COMMUNITYAWARDS

SATURDAY w JANUARY 27, 2018

please join usSTARFIRE EVENT CENTER AT 6:30 PM206 SW 2ND AVE w WASECA, MINNESOTA

RSVP and/or Cancellation Date January 19th w Annual Mtg/Awards Dinner $35/person w RSVP 507-835-3260 or wasecachamber.com/event

cheers to

Waseca Area Chamber ofCommerce

Boss of the Year – Bill HoverstenCity of Waseca Human Rights Award – Penny VoughtCommunity Development Award – Waseca County Humane SocietyDon Eustice Award – surprise announcement made the night of

Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds – Brad MilbrathRotary Club Service Above Self Award – Deb Wantoch-Yess Young Professional Distinguished Service Award – Ann Fitch

2017 Award Recipients

Wa s e c a A r e a C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e & A m b a s s a d o r s

Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce • 112 North State Street • Waseca, MN 56093 • (507) 835-3260 • Fax (507) 835-3267email: info@wasecachamber.com • www.wasecachamber.com

Representing Business • Enhancing Community • Promoting Growth

Winter/Spring 2018Next Newsletter • May 2018

Linda GrantHealing Hands Wellness Group

FIRST CHOICE217 EAST ELM, WASECA, MN 56093

835-4040Owners: Jon O’Neil & Amy Robinson

jon@c21waseca.com • amy@c21waseca.com

107 S State St. • 833-8888www.dominos.com

I have SERVED 2-three year terms on the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce BOARD OF DIRECTORS and after that joined the Waseca Chamber AMBASSADORS. During my time as an ambassador I have had the pleasure of meeting with and presenting FIRST DOLLAR AWARDS to new businesses in Waseca, congratulating businesses who have grown and expanded with a PROGRESS AWARD, and have thanked businesses who have been in town and established for 30 years with a ROOTS AWARD. Keeping a finger on the pulse of the COMMUNITY is what happens when you are INVOLVED with the CHAMBER and I don’t know that I would have had the pleasure of meeting all the people I have if it weren’t for this involvement. THANK YOU Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce.

WHAT OUR MEMBERS SAY

2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BLAIN NELSONRE/MAX Masters

TOM SANKOVITZ First National Bank

Past Chair

KIM FOELSPresident/Treasurer

JIM FERCHStarkson & Steffel Funeral

& Cremation Services Chair Elect

RANDY GORDONQuad/Graphics

BRITT FOSSUMHy-Vee

RALPH CASTROBirds Eye/Pinnacle Foods

DIANE BECKMANN Thrivent Financial

BRAD BREYERRoundbank

Vice Chair

AMY KRUGERRoundbank Insurance

Agency - Chair

MARU MARQUEZEl Molino Mexican

Restaurant

TOM LEEWaseca Public Schools

LEARNING EXPERIENCEA tuition based community leadership program designed to enable candidates to learn about greater Waseca resources, values, strengths, weaknesses, and challenges geared toward providing an in-depth look at key elements of our community; education, economic development, government, healthcare, public safety, quality of life, and culture and diversity.

MONTHLY SESSIONSA series of leadership training and tours held over a nine month period and conducted by local and regional professionals. Monthly sessions run September – May on the second Wednesday of each month.

PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT This program will provide opportunities for candidates to exchange ideas, build networks and begin the process of identifying and solving important community issues, and to develop leadership skills through classroom instruction, interactive exercises and small group discussion.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Tuition and Application

wasecachamber.com ☎ 507-835-3260Please contact the chamber if you would like to support this program with a sponsorship.

Application Deadline JULY 31

SEPTEMBER 2018 – MAY 2019

We are looking for a pool of candidates who are current or prospective leaders

in the Waseca area.

We understand small business because we are a small business.

johndoercpa.com w 507-451-9136 Blooming Prairie w Owatonna w New Richland

THANK YOUJoe Schumacher (Schumacher Electric) and Kara Sturgill (Walmart).

We are grateful for your past service on the Chamber Board of Directors.

