Topeka
BUSINESS A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER TOPEKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Volume 52, No. 01
January 2017 INSIDE: Insider’s Outlook on the Upcoming Legislative Session A Year in Review for Chamber, GO Topeka and Heartland Visioning Ty Hysten Selected as New Chair-Elect of Forge
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LEGISLATIVE INSIDERS OUTLOOK FOR 2017 Topeka Business had an opportunity to interview the outgoing and incoming board representatives of the Shawnee County legislative delegation. Representative Fred Patton and Senator Vickie Schmidt both are veterans to their roles and offer a unique perspective to the legislative session.
How did the November elections affect the make-up of the Kansas legislature?
Schmidt: There has been a fair amount of discussion about how the legislature has swung back to the middle. I think there is something to that but we don’t want to read too much into it. In the Senate, we had 5 Moderates last year. This year, that number is closer to 15 or so. But a Senator may be moderate on some issues and more conservative on others. So it all depends on what you’re talking about. Top Senate leadership remains fairly conservative but moderates were elected to several of the other leadership posts. So, all in all, I think there is a good possibility that the tone in the Senate will be more open to discussing tough issues than we have seen in the recent past. That’s a good thing. Patton: I agree with Senator Schmidt. Labeling legislators as “Moderate” or “Conservative” can be a little tricky; it depends on the issue. That being said, Moderates in the House did pick-up 8-10 seats and there are 12 more Democrats than last year. While it is too early to be certain what that will mean in terms of legislation which actually passes the House, I do expect that we will be discussing issues which in the past were simply not on the table.
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Which issues?
P: The most prominent example I can think of is Medicaid Expansion. This is an issue which has been out there for several years. It has garnered a lot of media attention, and the groups interested in seeing it happen have been very active at the Statehouse and across Kansas. Yet the House has never so much as held a committee hearing on Medicaid Expansion. I think owing to the change in the make-up of the legislature, we will see a bill on Medicaid Expansion this year and it will at least receive a hearing. Whether such a bill would get to the floor or pass the House, let alone pass the Senate or eventually become law, is impossible to predict. The point is there is now an opening for discussion where before there hadn’t been. Keep in mind the leaders in the House, whether we mean the Speaker or the Committee Chairs, have a tremendous amount of influence
over what issues are addressed and what bills advance. I am feeling hopeful that the leaders we’ve got now will at least be open to discussion of some of these difficult topics. S: We have already seen indications from Senate leadership that the looming budget problem is going to require us to consider not just more cuts to the state budget but also some form of revenue enhancement. It is tough to know how much that willingness to look at possible tax increases is attributable to the more moderate make-up of the legislature or is simply due to the fact that we have, frankly, run out of options for balancing the budget. Either way, there will be discussions in the Senate this year which have been nearly impossible in the past.
What are the major topics you will be addressing in 2017?
S: Budget, budget and did I mention the budget? Every Kansan who reads the news knows that we have reached a point where there is really no way to proceed without facing our deep budget problems and finding lasting solutions. The State of Kansas is looking at ending the current fiscal year, on June 30, 2017, with a budget deficit of about $345 million. Of course, “deficit” isn’t the right word because we can’t legally have a budget deficit. The budget has to be balanced. The first, most-pressing issue on our plates is finding the right mix of budget cuts and shortterm revenues to plug that gap. For the fiscal year that starts on July 1, 2017, we are already predicting that expenses will be about $440 million more than revenues. We are all pleased that the state’s recent monthly revenue reports have been positive, but we clearly have a lot of ground to make up. P: And that’s not counting the school finance ruling. S: Right. We are all waiting for the Kansas Supreme Court to issue its ruling on the adequacy of our public school finances. Depending on who you talk to, they could rule that the state should be spending an additional half a billion dollars or more each year on education. So it is conceivable that this legislature will be trying to find as much as one billion dollars to balance next year’s budget. That’s why I don’t think there will be any air left in the room to discuss very much else. P: To your earlier point, it does seem likely we will be having some detailed and difficult discussions about whether taxes need to be increased. My personal preference is to think of this as restoring the
Chamber Staff
state’s revenue stream to the levels it was at before 2012. I’ve had a lot of people talk to me about closing the “LLC loophole.” It’s important to keep in mind that, even if that exemption went away, the most optimistic projections suggest that would bring in something like $200 million. That would help, but it doesn’t come close to solving the problem. I don’t know what the final answer will look like. We have a number of ways we could approach revenue enhancement so as to fairly spread the burden of paying for government without hurting small business or impeding economic growth. That’s our challenge but my point is that this year, for the first time in a while, I think we will be rolling up our sleeves and really trying to figure it out. The addition of over 40 freshman in the House will definitely change the dialogue.
