An article and subsequent editorial comment in the Topeka Capital-Journal this week complimented Ottawa and its city leaders for having the attitude and vision to make good things happen, which helped our community thrive. In the article, City Manager Scott Lambers credited years of good decision making and foresight by past city leaders, which are just now starting to pay dividends for Ottawa's economic success. If you don't have a vision, and people don't share in that vision, you won't be successful. Recent economic development successes include Stark Truss, American Eagle Distribution Center, Rogers Manufacturing and other business expansions, but most of Ottawa's population growth can be traced back to Wal-Mart Distribution Center's opening here. Of course, our community is about more than just industry.
Diversity is important to a stable community.
Tourism is becoming a significant contributor to our economic well-being. The Kansas Sampler Festival is one example of a new tourism event that joined the list of other popular local events. The bigger and better Skunk Run Days event is certain to become a more popular attraction too. The sale of the abandoned school at Fifth and Main streets to a Kansas developer was also good news. The positive momentum continued with Ottawa's selection as a Main Street designated community.