TK Magazine November 2023 by E2 Communications & Publishing

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

TK Business Magazine

INVEST IN YOURSELF

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CONTENTS

Photo by JOHN BURNS

TK BUSINESS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

PAGE

Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40

The Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America is shining a spotlight on 20 young professionals who are making a lasting impact on the future of their local community.

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Steve Newell, President Commercial Loan Officer (785) 231-1412 snewell@centralnational.com

A Fiduciary Advisor

Investments | RetIRement | estate PlannIng

Central National Bank... Blake Sutton, ChFC Vice President & Trust Officer (785) 276-3232 blakes@centralnational.com ®

Investment Products are: NOT Deposits • NOT FDIC Insured • NOT guaranteed by the Bank Subject to Possible Loss of Principal • NOT insured by any Federal Government Agency

Lending to Kansans since 1884. Come see us for your commercial and personal financial needs.

Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender

800 SE Quincy Street in Topeka, Kansas www.centralnational.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

TK Business Magazine

CONTENTS

With the recent purchase of West Ridge Mall, Cody Foster and David Callanan are focusing their energy on making Topeka a better place to work and play.

Heart of the Entrepreneur: Peterson Media Group

Jeff and Gayla Peterson have future-proofed their family business by finding a niche in association magazines that provide technical education.

Navigating High-Interest Rates

Manaf Sellak with Washburn University discusses the impact raising interest rates have on small businesses and offers potential solutions to help navigate current challenges. Photo by MEL TAYLOR

TK BUSINESS MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

Leading Topeka Forward

Topeka Giving Back

MB Piland Advertising + Marketing and Lewis Toyota of Topeka are making their mark on our local community by giving back.

Peace of Mind During the Giving Season

The Topeka Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals offer practical questions and considerations for end-of-year giving.

Local Shopping Destinations

Hunter & Laine in Downtown Topeka and Amused Gallery & Gifts in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District are creating unique shopping experiences that can’t be replicated online.

Photo by JOHN BURNS

Celebrating the Power of Your Philanthropy

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The Association of Fundraising Professionals highlight businesses and individuals whose charitable contributions have played a transformative role in changing lives.

Best Electrical Service Company

Best plumbing company

Best heating/air company

Best Employer 101-500

3rd Year in a row

5th Year in a row

Finalist

785.266.7111 MCELROYElectric.COM

for choosing us.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

785.266.4870 MCELROYS.COM

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CONTRIBUTORS PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Tara Dimick

CREATIVE DIRECTOR & DESIGNER

Janet Faust

MANAGING PARTNER Braden Dimick & SALES DIRECTOR braden@tkmagazine.com 785-438-7773 MARKETING DIRECTOR & EDITOR COVER PHOTOGRAPHER

Valerie Williams John Burns

WRITERS

Miranda Ericsson Kim Gronniger Kelly Potter Valerie WiIliams India Yarborough

PHOTOGRAPHERS

John Burns Jennifer Goetz Mel Taylor

CONTRIBUTING EXPERT

Manaf Sellak

WEBSITE MANAGER

Cordell Dimick

2023 TK Business Magazine is published by E2 Communications, Inc., 6021 SW 29th Street, Suite A, PMB 106, Topeka, KS 66614 (785) 438-7773. Reproduction or use of this publication in any manner without written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication as of press time. The publisher assumes no responsibility of any part for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions therein. E2 Communications, Inc. makes no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any goods or services advertised or listed in this publication. Listings and advertisements are provided by the subject company. E2 Communications, Inc. shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s right therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. By placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement.

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@TK...Topeka's Business Magazine

PROMISE AND THRIVES SCHOLARSHIPS WASHBURN & SHAWNEE COUNTY: TOGETHER WE THRIVE

hawnee County Promise and Thrives Scholarships are part of a financial

PROMISE: UP TO FULL TUITION

THRIVES: UP TO $4,000

aid package called Together We

Thrive. This initiative can create a tuitionfree path while earning a bachelor’s degree at Washburn for Shawnee County high school and home school graduates. It also assists local high school graduates who enroll in certificate programs at Washburn Tech.

WASHBURN.EDU/PROMISE | WASHBURN.EDU/SNCO

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Photo by MEL TAYLOR

DAVID CALLANAN and CODY FOSTER

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l e a d i n g to p e k a

FORWARD A CATALYST FOR EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY GROWTH

By VALERIE WILLIAMS Photos by MEL TAYLOR

Cody Foster and David Callanan started their entrepreneurial journey around a kitchen table in 2005. With only $135,000 and a mission to redefine the role of an independent marketing organization for financial advisors across the nation, they’ve proven themselves as game changers in the industry. Now, with the recent purchase of West Ridge Mall, they’re focusing on making their local community a more desirable place to live, work and play.

NO STRANGERS TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP While Foster and Callanan might be closing in on 20 years of consulting nearly 700 of the nation’s top financial advisors, they’re no stranger to entrepreneurship outside their success with Advisors Excel. In 2015, Foster founded AIM Strategies, a private equity firm that’s developed several successful downtown businesses like the Cyrus Hotel, The Pennant, Iron Rail and the anticipated new restaurant that will occupy the corner of 8th and Kansas Avenue. Additionally, Foster and AIM Strategies own several properties in the downtown area and offer consulting services to aspiring entrepreneurs in the hospitality industry. TAKING ON WEST RIDGE MALL Foster and Callanan first entertained the idea of purchasing commercial space at West Ridge Mall in 2019. At the time, Burlington Coat Factory had just vacated their space and the co-owners deemed it a viable option for the future headquarters of Advisors Excel. However, concerns over the stability of the mall ultimately shifted their focus

to Gage Shopping Center, which now hosts their second location and approximately 150 employees. But when the opportunity presented itself again, they saw potential beyond their previous department store pursuit. “Our original goal with Gage was to turn it into a nice retail strip,” said Foster. “We thought it could be a cool project. But we’ve never been great at projecting our growth, and a little over a year ago we realized that at the rate we were growing, we had to convert that into more office space.” However, when Foster and Callanan made the initial decision to turn the former strip mall into the second Advisors Excel location, they were already realizing they could potentially be out of space again within the next three to five years. “If you look at our history, about every five years we’ve taken on a major real estate development project for office space,” said Foster. “We considered building something. We looked downtown, trying to think through some of the office spaces available, and there just wasn’t a great solution for us. I just kept coming back to the idea of the mall and thought, for

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the price and the value we can get it at, is going to be such a smart opportunity compared to what it would cost to build something.” From there, bigger picture ideas quickly took over. What started as a strategy to find a long-term solution for their rapidly growing team quickly morphed into conversations about a larger scale project and the potential it could offer Topeka and the rest of the mall, if it was done right. But to do it right, they would need to take a strategic approach to ensure they had the right mix of tenants to draw people in. And that’s been their focus to-date. “We’re trying to be thoughtful about who we bring in here that will bring people back,” said Foster. “For example, I don’t think Nordstroms would work here. But Nordstroms Rack would crush it. So we’ll be aggressive with trying to get those types of businesses in here.” Foster and Callanan plan to use AIM Strategies to manage and oversee the project. They’ve also started conversations with master planning firms who specialize in retail spaces to help envision what success looks like. Initial ideas have included a services wing (think salon and spa services, a gym, etc.), new restaurant concepts, and potentially residential options down the road. SPREADING THE LOVE Downtown Topeka and the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District have seen a resurgence in the past several years as a result of

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public and private investments, many of which can be attributed to Foster. Now, as he turns some of his focus toward the opposite side of town, he believes there’s plenty of opportunity and support within the community to share the love. “I view the Wanamaker corridor and downtown as pretty different,” he said. “I would say I view Wanamaker much more as a retail destination, and I view downtown as more of a dining and entertainment district long term. Overall, I think Topeka has the potential to be a destination for a larger demographic region and, if both are executed successfully, it can only mean good things for the community overall.” A PASSION FOR THE GROWTH OF TOPEKA Originally from small, rural towns in Kansas, Foster and Callanan moved to Topeka to attend college at Washburn University. They’re both passionate advocates for Topeka and believe the university and business community offer ample opportunity for a brighter future ahead. “I’ll never understand why people wouldn’t want the place they live to be as great as it can possibly be,” Foster said. “I remember friends, a little bit older than me, always talking about their kids not seeing opportunity

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ADVICE FOR SUCCESS As a catalyst for continued growth in the Topeka community, Cody Foster says he focuses on three main components of a business opportunity to decide if it’s worth the investment.

LOW COST OF CAPITAL TO START Foster stresses the importance of financing business opportunities in a way that minimizes the amount of debt you take on. He believes this was reinforced during the pandemic. “We’ll be able to weather a lot of storms because we’re not huge fans of taking on a lot of debt,” he said. “Not having a huge mortgage payment or lease payment has been huge in helping us sustain things, like we all saw during the pandemic.”

2 LOW BARRIER TO ENTRY

When Foster explores a potential business venture, he always evaluates the competition. Finding a service or product that doesn’t have an already saturated market will lead to better success. “What excited me about the Cyrus Hotel was that there weren’t a ton of newer hotels in the area,” Foster said. “So we felt like we had a low barrier to competition and we could become the premier hotel in the community.”

3 EVALUATING COST MARGINS

Service-based businesses are a great example of opportunities that provide a high cost margin. Regardless, keeping a close eye on labor costs and managing finances well are crucial. “This is why restaurants can be tough sometimes,” Foster says. “They operate on such a thin margin and you have to do everything really, really well. Fortunately, I think that’s why we’ve found some success with our restaurants because I have people like Seth and Don (AIM Strategies) that pay attention to our numbers and manage the heck out of those. If you’re in a business that isn’t necessarily a bigger margin business and you don’t manage it well, you can get yourself in trouble.”

