GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP
FALL/WINTER 2021
MEMBERS ONLY
91 NEW
MEMBERS JOIN THE PARTNERSHIP IN 2021! MOMENTUM
2027:
INVESTING IN TOMORROW
Helping People Achieve Financial Well-being Since 1892 n December 1891, in the back
performance, cost-efficient
Education is an area of special
of a small Topeka drugstore, 11
administration and a targeted
interest to Security Benefit. For more
determined men, each providing
distribution effort focused
than 50 years, we’ve focused on the
on a dedicated set of key partners.
retirement market for teachers and
a single dollar, pooled their resources to create an insurance fund for those
school district employees, and many
who otherwise couldn’t afford it.
Our founders’ promise to help those
of our associates introduce students of
Two months later, on Feb. 22, 1892,
in need is embedded in our culture,
all ages to business concepts through
they founded a fraternal association that would provide working men
individually and collectively. We support numerous nonprofits, and
Junior Achievement of Kansas. We also partner with area universities to
and women and their children with
our 2,000 associates worldwide
financial security in the event of a
also give time and money to various
students and faculty and support the
initiatives to enhance overall
Kansas Teacher of the Year program,
well-being in multiple communities.
the National Teachers Hall of Fame,
calamity. Today, we are a privately held
offer enrichment opportunities for
the NEA Foundation Salute for
financial services company focused
Excellence in Education, internships
on the U.S. retirement space. In
Our Charitable Trust’s focus extends
the past decade, we’ve experienced
to more than 100 organizations
tremendous growth—more than
that serve low-income and at-risk
Security Benefit collaborates on
tripling our employee base to 2,000
individuals; promote education,
numerous community efforts designed
worldwide and almost quintupling our
health, and the arts; and support
to enhance economic and workforce
assets under management to $46.4
diversity initiatives. The Associate
development. The company played
billion (as of December 31, 2020). To
Engagement and Diversity Council
an integral role in helping launch
achieve this growth, Security Benefit,
unites the team with various
Topeka’s Plug and Play initiative
in 2010, brought in CEO Mike Kiley
community awareness and social
in 2020, which will position the
to revitalize the company. Kiley
activities. Through our Dollars for
community as a regional accelerator
expanded both the firm’s product line
Hours program, associates who
for animal health and agtech startups
and its distribution reach to better
volunteer 50 hours or more each year
working in the Kansas City Animal
position Security Benefit as a national
can convert time spent coaching,
Health Corridor.
player. His successful strategy was
chaperoning school events, or serving
built on four pillars: innovative
on boards into a company contribution
product design, top investment
of $100 or more for a nonprofit of their choice.
and scholarships.
Selected Company Highlights 1892: Initial planning discussions take place in an East Topeka drugstore. The Knights and Ladies of Security is officially chartered on Feb. 22, 1892, by 11 men with $11. 1929 to 1949: The company becomes the largest fraternal society among those admitting men and women on an equal basis and the only one providing homes for orphans and the elderly and maintaining a hospital. 1949: At the close of business on Dec. 31, 1949, the association’s 58-year era as a fraternal benefit society ends with accumulated assets of more than $28 million and surplus funds of more than $4 million. 1950: On Jan. 1, Security Benefit becomes a mutual legal reserve life insurance company. 1975: The company celebrates $5 billion of life insurance in force and becomes the national leader in developing “stop loss” coverage through a risk-sharing arrangement with Lloyds of London. 1976: The largest insurance company headquartered in Kansas, Security Benefit ranks in the top 5% of life insurance companies in the nation. 1993: Associates receive the Award of Excellence in Community Service from Points of Light, one of only five companies in the country to be honored. 1998: Fortune magazine’s January 1998 issue recognizes Security Benefit as one of “The Top 100 Best Companies to Work for in America,” citing its commitment to community through philanthropy and volunteerism and its pension and profit sharing package. 2005: Security Benefit launches SE2, an innovative business processing and administration company that contracts with numerous insurance companies. 2012: Security Benefit has the two best-selling fixed index annuities in the U.S. 2017: Security Benefit celebrates its 125th anniversary, reaching nearly $35 billion in assets under management with more than $70 billion in SE2 assets under administration and more than 1,300 combined associates. 2019: Forbes magazine names Security Benefit to its inaugural list of “America’s Best-in-State Employers List,” with Security Benefit ranking No. 5 among the top 29 Kansas companies honored. 2020: Security Benefit finishes the year with $46.4 billion in assets under management and 2,000 employees worldwide. 2021: Ingram’s names Security Benefit a “Best Place To Work For.”
Whether we’re helping financial professionals and their customers secure a confident, comfortable retirement or enhancing the communities where we live and work, pitching in is a fundamental part of our company’s foundation and essential to our future success.
One Security Benefit Place | Topeka, KS 66636 | SecurityBenefit.com SB-10009-78 | 2021/05/06
LETTER FROM THE
EDITOR H Publications like Top Mag help us spread the word about all the great things happening at the GTP and throughout our capital city community.
i there! Thank you for reading the fall/winter 2021 edition of Top Mag. As a fairly new addition to the Greater Topeka Partnership team, I wanted to take a moment to formally introduce myself. I’m India Yarborough, and as you may know by now, I joined the partnership in October as the team’s communications manager. You may recognize the name from my previous work, as I served for more than two years as The Topeka Capital-Journal’s business reporter. I’m proud to say that through my work, both past and present, I have constantly emphasized community and thoughtful communication — and that isn’t going to stop with a change in employment. It’s been a fulfilling (and busy!) first couple of months here at the partnership, and I feel lucky to be involved in the community-development work being led by the GTP and its local public and private partners. Publications like Top Mag help us spread the word about all the great things happening at the GTP and throughout our capital city community. Through this and future editions of Top Mag, I look forward to shining a light on efforts being advanced by Downtown Topeka, GO Topeka, Visit Topeka and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. Here at the partnership, we’re all about advancing economic prosperity for Topeka and Shawnee County residents. Publications like this are vital to such work. I hope you enjoy flipping through the latest edition of Top Mag! If you have questions or want to connect, I’m just an email away. Feel free to reach me at India.Yarborough@ TopekaPartnership.com. Sincerely,
India Yarborough Communications Manager
Greater Topeka
Partnership Please recycle this magazine or pass it on to a friend.
