Author: Jared Hitchens

The Topeka Riverfront Advisory Council is pleased to announce its first community survey informing the Topeka Riverfront Activation Plan is now complete, garnering close to 1,500 submissions that provided input on riverfront perceptions, as well as activities and amenities community members would like to see as property is developed along the stretch of Kansas River running through Shawnee County.   The survey, which remained open Dec. 14 through Jan. 12, was promoted on social media, posted to the project website MyTopekaRiverfront.com, and sent to all email and text message subscribers, collecting feedback from 1,489 respondents. Of those, 74% agree the river is an untapped resource, 57% think the river is… Read More

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Welcoming a new chair and chair-elect, the Greater Topeka Partnership is pleased to announce its distinguished leadership team for 2024.   Dr. Shekhar Challa, an accomplished doctor and co-founder of Kansas Medical Clinic, has assumed the pivotal role of Greater Topeka Partnership Chair, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a commitment to advancing the region’s prosperity. Joining Dr. Challa in a key leadership position is Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, President of Washburn University, who has stepped into the role of Chair-Elect. Alongside Immediate Past-Chair John Dicus, CEO of Capitol Federal, their combined expertise and dedication to serving the community are set to steer The Partnership toward strategic initiatives that… Read More

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Forge Young Talent, a leading organization in the region for empowering and connecting young professionals, proudly hosted its 2nd annual Kansas Young Professionals Day at the Capitol on Monday, Feb. 5. The milestone event brought together nearly 100 young professionals from various communities across Kansas and coincided with the state’s 2024 recognition of Feb. 5 as Kansas Young Professionals Day.   Attendees from Topeka were joined by participants from such communities as Manhattan, Salina and Wichita, with groups across the state invited to take part. The event included programming and networking and provided a platform for young professionals to engage with elected officials at the Statehouse, ensuring their voices were… Read More

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The Greater Topeka Partnership and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce tickets are now on sale for the communities’ collaborative intercity visit to Boise, Idaho, coming up July 16-19, 2024.    The unique trip—a joint effort that aims to unite community leaders and passionate stakeholders from both cities—promises to foster a spirit of partnership and collaboration, as attendees learn from the vibrant, forward-thinking Boise. The intercity visit will provide participants with special networking opportunities, thoughtful programming, insightful discussions, and a chance to explore Boise’s thriving community core.    “We are thrilled to embark on this intercity visit, alongside our counterparts in Lincoln,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the… Read More

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The Greater Topeka Partnership is excited to announce its 2024 Annual Meeting, themed “Totally Topeka,” is scheduled for Thursday, April 4. This year’s event will take place at West Ridge Mall, offering a memorable celebration of Topeka’s past and future.   The 80’s themed experience promises a bit of nostalgia, alongside exceptional food, entertainment, and programming. Taking the event to new heights this year, The Partnership proudly announces 1980’s pop superstar Tiffany as the event’s musical guest. Tiffany, known for her Billboard No. 1 hit “I Think We’re Alone Now,” will take attendees on a trip down memory lane with her iconic mall-era tunes.   “We couldn’t be prouder to… Read More

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Forge Young Talent, Topeka’s premier young professional’s group, is pleased to honor the four inaugural recipients of its Forge YP Awards. The awardees were recognized on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Forge’s 25th Anniversary Gala held at the Topeka Zoo’s Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and Venue. The gala, a first-time event that saw more than 100 attendees, served as a celebration of Forge turning 25 and allowed young professionals from across Topeka to come together for an evening of connection, recognition, and fun.   “I believe Topeka is home to some of the hardest working, most innovative, and supportive young professionals—not only in Kansas, but in the region and the U.S.—and… Read More

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Founded in 1984, Leadership Greater Topeka, a Greater Topeka Partnership program, identifies aspiring and established leadership from the community to participate in a competitive annual leadership training course.   Class members attend a retreat and nine day-long sessions that begin in January and continue through May. During these classes, participants will increase their capacity to lead as they learn about challenges facing Topeka and Shawnee County and how they can work to influence important community issues.   The class of 2024 was selected from more than 160 nominations. Congratulations to the following:   Alex Adame-Bipes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professional FHLBank Topeka Nadia Arbelo Interim Regional Director Kansas SBDC @… Read More

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The Greater Topeka Partnership, under the direction of the Topeka Riverfront Advisory Council, is pleased to launch the Topeka Riverfront Activation Plan project. Riverfront activation is a key initiative of Topeka and Shawnee County’s latest community strategy, Momentum 2027.   The Topeka Riverfront Activation Plan will review existing conditions around the riverfront, develop innovative concepts, and create an implementable activation plan that will enhance the region’s core through diversified live-work-play environments, connected community spaces, and improved quality of place. The goal of this river master plan is to establish the riverfront as a vibrant district that supports growth and economic development, connections to nature, recreation, and reinvestment in surrounding neighborhoods.… Read More

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