Designing places that enable, enrich, and inspire.

www.civiumarchitects.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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LONG TERM VISION FOR TOPEKA Looking beyond the excitement and energy surrounding the future of West Ridge Mall, Foster envisions tremendous growth across all areas of Topeka. “I think downtown still has a long way to go,” said Foster. “I think the next big phase that will support business there will be great residential. I also see this vision of more restaurants, more nightlife and places like TPAC and Jayhawk Theatre being fully renovated and having some great shows there.” As a newly appointed member of the Riverfront Advisory Board, he also believes that area will be picking up steam in the near future, helping tie downtown and the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District closer together. “I think what you’ll continue to see is compounding improvement,” said Foster. “We’re on a constant path of steady improvement. But I think the biggest opportunity we have is to create a start-up community, specifically in animal and ag health, through Plug and Play initiatives.” TK

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Photo by MEL TAYLOR

in Topeka. Having a freshman in college and a sophomore in high school now, I didn’t want them to not view Topeka as an option.” Foster believes the community already has an impressive business environment, but it’s the entertainment and dining options that have historically been lacking. “You always hear there’s nothing to do here,” he said. “Washburn University’s biggest untapped potential is the opportunity for graduates to find a job after they graduate. You won’t find that with any other school in the MIAA. So if we could just complement the business community with things like dining and entertainment, it will create a pretty bright future for Topeka. If you look at some of the progress we’ve seen over the past five to seven years, you see it’s already starting to manifest itself. We’re making progress, and it’s fun to see.”

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Written and compiled by KELLY POTTER and VALERIE WILLIAMS Photos by JOHN BURNS

The Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America honors “Topeka’s Top 20 Under 40” to recognize young professionals who are impacting the future of Topeka in a positive way. This year’s honorees serve, lead, give and inspire. Learn more about these 20 young leaders and what motivates them.

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DON’T JUST JOIN A CLUB

Join a Family

THE TOPEKA COUNTRY CLUB

www.topekacc.org (785) 354-8561 NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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Manager of Talent Development Evergy

LINDSAY ROBERTS

Lindsay is responsible for organizational and leadership development at Evergy. She has coached organizational leaders on how to effectively navigate difficult conversations and gain trust and respect from employees. She volunteers with Leadership Greater Topeka, Washburn Leadership Institute, Topeka Soccer Club, and Most Pure Heart of Mary. She is the only Certified Mental Performance Coach in Topeka, and has provided athletes of all ages with vital sport psychology services.

What is one piece of advice that has served you well in your journey? Relationships matter. I learned this advice from Dr. Karen Revich, who is a mentor, coach, and friend. Through the training I received to become a Master Resilience Trainer, it was reinforced that we all experience challenges, adversities, and successes. One of

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Photo by JOHN BURNS

What led you to this career? As a junior in high school, I took a family trip to South Carolina to watch my older sister play tennis in college. During that trip, my sister met with a sports psychologist and I found it fascinating. I went on to study psychology at Washburn University and Dr. Dave Provorse was a great mentor for me. He helped me learn more about the world of sport and performance psychology and it’s been a wonderful match for me.

the most important factors that gets us through anything is our relationship with others. What do you do to recharge? Running is my thing. As a mom of two small boys, a full-time student, employee, and all of the other responsibilities I manage, it’s what I do to have time to myself.

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D E S I G N + C R E AT E + E N J O Y

COMPLETE RESIDENTIAL REMODELING PORTFOLIO INTERIOR DESIGN & FURNISHING

DesignCreateEnjoy.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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Associate Athletic Director / Director of Development Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation

MATT HUTCHINSON

What do you love most about your work? In higher education, we have the opportunity everyday to change lives for the better. Whether it’s academics or athletics, we are providing opportunities that will ultimately alter our students’

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Photo by JOHN BURNS

Matt’s role is to lead all athletic fundraising events and develop and execute fundraising strategies to support Washburn athletics. Matt has been selected as a 2023 participant in the National Athletics College Development Association’s NACDA U. He also was a winner of the Kansas Department of Commerce’s NextGen Under 30 award. He’s received multiple “Best Of” awards from the National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) as well as the National NACMA Mike Cleary Award. He is a member of the National Association of Athletic Development Directors, MIAA Basketball Tournament Committee, and the Topeka Area Sports Commission. He serves on the board of the Active 20/30 Club of Topeka, Shawnee County Crime Stoppers, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Kansas.

lives during and after their college careers. What are you an expert in? Not cooking. My meals are edible, but they are certainly less than impressive. I will figure it out at some point.

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What is the secret to a good life? Enjoy what you do, and who you do it with. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have great people in my life at every point. Life is more rewarding when you get to enjoy it with the people around you.

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State Archivist Kansas Historical Society

MEGAN BURTON

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned? It’s ok to have a path that looks a little different than your peers. I didn’t come into this profession through the traditional historian or history route. It has served me very well to have a diverse professional background.

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Photo by JOHN BURNS

As the State Archivist, Megan preserves our state’s rich history by working with state agencies, elected officials, and agency leadership to develop transparency through records management. Megan protects the state’s collections to ensure access for future generations. She also partners with schools to help students learn the history of their home state. Megan is the senior co-chair of Kansas City Area Archivists and serves as a board member of the Shawnee County Historical Society. She is the secretary/ treasurer of the Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation and she was named a Woman of Excellence in Government by the YWCA of Northeast Kansas in 2019.

It’s easy to get lost in the “you have to” thinking of career paths, but it’s ok to bring your own unique perspective to the table. In fact, it’s value-added. What characteristics do you value most in your coworkers? Creativity is key! We are faced with unique issues as a cultural heritage institution

TK Business Magazine

that’s also a government agency. Utilizing creativity to help problem solve is invaluable. What motivates you? It motivates me to think about my husband and son being proud of me. Cheesy, sure, but it’s important to me to do work that makes my family proud.

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LIVE ORCHESTRA

GUEST STARS

WHITNEY HUELL

ANGELIN CARRANT

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 TK Business Magazine 23 www.kansasballet.com 785-383-7918

BECCA SPIELMAN

Photo by JOHN BURNS

Program Director, Center for Safety and Empowerment YWCA Northeast Kansas

What are you grateful for? The continued support of my partner, Eliot, and my daughter, Mariah. They walk alongside me through all of life’s challenges. They are my reason for all that I do, and I would not be the person that I am without them. What are your strengths? My passion for social justice; my commitment to empower others; and my organizational skills. My passion for social justice began with Washburn

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University’s Bonner Leader Program. I have a unique ability to empower those I lead and give them the space to grow in their own development. Finally, I have learned to rely heavily on my organizational skills in order to be successful in my work. What series have you bingewatched lately? Currently, I’ve been watching and re-watching Bob’s Burgers, 30 Rock and Brooklyn 99.

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Becca works with victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and human trafficking. She serves on the Mayor’s Task Force against domestic violence. She is a facilitator of Shawnee County’s coordinated community response team. She is a field instructor and supervisor for Washburn University practicum students and Bonner Leaders at the YWCA. Becca is active in the Rotary Club of Community Action Against Human Trafficking. She also is part of the City of Topeka’s homeless initiative project exploring the needs of unsheltered residents in Topeka.

JEREMY WILTZ

Photo by JOHN BURNS

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Midland Care

Jeremy’s role at Midland Care is focused on exploring the strategic direction of the organization and optimizing services. He has been involved in the growth of several home health agencies, the expansion of the PACE program, and the renovation of the Midland Care Hospice House. He is currently a Certified Home Health Administer and serves on the National Association for Home Care & Hospice Rural Advisory Council. Jeremy is an Auburn-Washburn USD 437 School Board Member. He also serves as the chair of the Board of Directors for the YMCA and coaches his son’s Upwards Soccer team.

What do you love most about your work? Each day I get the opportunity to work alongside clinical staff that step into the lives of seniors and provide comfort and support in challenging times. I hear stories from families and patients about how the staff changed their lives in a positive way. What is something you wish someone had told you during your career journey? I wish someone would have told me the value of every

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interaction with staff that you get is an opportunity to lead. It took me a few years to fully understand how each time I was communicating with staff I had the opportunity to build them up or tear them down. What is your foundation? My family. I get the wonderful opportunity to be a husband and a father to three great kids. Each day I hope that the way that I lead and the way that I treat others is an example to my kids.

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Director of Finance Zinnia

MEGAN GREEN

What is the biggest professional goal you have accomplished? My professional goal has always been to advance to the management/executive level in Zinnia Finance. This goal is so important to me because as Director, I can train and lead those who work in finance to eventually carry on the Zinnia mission. It remains my goal to continue to move up and have an even more positive impact on my company’s future.

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Photo by JOHN BURNS

Megan began her journey with Zinnia more than 12 years ago as a staff accountant and was recently promoted to Director of Finance. As part of the Ignition Leadership Program at Zinnia, Megan participates in leadership training, peer mentorship, and coaching with fellow up and coming leaders. Megan volunteers at Topeka Civic Theatre in many capacities including crew member, props team member, and mostly recently, stage manager. She is the treasurer of Shawnee County Crime Stoppers and a member of the Leadership Greater Topeka Class of 2017.

What should one never take for granted? People. Things in life come and go but people and relationships remain. Who is your greatest inspiration? My dad. When I was a child, my dad was diagnosed with cancer but he was still there for TK Business Magazine

our family and attended all of my events. He taught me that I should keep going, even when it gets tough. Unfortunately, I lost my dad in 2022, but I hope to carry his memory on in everything I do with being present and just trying to be my best.

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atstopeka.com

Townsite Plaza 3 120 SE 6th Ave, Suite 110 Topeka, KS 66603

Your Story. Our Purpose.

endeavorpw.com 785.329.2510

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Director of Purchasing Midwest Health

WHITNEY CARTMILL

What is the most important part of your work? Supporting our senior living communities with all their purchasing needs so that they can focus on their most important task, taking care of our residents.

Photo by JOHN BURNS

Whitney leads Midwest Health in the purchasing and management of over $50 million in goods and services for the company’s 90+ senior living facilities and ancillary businesses. Her contributions to the organization during the pandemic were fundamental, consistently sourcing PPE, managing Covid testing programs, coordinating vaccine clinics, and sourcing technology and materials to facilitate safe visitations between residents and their loved ones. As a member of the Topeka Advisory Board of Junior Achievement, Whitney assists with event planning, fundraising, and expense management. She has also served as a mentor through Kansas State University’s Executive Mentor Program.

What is the secret to a good life? For me, it’s knowing how lucky I am and appreciating everything I have. “Good” is all about your perspective.

What superhuman ability would you choose? The ability to freeze time. I am lucky to know I am living the best years of my life right now.

