GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCES 2026 AWARD WINNERS
The Greater Topeka Partnership is proud to announce the recipient of the 2026 Wolgast Award and the 2026 Award of Excellence winners. The Wolgast Award is the highest distinction awarded by the Greater Topeka Partnership, presented to an individual who has made significant, transformational contributions to Topeka and Shawnee County through their leadership and service. The award is named after former Topeka Mayor Larry Wolgast. This year’s Wolgast Award will be presented to Michael Padilla, who recently completed his term as Topeka’s mayor. Before he was elected mayor, Padilla served 34 years with the Topeka Police Department, worked for the Department of Labor, and sat on the Topeka City Council. His… Read More
Continue ReadingGREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCES MADISON, WISCONSIN AS 2026 INTERCITY VISIT DESTINATION: TICKETS NOW ON SALE
The Greater Topeka Partnership is thrilled to announce that this summer, GTP members are heading to Madison, Wisconsin, with the 2026 InterCity Visit set for June 23 – 26. A curated delegation of leaders, professionals, and changemakers from Topeka and Shawnee County will travel together to one of America’s fastest-growing capital cities to build relationships, learn from peers, and bring home actionable ideas that advance our community. Over four immersive days, delegates will explore Madison’s dynamic approach to innovation and placemaking — beginning at the Wisconsin State Capitol, where participants will gain perspective on how a fellow capital city aligns policy, growth, and civic engagement. The itinerary continues with guided… Read More
Continue ReadingGREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP ACTIVATES COUNTDOWN TO ANNUAL MEETING
The countdown to Greater Topeka Partnership’s Annual Meeting has been activated. This year’s event — a mission briefing — will take place Thursday, April 2 at Stormont Vail Events Center. Access has been granted to all community members, business leaders, and elected officials. Annual Meeting programming will include a celebration of Topeka’s recent successful missions, a panel discussion, interactive experiences, and entertainment. “The incredible progress we have seen in Topeka and Shawnee County has been fueled by the investment of our business members,” CEO Molly Howey said. “Their confidence in our mission has accelerated innovation and critical economic growth at a speed that wouldn’t have otherwise been… Read More
Continue ReadingGREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCES MEMBERS OF THE 2026 LEADERSHIP GREATER TOPEKA CLASS
The Greater Topeka Partnership is honored to announce the members of the 2026 Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT) class, chosen after an extensive nomination and application process. Each year, this program challenges and inspires leaders through adaptive leadership training, hands-on projects, and community engagement. Members participate in a two-day kick-off retreat, nine full-day sessions from January through May, and a graduation gala in May. “We’re looking forward to another incredible year with LGT,” said Michelle Cuevas Stubblefield, Senior Vice President of Strategy for the Greater Topeka Partnership. “The individuals chosen will join the hundreds of LGT alumni who are committed to driving progress, taking on leadership challenges, and promoting Topeka and… Read More
Continue Reading
Partnership News Podcast
Stay informed and inspired with the Topeka Partnership Podcast — your source for the latest news, resources, events, and community progress in Topeka and Shawnee County. Covering economic development, downtown revitalization, tourism, and business growth, this podcast keeps you connected to the momentum shaping our capital city. Follow the Topeka Partnership Podcast on your regular podcast platform. The Topeka Partnership News Podcast is sponsored by Giant Communications. PLAY THE LATEST EPISODE HERE This podcast is powered by AI.
Continue ReadingKANSAS COURAGE CELEBRATION TO BENEFIT LOCAL MILITARY FAMILIES
The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce alongside the Military Relations Council announced today that the annual Kansas Courage celebration, scheduled for Saturday, November 8 at 12 p.m. at Evergy Plaza, will not only recognize the service and sacrifice of our military community but also provide a way for Topekans to make a direct impact on the military by donating non-perishable food items. Items collected will benefit the Coyote Cabinet, the base food pantry serving the 190th Air Refueling Wing and Kansas Army National Guard. Located at Forbes Field, the Coyote Cabinet provides food and clothing assistance to active-duty service members, veterans, Department of War employees, and military families throughout Shawnee… Read More
Continue Reading
Bob Ross Named President of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
Topeka, KS — The Greater Topeka Partnership is proud to announce that Bob Ross, who has served as Chief Marketing Officer for the organization, has been named President of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. Ross has held the role of Interim Chamber President for the past four months, during which he demonstrated exceptional leadership and vision. His appointment follows a comprehensive nationwide search led by a committee of local business and community leaders. Ross’s selection reflects his deep understanding of the Topeka business landscape and his proven ability to lead with innovation and collaboration. “Bob brings an incredible depth of talent, creativity, and strategic thinking to our team,”… Read More
Continue ReadingEvergy Plaza to Host Kansas Courage Celebration Honoring Veterans and Military Families
Evergy Plaza will launch the inaugural Kansas Courage Celebration, presented by the Greater Topeka Chamber’s Military Relations Council and Visit Topeka, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 12 p.m. Designed to complement the Topeka Veterans Day Parade earlier that morning, the Kansas Courage Celebration will offer an afternoon of entertainment, appreciation, and community connection for veterans, military families, and the public. The event will feature: Free meals provided by VFW Post 1650, with donations optional Inflatable attractions for families, courtesy of The Carnival Guy A display of military vehicles Live music by Better than Roadkill, a band with extensive experience performing in veteran clubs; their harmonica player and vocalist is… Read More
Continue Reading
Greater Topeka Partnership Announces Rhiannon Friedman as New President of GO Topeka
Topeka, KS — The Greater Topeka Partnership is proud to announce that following an extensive search, Rhiannon Friedman has been selected as the new President of GO Topeka. Friedman will officially begin her new role on October 27. Friedman brings a deep understanding of Topeka’s economic and community development landscape to the position. She most recently served as the Planning and Development Director for the City of Topeka since 2023. From 2019 to 2022, Friedman held key leadership roles within the Greater Topeka Partnership, including positions at Downtown Topeka, Inc. and GO Topeka, where she helped lead major initiatives that strengthened the city’s business recruitment and retention strategies. … Read More
Continue Reading