I had a great birthday weekend in southwest Missouri. We met up with my in-laws, who traveled down several days before. One of the highlights of the trip entailed our visit to Sight and Sound Theatre (pictures here). This was my first experience at the venue. They are currently offering the production of “David,” which follows the life of the character in 1st and 2nd Samuel in the Bible. Coming from someone who is not a big fan of musicals, I can’t say enough good things about this production; truly a remarkable experience. The voices, the sets, and the special effects were off the charts. If you have a chance to see it while it’s still there, so so worth it!
Networking in the Ozarks
Each year my birthday butts up against an annual Chamber conference referred to as MAKO (pictures here). This stands for Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma, as these are the four states represented over the three days of learning and networking. Held in Branson each year, I use this as an excuse to visit the touristy town before diving into all things Chamber. This was my fourth time attending this conference, and though much of the content taught is similar from year to year, the networking and support from other Chambers across the state and region is invaluable. I know I am an email/call away from getting support from other execs who have walked in these shoes. At this point, I have made friends from all over that I get to see each year because of this. I’m grateful for them and this industry that I enjoy so much!
Explore Kansas for Free
If you’re looking for a fun, affordable way to explore Kansas this summer, the Sunflower Summer Program is one to take a look at. Created to help families with school-aged children experience the state’s many attractions, the program offers free admission for Kansas students (Pre-K through 12th grade), making it one of the most popular summer initiatives in the state. From zoos and museums to historic sites and parks, Sunflower Summer invites families to explore Kansas together—and helps local tourism and educational destinations in the process.
The program was first launched in 2021 through the Kansas State Department of Education using federal COVID relief funds, and it has grown each year since. In 2024, more than 154,000 Kansas families participated, including many who made their first-ever visits to local gems. This year, however, the program nearly didn’t happen. Budget recommendations initially cut funding down to $1 million—less than a third of what was needed to operate at last year’s level. Thanks to strong public support, the Kansas Department of Commerce and Kansas Tourism successfully secured $3 million to keep the program running for 2025. That said, some changes are in place this year. The program will run for a shorter window from July 12 through August 3, and only one adult per family may receive free admission per visit (instead of two, as in years past). Families can register by downloading the free Sunflower Summer app to participate.
This is also an opportunity for local attractions. Being included as a venue for Sunflower Summer can bring in new visitors, create strong word-of-mouth, and connect your location with thousands of families across the state. Check out these guidelines to see if you fit the participation requirements (guidelines here). If so, you can enroll here (enroll here)!
Intern Spotlight
Nearly a year ago, I was introduced to Zeke Reazin, an Ottawa University Senior looking for an internship during his last year of college. The intent of our first conversation was to see his interests and find him a good fit in town. What ended up happening was that the Chamber seemed like a match! As a result, he’s been our Intern for the last nine months—which have flown by (pictures here). Between clerical tasks like entering Chamber Currency or making your Thursday newsletters to more creative jobs like garnering testimonies and updating our website, Zeke has been a big help! Come this Saturday, he’ll be an Ottawa University alumnus. Following graduation, he has lined up a job with a financial advising office up in Johnson County. I’m thankful for this past year and look forward to following his professional journey. He’s got a great future ahead of him!
Welcoming Neena Kremer
This morning we held a Chamber Coffee for Bank Midwest, officially introducing Neena Kremer, the Branch Manager as of 2024 (pictures here). Neena has just celebrated her one-year anniversary at this location, but joined Ottawa after nearly a decade of banking experience. She and her husband Brent live in Gardner, where they raise their four kiddos. When I first met Neena, she had just arrived in town and wanted to know more about Ottawa and the business community. She has since jumped right in! Joining the Chamber, Rotary, FCDC, and more. She and her staff of longtime Ottawans are excited to build on over a hundred years of partnership at this banking location.
To discuss where Bank Midwest is headed, you have to start with its past. Their team pieced together photos, articles, and more of their rich history, which was on display this morning. Bank Midwest was originally Peoples Bank, which opened in Ottawa in 1872. Prior to being located at 434 S Main Street, Peoples was housed at the Hamblin building at 135 S Main Street (picture here). In 1967, they moved to the four-hundred block of Main (view the Ottawa Herald article here). In 2018, Peoples was bought by the regional institution. Neena mentioned that their name changed seven years ago, but so many of the faces inside the bank stayed the same, as did so many of their customers. This staff includes longtime bankers Sandy Howard and Nancy Swafford, who have over 20 and 15 years at this location, respectively. Along with highlighting her employees, Neena talked about the support they receive from Bank Midwest. She shared that they are backed by the strength and resources of a large regional network. With locations across Kansas and Missouri, this regional structure empowers the Ottawa team to deliver local decisions with big-picture support. I am excited to see where our local Bank Midwest is heading under Neena’s leadership!
City-Wide Sales Return
Our office receives dozens of phone calls every year asking about Ottawa’s City-Wide Garage Sales. Starting today, the first round of city-wide has begun! The Ottawa Recreation Commission has put together a map of sales around the city for the past few years; you can check out this weekend’s guide to nearly 50 sales here (map and addresses here). For those selling their goods and hoping to drop off any leftovers at Thriftopia, make sure to drop off during open hours! If you aren’t in the shopping mood this weekend, you can wait until the first weekend in September (9/5th-7th) for round 2.
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Also taking place tomorrow is the Chamber’s Legislative Action wrap-up Legislative Coffee. Join us at the Municipal Courtroom at the Police Department or watch us live on the Chamber’s Facebook to hear firsthand about how this session went, ask your burning questions, and gain insight directly from our local legislators.
Looking ahead to next Wednesday, the Ottawa Kansas Farmers Market will be hosting its first sale of the year at Legacy Square on May 7 from 4-6pm. I’m really looking forward to walking over each Wednesday and picking up some fresh, locally produced foods. I hope you make a note to stop by next Wednesday!
See you soon,
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