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Congrats, Whitney! We are thrilled to celebrate Whitney Cartmill, a 2023 honoree of Topeka's 20 under 40 award. Whitney has used her talents to benefit Midwest Health as well as the greater Topeka community. Whitney, thank you for all you do for our company and our community. WHITNEY CARTMILL Director of Purchasing

midwest-health.com Our Family Caring for Yours

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Community Engagement Coordinator Harvesters Community Food Bank

NEYSSA NUNEZ

How have you grown during your career? In the past, I shied away from being in the public eye. I have been empowered to step up, which has everything to do with the excellent advocates I have met in my current role.

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Photo by JOHN BURNS

In 2012, Neyssa founded Little Girls Hair, a nonprofit focused on educating families about natural hair care and the cultural significance of hair. In partnership with the Black Student Union at Washburn University, Neyssa founded the “Don’t Touch My Hair Event” that raised awareness, donations, and won the University Diversity Award in 2022. Neyssa served two terms in the AmeriCorps program at Harvesters — The Community Food Network. After her term of service ended, Neyssa joined the full-time staff. She has partnered with Black owned businesses to launch the Harvesters Natural Hair Care Dignity Kit in Topeka. As a member of the Temple of Deliverance Church of God and Christ, she is actively involved in the food pantry and worship services. She is involved in the Topeka Mosaic project and serves as a volunteer at Indian Hills Elementary.

Networking and strategic skillbiased training have sharpened how I would like to contribute to our community. What is your leadership style? I refer to myself as a rip-theband-aid-off type of leader.

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What motivates you? Failures motivate me. “I don’t like to lose at anything. Yet I’ve grown most, not from victories, but from setbacks. If winning is God’s reward, then losing is how he teaches us.” —Serena Williams

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Jeff currently serves as the Chief Information Technology Officer and the Chief Information Security Officer for the State of Kansas. He is responsible for leading the state’s information technology and cybersecurity efforts, ensuring Kansas citizens have access to secure digital government services. He was instrumental in building the Kansas Information Security Office (KISO) to protect state agencies from cyber threats. Mindful of the shortage of qualified personnel in cybersecurity, Jeff started an internship program within the State of Kansas. It has converted several interns to full time employees who have immediately contributed to the team. When he isn’t working or serving in the Kansas Air National Guard, Jeff volunteers his time coaching several youth sports teams and with his church’s youth group.

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Photo by JOHN BURNS

Chief Information Technology Officer / Chief Information Security Officer State of Kansas

JEFF MAXON

What 3 critical skills help you? Problem solving. Continued desire to learn. Communication. What is the secret to a good life? A good work-life balance that allows you to invest in

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multiple areas outside of work such as faith, family, friends, and hobbies. What motivates you? Seeing a way to contribute to a problem or challenge intrigues me. Solving it motivates me.

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LARA WAITS

Photo by JOHN BURNS

Talent Acquisition Manager Prairie Band Casino & Resort

What do you love most about your work? The people — those I have known for a long time and the new people I meet. Every person is like a book. I love to listen to their story, whether it be an old story or a new one.

As a leader, I am inspired by people’s future and what it could be. I like to help paint a vivid picture of what can happen with just one step forward. This mindset blends into my personal life because I love to listen to others to see how I can help.

What is your leadership style? My success is measured by the success and growth of those I help.

What do you collect? I’d say I collect beautiful and unique earrings, but my husband would say I collect Starbucks cups.

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Lara is the go-to team member at Prairie Band Casino & Resort where she is committed to the growth of those she works with. She is a coach for Topeka United’s Mosaic program. She is the interim president of the Haskell Foundation board of directors and a member of the National Native American Human Resources Association. She is an appointed member of the Topeka Chapter of the Society of Human Resource Management, currently serving as the DEI committee chair. She is also a member of the 2023 Leadership Greater Topeka Class.

Allison Maxwell Hibler

Photo by JOHN BURNS

Attorney/Vice President of Finance Sloan Law Firm

In 2021, Allison was selected as Vice President of Finance for Sloan Law Firm by her partners, making her the first woman on the firm’s management team. She sits on the probate panel at Shawnee County District Court and is an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Topeka, through which she is involved in the Kiwanis Bring Up Grades (BUG) Program. Additionally, Allison manages Maxwell House LLC and Maxwell Real Estate Management, and is an owner of Wonky and Wild LLC.

What is the biggest professional goal you have accomplished? Successfully navigating the law firm through the pandemic. It was of utmost importance to be able to maintain our staff, which we did and actually increased. What is something you wish someone had told you during your career journey? I wish someone would have prepared me for the depravity that I encounter. I wish someone would have told

me that I would not be able to help every person that I come across. What characteristic do you most admire in others? Blunt brutal honesty. As a family law attorney, I have to have difficult conversations with people on a daily basis. I have to deliver news that they do not want to hear. I admire others who also have to maneuver in absolute honesty, as I know the emotional toll that it takes at times, but it is necessary.

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CARMEN ROMERO-NICHOLS

Operations Manager ECI Services Owner La Creperie Co.

How have you grown during your career? I feel that my skills and leadership qualities have shifted, improved, and changed for the better. My primary intent is to serve, listen and observe more, and make adaptive and informed decisions that benefit the greater good. I welcome feedback, suggestions, and new opportunities and see them as a way to improve what I do. I now know that we can never and must never stop improving.

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Carmen is the Operations Manager for ECI Services that specializes in tailored services for colleges, universities and university systems. She is also the owner of La Creperie Co. food truck, which opened July 2023. Carmen is the vice chair for the Human Relations Commission for the City of Topeka and serves as a Family Readiness Program volunteer through the Kansas National Guard. She pulls from her life experiences as an immigrant and teen mother to support community members today. She hopes to contribute to Topeka’s growth and diversity, and to support other small businesses like her own.

What is one piece of advice that has served you well in your journey? Ever since I can remember, my mom has always said, “If you can do something about it, why worry? And if you can’t, why worry?” When I’m stressed out or find myself in a jam, TK Business Magazine

I can hear her voice saying those exact words to me and it brings me a little bit of peace. What is your biggest pet peeve? Not following through with something, but also, use your blinkers, people!

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Executive Director Kansas Board of Pharmacy

ALEXANDRA BLASI

What do you love most about your work? I love the Board and the people I work with. I lead a team of 20 that share their knowledge, expertise, energy, diverse perspectives, and strong work ethic every day. In addition, I have impressive colleagues in state employment, at the National Association of Boards of

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Alexandra works every day to build a positive work culture. She strives to demonstrate professionalism and respect and promotes a team-based approach to success. As a vocalist and pianist, Alexandra also gives back to the Topeka community by performing at local churches and hospitals, community events, senior centers, and other organizations. Alexandra is a cofounding member of Kansas WISE (Women in State Employment) and is a member of the KU School of Pharmacy Advisory Council. In 2023, Alexandra received the John F. Atkins Service Award by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. In 2018 she was named Graduate of the Last Decade by Washburn University Alumni Association.

Pharmacy, and with various pharmacy organizations.

flexibility, problem solving, and communication.

What are your core values? I live by the values of my Christian faith and the life skills I learned at Topeka Collegiate: kindness, integrity, accountability, teamwork, perseverance, leadership, respect,

What is your favorite app? Mozzarella sticks! Just kidding. I absolutely love puzzles so it would be a toss up between my Sudoku app and the New York Times app.

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Chef/Owner Flavor Wagon, LLC

TRE’JOR HOPKINS

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As the Head Chef and Owner of the Flavor Wagon, LLC, Tre’Jor is having a major impact on Topeka’s food culture and adding value to the entertainment and tourism of Topeka. This year, he served on the planning committee for two new major festivals, the Topeka Food Truck Festival and For the Culture Festival. Tre’Jor founded the Breaking Bread Program, a grassroots nonprofit that addresses food insecurity. He received the Generous Heart Award from the YWCA for continuously showing up to fundraising events, utilizing his resources, and bringing dignity to the healing journey of survivors in the community. He serves on the Board of Directors for SENT, Inc. and is actively changing the narrative about the Hi-Crest area.

What led you to a career in the food industry? It was truly my calling. I went from burns and cuts in the kitchen when I was 5, to burns and cuts now at 31. My grandmothers fostered my creativity in the kitchen, which helped me flourish.

What do you love most about your work? The interactions it allows me to have with all walks of life through food. What critical skills are important for what you do? Critical thinking. Adaptivity. Availability.

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What would we likely see you doing on a weekend? If I’m not working, I would be enjoying time away from home with the family. If I’m lucky, I might get to enjoy a beer and watch some good football.

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Associate Director for Industry Engagement National Glass Association (NGA)

SARA NEISWANGER

How have you grown during your career? I have had several colleagues help me chip away at that shield of doubt, find my voice and opinions, and expose me to new people and situations. This has not only put me in a position to be memberfacing within NGA but those same growths have helped within the community, on

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Sara skillfully leads projects that educate, intrigue and inspire. Using her passion for creating high quality content and visionary sponsorship ideas, she turns educational programs into exciting events. In 2023, Sara published her first children’s book, Which Hat Will You Wear Today, Cyrus? which celebrates the history of Topeka and inspires children to not be afraid of new opportunities. Sara is an active volunteer at Family Service and Guidance Center, serving on the Works of Heart Committee and on the Board of Trustees. She is a member of the Topeka South Rotary Club and the Leadership Greater Topeka Class of 2019.

boards I’ve served and in projects I’ve pursued. What is the most important part of your work? I want to help people have a low barrier to engagement with NGA. Helping create a sense of belonging and a friendly

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community where the staff are part of the industry too, impacts how I approach my work on a daily basis. What superhuman ability do you wish you had? To be able to wiggle my nose and make magic happen like Samantha on Bewitched.

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ANGIE GRAU

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Owner Paper June

What is an important part of your work? It’s important that Paper June is a shop where kids see themselves represented within the books. What is something you wish someone had told you during your career journey? It’s ok if your career or business isn’t working for you anymore. It’s ok to admit if you’re unhappy or even failing.

We are always evolving, so these times of unrest or disappointment may be opportunities for greater happiness or success. Who is your greatest inspiration? My mom. She taught me to love deeply and give freely. She taught me that life is short, so it’s important to be happy now. And, of course, I got my love of reading from her!

