Category: News

GO Topeka, the economic development group for the Greater Topeka Partnership, today announced it partnered with BioRealty, Inc. and closed on multiple properties in downtown Topeka, as part of previously announced $14.5 million innovation campus approved by the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) in May 2021. The new campus is designed to take advantage of the arrival of Plug and Play’s Animal Health / Ag Tech Startup Accelerator program. The ASTRA (Animal Science, Technology, Research, and Agriculture) Innovation Center will be a 60,000-sf project anchoring a new ASTRA Innovation District in downtown Topeka. The development will repurpose the historic Wolfe’s Camera Shop at 635 S Kansas and will involve two adjacent properties at 633 S Kansas through to… Read More

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Downtown Topeka, Inc. has partnered with Washburn University to welcome incoming students to the Capital City. “Weeks of Welcome” will offer a variety of events and opportunities for all Washburn students to discover the University and the Topeka community.  To celebrate the arrival of new students, Washburn University banners will hang along Kansas Avenue, local businesses will offer discounts to students and a free back to school concert will be held on Saturday, August 28 at Evergy Plaza from 5 -9 p.m. To celebrate the return of our students to Washburn, Downtown Topeka, Inc. and Washburn University will run a #WashburnSpirit2021 social media competition beginning August 20 through to August 27. The community… Read More

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Visit Topeka announced today that industry reporting for the month of July showed the highest performance for that month on record since recordkeeping began in 2003. According to the 2021 STR Report, the industry leading metric, Topeka’s July 2021 hotel revenue was the highest to date at $4.93M for the month of July; this was also the highest revenue reported in the Topeka hospitality industry for 2021. This is compared to revenue reported in July 2020 ($3.31M) and July 2019 ($4.15M). This is the second highest revenue rate on record, behind June 2019 at $5.22M. “This is incredibly encouraging news and is a testament that Topeka tremendous growth; we’re seeing… Read More

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The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) announces that GO Topeka, an organization of the Greater Topeka Partnership, has once again been recognized as one of 64 economic development organizations accredited by IEDC as an Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO). Originally accredited in February 2018, the organization was reaccredited by IEDC following three successful years of activity as an AEDO member. “GO Topeka displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor”, said IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle. “This is outstanding news,” said Molly Howey, president of GO Topeka. “This accreditation is awarded to the best in our industry, with only 64 accredited agencies in the nation. IEDC acknowledgment… Read More

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The Greater Topeka Partnership and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce announced the postponement of their joint inter-city visit to Northwest Arkansas (NWA), previously scheduled for early October 2021. Out of an abundance of caution due to the recent spike in COVID-19 Delta Variant cases, both organizations decided to delay the trip to spring 2022. A final date for the visit will be announced when available. Titled “Stronger Together: Expedition NWA,” the visit will allow community leaders from public, private, educational and nonprofit sectors from Topeka and Lawrence to gain knowledge about innovative ideas and programs from Northwest Arkansas. The visit also provides an opportunity for interaction among city leaders and is designed to facilitate… Read More

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Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT) is now accepting nominations for its class of 2022. Individuals living and working in the Topeka & Shawnee County area are invited to nominate candidates they believe demonstrate great leadership potential. Individuals driven to make a difference in their community may also nominate themselves. High school juniors or above are also eligible for nomination, given parental permission. Nomination will be accepted at LeadershipTopeka.com. Leadership Greater Topeka brings together a broad cross section of both acknowledged and aspiring leaders from every corner of the community for this prestigious, annual community leadership training course. The course is offered beginning in January and runs until mid-May with a two-day retreat… Read More

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Visit Topeka and USA Wrestling of Kansas announced today that the USA Wrestling Kansas Folkstyle Tournament will be hosted at Topeka’s Stormont Vail Events Center from 2022-2025. Topeka & Shawnee County hosted the state championship for more than 30 years until the 2021 season when USA Wrestling of Kansas decided to relocate the tournament to Mulvane, Kansas. The USA Wrestling Kansas Folkstyle Tournament draws in over 1,800 youth athletes each year from across Kansas to compete at the state level. “This 30-plus year relationship is very significant to our community, so Visit Topeka made it a top priority to reconnect with USA Wrestling of Kansas and sell them on the great new assets… Read More

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GO Topeka and the Greater Topeka Partnership, announced today that Barbara Stapleton, Vice President of Business Retention and Talent Initiatives will be leaving the organization to pursue a new opportunity with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce as the Senior Vice President of Talent Advancement. “This is a bittersweet announcement for GO Topeka.  Barbara has been an invaluable member of the GO Topeka team, leading numerous business expansion projects for our community and bringing the Choose Topeka talent initiative to life.” said Molly Howey, President of GO Topeka, “We are proud of the work she has done and we are excited to watch her grow in her career as she starts a new chapter with… Read More

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‘Reconnect, Relax and Refresh’ is the theme of the upcoming Women’s Forum facilitated by GO Topeka’s Minority and Women Business Development program.  The “Reconnect, Relax and Refresh” Women’s Forum Presented by PTMW is scheduled for June 29 at The Brownstone, 5:30 – 7 p.m. Offered programming includes a mental health discussion with Phelica Glass, LSCSW and chair of the Minority and Women Business Development Council, as well as massages, fashion reveals, food demos and drinks. This event is facilitated by GO Topeka’s Minority and Women Business Development program and the Greater Topeka Partnership. “This event will offer women in the Topeka & Shawnee County community the opportunity to reconnect with one another,… Read More

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The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce is one of only three Accredited chambers in Kansas. The United States Chamber of Commerce has awarded the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce the 5-Star Accreditation for its adherence to the highest industry standards and its efforts to create and expand business opportunities in the community.  Just over 120 of the roughly 7,000 chambers nationwide hold the prestigious 5-Star Accreditation. Raymond P. Towle, IOM, CAE, U.S. Chamber vice president of Federation Relations and Institute for Organization Management said, “Throughout the pandemic, these chambers continue to lead while maintaining transparent governance practices, sound financial controls, safe work environments, value in programming and effective communications.  They are… Read More

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