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Waconia Rodeo Coffee Connection
Thursday, June 6 | 7:30-9:00AM
Carver County Fairgrounds
Network and connect! We'd love to hear what's new with you and your business. Coffee and a light snack will be served. No need to register. Stop in for as long as your schedule allows.
Enter the Fairgrounds through the south entrance on Cherry Street. Coffee Connection will be near the Grandstand.
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Lake Waconia Fireworks
Thursday, July 4 | Show starts at dusk
The Lake Waconia Fireworks, led by the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, hosts the 4th of July Fireworks display. A dedicated group of volunteers work very hard each year to put on the incredible show. The fireworks are completely funded by donations from local businesses, organizations, and community members. Donate today to support the show.
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18th Annual Chamber Golf Scramble
Rewind to the 1980s
Monday, July 15
Island View Golf Club
10:30AM registration | 12:00PM shotgun
Swing back to the 1980s at the 18th Annual Chamber Golf Scramble with games, activities, food, and drinks on the course and 19th Hole BBQ to follow. Prizes for best dressed team and best decorated cart.
Proceeds of the event support the business community and the operations of the Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce, a member-driven non-profit 501c(6) organization.
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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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Arts Consortium of Carver County
Bode Gray’s
Brush Dental Studio
Dostal CPA Tax & Consulting
Franklin Printing
Lake Life Chiropractic
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Love INC of Carver County
Main St. Floral
Mediacom
Minneglass
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A Message from the President | | |
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Balancing Work & Life
by Christine Fenner
President, Waconia Chamber of Commerce
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Balancing work and life can feel like trying to stay upright on a paddleboard through the wake of a passing speedboat on the lake. However, incorporating a few key strategies can make it more like a leisure walk through charming downtown Waconia (minus the construction).
From High School to 40s
Congrats to the graduating class of 2024! During this graduation season, I’ve recently reflected on life stages—from high school to my 40s– considering how priorities and balance have changed over time. In high school, life revolved around hanging out with friends, classes, a part-time job, and extracurricular activities. It was an exciting time period of exploration and learning, with family to support me along the way.
In my 40s, the picture looks different. Some elements remain, but responsibilities have expanded to include career, family obligations, and community involvement. The balance is much more complex.
The 7 F's Framework
In the book, What really Works: Blending the 7 F’s for the Life You Imagine, authors Paul Batz and (Waconia Chamber supporter) Tim Schmidt, write about the 7 F’s: Faith, Family, Finance, Fitness, Friends, Fun and Future. Click image to keep reading...
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2024-2025 Waconia Chamber of Commerce Official Visitors Map
Be seen by advertising in the Waconia Chamber of Commerce Annual Map! The Waconia Chamber prints these maps and gives them away FREE at the Carver County Fair August 7-11, 2024. Thank you in advance for your support of our annual Waconia Chamber Map. This is a great opportunity for you to efficiently connect with people who attend the Fair. This map also gets distributed throughout the year by the Chamber in welcome packets, info requests, the 24/7 visitor kiosk and more.
To reserve your space, please contact Shelley Dery, with Adams Publishing (the Waconia Patriot), at shelley.dery@apgecm.com or at 612-201-1377.
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Legislative Update - Minnesota Chamber | |
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Your Vote Matters
All of the information you need to make your voice heard this election. Click image to read.
Minnesota's 2024 Voting Timeline
- June 23-August 7: Primary early voting
- August 13: State primary
- Sept. 5: Absentee voting begins
- Sept. 22-Nov.6: General early voting
- November 5: General election
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Statewide Policy Tour
Monday, June 17 | 3-4:30PM
J. Carver Distillery
The Chamber’s semi-annual Statewide Policy Tour is your opportunity to discuss how actions at the Capitol impact your business. This year, the Legislature passed more policies impacting businesses than in the previous decade. What do these new laws mean for your business? What are the next steps in encouraging lawmakers to make Minnesota an attractive, competitive place for business and talent?
Attending Elected Officials from Minnesota Legislature:
Minnesota State Senate, Sen. Julia Coleman
Minnesota House of Representatives, Rep. Jim Nash
Registration requested, no fee to attend.
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Congrats to the Class of 2024 and the WHS Chamber Scholarship Winners
Waconia High School seniors Amelia Herold, Jenna Hoernemann, and Katelyn Smith were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship on Monday night. The scholarship committee was blown away by the numerous outstanding applicants who demonstrated an understanding of the chamber, shared inspiring stories of overcoming challenges, and proposed exciting new business ideas for Waconia. A bright future is ahead for these young leaders.
