This winter, the magic of the holiday season will come alive in Topeka with the launch of Topeka Jingle Days! Presented by Visit Topeka and AIM Strategies, the exciting new initiative is designed to encourage both locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in our vibrant array of winter holiday traditions for the chance to win a prize package valued up to $600. Topeka Jingle Days unites 11 local winter traditions and attractions under one exciting holiday activation. The activation invites locals and visitors to spend time at events like Miracle on Kansas Avenue, Zoo Lights, TARC’s Winter Wonderland, SLI Festival of Trees, and more. Pick up a Jingle Days

Downtown Topeka Inc. is preparing for a festive holiday season! Its 2024 holiday window-decorating contest is back, with voting kicking off Dec. 1. Meanwhile, Topeka’s Miracle on Kansas Avenue parade is set to return downtown on Saturday, Dec. 7 for a spectacular evening of holiday cheer and memorable moments, including special performances and the official arrival of Santa. The parade-day fun will kick off early this year, with inflatables and carolers along the avenue in the afternoon for families to enjoy. Downtown businesses, from restaurants to retailers, are encouraged to take part in downtown’s holiday window-decorating contest, which is now in its fifth year. They may do so by creating

The Greater Topeka Partnership and Washburn University, in consultation with Forge Young Talent, are excited to announce a strategic collaboration designed to encourage Shawnee County employers to “Hire Local.” The new Hire Local campaign invites area employers to create accounts on Handshake, a platform that connects college students and graduates with company recruiters. The initiative urges local employers to strongly consider Washburn graduates when hiring for key positions. “This is a big step toward better engaging employers in the area and keeping talented young people here in the community after they graduate,” said James Barraclough, director of Washburn’s Career Engagement Office. “We are excited for this collaborative effort with the

The Topeka Area Sports Commission (TASC) is pleased to announce that its TASC Cares program is now accepting applications for Q4 2024, with distribution of grants expected in December. TASC Cares represents the sports commission’s mission to build an inclusive, community-centered sports environment. The program provides funds to purchase equipment and cover registration fees for kids in the Topeka area who face economic barriers to participation. TASC Cares fosters sports participation among youth ages 8 to 18, focusing on those in underserved communities. “TASC believes every child who wants to participate in youth athletics should have the opportunity to do so,” said TASC Director Mike Bell. “That’s why we seek

Following multiple rounds of community engagement and feedback collection, Topeka’s Riverfront Advisory Council (RAC) is proud to announce key elements of its proposed Topeka Riverfront Vision Plan. An exciting component of the strategy reimagines riverfront connectivity by proposing creation of an “iconic pedestrian bridge” connecting downtown Topeka to the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District. The plan also proposes new trails and river access points, as well as various mixed-used developments along the river that are likely to include a unique blend of residential, restaurant and retail options. The Topeka Riverfront Vision Plan was unveiled Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Townsite 16, following review of the final plan by the RAC. Strategic

The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and Forge Young Talent are proud to announce the local launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Topeka will inspire area middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.  Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools in Shawnee County are invited to take

The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce is launching its 2024 Promote the Vote campaign. The effort overlaps with major civic holidays the chamber is inaugurally a member of, including National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 17, National Voter Education Week Oct. 7-11, Vote Early Day Oct. 29, and Election Hero Day on Nov. 4. The chamber’s Promote the Vote efforts will culminate in General Election Day on Nov. 5, with the campaign seeking to encourage voter registration, education and activation. In the weeks ahead, community members will be able to interface with a first-of-its-kind Promote the Vote van, which will tour the city and be visible at large gatherings, shopping centers, in

Today, Topeka and Shawnee County’s Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board approved an agreement that will aid in the expansion of Southwest Publishing & Mailing, a Moore company. As part of the expansion, the long-standing Topeka-based business, which has been providing printing services and direct mail production to customers for more than 50 years, has rebranded its local facility as Moore Digital Print & Mail Center – Topeka. Previously referred to as “Project Oriole,” the expansion is expected to result in 60 new jobs, with Moore planning to make a capital investment of $31 million in the project. Economic development funds of up to $272,000, dispersed over five years, are

Today, Topeka and Shawnee County’s Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board approved an agreement that will aid in the expansion of PTMW Inc., an existing business in Topeka’s manufacturing industry that is leading the way in manufacturing, welding, fabrication and more. Previously referred to as “Project Queen Bee,” the expansion is expected to result in 182 new jobs, with salaries ranging from $80,000 to $120,000. PTMW is expected to make a capital investment of $47.2 million in the project. Economic development funds of up to almost $1.6 million, dispersed over five years, are being offered to the business through JEDO to aid in the company’s growth. With a projected local

