A Note from your Board Chair

Adam Thompson,
FocalPoint Business Coaching

Hello Chamber Friends,

We have a special thing going on with our Chamber. I certainly feel that way, and I hope you do as well. The Wayzata West Metro Chamber does a wonderful job of promoting and serving the local business community and building relationships with cities, municipalities, and government officials, while also hosting and executing some of the most amazing community events in the Twin Cities, if not the state. Those events would not have happened without the tremendous volunteer effort of those involved in the Wavemakers Program. Thank you to all those who helped with our most recent community event, James J. Hill Days! 

That leads me to one of our most special events coming up on Thursday, October 9. We’ll gather as a Chamber to celebrate our 2025 Person of the Year, Ben Johnson, founder of Real Estate Nation Team and a Realtor with Re/Max Results. Ben is a servant at heart, and it shows through in his involvement with the Chamber, where he gives so much of his time and talents. Ben helped found the Wavemaker Volunteers, and his company, Real Estate Nation, is the sponsor of the group. He leads by example, rolling up his sleeves and putting in the work. I’ve witnessed this work for many years, including at JJHD two weeks ago. Ben was there when I arrived in the morning to help with the beer and wine tent and he was still there, mobilizing volunteers and carting bags of ice, when I came back that afternoon to work in the tent. He was STILL there when the closing song was played by the band and the carnival was shutting down that night.

I hope you will be able to celebrate Ben with us on Thursday, October 9 at the Wayzata Country Club from 11:30 am – 1 pm. For more information and to register, click here.

• Morning MemberNet is on Tuesday, October 7, from 7:30 – 9 am. Join us for some networking at the Wayzata American Legion. Bring business cards and be ready for some great conversation! Register here.
• Corkscrew Tours International Ribbon Cutting Celebration is on Tuesday, October 7, from 4 – 5 pm at the Wayzata Depot. Come meet Patrick Pelischek, founder of the company, and hear all about his international top-of-the-line winery tours. Register here.
• PetVet365 Ribbon Cutting Celebration is on Tuesday, October 21, from 4 – 5 pm. Come meet Dr. Ashley Kawuki and Dr. Nathan Howlett, veterinarians and clinic owners, who deliver one-on-one, individualized care in a 100% Fear Free certified environment – open seven days a week. Register here. 
• ModernWell Wayzata Ribbon Cutting Celebration is on Tuesday, October 28, from 4 – 5 pm. Come meet founder Julie Burton, get a tour of this gorgeous space, and learn more about this leading-edge connections and relationship-building experience as we welcome their second location to Wayzata. Register here.
• Join in the Halloween fun at the annual Wayzata Boo Bash Dash on Saturday, October 25, for a spooktacular race in downtown Wayzata. Run or walk a timed 10k, 5k, 1 mile, and fun run with friends and family. Plus, stick around to trick-or-treat around town! Register here. 

Lastly, it’s time to buy your Lake Street Banner for the next two winter seasons – 25/26 & 26/27. If you want to get your business in front of people during the hustle and bustle of the holidays, this is a great opportunity. Click here to learn more and see your name in lights! Well, actually on a light pole, but you know what I mean.

See you around town…and at the Chamber Person of the Year Luncheon!

Adam