210 North State Street • Waseca, MN 56093 � 507-835-3260 * info@wasecachamber.com wasecachamber.com

REPRESENTING BUSINESS • ENHANCING COMMUNITY • PROMOTING GROWTH

Winter 2020Next Newsletter • May 2020

A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK & PLAY

I have been a member of the Waseca Area Chamber Board for the last several years. I greatly appreciate the work of the Chamber to promote businesses in Waseca through events like "Business After Hours", MN Grow Visits and the most recent work with Small Business Revolution. In Waseca, it is critical that we all work together to achieve the best results for everyone in the community.

NATE BASTIANUnited Prairie Bank

ABBY HUGHESSuburban Furniture

JIM FERCHStarkson & Steffel Funeral

& Cremation Services President

RALPH CASTROBirds Eye/Pinnacle Foods

President Elect

DIANE BECKMANN Thrivent Financial

BRAD BREYERRoundbank

Treasurer

MEGAN LYNCHFirst National Bank

TOM LEEWaseca Public Schools

2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tom Lee, Waseca Public Schools

UPCOMING EVENTS

JOHN MANSFIELDWard House Brewery

ANN FITCHExecutive Director

YOUR NAMEYour Business

This could be you.

Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce

& Ambassadors

COMMUNITYAWARDS

SATURDAY « JANUARY 18, 2020STARFIRE EVENT CENTER @ 6:30 PM

206 SW 2ND AVE, WASECA, MN

«««««AWARDS«««««Boss Of the Year

DOUG LAGO (United Prairie Bank)

Community Development Award VETERAN'S MEMORIAL COMMITTE

Don Eustice Award SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT

Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds JACKIE KRAUSE

Rotary Club Service Above Self Award KELLIE MOSELEY

Young Professional Distinguished Service Award MOLLY KOPISCHKE

Business of the Year PHEASANT CAFE

«««««««««««««««

What Our Members Say

Thank You BLAIN NELSON

RE/MAX Master

We are grateful for your past service on the Chamber

Board of Directors.

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

SAVE THE DATEMarch 26, 2020

507-835-9111 Waseca, MN

www.iWealth4me.com

Securities and Advisory Services offered through LPL Financial, a Registered Investment Advisor, Member FINRA/SIPC.

BRAD CONNORSPresident

Waseca, MN507.835.8180

unitedprairiebank.com507.835.2870

Wasecafuneral.com

FROM THE BOARDROOM

Ann FitchWACC Executive Director

Wow, what an end to our year here at the Chamber! Twenty nineteen was full of change and activity. We got settled into our new home at 210 N State St, Kristie Biehn joined our office, our Board of Directors did its first ever Strategic Plan, and we have been consumed by our Top 10 status in the Small Business Revolution competition.

First, let me talk about our Strategic Plan. Based upon member responses to a short survey, we came up with a plan for the upcoming years and area of focus. Those areas include, Economic Development, Workforce Development, Community Development, and Public Policy. Talking about those things are not enough, we need to be doing. We wanted to make sure the action items that are put in place are attainable and something that our organization can actually accomplish with the resources we have. The two employees in our office will not be able to do this alone; we will need you or your employees to volunteer for our committees to carry out the Strategic Plan. Please refer to the insert in the newsletter for a more comprehensive summary.

Now, on to the Small Business Revolution! It has been quite a ride thus far. I’ll be honest, I didn’t think our application would amount to all that it has. My stomach was turning every day leading up to the Top 10 announcement on November 19th. I just wanted this opportunity for Waseca in the worst way. And then. . . . .we were the first City announced as a Top 10 Finalist on the live reveal on the SBR’s Facebook page. Then the real panic set in, “oh god what do I do next?” Luckily the SRB staff walked me through what was to come next. I also called some cities that were previous winners and finalists, to get some insight from them. What we need now from all of Waseca is to get busy on social media. We need you to post pictures of your businesses or any place around Waseca, say why you love Waseca, and use the #mywaseca. There are instructions in this newsletter for each social media platform. On January 14th there will be another live reveal on Facebook for the Top 5. There will be a viewing rally at the Performing Arts Center at the High School that morning, more information to come! If we make it to the Top 5, the voting process will begin immediately and last for one week. Then they will announce the winner on January 28th. Regardless of the outcome, this has reinvigorated our community with pride and given us some priceless exposure. I’m going to call it a win for Waseca!

Thank you for the opportunity to serve this wonderful community.

