What a whirlwind of a week it has been! All hands on deck prior to last night's banquet, and then it is over in a flash. Though the event went fast, memories will surely last (pictures of the event here). When I looked into the crowd yesterday from the podium, I saw so many friends filling all 28 tables. I mentioned it time and time again from the stage, but the Chamber is so blessed! We would not have seen the success we did in 2024 if it wasn't for our business community stepping up like it does. All of us working together produces what seems like an unstoppable force for good! I also want to share a document that was on each table last night that talks about some of our accomplishments in 2024 (2024 Year in Review here). This is just the tip of the iceberg, as there was so much to celebrate from 2024, including some well-deserving award winners. Before sharing the winners, I do need to shout out all those who made last night possible.

Our banquet sponsors can be found here (click here to view). As I said last week, this was the most sponsors for our banquet we have ever seen! Thank you to all who gave financially. Also, thank you to our volunteers, those who serve on the committee, and even some who don't. All stepped up to make last night possible (view those here). Without further ado, here are last night's award winners!

Chamber Annual Award Winners

The first award presented last night was the Favorite Smile Award. The winner was Courtney Taylor, Community Liaison for Rock Creek of Ottawa (picture here)! This was said about Courtney, "she is described as 'sunshine in human form.' Her bright smile and positive energy can turn anyone's day around. She is genuine, compassionate, and dedicated to spreading love and joy throughout our community. Courtney's commitment to uplifting others is unmatched, and we are so fortunate to have her as a beacon of positivity in Ottawa." It only takes a few minutes in the same room with Courtney to know that she is more than deserving of this award. Her vibrant personality makes others shine around her. Congratulations Courtney!

The Horizon Award winner is Leigh Hanson, Director of the United Way of Franklin County (picture here)! This was said about Leigh last night, "Leigh has shown remarkable growth as a leader, taking her organization to new heights by ensuring communication is open and resources are accessible to everyone. She works tirelessly to serve the community, spreading enthusiasm and dedication in everything she does. Leigh has demonstrated the leadership qualities that will continue to shape our community for years to come." Leigh displays servant leadership all year long. She has a heart for those in need and gives so much of herself to love on others. We are lucky to have Leigh in our community; I have no doubt she has many more years of leadership ahead of her. Congrats Leigh!

The Entrepreneur Award highlights a small business in our community. This year's recipient is Charity McCain and Daylight Donuts (picture here)! This was said about Charity and Daylight Donuts, "Charity exemplifies the creativity and determination it takes to run a successful small business. She recently expanded her business to a larger location and continually partners with other businesses and organizations in Ottawa. Charity's commitment to bringing joy to the community—one donut at a time—makes her a true asset to Ottawa's entrepreneurial spirit." Charity has overcome challenge after challenge to keep her donut shop in our community. She is such a delight! Her drive for running her business is to make others happy. I'm so glad she chooses to bring joy to donut lovers here in Ottawa. Congratulations Charity and Daylight Donuts!

The Community Builder Award recipient for 2024 is none other than local financial advisor Jarred Sterling of Advanced Investments (picture here)! This was said about Jarred last night, "Jarred has an outstanding track record of community engagement and leadership. He actively serves on more than ten local boards and organizations, holding numerous leadership positions. Known for his wit, humor, and dedication, Jarred has made a significant impact on our community's development and continues to promote a positive image of Ottawa." Jarred was not born in the community but has a deep-rooted passion for the people, businesses, and reputation of Ottawa and Franklin County. He constantly puts others' needs above his own and never turns down an opportunity to help―all while running a business. He's too humble to admit it, but Jarred is more than deserving of this award. Congratulations Mr. Sterling!

The biggest award we give out each year is the Russell Crites Award. Only to be given to those who have dedicated themselves to the Ottawa community and possess these qualities:

Have a vision and commitment to Ottawa
Strive for excellence
Have achieved success through effort and determination
Show a devotion to a better quality of life
Be unselfish with time to effect change
Have a desire to build for the future
Dream BIG and seek ways to achieve those dreams
Live with a positive attitude
Have a commitment to business expansion
And show personal persistence

This year's winner of the 2024 Russell Crites Award is Terry Chartier, Executive Director of the Ottawa Library (picture here)! This was said about Terry, "Terry has made remarkable contributions to Ottawa through her work at the library, encouraging lifelong learning and fostering a love for art, literature, and music. Her leadership has expanded the library's reach and services, making it a cornerstone of our community. Beyond her work at the library, Terry's involvement with civic organizations and her time on the Chamber Board showcase her tireless commitment to Ottawa's growth and quality of life." I have had the pleasure of working with Terry on the Chamber Board, on Onward Ottawa's Board, and through several other events and programs. 'Tireless' is spot on. Whether it's an 8am meeting or volunteering at an evening event, you can see her serving others just about everywhere she goes. Her passion for this community shines through the work she does, and she is a perfect choice for the Russell Crites Award. Congratulations Terry!

Azura Credit Union Opens Doors in Ottawa

Chamber members didn't stay out too late following the banquet last night, as we had an excellent showing this morning at Azura Credit Union's Ribbon Cutting (pictures here). Azura announced their move to our community in 2024, working with local builder Loyd Builders to construct a state-of-the-art location next to Cosentino's Price Chopper (124 E. 19th St. Ottawa). This small but mighty location is packed full of all the technology, resources, and friendly faces you need to become a member. Brad Deiter, Chairman of the Azura Credit Union's Board, was present (along with so many other Azura teammates) to share some history and welcome everyone to their new space.

Brad shared that Azura has been a member-owned financial institution for over eighty years. They were established in 1939 with only $144 towards their first branch. Now, they have 800 million dollars in assets and serve over 62k members amongst their eleven branches. Ottawa is the eleventh and smallest community that they currently serve. I was able to chat further with staff about why they chose our community for this branch, and they shared that it was no coincidence they decided to locate in Franklin County. They believe that the makeup of the people who live and work in our community matches their values, using terms like hard-working and community-minded. They realize they are new to our small town but pledge to go above and beyond for the people who call our area home. Meanwhile, they hope to add to the culture of generosity that exists in Franklin County. I am excited to see their local team get further plugged into the business community in 2025―welcome to Ottawa Azura Credit Union!

Kicking Off the 2025 Legislative Session

Following a busy Thursday and Friday, we have one more event to close out the week! Our Legislative Action Committee will be hosting its first Legislative Coffee of the year tomorrow morning at the Ottawa Municipal Courtroom at the Ottawa Police Department. You can watch that in person, or it will also be live-streamed and recorded on the Chamber's Facebook page. With the 2025 Legislative Session beginning this week, I look forward to hearing directly from our legislators about their priorities and insights for this new year.

Don't forget that the Chamber's virtual auction is still underway and will continue until Monday evening at 8pm (link here). All of these proceeds go to the betterment of our community by supporting Chamber initiatives. If you don't see something you'd like to take home yourself (which would be surprising), please share the link with your friends/family or on your personal social media page. Thanks to all those who bid! Happy bidding and talk to you soon,

Ryland Miller

President/CEO

Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce

ryland@ottawakansas.org

785-242-1000