Author: Osage City Chamber

Meeting Minutes – Osage City Chamber of Commerce – November 17, 2015

Flint Hills Beverage Hospitality Conference Room

In Attendance: Ann Lusk, Lusk Properties;  Dave Azwell, Kiwanis Club; Tara Azwell, Osage City Area Arts Council;  Dee Robert, retired; Wayne White, Osage County News;  Jodi Stark, State Farm;  Robyn Williams, Edward Jones Investments; Joe Hummerickhouse, H&H Appraisals;  Thelma Hummerickhouse, H&H Appraisals; Jeremy Gaston, Osage County Herald Chronicle; Jan Ogleby, Osage County Herald Chronicle; Jeanette Stromgren, Osage City Public Library ;  Jennifer Hudson, Osage Nursing Center;   Kenna Burns, ECKAN;  Barb Thompson, Artfully Quilted; Nancy Durbin, Osage County Economic Development; Rod Willis, Osage City- City Manager;  Corey Linton, Osage City- Parks & Recreation; Jodi Smith, Vintage Park; Jennifer Tillman, J’Adore Salon & Spa;

Officers/Director present:   Chandra Dunbar, Acting President; Cindy Wymore, Secretary; Mike Telhorst, Treasurer; Jeannette Swarts, Executive Director.

Lunch by Jerry’s Thriftway.  Lunches are ordered from food businesses who are Chamber Members.

Meeting opened at 12:05 p.m. by Chandra Dunbar.

A motion was made by Jodi Stark and seconded by Mike Telhorst  to approve the October meeting minutes.  Motion passed unanimously.  (It was noted that the minutes will be available soon  online on the Chamber website www.osagecitychamber.com.)

A motion was made by Cindy Wymore and seconded by Jan Ogleby to approve the Treasurers Report.  Motion passed unanimously.

Unfinished Business:

Chandra updated the members on the Christmas Opener:

• All the flyers have been printed and are now being distributed.  Just a reminder to nominate your “hometown hero” via the chamber website or online at http://tinyurl.com/occhometownhero.  You may also use a paper nomination form with the following businesses:  Ramblin Rose, Artfully Quilted by Barb, Harmon Dental, and the Osage City Public Library.
• A full schedule of events will be in the local paper this week.  We also have Business “coupons” coming out that can be used throughout the holiday season.
• Jodi Stark mentioned she is putting together a  goodie bag for the 5K Event.  If you have any items you would like to donate, please contact Jodi on 528-5141.
• RCIL, in cooperation with Schroeder Drugs, will be raffling off a “power lift” chair which retails for over $800.00 dollars.
• Ann Lusk mentioned that  the “Friends of the Library” need more people to participate in the Table setting & Christmas Collection Event which will be displayed at the Senior Center .  If you are interested, please contact Ann on 528-4220.

Jeannette Swarts announced that the Chamber of Commerce Banquet will be held on January 9^th between 6 – 8p.m. at the Santa Fe Depot.  It will be more of an “after hours” mixer with hors d’oeuvres and drinks provided.  We hope to encourage existing members to invite potential new members as this will kick off our membership drive for the upcoming year.  Current members can pay their yearly dues  at that time which will remain the same for 2016.  We will be offering a “first-time” member incentive as well.  More information will be provided at the December meeting.

Chandra stated that Casey Mussatto and Joe Hummerickhouse will remain on the Nominating Committee.  While the current committee chairs have expressed an interest in staying on for 2016, we will need volunteers to help along the way.  Some of the existing committees are: Website, Concession, Fair Parade,  Christmas on Market, Kansas Sampler, Beerfest, and Garage Sales.  Please consider helping with one of these events next year.

Under Member Announcements:

