Dear Chamber Supporters,

Check out what all has gone on since my last letter! Fantastic week in Ottawa/Franklin County.

January Legislative Coffee

Last Saturday we were able to chalk up a success for our first Legislative Coffee of the year (pictures here). All four of our legislators were able to make it in—Representatives Rebecca Schmoe and Carrie Barth and Senators Caryn Tyson and Rick Kloos. After a couple of weeks of returning to Topeka for the 2024 session, they were all pleased to report optimism for the coming year. As it is early days, there is still some settling in to be done. All four stayed very busy over the offseason, dedicating time to furthering their understanding of their legislative role through committees/conferences or working with constituents in various ways. In regard to what is circulating around the Capitol, budgetary conversations are dominating the hallways. This controversy stems from disagreements between Governor Kelly and a majority of the state’s elected officials. The legislator’s plan, dubbed the “flat tax bill,” passed through the Senate and House last week. This plan differs from Governor Kelly's proposal earlier in the month. Kelly will now have the option to veto said tax bill; if she does, a veto override is expected to begin in the House. Caryn Tyson shared that even though this is a big talking point at the moment, there is still so much going on in and around the state house about countless different topics.

To finish the Coffee, we were able to invite our legislators out from behind the perch to have conversations with the dozen or so individuals who braved the below-freezing temperatures that Saturday morning. Attendees shared their appreciation for talking in-depth about the issues on their minds—there was great participation. I look forward to seeing how our Legislative Action Committee can continue to find new ways to shake up these Coffees. Make sure to have your calendars marked for the third Saturday of each month through April!

Creating Healthy Habits

As we begin a new year together, creating lasting habits can be tricky. If you’re like me, excuses are easy to make on why I shouldn’t take steps to better my health. The Franklin County Health Department realizes this and has created a community nutrition class series called “Creating Healthy Habits.” Four classes are free to the public, starting in January through April. This month’s class, led by Brenda Pfizenmaier, took place on Monday and entailed engaging participants on the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and weight management for a healthy lifestyle to avoid future diabetes complications (picture here). The best part about this class series is they're free to the public. The events are made possible through a community grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield to promote healthy living. The stats and tips Brenda shared are invaluable, but the group didn’t stop there. Each participant also received a full box of fresh produce and a kitchen knife set (pictures here). This gives practical means to enact the healthy habits being promoted. They also shared a recipe that coincides with the veggies recipients received (recipe here). What a great way to encourage others to be excited to cook at home. If you are interested in the next class, block off February 26 from 12-1pm on your calendar (full list of dates/info here). Thank you to all the parties involved in making our community a healthier place, this group is a great example!

2023 Annual Awards Banquet

Last night was a blast! Thank you all who came and ate, drank, laughed and fellowshipped with us—a night to remember with over 200 Chamber members in attendance (pictures here). To hold an event of this magnitude, Sherri and I can’t do it alone. We have to have dozens of individuals and groups that help make it possible… many thanks yous go out for all the support we received to make it happen. One of our biggest partners is Ottawa University—their team is exceptional! All the way from President Wenyika to the half dozen individuals who helped move tables and chairs, each equally important to make for a flawless night. Sherri and I are continually overwhelmed by the support we receive… sincerely, thank you to all who played a role.

We wouldn’t have an awards banquet without the award winners; here is a rundown of all those who were rightfully recognized last night. As you remember, there are five awards up for grabs, including the Favorite Smile Award, the Horizon Award, the Entrepreneur of the Year Award, the Community Builder Award, and the Russel Crites Award.

This year’s Favorite Smile Award was given to the always-smiling Brenda Pfizenmaier (picture here). Brenda is the epitome of an individual who personally and professionally brightens up those around her.
The Horizon Award winner for 2023 is Jacob Boyd with Edward Jones (picture here). Jacob has been influential to the Chamber with his participation on the Chamber Board. A very humble, well-articulated young man with loads of potential. The Chamber is so glad he chooses to live and work in our community.
The Entrepreneur of the Year Award winner is small business owner Lisa Meyers, Owner/Operator of Front Porch Antiques (picture here). Lisa’s growth mindset has really set her business apart throughout the region. I’m always impressed by her ingenuity. Great things are happening on North Main St. at Front Porch!
Our Community Builder winner is Mr. Ottawa himself, Derek Chappell with KOFO (picture here). We have been able to work closely together for the past handful of years as Derek creates our radio ads, emcees our concerts in the summer, and also plays a part in this event each year. Dr. Reg had to be sneaky to keep this under wraps as Derek reads the nominations and announces the winners on the night. What a great surprise!
Our most significant award each year is our Russel Crites award, given to an individual who has set themselves apart through their service to their community. This year’s winner is recently retired Jim Hepner (picture here). The timing of this couldn’t be any better—a longtime businessman who has served in our area in more ways than one. Jim is Ottawa through and through! An incredibly well-chosen Russell Crites winner, thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do for our community Jim.

As we reflect back on 2023 and what an amazing year it was for our organization and the whole community, these five individuals play a large role in the success we’ve seen in Ottawa/Franklin County. They are also stunning examples of what a community supporter looks like, I’m so happy each one has been recognized in this way! Our office put together this sheet that was present on the tables at the banquet (view here). Over 50 networking events, travel programs, annual events, and print/electronic media are some of the highlights. These accomplishments are no small feat, especially with our smaller staff size through 2023. We’re incredibly proud of the work done last year… and look forward to only elevating that work in 2024. Most importantly, we get to do it with you! We’re so glad we get to work with so many amazing people. Our area is only getting better and better, I hope you stick along for the ride.

Chamber Board of Directors

A portion of the night revolves around thanking our retiring board members who have spent the last three years advocating for our community organization. We also got to celebrate three new faces that join the Board of Directors in 2024, which includes Todd Burroughs with Crown Realty, Jenise Hepner with Ottawa Family Physicians, and Betty Birzer with Reece Nichols Town and Country Realty. Shelby John, the Warranty and Supplier Reclaiming Expert at Kalmar Ottawa, who was finishing her third year on the board, gladly joined our Executive Committee, extending her time on our board within the leadership team. I’m very excited for these new faces, as I know their expertise, connections and time will be significant assets to the Chamber. I’m also very thankful for Jeff Carroll from Ottawa Bike and Trail and Steve Hasty from Hasty Awards, who will be stepping off the board. We appreciate their work over their tenure, our community is better with both of them in it!

Auctions

Our banquet each year is one of our organization’s biggest fundraisers, making up about 15-20% of our annual budget. Along with the event sponsors, it also includes the auctions that take place online and there the night of the event. Derek Chappell and Dr. Reg take care of the live auction for us which makes for fun scenes and maybe a couple of “dad jokes”. Our virtual auction was entirely online this year, with over 70 items donated and nearly a hundred different people bidding (over 600 bids in total). There are so many great items up for grabs each year… this is only possible because of the incredibly generous business community we have! If you have yet to pick up your item, swing by before 5pm today, or we can always catch you next week as well. Congrats to all the winners and better luck next time to those that had items slip away!

Thinking back to yesterday evening, the night came and went in a flash. I know I couldn’t catch everybody as there is only so much time in the evening. But my heart is so full seeing everyone coming together, celebrating our community and the great people that make it up. Makayla and I are blessed to be in the middle of it. If I don’t see you today for item pickup, see you soon!

Ryland Miller

President/CEO

Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce

ryland@ottawakansas.org

785-242-1000