Best Regards,

www.roundbank.com • Member FDIC

Take your speed to the Xtream.

Visit mediacomcable.com or 1504 2nd St SE, Waseca.

Socializing

Supporting

Educating

Holiday Business After Hours by Cashwise Foods

Waseca Careers

Ben Salaba507-835-2400| edwardjones.comNew Member Award

Mike McQuery507-461-9235 | halfpintbrew.comNew Member Award

Jessica Freitag507-201-3245 | lushcakesmn.comNew Business/Member Award

HALF PINT BREWING COMPANY

EDWARD JONES–BEN SALABA

LUSH CAKES

AMBASSADORS IN ACTION

Matthew Petsinger507-835-2770 | agent.amfam.com/matthew-petsinger New Member Award

Emily Knudsen & Bill Bartz715-523-0857 | pleasantgrovepizzafarm.comProgress Award

AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE

PLEASANT GROVE PIZZA FARM

The Ambassadors serve at ribbon cuttings, grand openings, special anniversary events, monthly business mixers and host the chamber’s recognition events. This group is a team of enthusiastic members who generously give of their time in building the business community relationships.

We have five Ambassador openings. Applications available online at wasecachamber.com/ambassadors

American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. American Family Insurance Company,6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 006441 – Rev. 11/15 ©2015 – 9387839

Matthew R. Petsinger Agency, LLC tnegA ,regnisteP wehttaM acesaW ,tS etatS N 512

MRPAgencyLLC.com

CALL (507) 835-2770 FOR ANO-OBLIGATION FREE QUOTE.

INSURE CAREFULLYDREAM FEARLESSLY

BIRDSEYE.COM400 4TH ST. SW, WASECA

B R A N D S

fnbwaseca.com | 507-835-2740

Member FDIC

Your Local Community Bank!

WA A S RT DOOR

The Roots Award recognizes and honors businesses that have provided goods and services in the Waseca area for more than 30 years!

"PEOPLE TO KNOW" ROOTS AWARD TOP 10 REVEAL

Dave Krampitz507-835-8615715 State St. S, WasecaRoots Award

DAVES BODY SHOP

Congratulations–30 yrs!

Jennifer FlowersMedia Sales Consultant

jfl owers@wasecacountynews.como� ce: 507.837.5450

cell: 507.508.1938

On November 19th Waseca was revealed as one of the top 10 cities for Season 5 of Small Business Revolution. Follow us on social media and help us win the Top 5 spot which will be announced on January 14th!

Mob breakfast at Pheasant Cafe—waiting for the Top 10 Reveal!

13 N. Express Lube

4-Seasons Athletics

Achieving Dreams for Disabilities of Waseca County, Inc.

Agricultural Utilization Research Institute

All American Foods, Inc.

American Family Insurance - Matthew R. Petsinger Agency LLC

American Legion

American Lung Association in MN

American Motel

Ameriprise Financial - Kevin Walter

Amy Swain Hearing Centers

Anytime Fitness

Awaken Vibrance, Inc.

B.E.S.T. of Waseca County, Inc.

Barden's Bar

Beds for Kids

Beschnett & Harvey Chiropractic

Beschnett Vineyard and Winery

Big Brothers Big Sisters of So. MN

Birds Eye Foods, Division of Pinnacle

Blue Cross Blue Shield - Jaye Sopkowiak

Boerboom, Jim

Bomgaars

Builders FirstSource

By The Way

Canine Central- Doggie Day Camp & Boarding

Cash Wise

Casey's General Store

Cassie's Classic Cuts

Cedar Valley Services – SMART Transit

Centerpoint Energy

Century 21-First Choice

Cinch Connectivity Solutions

City Directory, Inc.

CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP

Club 57

Coldwell Banker Commercial Fisher Grp.

Colony Court Senior Living Solutions

Compeer Financial

Connect Business Magazine

Connors Plumbing & Heating, Inc.

Consolidated Communications, Inc.

County-Wide Directory, LLC

Crystal Valley

Culligan

Dairy Queen

Dave’s Body Shop

Deml Ford Lincoln

Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services

Ditch Creek Landscape & Design, LLC

Diversified Credit Union

Dominos

Dufault CPA, Ltd.

