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To the Editor:

Congratulations on your new granddaughter, Sophia! Happy Holidays.

The family of Jerome Meuwissen would like to thank everyone who came to his wake and funeral. He was a friend to many. Also, thank you to Father Conran Schneider, OFM, for prayers and his words of friendship at the wake. Thank you, Father Paul Jarvis, who had the funeral Mass and the kind words he spoke of Jerome. Thank you to the choir, the ladies who served lunch, to all who donated food, flowers, prayers, and cards. Thank you, Bertas Funeral Home, for all you did for us at this sad time.

Ethel Schneider (sister)

Shakopee, Minnesota

To the Editor:

After serious and cautious consideration, your contract of friendship has been renewed for the New Year 2009. It was a very hard decision to make, so try not to screw it up. My wish for you in 2009 ...

May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips. May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires, and may happiness slap you across the face, and may your tears be that of joy.

May the problems you had forget your home address. In simple words, may 2009 be the best year of your life.

Blessings to you and your wonderful family.

Howard Wigfield

Shakopee, Minnesota

To the Editor:

The local business community has a new advocate. The Victoria Chamber of Commerce recently combined forces with the Chaska Area and Chanhassen Area Chambers of Commerce to become the new SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Headquartered in Chaska, the new combined organization will serve nearly 500 business members in Eastern Carver County at the onset. Members of the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce businesses can expect an increased focus on regional economic and community development efforts, an organization that advocates on behalf of business with the strength of the region, and a robust menu of member services to help businesses grow.

In addition to the increased benefits, the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce will continue to be involved community partners, forming a local business council in each of the cities it represents.

Businesses in each of these communities have many things in common. All cities in the merger share a school district, a common legislative district, transportation concerns, and all depend on and draw from a workforce pool in the same region.

In today’s tight economy, businesses are seeking to become more efficient and effective, and a local chamber of commerce is no different.

As a combined entity, we can benefit from operational efficiencies and economies of scale. Professional and experienced staff allows for greater support to our member businesses and increased and specialized programming.

Andrew Schultz, a State Farm Insurance agent from Victoria, will serve as the first Board Chair for the new organization. He was instrumental in the work required to make the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce a reality.

Volunteer leadership and staff in each of the individual organizations have been working for the past six months to consider all the similarities of the businesses located in each of these communities.

While many Victoria residents feared the well established Victoria Volksfest would be lost with the chamber merger, be assured it will continue under the umbrella of the SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce. The only change attendees will likely notice is the logo of the umbrella organization.

To address business concerns and activities specific to Victoria, a Victoria Business Council has been formed which will be chaired by local businessman, Jay Swenson. Jay brings a wealth of knowledge about business issues and will provide excellent leadership for the Victoria Business Council.

The SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce will be open for business on January 2nd, 2009, at 564 Bavaria Lane in Chaska. For more information call the Chamber office at 952-448-5000.

Deb McMillan, President

SouthWest Metro Chamber of Commerce

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