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EDITOR
Bob Ross Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications India Yarborough Communications Manager All information is accurate at the time of printing. However, the Greater Topeka Partnership does not assume responsibility for accuracy. All rights reserved.
CONTRIBUTORS
Jared Hitchens Erin Young Logan Hildebrand Israel Sanchez
Marketing Director Account Manager Account Manager Marketing Project Mgr.
LAYOUT & DESIGN
Carolyn Lang
Brand Manager
32 30
12
CONTENTS Moving Forward with Momentum..................6 Momentum 2027........................................8 State of Community...................................10 Intercity Visit.............................................13
News From Visit Topeka..............26
Innovation Campus...................................14 Choose Topeka.........................................16
Economic Outlook Conference....................28 Hispanic Heritage Month...........................30
New Businesses Downtown.......18
Women of Topeka.....................................32 MRC Luncheon.........................................34 LGT 2022 Class........................................35 Topeka Murals..........................................36 Downtown Christmas.................................38
GO Topeka Growing Topeka......................20
Welcome New Board Members..................40
Forge Ahead............................................22
Membership Updates................................42
DEI Summit...............................................24
Winter 2021 | 5
GAINING
MOMENTUM
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ADDITIONAL MOMENTUM NEWS...
AGENDA TOPEKA DETERMINES 2022 PRIORITIES
T
he latest results of Agenda Topeka — a Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce initiative designed to support the efforts of Momentum 2022 — were presented to the chamber’s board of directors Oct. 21 and will shape the group’s advocacy in the coming year. Not sure what Agenda Topeka is? Here’s a rundown. In July, more than 65 Topeka and Shawnee County residents gathered with Topeka chamber officials to discuss public policy topics on locals’ minds and brainstorm priorities on which the chamber might focus advocacy efforts in 2022. In September, a second group convened to sort the issues based on whether they could be addressed at the local, state or federal level. That group voted to determine the six most urgent topics in each arena, and there
was some overlap between categories. After deliberation and voting, the following priorities were identified at each level: • Federal — broadband, turnpike, riverfront, medicare, infrastructure, taxes • State — medicaid, economic development, broadband, mental health, workforce, childcare • Local — economic development, childcare, at-risk neighborhoods, mental health, infrastructure, broadband They underscore the inextricable link between economic growth and the health of our families and neighborhoods. The Topeka chamber will speak with one voice to support policies and programs that address these issues in a comprehensive, connected way.
MO22 IMPROVED DIGITAL EQUITY AND BROADBAND ACCESS The Momentum 2022 Digital Equity Taskforce applied for and was awarded a grant from the Kansas Health Foundation to help Kansas families attain the best possible educational, economic and health outcomes. We know digital literacy and access to high-speed internet are necessary to achieving such results. This initiative will focus on a two-generation approach, so more Kansas children and adults
have the opportunity to attain digital success in the future. With a $250,000 grant, the local taskforce will spend the first year planning and engaging the community, and the second and third years implementing communitybased plans and policies. The grant will also help fund a digital navigator and technician position, which will provide ongoing access to resources, education and technical support to those in need.
MO22 – Watch for us on your newsfeed! Be on the lookout for marketing highlights sharing the successes of MO22 through social and traditional media. A Net Promoter Score Survey was conducted in 2021 to measure the desirability of the community. The survey, which closed Oct. 3, revealed a 40% growth in community satisfaction over the course of MO22.
MO22 PRESENTATIONS A number of presentations in the community have taken place to share the strategic progress of Momentum 2022 and what’s ahead for the community’s next strategy, Momentum 2027. Presentations included the Washburn University Retreat, Agenda Topeka and Downtown Topeka Rotary.
Winter 2021 | 7
CONTINUING MOMENTUM
B
road Ripple Strategies and Arrowhead Consulting are serving as consultants, helping shape the community’s next five-year strategy. They come with extensive knowledge about Topeka and Shawnee County. The next development plan will be even more intentional in its commitment to diversity and inclusion. Work began in August, and a draft of Momentum 2027 priorities is expected by March of 2022. STEERING COMMITTEE The Momentum 2027 steering committee — comprised of a diverse cross-section of the Topeka and Shawnee County community — held its second session in November. The committee reviewed a preliminary draft of the Momentum 2027 community survey, which will shape conversations moving forward and set the tone for Topeka and Shawnee County’s next five-year plan.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT...
Momentum “I think what we’re going to find is we’ve had some successes, but we’ve still got a lot of work to do,” said Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield, the GTP’s senior vice president of strategy. So far, the partnership’s Momentum 2027 survey has garned nearly 2,000 responses.
Broad Ripple Strategies and Arrowhead Consulting are helping Topeka and Shawnee County leaders determine our community’s strategic vision. Broad Ripple Strategies was an easy choice because of its extensive knowledge about Topeka, Shawnee County and Kansas. Meanwhile, Arrowhead Consulting brings DEI oversight to the table, to ensure equitable and inclusive processes.
MO22 PRESENTATIONS A number of presentations in the community have taken place to share the strategic progress of Momentum 2022 and what’s ahead for the community’s next strategy, Momentum 2027. Presentations included the Washburn University Retreat, Agenda Topeka and Downtown Topeka Rotary.
