaders. To RSVP, email Christine at cfenner@destinationwaconia.org.
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Music in the Street
Thursday, August 15 | 6:30-8:30PM
First Street, between Olive & Vine
Join the City of Waconia for the last "Summer Street Concert" series with live music by Traveled Ground on 1st St between Olive and Vine Streets.
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Love INC School Supply Event
Friday, August 16 | 6-8:00PM
Saturday, August 17 | 10AM-12PM
Trinity School Gym, Door D
601 2nd St E, Waconia
Pre-registration is required. Call Love INC at 952-448-3261 by August 12 to receive supplies. Get Involved! Donate money / supplies or volunteer at loveinccc.org.
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Southern Valley Alliance Charity Golf Scramble
Monday, September 30
Island View Golf Club
7795 Laketown Pkwy, Waconia
Enjoy a day of golf, camaraderie, and support for a great cause, all while taking in the beautiful views and atmosphere. Your participation helps us continue our mission to support those affected by domestic violence. Don't miss out on this exciting event!
Event details:
- Shotgun start at 1pm - course takes approx. 4.5hrs to complete
- Boxed lunch and grill-out dinner included
- Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) available for purchase
- Games with prizes
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Scholla Insurance Hiring Assistant Office Manager
Scholla Insurance is seeking to hire an Assistant Office Manager to assist the office manager and sales agents in day-to-day tasks. For job description click below.
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Invitation to contribute to the Welcome Goodie Bags for New ISD 110 Teachers & Staff, Prizes for Incoming Freshman
Welcome Goodie Bags
We're excited to welcome new teachers to our community with a small but meaningful gift package. This initiative aims to show our appreciation and support by providing new Waconia teachers a selection of local goodies and coupons.
In the past, local businesses have generously contributed items like coffee coupons, discount vouchers, and unique gifts. Now, we’re reaching out to to see if you would like to join in and contribute. Whether it’s a coupon, a small gift, or any other form of support, your contribution will help make these new teachers feel valued and appreciated. Interested in participating? Email Lisa at lolson@isd110.org.
Seeking Prize Donations for Incoming Freshman
Freshman orientation is on August 21 and Waconia High School is looking for smaller prizes like free sub sandwich coupons, haircut coupon, free ice cream treat, or anything else a 9th grader might enjoy. If you're willing to donate, drop off at Waconia High School or contact Paul Sparby at psparby@isd110.org to arrange pickup. Items needed by August 20.
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Mediacom Communications Launches Mediacom Mobile
Mediacom Communications announced the launch of Mediacom Mobile, the company’s new mobile phone service. Offered in partnership with Verizon, Mediacom Mobile will provide consumers speed, scale, reliability, and wide-ranging availability at incredibly affordable rates. Designed to be paired with Mediacom Xtream Internet service, Mediacom Mobile is available in two simple, budget-friendly residential plans:
• Unlimited Plan – Unlimited mobile service for $40 per month, per line including all taxes and fees.
• By the Gig Plan – Pay as you go mobile phone service for $15 per month, per gigabyte including all taxes and fees.
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Make Your Event Unforgettable with a Photo Booth Rental
Looking to add some fun and excitement to you next event? The Jamie Joos Photography photo booth rental is just what you need. Perfect for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, and more, my photo booth guarantees endless entertainment and lasting memories.
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Vote in the Best of Carver County 2024
Many chamber members are nominated in the Best of Carver County 2024! Vote for your favorites in more than 200 categories. Every person can vote once per day. No subscription or purchase necessary.
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Paradise Beach Bash
Thursday, August 22 | 3-9:30PM
Lake Waconia Regional Park
Featuring live music by Ragtown
6-9:30PM | Free admission
Beverages for sale by the Waconia Lions Club. Beverage proceeds benefit the Lake Waconia July 4th Fireworks.
Food available for purchase from Iron Tap, The Main Scoop, and Papa Murphy's.
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August Luncheon: Meet the Candidates
Thursday, August 22 | 11:30AM-1PM
The Winery at Sovereign Estate
9950 N Shore Rd, Waconia
Meet the Candidates
Join us as we hear from invited candidates for State House,
Waconia City Council, and Waconia Mayor
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Chamber Calendar - August | |
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AUGUST 8 Retail Committee, 8-9:00AM @Chamber Office
AUGUST 8 WYP Night Out at the Fair, 7:30-8:30PM @Carver County Fair
AUGUST 12 Women's Connect, 12-1:30PM @The Otto Apartments
AUGUST 13 Tourism Committee, 9-10:00AM
AUGUST 15 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Chamber Office
AUGUST 22 Candidate Forum, 11:30-1:00PM @The Winery at Sovereign Estate
AUGUST 22 Paradise Beach Bash 9-9:30PM @Lake Waconia Regional Park
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STAY CONNECTED
@DestinationWaconia
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Friday Facts is a publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
952-442-5812
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