The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce PAC on Thursday announced its endorsements of candidates for the 2021 Topeka Municipal Elections. The Chamber PAC Board offered to interview every candidate for the Mayoral and City Council races for Districts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9. Following two days of interviews in early-June, the PAC is endorsing those candidates whose positions on such priorities as economic development, diversity, equity and inclusion best aligned with the Topeka Chamber of Commerce’s public policy objectives. “We heard a wide array of perspectives during our discussions with the candidates but were inspired by their consistently selfless commitment to moving Topeka forward. While all the candidates for… Read More
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PARTNERSHIP LEADER SELECTED FOR LEADERSHIP DIVERSITY PROGRAM
Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield, SVP of strategy, Greater Topeka Partnership, has been selected by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) to participate in a unique leadership development opportunity with nine other chamber of commerce professionals from communities throughout the United States. The Chamber Leadership Diversity Program is an immersive executive development program that provides chamber of commerce professionals with education and networks to advance their careers, contribute to the future of the industry and create meaningful change in their communities. “Michelle’s leadership has been pivotal to the success of the Partnership and our community’s continued momentum,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “Her participation in this program… Read More
Continue ReadingVISIT TOPEKA PRESENTS INCLUSIVE TOPEKA DECALS
Today, Visit Topeka, an organization of the Greater Topeka Partnership, held a press conference at The Burger Stand in the Brookwood Shopping Center to announce a new decal for local businesses to display in their window to denote their dedication to inclusivity. “Inclusive Topeka” decals are free for businesses and available at visittopeka.com/inclusive-topeka/. To purchase a decal for personal use, contact Sandy.Tucker@VisitTopeka.com. “The Inclusive Topeka decal is a pledge to welcome one and all,” said Sean Dixon, president of Visit Topeka. “Our community, and our businesses and attractions are stronger because of the diversity of this city. We are proud to lead this effort to show residents and visitors alike that Topeka is a… Read More
Continue ReadingWHEELHOUSE INCUBATOR PROGRAM OFFERS ENTREPRENEURS OPPORTUNITY TO GROW THEIR BUSINESS
GO Topeka’s Wheelhouse Incubator will be returning for its 2021 spring/summer session on June 14. This 12-week business development program is designed to help founders and entrepreneurs scale up their business. During the session, cohort participants will have access to the GrowthWheel, an internationally proven cloud-based tool for business decision making and action; designing a plan to streamline company growth and profits; personal 1:1 mentor relationship; private founder breakfasts with top Topeka CEOs; and networking with other entrepreneurs. The spring/summer cohort will conclude with a graduation ceremony on August 27. Applicants may apply for the program at https://www.gotopeka.com/wheelhouse-incubator/. “This spring/summer session will provide established entrepreneurs with the invaluable experiences and connections… Read More
Continue ReadingVISIT TOPEKA AND EVERGY PLAZA ANNOUNCE MUSIC WEEK AND COUNTRY KICKOFF
Today, Visit Topeka and Evergy Plaza held a joint press conference to announce a new city-wide, live music event, Topeka Music Week, and the Country Kickoff concert, the official pre-event to the KICKER Country Stampede. Topeka Music Week, June 18-26, will take place at multiple venues throughout the Capital City; these include Jayhawk Theatre, Red Bud Park at NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, White Concert Hall at Washburn University, Celtic Fox and Happy Basset Barrel House. Country Kickoff will feature live country music acts, vendors and more, taking place on June 23, 6-9 p.m., at Evergy Plaza in Downtown Topeka. “Visit Topeka, Evergy Plaza and KICKER Country Stampede initially came together to partner on a single ‘pre-game’ event… Read More
Continue ReadingSTORMONT VAIL HEALTH ANNOUNCES ‘LET RESILIENCE RING’ WITH SUPPORT OF PARTNERSHIP
Stormont Vail Health will hold a special event with support from the Greater Topeka Partnership on Memorial Day that will convey the resiliency the Topeka & Shawnee County community has demonstrated over the last year, and usher in a renewed optimism for the future. Let Resilience Ring will take place at Evergy Plaza at noon on Memorial Day, May 31, 2021. The ceremony will include speaking segments from Dr. Robert Kenagy, president and CEO of Stormont Vail Health, Curtis Sneden, president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, Topeka Mayor Michelle De La Isla and other community leaders. A moment of silence will be held at 12:20 p.m. during which community institutions (churches, schools, etc.)… Read More
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TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP AND LAWRENCE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCE FIRST JOINT INTER-CITY VISIT TO NWA
Today, the Greater Topeka Partnership and the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce announced their partnership to host an inter-city visit to Northwest Arkansas (NWA), a regional collective of Rogers, Springdale, Bentonville and Fayetteville. Titled “Stronger Together: Expedition NWA,” the visit will allow community leaders from the 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 facilitates the exchange of best practices and lessons learned between the visiting cities and the destination cities. Stronger Together: Expedition NWA will take place on October 6-8. “This was a perfect opportunity for our two organizations… Read More
Continue ReadingMERCURY BROADBAND TO ADD 168 NEW POSITIONS: ECONOMIC IMPACT FOR COMMUNITY OF $520M
Today the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board approved an incentive agreement to aid in the growth and expansion of Mercury Broadband. GO Topeka confirmed that the expansion, previously referred to as “Project Gateway,” is expected to produce up to 168 new full-time jobs, with an average yearly wage of $43,000, including benefits, over the next five years. The total economic impact expected in the next 10 years is $520 million with a return on investment of 712%. “The field of technology is always growing, especially within the arena of internet service. With this incentive we hope to dramatically increase our staff and provide specialized training so that they may… Read More
Continue ReadingJ-SIX ENTERPRISES TO EXPAND IN TOPEKA & SHAWNEE COUNTY; EXPECTED ECONOMIC IMPACT OF $150M
Today the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board approved an incentive agreement to aid in the growth and expansion of J-Six Enterprises, Parent Company of Fairview Mills. GO Topeka confirmed that the expansion, previously referred to as “Project Central,” is expected to produce up to 50 new full-time jobs, with an average yearly wage of $40,000, including benefits, over the next five years. Capital investment includes building and facility expenditures and employee training programs of $9.5 million. The total economic impact expected in the next 10 years is $150 million. “I want to take a moment to thank JEDO and GO Topeka for all the support they’ve given us thus… Read More
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NOW ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS OF THE 2021 SMALL BUSINESS AWARDS
The Greater Topeka Partnership is happy to announce the winners of the 2021 Small Business Awards! This year we recognized local small businesses, a nonprofit agency and an entrepreneur for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the Topeka & Shawnee County community. These award recipients include: Emerging Entrepreneur of Distinction Award Dialogue Coffee – Caitlyn Halsey, Owner Dialogue Coffee House has been in business for two years and operates with a staff of intellectually and developmentally disabled adults. Non-Profit Award of Distinction Capper Foundation – Jim Leiker, CEO Capper Foundation serves individuals of all ages living with disabilities-intellectual, physical, developmental, and behavioral – with medically based pediatric therapies for the infants through young adults and day/residential services… Read More
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