A Ladies Night Out to Remember
The Chamber’s Events and Promotions Committee did not disappoint last Friday as they hosted the 20th Annual Ladies Night Out (pictures here). This highly anticipated event had added pressure, given the milestone year, but I couldn’t be more proud of our staff and volunteers who made it a truly special day in Ottawa. We had over 40 businesses open their doors (or set up a booth for those at Legacy Square), and well over 400 ladies participated! This diverse group of participants spans from teenagers to seniors, locals to visitors, first-timers to LNO veterans, and everything in between. However, one of the things we hear time and time again is, “I didn’t realize that store existed in town” or “I’ve never been to that one store before.” Our hope is that this is a fun evening, but more importantly, that our local businesses can attract loyal customers and repeat shoppers!
It was great fun seeing ladies lean into the theme of denim and diamonds, with several groups arriving in studded tiaras or matching mother-daughter overalls. Though it wasn’t a requirement by any means to dress the part, we made sure everyone who checked in walked away with some bling (our committee showing off their diamonds). We also had a great response to this year’s t-shirt, which acts as a fun way to engage participants and as a fundraiser for the Chamber. Along with selling shirts, we also help raise funds through the 400+ bags we handed out. On each side of these shopping totes, there are over a dozen businesses represented here in town (check them out here). Between these sponsors, participating companies, and t-shirt sales, the Chamber can help support our dedicated staff in organizing, planning, and executing events of this magnitude. With this being said, our staff of three would not be able to make this event, and others, happen without the help of our committees (view these awesome ladies here). After every major event, it’s easy to feel wiped out, but when you have days like last Friday, that tiredness is mixed with the joy of a job well done. Thanks to all who made the 20th anniversary one for the history books!
Kicking Off Ideas About the World Cup
This week, Tiffany Evans and I made our way up to the Kansas City Public Library, where KC2026 was hosting a World Cup conversation around communities planning events throughout the metro (picture here). This fast-paced discussion featured eight different communities in under an hour. Each community shared what they’ve been planning for the summer of 2026. Some of these communities have been at work for nearly two years now, with the goal of engaging with as many fans, local or visitors, as possible. Almost all the programs discussed involved collaboration with multiple entities to bring their ideas to reality. Some ideas centered on joint community marketing efforts, pickup soccer games, food passports, watch parties, and often the expansion of existing programs.
A common theme among communities was their effort to make the summer of 2026 a catalyst for future years to come. The World Cup will come and go, but the momentum gained from an opportunity like this can carry on long after the final match is played. If you plan to have programming take place next summer, please let me know! The plan is to form a Franklin County planning session amongst event organizers in the near future. Though Franklin County isn’t butted directly against the metro, we have been regularly informed that there will be increased traffic in our community. Let’s make sure those visitors stop to spend some money and have some fun while they’re here!
When Washington Pauses
The federal government entered a shutdown this week after lawmakers were unable to agree on a funding bill. While shutdowns have happened before, each one looks a little different in terms of duration and impact. How long will this one last? What services or programs might be disrupted? And what does it mean for the people and businesses who rely on them? These are the questions many are watching as the situation unfolds. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has released a memo discussing this topic, including some of the history of federal shutdowns (view it here).
Celebrating 160 Years: OU Looks Back at Its Roots with the Ottawa Tribe
My freshman year at Ottawa University was a special year for the school, as it marked its 150th anniversary. Now, a decade later, this milestone continues to grow! To celebrate the 160th anniversary, Chancellor Tsutsui wanted to do more than throw a party with a bunch of swag that had "160" plastered on it. Instead, he aimed to spread understanding of how and why this school was created and how it continues to benefit the lives of those who attend, work there, and live in our community. This was accomplished by hosting a virtual educational event yesterday, during which two expert speakers discussed this exact topic. To lead the conversation, we had John Mark Lambertson and David Dry, who shared their extensive knowledge of Jotham Meeker and the Ottawa tribe.
John Mark, the son of OU grads and part of five generations of graduates and trustees, painted a picture of what life looked like in the mid-1800s. Relations between white settlers and Native peoples were marked by weariness, disdain, grievances, and broken treaties that stretched back centuries. Into this world stepped Jotham Meeker, a Baptist missionary and orthographer who felt called to reach the Ottawas. This was taken with the utmost seriousness, as he dedicated his entire life to this mission, acting as their teacher, doctor, farmer, interpreter, and honestly, about a dozen other roles rolled into one. Although he was determined to build relationships, not just provide services. It was shared that it took him about four years to truly settle in with the Ottawas. In an era when trust between the tribe and white men was scarce, this was a remarkable achievement. This accomplishment allowed Jotham to act as an advocate for the tribe, not just to other settlers, but also to the federal government. One of Meeker’s most notable roles was as an educator. Thanks to his experience with printing and orthography, he helped the Ottawas learn to read and write in their own language, producing thousands of pages for children and adults. His goal was that this teaching would go one step further and become an institution that would serve the tribe for generations to come.