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For those who are lost, there will always be cities that feel like home. - Simon Van Booy Everything Beautiful Began After
Winter 2021 | 9
STATE OF THE
COMMUNITY S
tate of the Community 2021, organized by the Greater Topeka Partnership, included presentations from Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla, Shawnee County Commissioner Kevin Cook, and a housing panel led by GO Topeka’s director of business and talent initiatives, Trina Goss. State of the Community highlighted past successes in Topeka and Shawnee County and focused on future goals. The 2021 event, held Nov. 9, was moved to a breakfast experience, showing off the newly renovated Townsite Avenue Ballroom. The event began with Commissioner Cook highlighting three moving stories from families who have been impacted by development work in Shawnee County over the past year. “I always look forward to the State of the Community; I find the format to be a great opportunity to give an update of what our community is trying to accomplish, and effectively has accomplished together,” Cook said. “This event proved especially meaningful to me, as I was able to shine a light on what really matters – and that is the people of Shawnee County. Their stories of triumph and heartache, and their aspirations for a better community, are the reasons I serve as a commissioner.” Mayor De La Isla took the stage to the sounds of Broadway’s Hamilton playing in the ballroom. She performed a rendition of “One Last Time,” itself a retelling of George Washington’s last speech. Singing “I wanna talk about what I have learned, The hard-won wisdom I have earned. As far as the people are concerned, you have to serve. You could continue to serve, No. One last time, the people will hear from me. One last time, and if we get this right, we're gonna teach' em how to say goodbye.” “The State of Community event truly was an experience that brought so many people that love our city and county together,” Mayor De La Isla said. “This event was especially meaningful to me, as we passed the torch to a new mayor. I appreciated this time to reflect on our successes over the past four years and share my hopes for the future of our community.”
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I wanna talk about what I have learned, The hard won wisdom I have earned, As far as the people are concerned, you have to serve, You could continue to serve, No. One last time, the people will hear from me, One last time, and if we get this right we're gonna teach' em how to say goodbye. –Mayor Michelle De La Isla from "Hamilton"
Winter 2021 | 11
Making a difference for Kansans. For more than 75 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas has served as our state’s largest insurer. Today, we serve nearly one million Kansans. We work tirelessly to ensure that our members have access to the care they need and our medical community and healthcare providers are supported.
Visit us at bcbsks.com
BlueCross BlueShield
Kansas 800-432-3990
TPM 1021 An independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
1133 SW Topeka Blvd, Topeka, KS 66629
INTERCITY VISIT
UPDATE T
ickets are on sale now for the 2022 intercity visit! The Greater Topeka Partnership and The Chamber, Lawrence are partnering to host a joint intercity visit in 2022 to Northwest Arkansas (NWA), a regional collective of Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville and Fayetteville. Titled “Stronger Together: Destination NWA,” the visit will bring together community leaders from public, private, educational and nonprofit sectors in Topeka and Lawrence to gain knowledge about innovative ideas and programs shaping Northwest Arkansas. The visit also provides an opportunity for collaboration among city leaders and facilitates exchange of best practices and lessons learned between visiting cities and the destination cities. “Stronger Together: Destination NWA” will take place April 26-29.
“This was a perfect opportunity for our two organizations to collaborate to learn and grow together. Focusing on a community as uniquely collaborative as NWA allows us to learn how to better partner as neighboring communities.” – Matt Pivarnik, CEO, Greater Topeka Partnership “As economic development continues to take on a more regional approach, it’s more important than ever for chambers and cities to work together. This is an outstanding way for our two cities – with our chambers and leaders from government, education, and the business community – to learn about a nearby region, share best practices, and strengthen connections.” – Bonnie Lowe, President & CEO, The Chamber, Lawrence Winter 2021 | 13
INNOVATION
CAMPUS G
O Topeka has continued to collaborate and make progress on standing up the $14.5 million innovation campus coming to downtown Topeka. It was announced in September that the campus, dubbed the ASTRA Innovation Center, would occupy the former home of Wolfe’s Camera Shop, as well as multiple adjacent storefronts. We now have two renderings — one interior rendering and a rooftop early renderings that give us an idea of what the campus may look like. Those will be ready for publication soon, once a final exterior rendering is complete. Those will be ready for publication soon, once a final exterior rendering is complete. GO Topeka is also working to compile marketing materials, including window wraps, that will allow the organization, in partnership with real estate development firm BioRealty, to further market and promote the downtown building. We hope to start construction early next year, with the goal of opening in 2023. The 60,000-square-foot innovation center is expected to retain retail space on the ground floor.
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PLUG & PLAY
UPDATE
T
wo virtual networking events were hosted in October. The first introduced startups in the Topeka accelerator program’s latest cohort to various resources Topeka and the region have to offer. According to Katrin Bridges, GO Topeka’s senior vice president of innovation, “one of the biggest opportunities for furthering conversations are the international startups that want to find a launch pad for the U.S. market.” During the second event, Topeka’s Plug and Play team presented before the local Innovation Advisory Board and members of GO Topeka’s board to report on successes of the program and what’s to come, including how collaboration between Topeka and Plug and Play could evolve. “The bigger the program is, the more attractive it is for the most innovative startups we want to attract,” Bridges said, describing the presentation as a proactive, futurefocused conversation. The Plug and Play Expo Day was held virtually on Nov. 10, and celebrated the graduation of those startups in the most recent cohort that have successfully completed the three-month-long accelerator program.
Exterior rendering courtesy of HTK Architects.
Winter 2021 | 15
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CHOOSE TOPEKA T
opeka’s relocation initiative Choose Topeka continues to garner attention and applicants. We’ve received more than 2,200 phone calls and emails about the program from candidates and employers since it started. We have collected more than 7,500 submissions with resumes or questions, and more than 650 of those have come from remote workers. We have a total of 61 approved Choose Topeka candidates with an average salary of $89,000, including 38 who have relocated to Topeka with the help of employer matching funds and 23 agreements with remote workers. $218,250 in matching JEDO funds and $175,000 for remote workers has been committed to approved applicants, totaling $393,250 in committments. The program has an estimated 14.3x return on investment. We love what Choose Topeka candidate Tyler Jaggers had to say in a recent interview: “It’s just a great feeling that Topeka wants people here, and you automatically, right when you move in, feel supported and part of the team. If you’re thinking about moving to a town, city ... consider the ones that want you. And Topeka wants you.”
CHOOSE TOPEKA PR CAMPAIGN WINS PLATINUM AWARD With help from Violet PR, the capital city’s Choose Topeka Relocation Campaign won a Platinum PR News Award in November, beating out some heavy hitters from around the globe. This marked Choose Topeka’s fifth public relations award of the year — not to mention the national media attention the program has garnered. Other Choose Topeka PR awards have included the Bulldog PR Award, Bronze and Silver Anvil Awards from the Public Relations Society of America, and a Ragan Communications media award.
