Making the Most of the Long Weekend
The long weekend gave Makayla and me a lot of opportunity to spend time with friends and family. We visited the Overland Park Farmers Market with some college friends, scooted over to a baby shower in Topeka, attended a Sporting KC game with my parents, and ended back up in Topeka for a pool day with Makayla’s family (pictures here). Monday, we stuck around the house and knocked out a couple of house projects. I had planned to accomplish a little more around the house, but as any good project does, a one-hour job quickly turns into a three-hour job. All in all, a fantastic three days!
The Search Is On for the Next LFC Class
Last week, the Leadership Franklin County Board of Trustees gathered for our annual board retreat. This five-hour-long session gives us a chance to think through current processes, regroup, and dream big. This year, as in any year, we made some tweaks and additions. We also thought through how to increase efficiency and get the most bang for our buck. I’m happy to announce that we've finalized our dates and have our application open for the class of 2026/27 (view it here). All this information and more can be found on the Chamber’s website under “Leadership Franklin County” (direct link here)
The tricky part every year around this time is getting the word out to all potential applicants. Given our timelines, we have about a month to get this out. Although we have a dozen board members, we still struggle to reach everyone before the application deadline. I challenge those reading this to please share our social media posts (view that page here), talk to people at your place of employment, and encourage others to do the same! The impact of this program on participants is profound, and I’d hate to miss that perfect candidate. Thanks in advance for helping spread the word and making this year’s program the best yet!
Help Put Franklin County on the Statewide Stage
The Kansas Department of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the annual "To The Stars: Kansas Business Awards". This is a statewide program recognizing outstanding businesses and organizations that are making a difference in their communities and industries across Kansas. Categories include agribusiness, retail/service, manufacturing, innovation, nonprofit/healthcare, young entrepreneurs, workforce development, and more. Nominations typically include basic business information, background on the organization, examples of impact and success, and supporting details that help tell the story of why the business deserves recognition. And the nomination deadline is right around the corner on June 15!
While the program has honored Kansas businesses for more than 30 years, it was rebranded as “To The Stars” in 2022. Since that time, Franklin County has yet to bring home a statewide winner. I know we have incredible businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community-minded organizations right here in Franklin County that deserve statewide recognition, and I challenge you to nominate them! Whether it’s a long-standing employer, a fast-growing startup, an innovative manufacturer, or a business making a difference in our community, this is a great opportunity to showcase the strength of Franklin County on a statewide stage. Learn more and submit nominations through the Kansas Department of Commerce website here (click here for more info).
A Busy Week Ahead for Chamber Events
Next week is shaping up to be a busy one! We have our Multi-Chamber After Hours set for Tuesday at 5:30 at KC Watersports in Miami County, a Chamber Coffee on Friday morning at the Collective Heart downtown, and Saturday is going to be the perfect day to shop throughout town as Treasures in Ottawa will be taking place from 9am-3pm at Legacy Square (more info here). The Chamber is excited to host over 70 businesses! You can expect to see all sorts of things for sale, including décor, custom-made goodies, food, apparel, soaps, knick-knacks, and really everything in between. Those collecting pins through the Adventures in Ottawa Lanyard/Pin program can pick up their custom pin and, at the same time, enter a raffle for some amazing prizes (including a TV and Yeti cooler!). You won’t want to miss out on all the fun.
Baby Miller Is on the Way!
Tomorrow morning, Makayla and I invite those who can join us for our Ottawa baby shower (more info here). It’s crazy to think that we’ll meet baby Miller in just a couple of months (as long as everything goes according to plan). We’re so thankful for the outpouring of support we’ve received over the years in Ottawa, and hope that tomorrow morning will be a chance to celebrate this next stage of life together as a community. It is set up as a come-and-go for those who don’t want to stay long, with the gender announcement scheduled for around 11:15am. Come for a bit, or come for the full two hours–we’ll be there! Nothing crazy, just a chance to see Makayla’s baby bump and eat some mini pancakes! Hope to see you tomorrow,
Ryland Miller
President/CEO
Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce
ryland@ottawakansas.org
785-242-1000
