Dear Chamber Supporters,
Hello from sunny Arizona! By the time this letter gets to you, we should be finishing our hike in the Grand Canyon. I’ll make sure to get some of those photos to you next week. What I can share is some of our time from Las Vegas, NV (pictures here). When we hopped off the plane, we were greeted by 105-degree sunshine! We then headed east and started our hiking journey yesterday with some time in Sedona, AZ (pictures here). The heat out here is definitely missing the Midwest humidity (which is fine by me!), which has made for an enjoyable first few days. I’m going to have Sherri and Jenna share more about what is going on with you all in Kansas. I look forward to reading it myself! Glad I have a great team to help support me even when I’m out. Talk to you soon.
Leadership Franklin County
It's hard to believe that we are gearing up to start Leadership Franklin County Class of 24-25 in August!! LAST CALL for Leadership Franklin County applications. Applications can be found here (https://www.chamberorganizer.com/ottawachamber/docs/2024-2025_LFC_Application_Packet.pdf) and must be submitted by THIS Sunday (06/30) at 11:59pm. Once the deadline closes, the LFC Board of Trustees will meet and make the decisions on who will represent in the upcoming class. "As a graduate of the 23/24 class, I can say this opportunity not only allowed me to grow in my professional career with community connections, but has also helped form new friendships and I can't say enough good things about this program and those who go through it!"(quoted by Stefani Britton-
Board of Trustees Chair) Don't wait...get your applications submitted!!
4-H and so much more!!! (Written by - Jenna Kelsey)
Chamber members joined us this morning at the K-State Research and Extension Frontier District Office at the County Annex on S Main Street. Sherri and I had an amazing time and enjoyed the opportunity to meet their staff and learn more about all of the programs and amazing services that are offered right here in our own backyard (pictures here).
In 2010, the Frontier Extension was formed with Franklin and Osage County. In 2014, Anderson County joined their district. They have a District Governing Board of 12 members, four from each county. They focus on issues dealing with water, health, global food systems, vitalizing communities and developing the leaders of tomorrow.
We got to learn about various programs they are offering right now in our community. In addition to their 4-H program for youth ages 7-19, they are able to assist with programs for Community Development, Crops, Environment, Aging and Money Management, Health and Nutrition, Lawn and Garden, and Livestock.
We were told about their Tractor Safety Training and shown examples about the importance of not playing around while in or near a grain silo. We learned about a program done in schools were they let younger kids see what challenges the older population are faced with today by wearing glasses that make you see from their perspective, or wearing ear plugs to diminish your hearing. We even learned the importance of soil testing and what the benefits can be to your current crops and what will be planted next. I myself took a copy of the recipe and samples that they had there of their fresh salsa with black beans, and trust me, it was delicious!! Please reach out to them with any questions or to find out more information for any other the services they offer. https://www.frontierdistrict.k-state.edu/
~
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
