Since Tuesday, this last part of May has been extra special—regardless of whether you’re here in Ottawa or halfway across the nation. If you’ve looked at a calendar recently and thought it looked interesting, you’re on to something! All dates, between May 20th and May 29th, have been palindromes (full example here). This means if you read it forward or backward, it reads the same way! Today being 5/23/25, and backwards being 52/32/5. This fact doesn’t change much... but now you can say you learned something today!
Thousands Visit Downtown Ottawa for a Day Full of Treasures
Last Saturday was a busy day in town, especially downtown at Legacy Square with Treasures in Ottawa taking place (pictures here). The Chamber’s Events and Promotions Committee organized nearly 70 vendors and their eclectic products throughout the space at S Walnut Street. You could find just about anything on display Saturday, from household items, decorations galore, food and drink, custom crafts, and more. Some of that “more” looked like doggy tutus, crocheted critters, and alligator jerky. There are no restrictions on what people are allowed to sell (as long as it is legal of course), which can be a lot of fun! We were also blessed to have the Lawrence-based fiddling group, the Sunflower Fiddlers, down for the majority of the day playing their tunes. All of this came together for a really neat experience for shoppers and vendors alike!
A good chunk of Treasures in Ottawa vendors are Franklin County natives, but there’s an even larger portion from beyond with representation in over a dozen cities throughout Kansas and Missouri. These location demographics rang true for shoppers too! There were over 22 different cities represented from those we surveyed, spanning 5 states. Easily a thousand-plus people descended on Ottawa’s downtown, with thousands of dollars spent on goodies at Legacy Square or elsewhere in our community.
This event is always a lot of fun and we look forward to considering the feedback we have received from vendors in their surveys to make it even bigger and better next year. If you have ideas on how to improve this annual event, let Sherri or I know! If you are interested in serving on a committee that plans this event and more, we’d love to get you plugged in.
Eggs and Issues: A Breakfast Conversation on the Future of Education
Our Legislative Action Committee has also been at work as they plan their annual event, Eggs and Issues (more info here). Taking place on July 31st from 8-9:30am at sponsors, AdventHealth Ottawa. They invite you to start your morning with purpose at our signature public policy breakfast, connecting local leaders, educators, and engaged citizens for an essential conversation about school funding & the future of education in Franklin County.
We’re honored to welcome Dr. Frank Harwood, Deputy Commissioner at the Kansas State Department of Education, as this year’s featured speaker. Dr. Harwood will provide insights into how evolving state and federal funding models are impacting education—and what it means for our local schools, workforce, and economic growth. Whether you're a parent, educator, business owner, or policymaker, this event offers a unique opportunity to better understand the financial backbone of our schools and participate in a meaningful dialogue about the future of education in our region. Tickets are just $12 and include a hot breakfast and a guided discussion (register here). Space is limited, so we encourage you to register early to reserve your seat while they last!
KanEquip’s Ottawa Expansion Fuels Growth in Jobs, Service, and Ag Support
If you’ve driven out toward the east side of town, you’ve probably noticed the lineup of red Case IH tractors out at KanEquip, located at 3313 Nebraska Terrace. This well-established agricultural and construction equipment dealership has been proudly serving Ottawa and the surrounding counties since 2018. Headquartered in Wamego, KanEquip started in 1967 in one location; they now operate 14 locations across Kansas and Nebraska, employing over 250 full-time staff across the region.
This morning, we had the pleasure of hosting our Chamber Coffee at the newly renovated KanEquip and hearing directly from Store Manager Randy Robinson (pictures here). He shared insights about their services and continued growth. Prior to the renovation, their shop was 11,000 square feet, and this addition brought them over 46,000+ square feet! The entirety of the original office now sits purely in just their parts section. The increase in space means more efficient support from staff and the ability to have more parts on hand to better supply clients’ needs. The addition to their location has also paved the way for new job opportunities, as their staff went from 16 to 24. It’s quite the sharp-looking addition inside and out. It also represents a real investment in our community!
Whether you're in the market for a new tractor, combine, swather, or just need reliable service and parts to keep your equipment running strong, KanEquip has you covered. Along with heavy farm equipment, they also carry mowers—everything from backyard lawns to commercial properties. They back it all up with a full-service department and a deep parts inventory. Their service, products, and commitment to Franklin County strengthen our agricultural roots and support the hardworking producers who keep this region thriving and our mouths fed. To learn more or explore equipment options, visit www.kanequip.com or contact the Ottawa location at (785) 242-1463.
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Happy Memorial Day weekend. Friendly reminder that the Chamber office will be closed this coming Monday in observance. Makayla and I will be running all over throughout the long weekend with several plans in order. Last weekend we visited my cousin’s family, including soon to be two years old Knox. He showed us how to throw sticks in a nearby stream and the fun of park slides (pictures here). This weekend should be equally as exciting! I’ll share more pictures next week of our adventures–see you soon,
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
