Purpose
The purpose of the Military Relations Council (MRC) is to bolster regional economic and workforce development while advocating for policies that support new, former, and existing service members in our community.
Priorities
Economic Development
Building a defense ecosystem in our community and region is paramount to development efforts. In this space, the MRC works to convene interested stakeholders to understand the business climate in Shawnee County with the hopes of spurring investment in new and existing businesses.
Workforce Development
Traveling spouses and family members are a valuable asset to our region. We provide resources and support for individuals looking to bring their skillset to local businesses. Through the Greater Topeka Chamber, the MRC provides support, resources, and connection. Furthermore, as service members complete their tenure, our goal is for them to transition into our civilian workforce. Supporting educational programs and career resources is crucial to achieving this priority.
Policy
The impact that policy makes on all industries is evident. As the watchdog for business at the local, state, and federal level, the Greater Topeka Chamber carries the voice of Shawnee County to lawmakers. The MRC provides critical input and guidance for the Chamber’s policy advocacy efforts, which seek to support new and existing service members in the areas of workforce development, tax policy, quality of life, infrastructure, and more.
Add your voice
The Military Relations Council is made up of individuals from Topeka and Shawnee County businesses and military installations along with retirees and interested community members. The Advisory Board meets regularly.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Junction City KEEP Tour | October 22, 8:30am-3:30pm | Lunch Provided
Trunk or Treat | October 28, 5-7pm | Museum of the Kansas National Guard | Please bring non-perishable food donation
Topeka Scarecrows Military/Veterans Appreciation Night | November 1, 7pm game | Call by 10/28 to claim your free tickets, information here.
Veterans Pancake & Biscuits & Gravy Breakfast | Free | November 5, 7am-11am
Kansas Museum of the National Guard
Veterans Day Parade | November 8 | Downtown Topeka | Begins at 11am
Kansas Courage Celebration | Free Lunch for Veterans, Military, and Their Families | November 8 following the Veterans Day Parade 12pm-3pm
Veterans Strategy Summit | November 8, 12:30-3:30pm | Kansas State Capitol
Marine Corps 250th Birthday | November 10, all day | Kansas State Capitol
Fort Riley TAP Hiring Fair | November 13, 10am-2pm
The Latest MRC News
Evergy Plaza to Host Kansas Courage Celebration Honoring Veterans and Military Families
Evergy Plaza will launch the inaugural Kansas Courage Celebration, presented by the Greater Topeka Chamber’s Military Relations Council and Visit Topeka, on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 12 p.m. Designed to complement the Topeka Veterans Day Parade earlier that morning, the Kansas Courage Celebration will offer an afternoon of entertainment, appreciation, and community connection for veterans, military families, and the public. The event will feature: Free meals provided by VFW Post 1650, with donations optional Inflatable attractions for families, courtesy of The Carnival Guy A display of military vehicles Live music by Better than Roadkill, a band with extensive experience performing in veteran clubs; their harmonica player and vocalist is
Greater Topeka Chamber DC Fly-In 2025
https://vimeo.com/1119859078?share=copy From September 7–9, the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce led a dynamic delegation of local business and community leaders to Washington, D.C., for a high-impact policy advocacy trip aimed at advancing Topeka’s long-term strategic priorities. The visit marked a significant step in strengthening relationships with federal policymakers and positioning Topeka for future growth through targeted legislative and funding support. The delegation met with members of the Kansas Congressional delegation and key federal agencies to discuss a range of initiatives critical to the region’s economic vitality and community development. These conversations centered on several core areas: Riverfront Development: Topeka is uniquely positioned to transform one of its greatest natural assets
Greater Topeka Chamber Military Relations Council 2025 Initiatives
Individuals who are actively serving or have served are welcome in the room, including businesses that support the defense ecosystem, veteran-owned businesses, and social organizations that contribute to greater appreciation and awareness of the military. Past efforts have focused on mutual awareness, support, and appreciation between the military and civilian business communities in the greater Shawnee County community. “We are thrilled to contribute to the national defense ecosystem,” stated Juliet Abdel, Chamber President. “Through a targeted focus on connecting key entities, we feel strongly that action will be taken that advances prosperity in Shawnee County.” Looking ahead, the 190th Air Refueling Wing located at Forbes Field is one of six
Patriot sponsor
Supporting sponsors
