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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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

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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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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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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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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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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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