Get to Know Us
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce
is a volunteer organization driven by its members to support and encourage a vital and prosperous business community. We are a business advocate and resource as well as a community partner. The work of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce is focused in four areas:
Economic Development
With the support of the 'Grow Minnesota!' program and local transportation initiatives, we hope to encourage continued economic development in the Waconia area.
Member Services/Programs
Networking, marketing, educational programs, business referrals, relationship building and mentoring are just the beginning of many services and programs we offer.
Public Policy
Staying active in local, regional, state, and national policy helps keep the issues important to Waconia businesses in front of local representatives.
Tourism/Destination Identity
Working to establish Waconia as a visitor destination with a unified identity and quality tourism promotion.
The Chamber provides a myriad of resources to businesses and communities. We work to be a catalyst, creating a vehicle through which professional people and businesses can work for the common good of their communities. Our members enjoy a multitude of benefits including personal business development opportunities, a chance to be active through committee involvement and access to local, state and federal decision makers.
We are a member of the Minnesota and U.S. chambers. When you become a member, your voice gets heard at the state and national level.
A decision to join the Waconia Chamber of Commerce is a sound business decision. We look forward to serving you!
The Waconia Chamber is a proud member of both the Minnesota and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Join Today – Get Connected
Becoming a member of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce is simple!
Join the nearly 300 business members who have made the decision to be part of the Waconia Chamber of Commerce.
Begin your partnership with us today! Call 952-442-5812, email us or download a pdf of our Membership Brochure and Application.
Chamber Staff
Kellie Sites
KSites@DestinationWaconia.orgPresident
Being able to lead the business community in our mission to keep Waconia’s economy vibrant and thriving is what I love about my job. We lead the charge with our businesses working together so that everyone rises. With our strong and diverse board of directors, we are continually assessing the needs of our community and our Chamber. There are lots of ways for you to be involved! We consider our staff to be an extension of your staff, so please remember that we are here to support you. Thanks for your trust in me… I’d love to meet you for coffee any time!
Carmen Gesinger
CGesinger@DestinationWaconia.orgMarketing & Communication Specialist
My family moved to Waconia when I was in the fourth grade. I went to school here, my first job was here in one of our local independent shops and I can remember when we had only one stoplight. My husband and I moved our family back to Waconia fourteen years ago, so now we’re raising our kids here and because I work at the Chamber of Commerce, I get to work with many of our local businesses.
Over time I have seen a lot of changes in our community! One thing that hasn’t changed is how our businesses work together. Waconia has a great network of resources and I’m proud to work at the Chamber as one of those links. I love when people call or stop by the Chamber office because they are in need of a particular good or service and they are looking for a referral. It is so satisfying to be able to make connections business-to-business, community-to-business and even business-to-community. I feel this has made for a strong foundation for the Chamber here in Waconia for over 50 years and anticipate the connections we will make to continue moving business forward.
Amy Rottunda
ARottunda@DestinationWaconia.orgBookkeeper & Systems management
I’ve been a resident of Waconia for the better part of 23 years. Five dollar movies, two dollar beers, a brand new high school, historical architecture, a vibrant main street and walking paths were big reasons for wanting to establish our new family here. The city has not disappointed in maintaining small town character and intentional plans for growth.
But most of all, I’ve been in awe of the work that Kellie Sites and Carmen Gesinger have done to promote Waconia businesses individually as well as a collective destination of business. So in January of 2017 my career evolved into the bookkeeping role for the Waconia Chamber. Formerly a sole proprietor, I know the power of accurate financial records. Being a part of the staff I look forward to supporting Kellie and Carmen in their roles of successful promotions and public relations.
Chamber Facts
What is the Waconia Chamber of Commerce?
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization of businesses working together to make Waconia a great place to live and work. The Chamber is governed by a Board of Directors selected from the membership who provide direction and policy-making. Each year the Board of Directors takes part in a retreat to determine the priorities and program of work for the Chamber of Commerce in the upcoming year.
How is the Chamber funded?
The Chamber is funded by member investments in the form of membership dues and from various fundraising projects and events. Any business wishing to play a role in the community of Waconia is eligible for membership. The rate of investment is determined by the Board of Directors and varies on the size and type of your business. These funds provide our organization the ability to carry out the program of work, employ staff, and maintain an office to provide information, literature and advocacy for Waconia area businesses.
What are the benefits of membership?
Your business will benefit through contacts and networking opportunities; referrals given by the Chamber office; community, business and legislative information through newsletters and mailings; and visibility through involvement and participation.
How can I get involved?
Begin your involvement by completing the membership application, choosing the appropriate dues from the schedule listing and sending the completed application and dues to the Waconia Chamber of Commerce office. If you are interested in increasing your involvement, consider joining a Chamber Committee or join a Volunteer Taskforce.
Your Chamber at Work
At the Waconia Chamber of Commerce, we are hard at work for our members.
We hope that you take advantage of the variety of opportunities our chamber provides for you to grow your business. From networking to promotional opportunities and community outreach events, we think you'll benefit from anything you choose to do. Thank you for choosing to be a member of our business organization!
Mission
The Mission of the Waconia Area Chamber of Commerce is to promote a positive business environment, through Advocacy, Economic Development and Networking Opportunities, to enhance the quality of life in the community.
Vision
The Waconia Chamber of Commerce exists to advance its members by:
- Strengthening the economic vitality of our community
- Integrating member with the community
- Providing awareness and opportunities