Memories At MAKO
For the first half of this week, Ryland and I joined over 200 Chamber professionals from Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma at our regional Chamber conference, MAKO. This premier event brings together communities of all shapes and sizes, offering a valuable opportunity to learn, share ideas, and grow together. This year marked Ryland’s fifth year attending. He currently serves on both the MAKO regional board and our state organization board, CCEKS. The MAKO board includes 16 members representing all four states, and it’s truly an honor for our community to have a seat at that table.
This was my first time attending MAKO, and it was an incredibly memorable experience. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to connect with fellow Chamber professionals from across the region and build relationships that will last well beyond the conference!! (Pictures here)
I returned feeling refreshed and inspired, with exciting new ideas I’m eager to bring back to our community. Many questions were asked throughout the week, but one question that especially stuck with me was: “What’s the story you want to tell about your community?” It prompted me to reflect on what makes our community unique. Some might point to our location outside the metro or the charm of the classic midwestern goodbye. But after thinking it through, I believe the true story lies in the heart of our community, its people. Time and again, I’ve seen how we celebrate each other’s successes and show up for one another during the storms. That sense of connection and support is something truly special, and it’s a story I want to tell in the best way I can.
If you have a personal story or testimony about how this community has impacted you, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to reach out to me at jiejie@ottawakansas.org
JOIN OTTAWA AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Because Ryland is away, I get to shamelessly self promote a group that is very near and dear to my heart, Ottawa Area Young Professionals (OAYP)!! The mission of the Ottawa Area Young Professionals is to foster the personal and professional well-being of young professionals in our community by promoting social opportunities, community involvement, and educational opportunities through Lunch & Learns.
(See Pictures Here)
OAYP wants to serve as a connection piece for professionals to meet one another and create meaningful relationships outside of the workplace. If you or somebody you know think OAYP would be a great fit for you, I would love to chat!! Please feel free to shoot me an email or call me at 785-242-1000! If you and some friends have nothing going on next Friday the 8th, I hope to see you at Fusion Alley as OAYP takes on Bowling! (SIGN UP HERE) Did I mention, it's free?!
We are dedicated to providing opportunities for our OAYP's at an affordable rate! Beginning in June, for just $25 a year, you can individually represent yourself or for $40 be sponsored by your employer! Are you an employer looking to further support your employee or our programs? Become an annual sponsor (see sponsorship menu), host a Lunch and Learn, or reach out to us if you have other ideas for collaboration! We would love to connect!
The Plaza 1907 Wears Prada 2
Yesterday, I was invited to a pre-screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2 at The Plaza 1907, a Guinness World Record holder as the “ World’s Oldest Purpose-Built Cinema in Operation”. This movie theater is a historic gem in our community and has been entertaining generations! I was so lucky to meet up with friends and enjoy an evening thanks to Betty Birzer, Mykenna Hadl, and The Plaza 1907! (See Picture Here)
Officially showing films in 1907, (and what used to be known as “Bijou” and “Crystal”) The Plaza 1907 has survived changing technologies, the rise of new buildings, and nearly every shift in cinematic trends. Back in the day, it was specifically designed for showing films at a time when most movies were screened in adapted spaces such as opera houses or town halls. Over the years, Plaza 1907 has preserved much of its original architecture, providing a tangible link to early 20th-century culture. It was common for Cinemas to burn down or halt operation due to the highly flammable movie film. However, The Plaza’s projector room is all concrete, being a significant reason for the theater’s minimal fires.
What used to be one giant room is now 2, showing films on Friday and Saturday evenings, with a Sunday Matinee. Beyond movies, Plaza 1907 serves as a cultural hub for Ottawa. Special screenings such as Classic Movie Monday, school trips, and events bring the community together. Take a tour of their historic museum, celebrating both the rich history of the theater and cinematic milestones. The Plaza is also open to rentals and can be used for retirement parties, birthday parties, and any event for intimate crowds.
To learn more, visit Plaza1907.com or email info@plaza1907.com. Located at 209 S. Main St, Ottawa. To find out what movies are showing, call 785-242-0777.
ECKAN Celebrates Their 60th Anniversary!
This morning’s Chamber Coffee was a sea of blue as we were joined by the incredible team from ECKAN (East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation)! ECKAN, a nonprofit Community Action Agency, has played a vital role in supporting low-income families across Kansas for decades. May is especially meaningful as it marks both Community Action Month and ECKAN’s 60th Anniversary, an incredible milestone worth celebrating! (Pictures Here)
CEO Crystal Anderson shared a powerful look back at ECKAN’s history. What began in the 1960s as a group of local neighbors committed to helping local poverty through advocacy, community gardens, and local programs, quickly grew with legislation providing a $20,000 grant. That investment allowed ECKAN to expand into six counties with a 43-member board, making it one of the original community action agencies. For that time, it was a big deal!
Fast forward to today, and ECKAN’s impact has grown tremendously. Now serving 16 counties with an annual budget of $14 million and a team of 100 employees, the organization continues to be a cornerstone of community action in our state. Their programs include Early Head Start and Head Start, Weatherization (services to improve home safety and energy efficiency), Food Distribution, Community Services, and Housing Support. They also helped pioneer Meals on Wheels and currently provide 250 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) while owning 53 housing units to assist families in need. Best of all, these services are offered at no cost to those who qualify. If you or someone you know could benefit, reach out to ECKAN at 785-242-7450.
None of this would be possible without the dedication of ECKAN’s employees and volunteers, who truly embody “heart work,” not just hard work. A special shoutout to Richard Jackson, former CEO who dedicated 50 years to ECKAN’s mission. Both Richard and Crystal exemplify servant leadership and continue to inspire our community every day.
In spirit of their 60th, ECKAN is running a $60 for 60 drive where they are requesting your help! To further support their programs, please consider donating $60 in honor of their 60th anniversary by scanning the QR code HERE.
It's Been Fun / Go Shop City-Wide!
Thank you kindly for letting me fill you in on just a few great things going on in our community! It has been such a fun week and is about to get even more fun this weekend with the Ottawa City-Wide Garage Sale!! I will be shopping until I'll be dropping this weekend and I hope you all will be too! Unless that's not your thing, than I hope you just have a great weekend! :) JieJie, over and out!
JieJie Matthias
Community Liaison
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
jiejie@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
