December 6th was another historic day in Osawatomie, with a vist from President Obama!  Thanks to everyone that pulled together to make this visit happen.    

   In addition to the hard work of our City Employees, the School District, and our Elected Officials, many of you also had a hand in making that eventful day a success.

  Some of you had to close your parking lots temporarily as the motorcade went by, and dealt with streets being closed.  Others had to prepare for a possible increase in traffic through their restaurants and gas stations.   

  Tri-Ko, Life Care Center, and Vintage Park provided busses and drivers, for the free Park and Ride Shuttle Service throughout the day.

  All in all, the day went well and Osawatomie was shown putting its best foot forward in the national spotlight.  That was due to the cooperation of many entitites, working together for the greater good.  We are very proud of our community!   

     The Osawatomie Museum Foundation, Inc. has ordered 1 1/2" die struck medallions, commemorating the visits of President Barack Obama and Teddy Roosevelt. The medallions are made of gold colored metal with an antique finish and are housed in a plastic case. They should arrive in a couple of weeks.

   They will be $8.00 each, or $10.00 each if they are mailed. All profits will go to the operation of the museum. Advanced, prepaid orders may be placed by visiting the Museum at 628 Main St., or Gordon Schrader, President of the Board at 526 Main St.   

    Nine local retailers took part in the annual 12 Days of Christmas Promotion.  The Chamber offered this to the membership and participation was simple.  Each business came up with daily specials from December 12th through the 24th.

  The Chamber paid for the advertising in the local papers, and provided participating businesses with flyers to display in their stores.  We also sent out a daily e-mail, reminding the membership of the daily deals available around town. 

  Thinking and shopping locally is the idea we push year round, but reminding people of all the great things available right here in our community around the Holidays, is well worth it.

  We hope all businesses saw an increase in sales this Holiday season.  Special thanks to those of you that are taking this message to heart and shopping locally whenever possible, and to the following businesses for their participation....Auten Pharmacy, Coach Light, Donna & Viola's Shirts and Etc., Hanes Florist, HIS Coffee Shop, Main Body Works, Pizza Hut, Rejuvenating Massage, and Spencer Nicole's. 

     Save this date too!  The Home and Business Expo will be Saturday, March 3rd in the City Auditorium.  The event runs from 10:00am to 2:00pm and is a great place to showcase your business and get face to face time with potential customers and clients.

     The turn out was great last year and we expect it to keep growing.  Booth space fills up quickly, so watch your Inbox for a registration form coming in January.

   Remember that your business is welcome to advertise in the Chamber Office, as part of your benefit to membership.  If you have pamphlets, brochures, business cards, giveaway items, or anything else you'd like to have displayed, just drop it by.     

  We supply the City with welcome bags for new residents, and include this information in those as well.  These items are getting low, and could use replenished as we begin the new year.

   The Chamber Office will be closed on Monday, January 2nd for New Year's and January 16th in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.