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: [email protected] • 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
[email protected] • [email protected]
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
* [email protected] 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 * [email protected] 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