The Waconia Chamber of Commerce celebrated business and did some business last Thursday at its annual meeting, attended by more than 100 business and community leaders.
Business excellence awards, as selected from nominations from Chamber members and the community, went to the Waconia Lions Club, Waconia Public Schools teacher Mike Jensen, and Ridgeview President and CEO Mike Phelps.
“Where there’s a need there’s a Lion” is the slogan for Lions Club International, and the Waconia Lions were presented the Chamber’s Community Service Award for their community support. The local Lions donated more than $200,000 to community causes last year and are present in supporting many community initiatives throughout the year, Chamber leaders pointed out.
Mike Jensen was presented the Golden Apple Award for his inspiration in the classroom promoting education and business opportunities for students. Also, his leadership with the Waconia High School Conservation Club, along with other advisor Wayne Trapp, focused on exploring and protecting natural resources. That included last year’s Bayview Woods restoration effort and other hands-on community projects like tree plantings and lake cleanups.
Business Person of the Year honor went to Mike Phelps, for his leadership of a team of 2,700 Ridgeview employees focused on the “business of compassion” in meeting the individualized healthcare needs of residents in the region.
Waconia Chamber President Christine Fenner pointed to several highlights from 2025, including Waconia being selected as Retail Community of the Year by the Minnesota Retailers Association, recognized for its vibrant downtown, strong collaborative partnerships between businesses and city leaders, and unique shopping events like Nickle Dickle Day.
She also pointed to Chamber’s business and workforce advocacy efforts, and its promotion of Waconia for business and tourism through Chamber-led community events and its Destination Waconia outreach.
Fenner also highlighted the growth of the Women’s Connect group, and the launch of the Waconia Young Professionals. She added that the Chamber welcomed 33 new members in 2025 and that overall, the organization is now 310 members strong.
Article by Al Lohman
Source: Waconia Patriot issue Feb 2, 2026