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Angie Grau opened Paper June, a children’s bookstore and art studio, in 2018. She strives to create opportunities for young Topeka families. Angie volunteers at Sheldon Head Start and donates books and art lessons to local elementary schools and organizations. She is a Big for Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, and is a board member of United Way of Kaw Valley’s Young Leader Society. She is a member of the American Booksellers Association and the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association. In 2023, Angie received the Founders Principle of Scholarship Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Education from the Delta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta.

JESSICA SAVARD

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Community Engagement Coordinator Advisors Excel

Jessica has coordinated over 15,000 volunteer hours and granted more than $2 million back into the Topeka Community. She is a three-time AE Rockstar of the Month recipient and was selected to participate in Advisors Excel’s internal leadership program “AE Influencers,” focusing on leadership. Jessica has served with Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters as a “Big/Mentor” and as part of the Community Leadership Council. In 2021, Jessica was selected for Leadership Greater Topeka and was subsequently selected by her class to sit on the Leadership Greater Topeka Advisory Board. Jessica serves on the Advisory Board for the Washburn University Leadership Institute and is actively involved with OMNI Circle.

What characteristics do you value most in your coworkers? Their commitment to upholding Advisors Excel’s core values, day in and day out. Those values are to take ownership, never stop growing, be an excellent teammate, always do the right thing and create the ultimate client experience.

stuck on autopilot in the hustle and bustle of our dayto-day lives. When I recognize my days are controlling me, it’s time for me to regroup and become mindful of the actions and choices that are making me default to this behavior.

What do you think the secret to a good life is? Being intentional and present. It’s so easy to get

What is your most used emoji? The heart emoji. I never want to miss an opportunity to tell friends and family how much I love them.

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ANN (GORSUCH) DEMARANVILLE

Principal Scott Dual Language Magnet Topeka Public Schools

What do you love most about your work? I love having the opportunity to make a positive influence in the lives of my students, families, and staff members. We view our school as a positive change agent for our community, so any chance I get to make this happen is valuable and affirming to me.

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Ann’s leadership creates a positive learning and working environment that supports student and adult growth. Serving on the USD 501 Dual Language Strategic Planning Committee and Superintendent/Deputy Advisory Council, Ann ensures Spanish speaking families have a voice. She has been actively involved with the Corazón de Esperanza program, which teaches life-skills, provides housing and supports higher education for students who have aged out of orphanages in Peru. Ann is passionate about leading women’s bible studies and has served as a site manager for Topeka’s Sharefest event.

What is one word you would use to describe yourself? Challenger. A challenger to me is someone who enjoys pushing the edges of the “box” or questioning the confines of what’s normal or expected. I like to question, push, and dream about how things could

be and believe it is one of the characteristics that has shaped my life and daily actions. What’s the last series you binge-watched? Wednesday! It was surprisingly addictive.

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In his role, Dr. Souka diagnoses and treats cardiovascular conditions using minimally invasive procedures and techniques. One of the most significant accomplishments has been the development of a transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Thanks to Dr. Souka, patients no longer have to drive to Kansas City to get specialized services and top notch care. As a native Arabic speaker, Dr. Souka has contributed time and support to the Topeka Islamic Center, an organization dedicated to promoting the well-being and welfare of the Muslim community. The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) is a nonprofit organization representing thousands of Syrian-American medical professionals; Dr. Souka travels regularly on medical missions to help provide medical care to Syrian refugees across the globe.

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Interventional Cardiologist / Director of Structural Heart Disease University of Kansas Health Care System St. Francis Campus

DR. AHMED SOUKA

What do you love most about your work? The sense of fulfillment when I’m able to help someone feel better. I also love being able to give good news to their family.

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What is the most valuable lesson you have learned? Everything happens for a reason. Who would play you in a movie about your life? Brett Goldstein from Ted Lasso.

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School Counselor Ross Elementary Topeka Public Schools

EVA YERKES

What led you to this career? Before I became a school counselor, I taught German for 13 years. I really enjoyed it, but the part I loved most was the relationships I built with my students. I decided to pursue a masters in school counseling so that I could combine my love for education with my love for helping others. Now, not only do I get to listen to my students,

Photo by JOHN BURNS

Eva works to create a positive, safe, and inviting environment at Ross Elementary School. She is active in the East Topeka community and advocates for students and parents alike. As a member of the Equity Team, Eva advocates for Ross student and family needs, addressing everything from transportation to class size to ensure equity for all students. Eva coaches Girls on the Run and is the coordinator of the Ross Ambassadors Program, a program for 4th and 5th grade student mentors. Additionally, Eva teaches German in Ross Elementary’s after-school program.

but I actually get to do more by linking them to the many amazing resources I have both within the school building and around the community. What do you love most about your work? I love getting all the big hugs from students each day

and seeing their faces light up when I visit their classrooms. What book are you reading? The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. It’s a beautiful story about forgiveness, second chances and love. The main character could be one of my students. TK

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DIANNA BRODINE, GAYLA & JEFF PETERSON, BECKY ARENSDORF

natives Jeff and HEART OF THE ENTREPRENEUR GaylaTopeka Peterson launched their

PETERSON MEDIA GROUP By KIM GRONNIGER Photo by JOHN BURNS

Photo by JOHN BURNS

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publishing company, Peterson Publications, in 1992 in the basement of their Olathe home before eventually relocating their burgeoning business to the capital city in 1999. The intergenerational family company has continued to evolve, and the couple renamed it Peterson Media Group two years ago to better reflect its multifaceted communications focus. Jeff and Gayla serve as president and vice president, respectively.

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HEART OF THE ENTREPRENEUR

“As time went on, we realized potential in association magazine publishing.” —Jeff Peterson President Peterson Media Group

AN ENTREPRENEURIAL EPIPHANY Through his employment as a marketing manager for Bunting Magnetics in Newton, Kansas, and later for USE Foils Inc. in Overland Park, Jeff ’s familiarity with manufacturing operations and association affiliations led to an entrepreneurial epiphany. “My background gave me the idea that industrial companies needed help communicating with other businesses, especially since most advertising agencies at that time were mainly focused on television and radio promotions for consumers,” he said. Jeff was able to parlay his experience into a consulting business focused on business-to-business marketing. Soon after, the Foil & Specialty Effects Association that he was involved in at USE Foils

PHOTO

SUBMIT

TED

Peterson Media Group provides a full range of client support for trade and manufacturing publications.

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contacted him about helping with a start-up magazine, the impetus for the Petersons’ publication business. Jeff handled advertising sales and editorial responsibilities and Gayla, a former social worker, handled operations for their new business. A FAMILY AFFAIR Peterson Media Group became an extended family affair. After Jeff ’s mother, Vicki Peterson, retired as a manager with AT&T, she sold ads for the company beginning in 1995 and assisted with the launch of the association’s first magazine that year. The Petersons’ son, Blake, joined the company two years ago as a national sales manager for four associationbased magazines. “Soon after producing the first magazine for the Foil & Special Effects

Association, we started working on the Topeka Visitors Guide and more publication opportunities followed,” Jeff said. Jeff credits his mother with the company’s successful early launch into travel guides. “Through her various professional contacts, she helped us land the Topeka publication and additional travel guides in Wichita, Olathe and Kansas City, Kansas,” he said. “As time went on, we realized potential in association magazine publishing and transitioned away from travel.” Today the company has 11 local, regional and national association clients, including the Kansas Bar Association, the Kansas Dental Association, and the Kansas Society of Association Executives. “Most of our publications are manufacturing based across multiple industries,” Jeff said. “One of our association magazines uses ultra-violet

technology to disinfect hospitals, airports and medical offices and our advertising really took off during the pandemic when everyone was looking for a solution.” Peterson Media Group provides a full range of client support, including writing, editing, design, layout, advertising sales, and digital components, including developing separate websites with additional content and monthly e-newsletters. “We found our niche with smalland medium-sized associations that wanted to have a publication that could reach members and potential members with educational and marketing information on a regular basis,” Jeff said. “It’s a win-win for our clients because they love the idea of having a publication, but don’t have the staff to create and publish one. It’s gratifying for us to be able to partner with them for whatever need they have.”

For example, Peterson said Kansas Electric Cooperatives Inc. publishes its own magazine, “Kansas Country Living,” but relies on Peterson Media Group to manage its advertising sales. Jeff said the company’s Topeka location is a logistical advantage for the company since clients are located across the country. “We attend a lot of trade shows and conferences to distribute magazines and visit with our advertisers, so being here makes travel easier,” Jeff said. “One of the great things about being a family-owned company is that we can travel places together,” Gayla added. EMPLOYEES ARE FAMILY TOO The couple’s appreciation for family extends to their employee base too. “It’s a challenge for a lot of companies to keep good people in today’s environment, but we’ve

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HEART OF THE ENTREPRENEUR

“We raised our children in this business, and we were involved in all of their activities and want our employees to have the same flexibility and opportunity.” —Gayla Peterson Vice President Peterson Media Group

been able to retain many of our employees because we have a family first philosophy,” Gayla said. “We raised our children in this business, and we were involved in all of their activities and want our employees to have the same flexibility and opportunity.” As a testament to the Petersons’ employment practices, four employees have lengthy tenures: Brenda Schell, office manager, Gayla’s aunt, and the Petersons’ first hire, 26 years; Becky Arensdorf, vice president, design, 22 years; Dianna

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Brodine, vice president of operations, 18 years; and Janet Dunnichay, national sales manager, 14 years. “Becky oversees all of our designrelated activities and Dianna is in charge of all the editorial and other operations for our magazines,” Jeff said. “They are both the backbone of everything we do here.” Peterson Media Group also applies its expertise to a couple of pro bono programs for Child Care Aware’s Designers Showhouse and CASA of Shawnee County’s Home for the Holidays event. Although Vicki retired this summer, Jeff said she will still help with ad sales for the Homes for the Holidays publication. “She feels strongly about the cause and volunteers to put the piece together each year,” Jeff said. “She’s not ready to give this one up.” THE FUTURE OF MAGAZINES Given the nature of their business, the Petersons sometimes get asked about their thoughts on the future of magazines as many commercial titles have ceased publication. Both Petersons believe their professional niche is a healthy one. “Newspapers are having to reinvent themselves because they’re not the way people get the latest news anymore,” Jeff said. “But our association magazines deliver technical education instead of breaking news and readers expect the graphics, photographs, and lengthier articles we provide. People are on their

