Women’s Forum – Quiet Conversations is a community conversation on topics rarely discussed openly. On November 15, attendees will hear from a panel of community and business leaders on a variety of important issues, including: gender discrimination, assault and abuse, sexual harassment, race relations, women and depression, unhealthy relationships and diversity and inclusion. We sat down with panelist Danielle Dempsey-Swopes, Washburn University, to discuss her specific topic, race relations. Race Relations Upon addressing why the topic of race relations is not discussed more openly, Danielle acknowledges that she believes, “women, particularly women of color, discuss this among themselves all the time. It may be in our sororities, with our mentors or… Read More
Continue ReadingOctober Milestone Anniversaries
The Partnership is pleased to recognize and celebrate its members who have reached membership milestones in October! We thank each of our members for their loyalty and support – we’re glad you’re here! 45 YEARS Topeka Metropolitan Transit Authority Topeka Metro wins state and regional awards Veterans Ride Free in November 25 YEARS Meals on Wheels of Shawnee and Jefferson Counties, Inc 15 YEARS Midwest Single Source West Indian Hills Management, LLC Valeo Behavioral Health Care 5 YEARS Brown V Board National Park Service Sprout Communications, LLC 1 YEAR AT&T on Wanamaker Auburn Washburn Public Schools Foundation Chocolatey Software Crimson Corporation … Read More
Continue ReadingGet To Know Our New Members
The Greater Topeka Partnership is proud to introduce a few of our new members! Please welcome them by stopping by their business to introduce yourself and visit their website or social channels. Click on any of the new members below for their Directory Listing! Topeka Fit Body Boot Camp Shawnee County District Attorney’s Office 4 Guys Bar & Grill Mike Emmert at New York Life KIC, LLC. (dba Kansas.gov) College Hill Pizza Pub 2 Chefs Catering Free State Oils Shannon Nichol, REALTOR Agent Derrick Hodam, Farm Bureau Financial Services Glaciers Edge Winery Society for Human Resource Management Cosmos IT Solutions, Inc Valor Tax Services, LLC (dba Jackson Hewitt Tax) Top… Read More
Continue ReadingFree State Oils
Free State Oils supplies quality Full Spectrum CBD products for people and pets. CEO Joy Neely is a jack of all trades, donning multiple hats as a realtor, entrepreneur and philanthropist. But she swears by CBD and its many practical uses. Joy worked for on the legislative side, trying to get CBD legalized in the state of Kansas. After legislation passed in May 2018, she launched Free State Oils Kansas Brand the following month. Joy’s product is now available in stores, chiropractor offices, and pharmacies. Additionally, you may purchase her CBD products at her three Kansas outlets in Topeka, Holton, and Overland Park. Free State Oils offers a variety of CBD… Read More
Continue Reading4 Guys Bar & Grill
On October 1, 2018, the doors opened to 4 Guys Bar & Grill, an Asian and American Fusion! A local favorite in the food truck scene, brothers Tuan and Viet Lam expanded their business to include a restaurant and bar. The duo dreamed of opening their own restaurant while experimenting in the kitchen for years. Their shared hobby turned into a profession in January 2017 when the Lam brothers opened their first food truck, 4 Guys Grill. Inspired by their Vietnamese heritage, Viet and Tuan decided to offer a unique fusion between Asian and American cuisine. At 4 Guys Bar & Grill you can savor appetizers such as the 4 Guys… Read More
Continue ReadingU.S. Engineering
U.S. Engineering was established in Kansas City in 1893. Though to be fair, their roots run all the way back to 1855 – to a small shop in Cologne, Germany – owned and operated by Gustav Nottberg. 125 years later, they are one of the largest Specialty Mechanical Contractors in the Midwest. U.S. Engineering specializes in Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Refrigeration, Controls, and Sheet Metal. The Mission: Leave a Legacy The Vision: Be the Best They do this by taking a holistic approach to facility solutions and focus on the total cost of ownership. Some little-known facts about the organization include: The current Chairman and CEO is the fifth generation… Read More
Continue ReadingMike Emmert, Agent – New York Life Insurance Company (Kansas General Office)
New York Life Insurance Company is the largest mutual life insurance company in the United States*. As a mutual insurance company, it answers to its policy owners, not stock holders. Mike Emmert stated his career in June 2018 in the hopes of developing a life-long partnership with the citizens and businesses of Topeka. Mike works with clients, individuals and businesses, to help them reach the goals they develop for themselves, whether it be through various life insurances or financial products. Whether you are just starting out, growing your family, getting ready for retirement or looking for a way to protect all that you’ve worked for, Mike can help you find… Read More
Continue ReadingActivate the Alleyway Celebrates Downtown Passageways through Art
We hope to surprise, delight and inspire you as we activate the alleyway! Downtown Topeka Inc. (DTI) has partnered with Leaping Llamas Artisan Shop and Jayhawk Theatre to deliver vibrant and memorable experiences to all who visit, live, work and play in Downtown Topeka. You are invited on Friday, October 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. to Activate the Alleyway, a celebration of downtown passageways and local artists! Enjoy (and feel free to purchase!) over 20 pieces of original artwork inspired by downtown Topeka. The event will take place in the alley between Kansas Avenue and Jackson Street off 7th Street. In the event of uncooperative weather, the exhibit will… Read More
Continue ReadingCyrus Hotel
There are many dynamic changes coming to Downtown Topeka in the near future. One you’ll not soon to forget is Cyrus Hotel. Maybe you’ve seen the construction on 10th and Kansas? Well, it’s near completion! Named after Topeka founder Cyrus K. Holliday, Cyrus Hotel is slated to open in December 2018. Among its many offerings is the street level, flagship restaurant and outdoor space. Although it conveys a modern design concept and utilizes state-of-the-art facilities, the hotel and restaurant honor the unique history of the area in name and guest touch-points throughout. It offers 109 rooms and suites, as well as various meeting spaces. Did someone say meeting spaces? Cyrus… Read More
Continue ReadingMeet Annette Wiles, New Director of Hummer Sports Park
Annette Wiles In July 2018, Annette Wiles, former Topeka High athletic director, took up the position of director of Hummer Sports Park, following former director Rick Benke’s retirement. Wiles has a rich background in sports management. She attended Fort Hays State University where played on the women’s basketball team. Wiles was named the Most Valuable Player in the 1991 NAIA National Tournament. The two-time All-American scored 2,407 points and hauled down 961 rebounds. She went on to earn her MS in Athletic Administration at Fort Hays while also serving as a grad assistant. After college, Wiles went on to coach college women’s basketball and serve as athletics administration at Bethany College.… Read More
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