After nearly a decade of transformational leadership in Topeka, Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP), has announced that he will be leaving the organization to assume the role of President and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) in Myrtle Beach, SC. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce encompasses Partnership Grand Strand and Visit Myrtle Beach. Pivarnik’s final day with the GTP will be May 18, 2025. Pivarnik arrived in Topeka in 2016 as the CEO of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. Under his leadership, Topeka witnessed a historic era of collaboration, economic revitalization, and community growth. He played a pivotal role

This winter, the magic of the holiday season will come alive in Topeka with the launch of Topeka Jingle Days! Presented by Visit Topeka and AIM Strategies, the exciting new initiative is designed to encourage both locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in our vibrant array of winter holiday traditions for the chance to win a prize package valued up to $600. Topeka Jingle Days unites 11 local winter traditions and attractions under one exciting holiday activation. The activation invites locals and visitors to spend time at events like Miracle on Kansas Avenue, Zoo Lights, TARC’s Winter Wonderland, SLI Festival of Trees, and more. Pick up a Jingle Days

Downtown Topeka Inc. is preparing for a festive holiday season! Its 2024 holiday window-decorating contest is back, with voting kicking off Dec. 1. Meanwhile, Topeka’s Miracle on Kansas Avenue parade is set to return downtown on Saturday, Dec. 7 for a spectacular evening of holiday cheer and memorable moments, including special performances and the official arrival of Santa. The parade-day fun will kick off early this year, with inflatables and carolers along the avenue in the afternoon for families to enjoy. Downtown businesses, from restaurants to retailers, are encouraged to take part in downtown’s holiday window-decorating contest, which is now in its fifth year. They may do so by creating

The Greater Topeka Partnership and Washburn University, in consultation with Forge Young Talent, are excited to announce a strategic collaboration designed to encourage Shawnee County employers to “Hire Local.” The new Hire Local campaign invites area employers to create accounts on Handshake, a platform that connects college students and graduates with company recruiters. The initiative urges local employers to strongly consider Washburn graduates when hiring for key positions. “This is a big step toward better engaging employers in the area and keeping talented young people here in the community after they graduate,” said James Barraclough, director of Washburn’s Career Engagement Office. “We are excited for this collaborative effort with the

The Topeka Area Sports Commission (TASC) is pleased to announce that its TASC Cares program is now accepting applications for Q4 2024, with distribution of grants expected in December. TASC Cares represents the sports commission’s mission to build an inclusive, community-centered sports environment. The program provides funds to purchase equipment and cover registration fees for kids in the Topeka area who face economic barriers to participation. TASC Cares fosters sports participation among youth ages 8 to 18, focusing on those in underserved communities. “TASC believes every child who wants to participate in youth athletics should have the opportunity to do so,” said TASC Director Mike Bell. “That’s why we seek

Following multiple rounds of community engagement and feedback collection, Topeka’s Riverfront Advisory Council (RAC) is proud to announce key elements of its proposed Topeka Riverfront Vision Plan. An exciting component of the strategy reimagines riverfront connectivity by proposing creation of an “iconic pedestrian bridge” connecting downtown Topeka to the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District. The plan also proposes new trails and river access points, as well as various mixed-used developments along the river that are likely to include a unique blend of residential, restaurant and retail options. The Topeka Riverfront Vision Plan was unveiled Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Townsite 16, following review of the final plan by the RAC. Strategic

The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and Forge Young Talent are proud to announce the local launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Topeka will inspire area middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.  Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools in Shawnee County are invited to take

The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce is launching its 2024 Promote the Vote campaign. The effort overlaps with major civic holidays the chamber is inaugurally a member of, including National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 17, National Voter Education Week Oct. 7-11, Vote Early Day Oct. 29, and Election Hero Day on Nov. 4. The chamber’s Promote the Vote efforts will culminate in General Election Day on Nov. 5, with the campaign seeking to encourage voter registration, education and activation. In the weeks ahead, community members will be able to interface with a first-of-its-kind Promote the Vote van, which will tour the city and be visible at large gatherings, shopping centers, in

Today, Topeka and Shawnee County’s Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board approved an agreement that will aid in the expansion of Southwest Publishing & Mailing, a Moore company. As part of the expansion, the long-standing Topeka-based business, which has been providing printing services and direct mail production to customers for more than 50 years, has rebranded its local facility as Moore Digital Print & Mail Center – Topeka. Previously referred to as “Project Oriole,” the expansion is expected to result in 60 new jobs, with Moore planning to make a capital investment of $31 million in the project. Economic development funds of up to $272,000, dispersed over five years, are

Today, Topeka and Shawnee County’s Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board approved an agreement that will aid in the expansion of PTMW Inc., an existing business in Topeka’s manufacturing industry that is leading the way in manufacturing, welding, fabrication and more. Previously referred to as “Project Queen Bee,” the expansion is expected to result in 182 new jobs, with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000. PTMW is expected to make a capital investment of $47.2 million in the project. Economic development funds of up to almost $1.6 million, dispersed over five years, are being offered to the business through JEDO to aid in the company’s growth. With a projected local

The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce PAC announced its endorsements of candidates for the upcoming general election on November 5th. Individuals were selected based on their views on issues impacting the economic growth and prosperity of the region and state. “Each election season, we evaluate races and candidates seeking elected offices. Forums, interviews, and voting history are reviewed as part of our process. The goal is to identify individuals that are best able to contribute to Shawnee County and Kansas’ enhanced economic vitality,” said Natalie Haag, PAC Board Chair. Candidates receiving an endorsement in general elections include: Shawnee County Commission District 2 Kevin Cook State Senate District 3 Rick Kloos

