Dear Chamber Supporters:
Today is looking to be the hottest day of the year so far, ending a three-day excessive heat warning in the area. Hopefully you’ve been able to avoid the heat inside, if not, hopefully you’ve at least been able to hydrate enough to keep up! Kudos to all the men and women who work in industries that require them to be outside throughout the day, which can’t be pleasant in the month of July. As I’ve gotten older it seems that I have inherited my father’s sweat glands, as we both start sweating just from thinking about the walk from the front door to the car on days like today. But I digress… It may be hot but your Chamber team stays cool (picture here).
City Broadband
One of the topics at the last City Commission Study Session was presented by Paul Sommer, IT Director at the City of Ottawa. Discussing the ability of bringing RFPs to the Commissioners from businesses interested in purchasing the City’s broadband fiber (you can listen to the conversation here, jump to minute 33:30). This utility was put in place ten or so years ago to create stability for our municipality and local education establishments in regard to internet capabilities. As time has gone on, there are other commercial customers who have hopped on. With the rising need for expanded internet access in town for our residents, there are a couple of companies poised to set up fiber in town regardless… making it a good time to evaluate these proposals from the City’s perspective. I look forward to seeing how these progress, I feel there is always a need for healthy competition in any industry. This often creates added value for customers either through reduced prices, added benefits, or better service. However it pans out, it’s nice to know there are companies looking to be a part of our community. This just reinforces the notion that Ottawa is in a stage of growth!
Lenders Luncheon
Franklin County E-Community hosted a luncheon out at PrimeTime Grille Tuesday to discuss benefits and resources to consider when our banking partners are working with commercial customers (pictures here). Paul Bean introduced three of our partner representatives, Janet Miller and Imagene Harris from Network Kansas, as well as Kristina Edwards from our SBDC out of Lawrence. Janet was able to start off by diving into the loan process/programs that our community can offer to entrepreneurs because we are an E-Community (E-Community loan info). Imagene shared how Network Kansas also utilizes GrowKS loan funds to be able to help businesses in our area. This includes a variety of matching loan programs (view more info here). It is important to note that these offerings look like gap funding and matching loans that need to be paired with support from the entrepreneur’s financers and are not stand-alone. This is an effort to help lending partners find ways to finish deals that maybe wouldn’t be able to otherwise. Or it can also be used to expand project capacity, but in no way is set up to replace our local banks in regard to financing because they must be paired together. Financing can often be the entry barrier for new businesses, especially with interest rates rising. These opportunities help spur local economic activity which is really a win-win.
Kristina then shared the litany of resources that the SBDC advises its clients on, whether they are new businesses or already existing businesses. She and her team take 1 on 1 support to entrepreneurs of all sizes, whether it’s understanding cash flow and budgets, building or refining business plans, uncovering industry standards for your business, or even just a sounding board for ideas… the list really does go on and on. Whether you meet in person or on Zoom, these resources are just an ask away. My favorite part of our SBDC is that they are free to all Franklin County businesses (and future businesses)! Here is the contact info for Kristina, whether you know you need help or maybe you’re just curious about what they can share with you, I promise it won’t be a wasted meeting!
OMSA Moving In
Sherri and I have a new neighbor down the hall with Sara Stauffer, Interim Director for the Ottawa Main Street Association moving their location into one of our ground floor offices (check out the announcement on Facebook here). This decision to move came after much conversation between members of your Chamber and OMSA board, discussing ways our two organizations can strengthen our partnership moving forward. One of my biggest takeaways from these conversations was the notion that though our two organizations have many similarities, though our differences are actually what allows us to work together the best. I look forward to having our two organizations continue to build upon what makes us unique to help better our community. I’m grateful for the leadership on both our boards that gives us the support we need to elevate our mission… to make Ottawa and Franklin County the best place to live, work, and play. If you’re looking to talk with your OMSA Director come on over to 109 E 2nd St. to find her and make sure to say hi to your Chamber staff while you’re there.
South Africa
Does the opportunity to see lions, elephants, rhinos, and penguins all on the same trip interest you? I’m not talking about the Kansas City Zoo, I’m referring to traveling with the Chamber to South Africa! Though I would’ve guessed Africa was home to three out of the four animals listed above, it wasn’t until just a couple of weeks ago that I learned that there are massive penguin communities on the coast of South Africa. I was able to learn about that and more by listening to our recent presentation about this trip, which is scheduled for September 2024. If you’re interested in learning more, you have a handful of options to get clued in. First, you can check out this brochure that outlines the day-to-day activities of the thirteen-day trip. Secondly, you can check out the recorded webinar, which goes even further into detail with photos and videos of what is in store for those who embark on this journey. Lastly, you can come talk to Sherri in our office about all things travel-related on the horizon. With so many successful trips over the last thirteen years through the Chamber, this one should be up there. Oh, I should mention that the temperature is in the 60’s right now in South Africa… wouldn’t mind some of that here!
Fitness Court Ribbon Cutting
This morning Chamber members gathered outside on the southside of Kanza Park to check out the newly completed Fitness Court. It was just a month ago that the City of Ottawa announced this new addition, and in that time DJ Welsh and his team were able to get everything installed (pictures here). To celebrate the court’s arrival, City of Ottawa employees and Commissioners cut the ribbon to officially dedicate the space (pictures here). This is just one more initiative to create healthy opportunities for citizens in our community, continuing to bolster the quality-of-life options in Ottawa. Though anyone can scan a QR code on the wall to pull up videos of how to use the court, we had live demonstrations by some local high schoolers and some others in attendance (pictures here). I look forward to trying out this court when it cools off a bit!
It’s important to note that facilities like this don’t just happen organically, there has to be a whole host of individuals who dream up the idea, gather sponsorships, and finally build the space. Financial sponsors allow the work to be done, but those behind the scenes piecing the project together allow for movement to be made in the first place. I say this to show off how great a team we have at the City of Ottawa! Thanks to all who took part in this project in one way or another, a ton of collaboration to make it a reality. So many great parks throughout the community, and it’s great to see them connected by the state trail system that intersects downtown.
This weekend is Makayla and my one year anniversary, so much has happened in the past twelve months for us and the community. Year two is set up to be even better! See you around,
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
