The Greater Topeka Partnership’s Small Business Council, GO Topeka’s Minority and Women Business Development and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce are seeking nominees for the 40th Annual Small Business Awards Presented by Envista. The event recognizes small businesses that have made significant contributions to the Topeka community through demonstrated excellence in the following categories: Emerging Entrepreneur Award Non-profit Award of Distinction Minority Owned Business of Distinction Women Owned Business of Distinction Innovation Award Capital City Business of Distinction Nomination forms and category descriptions are available online at www.topekapartnership.com/work/2021-small-business-awards/. Submissions will be received through March 12, 2021. This year’s Small Business Awards Luncheon and ceremony is set for Tuesday, May 11, 11 a.m. at the… Read More
Continue Reading‘CHOOSE TOPEKA’ EXTENDED WITH FUNDING INTO 2021
GO Topeka, a Greater Topeka Partnership organization, announced that the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) approved the extension of the Choose Topeka Relocation Initiative Incentive, allotting $300,000 in incentives meant to attract specialized talent to move to the Capital City. Additionally, 40% of this amount will be allotted to the remote workers arm of the incentive program. Recipients of these incentives are eligible to receive a maximum of $15,000 to be used in their moving expenses. In its first year, Choose Topeka attracted 40 workers and created a $3.2 million regional economic impact. To date, 40 people making average wages of $80,000 per year participated in the program, relocating from cities across… Read More
Continue Reading
TOPEKA WINS BEST CITIES FOR NEW HOME BUYERS AWARD
Topeka is the recipient of a 2021 Insurify’s Best Cities for New Homebuyers Award in Kansas. Cities were evaluated on real estate demand, employment levels, public school enrollment, and driver and pedestrian safety. The Greater Topeka Partnership, the region’s leading collaborative economic development agency, sees this recognition as a major lure to visitors and talent looking to move to the area. “Finding the right community to call home is everything – especially when looking for your first home. From its easily accessible amenities to positive drivers scores, and multiple other benefits, the Topeka community has so much to offer people who are starting this incredibly pivotal part of their lives,” says Barbara… Read More
Continue ReadingGreater Topeka Partnership CEO Celebrates Five Year Anniversary
The Greater Topeka Partnership is pleased to share that today marks CEO Matt Pivarnik’s five year anniversary with the economic development organization. Pivarnik, a Tulsa, Oklahoma native, previously served as the executive vice president and COO for the Tulsa’s Future Economic Development Organization, Tulsa Regional Chamber, Visit Tulsa, Tulsa’s Young Professionals, Tulsa Sports Commission, Tulsa Film and Music Commission and the Tulsa Small Business Connection. “This anniversary marks so much more than starting a new job in Topeka. It represents the anniversary of my family joining this community. This leadership position has allowed me to meet amazing people and participate in the growing momentum we’ve seen in Topeka,” said Pivarnik. “This community… Read More
Continue ReadingThe GTP Moves to Crosby Building
New year, new home! After months of planning, the Greater Topeka Partnership will be putting down roots on the fifth and sixth floors of the Crosby Building, 719 S Kansas Avenue. That’s right! The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, GO Topeka, Downtown Topeka Inc, Visit Topeka and Forge will be under the same roof. And we couldn’t be more excited! Moving will take place in two stages. The Visit Topeka offices will relocated on December 14, and the remaining organizations will be moving on December 20. The transition to the new location should be complete by the beginning of the new year. We are thrilled about our new home and… Read More
Continue Reading
GTP Hires Senior Vice President of Innovation
Topeka, KS, August 2, 2018– Katrin Holzhaus has accepted the position of Senior Vice President of Innovation with the Greater Topeka Partnership and 712 Innovations. Ms. Holzhaus is an accomplished leader and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in operational execution, project management, and financial accountability. Focused on early-stage startups and small businesses with high growth potential, she most recently worked closely with CEOs and their senior management teams to achieve medium-term and long-term growth objectives by establishing systems, processes and metrics that keep the business performing at its peak, help attract the right talent, and become an attractive target for investors. Ms. Holzhaus has held a number of… Read More
Continue ReadingLeadership Greater Topeka accepting nominations for class of 2019
Topeka, KS August 1, 2018 – Leadership Greater Topeka is seeking individuals to participate in the 2019 program. Leadership Greater Topeka brings together a broad cross-selection of acknowledged and aspiring leaders for an annual community leadership training course. The goals are to challenge and motivate traditional and non-traditional leaders by teaching adaptive leadership competencies through information, dialogue and hands-on experience. Nominees should be able to demonstrate an increasing level of responsibility, a potential for continuing to play a leadership role in the Topeka & Shawnee County area and evidence of personal and professional growth. The selection process will consider work experience, scope of personal interests, level of community involvement and… Read More
Continue ReadingTSC3 INITIATIVE ANNOUNCED
Topeka, KS July 30, 2018– The Topeka/Shawnee County 3% (TSC3) initiative was announced by the Greater Topeka Partnership, Small Business Council, and community leaders today. The TSC3 initiative promotes business to business local purchasing. The initiative asks small businesses and corporate partners to consider shifting 3% of their spending to local businesses by taking a look at the products and services their company currently purchases and identify which of those could be purchased locally. “The importance of this campaign cannot be understated,” said Matt Pivarnik, President & CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership.“ If Shawnee County businesses pledge to shift just 3% of their out of market purchasing to our local… Read More
Continue ReadingBrett Oetting Receives Certified Destination Management Executive
Topeka, KS July 18, 2018– Brett Oetting, President of Visit Topeka and Executive Vice President of the Greater Topeka Partnership has earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), the only integrated executive program specifically designed for the destination marketing industry. The focus of the program is on vision, leadership, productivity and the implementation of business strategies. “We’re very proud of the work Brett put into earning this certification,” said Matt Pivarnik, President & CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “We always knew he was an innovative and creative leader and this certification validates that knowledge.” “Brett is a proven leader and supporter of our community,” said Michelle De La Isla,… Read More
Continue ReadingTop City Interns
Topeka, KS, May 16, 2018– Registration is now open for the 2018 Top City Interns program. Last year was the inaugural year for the program and was created with the purpose of providing interns for local Topeka and Shawnee County businesses with a positive internship experience while investing in their future as professionals. “I’m excited for the second year of Top City Interns and to build off the successes of last year,” said Gabriel O’Shea, Executive Director of Forge. “The purpose of this program is to showcase the Greater Topeka area with the goal of retaining them as talent.” The kick-off event for the program will be held Wednesday, June… Read More
Continue Reading