Forge Young Talent, Topeka’s premier young professional’s group, is thrilled to announce “ForgeFest: Rooftop Glow,” an electrifying end-of-summer rooftop concert in downtown Topeka. The public—including young professionals and students looking for unique, post-Labor Day fun—are invited to join Forge on Saturday, Sept. 14th, from 7-10 p.m. for a night of live music, food and drinks under the stars. Kansas City-based band KC Flo will headline the event with a live performance that’s sure to get attendees on their feet. Concert goers will also be able to enjoy delicious bites from Bobby’s Food Co. and drinks provided by Axe and Ale. ForgeFest festivities will take place on the rooftop of downtown

GO Topeka is excited to announce registration is open and speakers have been secured for the highly anticipated 2024 Economic Outlook Conference, presented by Capitol Federal Bank and hosted by the Washburn University School of Business. This annual event is set to take place Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 a.m. in Washburn University’s Memorial Union, room A/B. The event is an opportunity to hear from local, state and federal experts about the health of our local, regional, and national economies. This year, the Economic Outlook Conference is pleased to feature Joseph Gruber, Executive Vice President and Director of Research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, as its keynote speaker. Gruber will

Downtown Topeka Inc. (DTI) is excited to announce dates for its 2024 Downtown Topeka Restaurant Week, coming up next month. This year’s downtown restaurant week is scheduled for September 21-28, and participating local businesses are gearing up to offer special menu items, drink discounts and more. Downtown favorites like Brew Bank, The Celtic Fox, Cosmos Court, Hazel Hill Chocolate, The Pennant, TaCo., The Tee Box and The Weather Room have already signed on to participate, as DTI continues to recruit. More information about participating businesses and their restaurant-week specials may be found online HERE, or at DowntownTopekaInc.com under the “Restaurant Week” tab. “Downtown Topeka Restaurant Week is back and tastier

Topeka’s premier young professionals group Forge Young Talent is proud to announce the launch of “Forge on Boards,” an exciting new initiative aimed at facilitating connections between young professionals and businesses to encourage impactful board service. Recognizing the transformative potential of board roles, Forge on Boards seeks to bridge the gap between eager young professionals looking to serve, and organizations seeking fresh perspectives. “We believe young professionals have the energy, creativity, and drive to bring about significant positive change for organizations across our community,” said Rhett Flood, executive director of Forge Young Talent. “Forge on Boards is our way of empowering YPs to step into board leadership roles, connecting them

The esteemed Greater Topeka Partnership program Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT) is excited to announce it is accepting nominations for its class of 2025 starting Thursday, Aug. 1. Individuals living and working in Topeka/Shawnee County are invited to nominate local candidates they believe demonstrate exceptional leadership ability. Those driven to make a difference in their community may also nominate themselves. Nominations should be submitted online HERE or by visiting TopekaPartnership.com and finding “Leadership Greater Topeka” under the “Partnership Programs” tab. “It’s so encouraging each year to see an amazing group of local leaders dedicate their time and talents to developing themselves, and their community, further through Leadership Greater Topeka,” said Michelle

The Topeka Area Sports Commission (TASC) is excited to announce its second-annual TASC Mini Golf Tournament benefiting TASC Cares. Launched in 2023, TASC Cares aims to foster equity in the community’s youth sports by providing micro-grants to local kids ages 8-18 who face financial barriers, ensuring they have the opportunities to participate in organized sports and reap the benefits of such engagement. These micro-grants can cover registration fees, equipment purchases, and other essential expenses related to athletic competition, opening doors for aspiring athletes across Shawnee County. “Inclusivity is at the heart of TASC Cares,” said TASC Director Mike Bell. “We’re committed to breaking down financial barriers and leveling the playing

The Greater Topeka Partnership is thrilled to announce that the 29th Annual Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade, presented by Giant Communications, will be bigger and more spectacular than ever this year. This year, ten marching bands from across the state of Kansas will be invited to participate in a KSHSAA approved event and will compete for ratings. The parade will take place on December 7, 2024, beginning at 6 PM at 5th and Kansas Avenue. Marching bands may arrive at 4 PM. Each band selected to participate will receive $1,000, adding to the excitement and prestige of the event. The first ten bands to register will be given the opportunity

This week, GO Topeka and Plug and Play Topeka are excited to host the second annual Plug and Play Expo in downtown Topeka focusing on Agricultural Technology and Animal Health. Set to take place June 5-6, with the bulk of programming Thursday at Townsite Tower, the expo will bring attendees to Kansas’ capital city from around the world, demonstrating Topeka’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the heartland, within the Ag-Tech and Animal Health sectors. The Plug and Play Expo will feature one-of-a-kind sessions designed to highlight accomplishments of the latest startup cohorts graduating from Plug and Play’s Ag-Tech and Animal Health programs. Expo attendees—coming from places as

The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a premier Legislative Luncheon being held Friday, May 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cyrus Hotel Ballroom in downtown Topeka. Those interested in public policy and elections, and the impact they have in our community and region, are invited to attend. The distinguished event promises to be an exceptional opportunity for engagement and dialogue with prominent speakers, all of whom serve as elected officials at the state and federal levels. The Topeka Chamber’s inaugural Legislative Luncheon of 2024 will feature esteemed guests, including U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall and Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab. Attendees will also