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laptops and phones all day and many of them want that tactile sensation of paper. Digital fatigue is a real thing.” Whether for work or pleasure, both Jeff and Gayla read magazines for information as well as for design inspiration for positioning data for their clients. “Magazines are a relaxing option,” Gayla said. “You can pick one up when you’re ready to read it and then return to it if you want to retrieve information rather than conducting an online search.” BUSINESS & HOME LIFE BOUNDARIES Although raising a family and running a business together can be stressful for some couples, the Petersons had a serendipitous test run as Pittsburg State University students working together at a small restaurant and bar while dating. “I waited tables and Jeff cooked, so when we started our business, we knew we could do it and not strangle each other… but there are moments,” Gayla said, laughing. Jeff credits family members’ willingness to set and respect boundaries as a critical practice to ensure their successful navigation as family members and business colleagues. “When work is done for the day, we try not to talk about it at home,” Jeff said. “That’s not always easy, but I believe that it has allowed us all to work together so well.” TK

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FROM THE PROFESSOR

Navigating High-Interest Rates Challenges and Solutions for Small Businesses

By MANAF SELLAK

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

TK Business Magazine

Small businesses are the pillar of our economy, providing vast amounts of employment opportunities, contributing to innovation, and generating economic growth. In a report released by the U.S. Small Business Administration, 99.9% of businesses across the U.S. are small businesses, employing 46.4% of all U.S. workforce. In the State of Kansas, 99.1% of businesses are small, employing 50.5% of the private workforce, and 37.7% more new business applications were filed in 2022 than in 2019. Small businesses operate on small profit margins compared to

large corporations and have limited access to financial and non-financial resources, making them more vulnerable to recent economic fluctuations. These fluctuations include, but are not limited to, supply chain shortages caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the persistent aggressive monetary policy in the form of high-interest rates, as well as sticky inflation. In this short article, I will explore why the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank keeps raising interest rates, the impact it has on small businesses’ performance, and share potential solutions to help navigate the current challenges.

The role of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank (Fed) is to maintain economic stability and keep the inflation rate at its lowest level by adjusting the federal funds rate, which is commonly known as the interest rate. This interest rate is a critical tool used by the Fed to influence economic conditions. To combat higher inflation, the Fed raises interest rates, which in turn increases the cost of borrowing money. When interest rates are elevated, households and businesses face higher borrowing costs, including increased rates on their credit card balances. When borrowing costs become

Why does the Fed continue to raise interest rates?

expensive, households and businesses tend to reduce aggregate demand for goods and services. In reaction to a decrease in aggregate demand, firms start producing fewer goods and services, leading to less pressure on resources and a slowdown in price increases. This, in turn, can help bring down the inflation rate. Now, back to why the Fed continues to raise interest rates. The answer is straightforward: the current inflation rate is still higher than the Fed’s target of 2% (see Figure 1). In other words, the Fed will continue to raise the interest rate until inflation returns to its desired level of 2%. The events that caused higher inflation in the United States can be traced back to the

beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. In reaction to the dire economic challenges, the government introduced a series of financial stimulus programs, and the Fed brought the federal funds rate (interest rate) close to zero from April 2020 until February 2022 (see Figure 1 on page 60). The purpose of this collaborative effort between the government and the Fed was to provide financial assistance to businesses and households at a reduced borrowing cost. These policy measures led to a rapid increase in household aggregate demand, fueled by multiple rounds of stimulus payments and low borrowing costs for two years. The excess consumer demand, the supply disruption caused

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FROM THE PROFESSOR

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Fed. Fun ds Rate

10.00 9.00 8.00 7.00 6.00 5.00 4.00 3.00 2.00 1.00 0.00

Inflation rate

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by the pandemic, and the onset of war in Ukraine led to a persistent increase in inflation rates from 1.5% in March 2020 to 9.1% in June 2022. However, as shown in Figure 1, when the Fed began to pursue a tighter monetary policy by raising interest rates multiple times beginning in March 2022, the inflation rate went down from 9.1% in June 2022 to 3.7% in August 2023. The Fed’s policy has proven effective in reducing inflation over time, but at the cost of having an adverse effect on small businesses’ profitability and job creation.

FigureFigure 1: Fed1: Funds & Inflation Rate rate Fed. Rate Funds rate & Inflation

Source of data: FRED (https://fred.stlouisfed.org/) and BLS (https://www.bls.gov/)

The impact of high-interest rates on small businesses While the Fed continues to raise its benchmark interest rate to bring inflation down to its desired rate of 2%, the negative impact is taking a toll on small businesses. High-interest rates reduce small businesses’ ability to apply for new loans. Small business loans are based on the prime rate, which is 3% higher than the benchmark rate set by the Fed. This rate is now 8.5% and pushing Small Business Administration (SBA) loans to an interest rate higher than 11.5%. The increase in interest rate hinders the ability of small businesses to borrow new money to finance their spending, such as

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investing in new equipment, paying for marketing and growth initiatives, hiring new employees, and many more. In a report released by the Fed this year, the percentage of small businesses applying for new loans has declined from 43% in 2019 to 34% in 2021. A recent small business survey conducted by the Federal Reserve of Kansas City found that small business commercial and industrial lending declined sharply in the first quarter of 2023, decreasing 15.9% from the same period in 2022 and 6.8% from the previous quarter. This decline will likely continue as the Fed’s battle against inflation is not over yet.

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High-interest rates reduce small business profitability. The reduction in profitability can be attributed to increased business expenses and diminished sales revenues. On one hand, a high-interest rate increases the payments on outstanding credit card debts and loans. Small businesses find themselves using a larger portion of their sales earnings to pay for their debts, leading to higher business expenses. On the other hand, high-interest rates reduce the ability of consumers to borrow money and purchase goods and services sold by small businesses, leading to lower business sales revenues.

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THE POWER OF PREMIER FUELS AND LUBRICANTS

20 20 -0 2 0 1-01 20 -0 2 0 5-01 20 -0 2 0 9-01 21 -0 2 0 1-01 21 -0 2 0 5-01 21 -0 2 0 9-01 22 -0 2 0 1-01 22 -0 2 0 5-01 22 -0 2 0 9-01 23 -0 2 0 1-01 23 -0 501

FROM THE PROFESSOR

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The higher business costs and lower sales revenue induced by higher interest rates lead to a decline in the overall profitability of small businesses. High-interest rates make it difficult for small businesses to create jobs. It may even lead to a workforce reduction, as well as a loss in income due to a decline in economic activity. According to a recent report released by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 99.9% of businesses in the United States are small businesses. They employ almost 50% of the American workforce and generate 43.5% of the total nation’s income. When borrowing becomes more expensive due to high-interest rates, small businesses find it difficult to invest in expanding. This slows economic growth and reduces job creation. Also, small businesses with lower profit margins limit their capacity to invest in new projects and introduce new products and services. This reduction in expansion and innovation reduces the chance to create new jobs. Figure 2 illustrates the rise in the federal funds rate for the current year, climbing from 4.33% in January 2023 to 5.33% in August 2023. This increase caused the U.S. unemployment rate to move from 3.4% to 3.8%. If the Fed continues to raise interest rates, workforce reduction may remain a priority for small businesses to cut their business costs to maintain sustainability in an environment characterized by severe competition and financial hardship.

Figure 2: Fed Funds Rate & Unemployment Rate

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Source of Data: FRED (https://fred.stlouisfed.org/)

alternate solutions

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Optimizing inventory levels, reducing unnecessary expenses, and exploring new markets will help small businesses enhance their profitability and create jobs in the economy. TK

PHOTO SUBMITTED

To overcome the challenges posed by high-interest rates, small business owners will need to work with their financial advisors to create innovative financial solutions. They can also seek public programs at the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department of Treasury that provide financial flexibility. These solutions aim to reduce the impact of increased debt costs and find new sources to raise new capital. Small businesses can transition their existing credit card debts and loans to fixed interest rates. They can also negotiate with their lender’s alternatives to extend their repayment schedules. Refinancing may not be a practical option at this time since the Fed will likely raise the rate again to reach the desired 2% inflation rate.

MANAF SELLAK Assistant Professor of Economics Washburn University School of Business

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Topeka Giving Back By INDIA YARBOROUGH Photos by JOHN BURNS

Two local businesses are setting an example when it comes to giving back to the community. MB Piland Advertising + Marketing and Lewis Toyota of Topeka have dedicated their time, effort, and resources to support local initiatives that are making a meaningful and enduring impact on our community.

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PROMOTION SPOTLIGHT

SMALL BUSINESS INCENTIVES Hey, small business owners in Topeka and Shawnee County, we’ve got some exciting news for you! Are you looking to take your business to the next level but need a little extra help to get there? Well, you’re in luck! GO Topeka is here to provide you with some awesome incentives to support your growth and development.

DIRECTOR OF EQUITY AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT GO Topeka is proud to announce that Israel Sanchez will be the new Director of Equity and Business Development. Sanchez expressed his excitement for the opportunity, saying, “I am truly honored to step into this role. My experience coming to the United States as a refugee from Cuba as a child has given me a unique perspective. I have seen what the American Dream can be, and I firmly believe that this dream is alive and well in Topeka. I am eager to continue the work of ensuring that all businesses feel represented, heard, and have access to the resources they need to achieve their dreams.”

And the best part? It’s free money, people! That’s right, free money for your business to use and grow! We’re talking about everything from marketing and construction to professional services and even global markets matching grants. So if you’re interested in getting in on this action (and why wouldn’t you be?), just head on over to the GO Topeka website and fill out the online application form. Let’s make your small business dreams a reality!

