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
Continue ReadingGTP AND LAWRENCE CHAMBER ANNOUNCE THE JOINT INTER-CITY VISIT TO NWA IS POSTPONED TO 2022
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
Continue ReadingNOMINATIONS OPEN FOR LEADERSHIP GREATER TOPEKA 2022 PROGRAM
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
Continue ReadingUSA WRESTLING KANSAS/FOLKSTYLE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TO RETURN TO TOPEKA IN 2022 AND BEYOND
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
Continue ReadingSTAPLETON TO PURSUE NEW LEADERSHIP ROLE IN SOUTH CAROLINA
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
Continue ReadingGO TOPEKA OFFERS SUMMER WOMEN’S FORUM
‘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
Continue ReadingTOPEKA CHAMBER RECEIVES 5-STAR ACCREDITATION FROM U.S. CHAMBER
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
Continue ReadingTOPEKA CHAMBER PAC ANNOUNCES 2021 MUNICIPAL ELECTION ENDORSEMENTS
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
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