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
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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
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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
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Topeka’s Momentum Takes Center Stage at 2025 State of the Community Event
On Thursday, November 6, hundreds of community members will gather at the Townsite Avenue Ballroom for the annual State of the Community event. This morning of inspiration, connection, and celebration shines a spotlight on the progress unfolding across Topeka and Shawnee County. The event brings together local leaders and changemakers to share updates and spark meaningful conversations about the future. Doors open at 7:45 A.M. for breakfast and networking, followed by a dynamic program beginning at 8:15 A.M. featuring remarks from Mayor Mike Padilla, Shawnee County Commission Chair Aaron Mays, and other civic leaders. “This event is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we work together,” said… Read More
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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.
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Greater Topeka Chamber DC Fly-In 2025
https://vimeo.com/1119859078?share=copy From September 7–9, the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce led a dynamic delegation of local business and community leaders to Washington, D.C., for a high-impact policy advocacy trip aimed at advancing Topeka’s long-term strategic priorities. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening relationships with federal policymakers and positioning Topeka for future growth through targeted legislative and funding support. The delegation met with members of the Kansas Congressional delegation and key federal agencies to discuss a range of initiatives critical to the region’s economic vitality and community development. These conversations centered on several core areas: Riverfront Development: Topeka is uniquely positioned to transform one of its greatest natural assets… Read More
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Greater Topeka Chamber Political Action Committee Announces Endorsements for 2025 Topeka General Elections
The Greater Topeka Chamber Political Action Committee (PAC) today announced its endorsements for the upcoming Topeka city general elections, supporting candidates who demonstrate strong leadership, a commitment to economic growth, and a vision for a thriving Topeka. The Chamber PAC is proud to endorse the following candidates: Spencer Duncan – Mayor of TopekaKaren Hiller – City Council, District 1Daisy Karimi – City Council, District 3Earl McIntosh – City Council, District 7Michelle Hoferer – City Council, District 9 “These candidates reflect the leadership qualities and dedication to community progress that Topeka needs right now,” said Natalie Haag, Chair of the Greater Topeka Chamber Political Action Committee. “Each has shown a clear… Read More
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LEADERSHIP GREATER TOPEKA IS ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THE CLASS OF 2026
Topeka, KS — The esteemed Greater Topeka Partnership program Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT) is excited to announce that nominations for the class of 2026 will be accepted beginning Friday, August 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. “Each year, participants in the Leadership Greater Topeka program are empowered with insight, connections, and confidence to grow in their own leadership development – both in their careers and… Read More
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Greater Topeka Partnership Names Molly Howey as New CEO
TOPEKA, Kan. — After an extensive national search conducted by executive search firm Winner Partners, the Greater Topeka Partnership is proud to announce that Molly Howey has been selected as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer. Howey, a seasoned economic development leader and longtime executive with the Partnership, will officially assume the role on August 4, 2025. “Molly’s leadership, passion, and vision for the future of Topeka and Shawnee County make her the ideal person to guide the Partnership into its next chapter,” said Dr. Shekhar Challa, Chair of the Greater Topeka Partnership board and CEO of Kansas Medical Clinic. “She has spent more than a decade delivering transformational economic… Read More
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