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

REPRESENTING BUSINESS • ENHANCING COMMUNITY • PROMOTING GROWTH

Winter/Spring 2019Next Newsletter • May 2019

A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, WORK & PLAY

I’m proud to be a member of the Waseca Chamber board. Waseca has many opportunities for its residents and businesses. We strive to promote and make these opportunities available to all.

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

BLAIN NELSONRE/MAX Masters

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

We understand small business because we are a small business.

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

2019 Board of Directors

Diane BeckmanThrivent Financial

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 26, 2019STARFIRE EVENT CENTER @ 6:30 PM

206 SW 2ND AVE, WASECA, MN

«««««AWARDS«««««Boss Of the Year

BAMBI JES (Subway)

Community Development Award LITTLE PINK SCHOOL HOUSE

Don Eustice Award SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT

Exchange Club Book of Golden Deeds TBA

Rotary Club Service Above Self Award AMY POTTER

Young Professional Distinguished Service Award

JENNIFER BARTELT

«««««««««««««««

What Our Members Say Business of the Year 2018

Waseca Area Chamber & AmbassadorsProudly Recognize

Thank You AMY KRUGER

Roundbank Insurance

We are grateful for your past service on the Chamber

Board of Directors.

507.234.500guardiannrg.com4745 380th Ave • Janesville 400 4th St. SW, Waseca, MN

From the Boardroom Looking Forward A–Z

Ann FitchWACC Executive Director

2018? Where did you go? I feel like I hardly knew you! This 4th quarter zoomed by. Even

though it went by so quickly, we cannot overlook the successes in 2018. Waseca has

a lot to be proud of this year. The school is done and it’s gorgeous. Elm Ave is done.

Tink Larson Community Field is done. We had a record number of housing starts. The

Sesquicentennial events were a success. New businesses came to Waseca and existing

businesses grew. And all of you were there to support it. The support that our business

community gives to all the initiatives in Waseca is more valuable than you know. Not

a week goes by that you aren’t contacted to sponsor an event or project, and you

continually come through.

Here at the chamber, we have seen some excellent growth in membership. We have

gained almost 20 new members this year. The chamber got more involved in the Treats

on the Streets and will be fully taking that over next year. Vision 2030 is proving to

be beneficial as the chamber is leading the charge to house an online business guide

to help new and existing businesses navigate grants and low interest loans that are

available to them. Be proud, be very proud, of the things that happen in Waseca, they

would not happen without all of you. From me, in all of my capacities, thank you.

I feel like things are not going to be any slower in 2019. My priority for next year is

to focus on member engagement and feedback. Starting in January, you will see a

meeting invitation in your inboxes. This meeting will be all about you. My undivided

attention will be focused solely on you and your business. I look forward to meeting

with every chamber member to listen to their needs; their needs from the chamber,

from the community, and from local government. I need to hear your voice to be your

best advocate.

Next year you will also find us at a new address! The chamber office will be heading

north into Woodridge Interiors’ old building (Woodridge’s business has grown into a

new spot at the old Pantheon building). We assessed our needs and we currently have

too much space. Our space has served us well while we have been here, but the time is

right to downsize. A special thank you to our current lessor, Oscar Marquez, he has been

wonderful through this transition for us—thank you Oscar! Since we are downsizing,

we will have A LOT of things we will not be able to take with us into the new office.

Whatever we do not move to the new location will be available to chamber members

to purchase at extremely agreeable prices. We will use those dollars to offset any of our

moving costs.

Being your Executive Director has been rewarding beyond what I

anticipated; I thank all of you for your confidence in me and in your

chamber. Together we make Waseca an unforgettable place to live,

work, and visit.

All my best for 2019,

² Agribusiness

² Business Referrals

² Chamber Bucks

² Discover Waseca Tourism

² Economic Development Authority

² Fun

² Grow Mn Visits

² Hiring Events

² Information Flow to Members

² Job Training Resources

² Keep Evolving

² Listening

² Member to Member Business Relationships

² New Members

² Open Communication

² Partnerships

² Quality Member Incentives

² Referral Program

² Shop Small Saturday

² Tour of Manufacturing

² Updated Website

² Vision 2030

² Workforce Initiatives

² Xennials

² Young Professionals Group

² Zeal

2018? Where did you go? I feel like I hardly knew you! This 4th quarter zoomed by. Even

though it went by so quickly, we cannot overlook the successes in 2018. Waseca has

a lot to be proud of this year. The school is done and it’s gorgeous. Elm Ave is done.

