Dear Chamber Supporters,

Where Memories Sparkle

Harry and Juanita Peckham at Pleasant Ridge Farm know that you cannot have Christmas without a Christmas tree. While some choose to sport an artificial tree, for those who want a timeless classic, you don't have to travel far to find a natural tree. Just a hop and a skip off 68HWY sits Pleasant Ridge's Christmas Tree Farm and Memory Lane Light Display. For 26 years, these two have invited thousands of guests to visit a place where memories are made. Whether you're picking out your tree or basking in the lights, the Peckham's want to be a part of your holiday season. You and yours can check out the light display any Friday, Saturday and Sunday leading up to Christmas, including a special opening on Christmas Eve.

They shared Tuesday evening during their Chamber After Hours (picture here) that they see travelers from all around, with only a quarter of their visitors coming from Franklin County. One of the main attractions for these visitors is to see the different light displays on show. This lineup of lights grows gradually as more commercial sponsors participate. This year, they added a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and a big-racked buck. Along with the store-bought displays, they also have the beautiful Memory Tree (picture here). When visiting the tree, onlookers have the chance to leave a memory about a past visit, a fun holiday story, or any note really. These get stored on the board under their small shelter right beside the tree for others to see.

I've now had the privilege of visiting Memory Lane for the past four years. I am always surprised to see all the lights from a distance once I make my way over the last hill before the farm. Harry mentioned that they have been moving to LED lights throughout the display as they are more green, and they see significant savings on their annual electric bill (which can't be a small total with all their displays). Even with the growing costs of running this agri-tourism business, it's clear that the Peckhams love what they do. I'm so glad they choose to live and run a business in our community!

Farewells and Fresh Faces: A Look at the Chamber’s Board Transition

As the year comes to an end, the Chamber holds our most bittersweet board meeting of the year. This is the meeting where the board votes on the addition of new board members, which is always so exciting to add new faces to our team. Simultaneously, we have to say goodbye to board members who have finished their terms and are moving off after their years of service. Though we will get to recognize them thoroughly at the Chamber's Annual Awards and Banquet on January 16, I still want to give a shoutout to both Kevin James and Ryan Wilkerson.

Kevin joined the board six years ago, and because of his stint on the Chamber's Executive Committee, he doubled his stay. In 2023, Kevin served as Board Chair, where we were able to work very closely as I started my first nine months as President/CEO. Kevin's work ethic is second to none, and his passion for our organization has never faltered. He's a successful business owner and a proud Ottawan. I've been blessed to have him on my board and to be able to call him a friend. Though he'll still be just around the corner at his muffler shop, his wisdom around the board table will be missed!
Ryan Wilkerson has finished his three years on the board, where he has brought his keen mind and exploratory questions to our monthly board meetings. Ryan is not shy about offering his expertise and asking powerful questions; both have been massive assets during his tenure. Whether it was one-on-one or as a group, I've learned so much from Ryan and am glad he continues to choose Ottawa as the home base for Impact Wealth Planners. I know he will continue to share his leadership capabilities with other organizations in our community and will continue to help his clients with their financial goals. We've been lucky to have him on the Chamber Board these past few years.

Though we are losing these two, we are gaining four more! Every year following the nominating period, we have our current Chairperson and the past three Chairpersons make up the selection committee for the Chamber Board. The list of nominees doesn't come much better; all fantastic leaders in our community with different perspectives and experiences that will support our mission. I'm so pleased with the four additions, which include: Crystal Anderson – ECKAN, Sarah Oakleaf – Porter Spears and Bundy Insurance, Angie Sutton – Enso Self Defense, and Jarred Watkins – Arrowhead Nutrition. I have been blessed with an amazing board in my 21 months as President/CEO (I still have to count my tenure in baby months), and these four will undoubtedly continue that trend.

