JOIN US FOR AN INTER-CITY VISIT: TOPEKA AND LINCOLN EXPLORE BOISE presented by olsson!
The Greater Topeka Partnership and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce a joint intercity visit to Boise, Idaho, presented by Olsson, scheduled for July 2024. Together, we’ll embark on a journey of learning, collaboration, and inspiration!
Purpose of the Visit:
This unique trip aims to unite community leaders, business executives, and passionate stakeholders from Topeka and Lincoln for exclusive opportunities to foster discussion, promote innovative ideas, and inspire learning of best practices for community advancement.
During the 2024 intercity visit taking place July 16-19, representatives from both Lincoln and Topeka will embark on a journey of discovery to learn from one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Boise, a vibrant and forward-thinking community will offer opportunities for collaboration and learning. Topeka and Lincoln share unique roles as capital cities with Boise. Boise also offers experience as a partnership model, leader in riverfront development, progress in innovation and entrepreneurship, and boasts a thriving downtown and arts district which has been recognized nationally for its placemaking work. By seeing firsthand the accomplishments and effective strategies employed by Boise, leaders from Lincoln and Topeka hope to gain valuable insights that galvanize new opportunities in their local markets.
Building on a Legacy of Learning:
For over 20 years, the Topeka Partnership has been at the forefront of organizing inter-city visits. Our past journeys have taken us to Des Moines, Chattanooga, Montgomery, Fort Collins, Tulsa, and most recently, Northwest Arkansas with Lawrence, Kansas. These trips have been instrumental in spurring creative solutions and fostering collaboration. We are excited to welcome the Lincoln Partnership to this enriching tradition as they embark on their first inter-city visit.
Momentum 2027 and Beyond:
Inter-city visits are a vital part of the ongoing Momentum 2027 initiative—a holistic Topeka community strategy spanning five years. These visits provide a platform to explore successful models and approaches from other communities. We are dedicated to implementing forward-thinking ideas that address our current challenges. Learning from each other’s experiences, Topeka, Lincoln and Boise are committed to achieving economic prosperity for all members of our respective communities.
"We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Lincoln team on this remarkable intercity visit to Boise. We’ve had our eyes on Boise for a while because they’re a community on the rise that has a lot to teach us. Being able to make the trip with our friends from Lincoln is such an amazing opportunity and a first for our two cities. This initiative is a glowing example of the type of collaboration that enables Topeka to lean into learning, as we amplify the impact of our growth in the region. Together, Topeka and Lincoln are building stronger futures for our communities.
“The intercity visit to Boise is an extraordinary chance for our cities to unite, expand our horizons, and harness the collective power of shared knowledge. We’re eager to make this trip with our partners in Topeka and know there will be no shortage of synergistic moments. By seeking new opportunities and embracing innovative ideas, we can elevate our cities to new heights, unlocking potential that will benefit our citizens and businesses alike for years to come.”
What to Expect:
During our visit to Boise, we will engage in dynamic discussions, interactive sessions, and site visits. You’ll have the unique opportunity to connect with local elected officials, community leaders, and like-minded individuals from both Topeka and Lincoln. This networking component will encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas, fostering lasting relationships that transcend geographic boundaries.
6:00 pm
Check-In & Welcome @ The Grove Hotel
Sponsored by Visit Boise and the Boise Chamber of Commerce.
8:00 – 10:00 pm
Dinner on your own in Downtown Boise
7:45 am
Kickoff Breakfast @ The Grove Hotel
8:15 am
Opening Remarks/Panel Introductions
- Matt Pivarnik, CEO – Greater Topeka Partnership
- Jason Ball, CEO – Lincoln Chamber
8:40 am
Boise Leadership Welcome Panel
Setting the table for what is happening in Boise now.
Moderators: Matt Pivarnik and Jason Ball
- Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, CEO – Boise Metro Chamber
- Clark Krause, Executive Director – Boise Valley Economic Partnership
- Rhonda McCarvel, Sales Manager – Visit Boise
9:30 am – Break
9:45 am
Welcome to Boise and Conversation with the Three Mayors
How did Boise drive change? Talking about investing in housing, infrastructure, and a vibrant downtown.
Moderators: Matt Pivarnik and Jason Ball
- Mayor Lauren McLean, City of Boise
- Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, City of Lincoln
- Mayor Michael Padilla, City of Topeka
10:45 am
Agenda Overview
- John Koop, Event Director Greater Topeka Partnership
- Brooke Zimmerman, Senior Director of Marketing and Program Development
11:00 am
Housing and Homelessness Response Panel @ Boise Centre East
Moderator: Vanessa Fry, Director – Idaho Policy Institute
- Nicki Hellenkamp, Director of Housing + Homelessness – City of Boise
- Maureen Brewer, House + Community Development – City of Boise
- Deanna Watson, Executive Director – Boise City/Ada County Housing
Noon – 1:15 pm
Lunch at the Warehouse Food Hall
Sponsored by Cox and McCown Gordon Construction.
1:30 – 3:45 pm | Groups Depart for Specialized Interest Tracks (SEE BELOW)
4:00 – 5:30 pm
Happy Hour @ Hap Hap Lounge
5:00 – 6:30 pm
Alive After Five @ The Grove Plaza
Mayor McLean is kicking it off!
6:30 pm
Dinner @ Fork Restaurant
Sponsored by Bartlett & West, InTrust Bank, Lincoln Community Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas, & UBT.
