CHAMBER NEWS - Waconia Chamber of Commerce

CHAMBER NEWS
A publication of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce
November, 2015
Enjoy specials, deals and demos at these
participating businesses:
Balance Life
Pangea Cafe
Cham bray
Salon Trende’
Clearwater Clothing
The Stash of Waconia
Ground Round
Trending Upward Thift Shoppe
Hoppers Bar & Grill
UFC Farm SUpply
Iron Tap
Unearthed Arts
J Carver Distillery
VFW of Waconia
Laketown Chocolates
Waconia Brewing Company
Lola’s Lakehouse
Waconia Trading Company
Mackenthun’s Fine Foods Wild Bird Store
Mocha Monkey
Willow Winds Gardens
My Happy Place
Yetzer’s Home Furnishings & Floor
Coffee Connection-Thurs, 11/5 7:30-9:00a.m.
Balance Life-138 South Olive St, Waconia
Are you working on a “balanced” networking plan?
Stop by…Don’t miss this FREE
opportunity to touch base with other chamber members, learn more about this member business and update us on what’s new with YOU!
BONUS-breakfast will be catered by Pangea Café
AND 25% OFF retail items & bonus buys on gift certificates for chamber
members only. Talk about a chamber member benefit! Don’t miss it!
Save the Date:
Chamber Holiday Social
Thursday, December 17th 5-8pm
J. Carver Distillery
Great food, beverage in a festive atmosphere!
Watch for your invitation SOON!
We are happy to report that the
traffic light at Cherry Street and
Highway is turned on &
functioning. We are so glad for
this safety improvement and left
turn protection for drivers.
Inside this issue:
Page 1 Member news & events
Page 2 Message from Kellie
Page 3 Minnesota Chamber news
Page 4 Ambassador Visits
Page 5 Member Updates & Happenings
Page 6 Luncheon News & Calendar
2
ROAD CONSTRUCTION… STILL…AND YET….
By Kellie Sites
This is the month when we really think about being thankful. Sometimes it’s hard to be thankful for something when it will be somewhat painful… possibly really painful.
I’m talking about road construction. People spend years working on getting a highway built, planning and finding the funding at
the right time. Then when it’s time to get it done, there’s a lot of complaining and frustration. That’s because roadway improvement causes disruption and our customers have a harder time finding us and getting to us and sometimes stop coming. That is the
scenario we are working to avoid in 2015.
That’s what I wrote in the November 2014 newsletter and now it’s a year later. Highway 5 between Victoria and
Waconia is open! While there was hope that it would be open in early September, it turned out to be mid-October.
There are shoulders on the roadway now and guardrails and it feels so much smoother and safer. MN DOT did an
excellent job with this stretch of highway. The impact from the closure of HWY 5 was certainly felt by those who
are on HWY 5 in that stretch of roadway. Donna, At the Farm, opened up an additional location near Mills Fleet
Farm. It did so well that she’s going to do that again next year. People found new ways to get to the wineries
which will probably be good in the long run. Many businesses did feel a loss of customers from that closure.
County Road 10 from CR 30 to Hwy 7 just opened up yesterday – Thursday the 29th. That will be awesome for
our customers, suppliers and employees who are coming from the north and the west. I haven’t driven this stretch
of roadway yet, but I’m looking forward to using this road a lot!
Yesterday was also the day that the light at Cherry Street was turned on! For those businesses and customers who
use Cherry Street, this is going to be so much safer. Left hand turn lights and crossing signals for pedestrians will
be so helpful when navigating that intersection on HWY 5. It is a new landmark to help with navigation. When I
moved here in 1999, there was just one traffic light, now there are 5! The growth is certainly something to behold.
The stretch of highway between CR284 and Cherry will be completed in 2016.
75 years ago, in 1940, the Nagle Hospital was built with 20 beds. This year Ridgeview Hospital, with 109 beds
and 20 bassinets, is adding 2 new floors to their professional building. District 110 has broken ground for their
new Laketown Elementary School and the walls of the gym are already up. It’s exciting to see big cranes in Waconia.
“It will be painful - but I think the finished product will be amazing. We will get through this together and I hope with a thankful
spirit. Complaining just won’t help. Start now! Everyone needs to step up their customer service game with the following:
“Thank you so much for coming! We are glad you came.” With a smile…”
That was the end of my article from last year. Judging by the number of people who came to the Taste of Minnesota, the Carver County Fair and Nickle Dickle Day, they all found a way to get here. Many of our shops had their
best summer yet. I think this is a testament to the shop owners and many of our local customers who heard the
message of the importance of shopping local. Keep up the good work and the excellent customer service. The
positive way in which you shared the message of roadway improvement was heard all around town.