More Info on Incentives NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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MB PILAND ADVERTISING + MARKETING

Photo by JOHN BURNS

KELSE CUMMINGS • MARTHA BARTLETT PILAND • ALEXANDRA REILLY

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"PUNCTUATING THE PERIOD" CAMPAIGN As Topeka-based MB Piland Advertising + Marketing approached its 25th anniversary earlier this year, the team behind the brand knew they wanted to do something big to celebrate, but a traditional toast just wouldn’t do. “When our anniversary was approaching, we said, ‘What do we want to do that will help us celebrate but also have lasting impact?’” said Martha Bartlett Piland, president and CEO of the local firm. “So rather than throwing a party or something like that, can we do something else that really ties with our purpose and connects with us in a meaningful way, and the community?” While giving back isn’t new for the business — they’ve worked with the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment, participated in many installments of United Way’s local Nancy Perry Day of Caring, and much more — MB Piland’s quarter-century birthday marked a special occasion, giving them another reason to find a cause worth championing.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS As they brainstormed, they began thinking about what helps vulnerable women and heard about drives happening for something called “period poverty.” It's an issue that, according to statistics published online by Medical News Today, may impact close to 17 million menstruating people in the U.S. alone. Globally, that number is closer to 500 million. “When period poverty entered the conversation, we took into account how education is kind of that foundational tool that women need to be successful and independent in life,” said Alexandra Reilly, vice president and agency principal for MB Piland. “Something as simple as having hygiene products allows you to walk through life with dignity, helps you go to school and you don’t miss class." The problem was clear. It had obvious ties to workplace issues and socio-economic disparities. And as a nationally certified woman-owned small business, the cause felt dear to the MB Piland team’s heart.

“We felt this was something we could speak about with authenticity, because as women, we know what that’s like,” Reilly said. “That was the other part of this campaign,” she added. “Once we kicked it off, people started sharing their stories with us, and everybody has a story about a time when their period came at an unexpected time. We’ve all had to deal with things like embarrassment and shame that we shouldn’t have to deal with. It is a normal bodily function that half of us on this entire globe have.” And she’s more comfortable saying that publicly now, because talking about these issues is helping remove the stigmas associated with them. THE CAMPAIGN IN ACTION They honed in on the issue further, and MB Piland’s “Punctuating the Period” campaign became a reality when it launched in February 2023. “Once we decided this is what we wanted to do, we wanted to make sure that there was a recipient that

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TK Business Magazine

was willing to take what we were offering,” Reilly said. “We reached out to Topeka Public Schools to ask them and they said yes.” She added that they pointed out the need in their elementary schools too, as young as third grade. Punctuating the Period kicked off. It consisted of two phases. The first, running mid-February through March 31, involved collecting donations through an online platform and concluded with a public “packing party” that helped the advertising agency assemble discreet periodproduct kits. Once assembled, they were delivered to Topeka Public Schools, Shawnee County’s largest school district. According to a statement earlier this year by Dr. Aarion Gray, general director of instructional services for the district, about 77% of students in their care come from low-income households. The initial kits were delivered around April 1, the official date of

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MB Piland’s 25th anniversary which completed the first phase. Then commenced the second phase, which is ongoing through the end of the year. “We’ve continued to gather donations, and people can, through an online portal, purchase products or they can just give money,” Piland said. “Every time that amount hits $500, product ships directly to Topeka Public Schools.” MAKING AN IMPACT The whole process has been a learning experience for the MB Piland team. It has evolved in small but meaningful ways along the way. The campaign has spurred conversations they didn’t expect. “It’s exciting. It is emotional, because this can be an emotional issue for people,” Piland said. She added that Punctuating the Period has also aligned well with her agency’s mission. “Our purpose as a company is to improve the health and well-being TK Business Magazine

of people and communities. We do that by working with clients in health, education, advocacy, economic development and financial sectors,” Piland said. “In terms of the donations or the time we spend, we look for those things that also support our purpose.” All things considered, Punctuating the Period was a nobrainer, and to date, with the help of passionate supporters and volunteers, MB Piland has been able to donate well over 25,000 items worth more than $8,200 to TPS — with potentially more products on the way. To learn more about the campaign, period poverty facts and how to donate to MB Piland’s cause, those interested may visit MBPiland.com/25. “We can’t impact everybody, but we started in a way that we felt we could make a significant impact,” Piland said. “We would love it if someone would continue to carry this message.”

Photo by JOHN BURNS

Volunteers joined MB Piland Advertising + Marketing at their "Packing Party" to help assemble the Punctuating the Period product kits.

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Share the Warmth

Join us in spreading warmth and kindness this winter season. Learn how you can support your neighbors in need at kansasgasservice.com/sharethewarmth

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LEWIS TOYOTA OF TOPEKA BRAD LEWIS • MIKE SUREY

MAKING AN IMPACT 70

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Photo by JOHN BURNS

Giving back comes in many forms, and that’s something the people behind Lewis Toyota of Topeka know well. Project Topeka Community Food Drive, Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka, 501’s Topeka Center for Advanced Learning & Careers (TCALC), Toys for Tots, LifeHouse Child Advocacy Center, and more — the car dealership has supported them all. “We don’t just write them a check,” said Brad Lewis, dealer principal at Lewis Toyota. When they bought uniforms for students at TCALC, for example, Lewis and Mike Surey, Lewis Toyota’s general manager, met with students directly, helped them

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MITTED SUB PHOTOS

get fitted with the right sizes, and answered any questions they had. “We actually make an attempt to be involved in the whole process, to see what the money’s going toward and who all it’s benefiting,” Brad Lewis said. “It makes it easier to continue to give, too.” That on-the-ground approach to philanthropy, the Lewises added, and the empathy building it inspires, is part of what sets their business apart. THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CAUSES According to both Brad and Jim Lewis, Surey gets a lot of credit for the Topeka dealership’s current model of giving. “Mike Surey got me outside of my comfort zone,” Brad Lewis said. “He has put me in front of more people in the last year, year-and-a-half than I’ve been in front of since 2018.” That’s when Brad Lewis bought the Lewis Toyota of Topeka dealership from his uncle and started to make it his own. “Yes, I was donating; I was doing things,” he said, with involvement often ending with a written check. “But I wasn’t following up and being a part of it.”

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Now, Brad Lewis has memories to share of impactful moments when his dealership’s giving and volunteerism made a difference — like when he was able to hand deliver a $5,000 check to the principal of Pine Ridge Prep Early Learning Center in East Topeka just a few weeks ahead of the winter holidays. “They were running short on funding for something,” Brad said. “We walked in there and go ‘Hey are you Gabby?’ She kind of got caught off guard, and I had a $5,000 check, a big check. And it said ‘To Pine Ridge Prep.’ It probably took her five to 10 minutes to get herself together. She was crying. All of her employees were crying. It was Christmas time. It was unbelievable.” “That was probably the best donation I may have ever given, because you knew it was going right to benefit the 25-30 kids in there. You could tell that money was going to be put in the right person’s hands.” That’s just one of the stories he can now tell. And Surey has a few of his own, including a recent experience with Be Filled of South Topeka, a food bank, community closet, resource center and more serving residents of the city’s Montara neighborhood. TK Business Magazine

“The Lewises were kind enough to donate a big transit van,” Surey said. “(Be Filled is) essentially making sure that people are being fed in the Montara area. They were using their own vehicles to try to pull and transport all this food. Well, they blew their transmission out trying to do it.” “I think it's been about 20,000 people they have helped in the area so far this year. When you think about that — we’re doing one thing right now, but how many people it’s really stretching out and touching immediately. That’s been one of the big ones for me.” PUSHING OTHERS TO PAY IT FORWARD Though the causes Lewis Toyota supports are wide ranging, they’ve put a big emphasis on giving back to the community’s youth. “That’s going to be the leadership at some point in time,” Surey said. “That’s one of the things that drew me to this group, the simple fact that Brad’s a young father. My wife and I have three kids at the house, too. So for us, it’s about being able to pave the way and set those kids up for a better opportunity to contribute to the community.”

Lewis Toyota of Topeka's giving model has a big emphasis on giving back to the community's youth and ensuring causes that are important to their employees are supported. The dealership also makes a point to learn what causes are important to their employees. It’s why they’ve participated in walks for breast cancer awareness and supported organizations like Sole Reason, a nonprofit providing shoes to local kids in need. “They see the top management getting involved, and then, they want to get involved,” Surey said of staff. “When we talk about this, where do we get the ideas for a lot of this — it’s from our employees. It’s causes that they get behind, they get after.”

A desire to give back and do what each member can to improve their communities is something that seems to run in the Lewis family, which is now looking at its third generation of dealership owners. Generosity, they say, is a Topeka trait, too — though there’s always room for more people to step up. “In order to move forward, sometimes you’ve got to give back,” Brad said. “That’s where we’re at right now.” “When we do a lot of the stuff that we do,” Surey added, “maybe we can

inspire another business to say, ‘You know what, those guys are doing it; let’s go ahead and jump in.’” Building awareness, making connections that spur positive change, and having a little fun with it along the way, they add, are just a few other ways residents of the capital city can do their part — no matter how big or how small one’s circle or business may be. “Who’s going to step up with us?” Brad said. “Let’s get some cohesiveness between all the businesses and make Topeka better.” TK

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ETHICS OF GIVING

Peace of Mind During the Giving Season Provided by ASSOCIATION OF FUNDRAISING PROFESSIONALS TOPEKA CHAPTER

THE SCENARIO The end of the year is quickly approaching and Stephanie is looking for a place to donate. She wants to donate towards her passion, medical research. Joe is fundraising for a new research facility in town and approaches Stephanie to ask for her support of this project. Stephanie wants to support the project and gain tax benefits with her end-of-year donation. However, she also wants to ensure her donation is processed correctly and that the

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organization will use her gift as intended. Stephanie wants to receive proper documentation for her taxes and she is curious if Joe will make a commission from her donation. Fortunately, she can ask questions to put herself at ease with donating to the research facility. Professional fundraisers, like Joe, welcome questions and want to provide answers that give donors confidence in their decision.

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This hypothetical story reveals questions donors regularly ask at this time of year as they consider end-of-year giving. Fortunately, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) provides a Fundraiser Code of Ethics and a Donor Bill of Rights that guide fundraisers and organizations while fundraising. The Code of Ethics ensures that all fundraisers represent services and programs honestly, and that information is kept confidential. Fundraisers and organizations must accurately and correctly use solicited funds with the donor’s intent and

communicate the use and management of funds back to the donor. Organizations must follow IRS regulations regarding proper documentation for taxes. Finally, all donated money goes to the organization; fundraisers cannot accept commissions. The Donor Bill of Rights provides additional assurance for the donor. The donor gets to select how the organization uses their gift and has the right to know that the organization will handle their gift respectfully and confidentially. Donors also have the right to ask questions and receive prompt, honest answers.

