CHAMBER NEWS - Waconia Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER NEWS
A publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
March, 2016
Tuesday, March 1, 2016 is SUPER TUESDAY~What does that mean?!
Super Tuesday is the nickname given to the one day in every Republican and Democratic
presidential primary cycle where the most states vote at once, often dramatically culling the
candidate field before the summer's national conventions. That day is next Tuesday, March 1.
Minnesota , along with 11 other states will hold a caucus or primary contest. Minnesota’s precinct caucuses will elect delegates to
party endorsement conventions held later in the spring and summer. The precinct caucuses will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday,
March 1, 2016.
According to Carver County, precinct caucuses are every citizen's opportunity to participate in a major political party, influence
party policies and voice one's views to the delegates about various political issues. They are also an excellent opportunity to learn
about becoming an election judge to serve in scheduled or special elections.
Precinct caucuses are open to the public to observe, but only citizens who will be eligible to vote in the State General Election on
the first Tuesday in November are eligible to participate in the precinct caucuses. (To be eligible, citizens must be at least 18 years
of age and a resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days by the time of the general election.) You may only participate in the caucus
for the precinct in which you reside. You must also be prepared to state publicly your agreement with the principles of the party per
the party's constitution and that you either voted or are affiliated with the party at the previous election or intend to do so at the next
General Election.
This is your opportunity to have a voice in our national election process on a local level. In addition to choosing a presidential
preference, folks will also get to elect local party officers, propose resolutions to the party platform and vote for candidates to
represent their district in the state election in November. To find your local caucus location, visit http://caucusfinder.sos.state.mn.us
Welcome New Chamber Members...
Being While Becoming
BiG Athletics
Nagel Assisted Living
* Brittany Altendorf
*Becky Johnson
*Brandi Campbell
20 West Main Street, Suite 200
Waconia, MN 55387
952-649-1202
[email protected]
www.beingwhilebecoming.org
761 Marketplace Drive
Waconia, MN 55387
952-442-1915
[email protected]
www.bigathleticstore.com
232 S Elm Street
Waconia, MN 55387
763-267-9327
[email protected]
www.sunflowercommunities.com
Individual, couple and family therapy
Footwear, apparel and spiritwear for men,
women and youth
Assisted Living
Coffee Connection-Thursday, March 3
7:30-9:00AM
Waconia Brewing Company-255 West Main Street
Beer-it’s not just for breakfast anymore. Just kidding.
We’ll still be serving coffee! People like to do business with people
they know...Join us before you hit the road for spring break!
FREE! Coffee, morning snack & business connections!
Inside this issue:
Page 1 Member news & events
Page 2 Kellie’s Words of Wisdom
Page 3 Minnesota Chamber news
Page 4 Ambassador Visits
Page 5 Member Updates & Happenings
Page 6 Luncheon News & Calendar
2
What is the main purpose of the
Waconia Chamber of Commerce?
Last October we did a survey that that ran from October 6 – October 20, 2015. We received
58 responses which was a 21.7% response rate, considered very strong. We sent it to the
Primary Representative in each member business. The results were compared with the chamber industry standards in the Midwest. This survey was done as a tool to help the Board and
Chamber staff make sure we are proceeding in the right direction. Thanks to all of you that
took the time to let us know your thoughts and give us good benchmark so we know what
we’re doing right and how we can improve.
I wanted to share this one result with you, as I think we’re on the right track and will continue
to work for you and the economic vitality of Waconia.
Which of the following do you think should be the
main purpose of the Waconia Chamber?
3
Minnesota needs thorough – and predictable – environmental review
system
By Doug Loon
The start of the legislative session is around the corner, and the activity promises to be fast paced. It’s more
important than ever to make your voices heard.
Join your peers for two Business DayS at the Capitol this year – double the opportunity to advance your
priorities face-to-face with legislators. We’ve streamlined the agenda to fit your busy schedules and have
narrowed the focus to two topics very important to the statewide business community.
Please mark your calendars: March 30 – transportation investment; April 20 – tax relief.
Our No. 1 priority overall is to reduce the statewide business property tax – the extra tax paid by businesses
above and beyond what they send to local governments. Most onerous about this assessment is that it is a
fixed cost and it is growing on auto pilot, increasing each year with an inflator index. All businesses pay this
tax, whether they own or lease property, profitable or not. Reducing this tax will not affect what businesses
pay to cities, schools and counties, and it will not shift any taxes to homeowners.
It’s also time that Minnesota passes a 10-year plan that provides strategic and sustained investment in our
roads, bridges and transit. The package must be comprehensive; needs must be addressed in metro and
rural areas. We need a dependable transportation system that moves people and products efficiently and
safely throughout the state. That requires regular investment in maintenance and strategic improvements. 2016 is the year to invest.
Both Business DayS at the Capitol will start with a luncheon and a moderated program to hear firsthand
from key legislators on the status of these two priorities. Business leaders will then be bused to the Capitol
for prearranged legislative appointments. The events will wind down with an informal reception to network
and share information.
The projected state surplus is an excellent opportunity to invest in our economic and physical
infrastructure. There is ample money to pass strategic business property tax relief and sustained transportation funding. Both investments are critical if we want to make Minnesota ready for the future.
Nothing makes a greater impact on legislators than hearing firsthand from their constituents. Register
today for both Business Day(S) – March 30 to push for transportation funding and April 20 to advance business property tax relief.
I look forward to seeing you. Together, we will make Minnesota ready for change and ready to grow.
Doug Loon is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce – www.mnchamber.com.
