Forge Ahead

FORGE

AHEAD

ForgeFest 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!