• Ribbon Cuttings for Grandma’s Attic (14 Market ) and J’Adore Salon & Spa (631 Market) are scheduled following the meeting. Jennifer Tillman said that her salon will be open for business starting tomorrow November 18th.  Jennifer will be providing hair styling, manicures/pedicures, and massages.
• Jan Ogleby recommended that we update our membership list. Mike Telhorst said he has that available now.
• Jodi Smith, Vintage Park, announced that the Kansas Foundation for Medical Care will be providing a 6 week diabetic seminar for those interested in attending. It is free to the public and an “orientation” will be held on December 8^th at 1p.m.  The program will continue through the holidays with the exception of Christmas week.  Please contact Jodi on 528-5095 if you have any questions.
• Kenna Burns, ECKAN, announced that ECAT, RCIL, ECKAN, and Help House are combining their efforts to better assist the community. They are looking for people that might need assistance with raking leaves, home winterizations, etc.  They also are asking for volunteers to help with this effort.  If you know of someone who could use some assistance or would like to volunteer your time, you may contact any of the participating organizations.
• Nancy Durbin, Osage County Economic Development (OCED), stated that they have received a Federal grant for home rehabilitation. OCED is located at the Osage County Senior Center in Osage City.  Documents must be provided and while there is no age restriction, there is a yearly income limitation of $53,000.00 dollars.  Homeowners interested in this program should contact Nancy.
• Dave Azwell announced that Nick Stoppel will be performing in Osage City on January 16^th, 2016 with the time and location to be determined.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully,

CINDY WYMORE, Secretary

NEXT MEETING:  Tuesday, December 15, 2015

2015 Christmas on Market

“Christmas with our Hometown Heroes”

Saturday, November 28, 2015

The Osage City Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce our annual Christmas on Market event will be held this year on Saturday, November 28, 2015. A complete schedule of events can be found at www.osagecitychamber.com or by liking our page “Osage City Christmas on Market” on Facebook.

We encourage you to spend your Saturday supporting our local merchants.

For any questions concerning Christmas on Market please contact Chandra Dunbar at 785-219-1566.

We are excited this year to announce that several businesses will be hosting events in their stores throughout the day. Please see below for specific business events, times, locations and descriptions.

9 am-close Ramblin’ Rose, 635 Market St. Guess how many candies are in the jar. The closest guess wins the jar, the candies, and a picture session for up to five people with Chelsi Simpson Photography. Value $35.

9 am-6 pm Grandma’s Attic, 14 Market St., invites you to our Barn Wood Craft Building. Come build a 24″x 6″ barn wood wall hanging during Christmas on Market. The cost is $5 for all of the supplies you will need. These will make a great unique Christmas gift.

9am-6:30 pm Meadowlark Interiors, 630 Market Street, will be hosting their first anniversary open house and ornament making. Wood Slice ornaments will be available for decorating. All stencils, paint and materials will be provided. Cost is $1-$5. Refreshments will be provided.

9 am-2 pm Vintage Park located at 1403 Laing will be opening their HomeTown Heroes Fudge Shoppe . Each of our heroes will have a homemade fudge or candy named after them and you will able to buy an assortment of wonderful delicious candy. Just a few examples are Dean’s Chocolate Fudge, Gene’s Peanut Butter Fudge, Marshall’s Cherry Mash, Skip’s Hershey’s Fudge, and Bob’s Triple Delight. Please stop by and support Christmas on Market Street and the Resident Activity Fund at Vintage Park at Osage City.

9am-12 pm Landmark National Bank 102 S. 6th “Two for Tots” We invite all kids 12 and under and their parents to come into Landmark to exchange their regular money for a genuine $2 bill. Just before noon, we will draw for a $50 holiday gift card using the serial numbers of the $2 bills that have been given out.

10 am-12 pm Theel Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, Inc. at 426 Market, will be hosting a coloring contest during Christmas on Market. Prizes will be awarded in each age group.

• 6 years old and under.
• 7 years to 12 years.
• 13 years to 18 years.
• 19 years and up.

Please come by to see what Theel’s has to offer and join in on our all ages coloring contest. We hope to see you there!

10 am-3 pm Osage County Farm Bureau Association at 509 Market St. will host “Dig into Agriculture”. Kids are invited to dig through buckets of grain to find cash prizes. Adults can guess how many kernels of corn are in a jar for a chance to win a great prize.

10 am-12 pm Osage Nursing Center’s Sweet Treats. Osage Nursing Center will be hosting an Open House with sugar cookie decorating and drinks. Please stop by for a sweet treat.

10 am- 12 pm Test Try Event going on at Furniture Loft at 526 Market Street. DOUBLE your chances to WIN from 10am – Noon! We will be GIVING AWAY a comfortable sofa chaise, Plush Queen Mattress Set, Remote Control Fireplace Entertainment Center, Heat & Massage Rocker Recliner, and an Adjustable Queen Base! Stop in to Test Try each item and your name will go into a drawing for a chance to WIN one of these amazing prices FREE!! 5 Lucky winners will receive one of these prizes!