Matt Pivarnik President and CEO Curtis Sneden Executive Vice President Government Relations Ashley Charest Vice President Resource Development Andrea Bailey Vice President Administration and Finance Jared Hitchens Communications Specialist Matthew Lara Communications Specialist Jes Dawkins Executive Assistant Jensen Moore Administrative/Event Assistant
Chamber Officers Janet Stanek Chair of the Board Paul Bossert Chair of the Board-Elect Chris McGee Treasurer
S: Fourteen in the Senate.
Brent Boles Immediate Past Chair
P: Right. That tells us a couple of things. First, a number of my colleagues from last year simply didn’t run for reelection, I suspect because they knew what an incredibly difficult session this was going to be. Second, I know those new members are eager to dig-in and find solutions and that’s great. I can’t wait to work with them. But this session will involve our making decisions which, while they are hopefully good for the state’s long-term future, are potentially bad for some of our political futures. I’m afraid that’s what we’re in for, but that’s what we signed up for. S: But we knew that when we were knocking on doors this summer! That’s the basic promise Fred and I and our colleagues made. We’re here to make the tough decisions which set the state back on a good long-term course.
Matt Pivarnik President and CEO
Council Vice Chairs Michel’ Cole Marketing James Davis Government Relations Tara Dimick Leadership Sean Frost Young Talent Eugene Williams Diversity Inclusion Lonnie Williams Small Business Gary Yager Resource Development
Cover Photo The beautifully renovated Kansas Statehouse is a buzz as both the Senate and House reconvene to discuss policies and proceedures that will impact all of Kansas.
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/Chamber/ Topeka Fun Finds for January
Celebrate the new year with these tips from your Chamber colleagues.
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If your new year’s resolution was to get back in shape by running again, check out this year’s Topeka-to-Auburn Half Marathon. They’ve added a 2-person relay this year to make it a bit easier and it is hosted by Sunflower Striders Running Club. The race starts at Indian Hills Elementary the morning of Jan. 21. For more information, visit runsignup.com.
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Cupid for a cause is auctioning off Topeka’s most eligible bachelors and bachelorette’s as a benefit for the Military Veteran’s Project, who is on a mission to end military suicide. Come as a single or as a couple and mingle as you help a wonderful cause. The event takes place on Feb. 10 at the Military Vetern’s Project office.
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Housing & Credit Counseling, Inc. will host a one-hour program and agency tour to update you about what HCCI is doing on Feb. 9 at 7:30 a.m. Come see the changes they recently made to both their address and service delivery. This session is just meant to inform, so if you’ve wanted to learn more about HCCI this is your chance.
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The Kansas Historical Society is looking for individuals who would like to take their photography to the next level. Seating is limited in this small session KAA Certification seminar, so register before it is closed by checking out the latest KAA Newsletter.
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Cruise Holidays of Topeka is hosting an educational class to share where the top travel destinations for the year are for retirees. The class will be held on Jan. 26 at 5:30 p.m. This class is put on by Afflora, but anyone interested can participate by calling 785.256.9150.
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Add some lighthearted humor to your January blues by taking in a show at Topeka Civic Theater featuring their Freshman Class. This group of young entertainers perform family-friendly improv that really tickles your funny bone. Their “Superhero” show is on Feb 4 at 7 p.m.; and tickets can be purchased by visiting the box office.
No. 2 Topeka Civic Theater
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Heads up that Valentine’s Day will be upon us before you realize it. Don’t procrastinate. Pay our friends at David’s Jewelers or Briman’s Leading Jewelers a visit before it’s too late. Romance is in the air!
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For those avid hunters out there, KS Expocentre is hosting the Kansas Monster Buck Classic again Jan. 27 - 29. Come see the latest gear and gather tips from your fellow hunters.