ABC'S 'NIGHTLINE' FILMS IN TOPEKA In November, a crew from ABC News’ “Nightline” filmed in Topeka, profiling residents who have moved to the capital city with help from the Choose Topeka program. The “Nightline” piece is expected to air in early 2022 — and don’t worry, we’ll be sure to let the community know when it goes live!
WALL STREET JOURNAL REPORT SPOTLIGHTS TOPEKA In October, Choose Topeka appeared on the front page of The Wall Street Journal’s “Exchange” section, with the headline “Topeka wants America’s Top Remote Talent.” Around the same time, Topeka made national headlines elsewhere. Here are a few of our favorites: • From KCUR — Topeka’s cash offer for workers to move to the city is paying off. • From The Washington Times — U.S. workers decamp from cities to smaller towns via remote work. • From HR Dive — ‘I get more smiles here’: Topeka makes a bid for the remote worker. • From The Epoch Times — Payto-move programs revitalize small towns.
Winter 2021 | 17
NEW BUSINESS
DOWNTOWN D owntown Topeka is excited to welcome those businesses that recently opened brick-and-mortar locations downtown, or plan to open a storefront downtown soon. Story Factory, a local marketing agency that previously operated as a remote business, has moved into the storefront at 929 S. Kansas Ave., where Create Uplift was formerly located. Story Factory specializes in video content creation. It was recently announced that Topeka Yoga Network plans to set up shop at 925 S. Kansas in the near future. The Tee Box opened in the 900 block of S. Kansas Ave. and the indoor golf facility and bar is a hit. DTI would also like to give a shoutout to the Topeka Vendors Market, at 528 S.E. Adams St., for celebrating one year in business. Since opening, the vendors market has doubled in size, growing to almost 100 vendors. A new event space is expected to open near the market in spring 2022. We hope you’ll help us welcome these businesses to the downtown community, as well as any others we may have missed.
CHECK OUT THESE NEW DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES! • MB ADDIS & CO. LEGACY JEWELERS This new upscale jewelry store opened downtown in late fall. • SPAWN INN Esports, video games, board games, fullservice bar, milkshakes. A one-of-a-kind gaming lounge is opening downtown. • FEDELI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT Inside the Cyrus Hotel, downtown’s newest fine dining specializes in seared stakes and handcrafted pasta dishes. • THE TEE BOX Indoor golf venue, bar and restaurant.
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DOWNTOWN
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
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R
hiannon Friedman, president of Downtown Topeka, represented the capital city at the 67th annual International Downtown Association conference Oct. 20-22 in Tampa, Florida. DTI brought home a Downtown Achievement Award of Excellence for Evergy Plaza, which was recognized for its use of public space.
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
EDICATED ND ONLY BAR D A T S IR F ’S A K ING E TOP OF AXE THROW T R O P S G IN W O TO THE GR
om AxeAleTopeka.c
| 115 SE 6th Ave,
Topeka, KS
Winter 2021 | 19
GO TOPEKA
GROWING TOPEKA
T
he Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board approved incentive agreements that will aid in the expansion of three local businesses. The first, Ernest-Spencer Metals, or ESM, has grown to become one of the premier metal fabrication resources in the Midwest and serves clients throughout North America. Previously referred to as “Project Warrior,” this expansion is expected to create up to 35 new jobs with an average wage of $43,500, plus benefits. It will also lead to $3.8 million in capital investments. The total economic impact expected over the next 10 years is $264 million. The performance-based incentive for this project is up to $214,000, resulting in a 249% return on investment. Second, Haas Metal Engineering, or HME, is a leading AISC-certified provider of high-quality structural steel, custom metal fabrication and steel erection services. For 25 years, HME has championed innovative solutions, meeting the ever-changing needs of the construction industry. Previously referred to as “Project Platinum,” this expansion is expected to produce an estimated $15 million in capital investment. The total economic impact expected over the next 10 years is $12.5 million. The performance-based incentive for this project is up to $60,000, resulting in a 172% return on investment. Lastly, Heinen Brothers Agra Services uses innovative application methods to offer a full range of agronomic services. Heinen Brothers is also driving the growth of local aviation through superior aircraft maintenance, flight training, aircraft storage, fueling options and service.
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“The development incentives provided by JEDO are a tremendous sign of the pro-business mindset Topeka and Shawnee County are deploying,” said Neal Spencer, president and CEO of Ernest-Spencer Metals Inc. “The partnership and excitement that these incentives create are precisely the catalyst that our company looks for in a growth partner. Ernest-Spencer’s south Topeka location will prove strategic to the long-term success of the company, and our team is excited to collaborate with the city of Topeka, as we work to achieve our mutual goals of providing quality jobs and economic prosperity. Ernest-Spencer began in Topeka in 1922. We look to honor that long history by growing with Topeka well into the future." Previously referred to as “Project Helix,” this expansion is expected to create up to 20 new jobs with an average wage of $45,000, plus benefits. The total economic impact expected over the next 10 years is $135 million. The performance-based incentive for this project is up to $119,000, resulting in a 324% return on investment. The expansions not only allow these companies to grow, but also position Topeka at the forefront of these sectors.
BUSINESS
UNWIND T
he Partnership hosts 12 Business Unwind Events each year. Unlock the potential of your business by plugging into these members only events. "Networking is not about collecting contacts. Networking is about planting relationships.”
2022 BUSINESS UNWIND SCHEDULE January 18 @ Washburn University February 15 @ The Tee Box & Architect One March 22 Annual Meeting April 19 @ Great Life - Top City Golf May 17 @ Senne & Company June 21 @ Arts & Craftsman Workshop/ St. Joseph Lofts July 19 @ CoreFirst Bank & Trust August 16 @ MB Addis September 20 @ Denali Home Design October 18 @ SSC CPAs + Advisors November 15 @ Cyrus Hotel December 13 @ Springhill Suites
Winter 2021 | 21
FORGE AHEAD
F
orgeFest rocked downtown Topeka on Aug. 28 with tunes, food trucks and more. The event kicked off with local talent, as The Josh Vowell Band took the stage. They were followed by headliner Familiar, a KC band with local ties. This concert celebrated our young talent organization, Forge, and encouraged those in attendance between the ages of 18 and 40 to learn more about the mission of Forge. This proved a successful event not only for informational purposes, but also for increasing membership. Washburn University folded this concert into their welcome-week schedule and bussed students to and from campus so they could join in the fun and explore a new area of the city. Forge would like to thank Southwest Publishing and Mailing Corporation for their presenting sponsorship, as well as Washburn University for their supporting sponsorship. In November, the Forge Leadership Team nominated and approved a new group of local leaders to fill vacancies. Forge also completed the search for its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Oversight Committee members. That committee will help ensure all voices are included, heard and respected throughout the organization. Forge leadership also voted to approve Richard Kelly as chair-elect for 2022. Del-Metrius Herron, the 2021 Forge chair, will move to past chair and continue to help guide the organization through the end of next year. The 2021 chair-elect, Justin Moore, will become Forge chair at the beginning of 2022. Help us thank and congratulate all new and current leadership team members!
