Dear Chamber Supporters,
This past Saturday, I took Makayla to her first-ever Skunk Run duck race, hosted by the Franklin County Optimists (pictures here). This was the 29th edition of this spec-quack-ular event, one that holds a significant amount of history throughout the years. Makayla and I tried to guess what color duck would cross the finish line first, which ended in a tie as neither of our colors took gold. It was fun to see the kids running around City Park, even with lower-than-average temperatures, kids were still galloping through the new splash pad! We’re lucky to have so many community organizations that put on events―incentivizing citizen gatherings. This fundraiser helps allow our local chapter to put on a significant number of programs, including their junior golf program, which runs through June.
Riding the Waves of Networking
On Tuesday, seven Chambers in the surrounding area, ours included, all gathered north of Paola for a Multi-Chamber Afterhours. This event took place at KC Watersports off I-169 Hwy. Along with gathering in the indoor event space, we watched as wakeboarders were able to show off their tricks in the water out back (pictures here). This event features networking, giveaways, and food/drinks which make for a relaxing time spent with other Chambers and business owners. I have enjoyed becoming further involved with the other area Chambers nearby, learning from each other, sharing in the successes and challenges we all face. When you travel to different communities in Kansas or abroad, make sure to check out the community’s Chamber website for a look into the area and the businesses that make it up. Often, you can uncover hidden gems otherwise possibly undiscovered.
Tax Reform and Now Stadium Prospects
Last week, I mentioned Governor Laura Kelly's announcement of a special session of the Kansas Legislature set for June 18, to address ongoing tax issues and seek solutions for tax reform. Additionally, there has been significant discussion about using STAR Bonds to potentially attract the Kansas City Chiefs to Kansas. This conversation gained momentum after Jackson County, Missouri, voters rejected a sales tax measure intended to fund renovations for Arrowhead Stadium and build a new stadium for the Royals. Some Kansas lawmakers see this as an opportunity to lure the Chiefs by offering to fund a new stadium through STAR Bonds (rendering here). These bonds are a financing mechanism that allows cities to issue bonds for major projects and repay them with the increased sales tax revenue generated by the developments. Several high-profile projects in Kansas have been funded through STAR Bonds, such as the Kansas Speedway and the surrounding Village West development in Kansas City, Kansas, as well as the Hutchinson Underground Salt Museum.
However, Governor Kelly has stated she is not actively involved in efforts to recruit the Chiefs to Kansas. She acknowledges the financial challenges and doubts that the state has sufficient resources to make a competitive offer. One talking point is the fund from sports betting revenue, earmarked for attracting professional sports teams, but this is projected to be significantly less than what would be needed to build a new stadium. While some legislators are eager to capitalize on Jackson County's missed opportunity, others argue that government-supported stadium projects often fail to deliver the promised economic benefits. The upcoming special session may include discussions on this topic as lawmakers explore various economic development strategies. We will look ahead to see how this conversation and other tax-related conversations unfold on the 18th.
Bridging Campus and Community
I had the opportunity to spend some time on Ottawa University’s campus this week. On Tuesday, I was included in conversations for the presidential search that will begin this summer. This process is aided through a search agency that will help make sure that it is exhaustive, bringing forth the best of the best to Ottawa. January 2025 is the projected start time for this new hire. The purpose behind this timing is to allow the future final candidates to experience campus while it is vibrant and active, compared to visiting in the summer when students are away. This is helpful for both the candidate and the university to feel whether or not this is the right fit. I have a significant amount of confidence in this team and look forward to seeing this search find our new OU President. Until then, there is no reason to stress as we are lucky to have Bambi Burgard lead our campus as Interim President in the meantime.
Along with search committee meetings, some community folks were invited back to campus for a dinner last night with faculty, staff, board members and other university dignitaries for an evening of fellowship (pictures here). I’m appreciative of Dr. Tsutsui’s intentional efforts to further bridge our local university and the community as a whole. Go Braves!
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I’m getting this letter sent off just moments before heading over to Legacy Square to start setting up for tonight’s big concert (poster here)! We would love for you to join the party downtown this evening; the beer garden opens at 5:30pm, and Savanna Chestnut and the Field Hands will take the stage around 6pm. Our partners at the Ottawa Memorial Auditorium were already there this morning getting the stage polished off under the large pavilion. The City of Ottawa also got our sponsor banners hung and materials dropped off. Just a reminder that this is a FREE concert for the community to partake in―which would not be the case without corporate sponsorship to help make this fundraiser possible. This includes Trendel Lumber, Loyd Builders, Walmart Distribution, KWIKOM, Good Shepherd Hospice, Keller Williams Diamond Partners Realty, and KOFO as our Pit Sponsors. Banner Sponsors include Edward Jones and Kansas State Bank. We’re very blessed to have great community partners!
If you’re going to make your way down to Legacy Square, make sure to bring a lawn chair and some good company. We’ll bring the entertainment and cold drinks! See you in a bit,
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