10 am-12 pm McCoy’s Electronics 2015 Toy Expo will feature this season’s hottest toys and electronics. Our toy expo will be held at the Theel Plumbing Heating and Air building in conjunction with the Osage City Chamber’s Christmas Opener. We will have every product that we demo for sale on the spot and will have over $1000 in giveaways. Our grand prize giveaway is a professional Multi Function Bluetooth Speaker valued at $300.

10 am-1 pm Artfully Quilted by Barb’s Christmas on Market Street Make & Take event. Come make an ornament or two. There will be something for all skill levels, from the simplest (something even the youngest can do) to the more complex for the sewing enthusiasts. Materials, pattern and instructions from $1-$5. Come join the fun.

11am-1 pm Osage Ace Hardware will be hosting at free photo booth sponsored by the Conrad Carlson Charitable Foundation. The booth will be located in the lot just to the west of Osage Hardware. Cotton candy will also be available for purchase. In case of inclement weather the photo booth will be available in the meeting room of the Santa Fe Depot.

11 am-1 pm Osage Family Care will be hosting an open house and invites you to stop in for a visit. Lisa Crettol, USD 420 school nurse, will be on site with first aid kits for sale for $12. These kits make a great Christmas gift for anyone who has a car, boat, or camper. Everyone needs one for their home, dorm room, apartment or work area.

11am Sowers Pub and Grub located at 609 Market Street invites you to visit us for a hot dog eating contest. There will be a guessing game set up for the kids. Stop in for a visit.

5th Annual 5K Jingle Bell Run/Walk

Proceeds benefit the Warmth Fund, ECAT, EKAN and the Osage City Chamber of Commerce.

Where: Corner of 6th and Market St., Osage City, KS.

When: Saturday November 28, 2015.

Registration begins at 7:45 am, race 8:30 am.

Registration Fee: Pre-Registrants $20.00 (includes race shirt), Race Day Registrants-$25.00.

Prize for the best Christmas costume or ugliest Christmas sweater!

Men, Women & Kids: 18 and under, 19-39, 40-55, 56-over.

Download the 2015 Jingle Bell Run Registration Form here!

Events during Osage City Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas on Market, Nov. 28, 2015, will make for a fun day of holiday celebration in Osage City. Here is the schedule for the day as currently planned.

• 7 am-10 am: Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast – Senior Center – Free Will Donation
• 9 am-3 pm: Osage City Public Library Concession Stand   School Cafeteria – Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Snacks
• 9 am- 3pm: Centerpiece, Wreath, Tree Silent Auction and Cookie Sale – Senior Center Come bid on your favorite item. Presented by Osage City Pride Committee
• 8 am-3 pm: Table Settings and Christmas Collections – Senior Center – Presented by Friends of the Osage City Library – Be sure to vote for your favorite display.
• 8:30 am: Jingle Bell Run 5K – 6th and Market Streets – Contact Jodi Stark 785-528-5141
• Events starting at 9 am: Holiday in our Hometown Businesses  – See participating businesses for details and start times.
• 9 am- 4:30 pm: Retail Poker – Contact Ronda Harmon at 785-528-3773 for details.  Visit participating businesses to pick up a card.  Try to get the best hand for some great prizes.
• 9:30 am: Santa Fly in – Weather permitting come greet Santa at the Osage City Airport as his plane flies in all the way  from the North Pole. – Sponsored by SkyDive Kansas
• 10 am-3 pm: Craft Show – USD420 School Gyms – For registration contact Janet Kramer Bosworth at 785-554-5039
• 11 am: Living Nativity – Santa Fe Depot Lawn – Sponsored by Local Osage City Churches
• 11 am-1:00 pm:  Relay for Life Cancer Benefit  Luncheon – Senior Center – Sponsored by Poppy’s Warriors – Ham&Beans or Chicken & Noodles, dessert and drink all for a suggested $7.50 donation.
• 12 pm- 1 pm: Emergency Services Showcase – 6th and Main St. Take a moment to come visit and thank our local emergency services personnel. There will be activities for the whole family.  In case of inclement weather event will be held at the  Santa Fe Depot meeting room.
• 1 pm:  Story Time –  Osage City Public Library.
• 2 pm-4 pm: Gingerbread Building/Santa Visits USD420 Cafeteria – Sponsored by Osage City PTA – Free event.  Come make a Gingerbread house and take a turn visiting Santa to give him your Christmas wish list.
• 4 pm: Chili Cook Off Judging – Senior Center – For registration contact Nancy Lamb at – 620-762-6260
• 4:40 pm: Chili Feed – Senior Center – Free Will Donation
• 4:45 pm: Raffle Prize Drawing – Senior Center – Contact Barb Thompson 785-528-2605 for details. Raffle tickets will be available starting November 9 at the following  businesses  Artfully Quilted by Barb, Meadow Lark, Barber John, Caseys, Bank of Osage City, Landmark Bank, Jerrys, Ramblin Rose, INK, Osage Hardware,McCoys Electronics, Gubbins.
• 6:30 pm: Christmas Lighted Parade – Market Street – For registration contact Dena Brown-Gardner at 785-806-5223. All individuals and groups welcome to participate.
• 7 pm: Downtown Holiday Lighting