I do love this town. And so did my 8 friends that flew here from Seattle to visit Waconia instead of going to
the Napa Valley. That’s another story!
3
State, local chambers work in tandem to strengthen economy
By Doug Loon
One of the key criteria established by the board of the Minnesota Chamber in its search for a new president
was the ability to develop and build relationships with local chambers of commerce across the state. The importance of these relationships in the search process demonstrates the commitment that the Minnesota
Chamber places on building a partnership with local chambers. From my perspective, after working at the national level with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for 20 years, this level of commitment does not exist elsewhere in the country. It is a relationship distinctive to Minnesota, and one that I am fully committed to enhancing in the coming months and years.
At least three key partnerships with local chambers make Minnesota unique, and makes our business community stronger – professional support through the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Executives (MCCE); business retention and job growth through Grow Minnesota!; and member advocacy to improve and protect our
state’s business climate.
MCCE is the professional association for local chambers of commerce. Its goal is to strengthen staff leadership
as well as the organizational foundation of local chambers across Minnesota – from the smallest, part-time
chambers to the large regional centers. The Minnesota Chamber will continue to lead and manage MCCE with
the goal of increasing engagement. MCCE offers training and development opportunities for chamber staff
that cannot be found elsewhere in your community. The local chambers involved in MCCE represent the bestin-class in Minnesota with their members as the ultimate beneficiaries. Successful local chambers, plus a strong
state chamber, result in a vibrant Minnesota business community.
More than 60 local chambers of commerce lead business retention efforts as partners in Grow Minnesota!. This
program started when many of our business leaders commented that they were being recruited by neighboring states, yet not once had a Minnesota leader contacted them. Grow Minnesota! is about building relationships, solving problems, and ultimately keeping and growing companies in Minnesota. The relationship is critical, and is most valuable when it is developed among local private-sector leaders. Last year alone, Grow Minnesota! saved nearly 2,600 jobs.
Finally, advocacy – the Minnesota Chamber’s greatest value proposition. Advocacy can be a local chambers’
greatest value proposition as well. After all, what other organization in your community is going represent your
members on issues that impact their everyday livelihood – whether it is a sign ordinance, or a tax increase? Local chambers are proud advocates for their members and the free enterprise system. Advocacy is critically important, and it does not have to be adversarial – we collectively represent our members with facts, research
and good manners. Last year, more than 40 local chambers united with the Chamber Federation to speak with
one voice on the business community’s top five priorities at the Legislature. We look forward to uniting local
chambers again this year, and encourage your local chamber to be a part of the Chamber Federation in 2016.
My commitment to supporting and advancing the effectiveness of local chambers is not only professional, but
personal. It is also one that is shared by the Minnesota Chamber Board leadership and the staff. I welcome your
comments and suggestions as we continue to work together to provide an environment where our members
can continue to grow, provide opportunity for our citizens, and strengthen our economy.
Doug Loon is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce: www.mnchamber.com.
4
Ambassador Visits
Anthony Mosely Real Estate
RE/MAX Results
Anthony Mosely - Waconia
[email protected]
612-208-2122
www.AnthonyMoselyRealEstate.com
Anthony grew up in the construction business, has been in real estate for 2 years
and has been in the home inspection business. He’s fluent in Spanish and operates
with integrity. Give him a call!
The Ambassadors present the first dollar to Anthony.
Thanks for being a part of the Chamber!
Kaeding Architecture
Jennifer Kaeding
Phone: 952-451– 9763
[email protected]
Jennifer with her first dollar of clear profit.
Welcome to the Chamber!
Jennifer has been an architect for 20
years. She recently opened up her
own firm and is excited about all the
opportunities coming her way. She
has done residential, medical, corporate, retail & hospitality venues.
cham bray
Michelle Baggenstoss - owner
952-250-0503
[email protected]
www.shopchambray.com
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 10am-5pm
Thursday & Friday 10am-7pm
Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 11am-3pm
Michelle is passionate about fashion and is
eager to meet you! Check out her Women’s
Designer Clothing.