Tink Larson Community Field is done. We had a record number of housing starts. The

Sesquicentennial events were a success. New businesses came to Waseca and existing

businesses grew. And all of you were there to support it. The support that our business

community gives to all the initiatives in Waseca is more valuable than you know. Not

a week goes by that you aren’t contacted to sponsor an event or project, and you

continually come through.

Here at the chamber, we have seen some excellent growth in membership. We have

gained almost 20 new members this year. The chamber got more involved in the Treats

on the Streets and will be fully taking that over next year. Vision 2030 is proving to

be beneficial as the chamber is leading the charge to house an online business guide

to help new and existing businesses navigate grants and low interest loans that are

available to them. Be proud, be very proud, of the things that happen in Waseca, they

would not happen without all of you. From me, in all of my capacities, thank you.

I feel like things are not going to be any slower in 2019. My priority for next year is

to focus on member engagement and feedback. Starting in January, you will see a

meeting invitation in your inboxes. This meeting will be all about you. My undivided

attention will be focused solely on you and your business. I look forward to meeting

with every chamber member to listen to their needs; their needs from the chamber,

from the community, and from local government. I need to hear your voice to be your

best advocate.

Next year you will also find us at a new address! The chamber office will be heading

north into Woodridge Interiors’ old building (Woodridge’s business has grown into a

new spot at the old Pantheon building). We assessed our needs and we currently have

too much space. Our space has served us well while we have been here, but the time is

right to downsize. A special thank you to our current lessor, Oscar Marquez, he has been

wonderful through this transition for us—thank you Oscar! Since we are downsizing,

we will have A LOT of things we will not be able to take with us into the new office.

Whatever we do not move to the new location will be available to chamber members

to purchase at extremely agreeable prices. We will use those dollars to offset any of our

moving costs.

Being your Executive Director has been rewarding beyond what I

anticipated; I thank all of you for your confidence in me and in your

chamber. Together we make Waseca an unforgettable place to live,

work, and visit.

All my best for 2019,

Ambassadors in Action

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

Stacy Lienemann408 N State St, Waseca | wasecalesueurlibraries.comMember/Progress Award

Carrie Sharp100 N State St., Waseca | Trio@TrioWaseca.com Member/New Business Award

TRIO COFFEE, WINE & ALE HOUSE

CASH WISE

WASECA-LESUEUR REGIONAL LIBRARY

AUTOMOTIVE DETAILING PROFESSIONALS

MATSON DESIGN SPECIALTIES

Kevin Seeley 1230 N State St., Waseca | cashwise.com/CWstore3054 Member/New Business Award

Keith Haskell & Kathleen Haskell2100 Brown Ave., Waseca | Member/New Business Award

Bruce Matson41085 State Hwy 13, Waseca | Member/Progress Award

John Fitzsimmons208 16th Avenue SE, Waseca | Progress Award

LOWER 48 TRANSPORT SERVICES

Jon Stagman400 15th Avenue SE, Waseca | pantheoncomputers.comMember/Progress Award

PANTHEON COMPUTERS

WA A S RT DOOR

Chuck Budde1600 W Elm Ave., Waseca | rentnsave.netROOTS Award

RENT N SAVE

“People To Know” – Roots Award

The 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!

Chris Neu 118 S State St, Waseca | hrblock.comMember/Progress Award

Scott Peterson & Terry Nelson1508 NE 4th St., Waseca | northmemorial.com/specialty/ambulance/New Member

Stephanie Freud, Manager1905 N State Street, Waseca | New Business Award

Kim Krause308 2nd Ave. NW, Waseca | affordablehousingonline.comMember/Progress Award

Joe Hoehn310 2nd Ave. SW, Waseca | New Business Award

Dr. Rebecca Thompson1504 4th St. NE, Waseca | wasecadentalcare.comMember/Progress Award

BURGER KING WASECA HOUSING & REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

THE MILL

WASECA DENTAL CARE

H & R BLOCK

NORTH MEMORIAL HEALTH-AMBULANCE

Congratulations –31 yrs!

