Testimonials
See what friends and fans of the Olathe Chamber have to say in these YouTube videos!
Mickey Levey
“The Cotton Candy Man”
How do we justify the cost of joining ...a Chamber of Commerce? ...I choose the Olathe Chamber of Commerce because of their commitment to help you become successful. I joined a year ago and, to date, I have landed twenty jobs with Chamber members and many referrals. ...As a member, you need to be active in the Chamber to get your full value. [I encourage] all prospective, current and past members to take time to learn what the Olathe Chamber of Commerce can and will do for your business. The Olathe Chamber of Commerce ROCKS.
Dyce Bonham
Community Leader/
Retired Businessman
Some time ago I was rifling through some old newspapers when a headline caught my attention: "Chamber Benefits Business Community." I had just returned from a Chamber meeting where the topics of discussion included the betterment of our schools, the advocacy of a "green" environment, and the large number of jobs being created by two new employers.
These issues were touted for their economic values, but their community value cannot be ignored. Enhanced business activity leads to increased sales tax revenue that in turn is translated into better schools, parks, playgrounds, streets, and public safety, to name a few.
The old adage that "a rising tide lifts all ships" is certainly true in this case. Olathe's growth is directly attributable to the Chamber's efforts. The Chamber stands for what is best for the entire Olathe community. Support your Chamber!
Michael Copeland
Mayor of the City of Olathe
As Mayor, I am pleased to share about the City of Olathe’s tremendous pride in the Olathe Chamber of Commerce – the first Chamber in the State of Kansas to achieve a five-star accreditation from the U. S. Chamber of Commerce! The Olathe Chamber’s success is a true reflection of its visionary leadership and solid commitment to excellence.
As a vital partner with the City in economic development and tourism and the voice of Olathe’s business community, the Olathe Chamber is a key part of the many successes we celebrate right now. It is no wonder that the City of Olathe is rated the 11th best place to live in the nation by Money magazine. This is not only a shining testament to our outstanding schools and neighborhoods, strong financial position, and continued economic growth, but also to the passionate community involvement and leadership promoted by the Olathe Chamber through programs such as Leadership Olathe and the VoteOlathe initiative.
There has never been a more promising time in the City of Olathe, and we are fortunate to have the Olathe Chamber of Commerce helping us lead the way in building the vibrant community spirit so vital to our success.
Craig Eymann
Eymann Development, Inc.
In the two decades I've been involved with the Olathe Chamber of Commerce--as a member of the Economic Development Council and as a past chair of the Chamber's Board of Directors-- I've seen this organization change the face of Olathe. The dramatic increase in commercial development Olathe has experienced is attributable in large part to the Chamber, which works aggressively to attract quality retail, office, and industrial growth and support existing businesses. At the same time, working with the City, the Olathe School District, and the private sector, the Chamber helps establish a healthy business environment where companies can thrive. Olathe residents benefit from having a balanced tax base and new jobs and opportunities.
Dedicating the transient guest tax to the Olathe Chamber for economic development and tourism efforts in the 1980s was one of the best investments the City of Olathe has ever made in terms of return on investment.
Michelle Gressel
Director of Sales
Residence Inn by Marriott
Relationships are an essential building block for a successful business—the key to capturing great business and hiring fantastic employees. Several years back, I was going through a life transition and found myself at a crossroads with my career. Through my association with the Olathe Chamber of Commerce, I found my current position and have been blessed in so many ways, not only professionally, but personally. I have nothing but gratitude toward the Chamber for the opportunities given to me and my family.
My great uncle R.R. Osborne stood out in the Olathe community as a philanthropist. I am proud of my family’s heritage in Olathe and wanted to build on that tradition of giving back. When I decided it was time for me to be engaged in the community, I knew I needed to contribute to an effort that made a real difference. I wanted to take some of the leadership and relationship building tools that my great uncle taught me and bless other people.
Being a part of an organization like the Chamber that has had an impact on many facets of people’s lives is so very important to me. The Chamber offers endless opportunities to impact the community and help meet needs. There is a family feeling among members, who band together to help those who need a special hand.
Char MacCallum
Char MacCallum Real Estate Group
The Olathe Chamber of Commerce is a vital part of my business success. The Chamber offers crucial tools for my business: government advocacy, economic development for sustainable growth in Olathe, leadership training, and information about business practices. These are the building blocks of my real estate company that help me provide better information and advice to my clients.
The Chamber is also a good resource for all those people and companies who want information about our community. The Chamber is at the core of Olathe’s success— the entity that brings both business and citizens together to make our community strong for future generations.
Dick Mellinger, J.D.
Boulder Investment Group, LLC
Of the several chambers I’ve known over several years, the Olathe Chamber offers truly unique advantages for both advancing my own business and serving the community.
Even a relatively short period of observation early on clearly showed me that there were many reasons it has grown to be the largest chamber in Johnson County, has received national recognition, and, in my opinion, has become one of the most positive business and governmental influences even beyond the borders of Olathe. It has afforded me numerous and varied networking opportunities to meet and work with leaders from across the community.
The strong and professional staff can explain some of its advantages. Part of it is its skilled professional and volunteer leadership, consistently recruited and retained over the years. Consistent throughout is the focus on serving the members and the overall community. In short, the Olathe Chamber hasn’t missed a step in creating a unique organization that always strives to advance the interests of the members and community.
Karen Mills
Designer and Host
Living Large and
Living Green design shows
While enthusiastically welcoming new chamber members as part of the Olathe Chamber's Liasion Committee, I made a connection as an interior designer that lead to being recruited to host Living Large, a now nationally known design show featuring celebrity designers that airs locally on News Radio 980 and Classical 1660 KXTR. I attribute a great deal of my success to the relationships I've built through the Chamber, and I can't say enough about the value of the Chamber's networking events and the economic development work the Chamber does in Olathe.
Daniel C. Richardson, DVM, Dipl. ACVS
Chief Executive Officer
K-State Olathe Innovation Campus, Inc.
The Olathe Chamber is truly a crown jewel. They have been recognized nationally as one of the very best. One only has to look at the fact that they received the prestigious five-star designation from their peers. Their entrepreneurial spirit, visionary leadership and “can do” attitude are key components to the continued growth of Olathe and Johnson County. They were instrumental, working with the city of Olathe and Kansas State University, to establish the K-State Olathe Innovation Campus. This chamber is truly something to be proud of. As individuals and as a team, they work to make Olathe a great place to live and to do business!
Edwin Robinson, Ph.D.
Former President
MidAmerica Nazarene University
With the limited time and resources I have these days, I need an organization that provides an effective network of community and business leaders AND consistent opportunities to develop meaningful relationship with them. The Olathe Chamber of Commerce provides both as well as any organization of which I've been a part. MidAmerica Nazarene University is a vital part of the community, in part, because our membership has connected us to others who desire to make Olathe a quality place to live and work. There is a reason the Olathe Chamber of Commerce wears "five stars."
Ron Ryckman
Olathe City Councilmember
Only through partnerships can a community thrive, and without a doubt, Olathe is thriving. Clearly, our excellent schools contribute to a quality of life second-to-none, but as important, is a phenomenal chamber of commerce that continually delivers. Through the chamber’s efforts, millions and millions of dollars are being invested in our community not only creating jobs, but creating the financial foundation that makes everything else possible. It’s this dynamic and the Olathe Chamber of Commerce that sets Olathe apart. We are the envy of the nation due to our economic growth, and the Olathe Chamber has made it possible.
I’ve been proud to serve on the Chamber Board of Directors. I’ve made lifelong friends, and I’ve made business contacts that have been absolutely critical.