Where’d the summer go? The Osage City Chamber is reminding everyone to begin planning for citywide garage sales, which will be the last weekend of summer, September 18-19, 2015.

The Chamber publishes a map of sales as a fundraiser for the group’s scholarship fund.

A $5 donation is requested for listing a name and address on the map, with a deadline of 8 a.m. Sept. 14 for a listing. Funds are used for scholarships for graduating Osage City High School seniors.

To have a sale listed on the sale map, contact Jodi Smith, map coordinator, at 785-528-5095, or contact Casey’s General Store in Osage City.

Osage County Fair Parade

Thursday, June 25 at 7 p.m.

Theme “Dog Days of Summer”

Join us for a good old fashioned county fair parade!  Register now to be a part of this traditional Osage county event.

Parade will start at 2nd and Market and end at 7th and Market

Floats:

Staging at 5:45 pm at Flint Hills Beverage. Judging at 6:15 p.m.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st,2nd, and 3rd place.

Bands, walking and all other entries:

Staging at 6:15 p.m. in Pizza Hut parking lot and along 2nd Street.

Entry Form

Name of Group/Business__________________________________________________

Contact Name, Phone, Email________________________________________________

Mail to:

Chandra Dunbar

731 California

Osage City, KS 66523

or email to chandunbar@gmail.com

Questions? Contact Chandra Dunbar, 785-528-3990 or 785-219-1566

By Dave Azwell

With a vision to encourage, cultivate and support the fine arts in Osage City and the surrounding area, the Osage City Area Arts Council has provided programs of high quality which have included theater, visual, literary and performing arts.

Now in its 12th year, the arts council has presented such events as the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, pianist Julie Rivers, the Capitol City Chorus, the Lecompton Reenactors, cowboy storytellers, Western singers, art exhibitions, and annual free concerts by the Army National Guard Band. (Note that the Guard Band will perform this year at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, June 14, in the OCHS auditorium, 5th and Ellinwood. The concert is open to the public.)

OCAAC has made many contributions to fund educational programming for the students of Osage City public schools. The arts council has provided funding for high school plays, educational performers and workshops. OCAAC has also helped fund children’s programming organized by the Osage City Public Library. The variety of presentations has encompassed a wide range of ages and interests.

Funding for the arts council is through ticket sales, donations and memberships. Admission is by free will donations for most of the performances, which are always open to the public. Single, family and corporate memberships are available. More information on memberships and a complete listing of current and past programs are available at www.osagecityarts.org.

Over the years, the arts council has worked with several members of the Osage City Chamber of Commerce to provide events and activities. Being a member of the Chamber provides arts council members the opportunity to meet people involved in growing Osage City, know what’s happening, and gain insights into the business sector and community. The Chamber strives to make Osage City a first-rate city, which is what the arts council attempts to do with its programming.

Submitted by Dave Azwell

The 26th Annual Kansas Sampler Festival will be held May 2-3 in Wamego. Members of the Osage City Chamber of Commerce will be on hand informing thousands of Kansans and other visitors about the many things that make Osage City and the surrounding area special.

Since the 1800s, Kansas has played a major role in many significant historical events of our country. Twenty-six years ago, in an effort to increase the knowledge of these events and the state, Marci Penner and her father, Mil, hosted the first Kansas Sampler Festival on their farm in Inman.

According to the Kansas Sampler Foundation, “The purpose of the early festivals was to show the public what there is to see, do, hear, taste, buy and learn in Kansas.” The festival continued to be held on the farm from 1990 to 1997.

Due to the success of those early festivals, the foundation began taking the festival to different locations around the state to expose more people to the wonders of Kansas. Originally starting with one tent, the festival now requires multiple tents representing each of the regions of Kansas. The festival features city and regional displays, Kansas food products, entertainment, informational presentations, food vendors, and activities for kids.

