FORGE YOUNG TALENT HONORS INAUGURAL RECIPIENTS OF ITS FORGE YP AWARDS, CELEBRATES SUCCESS OF 25TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Forge Young Talent, Topeka’s premier young professional’s group, is pleased to honor the four inaugural recipients of its Forge YP Awards. The awardees were recognized on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Forge’s 25th Anniversary Gala held at the Topeka Zoo’s Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and Venue. The gala, a first-time event that saw more than 100 attendees, served as a celebration of Forge turning 25 and allowed young professionals from across Topeka to come together for an evening of connection, recognition, and fun.   “I believe Topeka is home to some of the hardest working, most innovative, and supportive young professionals—not only in Kansas, but in the region and the U.S.—and… Read More

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Leadership Greater topeka class of 2024 announced

Founded in 1984, Leadership Greater Topeka, a Greater Topeka Partnership program, identifies aspiring and established leadership from the community to participate in a competitive annual leadership training course.   Class members attend a retreat and nine day-long sessions that begin in January and continue through May. During these classes, participants will increase their capacity to lead as they learn about challenges facing Topeka and Shawnee County and how they can work to influence important community issues.   The class of 2024 was selected from more than 160 nominations. Congratulations to the following:   Alex Adame-Bipes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professional FHLBank Topeka Nadia Arbelo Interim Regional Director Kansas SBDC @… Read More

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TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHES KANSAS RIVERFRONT ACTIVATION PLAN, LOOKS TO ENGAGE COMMUNITY THROUGHOUT project TIMELINE

The Greater Topeka Partnership, under the direction of the Topeka Riverfront Advisory Council, is pleased to launch the Topeka Riverfront Activation Plan project. Riverfront activation is a key initiative of Topeka and Shawnee County’s latest community strategy, Momentum 2027.   The Topeka Riverfront Activation Plan will review existing conditions around the riverfront, develop innovative concepts, and create an implementable activation plan that will enhance the region’s core through diversified live-work-play environments, connected community spaces, and improved quality of place. The goal of this river master plan is to establish the riverfront as a vibrant district that supports growth and economic development, connections to nature, recreation, and reinvestment in surrounding neighborhoods.… Read More

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GO TOPEKA ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF 2023 EQUITY & OPPORTUNITY BUSINESS PITCH COMPETITION

Topeka, KS — The Greater Topeka Partnership and GO Topeka are excited to announce four winners were selected from participants of the 2023 Equity and Opportunity Pitch Competition held Thursday evening in downtown Topeka. The pitch contest offered a chance for aspiring entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups to present their innovative ideas to some of the area’s business decision makers, competing for a portion of the $38,000 prize pool.   Eleven entrepreneurs and new business owners participated in Thursday’s pitch contest. Taking home first place was Chef Lamona Scroggins, who pitched her frozen gumbo product that will soon be offered in local grocery stores. Chef Lamona is well known for her… Read More

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Fusion Network

GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP OFFICE OF EQUITY & OPPORTUNITY LAUNCHES NEW ‘FUSION NETWORK’ SERIES TO DIVERSIFY COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING AND NETWORKING   Topeka, KS — The Greater Topeka Partnership’s office of equity and opportunity is excited to announce the launch this week of a new programming series designed to highlight and grow the diversity of experiences in our area’s business community. Dubbed “The Fusion Network,” this new series will feature themed networking events that honor the success, contributions and innovations of diverse local businesses and business owners. The Fusion Network will also grow to include training sessions, pitch competitions, and other offerings that create opportunities to build equity in business.   The… Read More

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Topeka Flag License Plate

Topeka, KS — The Greater Topeka Partnership and Forge Young Talent are excited to announce the next steps in their collaborative effort to offer Topeka-area residents a new opportunity to showcase their community pride. Starting in 2024, specially designed Topeka flag license plates approved by the State of Kansas will be available for purchase when people renew their vehicle registrations, allowing those with Topeka ties to display their capital city pride wherever they drive. Area residents eager to secure their Topeka flag license plates can take the first step by expressing their interest via an online form available at TopekaFlagPlate.com. At least 250 signatures will need to be collected in… Read More

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Becoming Athena Leadership Program celebrates first graduates

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A new group of women leaders are ready to make their impact on the Topeka community. The Greater Topeka Partnership’s Athena program celebrated its first 16 graduates Tuesday night. The Athena program started this past year with the goal of empowering women to find places in the community they can share their voice and perspective. “This is life-changing,” Linessa Frazier, an Athena graduate, said. “It really helps to afford you the opportunity not only to meet amazing women that are within the community, but it also allows you to foster amazing leadership skills, things you can take out and use immediately.” You can find more information… Read More

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GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP BECOMES MEMBER OF THE U.S. HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, STRENGTHENING COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC GROWTH

 The Greater Topeka Partnership (GTP/The Partnership) is proud to announce its membership in the esteemed United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), becoming the first non-Hispanic chamber in the Midwest to apply for USHCC membership. This new partnership solidifies the GTP’s commitment to promoting diversity, fostering inclusive economic growth, and supporting Hispanic-owned businesses in the region.   The USHCC is the largest Hispanic business organization in the United States, representing more than 5 million Hispanic-owned businesses nationwide. Its partnership with USHCC will provide the Greater Topeka Partnership with valuable resources, networking opportunities, and access to a broader network of business leaders and insights, ultimately bolstering GTP efforts to advance local and regional… Read More

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Glenda Washington, Chief Equity and Opportunity Officer for GTP recognized with International Award

The Partnership is proud to announce that Glenda Washington, Chief Equity and Opportunity Officer for the Greater Topeka Partnership, was recognized by iChange Nations™ with the iCHANGE NATIONS™ GLOBAL LIFE OF IMPACT AWARD. Previous award winners include His Majesty King Oyo Nyimba, Toro Kingdom in Uganda, Dr. Ben Shelly former President of the Navajo Nation, and Wolde Giorgis former President of Ethiopia, among others.

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Leadership Greater Topeka Announces 2023 Class

Founded in 1984, Leadership Greater Topeka, a Greater Topeka Partnership program, identifies aspiring and established leadership from the community to participate in an annual leadership training course. Class members attend a retreat and eight day-long sessions that begin in January and continue through May. During these classes they will learn about challenges facing Topeka and Shawnee County and how they can work to influence important community issues. The class of 2023 was selected from over 160 nominations and are: Craig Barnes                         Division Manager                                           Shawnee County Health Department Jacqueline Belden               Program… Read More

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