MEET RHETT FLOOD Rhett Flood, who joined the Greater Topeka Partnership in 2017, has stepped into the role of executive director of Forge Young Talent. Flood previously served as a marketing account manager, providing support to a variety of GO Topeka programs. Flood, an Independence native, holds a degree in integrated marketing communication from Wichita State University.
YOUNG TALENT
FORGE HERD UPDATE The Business Development & Entrepreneurship Herd hosted “Ask the Expert” event in October. The Play Herd held a free Family Fun Night at Evergy Plaza on July 27. The event boasted food trucks, Kona Ice, Fancy Nancy Face Painting, and utilized the Plaza’s splash pad! 22 | TOP
LIBRARY LIFE HACK
BOOKS, MUSIC & MOVIES ON THE GO
1515 SW 10th Ave | Topeka, KS |
785
580-4400 | tscpl.org ©2022 TSCPL TOPzine
Winter 2021 | 23
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
100
SUMMIT
business executives, nonprofit leaders, community stakeholders and elected officials participated in the Kansas Diversity Equity and Inclusion Summit, hosted via Zoom by the Greater Topeka Partnership. The event was made possible by presenting sponsor, Prairie Band, LLC. The event shined a light on the importance of inclusive company cultures and gave attendees insight on how to pursue DEI-related policies in their own organizations. “What you’re really seeing is a shift in requests for people to be recognized,” said Lonnie Walker, Jr., of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas “If you want to continue to stay in business it’s going to
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behoove you to grab ahold of diversity, equity and inclusion in an authentic and genuine way and move it forward.” Speakers included Kuma Roberts, of Arrowhead Consulting; Jarik Conrad, vice president of human insights and human capital management for UKG; and Eugene Kelly, VP of Global Diversity and Inclusion for Colgate-Palmolive. “We all have a part to play in this work,” Roberts said, “so let’s be sure we embrace that as we move forward and know that we’re all in this together.” Roberts also pointed out that diversity is about more than race. When championing diversity, it is important to consider such factors as ability, age, immigration status and LGBTQ affiliation.
Congratulations to Jeremy Graber, 20 Under 40 Honoree
JEREMY L. GRABER jgraber@foulston.com 785.354.9412 A connected community creates a strong community.
Foulston Siefkin LLP thanks Topeka partner-in-charge Jeremy Graber for
Cox Communications celebrates our friends and neighbors who have created and cultivated a strong community. We are proud to support the leaders in Kansas making a difference every day.
his bold leadership, commitment to
Find out more at cox.com.
our clients, and support of the Topeka community’s growth. As a business and tax lawyer, Jeremy focuses on wealth transfer and business succession, estate planning,
When it comes to your to-do list, put your future first.
employee benefits, and real estate. Committed to downtown Topeka, Jeremy oversaw relocation of
To find out how to get your financial goals on track, contact us for a complimentary review.
Foulston’s office to a renovated historic building at 822 S. Kansas. He serves on Topeka’s Junior Achievement board and is a Leadership Topeka alumnus. Jeremy, an Eagle Scout, stays in touch with Scouting as a den leader and pack chair for his sons.
Scott D Van Genderen, CFP®, ChFC®, AAMS® edwardjones.com
FOULSTON.COM
FAP-1966F-A
Financial Advisor
Member SIPC
4009 Sw 10th Ave Topeka, KS 66604-1916 785-273-2277
Winter 2021 | 25
VISIT
NEWS FROM
TOPEKA
V
isit Topeka’s sports sales representative spent November catching up from the various tradeshows held in October. Great contacts were made at those shows, and now the real work of building those relationships begins. In November, Visit Topeka confirmed a definite sports lead that will bring about 1,000 attendeeds to the area, resulting in an estimated $100,500 local economic impact. In addition, the team has 16 total sports leads in the pipeline, accounting for more than 8,000 rooms and $8.3 million in local economic impact. Ten new prospects also developed, including BMX, boxing, bowling, gymnastics and flag football events. Conversations about potentially bringing those events to Topeka are ongoing. In November, Visit Topeka also got word that the 2020 Kansas Shrine Bowl it helped organize received a 2020 Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism Award.
LOOKING AHEAD Visit Topeka is in the midst of crafting its two-year strategic plan, which will go into effect in 2022. The final strategic plan was due to the Visit Topeka board, along with the tourism organization’s final budget and business plan for the year. Visit Topeka is optimistic about the planning process and anticipates a strong spring of 2022, especially when it comes to family travel. Targeted marketing efforts are also in the works but have yet to be announced.
Visit Topeka brought home three first-place awards at the annual Kansas Tourism Conference. Visit Topeka was awarded first place in 2021 for “Large Budget In House Visitors Guide;” “Large Budget Community Awareness” and “Large Budget Event.” Inclusive Topeka was the “Large Budget Community Awareness” project for which Visit Topeka was recognized, and Thunder Over the Heartland was the “Large Budget Event” that earned first-place recognition. Representing Visit Topeka at the conference, from left, Mike Bell, Logan Hildebrand, Melissa Sowers and Sean Dixon.