Congratulations to the scholarship recipients and the entire Class of 2024!
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Ambassador Visits & Ribbon Cuttings | |
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Primary contact: Kayla Bradt
(952) 443-9900
410 10th St, Waconia, MN 55387
kaylabradt@o2bkids.com
O2BKids.com
Congratulations to the O2B Kids team on their grand opening and ribbon cutting at the newly rebranded Waconia location! We were thrilled to celebrate with you.
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Primary contacts: Brent Posusta
(952) 657-2500
7416 80th St Suite A
Glencoe, MN 55336
brent@flooring-mn.com
flooring-mn.com
Welcome and congratulations Brent Posusta, the owner of Custom Installations! Custom Installations will be opening their new building in Hutchinson in just a few weeks.
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Primary contact: Doug Scholla
(952) 442-1171
580 Cherry Drive, Waconia
doug@schollafinancial.com
schollafinancial.com
Congratulations to the team at Scholla Financial on 29 years of business in Waconia and 29 years of Waconia Chamber membership!
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Congrats on the new location! | |
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Primary contact: Christie Larson
(952) 873-4214
103 3rd Ave E, Shakopee, MN 55379
executivedirector@svamn.org
svamn.org
Southern Valley Alliance hosted a group of nonprofit leaders last week and also celebrated the opening of their new Domestic Abuse Advocacy Center in Shakopee. Congrats to SVA! We’re grateful for their strong impact in Scott County & Carver County.
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We thought it would be fun to see high school senior photos from our members. Thanks to everyone who played along and sent photos. Enjoy the flashback Friday Waconia Chamber mini yearbook! | |
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Mary Beth Burgstahler
Triple Crown Home Team - Coldwell Banker
Class of 2001
Rim of the World High School
Lake Arrowhead, CA
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Dee DeLange
Waconia Brewing Company
Class of 1987
Burt High School
Iowa
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Kelly Dohm
Melchert Hubert Sjodin
Class of 1987
LaFollette High School
Madison, WI
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Laura Falk
Smothers & Falk Realty Group
Class of 2006
Wabasha-Kellogg High School
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Shane Fineran
City of Waconia
Class of 1996
St. Francis Senior High School
St. Francis, MN
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Todd Hann
HomeTown Bank
Class of 2000
Crookston High School
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Greg James
Iron Tap
Class of 1996
North Judson, Indiana
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Jennifer Kaeding
Kaeding Architecture
Class of 1991
Eden Prairie High School
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Amy Labo
Triple Crown Home Team - Coldwell Banker
Class of 1998
Lennox High School
Lennox, SD
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Jaime Mackenthun
Mackenthun’s Fine Foods
Class of 1995
Waconia High School
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Kim Mackenthun
Mackenthun’s Fine Foods
Class of 1969
Waconia High School
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Paul Peterson
Sackett-Waconia
Class of 1996
Waconia High School
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Brie Piller
Triple Crown Home Team - Coldwell Banker
Class of 1997
Virginia High School
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Sergeant Tyler Stahn
Carver County Sheriff’s Office
Class of 2005
Waconia High School
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Lisa Steinbauer
Ridgeview
Class of 1984
St. Charles High School
St. Charles, MN
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Andy Strong
Waconia Dodge
Class of 1989
Waconia High School
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Jessa Theis
Mackenthun’s Fine Foods
Class of 1997
Waconia High School
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Mackenthun's Ice Cream Social
Friday, May 31 | 4:15-7:00PM
Mackenthun's Waconia
851 Marketplace Drive, Waconia
Join us for our annual Mackenthun's Ice Ceram Social! $1 per bowl of ice cream (includes toppings). All proceeds will be donated to Backyard Wishes.
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Upcoming Food Trucks at Waconia Brewing Company
Sweet Wink's
Saturday, June 1
12-8:00PM
Nautical Bowls
Friday, June 7
4:00PM
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Icon Orthodontics Grand Opening Celebration
Wednesday, June 5
4:30-7:00PM
576 Cherry Dr, Waconia
Join Drs. Doug Vayda, Zach Slama, and Petra Bachour to celebrate the launch of the new Icon Orthodontics location at 576 Cherry Drive in Waconia!
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Extreme Events MN: Waconia Rodeo
Waconia Rodeo Window Tour
Now through June 8
Tour Waconia to check out the rodeo window displays and enter to win Waconia Rodeo tickets at participating businesses. Click below for a map and list of businesses.