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

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 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 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, LLCEdina RealtyEdward Jones Financial - Nyla HagenEdward Jones Financial - Brian HansenEdward Jones Financial- Ryan LudwigEide Bailly, LLPEl Molino Mexican RestaurantEl Tequila Mexican Grill & CantinaEnvision 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 RealtyICAN, 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 ResortKOWZ/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, LLC

Mayo Clinic Health SystemMcDonaldsMediacomMelcher's Power Vac, Inc.Mid-State Mutual InsuranceMonson Eyecare CenterNAPA Auto PartsPantheon Computer Systems, Inc.Past & Present Antiques and GiftsPatton, Hoversten, & Berg, P.A.Personalized Printing, Inc.Pheasant CafePioneerSeed & Precision Planting, Hueys Farm SeedPrairie Dental ArtsPrairie Lakes Regional ArtsPremier Veterinary CenterPrime Poly Solutions, LLCPrincipal - John PriebeQC Supply, LLCR & 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/ WasecaSimply Storage, LLCSinglestad FarmsSmall Business Development CenterSMILES, Inc.South 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 S.H.O.P.Thrifty 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 NewsWaseca Dental CareWaseca 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 YouWinegar, Inc.Wireless World WTF Tax ServiceXcel EnergyXpressions Salon

THANK YOU to the following members who have renewed their membership in 2018!

2018 Member Renewals

Being a Member of the Waseca Area Chamber of Commerce makes you part of our business community. We should all be willing to help out and boost up our community when we can. An easy and effective way to do this is by using social media to recognize another Member. For instance, if your office just got a facelift from Suburban Furniture, take a picture of the transformation, and tag Suburban Furniture in your post. Or show off your newly detailed work van that Automotive Detailing Professionals did for you with a pic, a post, and a tag. It is quick, free, and appreciated by your fellow Members. #picpostandtag

2019 Committee Chairs

69TH ANNUALSLEIGH & CUTTER

FESTIVAL January 27-February 24, 2019

DINNER & DANCEFebruary 8, 2019

VFW Hall

PARADEFebruary 9, 2019

Downtown Waseca

CHILDRENS DREAM CATCHERMarch 23, 2019 @ 2 PM

Starfire Event Center

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

Ambassador Highlight

New Members in 2018

fnbwaseca.com | 507-835-2740

Member FDIC

Your Local Community Bank!

AGRIBUSINESS DIVISIONAshley Harguth -

Agricultural Utilization Research Institute

AMBASSADORSKristie Biehn – Waseca County News

DISCOVER WASECA CAREERSJenifer Dvorak – Edina Realty

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

Kristie BiehnWaseca County News

What made you join the Chamber’s Ambassador Program? I joined the Chamber Ambassador program to build meaningful, lasting relationships with our community leaders. I think it is very important to have that community connection.

What has been your most positive experience in your ambassadorship? I think the most positive experience for me as an ambassador is meeting the new people that have come into our community, and seeing the existing businesses take on new adventures.

• Kristie Biehn – Waseca County News

• Marcy Buchele – United Prairie Bank

• Brad Connors - iWealth

• Tim Dennis – Dennis Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

• Sarah DenOuden – Service Master Mankato/Waseca

• Jenifer Dvorak – Edina Realty

• 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

• Paul Rongstad – Waseca Agency

• Tom Sankovitz – First National Bank

• Jill Stagman – Pantheon Computers

• 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

2019 AmbassadorsMembers Helping Members

Ace Hardware Waseca

Automotive Detailing Professionals

Cash Wise

Dave’s Body Shop

Deml Ford Lincoln

Farmers Insurance

Half Pint Brewing Company

Midwest Hemp Farms

North Memorial Health – Ambulance

Pippi Lane Boutique

Pizza Ranch

Pleasant Grove Pizza Farm

Quality Print

Rick’s Appliance

The Park

Trio Coffee, Wine & Ale House

Ward House Brewery

Waseca – LeSueur Regional Library

Woodridge Interiors

Yaya’s Place

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

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

Representing Business • Enhancing Community • Promoting Growth

ChamberBucks

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

SAVE THE DATEMarch 21, 2019

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 2019? 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 Contact Chamber

Business Before Hours/AM Espresso Contact Chamber

Waseca Area Chamber Board of Directors 11:30 am Monthly

Chamber Meetings

Connecting job seekers to businesses that are hiring!FREE for Chamber Members | $20 for Public

FREE WORKSHOP Ü FEBRUARY 21, 2019 Come learn how this new cutting edge job matching

technology can work for your business!

3–5 PM | Trio Coffee Wine & Ale House | 100 N State St.

DIGITAL MARKETINGPresenter: Kyle Shaw,

Pixel Ink Creative Group

January 16th | 12 – 1 PM | Public Safety BuildingFree to Chamber Members | Public $15 | Lunch Provided

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

• CHANTEL MEDINA, Staff Accountant • PAMELA PAUL, Communications Assistant