4
Ambassador Visits
Lil’ Explorers
Owners: Jen Schultz & Jeremy Spaude
(952) 442-4194
[email protected]
[email protected]
www.lilexplorerschildcare.com
Jen and Jeremy accepting their 1st Dollar of
Clear Profit from the Ambassadors. Welcome!
It is the mission of Lil’ Explorers to provide top-notch service
for all families and provide an enjoyable and exciting time for
all children in their care at each of their 3 locations. From 6
weeks old to 4th grade, these kids will love the garden, the gym
and the outdoor play areas. So much great learning here!
Organized Homes & Staging by Kristin
Owner: Kristin Campbell
612-619-0940
[email protected]
www.organizedhomestaging.com
Since April of 2010 Kristin has been helping people sell
their homes for top dollar. She can also help you with organizing—whether you are moving
or not. Make an appointment with
Kristin and check out her website for
a variety of packages to choose from.
Offices too!
Kristin with her 1st Dollar of Clear Profit
and the Ambassadors. Welcome!
St. John’s Medical
Owner: Shawn Anderson
(952) 448-9737
[email protected]
www.stjohnsmedcialgroup.com
Amy Olivieri, Shawn Anderson and Lynn Burke accepting
their 1st Dollar of Clear Profit from the Ambassadors.
Welcome!
Working directly with patients and their doctors, St. John’s
Medical is the place where a person’s physical needs and the
available solutions to those needs meet. These solutions come
in the form of therapeutic medical devices that have been handselected to meet the most common needs encountered by health
care professionals. Durable Medical Bracing is their specialty.
5
Member News & Happenings
Community Fish Fry-Fridays thru March 25 4:00-7:30PM
The Waconia Knights of Columbus host a fish fry with all the trimmings at St Joseph’s Parish.
Tickets available at the door. Adults: $11 Children 5-12 years: $5 Children 4 years under: FREE
St. Joseph’s Church-41 East 1st Street, Waconia www.stjosephwaconia.org
Saturday Morning Drop In Pickle Ball-Saturdays in March
The fastest growing recreational activity in the United States can now be played at the Safari Island Community
Center on Saturday mornings, March 5th-May 28th, 2016 8am-12pm. To learn more about Pickle Ball visit
http://www.usapa.org/what-is-pickleball/
Fees: $2/Safari Island Members, $5/non-members
Safari Island Community Center-1600 Community Drive, Gym Court #1 952-442-0695
Intuitive Nutrition Class with Shape It Up Fitness-March 7 & 14 or 21 & 28
Guest nutritionist, Jena Friselle, will lead 2 break out sessions March 7 & 14th or March 21st & 28th at 6-7:30
p.m. Take the word “eat” out of your vocabulary and replace it with nourish; it will change your whole perspective! Class size is limited and will be held at Lola's Lakehouse-318 E Lake Street. Cost: $40
Interested in SIU's Summer Pre Party? Coming in April: 30 days of Fitness & Whole foods! Shape It Up for
Summer 2016! Contact SIU to sign up. [email protected] 952-215-7431
www.shapeitupfitnessmn.com
Feeling Lucky Blind Tasting – Thursday, March 17 5:00-9:00PM
Join Schram Vineyards-Winery & Brewery and see how well you know their wines & beers...or how well you
can identify flavors. Each participant will receive a choice of wine or beer flight with a card to try and match
each sample with the correct description. A prize will be awarded at the end of each hour for the most correct
matches. You might get lucky!
Filius Blue will also in on site featuring their amazing Rueben to pair with a pint for St Patty’s Day!
Schram Vineyards Winery & Brewery-8785 Airport Road, Waconia www.schramvineyards.com
Waconia Brewing Company 5K-Don’t Worry Be Hoppy-Saturday, April 2
Register NOW-The Don’t Worry Be Hoppy 5K & Kids’ Fun Run has something FUN for the entire family.
6:30AM-Race Day Registration
To register, go to www.soleMOTION.com
9:00AM-5K/Run/Walk
10:00AM-Kids Fun Run
10:30AM-Awards
Waconia Brewing Company-255 W Main Street, Waconia
Farmers Market Participants Needed!
The Waconia Farmers Market is in search of additional vendors for 2016. Market day will be moving to
Thursdays (pending city council approval) from 4pm-7:30!! We are seeking produce, meats, cheeses,
EGGS, prepared items (pickles, jams, jellies), honey, baked goods, maple and as always VOLUNTEERS!!
Please spread the word. You can get more information on the Waconia Farmers Market
Facebook page.
Monthly Chamber Luncheon
Thursday, March 24, 2016
11:30am Registration Begins
Program: Noon -1:00PM
Location: Island View Dining-7795 Laketown Pkwy
Topic: NOAA Weather Ready Nation & You
Guest Speaker: Shawn DeVinny, Meteorologist NOAA
$25 per member, $30 for general admission RSVP Required!
Walk-ins will not be guaranteed. To streamline check-in at the event, we prefer that
you register and pay online at www.DestinationWaconia.org. Cash or check only will
be accepted the day of the luncheon. Please
RSVP by Friday, March 18
[email protected] or 952-442-5812
Chamber Calendar -March 2016
3 Coffee Connection-Waconia Brewing Company @ 255 West Main Street 7:30-9:00am
8 Tourism Committee Meeting-The Simple Cottage @ 120 Jefferson Ave N, New Germany 9:00am
9 Board Meeting-Maple Conference Room 11:30am-1:00pm
10 Retail Committee Meeting-Maple Conference Room 8:00-9:30am
18 Ambassador Meeting Chamber Office Time 8:45 am
24 Chamber Luncheon at Island View Dining 11:45-1:00 Topic: NOAA Weather
July 11-SAVE THE DATE-10th Waconia Golf Scramble @ Island View Golf Club