GOVERNMENT LIASIONS

ANN FITCH– City Council TBD– County Commissioner

400 4th St. SW, Waseca, MN

w Advocacy for Business w Agribusiness Committee w Agricultural Awards – Farm & City Luncheon

w Ambassador Outreach – Chamber Public Relations

w Ambassador First Dollar, Progress & Roots Awards w Annual Shop Small Day (materials to member merchants)

w Apartment Building Rental List w Business Before/After Hours Membership Mixers w Business & Industry Awards w Business Referrals w Certificates of Origin w Chamber Booth Display at County Fair w Chamber’s Annual Community Awards w Chamber Bucks Program w City and County Maps Resource w Community Calendar Online w Community Information Displays w Conference Room Space w Discover Waseca Careers Program w Economic Development Referrals w Enhanced Web Links For Members w Golf Outing Fundraiser w Google Mapping w Government Affairs w Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Services w Groundbreaking Services w Grow MN Business Assistance

w Job Postings Online w Junior Achievement Support w Leadership Greater Waseca Academy w Lunch & Learn Events w Manufacturing Week w Media Relations w Member Business Directory w Member Referrals w Member to Member Discounts w MN Chamber Affiliations w National Agricultural Week w New Member Benefits w New Resident Visits (partner Welcome Services for You)

w Newsletter (mailed 3x year)

w Online Communications w Online Coupons w Phone Book Distribution Site w Regional Partnerships w Relocation Information w Resource Center for Businesses w Seasonal Marketing w Sponsorship Opportunities w Tour of Manufacturing (partner WIS 7th graders)

w Website Presence & News Releases w Blog & Social Media w Welcome Back Teachers Event (partner Rotary)

w Workforce Initiative

2017 has been a very productive year. Our staff and volunteers work on a variety of initiatives to fulfill our mission:

Representing Business u Enhancing Community u Promoting Growth

A YEAR IN REVIEW

507.234.500guardiannrg.com4745 380th Ave • Janesville

Doug Lago1509 North State St, Waseca | 507-835-8180Member/Progress Award

Tammy Johnson, Allison AndristOwatonna, New Richland, Blooming Prairie | 507-451-9136Member/Progress Award

Ben Salaba1101 2nd St NE, Waseca | 507-835-2400 New Business Award

EDWARD JONES – FINANCIAL ADVISOR

WASECA COUNTY NEWS – EDITOR

UNITED PRAIRIE BANK – MARKET PRESIDENT

SHARRI’S SCHOOL OF DANCE

JOHNSON, DOERHOEFER & MINER P.A.

Dana Melius 213 2nd St NW, Waseca | 507-835-3380 Member/Progress Award

AMBASSADORS IN ACTION

Courtney Benavidez15250 Snake Trail, Waseca | 507-835-7532Member/New Business Award

Brady Manthe, Justine Meyer, Pat McDermott115 South State St, Waseca | 507-835-3131 Member/New Business Award

J-C PRESS

Jon Chicos115 2nd St SW, Waseca | 507-835-3690New Business Award

CHICOS AUTO REPAIR

The Waseca Ambassadors, a committee of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce, create a positive image of the chamber by promoting the value of membership and recognizing investments in the community. Dressed in their red coats, they are comprised of business professionals acting as the public relations arm of the chamber.

WA A S RT DOOR

Trent Wadd7800 Hwy 14 E, Janesville | 507-835-1720ROOTS Award

CRYSTAL VALLEY

Congratulations –90 yrs!

“PEOPLE TO KNOW” – ROOTS AWARDThe purpose of the Roots Award is to recognize and honor businesses that have provided goods

and services to people in the Waseca area for MORE THAN 30 YEARS!

John & Rachel Schoknecht108 South State St, Waseca | 507-835-2412New Business Award

John Mansfield111 Elm Ave W, WasecaNew Business Award

Jeanne Swanson, Jason Miller1717 NW 2nd St, Waseca | 507-835-5470 Member/Progress Award

Deana Kuhns113 South State St, Waseca | 507-461-0371New Business Award

WARD HOUSE BREWERY WASECA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

THE SPECKLED HENNASHVILLE SALOON

507-835 -1097

A Leading Manufacturer of RF, Micro-wave & Optical Connectors & Cables

To view our jobs or join our Talent Network, please visit: belfuse.com/cinch

BRAD CONNORSCerti�ed Wealth Strategist®

507-835-9111Waseca, MN

www.iWealth4me.com

Securities, advisory services, and insurance products are offered through Investment Centers of America, Inc.® (ICA), member FINRA, SIPC, a Registered Investment Advisor, and affiliated insurance agencies. ICA and iWealth are separate companies.

