GTP GOES BIG FOR 2023 ANNUAL MEETING

OnApril 6, the GTP went BIG for our 2023 Annual Meeting at the Stormont Vail Events Center. Annual Meeting is The Partnership's networking-and-awards event of the year. We celebrated the year’s accomplishments with about 600 of our members and supporters, presenting awards to several individuals and organizations for their work and impact in the greater Topeka area. Awards of Excellence this year went to:

• Dr. Tiffany Anderson, superintendent for Topeka USD 501, for her efforts to activate her team at Topeka Public Schools in support of refugee families.

• Yana Ross, leader of the Top City Promise task force, for her work supporting Ukrainian refugee families adjusting to life in Topeka.

• Dr. Jerry Farley, former Washburn University president, for his tenure at the university and leadership in transforming the Washburn campus experience.

• Dené Mosier, CEO of the Kansas Children's Discovery Center; Brendan Wiley, CEO of the Topeka Zoo; and John Bell, Parks Superintendent for Shawnee County Parks and Recreation, for their efforts in bringing Topeka Dino Days to the capital city.

• Father Daniel Coronado and Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for breathing new life into the Fiesta Topeka celebrations, honoring the event's 90-year legacy.

• Kent Glasscock, former president and CEO of K-State Innovation Partners, for his leadership on K-State 105 and important contributions to the region's economic success, including Topeka's selection as K-State 105's first urban partner.

• Casey Vigus, who was recognized as The Partnership's Ambassador of the Year.

• Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, president of Washburn University, who was honored with Topeka's first ATHENA Leadership Award designed to highlight excellence in female leadership and recognize women making a difference in the community.

• Keith Warta, chair of Bartlett & West, who was presented The Partnership's highest honor, The Wolgast Award, for being a lead voice throughout the Momentum 2022 implementation process and for working tirelessly to advocate for Topeka and Shawnee County.

The awards were bookended by live entertainment, networking, and more. We reminded attendees that together, we're taking Topeka and Shawnee County to the next level through Momentum 2027. It's time to think big, dream big, GO BIG for our community. Thank you to presenting sponsor Evergy for making the event possible. We look forward to welcoming members and supporters back for our 2024 Annual Meeting next spring!