Tickets for the festival may be purchased on site. Adult daily admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children 7-12 and free for children under 6. Weekend passes are $8 for adults and $4 for children. For more information about the festival, see www.kansassamplerfestival.com.

For more information about the Osage City Chamber of Commerce’s exhibit at the festival or to volunteer, contact Dave Azwell, 785-528-4025.

The Osage City Chamber of Commerce is having a membership meeting and social gathering 6:30-8 p.m. Feb. 7, at the Osage City Santa Fe Depot, and you’re invited.

The event is an opportunity for members to pay their 2015 dues, and for potential members to learn about the Chamber. Current members are encouraged to invite a friend or non-member. Attendees can meet the Chamber’s 2015 officers and board, and network and socialize with Chamber members.

The gathering will be come and go, with beverages, finger foods and other refreshments provided by the annual meeting committee, Thelma Humerickhouse, Casey Karnes and Cathryn Houghton.

The cost will be $10 per person at the door. RSVPs are requested, but not mandatory. To RSVP or for more information, contact Houghton at 785-528-4711. Santa Fe Depot is at Fifth and Market streets in Osage City.

• February 7 – Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting
• February 10 – Chamber board meeting
• February 17 – Full Chamber meeting
• March 10 – Chamber board meeting
• March 17 – Full Chamber meeting
• April 14 – Chamber board meeting
• April 21 – Full Chamber meeting

Opportunities to introduce visitors to our shops and businesses and make them want to return to shop:

• April 10 – Taste of Osage City, Jones Park
• April 10-11 – Smoke in Spring State BBQ Championship, Jones Park (Corey Linton)
• April 11 – Twin Lake Cruisers Car Show – 11th Anniversary – Downtown Osage City, Market Street (Jeanette Swarts)
• April 11 – Wings in the Spring fly-in at the Osage City Airport! (Mike Handly)
• April 17-18 – Spring citywide garage sales. Think about having a “garage sale” at your store or business.

Cathryn Houghton
Chamber Executive Director

The Osage City Chamber of Commerce sponsors and organizes several events throughout the year that bring people to our wonderful little city. Thus providing opportunity for store owners and businesses to then invite and draw those folks into their stores. This is also a time to share the wonders of Osage City with visitors. Osage City has a multitude of amenities to offer; one of which is hometown personal shopping experiences.

Over the past several years, the Osage City Chamber Osage City booth has been very popular at the Kansas Sampler Festival. Last year 300 Osage City’s Got It! totes and contents quickly were depleted. The Chamber has ensured that Osage City is visible in the media and publications: The Osage County Visitors Guide; 2014 and 2015 Emporia visitors’ guide; Chamber officers represented Osage City and its greatness on Topeka radio and television talk shows.

The Chamber supports – either monetarily or with volunteers’ help – events that other groups organize. These include: Smoke in the Spring, Twin Lakes Cruisers Car Show, Wings in the Spring, the Osage County Fair carnival and fireworks display; library summer reading program; and After Prom. The Chamber also volunteered for a week of concession stand work at the Jones Ball Field, held the successful second annual craft beer fest, hosted Christmas on Market activities, raised funds for student scholarships, and made donations to ECKAN, ECAT and the Warmth Fund.

Chamber Events that draw crowds include: April – Citywide Garage Sale Weekend; July – Chamber Parade in conjunction with the Osage City Fair; September – Citywide Garage Sale Weekend; September – Annual Craft Beer Fest; November – Spirit of Giving Craft Show and Christmas on Market.

Thank you for 2014! Because of our members, supporters, consumers and clients, the Chamber experienced a very successful 2014! With help from so many, we have so much for which to be grateful. The Osage City Chamber of Commerce officers, board and members pledge to continue to work promoting our businesses and community!

Ashley Hards, Chamber Treasurer

It is that time of year to renew your membership with the Osage City Chamber of Commerce. Your membership in the Osage City Chamber of Commerce is an investment in the future of your business. The Chamber works hard for your while you are hard at work!

Networking
As a Chamber member you have access to successful and influential business people in the Osage City area. The Chamber hosts several meetings and events each to help you connect with potential customers and vendors for your business.

Volunteering
The Chamber has councils and committees that afford members the opportunities to become actively involved in community affairs and lend their talent and experience to benefiting the community.