507.835.2870

Wasecafuneral.comwww.roundbank.com • Member FDIC

13 N. Express Lube4-Seasons AthleticsA Touch of Country ClassAchieving Dreams for Disabilities of Waseca County, Inc.Agricultural Utilization Research Institute All American Foods, Inc.American Family Insurance - Andrew MillerAmerican LegionAmerican Lung Association in MNAmerican MotelAmeriprise Financial - Kevin WalterAmy Swain Hearing CentersAnytime FitnessAwaken Vibrance, Inc.B.E.S.T. of Waseca County, Inc.Barden's BarBeds for KidsBeschnett & Harvey ChiropracticBeschnett Vineyard and WineryBig Brothers Big Sisters of So. MNBirds Eye Foods, Division of PinnacleBlue Cross Blue Shield - Jaye SopkowiakBoerboom, JimBomgaarsBuilders FirstSourceBy The WayCaleb Erickson MemorialCasey's General StoreCassie's Classic CutsCedar Valley Services – SMART Transit Centerpoint EnergyCentury 21-First Choice Charlie's Hardware, Inc.Cinch Connectivity SolutionsCity Directory, Inc.CliftonLarsonAllen, LLPClub 57Coldwell Banker Commercial Fisher Grp.Colony Court Senior Living SolutionsCompeer FinancialConnect Business MagazineConnors Plumbing & Heating, Inc.Consolidated Communications, Inc.County-Wide Directory, LLCCrystal ValleyCulliganDairy Queen Dennis Funeral & Cremation ServicesDitch Creek Landscape & Design, LLCDiversified Credit UnionDominos Dufault CPA, Ltd.Dunncreek Advisors, LLC

Edina RealtyEdward Jones Financial - Nyla HagenEdward Jones Financial- Ryan LudwigEide Bailly, LLPEl Molino Mexican RestaurantEl Tequila Mexican Grill & CantinaElegant Creations Granite & Marble Envision Custom Homes-Nelemans Construction, LLCExchange Club of WasecaExpress Employment ProfessionalsFarmamericaFederal Correctional InstitutionFirst National BankFrederick, Dr.EdwardFruechte, NeilGibson, JimGrandstay Hotel & SuitesGreater Mankato Area United WayGreener World Solutions, LLCGuardian Energy, LLCH & R BlockHabitat for Humanity of Steele-Waseca Area, Inc.Harguth Farms, Inc.Healing Hands Wellness Group Inc.Home Run RealtyHy-Vee Food StoresICAN, Inc.Investment SolutionsItron, Inc.iWealth - Brad ConnorsJ-C Press Jaguar CommunicationsJobs Plus, Inc.Johnson, Doerhoefer & Miner P.A.Jonnie BeansJunior Achievement of the Upper MidwestKCQ, Inc.Kibble EquipmentKiesler's Campground & RV ResortKolpin, Dr. Rodney, DDS,PLLCKOWZ/KRUE CountryKraus-Anderson Realty Co.Kubat CPA, LLCKwik Trip, Inc.Lau's MeatsLeet, DouglasLenz Bus ServiceLenz Lawn Care & Landscaping,Inc.Loffler Companies, Inc.Matson Design Specialties, LLCMayo Clinic Health SystemMcDonaldsMediacom