THE conclusion As a professional fundraiser, Joe is expected to be prepared for Stephanie’s questions. He should provide the timeline for the project, explain that he is a staff member and does not receive a commission as it is against the Fundraiser’s Code of Ethics, and further confirm that Stephanie’s donation will go to the research facility, as that is her intention. Joe will report to Stephanie on the building

progress of the new research facility and will send an acknowledgment of the donation for tax purposes. He will also share the organization’s 990 and annual report with Stephanie and that he adheres to AFP’s ethical guidelines. At ease with the answers to her questions, Stephanie makes a generous donation to the new research facility.

As you consider making gifts to organizations this holiday season, we encourage you to ask questions that give you peace of mind that your donation is making the impact that you desire. TK

Experience Matters. Trusted since 1881. OUR TEAM Thomas L. Bell N. Larry Bork Tracy A. Cole Miranda K. Carmona Samuel R. Feather Jessica L. Freeman

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GSEPLAW.COM // 785-233-0593 515 S Kansas Ave Topeka, KS 66603

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements or prior results obtained.

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DEB NORTH | FOUNDER & OWNER OF YES! ATHLETICS

Leader Topeka LOCAL BUSINESS

SPOTLIGHT PARTNERS

A BETTER WAY TO THRIFT God's Storehouse is Topeka's better way to thrift. Its mission: to help the local community by offering quality condition items at a discounted rate. God’s Storehouse is a church that operates a thrift store and was first opened in 2009 by Rick & Pennie Kloos. The heart of its ministry is illustrated through its slogan: “Generosity at its best!” God's Storehouse strives to exemplify this in its interactions between the employees, agencies it works with, and the community in which it operates. Its vision is to love God and love people; by doing so it hopes to make a lasting impact in the community in which it serves. God's Storehouse helps people in the community who have gone through difficult times, by giving items such as clothing, furniture, and household goods at no cost. In addition, it resells the donated items at a reduced cost, recycling them back into the community. God’s Storehouse regularly partners with different churches, agencies, and other non-profit organizations to help empower individuals in achieving a new start. www.gshtopeka.org 785-608-6743

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS

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FAST, DEPENDABLE & COMPETENT Downing Septic is a long time local septic and grease pumping company that’s been serving Northeast Kansas for over 24 years. Originally founded by Bob Downing, Jerry and Petrina Murphree proudly assumed the responsibilities in 2019. Downing Septic provides fast and dependable septic and grease services. Knowing problems can arise anytime, they are available 24/7 to serve your needs. Downing Septic services residential and commercial properties such as: restaurants, realtors, municipalities and homes. Its technicians are certified to perform inspections and repairs of septic and grease systems. They guarantee quality workmanship, and because they know they can deliver on their promise, they take on the toughest jobs.

HOME DESIGN AT ITS FINEST The Prellwitz Promise: “We will always work with our prospective and present homeowners to provide a fair and reasonable bid on all projects.” Before any construction begins, Prellwitz Construction will ensure you are satisfied with the plans and a firm building or remodeling price. No surprises! Prellwitz Construction has been building quality homes for more than 30 years and has earned numerous accolades and awards. References are available upon request. Call Prellwitz Construction for your next project today. www.prellwitzconstruction.com 785-806-9005

No job is too big or too small! www.downingseptic.com 785-357-0046

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LOCAL

SHOPPING

DESTINATIONS By MIRANDA ERICSSON Photos by JENNIFER GOETZ Online shopping is here to stay. It’s fast and easy, and you can find just about anything. However, it doesn’t provide a sense of adventure. Hunter & Laine in Downtown Topeka and Amused Gallery & Gifts in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District are shopping destinations that offer a welcoming and memorable experience with exceptional values. Visit with family or friends to share the joy of discovering unique products and beautiful art in historic venues.

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TK Business Magazine

DESTINATION: Downtown

HUNTER & LAINE 80

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Hunter & Laine is part of a movement to create an experience downtown that is welcoming and fun. The boutique offers unique items curated from local makers and other small businesses. The selection includes everything from BBQ sauce and freeze-dried candy to beaded ornaments, wallets, jewelry, quality clothing, and pet accessories.

Photo by JENNIFER GOETZ

Brendan Jensen, co-owner of Hunter & Laine credits the boutique’s manager, Amanda Turner, for the store’s wide selection of gifts and collectibles.

Freedom to enjoy a day at the park.

It’s also kid-friendly and dogfriendly, so you’ll find an area for kids to relax and enjoy coloring pages, puzzles, and activities, while you browse with your furry friend. Co-owner Brendan Jensen credits the boutique’s manager, Amanda Turner, for the store’s wide selection of gifts and collectibles. Turner is an artist with an eye for good products and a sincere commitment to the success of other artists, makers, and small businesses. “Amanda navigates conversations with warmth and respect, and builds relationships,” Jensen said. “She can work with artists who are just getting started to find a good price and market for their products, and she finds the best of what’s out there so that we can offer it here.” Hunter & Laine is committed to ethically-sourced goods. Part of Turner’s job is doing the homework to make sure that any product they offer in the store directly benefits makers and small businesses. The store works with local makers and artists by selling items on commission or buying products wholesale. It’s important to Jensen

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Photo by JENNIFER GOETZ

Hunter & Laine in downtown Topeka offers unique items curated from local makers and other small businesses.

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and Turner that their retail space is priced competitively, so that they are accessible to small makers as well as more established small businesses. “We are flexible and want to find a way to work with local artists who are creating high quality work,” Jensen said. “We even work with young artists and those just starting out, because we can offer a much smaller space for their pieces than many other boutiques do.” Jensen is excited by the quality and variety of shops in Topeka’s historic downtown. He purchased the building at 826 S Kansas Ave because he wanted to contribute to a unique shopping experience that gives back to the community. TK Business Magazine

“Our downtown has so many beautiful buildings,” Jensen said. “I wanted to bring my building back to its original glory with a visual appeal that would enhance the downtown shopping experience. “After all, shopping is more fun in person because pictures online just don’t do justice to high quality products. At Hunter & Laine, you can pick things up, see how they feel, look at the texture, and inspect the craftsmanship. It makes shopping much more enjoyable and personal.” Turner plans to lean into creating personal experiences even more in the future by offering private shopping and art events. The

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The attorneys and team of Newbery, Ungerer & Hickert L.L.P. are proud to announce they joined the law firm of Stevens & Brand, L.L.P. Expanding expertise in Topeka: Emily A. Donaldson Patricia E. Hamilton Thomas D. Haney C. David Newbery BJ Hickert Jay Newbery Denise L. McNabb Whitney L. Casement Richard S. Schoenfeld Scott E. Taddiken

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Photos by JENNIFER GOETZ

space is perfect for private dinners and meetings, with a kitchenette onsite and an opportunity to browse and shop as part of the evening. Turner and Jensen have found a supportive community of businesses downtown who are committed to each other’s success. Downtown has many wonderful places to visit, but shops are spread out over a long stretch. Those who are unfamiliar with the area might not know what they're missing. However, downtown businesses know what other stores offer and will help guide shoppers to what they are looking for. Jensen encourages Topeka residents with a great business idea to consider downtown. “We are looking for people with good ideas,” Jensen said. “Consider who you might pool resources with, and check out Downtown Topeka, Inc. for advice on renovation grants and resources for planning. There is so much support and a thriving community here that wants to help you make your dream come true.”

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Photo by JENNIFER GOETZ

DESTINATION: NOTO Arts & Entertainment District

DEANA MORRISON | Owner

AMUSED GALLERY & GIFTS

Amused Gallery & Gifts in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District is celebrating 10 years in business. Amused currently features work by 54 artists, and special art shows and themed exhibits take place throughout the year. Owner DeAna Morrison says that she set out to work with an eclectic selection of artists and vendors, so that Amused Gallery & Gifts will offer a little something for everyone and an in-person experience that visitors will remember. “You can shop anywhere, but Amused is a destination,” Morrison said. “We offer an in-person experience that gives visitors a little awe. There are hidden gems all over the building, so much to see that you won’t catch it all. That experience can’t be replicated online.”

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SDG clients and team members have helped elevate our year!

2023 Best Architectural Firm Community Choice Award Topeka Employer of Excellence YWCA Northeast Kansas Distinguished Citizen Award Jayhawk Area Council, BSA

sdgarch.com

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Photo by JENNIFER GOETZ

“You can shop anywhere, but Amused is a destination.” — DeAna Morrison Owner Amused Gallery & Gifts Amused Gallery & Gifts began with an artist who was looking for studio space. Morrison was raising a family, and that made it hard to dedicate space to art in her home. She was also looking to sell her art as a source of income and needed a place to connect with her community and make sales. She saw growth and excitement in NOTO and knew that it was the perfect place to get started. At first Morrison rented a small space and just sold her own art along with a featured artist each month, but she kept thinking that there must be other artists like her who needed space or had art to sell. She leased half of a building for a year, and divided the space between small studios for artists to work and a gallery space to display and sell art. It was hard for Morrison to fill rooms at first, but the number of artists kept growing. Morrison

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Photo by JENNIFER GOETZ

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decided to buy the whole building and go all-in, and the leap paid off. Amused now has a waiting list for studio space. Morrison says that NOTO has been the perfect location to connect with other positive, supportive people in her community. All along the way, she has been able to turn to other artists and business owners in the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District for advice. “It’s like a family,” Morrison said. “The atmosphere is encouraging, and we build each other up.” An important part of Morrison’s mission with Amused Gallery & Gifts is to give that support and encouragement back to other artists who are looking for an opportunity to display their work, and to help other artists succeed however she can. She keeps rent prices low, and artists in residence get first dibs on their preferred dates for scheduling featured

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shows. She’s worked with artists as young as junior high students. “Numerous artists have started out here, showing their work for the first time,” Morrison said. “I give all artists a supportive gallery interaction and help them with building their confidence as they put their work out there. Showing your art can feel like putting your heart and soul on display for someone to judge, and it’s not easy.” Morrison has also worked with other artists to curate themed exhibits. Morrison’s daughter, artist Devin Wineinger, recently organized a powerful show around the theme of mental health. “It’s exciting for me to see someone else realize their vision and share a different viewpoint in the gallery,” Morrison said. “I’m not good at delegating, but letting someone else take the lead on an exhibit means I can make time for my own art, so it’s

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definitely a partnership that benefits everyone.” Morrison points out that a visit to Amused Gallery & Gifts is an experience you’ll remember, and an opportunity to admire some truly good art. “It’s so good. You think of New York or Europe galleries, but the artwork we have here is top notch. It's amazing stuff, and it’s a lot more reasonably priced,” Morrison said. “You can get an original piece of beautiful work for the price you might pay for a print at a box store. Why get a copy when you can have an original instead? And maybe you’ll meet that artist and learn the story behind the work.” Amused Gallery & Gifts offers items priced from $5 on up, and offers nointerest layaway. “We want art to be affordable for everyone,” Morrison said. “The money is great, but seeing someone connect with art is spiritual.”

