Downtown Topeka, Inc. Selects Rhett Flood as Next President 

Topeka, KS – Downtown Topeka, Inc. (DTI) has selected Rhett Flood as its next President following a comprehensive search process conducted by the organization’s Board of Directors. Flood will assume the role later this fall and will lead efforts focused on downtown business growth, stakeholder engagement, placemaking, investment attraction, and the continued advancement of Downtown Topeka as the economic, cultural, and civic heart of the community.  Flood currently serves as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Greater Topeka Partnership, where he leads strategic marketing, communications, branding, public relations, and community engagement efforts supporting Downtown Topeka, GO Topeka, Visit Topeka, the Greater Topeka Chamber, and the Greater Topeka Partnership.  Over the… Read More

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LEADERSHIP GREATER TOPEKA OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR THE CLASS OF 2027 ON AUGUST 1

Topeka, KS — The Greater Topeka Partnership is now accepting nominations for the Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT) Class of 2027, beginning Saturday, August 1, 2026. For more than four decades, Leadership Greater Topeka has helped develop informed, connected, and engaged leaders who are committed to making a lasting impact in Topeka and Shawnee County. Community members are encouraged to nominate individuals who demonstrate leadership potential, a passion for serving others, and a desire to help shape the future of the community. Individuals are also welcome to nominate themselves. To learn more about the program or submit a nomination, visit TopekaPartnership.com. “Leadership Greater Topeka equips participants with the insight, relationships, and… Read More

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SHAWNEE COUNTY CONTINUES POPULATION GROWTH, ADDING 2,608 RESIDENTS SINCE START OF CHOOSE TOPEKA PROGRAM

Topeka, KS — The Greater Topeka Partnership is celebrating another year of population growth following the release of the State of Kansas’ annual Certified Population Estimates, which show Shawnee County added 665 residents in 2025, bringing the county’s population to 178,607. The latest figures also show Shawnee County has grown by 2,608 residents (+1.5%) since 2020, when GO Topeka launched the Choose Topeka talent attraction initiative to recruit new residents and support workforce growth. The annual certified population estimates, prepared by the U.S. Census Bureau and certified by the Kansas Division of the Budget, are used for a variety of state funding and administrative purposes. Among Kansas’ largest counties, Shawnee County continues… Read More

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KANSAS COURAGE MILITARY FAMILY APPRECIATION WEEKEND TO HONOR SERVICE MEMBERS AND FAMILIES IN TOPEKA

Topeka, KS —  The Greater Topeka Chamber is proud to announce the Kansas Courage Military Family Appreciation Weekend, taking place June 5–7, 2026, in Topeka. Made possible through the Chamber’s Military Relations Council, this special weekend is designed to honor and celebrate military families by offering free experiences, community events, and exclusive opportunities throughout the capital city. Military families from across the region are invited to visit Topeka and enjoy a weekend filled with entertainment, recognition, and connection as the community comes together to show its appreciation for their service and sacrifice. “This weekend is about more than just events, it is about showing our gratitude in a meaningful and… Read More

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GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP TO PRESENT ANNUAL AWARDS AT THE 42ND LEADERSHIP GREATER TOPEKA GRADUATION AND GALA

The Greater Topeka Partnership is proud to announce the winners of the annual Leadership Greater Topeka awards. The awards are designed to honor and celebrate LGT alumni and supporting organizations in Topeka and Shawnee County who demonstrate their capacity to lead for the greater good, both personally and professionally. The awards will be formally presented at the 42nd annual Graduation and Gala. This year’s event — Bollywood Nights: A Celebration of Leadership — will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, May 15 at Prairie Band Casino & Resort. The evening will celebrate leadership, community, and the vibrant spirit that connects us all. The 2026 recipients include: Rising Star Award: This… Read More

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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

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GREATER 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

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GREATER 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

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GREATER 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

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