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No. 8 Briman’s Leading Jewelers
No. 3 KS Expocentre
TY HYSTEN SELECTED AS CHAIR-ELECT FOR FORGE Forge, Topeka’s young professionals organization, voted Ty Hysten as the 2017 chair-elect during their December Leadership Team Meeting. Hysten works as an employee benefit consultant at Hysten Financial L.L.C. and holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance from Washburn University. He is a licensed insurance agent in the states of Kansas and Missouri for accident, health and life, and Hysten is certified in long-term care insurance. Hysten is a United States Army veteran, having served in both the Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom conflicts. He has been involved in the young professionals organization since 2013. “Forge, to me means going forward to become something that is greater, driving to become a force that has the ability to follow through with our mission of recruiting, retaining and developing new talent for our community,” stated Hysten. “I believe young professionals in our community will not set idle anymore. We will move with a purpose and continue focusing on our four pillars of attraction and retention, leadership, diversity and business development. I’m honored with this opportunity as a volunteer leader. Being able to see and create change is an awesome feeling for me. I plan to work hard, building diversity within our organization and encouraging growth of our new and existing young businesses while creating community partnerships that are diverse.” Sean Frost, current chair of Forge was pleased with the vote and
supported Hysten in running this year. “It is an exciting time for young people in Topeka,” Frost stated. “Forge is going to have a great year and I am excited that Ty Hysten was voted in as our chair-elect. Ty has been integral to our efforts since getting involved as a volunteer and has worked his way up to being a very influential member of our leadership team. He has played a central role in some of our most successful efforts over the last two years. His bold ideas and leadership as chair in 2018 will surely help us forge the path for young professionals in Topeka.” Gabriel O’Shea, executive director of Forge was also very supportive of Hysten running for this position, adding, “I am very excited to work closely with Ty in 2017 as our chair-elect. Ty’s passion and commitment to forging our community ahead shows in all that he does. The chair-elect plays an important role in the long-term success of Forge and the foundations that we lay today and tomorrow will affect young people in Topeka for years to come. We couldn’t have selected a better individual to serve in this role.” The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce launched the young professionals group called Fast Forward in 1999 to provide a forum for young professionals in Topeka and to develop the next generation of leadership. In 2016, Fast Forward rebranded to become Forge in an effort to address challenges facing Topeka in attracting and retaining young talents. As part of the brand change, membership is now free to anyone under 40
“Forge, to me means going forward to become something that is greater, driving to become a force that has the ability to follow through...” - Ty Hysten chair-elect of Forge
thanks to six business benefactors in the community: Advisor’s Excel, Bartlett and West, Capitol Federal, FHLBank, Washburn University and Westar Energy. New members can sign up and see upcoming events by visiting topekaforge.org. TopekaChamber.org January 2017
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GO TOPEKA 2016 REVIEW GO Topeka is applauding 2016 as an outstanding year for economic growth. Highlights from the year are three existing business expansion announcements including Futamura, SE2 and Reser’s Fine Foods. Each of the organizations released the details of their planned expansions with the help of GO Topeka along with the Joint Economic Development Organization’s existing business incentive plan. The three projects will bring a total capital investment of $116.5 million as well as the addition of 408 full time jobs when the projects are complete. Additionally, the total economic impact from the $2 million JEDO investment will provide a one-time $145.6 million surge to the local economy as well as $255.3 million recurring annually once the projects have been completed. Accompanying these retention efforts in the community, GO Topeka’s Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development organization helped support 45 additional full time jobs in 2016 through their small business incentive program, bringing the total full time jobs created in 2016 to 453. “The existing businesses in Topeka continue to impress me,” stated Mayor Larry Wolgast. “Their dedication to growth is something we can’t take for granted. Thank you to those individuals leading the companies that call Topeka home.” Futamura acquired the Tecumseh cellophane plant from Innovia Films in May of 2016. The company is currently working on improvements to the facility that will result in a 60 percent increase to production as they move their Japanese operations to the Topeka plant. “The Tecumseh cellophane plant has been a part of the Topeka 6
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Jared and Emily Rudy pose for a photo at Norseman Brewing Company. Norseman was one of the receievers of EMBD’s Small Business Incentive initiative allowing them to install another fermentation tank in their brewery.
community for more than 55 years,” said Michael Basore, plant manager. “I am very grateful for the support that JEDO, GO Topeka and the State of Kansas have given our facility. This support has been instrumental in giving us the opportunity to be part of the community for another 50 years!” SE2 created 200 new jobs in the Topeka community through a JEDO approved incentive. The company previously employed more than 600 people. The incentive will allow them to provide training and development for existing employees and add up to 200 new employees. “At SE2, skilled talent is at the heart of our business and the foundation block of influencing our client’s experience. The Topeka community has been an invaluable partner to our growth and our success and we appreciate the support of JEDO and GO Topeka. We continue to be committed to the community through our investments in creating additional jobs and through training, developing and retaining
local talent,” said Gautam Thakkar, Chief Executive Officer, SE2. An incentive for Reser’s Fine Foods was approved by JEDO in Fall 2016 and will assist the manufacturer of freshly prepared foods to break ground on a new, state-of-the-art, 300,000 square foot facility this coming spring. The two-phase expansion will provide 40 new jobs with Phase I, as current operations are moved from an existing facility to the new plant. Phase II entails reinvesting in the existing facility and creating 140 new jobs once the remodel is complete.
SE2’s headquarters are located in the Security Benefit building but the company also has offices in New Jersey and Ireland.