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DINO DAYS On Nov. 29, Visit Topeka and local tourism partners announced 2022 Topeka Dino Days, a collaborative effort to encourage spring travel to the capital city through the creation and promotion of a four-month-long exhibition that will span various family-oriented venues across the city. The effort unites Visit Topeka, The Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, Shawnee County Parks and Recreation, Downtown Topeka Inc., and the Topeka Lodging Association. Area exhibits could bring up to 100,000 additional visitors to the city in spring 2022. Visit Topeka estimates those visitors may inject $4 million to $5 million in the local economy over the course of their stays. Topeka Dino Days’ core exhibits will include displays at Great Overland Station, The Topeka Zoo and Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. A full-size cast of an Allosaurus skeleton will also be set up in our downtown visitors’ center. To read more about Topeka Dino Days, check out reporting by our local media partners: • (CJOnline) “Tyrannosaurus Rex Sue’s life-sized replica will be part of dinosaur-themed campaign in Topeka” • (KSNT) “Dinosaur exhibits coming to Topeka with county commission’s approval” • (WIBW) “Topeka will soon be a hot site for dinosaur spottings”
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ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
CONFERENCE
T
he 2021 Economic Outlook Conference, presented by The Topeka Capital-Journal and Washburn University, was held in October. This annual event, held in person this year at the Bradbury-Thompson Alumni Center at Washburn University, has become vital to assessing the health and state of our local economy. Speakers included Jeff Morrison, portfolio manager for Capitol Federal Bank; Trent Armbrust with the Kansas Department of Commerce; and Paul Byrne, professor of Economics at Washburn University’s School of Business. Byrne shared that in spite of pandemic-related challenges, businesses are still optimistic heading into the first quarter of 2022. GO Topeka’s senior economic advisor, Freddy Mawyin, collaborated with Washburn University this year on a survey to assess expectations about local company
sales, profits, and capital expenses. 100 Topeka businesses participated. Survey results pointed to the resilience of the Topeka and Shawnee County economy, with respondents optimistic about future demand and government policy as the pandemic recedes. 48% of businesses surveyed shared that profits are expected to increase in the next two quarters. Talent attraction rose to the top of concerns of local businesses, reflecting a national challenge in attracting and retaining quality workers. “Overall our results are very good,” said Freddy Mawyin. “Our local businesses are adapting. We expect the labor market to continue to be volatile as we move into 2022, but are confident that the fundamentals of our area economy will continue to position Topeka and Shawnee County for success.”
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS: JEFF MORRISON, a native of Salina, Kansas, received his Bachelors of Science and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Kansas. He started his career with Commerce Bank and Trust in Kansas City, Missouri working in Trust Operations and later joined Capital City Bank where he helped centralize its credit functions. Upon receiving his MBA, Jeff served in many roles for high tech software and life science businesses while also serving an eight year stint as adjunct professor for the Applied Portfolio Management Program at the University of Kansas School of Business. Prior to joining Capitol Federal® as Portfolio Manager, Jeff spent eight years as the Chief Financial Officer for CritiTech, Inc a drug development and contract development and manufacturing company.
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TRENT ARMBRUST joined the Kansas Department of Commerce in 2019 as Director of Strategy, Biosciences and Technology and was promoted to Chief Strategy Officer in 2021. Trent also oversees the Office of Innovation and implementation of the Framework for Growth, the state’s economic development strategy. Previously Trent spent 7 years at the Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce where he served as the Director of Economic Development. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Biology from Kansas State University and a certificate from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute. Trent currently serves as the Chair of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF) Community Liaison Group and Chair of the Johnson Cancer Research Center Advisory Board.
PAUL BYRNE is a Professor of Economics at Washburn University School of Business, where he has taught since 2003. He received his PhD from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Byrne teaches Principles of Microeconomics, Microeconomics Analysis, Labor Economics, and Public Finance. His scholarly interests and activities include economic development incentives, tax increment financing, public policy and public finance, and local government.
CONFERENCE
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GTP HISPANIC
HERITAGE MONTH COVERAGE
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E
ach year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. This year, Topeka’s Hispanic community had additional reasons to be proud. According to 2020 census data, Shawnee County reached a historic high population of 178,909, driven in part by a 23.6% increase in residents who identify as non-white Hispanic. The growth is attributed to the community’s business opportunities, affordability and Mexican heritage, which drives annual celebrations like Fiesta Mexicana, one of the Midwest’s largest Mexican festivals. “The people of Topeka pride themselves on being an inclusive and welcoming community,” said Glenda Washington, chief equity and opportunity officer for the Greater Topeka Partnership and senior vice president of GO Topeka’s division of Women and Minority Business Development. “Our non-white Hispanic growth, as well as growth of those who identify as two or more races, reflect trends we see nationally. What sets Topeka and Shawnee County apart from many communities, is that we see this diversification as a strength. Our future may look different than our past, but that future will bring so many more voices to the table.” Topeka has implemented many initiatives to support its growing Hispanic community. Business owners along the East 6th Hispanic Corridor are supported by the Greater Topeka Partnership team, which coordinates visits with Spanish-speaking staff to offer resources and support. Students have access to career training, English as a Second Language services and educational resources through Washburn Tech East, a new $6 million extension campus of Washburn University and Washburn Tech. Built with funds from GO Topeka, the extension was designed with input from community leaders and is strategically located in East Topeka, a location home to predominantly African American and Hispanic communities. “I’m not surprised that our Hispanic population is increasing,” said Pedro Concepcion, owner of Topekabased business consulting company K.I.T Solutions. “I was born in Mexico and moved to Topeka from Chicago. Not only did I meet other young Hispanic professionals, but the city also propels my culture and heritage forward, giving me the opportunity to grow while embracing my potential as a leader.” From art murals to the Mexican rodeo, Hispanic
heritage is prevalent throughout the city. La Comunidad, a new exhibit on display through Nov. 21, featured visual and performing arts from Topeka’s Hispanic artists. Fiesta Mexicana, Topeka’s biggest summertime celebration, is known for its authentic Mexican food offerings and performances. Through Visit Topeka, the capital city also recently became one of the first Midwestern cities to make its visitor’s guide available in Spanish. Many Hispanic immigrants have also found success in Topeka, with Hispanic-owned businesses from a variety of industries, including hospitality and marketing, calling the Kansas capital their home. “It’s wonderful to watch our Hispanic population grow, though the news isn’t a total surprise given our history and leadership,” said Michelle CuevasStubblefield, senior vice president of strategy for the Greater Topeka Partnership. “Topeka has long been home to Hispanic immigrants, some of which were part of the city’s founding along with freed slaves and abolitionists.” “The model Topeka represents reveals a city that is embracing its diverse, increasingly bilingual population,” Cuevas-Stubblefield added. According to the 2020 census, Topeka’s diversity also increased among other races: Its Asian population grew by 21.1% and its Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander population grew by 36.1%. The population of mixed-race individuals doubled, with two or more races increasing by 157% and three or more races following closely behind at nearly 89% growth. “It’s exciting to see a Midwestern city become a melting pot of individuals from an array of backgrounds,” said Freddy Mawyin, senior economic advisor of the Greater Topeka Partnership, whose family emigrated from South America. “With the resources the city offers, we expect to watch these Winter 2021 | 31
WOMEN OF TOPEKA T
he Women's Empowerment Forum took place Nov. 10 and featured panelists Linessa Frazier, an instructional technologist with Auburn-Washburn USD 437; Jennifer Sourk, general counsel for Midwest Health Inc.; Nicole Revenaugh, partner at Irigonegaray, Turney & Revenaugh LLP; and Elizabeth Easter, market president of Intrust Bank.
