The trouble with Shelia Lampe is that she’s not a boastful sort.
She doesn’t go around tooting her horn, saying “Look at me!” when she has every right to do so.
So we’ll do it for her.
AS DIRECTOR of the Iola Area Chamber of Commerce, Lampe has either spearheaded or kept alive 10 successful programs including:
• See Hear, Iola monthly meetings, in partnership with Iola banks and the City of Iola; first Friday of every month.
• Cash Mobs — en masse shopping at a selected store.
• Santa House — repainted and updated with the help of a grant through Modern Woodmen of America.
• Gingerbread House project, in conjunction with Iola Public Library and Allen County Extension.
• Home-based business outreach programs.
• Travel- and tourism-based projects.
• Molly Trolley — look for it at the high school prom!
• Human resource workshops in conjunction with Allen Community College and the state Department of Commerce, and
• Relay for Life, partnering with Sonic Equipment.
The results have been more people working together on community-based activities. That the events also help promote Iola and its businesses is the purpose of the Chamber.
Too often people question whether the Chamber is effective. “What’s it done for me, lately?” they’ll say.
That’s kind of like asking what your church has done for you, whereas the question should be what are you doing for your church, because only then can it fulfill its potential.
The Iola Chamber can only be what its members put forth. It’s a staff of two, after all.
Friday night’s low turnout for its annual meeting had to be somewhat of a disappointment for Lampe and her volunteer crew of ambassadors and board members, which is a shame because Derek Schmidt, Kansas attorney general, gave a top-notch address as guest speaker. It’s through Lampe’s wide array of connections and friendships that someone of Schmidt’s stature came to Iola for the occasion. Iola wasn’t on a stop as he was making a swing through southeast Kansas. Schmidt came specifically for the occasion, then turned around and went back home to Lawrence after the night’s celebration was over.
LAMPE is a gift to Iola and its businesses. In the short 18 months she’s been on the job she has made great strides in making Iola a more vibrant community and promoting our small burg across the state.
Show your support. Next time you see Shelia or her assistant Aileen Wilson, give them a pat on the back. Better yet, renew your membership in the Chamber and get involved in Chamber activities.
Community-building doesn’t happen by itself.
— Susan Lynn