Safer Roads Ahead: Old 50 HWY Renovation

Franklin County Government hosted a celebratory afternoon event following the completion of the Old 50 HWY project south of Ottawa (pictures here). Given the chilly day, festivities were held in the Public Works Shop on S Elm Street. It was there that team members were recognized for this historic renovation, one that seemed like a pipe dream while in its infancy stage. However, after securing funds, maximizing resources, engaging with all internal stakeholders, and working closely with local contractors, the work has been completed. This includes four miles of Old 50 being widened (from Iowa to Eisenhower) and another twelve miles that received additional improvements. Not only does this greatly enhance the safety of the road, but it also allows for improved access to local businesses and residential travelers. The County Administrator shared that he believes this is one of the most significant Public Works projects Franklin County has ever endeavored and knows that it will be regarded as one of the best improvement projects executed by our local government. With gas prices sitting at what seems to be a relatively reasonable price, it might be worth taking a cruise south of town!

Partnering for Change: United Way Supports Franklin County

This morning, we gathered for our last Chamber Coffee of the year. Sending us into the holidays was Leigh Hanson with the United Way of Franklin County (pictures here). This local chapter is part of the broader United Way network that operates across the United States. Founded in 1958, United Way has grown into one of the largest and most well-known non-profit organizations in the world. This partnership with this larger network provides tremendous support while continuing to allow locally donated funds to stay put right here in Franklin County. The partnership is a win-win, as it allows for resources that would not be otherwise attainable to be leveraged. One example of this is the use of the 211 number that folks can call when in need. Leigh says that she gets directed calls regularly, all with varying needs, and she can direct them to partners in the county. This line is open 24/7, which would not be possible without their support.

The Franklin County chapter serves as a crucial connector between local member agencies that make them up. Some of those partner agencies were present at the Chamber Coffee this morning. Leigh incorporated them into the program and was able to recognize those partnerships by passing on some funds to support their respective missions.

East Central Kansas Area Agency on Aging received funds to go towards their Meals on Wheels program. Leigh encouraged everyone to volunteer for this impactful program at least once. Having done so before, it is such a rewarding experience!
The Ottawa Arts Council (which also rented out the Carnegie Library this morning for the Chamber Coffee) received funds for their youth mentoring that takes place through the arts. Leigh is the coordinator of these classes and has impacted so many kids who have participated in these creative after-school programs.
Hope House received funds to benefit their work towards supporting those in need. Some examples of where Hope House steps in to help are when folks are not able to receive state or federal support because of a lack of identification, like a birth certificate or social security number. Hope House can take them through these processes to make progress on the root of why individuals are in the situation they find themselves in.
CASA of the Fourth Judicial District received funds for their work with youth moving through the court system. Director Jamie Needham shared that they are currently able to support 17 students at the time being, but are aware that there are 2x or 3x times that are needed right now. Finances are what's holding CASA back from supporting more, and this helps!
Last but definitely not least was LifeCare Center, which received funds for its holistic approach to women's health before, during, and after the birth of their child.

Leigh Hansen has led our local United Way for the last five years. One of the first ever Chamber Coffees I can recall attending was when she was introduced to this role. She has a deep-rooted passion for this community and those who are in need. She shared that she enjoys this role because she can see the direct impact they can make on these partner organizations. But still, there is so much more that can't be accomplished because of a lack of funding. Starting in 2025, United Way of Franklin County will change its organizational structure as Leigh steps down from the paid director role and moves into a board member role. Their current board is hands-on and is a working board; she and these other volunteers will continue to lead this organization in this way. These extra funds, historically allocated towards salary, will be able to get pushed toward these organizations in need. Change of this magnitude can often be challenging, but I know that the leadership around this organization is fully committed to its success. Thank you to Leigh and the other United Way board members for selflessly providing for so many in our community. Your commitment to fundraising and volunteer coordination has impacted everyone in our area, whether we realize it or not!

This morning, I met with our most recent Russel Crites winners as they meticulously reviewed all of our nominations for the Chamber's annual awards. This is no small task, as there are always so many fantastic, well-deserving individuals to consider. However, as any strong leader does, they were able to consider varying viewpoints and engage in dialogue to make their final selections. Now they must tuck this knowledge away until January 16th when all gets revealed at our Annual Awards and Banquet! This year is coming to a close fast, so don't forget to find your last-minute holiday gifts here in town. Talk to you soon!

Ryland Miller

President/CEO

Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce

ryland@ottawakansas.org

785-242-1000