Looking Ahead to the 2026 Legislative Session
Last Saturday, local legislators and engaged citizens came together for our Legislative Action's first Legislative Coffee of the year. We were able to hear from Senator Rick Kloos, Representative Rebecca Schmoe, and Representative Courtney Sappington on topics ranging from property taxes to the Chiefs' move to Kansas (photos here). If you would like to watch this hour-long event, you can view the recording on the Chamber’s Facebook page (view that recording here). The conversation took a look at the past nine months and how our local legislators prepared for the upcoming session. They also looked ahead and shared what they are looking forward to working on over the next 90 days. If this year is similar to 2025, we’ll be in for a quick spring session. If you want to engage with your state legislators, join us on the third Saturday of each month to ask questions and hear reports of what is happening in the Capitol (more info here).
Maintaining Momentum: The Chamber Assumes E-Community Sponsorship
For over three years, our community has held a partnership with the statewide organization, Network Kansas. Since its inception 20 years ago, its mission has been to “empower entrepreneurs through partner networks by offering essential financial resources, valuable relationships, expert knowledge, and experience.” Those partner networks, as described in their mission statements, are referred to as E-Communities. There are dozens of E-Communities across the state, and Franklin County has leveraged that partnership since 2022. This effort has been led by the Franklin County Development Council (FCDC) and has positively impacted nearly a dozen businesses, providing over $500,000 in loan funding for start-up costs and expansions. In addition to serving as a pass-through for gap financing, this group has helped plan the local Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) for two years running.
I have been blessed to serve on this committee since FCDC became a Network Kansas partner in 2022. I can confidently say that this partnership has supported the economic vitality of Ottawa and Franklin County. When FCDC announced in December that it would step down from this sponsorship role, the Chamber knew how important it was to ensure we maintain our E-Community status. Through conversations with FCDC, the City of Ottawa, and Network Kansas, it was determined that the program aligns with the work that the Chamber has already been doing. My representation on this committee lends me the knowledge of the program, and the fact that we serve the Ottawa area, which encompasses the entire county, were all signs that pointed to the fact that we would be a good fit to take on this sponsorship moving forward. Over the last three weeks, the Chamber has worked with Network Kansas to file all the necessary paperwork to make this change, ensuring there is no delay in local programming.
The goal for the Chamber throughout this transition is simple: continue to build on the last three years of success and ensure Franklin County businesses have access to support through gap financing, technical assistance, and programming. Along with helping existing or startup businesses, we also want to see the momentum around the YEC event continue to build. This program will take place on Ottawa University’s campus, the morning of February 26. We currently have over half a dozen teams signed up to compete and would love your support of these young entrepreneurs. One way to help is to show up on campus on the 26th to interact with their booths and encourage them in their efforts. If you’d like to go one step further, we are still looking for judges to help evaluate participants and could use you in this role, too. Reach out to me if you're interested, and I can share info and get you plugged in. Or, if you have any questions about our local E-Community or this transition, shoot me an email, and I’d love to connect.
New Year, New Space: ORC Enhances Indoor Fitness Offerings
This morning’s Chamber Ribbon Cutting was hosted by the Ottawa Recreation Commission (pictures here). For those unfamiliar with the ORC, they are located in the Goppert Building off W 15th Street, which serves as their administrative hub and main activity center for their many indoor programs. On the first floor of the Goppert Building, you’ll find its expansive gymnasium, as well as its multipurpose room. Head upstairs, and you’ll now find its state-of-the-art gym equipment housed next to its indoor track. Though there have always been weight-lifting and cardio machines on the second floor, it has been 10-12 years since many of them were installed. Along with some of this equipment aging, some were underutilized or missing key elements that would really complete the space. Over the course of three weeks in December, this area has been completely remodeled. This included replacing equipment and even bringing in some new pieces, with the highlight being their new free weights section. Because they added free weights, they also installed new rubber floors throughout the space that support safety and the overall aesthetic.
Though it took three weeks to install this new area, the planning process started over a year ago. The ORC staff had a vision of what the weight and cardio space could be, and the board came alongside them and supported that dream. This process started by understanding the needs of patrons and the community as a whole. Surveys helped identify gaps and areas for improvement. The ORC took those and implemented them in a stunning fashion (pictures here)! You’ll want to stop by to see it all for yourself―maybe even get yourself a workout in.
The overall goal of these additions is to help our community become a healthier one. Weights and machines are the tools to help make progress, but for those wanting a bigger picture and individualized support, the ORC has you covered there too! Starting this month, Natalie Barraclough will offer personalized training to those interested in taking the next step in their health journey (more info here). Natalie was able to share with the crowd this morning, and this partnership with the ORC was not random; it was a plan that required a bit of foresight. Natalie started as the Silver Sneakers instructor a couple of years ago. While enjoying this role, conversations with Amy Carlson on staff led to an opportunity for professional growth, and Natalie began working toward becoming a personal trainer. At the end of 2025, she received that title and is now licensed to work one-on-one with our community members, while continuing to serve as a Silver Sneakers coordinator. It’s always great to see organizations take professional development seriously, as it can blossom into pretty incredible opportunities. Way to go, Natalie and the ORC!
Senator Roger Marshall Shares Kind Words During Ottawa Visit
We had a surprise guest at this morning’s Chamber Ribbon Cutting, as Senator Roger Marshall made a visit to Ottawa on this chilly January morning (picture here). It’s not every day you get to meet directly with a congressional senator, so all those in attendance were excited to have a chance to connect and learn what’s going on in DC. The ORC was kind enough to give him a chance to speak during the program, and Roger shared that he’s seen many recreation commissions in his time, but Ottawa’s is the best he’s ever seen! Kind words and a big compliment from our congressional senator. He mentioned that his time in town would be brief, as he hopes to make it home prior to the incoming storm. He also mentioned that, depending on how bad it is tomorrow, he’ll try to sneak in some duck hunting in the morning. I’m glad he could pay us a visit, and we wish for safe travels over the course of this weekend.
Bidding Opens Soon for the Chamber’s Virtual Auction
Our virtual auction is receiving its final touches, but the link is live! You can check that out here (click here for the auction link). When you visit, you’ll find 60+ items all donated by our incredibly generous members. Technology items like a TV, a laptop, and audio glasses are up for grabs. Baskets include adult beverages, yummy snacks, and cute décor. Cakes, blankets, experiences, and so much more can be found on this year’s virtual auction. Now we just need you, the bidder! You can start to stake your claim on Tuesday, January 27th at 8am. Bidding closes on February 2nd at 8pm. For every item donated and every bid placed, our organization and the prosperity of our community are supported. Thank you in advance for your support!
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Here is the most recent report that Thomas Winter, our Director of Franklin County Emergency Management, has shared (view that here). Outside of extremely cold temperatures, he said we’re expected to receive approximately 7 inches of snow over the weekend. Stay safe and take the necessary precautions before leaving the house. You can find the Ottawa Police Department’s post on what items you should store in your car if you do plan to brace the cold (view that here). I look forward to seeing you soon on the other side of this winter storm! Take care,
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