Melcher's Power Vac, Inc.Mid-State Mutual InsuranceMis Tres Flores, LLPMonson Eyecare CenterNAPA Auto PartsNeu - DeRaad Accounting, LLCPantheon Computer Systems, Inc.Past & Present Antiques and GiftsPatton, Hoversten, & Berg, P.A.Personalized Printing, Inc.Pheasant CafePioneerSeed & Precision Planting, Hueys Farm SeedPizza RanchPrairie Dental ArtsPrairie Lakes Regional ArtsPremier Veterinary CenterPrime Poly Solutions, LLCPrincipal - John PriebeQC Supply, LLCQuad/GraphicsR & T FarmsRadioShack Dealer/ The Electronic Connection, LLCRandall, Gyles & CarolRE/MAX MastersReal Life Covenant Church, Inc.Representative John PetersburgReUrban, LLCRhino Marking & Protection SystemsRiverland Community CollegeRoundbankRoundbank Insurance AgencySacred Heart SchoolSchmidt Law OfficeSchumacher ElectricServiceMaster of Mankato/ WasecaSharri's School of DanceSimply Storage, LLCSinglestad FarmsSmall Business Development CenterSMILES, Inc.Snell MotorsSouth Central CollegeSouth Central MN SCORE, Inc.Southern MN Municipal Power AgencySouthern MN Initiative Foundation Southern Research & Outreach CenterSportsman Stop, Inc.Srp Heating, Air Conditioning & RefrigerationStarfire Grill Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation ServicesState Farm Insurance - Gloria ButlerSteele-Waseca Cooperative Electric

Stensrud AviationSuburban Furniture & Floor CoveringSubwaySupreme Outdoor Taco JohnsTasty House Chinese RestaurantTeam AcademyTesch Service Center Co.The Boat House Grill & Bar, LLCThe Daily Grind Espresso ShopThe Refinery BoutiqueTHE S.H.O.P.Thompson, Dr. Rebecca, DDS, PLLCThrifty White PharmacyThrivent Financial - Diane BeckmannTorey's Restaurant and BarUnited Prairie BankVisiting Angels, LLCVista Villa Manufactured Home CommunityWalmartWaseca Agency - Paul RongstadWaseca Area Neighborhood Service Ctr.Waseca Area Senior CenterWaseca Art CenterWaseca Chrysler CenterWaseca Community ArenaWaseca Community Education & Rec.Waseca County Auto Sales, Inc.Waseca County Free Fair/Ag SocietyWaseca County History CenterWaseca County NewsWaseca Economic Development AuthorityWaseca Family Chiropractic CenterWaseca FloralWaseca Hockey Association, Inc.Waseca Housing & Redevelopment Authority/Maple TerraceWaseca Lakes AssociationWaseca Lakeside ClubWaseca Lions ClubWaseca Marching Classic, Inc.Waseca Music CompanyWaseca Optometric CenterWaseca Properties LLCWaseca Public Schools # 829Waseca Rent N' SaveWaseca Sleigh & Cutter Festival Assoc.Welcome Services For YouWells FargoWinegar, Inc.Wireless World WTF Tax ServiceXcel EnergyXpressions Salon

2017 MEMBER RENEWALSTHANK YOU to the following members who have renewed their membership in the Waseca Area Chamber in 2017.

Here’s to 2018 a New Year – a New Beginning. The chamber expresses a heartfelt thanks to the many members who share their time and talent to serve on boards, committees and work at events. Their invaluable assistance helps to ensure the success of our programs as members are the foundation of this organization. Chamber membership is an investment in your business future. We look forward to your continued support of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce in 2018.

Chamber business is good business! Progress is everyone’s business!

FROM THE PRESIDENT

2018 COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Kim FoelsWACC President

68TH ANNUALSLEIGH & CUTTER

FESTIVAL January 26-February 25, 2018

Kruger Memorial Snowmobile Run, Tundra Golf Fireworks and more! Come for the day or stay the weekend!

PARADE February 10, 2017

Downtown Waseca, Magnificent Horses, Cutters & Sleighs!

