Chaska Business News

March 2025

Welcome to the Chaska Business News, a monthly e-newsletter designed to share information, helpful resources and success stories with Chaska's business community. 

We are building our contact list, so please share this newsletter with other businesses, stakeholders and community members who are interested in more information about Chaska's business community. 

Anyone can sign up for the Chaska Business News on our Notify Me Website, or contact Julie Grove, Economic Development Coordinator at jgrove@chaskamn.gov.  

If you are not interested in receiving these emails please click unsubscribe at the bottom of this post. 

New Year, New Leadership

On January 6, 2025 the city swore in a new mayor and 2 new council members. In this issue, we'll introduce you to Josh Benesh, the Council Member for Ward 2. 

What is your favorite thing about living in Chaska?
My favorite thing about living in Chaska is the small town feel, but still being suburban. I like the potential for growth, and seeing those things first hand. I feel like Chaska is on the cusp of great things!

What motivated you to get involved with city government?
I got motivated to get involved with city government by seeing the opening of the council seat for my ward online. I've always been interested in government, and I love being a voice for others who might not feel like they have a voice. I've always felt a sense of civic duty and responsibility, and I like hearing what others are thinking. I also believe that the most work that gets done at any government level is at the city. It might not be as grand as federal or state government projects, but the people we live amongst and interact with every day feel what we do just as much, if not more. 

What are your plans for promoting economic growth and job creation in the city?
My vision for Chaska is to keep us moving forward. Inviting more businesses in, making Chaska attractive to them, giving them a reason to want to establish themselves here. That helps with job growth and bringing income to the city. My vision for the next 5 years of Chaska follows that - to keep us on the cusp of modern, while still maintaining that small town feel. We can be the suburb that individuals and families want to move to, while inviting businesses that attract others who aren't from Chaska as well. 

What is the one thing you wish people knew about Chaska?
One thing I wish people knew about Chaska is that we're a great city to visit, a great city to live in, and a great city to do business in. We have amazing people who live here, we have awesome businesses, and we're hungry for more. While we don't want to become over saturated with too much, we are still a great destination for people to visit, and business to earn our dollars. We're in a perfect position between the rural and the suburban, and we're very forward thinking. This city cares about its citizens deeply. And we're always looking to do the right thing for the greater good. 

Business Resources

Chaska Electric Energy Audit Rebates

The Chaska Electric Rebate Program is designed to help businesses within its electric service area improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. Through this program, businesses can access several incentive programs, including lighting retrofit, variable frequency drives, and custom retrofit incentive programs, and more.

By participating, businesses can take advantage of a Business Energy Audit, which is a comprehensive inspection of the business's energy use. The audit is conducted by trained professionals who identify opportunities to improve energy efficiency and save money on energy bills.

This program is an excellent opportunity for businesses in Chaska to reduce operational costs while contributing to sustainability efforts. 

Sign up for your energy audit! 

Cannabis Ordinance

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law legalizing adult-use cannabis. The state issues the licenses and develop regulations. Local governments play a role in public safety, retail registration and the ability to add restrictions to certain areas.

On March 17, 2025, Chaska’s City Council adopted a cannabis ordinance regulating the sale and use of cannabis within the city.

Key components of the ordinance include:

• Public Safety
  • Cannabis can’t be used in public places 
  • Cannabis retailers will provide video and audio surveillance equipment. 
  • Compliance checks will be conducted 1 time a year.
• Retail Registrations
  • While the license will be issued at the state level, a retail registration will be required in the city.
  • The max number of retail registrations allowed are 3, which is the minimum number of registrations required by statute
  • An application for registration must be submitted with the city clerk.
• Other Restrictions - hours of sale mirrors off-sale liquor store hours 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Monday thru Saturday | 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday

Read the ordinance 

Local Business in the News
Lifecore Biomedical

According to a March 17th Globe Newswire article, Lifecore Biomedical Inc in Chaska and Humanetic Corporation have announced that Humanetics has selected Lifecore to provide a range of services to support the continued development of BIO 300 for the prevention of acute radiation syndrome. The compound is also in development for oncology applications to protect cancer patients from unintentional side effects caused by radiation therapy. 

“We are excited about working with Lifecore in our own backyard, showcasing the exceptional talent and innovation Minnesota has to offer,” said Ronald Zenk, chief executive officer of Humanetics. “Results of this collaboration will help provide critical protection against exposure to radiation for warfighters, First Responders and civilian populations worldwide.”