Visibility 
Chamber membership enhances your credibility in the community, it sends the message to consumers that you are a reputable company who actively participates in the local business community. The Chamber creates a stronger local economy with “shop local” initiatives like Chamber Bucks and After Hours.

Publicity and exposure

The Chamber offers various ways to promote your business through our online membership directory, Chamber news feed, community calendar, and advertising and sponsorship opportunities.

Happy New Year! On behalf of the officers and directors of the Osage City Chamber of Commerce, I would like to extend a heartfelt wish for a prosperous and healthy 2015 to all of our residents, business owners and members of the surrounding community.

We are excited about this year’s upcoming calendar of events and the Chamber’s continued collaboration with the city, Arts Council, Schools, Fair Board and other organizations. As you know, the city’s annual Smoke in the Spring event has received both regional and national televised coverage.  The corresponding car show sponsored by the Twin Lakes Cruisers continues to grow and has become a “must attend” event for the car enthusiast.  The Chamber sponsored Beer Fest promises to be even bigger and better this year! The Osage County Fair with its parade and other attractions draws people from all over the County and beyond, as does the Chamber’s annual “Christmas on Market” event.  Another largely “untapped” event for many of our business owners is the annual Kansas Sampler Festival (as seen on PBS) where Osage City is well represented by our Arts Council and Chamber volunteers.  Last year they ran out of information on Osage City to hand out as attendees were very interested and depleted their supply!

Each of these events benefits all of our citizens and business owners in ways that may not be readily apparent. When someone comes to Osage City for an event, people stop in our restaurants and stores, purchase gasoline, hardware or car parts for repairs, they may spy a new vehicle at the auto dealership that they didn’t even know we had!  The list goes on… It takes the collaboration of many to present our town in a manner that will attract visitors to want to come, to return, or even decide to stay and raise a family or place a loved one in short or long term care here.

This year the Chamber will be exploring more events and additional avenues that will benefit our businesses and residents.  As with most things in life, you get back based on what you are willing to put in. No deposit, no interest…

Are you interested in building your bank account in Osage City’s future? Vice President Chandra Dunbar and I will be making the rounds to talk to as many of you as possible within the next two months.  Let us know how you see the Chamber serving you and how we can work together.  Not yet a member and excited to begin your growth now? Call me at 785-528-4500 to become a part of Osage City’s exciting future!

Shannon Stevens
President
Osage City Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber contacted Osage City Elementary School Principal Dena Paul last year to inquire about the possibility of students producing a video that featured Osage City. The video was to be displayed at an Osage City booth at the Kansas Sampler Festival, which was held in Wamego, May 3-4, 2014. OCES fifth-grade students used their iPad minis to research, write, collaborate and record audio. The students then worked in the school computer lab and used Google Tour Builder to construct this tour that highlights all that Osage City has to offer.

This video also appears on USD 420’s website here.

During the Dec. 16 meeting of the Osage City Chamber of Commerce, the nomination committee of Shannon Stevens, Joe Humerickhouse and Casey Mussatto presented 2015 nominations. The vote for 2015 officers was: Shannon Stevens (Whistlestop), president; Chandra Dunbar (Osage City PTA), vice president; Ashley Hards, (Landmark Bank), treasurer; Cindy Wymore (Wymore Properties), secretary. Board members are Jodi Smith (Vintage Park); Wayne White (Osage County News); Casey Karnes (Osage Nursing Center); and Robyn Williams (Edward Jones).

• January 13 – Chamber board meeting
• January 20 – Chamber meeting
• January 31 – Osage City Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting – speaker, introduction of 2015 officers and more
• February 10 – Chamber board meeting
• February 17 – Chamber meeting
• March 10 – Chamber board meeting
• March 17 – Chamber meeting

Get ready for April events! (Smoke in the Spring, Twin Lake Cruisers car show, fly-in, citywide garage sales.)

Requests for welcome bags are increasing. Currently, several Chamber members provide items for welcome totes that the city gives to new utility customers. The Chamber and the city jointly-supplied giveaway totes at the Kansas Sampler Festival were very popular and the supply was quickly depleted. After the first of 2015, in preparation for filling these requests, Thelma Humerickhouse and Cathryn Houghton will begin a campaign for items to include in the totes. In addition to including the Osage County tourism guide and the Osage City brochure, they look forward to receiving donations of coupons, restaurant menus, business fliers, tokens, promotional items, and announcements of upcoming events. Anyone wishing to contribute items, or add dates to the events calendar, please contact Thelma or Cathryn.