Dear Chamber Supporters,
Sherri and all the Croatian travelers returned to the States safe and sound last weekend. I was able to catch up on some of the highlights with Sherri back in the office Monday morning. She mentioned that the weather was delectable, never needing more than a light jacket, and several people occasionally wore shorts. She also shared that walking on old cobblestone roads and seeing, touching, and moving through buildings that were built over a thousand years ago is quite a sublime feeling. A tremendous amount of history, opportunity to shop, and natural beauty made the trip more than worth it (pictures here). Another successful trip is in the books!
Two Weeks Left to Nominate
We have just over two weeks until the Chamber's Annual Awards nomination deadline. We have seen some nominations come in, but I know there are significantly more well-deserving individuals worthy of a nomination out there who have yet to be submitted. Whether they're in your organization or not, I urge you to take a few minutes to submit their name for the respective award (nomination site here). It's a great chance to gather around them and their accomplishments. Thanks in advance for lifting others up in this way!
Flipping the Switch and More
Our office is putting the final touches on our holiday event, the Mayors Tree Lighting – Sponsored by KWIKOM Communications. Next week we'll light up the downtown! If you've attended the lighting ceremony in the past, you'll remember that we have our big switch that gets flipped to activate the power. This important position is reserved for the Mayor of Ottawa each year unless they choose to share that right with a friend, family, or sometimes the highest bidder. The latter is taking place this year, as Mayor Mike Skidmore has let Prairie Paws Animal Shelter auction this opportunity off (view the bidding war here). It's not every day that you get the chance to personally kick off the holiday season for Ottawa! Last year, the couple who flipped the switch also coordinated a proposal. Maybe we'll have more romantic fireworks this year too… you'll have to be there to find out!
Along with the lighting itself, we have some great groups that will come out and celebrate with us. There will be tables for cookies, crafts and goodie bags from Neosho County Community College, Sacred Heart Catholic School, the Ottawa Elks, and the Ottawa High School. Arvest Bank sponsors hot chocolate and the children's bike raffle. The Ottawa Optimist train will be running for kids to enjoy, and we're always blessed to have Spotlight Dance Academy show off a piece of their routine from the Nutcracker. Regardless of the weather, this is always such a fun time in downtown Ottawa. Following the lighting, the OMSA parade will make its way down Main Street, with old Saint Nick leading the way. He'll hop off just outside Corner Market and scoot inside for pictures and to hear what kiddos are interested in for Christmas this year.
COF’s Mission in Motion
This morning, Chamber members started their day at COF Training Services, a longstanding pillar of our Ottawa community dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) since 1968 (pictures from this morning here). Over their three-county territory, they employ over 150 individuals and have over 200 clients, which includes 18 residential housing locations. These numbers don't include the 20 individuals that they employ at Thriftopia on the south side of Ottawa. Their clients receive support in a multitude of ways, making sure they can live full lives regardless of their needs. This work goes far beyond providing support—it's about fostering independence, enhancing quality of life, and creating meaningful connections. From residential care and job training to community integration and recreational programs. Through thoughtfully designed programs, volunteer initiatives, and participation in local events, COF bridges the gap between its clients and the broader community. They actively challenge misconceptions, encourage understanding, and celebrate the unique talents and contributions of those they serve. Therefore, making Ottawa a more inclusive and compassionate place.
Two challenges facing our community (and probably most communities throughout the state/region) are workforce and housing issues. Sometimes, these are directly linked because having housing for someone can produce a body that can be plugged into a local employer. COF also recognizes this need and is attacking both challenges in some unique ways with their clients. COF Training Services' I/DD Shared Living program is a shining example of how they are creating opportunities to help house those who would otherwise be sitting on a waiting list. This program pairs clients with host families who open their homes and hearts to provide a supportive, family-like environment. Much like how foster care can pair children, this shared living program can train, prepare, and pair your home with a client with an intellectual or developmental disability. The intention of this program is to provide long-term integration, where you and your household act as contractors, but also as a family for this individual. For more information on this program, check out Cassie Milam's contact here.
From a workforce perspective, COF and other providers throughout the state worked intensely with legislators in Topeka to allow what is dubbed the Kansas Targeted Employment Act. This is a significant legislative step to support individuals with I/DD by providing compensation in the form of tax credits to their employers. This makes hiring more lucrative and brings light to a client pool that has been underutilized. The aforementioned tax credit provides 50% of total wages per eligible employee up to $15 per hour. Businesses can elect to employ multiple eligible individuals (you can view the full brochure here). This legislation is a perfect example of how COF is working to ensure I/DD clients are given every opportunity to live full and productive lives alongside the rest of our community. If you have questions about this program and how your business might get involved, reach out to Joy Beatty, and she will be able to push you in the right direction (Joy's contact here).
I also want to take a moment to mention Thriftopia's impact on our community. Joy also shared with us this morning that 75,000 pounds of donations are processed every month. Whether Thriftopia puts it on its shelves or ships it to other locations that might need certain items, hundreds of thousands of pounds of donations stay out of our local landfills through the work that is done at this store. COF puts its money where its mouth is and provides ten jobs to employees with I/DD at their location. These individuals receive a solid wage for doing important work! When you shop at Thriftopia, or any store for that matter, you can sign up for COF's round-up program. By linking your debit or credit card, you can automatically round up your transactions to the nearest dollar, setting aside as little as $10 a month. These small contributions create a big impact, supporting their mission to empower individuals with developmental disabilities (click here to find out more info).
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If I don't see you before Thanksgiving, I just wanted to say that I am thankful for you and what you bring to our community! As I look back on this year, which has gone by so very fast, I think about all the many people, events, and milestones that I am blessed to be a part of. This weekend Makayla and I will be heading to Topeka to celebrate the holiday with her family and will come back just for a few days to do it all again over at my side in Missouri. Safe travels to you and yours as you move around over the next week or two. Also, see you at the Mayor's Christmas Tree lighting on November 30th!
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
