Downtown Topeka Inc. Names Andrew Holt as New President

Downtown Topeka Inc. is proud to announce the selection of Andrew Holt as its next President. Holt brings more than a decade of experience in downtown development, strategic leadership, and community engagement to the position, most recently serving as Executive Director of Downtown Lawrence Inc. since 2023. Prior to his work in Lawrence, Holt led the Downtown Association of Yakima, Washington for six years, and served as Director of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce in Dayton, Washington. He will officially step into the role on July 9, 2025. “We are thrilled to welcome Andrew Holt to the helm of Downtown Topeka Inc.,” said Sean Dixon, Interim President of Downtown Topeka… Read More

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GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP RECOGNIZED IN TOP THREE FOR PRESTIGIOUS CHAMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Topeka, KS (June 5, 2025) — The Greater Topeka Partnership has been named a finalist for the 2025 Chamber of the Year award, presented by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE). ACCE is an association based in Alexandria, Va., with over 1,600 chambers of commerce and related business and economic development organizations as members, representing more than 9,000 professionals in the industry. The award, sponsored by GrowthZone, is the most prestigious and competitive award in the chamber industry, recognizing excellence in operations, member service, and community leadership. Those honored with the Chamber of the Year designation have demonstrated organizational strength and impacted key community priorities, such as education, transportation, economic prosperity, and quality of life.… Read More

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GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP ENGAGES WINNER PARTNERS TO LEAD NATIONAL CEO SEARCH

The Greater Topeka Partnership is proud to announce that it has selected Winner Partners, a nationally recognized executive search and recruitment firm, to lead the search for its next Chief Executive Officer. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, Winner Partners is a certified executive search firm with offices across the country specializing in serving nonprofits, public-private partnerships, and privately owned organizations. Winner Partners brings together elite search consultants and industry-leading subject-matter experts to deliver thoughtful and impactful leadership placements. The CEO search will be guided by a search committee led by Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, President of Washburn University and a longtime champion of regional economic development. Dr. Mazachek will work closely… Read More

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MATT PIVARNIK TO DEPART GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP, ACCEPTS CEO ROLE WITH MYRTLE BEACH AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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… Read More

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Announcing: Annual Awards to be Presented at the 41st Leadership Greater Topeka Graduation & Gala on May 16

The Greater Topeka Partnership will honor individuals and organizations at the upcoming Leadership Greater Topeka Graduation & Gala event, being held on May 16 at Prairie Band Casino and Resort. The awards are designed to honor and celebrate Leadership Greater Topeka Alumni and supporting organizations in Topeka and Shawnee County who demonstrate their capacity to lead for the greater good, both personally and professionally.   The 2025 Awardees are:   Rising Star Award: In recognition of those whose promise and ambition illuminate the path ahead, shaping the future of Topeka with vision and purpose. Michael Odupitan, CEO, Omni Circle Caitlyn Halsey, Capernaum Coordinator, Young Life   The Activator Award: Reserved… Read More

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Greater Topeka Chamber Military Relations Council 2025 Initiatives

Individuals who are actively serving or have served are welcome in the room, including businesses that support the defense ecosystem, veteran-owned businesses, and social organizations that contribute to greater appreciation and awareness of the military. Past efforts have focused on mutual awareness, support, and appreciation between the military and civilian business communities in the greater Shawnee County community. “We are thrilled to contribute to the national defense ecosystem,” stated Juliet Abdel, Chamber President. “Through a targeted focus on connecting key entities, we feel strongly that action will be taken that advances prosperity in Shawnee County.” Looking ahead, the 190th Air Refueling Wing located at Forbes Field is one of six… Read More

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VISIT TOPEKA ANNOUNCES TOPEKA JINGLE DAYS HOLIDAY ACTIVATION IN COLLABORATION WITH FESTIVE LOCAL PARTNERS

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… Read More

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DTI GEARS UP FOR HOLIDAY WINDOW DECORATING CONTEST, ANNOUNCES NEW DETAILS ABOUT THIS YEAR’S ‘MIRACLE ON KANSAS AVENUE’ PARADE

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… Read More

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GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP COLLABORATES WITH WASHBURN UNIVERSITY’S CAREER ENGAGEMENT OFFICE TO LAUNCH ‘HIRE LOCAL’ CAMPAIGN DESIGNED TO RETAIN TOPEKA GRADUATES

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… Read More

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TOPEKA AREA SPORTS COMMISSION NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR TASC CARES, ANNOUNCES Q4 TIMELINE FOR DISTRIBUTION OF GRANTS

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… Read More

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