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“We’re most importantly hoping that (women) find hope,” said Phelicia Glass, chair of the Women’s Committee, “and that they know that they are powerful and that of all the obstacles they have faced throughout the last 18 months, yet they stand.”
WOMEN HONORED G
O Topeka hosted it’s 7th Annual Women of Influence Award. The event highlighted local women who have excelled in their fields and have earned a reputation O Topeka hosted it’sfor 7thempowering annual Women of Influence in October The other. “We haveAwards amazing women in2021. Topeka event highlighted local whoCounty,” have excelled in theirWashington, fields and have earned andwomen Shawnee said Glenda Chief Equity a reputation for empowering others. “We have women in Topeka and and Opportunity Officer for amazing the Greater Topeka Partnership Shawnee County,” said Glenda Washington, Chief andBusiness Opportunity Officer for and SVP of Minority andEquity Women Development for the Greater Topeka PartnershipGO and Topeka, SVP of Minority and that Women Business Development “I am proud we are able to shine a lightfor onGO Topeka. “I am proud that we are leaders able to shine a light on these leaders who are making these who are making a difference and helping othera difference and helping otherwomen womendiscover discovertheir theirpotential.” potential.”
G
COMMUNITY SERVICE Lauren Tice Miller EDUCATION Carla Pratt DISTINGUISHED MENTOR Rhonda Harris
OUTSTANDING ENTREPRENEUR Cheryl Clark RISING STAR Grace Clinton WOMEN OF INFLUENCE Melissa Brunner Lucy Opit
BREAKTHROUGH BUSINESS AWARD Leslie Fleuranges Darlene Morgan EMERITUS AWARD Kak Eli-Schneider
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MILITARY LUNCHEON
RELATIONS COUNCIL
T
he Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce held its annual Military Relations Council luncheon in November, connecting the capital city’s military and civilian business communities. The luncheons provide attendees the opportunity to listen to notable guest speakers from the military community, honor veterans, and network with one another to grow the military and business communities' understanding of one another. Moving into 2022, the Topeka chamber is looking to refocus its MRC efforts by updating the council’s mission, emphasizing workforce and economic development, and broadening opportunities for connection. “We’re looking at how we do what we do, and some more targeted ways to achieve our goals,” said chamber president Curtis Sneden.
The mission of the Military Relations Council of the Topeka Chamber of Commerce mission is to raise the level of interaction, mutual awareness, support and appreciation between the military and civilian business communities in the greater Shawnee County community.
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LGT 2022
CLASS
MEMBERS QIANA ANTHONY Sr. Branch Sales Manager CoreFirst Bank & Trust
L
eadership Greater Topeka, a program of the Greater Topeka Partnership, recently announced its 2022 class. Now in its 39th year, Leadership Greater Topeka is a local tradition that offers budding leaders in the community a chance to learn more about the opportunities and challenges facing Topeka and Shawnee County. Members of each class participate in a series of leadership training sessions, as well as a two-day retreat.
LEILANI GREY Director of Admission, Diversity & Social Responsibility Topeka Collegiate School
JACQUETTA RAMIREZ-JENNINGS Executive Director SENT, Inc.
MARTINEZ HILLARD Director of Workplace Campaigns United Way of Greater Topeka
STANLEY ROBINSON Finance Director, Customer Development Hill's Pet Nutrition
ASHLEY LEHMAN Business Development Manager Greater Topeka Partnership
REBECCA ROTH Human Resource Specialist II Shawnee County Human Resources
BRYNNE LIEDTKE Waitress/Student 43 Ten/Shawnee Heights High School
BRENDEN SHEEHY Senior Project Engineer Bartlett & West
JACQUELINE LIGHTCAP Co-President League of Women Voters of Kansas
WILLIAM SKROBACZ JR. Chief Strategy Officer Capitol Federal Bank
SARAH LUNDRY Culture Specialist Advisors Excel
BOBBIE SMITH Assistant Director of Operations BNSF Railway Company
LANE CLOTHIER-MCNEIL Executive Assistant Hill's Pet Nutrition
LESLIE MEITNER Escrow Officer Security 1st Title, LLC
DAVID UHLER Creative Service Director WIBW-TV
WILLIAM COCHRAN Chief of Staff City of Topeka
MARCUS MILLER Executive Director First Tee-Greater Topeka
HANNAH UHLRIG Deputy Director of Public Works City of Topeka
CLEOTHA DANIELS Associate In-House Counsel Midwest Health Inc
JACLYN MULLINS Director of Community Engagement The MCP Group
CASEY VIGUS Office Manager Brandon Aldridge State Farm
JUSTIN DAVIS Director of Operations SE2
SANDRA MUNIZ URIA Customer Advisory Center Dual Manager US Bank
ANTHONY WEINGARTNER Assistant Director Kansas Bureau of Investigation
VIRGINA BARNES Director Blue Health Initiatives Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas LISA BECKER Lead Relationship Manager AE Wealth Management TRACY BLOCKER Owner/Operations Manager Technical Applications & Consulting MARLEAH CAMPBELL Sports Director WIBW-TV MARSHA CARRASCO Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager FHLBank of Topeka
LAUREN EDELMAN Director Washburn Univ. Leadership Institute Washburn University AUTUMN FRIEDLI Reader Services Supervisor Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
ALLISON OAKES Marketing Director TK Business Magazine REGINA PENZIG Manager External Communications Evergy, Inc.