Please feel free to explore Downtown Boise on your own after dinner
1:30 – 3:45 pm
Groups Depart for Specialized Interest Tracks
TRACK OPTION 1: BOISE DOWNTOWN PLACEMAKING & BRANDING
1:30 pm – Creating and Investing in a Vibrant Downtown @ Mad Swede
- Downtown Boise Association, Executive Director, Jenn Hensley
- City of Boise Arts & History Department, Director, Jennifer Stevens
2:30 pm – Walking Tour Downtown Development, Branding and Placemaking
Jennifer Stevens, Jennifer Yribar & Jillian Whitehill – City of Boise
o Grove Plaza (activated community plaza)
o Freak Alley Gallery (alley activation)
o Restaurant Row (Pedestrian Only Corridor)
TRACK OPTION 2: Economic Development, Housing & Urban Revitalization
1:30 pm – Meet at Boise Centre
Presentation on Urban Renewal Districts How local development and infrastructure projects are financed.
- Sean Keithly, Director of Economic Development, City of Boise
- Doug Woodruff, Director of Development, Capital City Dev. Corp. (CCDC)
2:30 pm – Walking Tour of Active/New Urban Renewal District Projects
Led By: Sean Keithly & Doug Woodruff
7:00 – 8:15 am
Buffet Breakfast @ The Grove Hotel
8:15 am
Thursday Opening Remarks @ The Grove Hotel
- Matt Pivarnik, CEO – Greater Topeka Partnership
- Jason Ball, CEO – Lincoln Chamber
8:30 am
Agenda Overview
- John Koop, Event Director Greater Topeka Partnership
- Brooke Zimmerman, Senior Director of Marketing and Program Development
9:00 – 10:00 am
Entrepreneurship, Technology and Startup Panel @ Boise Centre East
Moderator: Tiam Rastegar, CEO & Executive Director – Trailhead
- Mike Casey, Co-Founder & CTO – Vette
- Molly Lenty, COO – Vessel
- Brad Mosell, CEO/Founder – Dharma Dr.
10:00 -10:30 am – Break
10:30 am
Powering Philanthropy for Growth @ Boise Centre East
Moderator: India Yarborough, VP of Communications and Marketing, Greater Topeka Partnership
- Sandi Hansen, Senior Director of Development of Major and Strategic Giving, Lincoln Community Foundation
- Roger Quarles, Executive Director, J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation
- Lisa Bearg, Senior Philanthropic Advisor, Idaho Community Foundation
- Marsha Pope, CEO, Topeka Community Foundation
11:30 am
Talk Back Session
- Matt Pivarnik
- Jason Ball
12:00 pm
Catered Basque Lunch @ The Basque Market
Chef Tony Eiguren – How Boise’s Basque food scene fuses the old country and the modern West.
2:00 pm
Groups Depart for Specialized Interest Tracks (SEE BELOW)
5:30 pm
Optional Wine Country Excursion (SOLD OUT) OR Dinner on Your Own
2:15 – 4:15 pm
Groups Depart for Specialized Interest Tracks
TRACK OPTION 1: Riverfront Park Development, Boise Library, Parks & Museums
2:15 Boise Park & Rec Representatives @ Gene Harris Bandshell
Themes include: Park, Recreation and Arts, Accessibility Outdoors Experiences, and Riverfront
Speaker: Mike Andrews, Forestry Manager – Boise Parks and Recreation Dept. & Board Member – Treasure Valley Canopy Network
- Boise River Greenbelt: 50+ year old 25-mile riverfront pedestrian park.
- Totally Boise Program: Mission to ensure all trails, playgrounds, sports courts and more are fully ADA Compliant
- Ridge to River Program: 190 miles of trails that are fully accessible to anyone using mobility devices or adaptive bikes.
3:00 Tree Planting – Near Gene Harris Bandshell
Speaker: Lance Davisson, Executive Director – Treasure Valley Canopy Network
3:15 Explore Boise Parks, Greenbelt Trail and Riverfront, Library *Self led
- Optional: Visit with Boise Library Leadership at Boise Library
TRACK OPTION 2: Boise Policy & Idaho Capitol Tour
2:15 – 3:15 pm – Tour of the Idaho State Capitol Building
Meet at the Capitol Steps
Led by: Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, CEO – Boise Metro Chamber
3:15 – 3:30 pm – Welcome from Lt. Governor Scott Bedke @ Lincoln Auditorium
3:30 – 4:15 pm – Legislative Panel
How Capitol Cities Navigate State Political Dynamics
Moderator: Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, CEO – Boise Metro Chamber
- Senator Treg Bernt (R) Meridian, District 21
- Representative Chris Mathias (D) Boise, District 19
- Representative Sonia Galaviz (D) Boise, District 16
7:30 – 8:30 am
Buffet Breakfast @ The Grove Hotel
8:30 am
Travel Home
Join us on this exciting inter-city visit, as Topeka and Lincoln embark on a journey of discovery and inspiration in Boise. Together, let’s learn from one another, forge meaningful connections, and propel our communities forward. Stay connected for more updates and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
Presenting Sponsor
Sponsors
This trip wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors. Please take a moment to thank them for their contributions.
About the Greater Topeka Partnership:
The Greater Topeka Partnership is a dynamic organization committed to advancing economic prosperity and enhancing quality of life for all residents in the greater Topeka area. Founding organizations of the GTP are collaborative in nature and include Downtown Topeka Inc., GO Topeka, the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, and Visit Topeka Inc. For more, visit TopekaPartnership.com.
About the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce:
The Lincoln Chamber of Commerce serves as Lincoln’s lead business organization championing the city’s innovative, bustling business community. The chamber is a convener and collaborator, bringing a variety of voices together to grow the city and move it forward. For more, visit LCOC.com.