Next Generation Networking
At this week’s Rotary meeting, Ottawa Area Young Professionals were the guest speakers. JieJie from our office and Bryce Sommer from OakStar Bank shared what this group of young leaders had planned for this program (photo here). A program with a history of success, but also one that has taken a significant gap since regular events or communication. Now, with a committee of planners and real momentum, they are eager to get the word out that Young Professionals is back!
Along with sharing their goals, foundational pillars, and membership structure, they highlighted their soon approaching kickoff event. On March 12 (this upcoming Thursday), the OAYP will be hosting Speed Networking at the new library location on Walnut Street (204 S Walnut Street). This will entail some facilitated networking, snacks, drinks (including the alcoholic variety), and a good time (more info here). If you or someone you know is interested in OAYP, this is the best event to check out. There’s no cost to attend, and the more the merrier—so bring a friend! (link here to get plugged in)
If you would like JieJie and Bryce to come and talk to your civic club, business, or organization, let them know and they’ll gladly find a time to connect with your members, employees, or volunteers!
Celebrating 45 Years of Walmart in Ottawa
We celebrated 45 years of Walmart in Ottawa with our local store and its staff this week (pictures here). 45 years ago, Ottawa became home to the 382nd Walmart location in the nation. Over those years, countless items have been purchased by our community and travelers who have stopped in our town. A massive sales tax contributor and community amenity. A brand that everyone would recognize, and gives any small town the status of “not too small,” as you can hear people say, “Well, we do have a Walmart!” Whether we say it out loud or not, having a Walmart in our community is a big deal, and one we often take for granted.
Tuesday morning, we heard from John Rand, Store Manager, who shared a bit of his own story, where our Walmart is headed, and why he chooses to work at the Ottawa Walmart. John has worked for Walmart for over 20 years, and about eight years ago, he was assigned to Ottawa after managing several stores in the KC metro. He was told that he would only be down in Ottawa for around a year or so, then he would be reassigned back up north. John shared that it wasn’t long after starting that one-year tenure that he realized he was right where he was supposed to be. He let his corporate supervisor know that he would like to permanently be in Ottawa—and the rest is history. Since then, our store has regularly received awards for being one of the highest-volume stores in our region. A testament to John’s leadership and the culture that has been created.
Our Walmart is home to over 280 employees on the store side, not including anyone over at the Distribution Center. Walmart's national brand has not prevented our local store from being a hometown operation. John shared that he participates in regular listening sessions with other GMs to voice changes he takes in from customers and his employees. That culture I referred to earlier is on full display when you look at the lengths that so many of our local employees have served here in Ottawa, with many employed for well over 5 years. They even start their mornings with what they call the Walmart Cheer, which they showed off at the end of the Coffee Tuesday. It’s obvious that there is a shared sense of responsibility and drive that pushes this group onward.
Though many know Walmart for its shopping, whether that be for groceries, clothes, electronics or health care products, they also have a philanthropic arm that is in full effect. At the Coffee, the Ottawa Library and Prairie Paws Animal Shelter were both presented with large checks for $1,000 each (photos here). These funds went towards the annual Literature Festival and the Mobile Spay and Neuter Clinic, respectively. Walmart employees encouraged those in attendance to take a look at their foundation, Spark Good. An online portal allows nonprofits to apply for cash and in-kind goods that support people right here in Franklin County (more info here). Along with donations, they also have a Spark Good program that mobilizes their employees to serve as a volunteer cohort. If you have a big project you’d like Walmart to play a part in, check out their website to learn how to get signed up and supported. Congrats to 45 years, Walmart!
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This week, I had some help writing my newsletter (picture here). It’s been a blast having Gnocchi in our home for the last half a year. She has really settled in and is part of the family! You can check out her new haircut here (photo here). Have a good week!
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
