The 2010 Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce Installation was recently held at the American Legion Hall in downtown Ottawa with 106 reservations made. 

Members and guests enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Henry's Restaurant, Ottawa. 

New board members were installed by Attorney Joe Schroeder of Schroeder, Blankemeyer and Schroeder. They are John Blankemeyer, Staci Corsaro, Kevin Niese, Dennis Recker and Keith Schierloh. Michael Schumaker and Fred Schroeder were also installed to fulfill existing tems. Michael will continue as the OACC treasurer. 

Many thanks to Al Inkrott, Don Croy, Don Huber and Adam Cupp as outgoing board members.

Brian Gustwiller accepted the 2009 Business of the Year Award for Gustwiller Clothing, Ottawa. The business was chosen for it's clothing sales in the downtown Ottawa store in addition to their internet business and it's strong support and promotion of Ottawa.

John M. Largent,  CFA, CFP, CAP and Chief Investment Strategist with Members Trust Co., Tampa, FL. was the guest speaker. He commented on the financial world and stock market in 2009 and what to expect for 2010.

 Charlie Doepker entertained the guests during the cocktail hour and meal. 

Women members of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce have been enjoying lunch together a few times each month since last fall. 

Recently several women met at Julia's, outside Glandorf, for a delicious lunch and a combo of conversation and networking! Rose Riepenhoff of Rose Haven Bed and Breakfast prepared the yummy dessert.

Future lunches will be scheduled as time permits. The goal is to meet every other week.

Please call the office if you are not receiving the emailed luncheon notices. The office number is 419.523.3141.

Visit the member benefits link to check out new benefits available to Chamber members.

Our networking opportunities are abundant.  Monthly luncheons, mixers, the golf outing and the annual dinner will give you the opportunity to meet many business leaders in the Ottawa/Putnam County area.  Your Business Growth is what it's all about!!

Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce

WELCOME SANTA PARADE

SUNDAY

November 29, 2009

AT 2:00 PM

On Sunday, November 29, 2009, the chamber is sponsoring the 17^th Annual WELCOME SANTA PARADE.  The parade will start at 2:00 from the Locust St. and 4^th St. corner at the Saints Peter & Paul church.  The route will go east  to Oak St., turning south to Main St., then turn left (east) on Main traveling to Grant St.  It will turn north onto Grant and go to 4th St., turning left (west).  When it comes to Locust St. it will turn north there and end at the swimming pool parking lot and the park.

Many activities will entertain visitors in the park.  Santa will be in his Christmas tent to hear the kids wishes.  Horse and wagon rides will give you a tour of the Christmas displays throughout the park.  The Calliope will play Christmas music for all to hear, and the Ottawa-Glandorf show choir will be there to entertain us.  As long as they last there will be O-G Rotary hotdogs, Lion's Club chili, Cub Scout Pack 224 hot chocolate, and beverages from Fortman Ins., Pepsi Americas & Culligan Water.

Awards for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place floats will be announced at the Caboose in the Park.

We ask that the public does not park along the parade route for safety reasons and viewing of the parade.  We hope to see you all along the route with the kids for this annual tradition.  Jeff Loehrke will announce the parade entrees in front of the Courthouse.  

Be sure to come out to the Ottawa Memorial Park throughout the Christmas season to see the displays.  The park is beautifully lit by many of our businesses and organizations.  Be sure to thank them when you see them!

We also want to thank the many businesses who were our Parade sponsors.....

Band sponsors:  The Ottawa Kiwanis, The Meadows of Ottawa-Glandorf and Brice R. Musser O.D.

Santa's Horse and Wagon & Rides: First Federal Bank

Grand Marshal Carriage Sponsor: Union Bank Co.

Santa's Christmas Tent: Schroeder & Co. CPA's

Santa's visit: Thomas E. Bauer OD, Diane S. Dible OD, and Shane M. Maag OD

Rider's Calliope: Gustwiller's Clothing, The Pizzeria and Fort Jennings State Bank

Santa's Treats: Wannemacher Jewelers, Kohls Market & Paul's Ace Hardware.

Balloons & Helpers: Ottawa Kiwanis & O-G Key Club & Bell Auto Supply

Golf Carts for our Line-Up Crew: Country Acres Golf Club

Lighting for our Santa Tent: Kahle Electric

Winners of the 2009 Networking on the Course were the Country Acres team who donated their winnings back to the chamber. Their team consisted of Jim Hemrick, Josh Cain, Dan Schnipke and Ken Schnipke.  Second place went to the Technicon team of Gary Ungerer, Dean Meyer, Greg Ungerer and Beau Meyer. The Verhoff and Company team claimed third place. Their team members were Randy Verhoff, Ron Weisenburger, Jason Labounty and John Bohlman. Fortman Insurance claimed fourth place. Jonathan Fortman, Andy Hovest, Gene Hovest and Randy Siefker made up their team.

Many thanks to the sponsors, golfers and volunteers who made this outing a success. Thank you to FLR Insurance for sponsoring the $10,000 Hole In One competition. There were no winners this year but all are encouraged to come out and try again next year!

A dedication ceremony of Ottawa's Historic Downtown Mural will be held on June 20, 2009 at 1:30 p.m..

Mayor Ken Maag will officiate a ribbon cutting ceremony and proclamation dedicating the mural.  Artists Bruce Stowe and Oscar Velasquez will be present to explain the mural and answer any questions people might have about it.

If you are interested in donating toward this wonderful and memorable project, please send your donation to the Village of Ottawa, % Mural Fund.  Donors of $500 or more will be named on a plaque on the "Row House door" of the mural.

There will also be two History Walks that day at 11am and 2pm.  These will start from the Assembly Room in the Putnam County Courthouse - please use the east side entrance.  Five sites will be visited within a 2 block area...the Putnam County Courthouse, old Putnam County Jail, the train depot, the Presbyterian Church and the Oddfellows hall.  Narrated DVD's recording a pictorial history of Ottawa will be available for a donation of $15.

The Hall of History within the Ottawa Municipal Building will be open that day for public viewing at your own leisure.

Look ahead to the September 26th Main Event for the Celebration of Progress/Ottawa's 175th Year.