The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce PAC announced its endorsements of candidates for the upcoming general election on November 5th. Individuals were selected based on their views on issues impacting the economic growth and prosperity of the region and state. “Each election season, we evaluate races and candidates seeking elected offices. Forums, interviews, and voting history are reviewed as part of our process. The goal is to identify individuals that are best able to contribute to Shawnee County and Kansas’ enhanced economic vitality,” said Natalie Haag, PAC Board Chair. Candidates receiving an endorsement in general elections include: Shawnee County Commission District 2 Kevin Cook State Senate District 3 Rick Kloos

Forge Young Talent, Topeka’s premier young professional’s group, is thrilled to announce “ForgeFest: Rooftop Glow,” an electrifying end-of-summer rooftop concert in downtown Topeka. The public—including young professionals and students looking for unique, post-Labor Day fun—are invited to join Forge on Saturday, Sept. 14th, from 7-10 p.m. for a night of live music, food and drinks under the stars. Kansas City-based band KC Flo will headline the event with a live performance that’s sure to get attendees on their feet. Concert goers will also be able to enjoy delicious bites from Bobby’s Food Co. and drinks provided by Axe and Ale. ForgeFest festivities will take place on the rooftop of downtown

GO Topeka is excited to announce registration is open and speakers have been secured for the highly anticipated 2024 Economic Outlook Conference, presented by Capitol Federal Bank and hosted by the Washburn University School of Business. This annual event is set to take place Thursday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 a.m. in Washburn University’s Memorial Union, room A/B. The event is an opportunity to hear from local, state and federal experts about the health of our local, regional, and national economies. This year, the Economic Outlook Conference is pleased to feature Joseph Gruber, Executive Vice President and Director of Research for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, as its keynote speaker. Gruber will

Downtown Topeka Inc. (DTI) is excited to announce dates for its 2024 Downtown Topeka Restaurant Week, coming up next month. This year’s downtown restaurant week is scheduled for September 21-28, and participating local businesses are gearing up to offer special menu items, drink discounts and more. Downtown favorites like Brew Bank, The Celtic Fox, Cosmos Court, Hazel Hill Chocolate, The Pennant, TaCo., The Tee Box and The Weather Room have already signed on to participate, as DTI continues to recruit. More information about participating businesses and their restaurant-week specials may be found online HERE, or at DowntownTopekaInc.com under the “Restaurant Week” tab. “Downtown Topeka Restaurant Week is back and tastier

Topeka’s premier young professionals group Forge Young Talent is proud to announce the launch of “Forge on Boards,” an exciting new initiative aimed at facilitating connections between young professionals and businesses to encourage impactful board service. Recognizing the transformative potential of board roles, Forge on Boards seeks to bridge the gap between eager young professionals looking to serve, and organizations seeking fresh perspectives. “We believe young professionals have the energy, creativity, and drive to bring about significant positive change for organizations across our community,” said Rhett Flood, executive director of Forge Young Talent. “Forge on Boards is our way of empowering YPs to step into board leadership roles, connecting them

The esteemed Greater Topeka Partnership program Leadership Greater Topeka (LGT) is excited to announce it is accepting nominations for its class of 2025 starting Thursday, Aug. 1. Individuals living and working in Topeka/Shawnee County are invited to nominate local candidates they believe demonstrate exceptional leadership ability. Those driven to make a difference in their community may also nominate themselves. Nominations should be submitted online HERE or by visiting TopekaPartnership.com and finding “Leadership Greater Topeka” under the “Partnership Programs” tab. “It’s so encouraging each year to see an amazing group of local leaders dedicate their time and talents to developing themselves, and their community, further through Leadership Greater Topeka,” said Michelle

The Topeka Area Sports Commission (TASC) is excited to announce its second-annual TASC Mini Golf Tournament benefiting TASC Cares. Launched in 2023, TASC Cares aims to foster equity in the community’s youth sports by providing micro-grants to local kids ages 8-18 who face financial barriers, ensuring they have the opportunities to participate in organized sports and reap the benefits of such engagement. These micro-grants can cover registration fees, equipment purchases, and other essential expenses related to athletic competition, opening doors for aspiring athletes across Shawnee County. “Inclusivity is at the heart of TASC Cares,” said TASC Director Mike Bell. “We’re committed to breaking down financial barriers and leveling the playing

