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
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
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