Michelle with her team and the ambassadors cutting
the ribbon to celebrate their opening. Welcome!
5
Member News & Happenings
Vendor Craft & Vendor Fair-Saturday, November 7 9:00AM-2:00PM
The Southview Elementary PTO is hosting their 4th annual craft & vendor fair. Many local in-home
vendors and crafters-health & wellness, meal prep, storage, cosmetics and hand crafted items.
Southview Elementary-225 West 4th Street, Waconia
Stuff a Truck Fundraiser-now thru November 13
Help support our local food shelves. This food drive helps stock the local food shelves for the upcoming holidays. Make it fun...Have a competition in your business to see which individual/department/team can bring the most items!
Mackenthun’s Fine Foods 851 Marketplace Drive Waconia
Memorial Blood Drive –Friday, November 20 8:00-11:30AM @ Ridgeview Medical Ctr
This blood drive is held by Chamber member, Memorial Blood Center and will support Chamber member, Ridgeview Medical Center. This is the last blood drive and they would like to make it a goal breaking
drive! 952-913-6624 or mbc.org/searchdrives
and enter zip code 55387 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are gladly accepted.
Veterans Day Celebration at the Lighthouse at Waconia-Wednesday, November 11
The community is invited to attend a recognition honoring all who serve and remembrance of those who made
the ultimate sacrifice.
FREE Lunch served at Noon (Veterans & spouses welcome) RSVP by Monday, 11/9 to Sarah 952-856-4703
Veteran Service @ 1:00PM-Open to the community. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony.
Lighthouse at Waconia-500 S Cherry Street, Waconia
Local Beer Dinner-Thursday, November 12
You’re invited to Iron Tap’s first beer pairing dinner featuring lour local breweries! Six Course meal
with beer pairings from ENKI Brewery, Schram Winery & Brewery and Waconai Brewing Company.
Cost $45 per person. Two seatings: 5:30pm and 8:00pm Tickets available by calling 952-300-0518
or stop by Iron Tap –140 West Main Street, Waconia
Build your Black Friday/Cyber Monday Digital Strategy Session-Friday, November 6
Hosted by the Minnesota Retailers Association, “Crushin’ It with Customers”-Build your Black Friday, Small Business
Saturday and Cyber Monday Digital Strategy NOW! This event will feature real-life strategies from industry leaders.
Holiday shoppers EXPECT you to have a digital strategy, so get ready with this FREE seminar. This event is designed
to help organizations develop their digital and online strategy surrounding the holiday season and beyond.
Location: Boulay-7500 Flying Cloud Drive, Suite 800, Eden Prairie
Date: Friday, November 6 8:00-10:00AM
There is no fee to attend, but space is limited. Reserve your spot now at
http://business.mnretail.org/events/details/crushin-it-with-customers-build-your-black-friday-small-business-saturdaycyber-monday-digital-strategy-now-513
November
Chamber Member Luncheon
Thursday, November 19
11:30 - 1:00PM
Lake Waconia Event Center-8155 Paradise Lane
Networking Luncheon
Member favorite-speed networking! Meet new folks for every course.
Sponsored by Memorial Blood Centers
$25 Members, $30 Non-Members*
includes program, meal, beverage, tax & gratuity
Please RSVP by Friday, November 13
[email protected] 952-442-5812
*Payment will be accepted in advance or at the door.
Please note that you will be billed for all meals reserved and walk-ins are not guaranteed.
5
Coffee Connection @ Balance Life-138 S Olive Street, Waconia 7:30-9:00am
7
D.E.A.R. Hunting in Waconia-Retail & Dining Specials all over town
11
Board of Directors Meeting 11:45-1:00pm in Oak Conference Room
12
Retail Committee Meeting 8:00-9:30am Maple Conference Room
19
Ambassadors Meeting 8:45am in Chamber Office
19
Monthly Chamber Member Luncheon at Island View Dining 11:30am-1:00pm
19
Holiday Sneak Peek-See what’s in store for the Holidays at participating businesses 3-7pm
26-27 Thanksgiving Holiday-We’re thankful for all of our Chamber Members & Volunteers!
The Chamber office will be closed Thursday & Friday. Enjoy the holiday with your friends & family!
27
Tree Lighting in City Square Park-Caroling, hot cocoa, Santa & his elf and reindeer llamas 6:30pm
DEC 17 SAVE THE DATE: Chamber Holiday Party J. Carver Distillery 5-8pm