Dear Chamber Supporters:
If you’ve caught this newsletter before 5pm CST on Friday 12/15, it’s not too late to get your votes in! Kansas license plates are on the ballot (click here to see your options). According to Governor Kelly the plate with the most votes by the end of business today will be Kansas’ new license plate. Though there is a decent amount of chatter about these offerings still not being up to scruff, you have to applaud the effort given to change directions at the last minute and offer this democratic option for deciding a winning design. As you go through the options, you’ll find that they left the original design as an option, just in case everyone changed their mind I guess…
Hepner Appraisal Service
I feel very honored to get to write a blurb about some amazing Ottawa supporters, long-time Chamber advocates, and all-around great friends. Adjacent to the Chamber office, across Main Street on West 2nd Street you’ve been able to find the Hepner Appraisal Office for forty-some years. Jim Hepner, who started appraising in 1977, moved to a full-time role in 1985 and has since been involved in tens of thousands of appraisals. In 2000, Wade Hepner joined the family business, and Scott Steele a couple of years after that. This team of three has been a constant in our community and made their impact in more places than just as appraisers. Whether it’s their involvement in civic clubs like Rotary and the Elks or their participation in the school district over the years, the Hepners have a history of community engagement. I say all this because there will be some change come January 1st. After the new year, the office will be getting a new name as Jim and Wade step down from the family business. Closing their doors was a big decision that was not taken lightly… but don’t fret! Because you can’t get rid of them that easily (read Wade’s letter here for more details). As one chapter closes, another begins. I’m so glad that Wade can continue to serve in this new capacity here in town, that we’ll still see Jim at all our Chamber events, and that we’re not losing an appraiser’s office here in town. Life takes us all down windy paths and sometimes bridges to new paths altogether, I’m excited to be able to see that new path begins for Jim and Wade (click here to send Jim or Wade a message).
Ottawa Chamber Staff Looking to Grow
One of the many reasons why I’m looking forward to 2024 is the chance to be able to grow our staff in our office. In my first nine months in this role, I wanted to make sure your Chamber was financially sound before growing our team. All the success this year has proven to me, Sherri, and our board that if we want to continue to elevate our organization, we are going to need more help! Historically we have had more than two employees, so really this is us just getting back to a more normal staff size. We are hoping to start receiving resumes immediately and look at the interview process soon after the start of the year.
What we’re looking for in a third teammate can be found at this link here. But to give you a rundown, this individual will be willing to learn new things daily, outgoing and willing to meet new people, confident speaking in public, has a growth mindset, and wants to be part of an organization that is community-focused. We plan to offer a flexible working environment, offering an untraditional work week for someone who needs to bring balance to their personal and work life. This does come with the possibility of hopping on the Chamber’s health insurance, as well as some additional benefits along with that. Sherri and I are really excited about all the great things going on in Ottawa and Franklin County next year and can’t wait to experience it with another special person to join our journey. Along with applying online, anyone would also be welcome to send their resume into ryland@ottawakansas.org as well.
O-Town Reads at the Ottawa Library
The Ottawa Library is always the place to be mid-December as they announce their annual O-Town Reads book to the public. I’m not sure what the individual capacity is in the downstairs of City Hall, but there was over 100 people who made it out to today’s Chamber Coffee (pictures here). This program has been going on for nine years now (view all previous eight books here). The reason for this program is to promote literacy and to have a book our whole community can get behind, read together, and plan exciting events around. The committee of 6-10 library staff compile a list of potential community read books while keeping this whole process completely under wraps... no one other than this small group knows what the selection looked like before today. Once all the potential books have been read, they meet as a group, discuss and narrow the list to 2-3 books that each member of the committee reads. To make the final selection they consider the depth of programming opportunities, how many age ranges can participate, what kind of message is the story conveying, and whether it is available in large quantities (with paperback and large font availabilities). With all that into consideration, they came to the decision of “The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot” by Marianne Cronin (picture here). You can pick up your free copy of the book at the Ottawa Library starting today! With the help of local sponsors, 500 copies of the book have been purchased (with the possibility of ordering more if need be) and will be disseminated within the community. The idea is to give it a read and then share it with a friend or family member. You also can listen in on Hoopla as an audiobook or read as an eBook if you prefer it electronically.
The story is about Lenni and Margot, two individuals who are dissimilar in age, but very similar in the way that their lives cross through their passion for art. Lenni is 17 and Margot 83, the two become friends through the art room at a hospital and realize that their age when put together equals 100. Because of Lenni’s terminally ill condition, and the health of Margot, they both know that they might not be able to live to see 100 years old. With that in mind, they decide to honor 100 years of life between the two of them through paintings. This story is cross-generational and celebrates friendship, as well as ways that dark times can be made lighter through the people around you and the things you love. Get yours read before February as programming will begin for all ages around that time!
Last Call for Annual Chamber Awards
It’s not too late to get nominations in for this year’s annual Chamber awards (click here to access the online forms). We want to make sure your voice is heard, get yours submitted before December 18th (this coming Monday) to have your individual recognized. This recognition highlights examples of community superstars with the hope that others will be able to see and follow in their own ways. It establishes a supportive environment where people feel appreciated for their unique skills and contributions. This sense of belonging can lead to stronger community ties and collaboration. It also has the potential to inspire others to contribute and make a positive impact in their own ways. A ripple effect, leading to a more engaged and active community. A powerful tool to be able to unite us all around a common celebration. As we prepare for this year’s annual banquet and awards ceremony, I can’t help but look back in fondness to all the fun this year has been. We’re looking forward to officially celebrating on the 25th of January. If you don’t have your ticket yet, make sure to get that ordered as well when you’re on our website (or you can click here to get direct access).
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Thanks to everyone who attended the Chamber’s Open House this Wednesday! I got so caught up in it all that I forgot to take any pictures. Regardless, Sherri and I couldn’t have been more pleased with all who came out, we continue to feel incredibly supported. This holiday season I have more and more to be thankful for, the relationships I have garnered at this organization are a big one. As we creep closer to Christmas, I hope you have a safe and bountiful weekend, talk to you soon.
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