FOOTPOOL: Topeka’s Only Soccer Ball Pool Table Looking for some fun with friends? Have you tried Footpool? Amused Gallery & Gifts also offers Topeka’s only soccer ball pool table. You can reserve the table for you and your group to play, and bring in whatever food and drinks you’d like.

Photo by JENNIFER GOETZ

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Celebrating the Power of Your Philanthropy National Philanthropy Day is a day of appreciation for the exceptional individuals and organizations making a real difference in local communities through their dedication to philanthropy. Philanthropy, often described as "a love for humanity," is a force for creating positive change and meaningful outcomes. The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) serves as the vital link of connecting people and organizations to opportunities that make a difference. In 2023, AFP's theme, "Celebrating the Power of Your Philanthropy," reflected the philanthropic spirit in communities.

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Progress was achieved in many areas thanks to direct investments from individuals, organizations, and businesses. Yet, challenges persist to find ways to sustain growth, ensure equitable progress, and tackle issues like homelessness. Collective action by donors will always play a critical role in meeting the challenges. The National Philanthropy Day Awards honor impactful contributions, showcasing the transformative role philanthropy plays in changing lives. Following are this year's recipients of the awards given by the Topeka Chapter of AFP.

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THANK YOU TO OUR DOWNTOWN ACTIVATION SPONSORS

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2023 Philanthropic Leadership Award

ROGER & JOANIE UNDERWOOD

Photo by JOHN BURNS

What initiatives have fulfilled you the most? We’ve both helped support so many organizations in Topeka — from the Boys and Girls Club to the Mulvane Art Museum to the United Way. Each of them help make our community a better place. With all of them, it’s the little things that matter the most. Throughout our marriage we’ve visited with elderly folks and with each one, we’ve gained something special. We’ve made special bonds with all of them, whether it was talking about Elvis Presley or listening to the experience of having Alzheimer’s and what it’s like to not remember things. In the end, they all brought so much joy to our lives.

Since the 1980s, when Roger and Joanie met and began dating, serving others has been a major part of their lives. Both members of the Rotary Club of Topeka, they’ve worked hard living up to the association’s motto, “Service above Self.” They firmly believe they should contribute their time, talent and treasures to the local community, and they’ve done so by rolling their sleeves up and getting the work done.

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Why do you think it's important to give back? We’ve both been so blessed in life. We have a roof over our head. We have good health. There are a lot of people around us who don’t have that. Sometimes just holding a door open can make a difference in a person’s life. It’s important to realize it’s not just about us as individuals. It’s about caring for everyone, as a society.

2023 Outstanding Corporate Donor

RESER'S FINE FOODS

What is your hope for Topeka's future? We know that the Topeka area needs to continue to grow and expand. This vibrant city, with its rich history and strong community spirit, is embracing a wave of positive changes that are igniting a newfound optimism. We are very proud to be a part of the Topeka community.

Reser's Cares Team members Stephanie Moran, Earl Harris, Susie Hutton and Martin Munoz supported the National Night Out event in Topeka with a food distribution.

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How does Reser's involve employees in community and volunteerism? Each of Reser’s facilities has an established Reser’s Cares Team, made up of a cross section of employees empowered to review and support requests for donations. We focus our giving on strengthening communities near our facilities. Each year, our Reser’s Cares Teams provide support to more than 600 community organizations and schools by coordinating our community volunteerism efforts, providing monetary support, and authorizing food donations to strengthen our neighbors.

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Al and Pat Reser, founders of Reser’s Fine Foods, made four promises to each other when they got engaged in 1957. One of the vows was that for better or worse, for richer or poorer, they promised to always give back to the communities that supported them. Today, Reser's remains steadfast in upholding this commitment, dedicated to continuing their legacy of giving back to the communities where they are proud to call home and work.

Reser's Cares Team members delivered supplies collected through an employee donation drive to support the YWCA Center for Safety and Empowerment.

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2023 Outstanding Foundation

DOUGLAS COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Douglas County Community Foundation (DCCF) is a tax-exempt public charity that was created in 2000 to benefit the people of Douglas County, including the cities of Baldwin City, Eudora, Lawrence and Lecompton. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in Douglas County through philanthropic contributions, acting as a catalyst for improving the lives of local citizens.

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What does it mean to receive the 2023 Outstanding Foundation Award? DCCF, our Board and donors are thrilled to be nominated for this award. We strive to assist our nonprofit partners in achieving critical mission work through strategic funding and capacity building. The Lumberyard Arts Center, a 501(c) 3 non-profit, is one example of how Douglas County Community Foundation funds help to preserve a historical site and establish a vibrant creative arts complex in Baldwin City.

How might this award further enhance your community impact? We will use this recognition to highlight the organizations and citizens making positive impacts for others, and to promote all in our area striving for such success.

Judy grew up in a small rural town in Iowa. Due to her father’s health, she and her family received support from their local community. Later, her mother spent many years volunteering at the local food pantry, providing food, clothing and other assistance to community members in need. The connections her mother made during that time, and the joy she felt from helping others, inspired Judy to carry on the legacy of giving back.

2023 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

JUDY CORZINE

How do you mentor volunteers? I have always been one who tried to lead by example. Sharing information on the activities I am involved in is one of the main approaches I take related to mentoring. I try to show that giving back isn’t a burden, but provides joy in seeing the impact on others. TK

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Photo by JOHN BURNS

What do you love most about the Topeka community? There is an intentional focus on making Topeka a better place for all members of the community. There is an understanding here that we must invest in the future to make Topeka a better place to live.

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For more than 70 years, Bartlett & West has worked to advance infrastructure by offering a variety of professional architecture, engineering, construction and technology services.

Scan the QR code or apply online at

bartlettwest.com/careers

We currently have opportunities available for the following positions: • Biogas Plant Operator • Project Engineer or Engineering Tech. - Water Resources • Bridge Engineer - Transportation Plus, a variety of other positions. Learn more and apply online. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

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BUSINESS NEWS ALL PHOTOS SUBMITTED

Stormont Vail Health Welcomes Lincoln Center OB/GYN Heather Morrison, M.D. Stormont Vail Health welcomes Dr. Heather Morrison, an OB/GYN specializing in a broad range of women’s health services, to the Stormont Vail Women’s Services team. Dr. Morrison provides a spectrum of women’s health services in Stormont Vail OB/GYN Lincoln Center and the Stormont Vail Topeka Campus Hospital. New Chief Development and Operating Officer for the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center Shannon Wickliffe has joined the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center as Chief Development and Operating Officer. Wickliffe comes to the nonprofit children’s museum with extensive experience in sales, banking, and fundraising. Prior to joining the Discovery Center, Wickliffe held the role of Chief Development Officer at KidsTLC in Olathe.

Stevens & Brand, LLP Announces Merger with Newbery, Ungerer & Hickert LLP The law firms of Stevens & Brand, LLP and Newbery, Ungerer & Hickert, LLP announced their merger, creating an expanded Topeka office of Stevens & Brand, LLP. This merger represents a significant development in Topeka’s legal landscape and underscores both firms’ commitment to providing excellent legal services.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023

CWC Electric, LLC Ignites New Opportunities with Office Relocation CWC Electric, LLC has relocated to a spacious and strategic location at 4100 SW Topeka Boulevard in Topeka. The new facility is designed to meet growing demands and exemplifies CWC Electric's dedication to providing top-tier electrical solutions while fostering even stronger connections with its valued customers and the community. Passion for Golf Creates New Product by Topeka Inventor Kansas State University's Technology Development Institute in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering has partnered with GO Topeka to help a local inventor bring a patent-pending product, the Pars A Par surfacing tool, to the golfing industry. Giant Communications Presents The 28th Annual Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade Downtown Topeka Inc. announced the return of the Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade, presented by Giant Communications, on Saturday, December 2023 2nd at 6 pm, M I R A C L E promising on Kansas Ave. "One Giant Celebration" of the holiday season.

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Plug and Play Topeka Announces Latest Cohorts of Participating Animal Health, AgTech Startups Plug and Play Topeka has announced the 11 Animal Health startups and 13 AgTech startups that were selected for the sixth and eighth batches (respectively) of the Animal Health and AgTech Programs. These programs aim to bring global innovation to the heartland by facilitating opportunities for business development and mentorship, as well as pilots and proof of concepts between the selected startups and founding partners of the program — Cargill, Evergy, Bimini Pet Health, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Animal Health Startups: • 5 Element Food Therapy • Bene Meat Technologies • E-Livestock Global • Ferma Farms • Gaia Ag • Moggie • Nimble Science • Offsetted • Sylvester.ai • Ten Lives • Transfur AgTech Startups: • American Edge Grain • Amos Power • Bankbarn • Bovi • Crop Intellect • DigiFarmz Smart Agriculture • finres • Good Agriculture • Kirkwall • Nanotica • Nitronic • TierraSpec • Yarta

THE HOLIDAYS CAN BE A JOY-FILLED SEASON, BUT THEY CAN ALSO BE STRESSFUL AND ESPECIALLY CHALLENGING FOR THOSE IMPACTED BY MENTAL ILLNESS.

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