July 14th is a special day for my wife, Makayla, as she celebrates another year of life. It became even more meaningful this year, because our newest employee, JieJie, also shares the same birthday. Another reason to celebrate!
To start Makayla’s birthday weekend, her brother’s family spent the night here in town at our home (pictures here). This included him, his wife, and their four children aged between four and twelve. It was a proper sleepover—staying up late, playing games, and eating snacks. In the morning, we walked the trails together, stopping at the pocket parks along the way before ending at Kanza Park. We split ways long enough to change gears and head to Kansas City to meet with friends and watch Sporting KC play later that evening (picture here).
Panasonic Plant Opens in De Soto
Last September, we had the chance to welcome the Panasonic team to Ottawa University for a luncheon with community leaders. At that time, their massive electric vehicle battery plant in De Soto was still under construction. Still, we were given an early look at what is now known as the largest economic development project in Kansas' history. Their team explained how our region’s educated workforce, central location, and access to interstates made Kansas a natural choice for their newest U.S. factory. With Ottawa just 40 minutes away and Wellsville even closer, Panasonic's presence in town confirms that this large-scale development will also impact us here in Franklin County, too.
This week, that vision officially came to life (pictures here). On Monday, hundreds gathered in De Soto to celebrate the grand opening of Panasonic’s 4.7 million-square-foot EV battery plant. This high-profile event drew in everyone from Panasonic leadership and international dignitaries to Kansas lawmakers and major automakers, including Tesla, Lucid, and Toyota. The first production line is officially up and running, producing 50,000 battery cells per day—around 70 every second. Panasonic now employs roughly 1,100 people at the facility, with projections of 4,000 jobs once it reaches full capacity. With that many jobs on the horizon, there’s no question that some of these new employees will be looking for affordable housing, quality schools, and a strong sense of community. Ottawa and Franklin County’s local amenities, including great parks and trails, recreation, historic downtown, and local healthcare, will become part of the draw for workers seeking something just outside the bustle of the metro. Panasonic is also working to attract suppliers to locate nearby. If even a small portion chooses to locate in or near Franklin County, the long-term impact could be transformational.
It’s remarkable to think that less than a year ago, we were just getting introduced to the scale of this project. Now, it’s producing, employing, and putting Kansas on the map in the global EV market. We’re proud to have been part of the early conversation, and we look forward to seeing what comes next for our community and the entire region.
Rotary Exchange Brings Global Perspective
This week at Rotary, our speaker was Rafael, an international student from Brazil who has lived in Ottawa for nearly ten months. Having arrived at the end of the summer of 2024, Rafael has lived with two host families in our community while attending Ottawa High School. During that time, he has played for the OHS soccer and tennis teams, experienced an American prom, seen snow for the first time, celebrated the 4th of July, and made countless friends along the way. I was fortunate enough to spend a considerable amount of time with Rafael this past year. Beyond the few meals and video game sessions, we spent lots of time driving up to Lawrence following his soccer season, as he joined my adult league soccer team for several sessions.
His presentation to Rotarians on Tuesday reflected on how he has grown over the past year and the experiences he's gained along the way. It was apparent how much our community impacted him, as he promised to return someday to visit again. I can personally say that he has helped me grow through our shared experiences. He often talked about his culture, enriching our understanding, and was truly a pleasure to be around. At just sixteen, he possesses a wisdom that surpasses his years. Though it’s sad to say farewell, I believe Rafael has many promising years ahead of him in Brazil, or wherever life takes him (pictures here). It’s easy to overlook the powerful impact local organizations, like Rotary, have on our lives here in Ottawa. I appreciate what can be achieved when people unite for the greater good.
Join the Conversation on Education
The Chamber’s Legislative Action Committee met this week for its monthly meeting. The discussion focused on finalizing details for our upcoming Eggs and Issues breakfast and speaker event on July 31st. With more than half of the conference room at AdventHealth Ottawa already reserved, there’s still a chance to secure a ticket for yourself, your team, or others to this impactful event. Registration closes in less than a week, so don’t wait to sign up (link here). The event offers a delicious breakfast provided by our local hospital and the opportunity to hear from the Deputy Commissioner of the Kansas Department of Education. In a time when education is in flux at both the state and national levels, it’s more important than ever for an informed community to understand the significance of youth education. The Chamber hopes you can be part of that conversation!
Investment, Adventure, and Curb Appeal
This morning, we celebrated the fresh curb appeal of two of our Chamber businesses, Advanced Investments and Starr Travel Agency, whose recent exterior upgrades brought Chamber members together for another successful year at their downtown location (pictures here). New signage, beautifully restored windows, and detailed masonry work have given their façade a major facelift, matching the fresh energy and expertise these businesses bring to downtown Ottawa (before and after here).
Joe Randall with Advanced Investments shared that this journey to an ample-sized brick-and-mortar location wasn’t something that happened naturally, but rather took goal setting that can be traced back to 2019. The inclusion of this signage is another milestone that represents more than just a means of advertising, but a reminder of how far they’ve come as a business. Joe, Jarred, and Landon support hundreds of clients and their financial needs. Along with helping individuals and families, they also support small businesses with 401 (k) retirement plans, business succession, and other employee benefits planning.
Kristin Randall from Starr Travel shared how her travel agency business has grown over the past few years. As she expands her portfolio, her versatility in offering more diverse travel planning options has also expanded (one of her big trips coming up here). Whether you want to take a cruise, travel internationally, or just find a means of transportation and a deal on a hotel here in the States, she has you covered! She mentioned three of the most helpful parts of using an agent as a traveler: you will almost always save money (like 99% of the time), it won’t cost you anything to use her services, and you now have a safety net when anything goes wrong because she is just a phone call away—no matter what country you’re in.
We’re so proud of the work these two businesses have poured into 120 W 2nd Street, not only creating thriving businesses but also enhancing the charm and functionality of our downtown. Stop by, check out the updates, and say hello—you might leave with a helpful financial tip or a dream vacation on the calendar!
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This week is a big one for 4-H students and our local K-State Research and Extension office as the annual county fair is underway. With a couple of days left to get your fill of funnel cakes, livestock, and entertainment, stop by the fairgrounds for lots of outdoor fun (calendar of events here). Even with a midweek storm and a bit of muddy terrain, that hasn’t stopped everyone from enjoying the summer evenings. I stopped by yesterday to snag myself a Kansas Livestock Association brisket sandwich on my way home (perfect way to end a Thursday). Take care and talk to you soon!
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