Waconia Rodeo
June 7 & 8
Carver County Fairgrounds
Tickets to the Waconia Rodeo are on sale now! Performances at 7:00PM each night at the Fairgrounds. Click below to buy tickets online today!
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Wake, Paddle & Brew: A WYP morning adventure
Monday, June 10
7:00-8:30AM
Cedar Point Park
Enjoy a relaxing kayak or paddleboarding adventure while enjoying coffee with fellow Waconia Young Professionals. Please register in advance: $20 to rent paddle board or kayak + coffee or $0 and bring your own watercraft.
SAVE THE DATES
Tuesday, July 9 | 4:30-6:00PM
Golf lesson and happy hour at Island View Golf Club. Stay tuned for registration details.
Thursday, August 8 | 8:30PM
Live music by IV Play at the Carver County Fair
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Destination Waconia Tourism Committee
Tuesday, June 11 | 9:00-10:00AM
Andrew Peterson Farm
8060 MN-5, Waconia
Join the Destination Waconia Tourism Committee meeting at the Andrew Peterson Farm on June 11, 9-10:00AM.
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Music in the Street
Thursday, June 13 | 6:30-8:30PM
Main Street between Olive St & Vine St
Downtown Waconia
Live music by the Trainwreck Duet. Street food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Thursday, June 18 | 5:00PM
Waterford Park
1702, Ravencroft Rd, Waconia
Bring the kids to see the Teddy Bear Band!
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Welcome to Waconia, Cyclists!
Tour of Minnesota Bike Tour
Cyclists in Waconia: June 18-20
The 50th Annual Tour of Minnesota Bike Tour will come through Waconia June 18-20. The Tour of Minnesota has three main goals, :
- Visit out of the way small towns and vistas
- Enjoy the heritage and culture of those towns
- Bring economic development to the local businesses
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HomeTown Bank's Night at the Ballpark
Wednesday, June 19 | 7:30PM
Waconia Lions Field
Join HomeTown Bank to kick off summer, watch baseball, and have family fun! FREE admission! Kids run the baseline and stand by the Waconia Lakers for the National Anthem! Giveaways! Chuck-a-Ball! & more!
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Ridgeview Foundation Taste Celebration and Concert
Sunday, June 23 | 4-8:00PM
The Winery at Sovereign Estate
TASTE CELEBRATION: 4 - 6 p.m. Food and beverage samplings, along with fundraising and fun activities. CONCERT: 6 - 8 p.m. ABBA/Elton John Tribute Concert. All tickets purchased are for General Admission, granting guests a comfy spot in the grassy area surrounding the Marquette Pavilion.Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the concert by Sovereign Estate. Taste Celebration Tickets - $40 Includes food and beverage sampling and concert. Please bring your own lawn chairs.
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Paradise Beach Bash
Friday, June 21 | 3-10:30PM
Lake Waconia Regional Park
Featuring live music by Ragtown
7-10:30PM | Free admission
21+ cash bar proceeds support the 4th of July Lake Waconia Fireworks.
Food available for purchase: Iron Tap, Papa Murphy's, The Main Scoop, Tacos La Catrina
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June Chamber Luncheon
Topic: The Art of Sports Announcing & Tour of Lions Field
Speaker: Chris Ohm
Learn the techniques that make sports announcers stand out: dynamic voice modulation, real-time analysis, and captivating storytelling. Discover how these skills translate to various professional settings, enhancing your communication abilities to engage and inspire any audience.
Thursday, June 27 | 11:30AM-1:00PM
Waconia Lions Field
927 Wildcat Way, Waconia
Cost: $30/member, $40/not yet member
Deadline to register: Monday, June 24
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JUNE 6 Coffee Connection, 7:30-9AM hosted by Extreme Events MN
JUNE 10 WYP Wake, Paddle & Brew, 7-8:30AM @Cedar Point Park
JUNE 11 Tourism Committee Meeting, 9-10AM @Andrew Peterson Farm
JUNE 12 Executive Board Meeting, 11-11:30AM @Melchert Hubert Sjodin
JUNE 13 Retail Committee Meeting, 8:00-9:00AM @Chamber Office
JUNE 17 Statewide Policy Tour, 3-4:30PM @J. Carver Distillery
JUNE 20 Ambassadors, 8:45AM @Chamber Office
JUNE 27 Chamber Luncheon, 11:30AM-1:00PM @Waconia Lions Field
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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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