Happy Valentines Day! Sherri and I made an E-Valentines Day card for all our members (view that here). Like every holiday, Valentines Day brings economic fervor to so many industries. Hopefully you have something planned or your gift sorted for your loved one! I saw this online yesterday and it hit a little too close to home (view here).
Chamber Solutions Brings Year-Round Flexibility
I participated in the first Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas (CCEKS) board meeting of the year on Wednesday. This organization is made up of nearly sixty Chambers across the state. I have had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors since the beginning of 2024. One of the topics discussed during this week’s meeting was the updated insurance plans that can be offered through your Chamber as a benefit of our CCEKS membership. This insurance offering has been dubbed Chamber Solutions.
One of the most significant differences between Chamber Solutions and our previous offerings is when businesses can get quoted and start their coverage. There is significantly more flexibility with this new program. Previously, underwriting had to take place after a month or so of surveying. Then, rates were shared and had to be accepted right before the new year. Now, your organization can undergo a census and underwriting at ANY point in the year. There is no obligation to take the rates offered following the underwriting, but hopefully it can give your business or organization options. For more info and steps on how to get a quote, check out this flyer here (click here for flyer). If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to give us a shout. Sherri and I both opted to pursue this plan for the 2025 calendar year to experience it ourselves; so far, so good!
A Historic Boost: $100K Grant to Support Old Depot Museum
Last week I shared a bit about a grant that the Live Healthy Franklin County coalition received. They were not the only group that received exciting grant news this year. The Franklin County Historical Society have been awarded $100,000 from the Heritage Trust Fund Grant to support a much-needed roof replacement project in 2025. This highly competitive grant saw only 11 awardees throughout the state. The FCHS was lucky enough to be awarded this grant before, helping the organization fix the east half of the roof on the Old Depot Museum just a year or so ago. This project continued to uncover hidden issues that made the whole roof impossible to finish in one go. Now, the west half will be able to get some love as well! As a result, the exhibits, artifacts, and classes held in this historic building will be protected for many more years to come. Congratulations FCHS!
Ottawa COOP Celebrates 75 Years of Growth and Service
We celebrated the Ottawa COOP’s 75th anniversary this morning at our Chamber Coffee (pictures here). Since 1950, they have seen a significant amount of innovation and growth. Currently working in 13 different communities at 16 total locations in Kansas, the Ottawa COOP services, products, and commitment to our agricultural community has been a constant (check out their 75th Anniversary Edition newsletter here).
Clark Wenger, CEO of the COOP, shared that the first thirty years of business saw seven different managers lead the organization. In the past 45 years, there have been two (one being himself). Because of this, they’ve seen consistency in their work for their clients and partners, delivering a good product and neighborly service. For the Coffee, we met upstairs in the grain office. They have done significant renovations to the space, which will be used as an office and a board room area instead of its previous use as a storage area. One of the photos displayed in this office space depicts 31 of the 40 original members at a Charter Member banquet in 1955 (view that here).
There is so much history in these last 75 years at the Ottawa COOP. With a staff of 70+ and countless ties to the agricultural community in our county, everyone has been impacted by this organization in one way or another. As we celebrate this milestone, we honor the generations of farmers, employees, and community members who have helped shape its legacy. Here’s to 75 years of cooperation, commitment, and growth— and many more to come!
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It looks like we’ll be getting a couple of days of warmth (that term is relative) before diving back into freezing temps and possibly some more snow. If you’re looking for an excuse to get out tomorrow morning, the Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee will be hosting it’s second Legisative Coffee at 10am in the Municipal Courtroom at the Ottawa Police Department. If you’re already bracing for the cold, you can still watch it online via the Chamber’s Facebook page here. Stay safe and see you soon!
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