The Greater Topeka Partnership is thrilled to announce that the 29th Annual Miracle on Kansas Avenue Parade, presented by Giant Communications, will be bigger and more spectacular than ever this year. This year, ten marching bands from across the state of Kansas will be invited to participate in a KSHSAA approved event and will compete for ratings. The parade will take place on December 7, 2024, beginning at 6 PM at 5th and Kansas Avenue. Marching bands may arrive at 4 PM. Each band selected to participate will receive $1,000, adding to the excitement and prestige of the event. The first ten bands to register will be given the opportunity

This week, GO Topeka and Plug and Play Topeka are excited to host the second annual Plug and Play Expo in downtown Topeka focusing on Agricultural Technology and Animal Health. Set to take place June 5-6, with the bulk of programming Thursday at Townsite Tower, the expo will bring attendees to Kansas’ capital city from around the world, demonstrating Topeka’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the heartland, within the Ag-Tech and Animal Health sectors. The Plug and Play Expo will feature one-of-a-kind sessions designed to highlight accomplishments of the latest startup cohorts graduating from Plug and Play’s Ag-Tech and Animal Health programs. Expo attendees—coming from places as

The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce a premier Legislative Luncheon being held Friday, May 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cyrus Hotel Ballroom in downtown Topeka. Those interested in public policy and elections, and the impact they have in our community and region, are invited to attend. The distinguished event promises to be an exceptional opportunity for engagement and dialogue with prominent speakers, all of whom serve as elected officials at the state and federal levels. The Topeka Chamber’s inaugural Legislative Luncheon of 2024 will feature esteemed guests, including U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall and Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab. Attendees will also

Forge Young Talent is thrilled to announce the release of new license plates featuring the Topeka flag, that are now available for purchase across the state of Kansas through your local county tag office. The distinctive license plates, adorned with the design of Topeka’s new city flag adopted in 2019, provide an opportunity for residents to showcase their pride in the capital city. “We are so proud to see this new license plate become available,” said Rhett Flood, Forge executive director. “Forge Young Talent worked hard with community leaders to bring the new city flag to life five years ago. Today, we’re unveiling another way to proudly display that design.

Following an in-person pitch event at Plug and Play Headquarters in Sunnyvale, CA, Plug and Play Topeka has announced the 16 Animal Health startups and 11 Agtech startups that were selected for the newest batches of the Animal Health and Agtech accelerator programs. The program aims to foster innovation within those two industries, both of which have a significant impact on the region. The chosen startups will participate in a series of business development webinars, mentor sessions with industry experts, and projects with the programs’ corporate partners(many of which have bases in the Midwest). This year’s cohort comprises companies from 10 different countries—and 10 different states within the United States.

With assistance from the Topeka Community Foundation, the Topeka Youth Commission is excited to announce its latest recipients of Stay785, an annual grant program created to fund community projects designed and directed by youths in the Topeka and Shawnee County area.   For its 2023-2024 term, Stay785 will fund three local youth-led projects with partnering organizations. This year’s awards, totaling $10,000, were determined by members of the Topeka Youth Commission, based on the quality and strength of each project presented. Awardees include the following: Naledi Mackenzie, receiving $7,400 for The Blessing Bee Project. Jaiden Wen, receiving $2,000 for his Mosaic Horse Project. Allie Sexton, receiving $600 for her Math Competition

The Greater Topeka Partnership is proud to announce recipients of its 2024 Annual Meeting Awards, recognizing outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. The awards will be presented at The Partnership’s Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 4, at West Ridge Mall. The Partnership’s highest honor, The Wolgast Award, is named after former Topeka Mayor Larry Wolgast. The recipient each year is selected by the chair of the GTP Chairs Council, The Partnership’s board of directors. The 2024 Wolgast Award will be presented to Seth Wagoner, chair of Downtown Topeka’s Clean & Safe Task Force, for his tireless efforts to improve the downtown core, benefiting visitors, residents, and

The Topeka Riverfront Advisory Council is pleased to announce its first community survey informing the Topeka Riverfront Activation Plan is now complete, garnering close to 1,500 submissions that provided input on riverfront perceptions, as well as activities and amenities community members would like to see as property is developed along the stretch of Kansas River running through Shawnee County.   The survey, which remained open Dec. 14 through Jan. 12, was promoted on social media, posted to the project website MyTopekaRiverfront.com, and sent to all email and text message subscribers, collecting feedback from 1,489 respondents. Of those, 74% agree the river is an untapped resource, 57% think the river is

