Ottawa Buzz
Meet the Team: Your Biggest Fans
When people think about the Chamber, they often think about the events we host, the ribbon cuttings we celebrate, or the networking opportunities we provide.
But behind every event, every email, every social media post, every referral, and every member connection is a small team that is passionate about helping local businesses succeed.
At the Ottawa Area Chamber, that team is just the two of us—and we wouldn't have it any other way.
More Than Staff Members
When you join the Chamber, you're not simply adding your name to a membership list.
You're gaining two people who genuinely care about your business.
We want to know your story.
We want to celebrate your successes.
We want to help you navigate challenges, make meaningful connections, and discover opportunities you may not have known existed.
Every member has different goals, and we believe getting to know you personally helps us serve you better.
Meet Rosemary
People often ask what drew me to chamber work, and the answer really begins with my childhood.
I grew up in a military family, which meant moving frequently along the East Coast and even living in Germany for a time. When you're constantly starting over, finding your place in a new community becomes incredibly important.
Community meant a lot then, and it still means everything to me today.
One of the things I always loved about Putnam County when we visited was how community-oriented it felt. People genuinely seemed to care about one another. Neighbors supported neighbors. Businesses supported businesses. People showed up—not because they had to, but because they wanted to. That stayed with me. I also grew up with a simple message that has shaped the way I live and lead: Always be willing to help, even when it doesn't directly affect you.
Today, that philosophy guides the way I approach my role as Executive Director of the Ottawa Area Chamber.
While I'm naturally an introvert, one of the greatest joys of my job is building relationships with our members. To me, success isn't about meeting someone once or handing them a business card. It's about getting to know you.
I want to learn about your business, understand your goals, celebrate your successes, and be there when challenges arise. The better I know you, the better I can connect you with opportunities, resources, and other people who can help your business grow.
One of my biggest hopes is that the Chamber becomes one of your greatest champions.
Yes, we want the public to know your business, support your business, and become your customers.
But before any of that happens, we want you to know that we're already cheering you on.
Every referral we make, every social media post we share, every ribbon cutting we celebrate, every introduction we facilitate, and every opportunity we create is rooted in one goal: helping our members succeed.
Because that's what community is all about.
Meet Kelly
Kelly grew up in the small village of Deshler, where she learned the value of community from a young age.
That sense of community has carried forward into just about everything she does.
Kelly is naturally friendly, caring, and genuinely wants the best for everyone she meets. She is often the extroverted counterpart to Rosemary's introvertedness, bringing warmth, energy, and connection into every conversation.
She knows what it means to lend a helping hand, and she also understands the hard work and sacrifice it takes to run a business.
As our Director of Member Engagement, Kelly plays an important role in helping members feel welcomed, supported, and connected. Whether she is answering questions, helping deliver materials, coordinating communications, assisting with events, or cheering on members behind the scenes, Kelly brings heart to the work she does every day.
One of Kelly's greatest strengths is making people feel seen.
She celebrates member successes, helps create meaningful connections, and brings a genuine enthusiasm to supporting local businesses.
At the Ottawa Area Chamber, we are fortunate to have Kelly as part of our team because she reflects so much of what we value: kindness, service, community, and a willingness to help wherever she can.
A Team That Knows Your Business
One of the advantages of being a small team is that we have the opportunity to truly know our members.
We don't want to simply recognize your business name.
We want to know:
What inspired you to start your business?
What goals are you working toward?
What products or services do you offer?
What challenges are you facing?
How can we help you grow?
The better we know you, the better we can connect you with opportunities, referrals, partnerships, and resources.
Working Behind the Scenes
While many people see us at Chamber events, much of our work happens long before an event begins—or long after it ends.
A typical day might include:
Promoting member businesses on social media.
Answering questions from business owners and community members.
Referring Chamber members to people looking for local services.
Planning upcoming events and educational programs.
Meeting with prospective members.
Connecting businesses with community resources.
Celebrating milestones like grand openings and anniversaries.
Collaborating with local organizations to strengthen our business community.
Much of this work happens quietly, but it all has one purpose: helping our members succeed.
We're Here for You
One of the things we hope every member knows is this:
You never have to figure it out alone.
Whether you're wondering how to maximize your membership, looking for a connection, celebrating an exciting milestone, or simply have a question, we're here to help.
Sometimes the answer is a resource.
Sometimes it's an introduction.
Sometimes it's simply someone who believes in what you're building.
We believe one of the Chamber's greatest roles is to be an advocate and a champion for our members. We celebrate your successes, help you navigate challenges, and look for opportunities to help your business thrive.
More Than a Membership
At the Ottawa Area Chamber, we believe Chamber membership is about relationships.
It's about knowing our members, supporting their businesses, celebrating their successes, and helping create growth opportunities.
Our success isn't measured by the number of events we host or the number of memberships we have.
Our success is measured by the success of our members. When your business grows, our community grows stronger.
It is truly a privilege to serve this incredible business community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside you on your journey. Thank you for trusting us to be part of your story. We can't wait to see what we'll accomplish together.