Dunncreek Advisors, LLC

Edina Realty

Edward Jones Financial - Nyla Hagen

Edward Jones Financial - Brian Hansen

Edward Jones Financial- Ryan Ludwig

Edward Jones Financial - Ben Salaba

Eide Bailly, LLP

El Tequila Mexican Grill & Cantina

Envision Custom Homes-Nelemans Construction, LLC

Exchange Club of Waseca

Express Employment Professionals

Farmamerica

Farmers Insurance

Federal Correctional Institution

First National Bank

Frederick, Dr.Edward

Fruechte, Neil

Gibson, Jim

Glitter & Grace LLC

Grandstay Hotel & Suites

Greater Mankato Area United Way

Greener World Solutions, LLC

Guardian Energy, LLC

H & R Block

Hammer & Stain

Habitat for Humanity of Steele-Waseca Area, Inc.

Half Pint Brewing Company

Harguth Farms, Inc.

Healing Hands Wellness Group Inc.

Home Run Realty

House of Hope, Inc.

ICAN, Inc.

Itron, Inc.

iWealth - Brad Connors

J-C Press

Jaguar Communications

Jobs Plus, Inc.

Johnson, Doerhoefer & Miner P.A.

Jonnie Beans

Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest

KCQ, Inc.

Kibble Equipment

KOWZ/KRUE Country

Kraus-Anderson Realty Co.

Kubat CPA, LLC

Kwik Trip, Inc.

Lau's Meats

Leet, Douglas

Lenz Bus Service

Lenz Lawn Care & Landscaping,Inc.

Loffler Companies, Inc.

Lush Cakes LLC

Matson Design Specialties, LLC

Mayo Clinic Health System

McDonalds

Mediacom

Mid-State Mutual Insurance

Midwest Hemp Farms

Monson Eyecare Center

NAPA Auto Parts

North Memorial Health-Ambulance

O'Brien Tax & Accounting LLC

Pantheon Computer Systems, Inc.

Past & Present Antiques and Gifts

Patton, Hoversten, & Berg, P.A.

Personalized Printing, Inc.

Pheasant Cafe

Pic A Dilly Boutique

PioneerSeed & Precision Planting, Hueys Farm Seed

Pippi Lane Boutique

Pizza Ranch

Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm

Prairie Dental Arts

Prairie Lakes Regional Arts

Premier Veterinary Center

Prime Poly Solutions, LLC

Principal - John Priebe

QC Supply, LLC

Quality Print

R & T Farms

Randall, Gyles & Carol

RE/MAX Masters

Real Life Covenant Church, Inc.

Representative John Petersburg

ReUrban, LLC

Rhino Marking & Protection Systems

Rick’s Appliance

Riverland Community College

Roundbank

Roundbank Insurance Agency

Sacred Heart School

Schumacher Electric

ServiceMaster of Mankato/ Waseca

Singlestad Farms

SMILES, Inc.

South Central College

South Central MN SCORE, Inc.

Southern MN Municipal Power Agency

Southern MN Initiative Foundation

Southern Research & Outreach Center

The Speckled Hen LLC

Sportsman Stop, Inc.

Srp Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration

Starfire Grill

Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Services

State Farm Insurance - Gloria Butler

Steele-Waseca Cooperative Electric

Stensrud Aviation

Studio C Center for Dance

Suburban Furniture & Floor Covering

Subway

Supreme Outdoor

Taco Johns

Tasty House Chinese Restaurant

Team Academy

Tesch Service Center Co.

The Boat House Grill & Bar, LLC

THE S.H.O.P.

Thrifty White Pharmacy

Thrivent Financial - Diane Beckmann

Tre Chic Boutique

Trio Coffee, Wine & Ale

United Prairie Bank

Vibrant Chiropractic Center

Visiting Angels, LLC

Vista Villa Manufactured Home Community

Walmart

Ward House Brewery

Waseca Ace Hardware

Waseca Agency - Paul Rongstad

Waseca Area Neighborhood Service Ctr.

Waseca Area Senior Center

Waseca Art Center

Waseca Chrysler Center

Waseca Community Arena

Waseca Community Education & Rec.

Waseca County Auto Sales, Inc.

Waseca County Free Fair/Ag Society

Waseca County News

Waseca Dental Care

Waseca Economic Development Authority

Waseca Family Chiropractic Center

Waseca Floral

Waseca Hockey Association, Inc.

Waseca Housing & Redevelopment Authority/Maple Terrace

Waseca Lakes Association

Waseca Lakeside Club

Waseca –LeSueur Regional Library

Waseca Lions Club

Waseca Marching Classic, Inc.

