Waconia chamber gets down to business | Community | hometownsource.com – ECM Publishers
Sorry, an error occurred.
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our advertising news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our breaking news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our daily news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest email news? Signup today!
Receive the latest features from Scene in the West Metro.
Would you like to receive our daily news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our daily news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
Would you like to receive our daily news? Signup today!
Sign up with
Thank you .
Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.
Check your email for details.
Invalid password or account does not exist
Sign in with
Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.
An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the e-mail address listed on your account.
Secure & Encrypted
Secure transaction. Cancel anytime.
Thank you.
Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.
A receipt was sent to your email.
Chamber president Christine Fenner addresses Chamber members at the annual Waconia Chamber of Commerce meeting. (Al Lohman/The Patriot)
Paul Melchert was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award. (Submitted photo)
Chamber president Christine Fenner addresses Chamber members at the annual Waconia Chamber of Commerce meeting. (Al Lohman/The Patriot)
Paul Melchert was honored with a Lifetime Achievement award. (Submitted photo)
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce celebrated the local business community at its annual meeting on Jan. 27, and also the return to in-person community and promotional events in the second year of the pandemic.
The chamber hosted nine community events in 2021, including the return of Nickle Dickle Day, what Chamber President Christine Fenner called “Waconia’s own Super Bowl.” The chamber also hosted dozens of other networking, educational and ribbon cutting events last year, along with spotlighting member businesses.
The organization welcomed 27 new members in 2021, making it 275 members strong, and has now reached more than 13,000 followers on social media, Fenner reported.
The chamber also recognized and installed its 2022 board of directors during the business portion of the meeting.
Todd Hahn of HomeTown Bank took the gavel as the new board chair and Lisa Steinbauer of Ridgeview joined as a new a new director. The chamber recognized and said good bye to Rdigeview’s Sarah Urtel, board director from 2016-2021 and former chair, and outgoing 2021 chair Andy Strong of Waconia Dodge.
Fenner also presented long-time lawyer and community supporter Paul Melchert with a Lifetime Achievement award to commemorate his role in the formation of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce some 60 years ago.
Additional special recognition went to Mackenthun’s Fine Foods, awarded by the Minnesota Retailer’s Association with its Social Responsibility Award; and Mike Keaveny from Waconia Ford for 35 years of dedication to the Nickle Dickle Day car show, which has become a big driver of event attendance, organizers note.
For 2022, expect the Waconia Chamber to continue support the business education network to get Waconia students to commit to entering the manufacturing or trade industry after graduation. Also, other efforts to help employers fill open positions in a tight labor market.
The Chamber will host a Career Exploration Fair for students on April 8 followed by a Community Expo on April 9, Fenner announced. Planning for that is just under way.
Later this year motorists on Highway 5 can look for new signs promoting Waconia as a tourism destination. The Waconia Chamber also will refresh its website desitnationwaconia.org.
Your comment has been submitted.
Reported
There was a problem reporting this.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Error! There was an error processing your request.
Would you like to receive our latest news? Signup today!