Following John Mark Lambertson, David Dry spoke on behalf of what came after Jotham Meeker’s passing, which ultimately showcases the fruits of his labor. David Dry, an OU graduate, Ottawa tribal member, and descendant of Joseph Badger King (a founding board member), brought forward the story of the Treaty of 1862 that established the foundation for Ottawa University. This treaty between the Ottawa Tribe and the Baptist mission included an agreement to allocate land for the construction of an educational institution and ensured that Ottawas could attend the school free of charge. David explained that this treaty was not just about founding Ottawa University as a place of learning, but also about preventing the Ottawa tribe from dissolving. There was intense pressure from the federal government for tribes to assimilate as U.S. citizens. The creation of Ottawa University provided a stable way for the tribe to be represented on the board, helping to keep this history alive. Despite loss, forced relocation, and the federal government’s efforts to dissolve tribes nationwide, this treaty has held firm. Today, it remains one of the very few tribal agreements fully honored in its entirety.
The stories shared reminded us that Ottawa University was born out of partnership, sacrifice, and resilience. As we celebrate 160 years, it’s worth remembering that we stand on the shoulders of those who believed education could be both a bridge and a bond. I’m grateful that this history has not been forgotten, and historians like John and David shed light on these stories. They concluded the conversation by offering two ways to learn more about this topic. John Lambertson is in the process of finishing a book about Jotham Meeker and the Ottawa Tribe, a project that has taken nearly forty years to complete. When published, it will be a valuable addition to your must-read list. David mentioned that he will be teaching a course at OU this spring focused on OU’s history. His plan includes inviting members of the tribe to reinforce this message and provide a unique perspective in exploring this material. This 200-level course will be available online over an eight-week period. It’s an ideal opportunity to dive into this content as the university marks 160 years!
Welcoming Rev. Joy Martinez-Marshall at First Baptist
After yesterday's history lesson about Ottawa University’s beginnings and its 160th anniversary, it was incredibly fitting to host this morning’s Chamber Coffee at the First Baptist Church of Ottawa―there wouldn’t be an OU without the work from Baptist missionaries! But this morning’s Coffee had less to do with that relationship and a lot to do with introducing their new pastor, Reverand Joy Martinez-Marshall (pictures here). Joy is originally from Texas (Dallas area), but had most recently served for several years in Lincoln, Nebraska. She shared that moving to Ottawa has been a transition from more metropolitan living, specifically noting that rural living has introduced her to a greater variety of bugs… But that hasn’t stopped her congregation from giving her a warm welcome! First Baptist has existing programs and partnerships that Joy has been able to jump right into, taking no time to get to work on creating a congregation where anyone can feel welcome. Along with many of these faith-based ministries, she also made it a point to join the Chamber, allowing the church to play a role in the business community―which we are overjoyed to see.
By looking at the church, it’s not hard to tell that there is an immense history associated with the organization. This historic structure was built in two phases: the west chunk in 1886 and the east portion in 1896. It was shared that the east half, where the beautiful sanctuary and bell tower sit, cost the congregation $20,000. Through the entire building, you can admire the magnificent stained glass in almost every window (photos here). It was reported that all the stained glass for this project cost a whopping $700. Even though inflation elevates that figure substantially, it would still be unrealistic to pay the cost to fix just one of these small windows, let alone all of them, for this same amount of money today. However, before this building existed at 410 S Hickory, they were located at 417 S Main Street (the property where Advantage Electric is currently situated). Original gatherings of the church date back to 1864, over 160 years ago! It was shared that the First Baptist Church in Ottawa was not actually the first, because the original was located where the historic Ottawa Indian Mission & Burying Ground is, just outside of town. Again, so much synergy between the Baptists, the Ottawas, the city, and Ottawa University.
This church structure is a perfect example of the importance of building preservation. How sad would it be to no longer have a gem like this situated in our community? I’m thankful that the First Baptist Church has faithfully cared for this building, as well as our citizens, through the embodiment of Christ’s mission. I look forward to seeing Joy and the church leadership continue to move this organization forward for years to come!
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JieJie and I have been holding down the fort here in town this past week as Sherri, her husband Dan, and 72 other travelers have now spent a week on their journey to Austria, Germany, and Italy! This annual Chamber trip had an amazing itinerary. I’m looking forward to hearing stories upon their return! In the meantime, here are some pictures Sherri sent over of their journey so far (view those here). If I’m following their schedule correctly, today and tomorrow, the group should be touring the town of Innsbruck. A quick Google shows what they are probably taking in as we speak (photos of Innsbruck here).
For all of us who are not in Austria… I hope that you still have a great weekend!
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
