Category: News

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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Forge Young Talent, Topeka’s premier young professional’s group, is thrilled to announce “ForgeFest: Rooftop Glow,” an electrifying end-of-summer rooftop concert in downtown Topeka. The public—including young professionals and students looking for unique, post-Labor Day fun—are invited to join Forge on Saturday, Sept. 14th, from 7-10 p.m. for a night of live music, food and drinks under the stars. Kansas City-based band KC Flo will headline the event with a live performance that’s sure to get attendees on their feet. Concert goers will also be able to enjoy delicious bites from Bobby’s Food Co. and drinks provided by Axe and Ale. ForgeFest festivities will take place on the rooftop of downtown… Read More

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GO Topeka is excited to announce registration is open and speakers have been secured for the highly anticipated 2024 Economic Outlook Conference, presented by Capitol Federal Bank and hosted by the Washburn University School of Business. This annual event is set to take place Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 a.m. in Washburn University’s Memorial Union, room A/B. The event is an opportunity to hear from local, state and federal experts about the health of our local, regional, and national economies. This year, the Economic Outlook Conference is pleased to feature Joseph Gruber, Executive Vice President and Director of Research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, as its keynote speaker. Gruber will… Read More

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Downtown Topeka Inc. (DTI) is excited to announce dates for its 2024 Downtown Topeka Restaurant Week, coming up next month. This year’s downtown restaurant week is scheduled for September 21-28, and participating local businesses are gearing up to offer special menu items, drink discounts and more. Downtown favorites like Brew Bank, The Celtic Fox, Cosmos Court, Hazel Hill Chocolate, The Pennant, TaCo., The Tee Box and The Weather Room have already signed on to participate, as DTI continues to recruit. More information about participating businesses and their restaurant-week specials may be found online HERE, or at DowntownTopekaInc.com under the “Restaurant Week” tab. “Downtown Topeka Restaurant Week is back and tastier… Read More

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Topeka’s premier young professionals group Forge Young Talent is proud to announce the launch of “Forge on Boards,” an exciting new initiative aimed at facilitating connections between young professionals and businesses to encourage impactful board service. Recognizing the transformative potential of board roles, Forge on Boards seeks to bridge the gap between eager young professionals looking to serve, and organizations seeking fresh perspectives. “We believe young professionals have the energy, creativity, and drive to bring about significant positive change for organizations across our community,” said Rhett Flood, executive director of Forge Young Talent. “Forge on Boards is our way of empowering YPs to step into board leadership roles, connecting them… Read More

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