Dear Chamber Supporters,
Sherri and I witnessed astronomical history Monday outside the Chamber (pictures here). Unfortunately, any attempt to take a picture of the hiding sun was quickly proven futile. Even though it was hard to capture, it was neat to see its effect, as everything outside seemed to have a tint or a filtered appearance. As we looked across the street at Haley Park, we noticed that the streetlamps in the area that generally turn on at night had flipped on for a period of time during the eclipse.
The precision of astronomers in predicting events like this is really incredible. They can forecast solar eclipses hundreds of years in the future, with a margin of error of less than a minute. This is achieved through complex calculations of the orbits of the sun, moon, and Earth, all influenced by gravitational forces. When plugged into computers, these calculations reveal the exact timing of future eclipses. These results indicate that our next proximal solar eclipse will grace us in the 2040s.
Running For History
Last Saturday, Makayla and I participated in the Franklin County Historical Society’s annual 5k and were the first couple to finish (but also possibly the only couple running together...). We started at the Old Depot Museum, then headed west on the Flint Hills Trail before hitting the halfway point and returning the way we started (pictures here). Having intersecting state trails in downtown Ottawa is quite a blessing as it allows programs like this to run smoothly and safely. There was great representation from runners, walkers, stroller pushers, as well as little ones biking, all coming together for the fundraiser. The funds raised that morning support the FCHS mission of promoting Franklin County history through museums, archives, and educational programming―sharing lessons of our history with visitors and citizens alike.
Lights, Camera, Recognition for Video Producer Mat Simonson
If you’ve ever spent any amount of time on the City of Ottawa’s Facebook page, you would have undoubtedly run into a video or two that Multi-Media Specialist Mat Simonson produced. News came out this week stating that Mat’s exceptional talents are being recognized at a regional level (for the second time) with one of the highest honors. The achievement bestowed is the “Excellence Award” at Best of the Midwest Media Fest. The video that won this award is “Be In The Know Episode 2 - County Government” (check that video out here). This minute-and-a-half informational video was made in partnership with our Legislative Action Committee, with the goal of keeping our community informed about ideas and processes that some might be unaware of. They played a pivotal role in organizing the project and conceptualizing the idea. Mat's expertise in video production, coupled with the knowledge of the speaker featured in the video, resulted in a truly outstanding piece of work. This is the second video produced in the series; the first entails information about registering to vote―which is more important than ever with elections right around the corner (check that video out here). We're proud of Mat's achievements and the recognition it brings to our community. It’s safe to say that these would not be possible without the time and talent of Mat and the City of Ottawa. We’re thankful for that partnership and look forward to seeing what ideas can make it on camera next.
Nametags for Networking
If you’ve attended Chamber Coffees or Ribbon Cuttings prior to the pandemic, you’ll remember that our Chamber Ambassadors would previously hand out nametags to everybody in attendance at the event. These nametags were plastic sleeves with a clamp that a sheet of paper would slide into; this included the name and business of the attendee. After the hiatus of Chamber networking events, this practice didn’t get picked back up― with COVID guidelines in the back of our minds. Now several years later, we still have not reverted to this practice. One reason for this is the time spent printing nametags for new individuals, which was a weekly practice. Then, on the day of the event, Ambassadors would often rush around to make sure everyone had one once they walked in and doubly rush to pick them back up so they didn’t get taken mistakenly (which happened quite often as well). Some of the feedback that we as staff have received is that there is a desire for everyone to wear a nametag at these events to make people feel welcome and make it easier to engage in conversation. We value your feedback and are looking to address these challenges without going back to nonpermanent nametags. We've come up with a new solution: make sure anyone who doesn't have a permanent nametag has access to purchase one!
Through coordination with Hasty Awards, the Chamber is willing to take orders for Chamber members interested in buying a nameplate, much like the ones Chamber staff and volunteers use (pictures here). Whether you've never had one or just lost yours and need another, we'd be happy to remedy the situation! For $5, you can order a magnetic nameplate that includes your name, title, and place of business —all you need to do is communicate with us by filling out this form here. Once completed, the Chamber will be in touch with a timeline. On this same note, if you already have a nametag, we’d encourage you to wear that at our networking events. Not only does it act as an icebreaker when meeting someone new, but it can also be a memory aid for those who might need a reminder of your name or business. Our Ambassadors still plan on playing a part by offering temporary stick nametags if you forget yours at the office or home. This isn't a perfect solution, but it is a step towards being inclusive and welcoming at these events!
Christensen Chiropractic Has Your Back
Nestled on the south side of Ottawa, Christensen Chiropractic stands ready to holistically treat clients’ low back pain, neck pain, auto accident injuries, sciatica, sports injuries, and more (pictures from our morning Chamber Coffee here). Whether you need regular visits or just need a one-off treatment, Tanner Christensen’s goal is to address the root cause of the issue rather than just mask the pain. This is as easy as scheduling an appointment, sharing the different areas where you’ve been experiencing pain, and then walking through a quick new patient evaluation. Christensen prides itself on customizing treatment to meet each individual's unique needs, with no cookie-cutter treatment plans. Then based on how these appointments go, their team regularly evaluates your needs moving forward. This is all with the goal that clients can live pain-free lives, regardless of how regular their visits to the office are. This mindset is supported through the education given to clients when they finish an appointment, whether that’s stretching or exercises that can be accomplished at home to strengthen and reinforce their bodies.
This entrepreneurial journey began over five years ago now, when Tanner went into business with another chiropractor. In those five years, he has since purchased the company, renamed it, purchased the suite he works out of (which included a major renovation), and steadily grown his clientele. He has also exponentially grown in staff size too! When he started, he was a solo show; from scheduling to prepping to adjusting, Tanner was doing it all. Fast forward five years, he now has three more staff, effectively treating a significant amount more pain (some of his team here). Tanner and his team believe that trust is earned, not given, and they take pride in the relationships they've built within the community. He and his family currently live in Johnson County but he chooses to run his business in Ottawa and has enjoyed spreading roots throughout the community, which includes stepping up as a business to support different organizations, clubs, and teams―only possible through the success they've seen in growing the company. It's been great getting to know Tanner, and I hope you take the time to do so too! Appointments can be made online, over the phone, or by stopping in at 343 W 23rd Street in Suite 4 through the west entrance.
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We’re bringing on the heat this week! Looking forward to giving the bike a tune-up, brushing off the pickleball paddles, and generally spending some time in the sun. Whether you’re inside or out, I hope you a have a blessed weekend and I’ll see you soon!
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
