Osage City Chamber of Commerce

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.

The Osage County Senior Center, 604 Market St., Osage City, is a favorite place for numerous local citizens to congregate during its regular hours, weekends and some evenings for several years. The center can be reserved up to one year prior to an event. For those reserving the center, a $50 donation is requested at the time the key is picked up. The rules acknowledgement sheet will include a statement on user responsibility for damages and the possibility of suspension of access for non-compliance.

Senior center director Byron Jordan said, “The rules must be consistently enforced across the board.”

For more information about reserving the senior center for an event, call 785-528-4906.

The Osage County Historical Society has reprinted the 1887 Black & White Directory of Osage City (published by Amos Black and Charles White, J.V. Admire, Editor). The directory is filled with advertisements, plus the names, addresses, and occupations of the residents, and an abundance of city, county, and state information. The dedication page reads, in part: “This volume is respectfully dedicated to the liberal business men of Osage City whose advertisements appear in its pages.”

Still today, the success of the Chamber of Commerce is a direct reflection of our dedicated and generous business men and women of Osage City. Gratitude and hats off to all who join, support, contribute to the Chamber’s efforts and success. Because of you much is accomplished.

Update: This annual Chamber get together has been rescheduled to Feb. 7. More details will be available soon.

Soon the Chamber begins a new year! An annual Chamber meeting is scheduled for Jan. 31, 2015. More information will be forthcoming as plans are finalized. It will be an opportunity to review Chamber 2014 achievements and look forward to 2015’s new hopes and dreams. A time to celebrate!

Cathryn Houghton, Executive Director

Osage City is a pretty busy community with fun activities, businesses, infrastructure improvements and updates. How does a person stay connected, in the know, in the moment, up to speed? Several ways come to mind: Have coffee with a group of friends; follow Facebook and websites; read the local news; watch for posters in the storefronts; catch announcements on the community sign; join organizations. The Osage City Chamber of Commerce has recently established its website: www.osagecitychamber.com. A big thank you to Wayne White and Ashley Hards for accomplishing this task.

Joining an organization or a group (be it business, historical, church, school, library, civic) will rocket a person right into an event-filled lifestyle and bring satisfaction and knowledge through volunteering, researching, providing entertainment, food, services, fundraising, keeping past traditions alive and initiating new traditions, and promoting our city and other interests.

Speaking of joining – the Osage City Chamber of Commerce will begin its membership drive in January 2015. Chamber members can be as involved as much or as little as their schedules allow. I joined the Chamber as recent as six years ago. Like many, I thought a member had to have a business, or money to contribute, or grand ideas. Not so – one must have enthusiasm and love of community. One Chamber goal is to provide a network to keep businesses connected and informed; also to promote our community and businesses.

From left, presenting proceeds from Christmas on Market Street fundraisers to the Warmth Fund and ECAT were Dee Robert and Jim Lohmeyer, Chamber directors, Ashley Hards, treasurer, John Ashcraft, recipient, Tara Azwell, vice chairman, and Cathryn Houghton, executive director.

Proceeds from fundraisers during the 2014 Osage City Chamber of Commerce Christmas on Market, held Nov. 22, 2014, enabled the Chamber to present checks to representatives from the Osage City Warmth Fund, East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation and Ecumenical Christian Action Team during December.