Waseca Music Company

Waseca Optometric Center

Waseca Properties LLC

Waseca Public Schools # 829

Waseca Rent N' Save

Waseca Sleigh & Cutter Festival Assoc.

Welcome Services For You

Winegar, Inc.

Wireless World

Woodridge Interiors

Xcel Energy

Xpressions Salon

THANK YOU to the following members who have renewed their membership in 2019!

2019 MEMBER RENEWALS

70TH ANNUALSLEIGH & CUTTER

FESTIVAL January 25-February 29, 2020

DINNER & DANCEFebruary 7, 2020

VFW Hall • Featuring “Red Dirt Road Band”

PARADEFebruary 10, 2020

Downtown Waseca

CHILDRENS DREAM CATCHERMarch 28, 2020 @ 2 PM

Starfire Event Center

www.sleighandcutterfestival.orgCheck website for complete listings & events:

• Kristie Biehn – Waseca Area Chamber

• Marcy Buchele – United Prairie Bank

• Brad Connors - iWealth

• Tim Dennis – Dennis Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

• Sarah DenOuden – Service Master Mankato/Waseca

• Jim Ferch – Starkson & Steffel Funeral & Cremation Service

• Ed Frederick – Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota

• Bernie Gaytko – First National Bank

• Linda Grant – Healing Hands Wellness Group

• Peggy Hildebrandt – Connors Heating & Plumbing

• Tiffany Lynch – ICAN

• Paul Rongstad – Waseca Agency

• Tom Sankovitz – First National Bank

• Theresa Sunde - Mediacom

• Jodie Thompson – Edina Realty

• Larry Thompson - Roundbank

• Kevin Walter – Ameriprise Financial

• Tim Wenzel - Winegar

• Adam Worke – Colony Court

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN AMBASSADOR? Contact the chamber at

* info@wasecachamber.com 507-835-3260

2020 AMBASSADORS

American Family- Matthew Petsinger

Canine Central

Edward Jones- Ben Salaba

Glitter & Grace

Hammer & Stain

House of Hope, Inc

Lush Cakes, LLC

Marcie Berg-Ross, Waseca Realty

The Mill

Mis Tres Flores

O’Brien Tax & Accounting

Pic-A- Dilly Boutique

Studio Center for Dance

The Speckled Hen

Tre-Chi-Boutique

The CBD Center of Waseca

Vibrant Family Chiropractic

NEW MEMBERS IN 2019

Highlights• Distributed over 25,000 Discover Waseca

brochures around the state.

• Purchased drone photos of Waseca to be used by DWT, the Waseca County News, and the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce.

• Collaborated with the Waseca EDA and Waseca County to have a Tourism Assessment done by the U of MN Extension.

• Paid for printed materials for the Specialty Shops of Waseca.

• Hired the Mankato Mom’s Blog to influence their readers to come to Waseca.

• Teamed up with Sinister Forest to raise money for the 4th of July Fireworks display.

Southside MarineWard House Brewery

Lush Cakes

Economic Development Authority loans approved in 2019

On October 9th, the 1 Million Cups program gathered at the public safety building in

Waseca. 1mill ioncups .com

Going Back to CollegeJanuary 7th • Noon – 1:00 PM

Public Safety BuildingSponsored by Riverland Community College

Free for Chamber Members • $15 for Non-Members

LUNCH PROVIDED

112 North State StreetWaseca, MN 56093

PRSRT STDUS Postage PAID

Waseca, MNPermit No. 89

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

R epresenting Business Enhancing Community Promoting Growth

LIKE US ON FOLLOW US ON

MEMBERSHIP MIXER

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

Would you like to host? 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 11:30 am Last Wednesday of the month

Workforce Development & Education Committee As scheduled

CHAMBER MEETINGS

CONTACT US☎ 507-835-3260 * info@wasecachamber.com wasecachamber.com • ANN FITCH, Executive Director • KRISTIE BIEHN, Administrative Assistant

• CHANTEL MEDINA, Staff Accountant

Business of the Year 2019

Waseca Area Chamber & AmbassadorsProudly Recognize

Pheasant Cafe

Waseca, Minnesota

SAVE THE DATE Waseca Chamber of Commerce

Golf Event/FundraiserJune 12, 2020

Representing Business • Enhancing Community • Promoting Growth

ChamberBucks

TOP 5 WATCH PARTYTuesday, January 14th • 8:45 am

Performing Arts CenterCome watch the live online reveal to see if Waseca makes it

into a Top 5 Finalist spot for Small Business Revolution!