Welcoming a new chair and chair-elect, the Greater Topeka Partnership is pleased to announce its distinguished leadership team for 2024.   Dr. Shekhar Challa, an accomplished doctor and co-founder of Kansas Medical Clinic, has assumed the pivotal role of Greater Topeka Partnership Chair, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a commitment to advancing the region’s prosperity. Joining Dr. Challa in a key leadership position is Dr. JuliAnn Mazachek, President of Washburn University, who has stepped into the role of Chair-Elect. Alongside Immediate Past-Chair John Dicus, CEO of Capitol Federal, their combined expertise and dedication to serving the community are set to steer The Partnership toward strategic initiatives that

Forge Young Talent, a leading organization in the region for empowering and connecting young professionals, proudly hosted its 2nd annual Kansas Young Professionals Day at the Capitol on Monday, Feb. 5. The milestone event brought together nearly 100 young professionals from various communities across Kansas and coincided with the state’s 2024 recognition of Feb. 5 as Kansas Young Professionals Day.   Attendees from Topeka were joined by participants from such communities as Manhattan, Salina and Wichita, with groups across the state invited to take part. The event included programming and networking and provided a platform for young professionals to engage with elected officials at the Statehouse, ensuring their voices were

The Greater Topeka Partnership and Lincoln Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce tickets are now on sale for the communities’ collaborative intercity visit to Boise, Idaho, coming up July 16-19, 2024.    The unique trip—a joint effort that aims to unite community leaders and passionate stakeholders from both cities—promises to foster a spirit of partnership and collaboration, as attendees learn from the vibrant, forward-thinking Boise. The intercity visit will provide participants with special networking opportunities, thoughtful programming, insightful discussions, and a chance to explore Boise’s thriving community core.    “We are thrilled to embark on this intercity visit, alongside our counterparts in Lincoln,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the

The Greater Topeka Partnership is excited to announce its 2024 Annual Meeting, themed “Totally Topeka,” is scheduled for Thursday, April 4. This year’s event will take place at West Ridge Mall, offering a memorable celebration of Topeka’s past and future.   The 80’s themed experience promises a bit of nostalgia, alongside exceptional food, entertainment, and programming. Taking the event to new heights this year, The Partnership proudly announces 1980’s pop superstar Tiffany as the event’s musical guest. Tiffany, known for her Billboard No. 1 hit “I Think We’re Alone Now,” will take attendees on a trip down memory lane with her iconic mall-era tunes.   “We couldn’t be prouder to

Forge Young Talent, Topeka’s premier young professional’s group, is pleased to honor the four inaugural recipients of its Forge YP Awards. The awardees were recognized on Saturday, Jan. 13 at Forge’s 25th Anniversary Gala held at the Topeka Zoo’s Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and Venue. The gala, a first-time event that saw more than 100 attendees, served as a celebration of Forge turning 25 and allowed young professionals from across Topeka to come together for an evening of connection, recognition, and fun.   “I believe Topeka is home to some of the hardest working, most innovative, and supportive young professionals—not only in Kansas, but in the region and the U.S.—and

Founded in 1984, Leadership Greater Topeka, a Greater Topeka Partnership program, identifies aspiring and established leadership from the community to participate in a competitive annual leadership training course.   Class members attend a retreat and nine day-long sessions that begin in January and continue through May. During these classes, participants will increase their capacity to lead as they learn about challenges facing Topeka and Shawnee County and how they can work to influence important community issues.   The class of 2024 was selected from more than 160 nominations. Congratulations to the following:   Alex Adame-Bipes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professional FHLBank Topeka Nadia Arbelo Interim Regional Director Kansas SBDC @

The Greater Topeka Partnership, under the direction of the Topeka Riverfront Advisory Council, is pleased to launch the Topeka Riverfront Activation Plan project. Riverfront activation is a key initiative of Topeka and Shawnee County’s latest community strategy, Momentum 2027.   The Topeka Riverfront Activation Plan will review existing conditions around the riverfront, develop innovative concepts, and create an implementable activation plan that will enhance the region’s core through diversified live-work-play environments, connected community spaces, and improved quality of place. The goal of this river master plan is to establish the riverfront as a vibrant district that supports growth and economic development, connections to nature, recreation, and reinvestment in surrounding neighborhoods.