The Greater Topeka Partnership is pleased to share that today marks CEO Matt Pivarnik’s five year anniversary with the economic development organization. Pivarnik, a Tulsa, Oklahoma native, previously served as the executive vice president and COO for the Tulsa’s Future Economic Development Organization, Tulsa Regional Chamber, Visit Tulsa, Tulsa’s Young Professionals, Tulsa Sports Commission, Tulsa Film and Music Commission and the Tulsa Small Business Connection. “This anniversary marks so much more than starting a new job in Topeka. It represents the anniversary of my family joining this community. This leadership position has allowed me to meet amazing people and participate in the growing momentum we’ve seen in Topeka,” said Pivarnik. “This community… Read More
Continue ReadingThe GTP Moves to Crosby Building
New year, new home! After months of planning, the Greater Topeka Partnership will be putting down roots on the fifth and sixth floors of the Crosby Building, 719 S Kansas Avenue. That’s right! The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, GO Topeka, Downtown Topeka Inc, Visit Topeka and Forge will be under the same roof. And we couldn’t be more excited! Moving will take place in two stages. The Visit Topeka offices will relocated on December 14, and the remaining organizations will be moving on December 20. The transition to the new location should be complete by the beginning of the new year. We are thrilled about our new home and… Read More
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GTP Hires Senior Vice President of Innovation
Topeka, KS, August 2, 2018– Katrin Holzhaus has accepted the position of Senior Vice President of Innovation with the Greater Topeka Partnership and 712 Innovations. Ms. Holzhaus is an accomplished leader and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in operational execution, project management, and financial accountability. Focused on early-stage startups and small businesses with high growth potential, she most recently worked closely with CEOs and their senior management teams to achieve medium-term and long-term growth objectives by establishing systems, processes and metrics that keep the business performing at its peak, help attract the right talent, and become an attractive target for investors. Ms. Holzhaus has held a number of… Read More
Continue ReadingLeadership Greater Topeka accepting nominations for class of 2019
Topeka, KS August 1, 2018 – Leadership Greater Topeka is seeking individuals to participate in the 2019 program. Leadership Greater Topeka brings together a broad cross-selection of acknowledged and aspiring leaders for an annual community leadership training course. The goals are to challenge and motivate traditional and non-traditional leaders by teaching adaptive leadership competencies through information, dialogue and hands-on experience. Nominees should be able to demonstrate an increasing level of responsibility, a potential for continuing to play a leadership role in the Topeka & Shawnee County area and evidence of personal and professional growth. The selection process will consider work experience, scope of personal interests, level of community involvement and… Read More
Continue ReadingTSC3 INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED
Topeka, KS July 30, 2018– The Topeka/Shawnee County 3% (TSC3) initiative was announced by the Greater Topeka Partnership, Small Business Council, and community leaders today. The TSC3 initiative promotes business to business local purchasing. The initiative asks small businesses and corporate partners to consider shifting 3% of their spending to local businesses by taking a look at the products and services their company currently purchases and identify which of those could be purchased locally. “The importance of this campaign cannot be understated,” said Matt Pivarnik, President & CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership.“ If Shawnee County businesses pledge to shift just 3% of their out of market purchasing to our local… Read More
Continue ReadingBrett Oetting Receives Certified Destination Management Executive
Topeka, KS July 18, 2018– Brett Oetting, President of Visit Topeka and Executive Vice President of the Greater Topeka Partnership has earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), the only integrated executive program specifically designed for the destination marketing industry. The focus of the program is on vision, leadership, productivity and the implementation of business strategies. “We’re very proud of the work Brett put into earning this certification,” said Matt Pivarnik, President & CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “We always knew he was an innovative and creative leader and this certification validates that knowledge.” “Brett is a proven leader and supporter of our community,” said Michelle De La Isla,… Read More
Continue ReadingTop City Interns
Topeka, KS, May 16, 2018– Registration is now open for the 2018 Top City Interns program. Last year was the inaugural year for the program and was created with the purpose of providing interns for local Topeka and Shawnee County businesses with a positive internship experience while investing in their future as professionals. “I’m excited for the second year of Top City Interns and to build off the successes of last year,” said Gabriel O’Shea, Executive Director of Forge. “The purpose of this program is to showcase the Greater Topeka area with the goal of retaining them as talent.” The kick-off event for the program will be held Wednesday, June… Read More
Continue ReadingTopeka celebrates National Economic Development Week
Topeka is joining cities nationwide to increase awareness of jobs and career development programs that enhance local economic impact by participating in 2018 National Economic Development Week! Economic Development is defined by IEDC as a set of programs and policies that aid in the creation, retention and expansion of jobs; the development of a stable tax base; and the enhancement of wealth. GO Topeka knows that this is at the core of well-being and quality of life for our community. That’s why we’re excited about projects like the East Topeka Learning Center and provide incentives to help companies create new jobs, provide job training and assistance with infrastructure. #EconDevWeek was created and is… Read More
Continue ReadingReser’s Fine Foods Celebrates Grand Opening
Topeka, KS, April 25, 2018 – Just over one year ago, Reser’s Fine Foods broke ground on a 320,000 square foot prepared salad plant that sits on more than 40 acres; yesterday, they celebrated the grand opening. “Our partnership with this community goes back decades, so yesterday we not only celebrated our new plant, but also our continued commitment to the City of Topeka,” said President Mark Reser. “The speed with which we were able to build this new facility is a testament to why it made perfect sense to expand our business here again – we all worked together toward a shared goal of long-term growth, for both the… Read More
Continue ReadingGreater Topeka Partnership Hires Vice President of Resource Development
For Immediate Release: Monday, January 29, 2018 News from Greater Topeka Partnership 618 S. Kansas Ave. | 785.234.1030 Contact: Brett Oetting, Executive Vice President, Greater Topeka Partnership, 785.234.1030 Greater Topeka Partnership Hires Vice President of Resource Development TOPEKA, Kansas – The newly organized Greater Topeka Partnership, a 501c6 comprised of the city’s economic development organizations with the goal of advancing the communities strategic initiatives and making Topeka and Shawnee County a better place to live, work, and play has made another hire. Kim Redeker will join the organization in Mid-February tasked with leading resource development team which consists of membership, member relations, sponsorship sales and special campaigns. Kim comes to… Read More
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