Greetings Chamber Member,

  We hope the new year is off to a great start.  The newsletter is longer this month, as we have several events coming up.  Your continued support is appreciated.W

Norma Stephens

First Presbyterian Church

NPG Newspapers

Greenbrier Rail Service

Osawatomie Pride

Boy Scouts of America

Moon's Hometown Market

Kansas Gas Service

Casey's on Main Street

Casey's on Sixth Street  

KOFO Radio

City of Osawatomie

George and Marjorie Pretz

State Farm Insurance, Marsha Adams

First Option Bank

  Nice as New was the host of the January 11th Coffee.  Nineteen people braved the chilly temperatures to attend. Ivy Cole, of First Option Bank was the lucky winner of a spring time garden flag, which was offered as the door prize.

  Jeff and Leann Stewart opened their store in 2008. Prior to that, Leann had worked in her Dad's insurance agency for fifteen years, and Jeff had been a mechanic at Overland Park Jeep for sixteen years. They have two young boys.

  The store has expanded over the years and now carries a wide variety of quality new and used furniture pieces, home decor, jewelry, and a line of gourmet coffees, teas, spices, and dog treats.  Their inventory changes regularly, so there's always something new to see when you stop in. 

  Jeff and Leann plan to offer more new pieces, this year, along with unique custom furniture, that Jeff designs and builds himself. A portion of every sale is donated to Children's Mercy Hospital, to aid uninsured families.

  Nice as New is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Satruday from 9:00am - 5:00pm. They are located at 640 Main Street, directly across from Dollar General.

  If you or your business would like to host a coffee this year, please contact the Chamber Office.

  February's coffee will be next Tuesday, February 8th at Osawatomie Rehabilitation, 539 Main Street.  Please plan to attend and help them celebrate their 3rd anniversary! Tour the facility and meet the staff while enjoying refreshments, activities and door prizes.
 

  The Board began the new year with two unexpected vacancies.  After much thought and discussion, Jim Adams of State Farm Insurance and Amiee Seck, Life Care Center, were appointed to fill the vacancies left by Deana Howard/YMCA  and Cameron Hodges/Life Care Center.  

  The Board also elected to appoint Spencer Stanchfield-Crane (Spencer Nicole's) and Steve Eichorn (Donna and Viola's Shirts & Etc.), to the board as well.   We are also looking into the possibility of having 1 or 2 high school students join our meetings in the future, to promote the involvement of young people in our organization, and the community.

    The monthly meeting of the Merchant's Group was held on Wednesday, January 12th.  Joyce Schrader of Coach Light was the host. 

  On the agenda was the possibility of a monthly sale that all the retailers could come together on.  It was decided that those types of sales don't necessarily bring in more business than what is already there, so, the talk turned to having sales on weekends like Kansas Day, RR days, 5K, and the John Brown Jamboree when there are already extra people in town.  They may also plan a Sidewalk Sale in the Spring. 

  Lori Needham, Chamber Board Member and local business owner, told the attendees about a large scale marketing plan that the Chamber is currently working on, that would promote and benefit all local businesses.  The details will be unveiled at the Home & Business Expo on February 19th. The attendees were excited about this.

  Discussion came up about the "infamous shoe" that was on Facebook a few weeks ago.  The group would like to utilize something like that to bring people in to their businesses. Something fun, like a scavenger hunt, might be a new and exciting approach to encouraging people to shop local.

    Ideas were shared about the group's future goals and what items the attendees would like to discuss in the upcoming months.  The possibility of asking the High School business classes to help with future advertising materials, positive ways to get things done in our community, and future sales, may be discussed at upcoming meetings. 

  They would also like to organize a spring clean up day downtown (similar to the one in John Brown Park), to spruce up the exterior of the empty buildings.  Window washing and painting awnings were some ideas that were mentioned.

  The group would like more people to attend and share ideas each month. Feedback is welcome if anyone else has ideas on how to do this.

  The next meeting of the Merchants Group will be Wednesday, February 9th at 8:00am. Everyone is welcome to attend.

    The YMCA will be having their annual Gala on Saturday, February 12th, at the Grand Loft.  This fun event will be from 6:30-10:30pm and is a perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day, while supporting a great local cause. All proceeds from ticket sales, the cash bar, and silent auction stays here, and goes toward YMCA scholarships. Attire is business casual to formal. Tickets are $50 per person.  Contact the YMCA for more information or to purchase tickets. 755-3622

    The Chamber will host 2011's Legislative Breakfast on Saturday, February 19th. It will begin at 7:00am, in the Osawatomie High School cafeteria.  Come visit with Senator Pat Apple, and Representatives Bill Fueurborn and Jene Vickrey, while enjoying a buffet style breakfast. It will be followed with a Q & A Session.

  Thank you to sponsors Agler & Gaeddert, First Option Bank, Great Southern Bank, Landmark Bank, Midwest Regional Credit Union, and Moon's Hometown Market, for joining us in making this event possible.

    The Chamber's 3rd annual Home & Business EXPO will also be held on Saturday, February 19th.  It will be at The City Auditorium from 10am - 2pm.  This free to the public event provides an opportunity for businesses to showcase and market themselves to the community, and other business owners, in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

    Live on-stage entertainment, drawings for Chamber Bucks, free giveaways, free chair massages, pictures with the Easter Bunny (to benefit Tri-Ko), free popcorn, and a DJ from Q-104 to MC the event, will help to encourage attendance.

    Booth space is available to current Members for only $25.00.  Non-members can pay $50.00 to attend. Set up time will be 8-10am, the morning of the event.  Over 25 businesses are planning to attend, so far. Space is limited so booth space needs to be reserved as soon as possible.

    Sponsorships are available.  Thank you to the City of Osawatomie, First Option Bank, Life Care Center, and Osawatomie Journal for supporting this event.

    Don't miss out on this great opportunity! Call 755-4114 to reserve your spot or sign on as a sponsor.  

    Contact the Chamber Office with any questions you may have.