Category: News

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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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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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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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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Following multiple rounds of community engagement and feedback collection, Topeka’s Riverfront Advisory Council (RAC) is proud to announce key elements of its proposed Topeka Riverfront Vision Plan. An exciting component of the strategy reimagines riverfront connectivity by proposing creation of an “iconic pedestrian bridge” connecting downtown Topeka to the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District. The plan also proposes new trails and river access points, as well as various mixed-used developments along the river that are likely to include a unique blend of residential, restaurant and retail options. The Topeka Riverfront Vision Plan was unveiled Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Townsite 16, following review of the final plan by the RAC. Strategic… Read More

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The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and Forge Young Talent are proud to announce the local launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Topeka will inspire area middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.  Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools in Shawnee County are invited to take… Read More

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The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce is launching its 2024 Promote the Vote campaign. The effort overlaps with major civic holidays the chamber is inaugurally a member of, including National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 17, National Voter Education Week Oct. 7-11, Vote Early Day Oct. 29, and Election Hero Day on Nov. 4. The chamber’s Promote the Vote efforts will culminate in General Election Day on Nov. 5, with the campaign seeking to encourage voter registration, education and activation. In the weeks ahead, community members will be able to interface with a first-of-its-kind Promote the Vote van, which will tour the city and be visible at large gatherings, shopping centers, in… Read More

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Today, Topeka and Shawnee County’s Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board approved an agreement that will aid in the expansion of Southwest Publishing & Mailing, a Moore company. As part of the expansion, the long-standing Topeka-based business, which has been providing printing services and direct mail production to customers for more than 50 years, has rebranded its local facility as Moore Digital Print & Mail Center – Topeka. Previously referred to as “Project Oriole,” the expansion is expected to result in 60 new jobs, with Moore planning to make a capital investment of $31 million in the project. Economic development funds of up to $272,000, dispersed over five years, are… Read More

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Today, Topeka and Shawnee County’s Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board approved an agreement that will aid in the expansion of PTMW Inc., an existing business in Topeka’s manufacturing industry that is leading the way in manufacturing, welding, fabrication and more. Previously referred to as “Project Queen Bee,” the expansion is expected to result in 182 new jobs, with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000. PTMW is expected to make a capital investment of $47.2 million in the project. Economic development funds of up to almost $1.6 million, dispersed over five years, are being offered to the business through JEDO to aid in the company’s growth. With a projected local… Read More

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The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce PAC announced its endorsements of candidates for the upcoming general election on November 5th. Individuals were selected based on their views on issues impacting the economic growth and prosperity of the region and state. “Each election season, we evaluate races and candidates seeking elected offices. Forums, interviews, and voting history are reviewed as part of our process. The goal is to identify individuals that are best able to contribute to Shawnee County and Kansas’ enhanced economic vitality,” said Natalie Haag, PAC Board Chair. Candidates receiving an endorsement in general elections include: Shawnee County Commission District 2 Kevin Cook State Senate District 3 Rick Kloos… Read More

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