BRIDGET WHITTINGTON Topeka Field Manager Central National Bank MICHAEL WILLIAMS Head Boys Basketball Coach USD 501/Highland Park High School
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“Any form of art is a form of power; it has impact, it can affect change – it can not only move us, it makes us move.” – Pablo Picasso
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DOWNTOWN
CHRISTMAS I n an effort to spur holiday spirit, Downtown Topeka Inc. took charge in November, decorating the downtown corridor with festive lights, banners and wreaths. Trees along Kansas Avenue, from 6th Avenue to 10th Street, were strung with lights. Newly designed holiday banners were put up along the avenue. The avenue arches were adorned with garland and 5-foot holiday wreaths. And DTI worked with Evergy Plaza to secure an 18-foot Christmas tree that is now on display at the outdoor venue. DTI also announced its annual holiday window-decorating contest, encouraging local businesses to put their holiday spirit on display. Driving down the avenue at night is a sight to behold!
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“This year, you can really see a miracle on Kansas Avenue!” said Rhiannon Friedman, President of Downtown Topeka Inc. “I am really proud of the work our team has done to bring a new level of merriment to our downtown. This year, we feature a new two-story Christmas tree at Evergy Plaza, new lighting in every tree from 6th to 10th street, and festive wreaths for our arches that were provided by Porterfields.”
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WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS
T
he Partnership welcomed a new group of leaders onto our boards in December. The annual Board Welcome Event provided new volunteers the opportunity to learn about the mission of the Partnership, and the individual organization that they are serving on, (ex. GO Topeka, Visit Topeka, etc.). A reception was held that evening which allowed for networking and a chance to connect with one another as we get ready to start a new year.
DR. SAM AL-MURRANI
CHRIS FAULK
BECKY HOLMQUIST
DANIELLE NORWOOD
PAUL BOSSERT
MAYOR MICHAEL PADILLA*
COL. BRIAN BUDDEN
RICHARD KELLY
LINESSA FRAZIER
KEVIN RAKE
ANGELA AYALA
KATHLEEN URBOM
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CARLOS CORTEZ
MAYOR MICHAEL PADILLA*
TODD KONKEL
KEN SCHMANKE
JAMES BARONET
SUSANA ORTIZ
THANK YOU TO OUR 2021 BENEFACTORS
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MEET OUR
NEW MEMBERS PLEASE HELP US WELCOME THESE BUSINESSES THAT HAVE RECENTLY JOINED OUR MEMBER FAMILY
8 Iron Therapy
MB Addis & Co •
785 Arts
Mercury Broadband
AAA of Topeka •
Mid-America Bank
Amanda's Bakery Creations
My Gym Children's Fitness Center
Blue Jazz
Oleander Café
Brennan Methena
PDQ Construction
Compliance One
Porterfield's
Crosswinds
Prevail Wealth Management
CSL Plasma
Randy Long Trucking
DJ 151
Red Wing Shoes
Dream Street
Riverside Chiropratic
Empower Life Flying Fish Divers
Scott D. Van Genderen Ed Jones Investment
Gatherings Plus
SENT
Global Discount
Spawn Inn
Go Blue, LLC
Story Factory Media
Great Plains, Annual Conference of United Methodist Church
The Beacon
Haag Oil •
The Wheel Barrel
Iwig Plumbing
THM, LLC
Jessica Schenkel Real Estate
Thompson Coach
J Rocks Smokeshouse
TLC Marketing Consultants
Julie Fischer, State Farm
T-Mobile
Lance Dykes, Shelter Insurance
United Rental
Lifeline Children's Services
Westaff •
Living in Victory Fellowship Baptist
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The Tee Box
HAPPY
ANNIVERSARY
5YEARS
Econo Lodge - Wanamaker Crown Colony Apartments Muddy Creek Iron Works The Healthcare Resort of Topeka Hamm Companies Happy Basset Brewing Company Patio Pool and Fireside SERC Physical Therapy (North Topeka) GraceMed Health Clinic SERC Physical Therapy (Seabrook Center) SERC Physical Therapy (Southeast Topeka) Hayden Catholic High School David H Fisher Jr. Carpet Plus Sherwood Apartments Architect One-Manhattan
THESE ARE THE ANNIVERSARY DATES FOR MEMBERS THAT HAVE BEEN WITH THE CHAMBER
15YEARS 30YEARS Buffalo Wild Wings Southard Corporation ITC Great Plains Custom Tree Care, Inc. Brookwood Shopping Center (The Robb Company)
20YEARS
Topeka Housing Authority Wakarusa Valley Development, Inc Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home AARP Kansas Network Technologies of Kansas City of Topeka Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation City of Topeka - Topeka Police Department
Fairfield Inn by Marriott KaMMCO Reser's Fine Foods, Inc Sam's Club
35YEARS
Topeka Community Foundation SLI Bob's Janitorial Service & Supply Inc Midwest Coating Inc. Wells Fargo Advisors Topeka Workforce Center
40YEARS
10YEARS 25YEARS 45YEARS Absolute Design by Brenda Penny Morgan Financial Service US Alliance Corporation Schendel Lawn & Landscape Comfort Suites GreenPoint Construction & Demolition Processing Center Blue Moose
Landmark National Bank Shipman & Associates American Family Insurance McAbee CARSTAR SSC Advisors, Inc. 190th ARW Kansas Air National Guard Accounting Center, Inc.
Century Business Technologies
Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority Terracon Perfection Heating & Air Conditioning
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Greater Topeka Partnership 719 S Kansas Ave.
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515 Periodical postage paid at Topeka, Kansas
Greater Topeka
Partnership
TOP (USPS 576520) is published quarterly for members of the Greater Topeka Partnership, 719 S Kansas Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515, 785.234.2644. Periodical postage is paid at Topeka, Kansas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: TOP 719 S Kansas Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515 Editor: Bob Ross