ICE SCULPTINGFebruary 7, 8 & 9, 2018Downtown Public Safety Building Lot

www.sleighandcutterfestival.org

AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHT

2017 AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR

fnbwaseca.com | 507-835-2740

Member FDIC

Your Local Community Bank!1230 N State St., Waseca, MN 56093

507-835-8030

AGRIBUSINESS DIVISIONAshley Harguth -

Agricultural Utilization Research Institute

Justin Gode – Roundbank

AMBASSADORSLinda Grant – Healing Hands Wellness Group

DISCOVER WASECA CAREERSJenifer Dvorak – Edina Realty

Peggy Hildebrandt – Connors Plumbing & Heating Jenny Bulfer – Greener World Solutions

Paul RongstadWaseca Agency

What made you join the Chamber’s Ambassador Program? I like being a business ambassador to the Waseca Community. I think the Ambassadors do a great service to the community in welcoming new businesses and congratulating existing businesses on their achievements.

What has been your most positive experience in your ambassadorship? Seeing new businesses come to the community and the progress of existing businesses.

THANK YOUSarah DenOuden

ServiceMaster of Mankato/Waseca

for your impressive service to the Waseca Chamber

Ambassadors.

507-835-4799Servicemasterofmankato.com

515 S State St. • Waseca

Eltequilarestaurant.com200 S State St, WasecaClosed Mondays

507.835.4060

2018 AMBASSADORS w Marcy Buchele – United Prairie Bank

w Brad Connors - iWealth

w Tim Dennis – Dennis Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

w Sarah DenOuden – Service Master Mankato/Waseca

w Jenifer Dvorak – Edina Realty

w Jim Ferch – Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Service

w Ed Frederick – Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota

w Bernie Gaytko – First National Bank

w Linda Grant – Healing Hands Wellness Group

w Peggy Hildebrandt – Connors Heating & Plumbing

w Laurie Jensen – KOWZ/KRUE

w Amy Kruger – Roundbank Insurance Agency

w Paul Rongstad – Waseca Agency

w Tom Sankovitz – First National Bank

w Jill Stagman – Pantheon Computers

w Theresa Sunde - Mediacom

w Larry Thompson - Roundbank

w Kevin Walter – Ameriprise Financial

w Tim Wenzel - Winegar

w Adam Worke – Colony Court

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN AMBASSADOR? Contact the chamber at

* info@wasecachamber.com 507-835-3260

FARM & CITY LUNCHEONHosted by Chamber AgriBusiness CommiteeWorking together to advance the relationships between farm and community businesses.

SAVE THE DATEMarch 22, 2018

LIKE US ON FOLLOW US ON

112 North State StreetWaseca, MN 56093

PRSRT STDUS Postage PAID

Waseca, MNPermit No. 89

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

MEMBERSHIP MIXER

Check wasecachamber.com/business after hours for how to host.

Would you like to host in 2018? Call the chamber for hosting details and make your reservations today!

AgriBusiness Committee 7:00 am 3rd Thursday each month • September–May

Ambassadors Meetings and Visits 8:00 am 3rd Tuesday each month

Business After Hours 4:30 pm February –November • Dates TBA

Business Before Hours/AM Espresso 7:30 am February –November • Dates TBA

Discover Waseca Careers Twice a month • September–May

Grow Minnesota! Business Visits As scheduled

Waseca Area Chamber Board of Directors 7:00 am Monthly

Workforce Development & Education Committee As scheduled

CHAMBER MEETINGS

FIRSTOF ITS KIND!

New cutting edge matching technology that connects job seekers to businesses that are hiring.

WANT A FREE JOB POSTING (reg $39)Call Dave Kornicki @ 612-868-7545

and say you saw this:wasecachamber.com/job-match-portal

BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLANNING

"Because Bad Things Happen to Good Businesses"

January 31st | 12 – 1 PM | Public Safety BuildingPresenter: Bob Eastham, Center for Business & Industry, SCC

Free to Chamber Members | Public $15 | Lunch Provided

CONTACT US☎ 507-835-3260 * info@wasecachamber.com wasecachamber.com KIM FOELS, President • LYNN DOTSETH, Administrative Assistant

CHANTEL MEDINA, Staff Accountant • PAMELA PAUL, Communications Assistant

Save the dates for the

150th Celebration!August 30 – September 2, 2018

Watch for more information to come for the schedule of fun events!

Business of the Year 2017

Waseca Area Chamber & AmbassadorsProudly Recognize

ANDREW R. MILLER AGENCY