Headquartered in Chaska, Lifecore is a full-service contract development and manufacturing organization that partners with pharmaceutical and biotech companies to develop and deliver vital and complex injectable therapies. 

Humanetics is a pharmaceutical company that is focused on creating new medicines for areas with urgent health needs, especially in treating cancer, lung diseases, and providing protection against harmful situations like radiation.

Business Spotlight - 
Schram Haus Brewery

Location: 3700 Chaska Blvd

Perched on a scenic bluff in Chaska, Schram Haus Brewery is all about great beer and great company. We brew everything from crisp lagers and hoppy IPAs to rich stouts, seasonal specialties, and fruit-forward hard seltzers. With a spacious beer garden, indoor games, and a welcoming atmosphere, our brewery is a place where friends, families, and neighbors can gather, relax, and enjoy a drink together. Every pour tells a story.

What inspired you to start your business? What was your “lightbulb” moment?
We first started brewing beer at Schram Vineyards in Waconia back in 2014, but as we grew, we realized the beer deserved its own space. We wanted to give it the spotlight rather than playing second fiddle to the winery. That’s when we started looking for the right location to open a dedicated brewery. Around the same time, Chaska was looking to revive its rich brewing history, and it felt like a perfect fit—especially since we wanted to incorporate a German flair. 

Fun fact: Aaron and I (Ashley) actually met at an Oktoberfest party when he was wearing lederhosen! Brewing has always had a special place in our hearts, so creating a space where others could connect over beer, just like we did, felt like the right move.

What’s your go-to productivity hack?
There are so many tools out there now to make work more efficient— AI included! We rely on Google Calendar to keep things organized, task management platforms like Asana to stay on track, and we’re always looking for ways to use AI to streamline operations and deskwork. Finding the right mix of tools that work for you is key.

 What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve received?
Honestly, nothing specific jumps to mind—I almost wish we had gotten more business advice along the way! We’ve always led with our hearts and built our business around passion and lifestyle. That approach has had its challenges, but we’ve made it this far with very few regrets (okay, maybe a couple—ha!).

 Where do you see your business in the next five years?
The brewing industry has gone through a lot of changes in recent years, and we know there are more to come. Our goal is to keep making great beer, bringing people together, and rolling with the punches—whether that’s adapting to new trends, industry shifts, or economic changes. No matter what, we’ll continue to be a place where people can gather and enjoy a quality brew.

What’s your favorite company tradition or inside joke?
Believe it or not, goats have been a running joke for years! We had planned our very first Goat Fest event for March 2020, and with everything happening at that time, there was so much uncertainty. But we found ways to keep things light—goat memes, goat jokes, you name it. Somehow, it stuck, and now Goat Fest is our biggest event of the year (and truly the GOAT of all events). Our goat-themed t-shirts still fly off the shelves, so we’re glad our customers love the fun and humor as much as we do!  

If you’re interested in having your business featured in the update, or if you have information to share, email Julie Grove. 

Now Open!

CAP Agency

The Community Action Partnership (CAP) Agency has opened new office location in historic downtown Chaska (110 West 2nd Street). 

This location will enhance the benefits of CAP programs for greater impact across Carver County. This facility, the result of a collaboration with the Community Asset Development Foundation, provides safe and stable housing for homeless youth aged 18-29. 

In 2024, the CAP Agency provided client solutions to more than 9,000 households and over 23,000 individuals via Housing, Food Nutrition, Senior Meals-on-Wheels, Head Start, and Energy Assistance programs. 

On March 27^th the SW Metro Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting on to welcome the CAP Agency to downtown Chaska. This new office location in Chaska is open Monday thru Friday from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit the CAP Agency website.

Coming Soon!

Southern Social

A new restaurant, Southern Social, is opening in Chaska in the summer of 2025. Southern Social is a southern kitchen concept specializing in fried chicken, smoked meats, and craft cocktails. 

With additional locations in Eagan and Woodbury, they will be open in Chaska Monday-Friday starting at 11 a.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m. for brunch. 

Check out their website 

City Visits to Businesses

We value the diversity of our business community and are dedicated to supporting the success of your business in Chaska. 

To strengthen our partnership and improve communication, the City would like to meet with you to gain a deeper understanding of your business, address any challenges you may be facing, and explore ways we can assist your growth and success. 

Please share your questions, concerns, and information about the resources available to you. With these insights, the City will be better positioned to advocate for the needs of businesses across the community. 

To schedule a meeting, please contact: 

Julie Grove 
Economic Development Coordinator 
952-227-7518
jgrove@chaskamn.gov