Category: News

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Greater Topeka Partnership’s and GO Topeka’s HOST Relief Program expended its funding in April 2021, after distributing more than $1 million in public and private relief to Shawnee County Small Businesses since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the program’s kickoff in late March 2020, a total of $1,247,410 was distributed to 350 small businesses through HOST private donation or public grants. HOST, or Helping Others Support Topeka, was created to provide emergency, recovery funding for local businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Throughout the pandemic, Topeka proved itself to be a survivor,” said Scott Hunsicker, lead HOST organizer and owner/president of Kansas Financial Resources, Inc. “This community… Read More