Wayzata West Metro Chamber

A Note from your Board Chair

Matt Schadow
AmeriStar Agency, A Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC

Dear Chamber Members and Friends,

As we enjoy the final month of summer, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on July and look ahead to the excitement coming in August and September.

July has been scorching! The heat has been relentless, but that’s what summer is all about. I encourage everyone to soak in these last few weeks of warm weather.

A Wonderful Member Picnic
Our Annual Member Picnic was a tremendous success! The weather cooperated beautifully, cooling off just in time for the evening, creating the perfect atmosphere for our community to gather and connect. Special thanks to our food sponsors who made the picnic such a treat:

Upcoming August Events

The Wayzata West Metro Chamber is buzzing with exciting events and opportunities to connect! Mark your calendar and register online to save your spot:

James J Hill Days: Your Help Needed!

August is the home stretch for the dedicated team that brings James J Hill Days to life each year. This year’s event is set for September 11-13, and we’re in critical need of volunteers to make it happen.

I want to especially encourage you to consider volunteering for the beer and wine tent shifts. It’s a fantastic environment—organized, well-run, energetic, and filled with great people and exciting activity. It’s where you’ll find me, and I can personally attest that it’s a rewarding way to be part of our community celebration.

If you’re interested in volunteering, please reach out. Whether it’s the beer and wine tent or any other volunteer opportunity, every helping hand makes a difference.

Enjoy the Rest of Summer

As we head into the final stretch of August and summer, I encourage you to make the most of it. Spend time outdoors, enjoy the warmth, and stay connected with your community. I look forward to seeing you at James J Hill Days in September!

Warm regards,
Matt Schadow
Chair, Wayzata West Metro Chamber

MEMBER UPDATES

San Pancho is officially evolving into their next chapter: Comal, by Familia Luna. They are transitioning from San Pancho to Comal, a modern Mexican fonda, café, and bar. Named after the traditional cooking surface central to Mexican kitchens, the new identity honors tradition, craftsmanship, family, and hospitality. They will be closed on August 11 & 12 to complete their final transformation. Operating under the new name, Comal will officially welcome guests starting August 13. Be sure to stop by, show your support, and celebrate this exciting milestone with the Familia Luna team!

After 18 years under Dr. Chace Anderson, Wayzata Public Schools is entering a new era under Superintendent Dr. Robb Virgin. To help parents, staff, and community members understand what this transition means for the district’s future, PlymouthMN sat down for an in-depth conversation with Dr. Milind Sohoni, Chair of the Wayzata School Board, to discuss the transition, strategic priorities, and his vision for the district’s 13,000 students.

Hammer & NER announced that Matt Buley will become the organization’s next Chief Executive Officer, which took effective July 27, 2026. Buley succeeded John Estrem, who retired on July 31 after 14 years. Buley brings more than a decade of leadership experience in disability services and a track record of guiding mission-driven organizations through growth and transformation.

Welcome to our New Members! 

Be Sure to Support our Renewing Members

  1. Blue Water Theatre Company
  2. BNSF Railway Company
  3. CEL Marketing PR Design
  4. City & County Credit Union
  5. City of Minnetonka
  6. City View Plumbing, Heating, & Air Conditioning
  7. Community Member – Jay Hesby
  8. Community Member – Peter & Sally Herfurth
  9. Connaker Group | COMPASS
  10. Custom One Homes
  11. Deephaven Woods Senior Living
  12. Edina Realty – Pete Ice
  13. Gopher Ace Hardware
  14. Graham Jewelers
  15. Home Instead
  16. Junk Masters
  17. Lake West Development
  18. Morgan Real Estate Group (Coldwell Banker Realty)
  19. Morgan Stanley Wealth Management – Kristin Harper
  20. Parks’ Place Memory Care
  21. Patrick Mohs Jewelry
  22. PetVet365 Plymouth
  23. Redeemer Lutheran Church & Redeemer Christian Academy
  24. Sathre – Bergquist Inc.
  25. Sylvan Learning Center
  26. The Red Rooster
  27. The Thinking Spot
  28. Trails of Orono
  29. Trinity Church of Wayzata
  30. Wayzata Bay Executive Coaching
  31. Wayzata Sailing
  32. Wings Credit Union
  33. YogaSix Minnetonka

View profiles in our Member Directory.

WHO’S HIRING? 

IS YOUR BUSINESS HIRING? LET US KNOW AT INFO@WAYZATAWESTMETROCHAMBER.COM

Featured Blogs

Fresh Events & Fan Favorites at James J. Hill Days

Written by Chamber Staff

All aboard for an unforgettable weekend! The 52nd Annual James J. Hill Days, presented by Sandvold Financial Group, rolls into Wayzata September 11–13, bringing three days of nonstop fun to the shores of Lake Minnetonka. This beloved community celebration welcomes over 80,000 guests to experience the best of small-town charm with big-time excitement. Join us for Lake Minnetonka’s largest 3-day festival—you won’t want to miss it!

Business Resources in the West Metro

Written by Chamber Staff

The West Metro is one of Minnesota’s most dynamic economic regions, home to a diverse mix of industries and businesses, from small startups to major employers. The Chamber’s mission is to be a positive force in its communities, embodied by providing access to local resources, expert guidance, and opportunities for collaboration.

 

The 2026 Chamber Person of the Year is… Caroline Melberg!

For more than 13 years, Caroline, owner of Maverick Lead Generation, Inc, has been an extraordinary Chamber member, leader, volunteer, and community ambassador. From serving as Board Chair to guiding the James J. Hill Days Steering Committee since 2012, her impact is felt across everything we do.

She has been the driving force behind the festival’s Dachshund Races and Dog Zone, championing beloved attractions like the Doggy Olympics, and many other dog-friendly activities that have become fan favorites throughout the weekend. Caroline brings creativity, enthusiasm, and an unmatched commitment to our Chamber and community.

As one nominator shared: “Caroline is a natural ambassador who helps people feel welcome, fosters meaningful connections, and strengthens relationships throughout our community.”

We couldn’t agree more! Please join us in congratulating Caroline, stop by the dog events at James J. Hill Days on September 12-13, and celebrate with us at the Chamber Person of the Year Luncheon on Tuesday, October 13.