“Reser’s roots run deep in Topeka,” said President Mark Reser. “Our family and the company have been connected to the city for decades, and our long-standing partnership with the community has fueled the company’s growth. This new plant reinforces our continued commitment to this community today and into the future.” An additional 2016 highlight was the impact that small businesses had on the local economy through services provided by Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development. Programs such as the Kauffman New Venture training and the Small Business Incentive added a boost to the number of small business starts in the County. As a result, EMBD reported 26 startups, issued 60 small business incentives, and provided counseling that impacted
265 new and existing jobs. EMBD also hosted 33 training classes and other activities, reaching 2,448 individuals in 2016. While 2016 was a wonderful year for businesses that call Topeka home and are expanding, further growth was experienced in attracting new businesses to Topeka. Through meetings with over 200 site consultants and six in-community site visits by outside companies, 22 new projects actively pursued Topeka as a place to build a new facility. Additionally, the GO Topeka website won an award for content and functionality from the Southern Economic Development Council. This award shows that the information and delivery of the information on the GO Topeka website is on par with what is expected for economic development websites across the nation.
To promote growth in Topeka’s education and workforce, GO Topeka provided 92 awards totalling $57,000 in scholarships to students. They also provided 67 bus passes through Topeka Rescue Mission’s CARE Program, allowing individuals that didn’t previously have a means to get to work a system where they could reach their job. Additionally, 950 students were reached through classroom presentations, promoting local businesses career opportunities to the students who were not planning to pursue a four year degree. The presentation of GO Topeka’s 2016 highlights along with the 2017 projected goals can be viewed on City4’s YouTube channel.
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Working for Your Happily Ever After
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Business buzz
CITY OF TOPEKA MAKES REPORTING MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS EASIER WITH LAUNCH OF NEW APP
Reporting potholes, downed tree limbs, missing street signs and other maintenance problems just became easier in the City of Topeka.
“SeeClickFix Topeka is a true citizen engagement tool in that it allows for two-way, immediate and simple communication that leads to tangible results,” Gerber said. “Further, we can use the data On Jan. 3, 2017, the city launched generated through citizen service a new, free smartphone app – requests to target our resources to SeeClickFix Topeka – that allows address trends we see in the app.” residents to make quick and easy service requests to the City. Users For a quick primer on how to use can opt to share their location, the tool, see the 2-minute video that for easier reporting, and have the can be found on the city’s website. option to take photos of the issue they want fixed. It is available on the Google Play and iTunes stores. “The City hopes to receive three things from the SeeClickFix app,” said Interim City Manager Doug Gerber. “First, to get feedback from our citizens. Second, to help educate citizens about City services. And third, to streamline our efforts to provide timely and transparent services to our citizens.”
The app also features direct links to other important City functions, such as bill and ticket payment, the City’s social media accounts and the open data portal. “SeeClickFix won’t just put us on a level playing field – it changes the game for us,” said Amber Reynolds, Technical Support Group Manager. “We are embarking on a journey of symbiotic citizen engagement, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s about to happen with our relationship with our citizens.” The app cost $35,000 to launch, paid through the Technical Support Group fee which is paid by city departments. Those without smartphones can still make service requests by visiting topeka.org/SeeClickFix or calling 785.368.3111.
What’s missing here?
YOUR AD!
Advertise to your fellow members in both Topeka Business and the weekly eNews by emailing jhitchens@topekachamber.org.
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Have news that you’d like to include here? Send it to jhitchens@topekachamber.org.
Business buzz
52 FOULSTON SIEFKIN ATTORNEYS SELECTED TO 2015 SUPER LAWYERS AND RISING STARS LISTS Foulston Siefkin attorneys are regularly selected Super Lawyers and Rising Stars by Super Lawyers, a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. In 2015, 44 attorneys were selected to Super Lawyers, and 8 were named Rising Stars. The 44 Foulston Siefkin attorneys named Super Lawyers are Stanley Andeel, James Armstrong, Gary Ayers, Vaughn Burkholder, Boyd Byers, Wendell “Bud” Cowan, Toby Crouse, Terry Cupps, Holly Dyer, Charles Efflandt, Jack Focht, Jay Fowler, Jim Goering, Douglas Hanisch, Charles “Dick”
Hay, Wyatt Hoch, Chris Hurst, Jeffrey Hurt, Jeffery Jordan, Stephen Kerwick, Amy Lemley, Marta Fisher Linenberger, Scott Nehrbass, Andrew Nolan, James Oliver, Tim O’Sullivan, Scott Palecki, James Rankin, Jay Rector, David Rogers, Tony Rupp, Harvey Sorensen, Kyle Steadman, Mikel Stout, Todd Tedesco, Tom Theis, Trisha Thelen, David Traster, William Trenkle, Darrell Warta, Stewart Weaver, Craig West, Bill Wood, and Charles Woodin. Four attorneys – Stanley Andeel, Gary Ayers, Terry Cupps, and Darrell Warta – are being recognized as Super Lawyers for the tenth year. The eight attorneys achieving Rising Star status are Brooke
Bennett Aziere, Daniel Buller, Tara Eberline, Gordon Kirsten, Jason Lacey, Bill Matthews, Michael Norton, and Matthew Stromberg. To be eligible for inclusion in Rising Stars, a candidate must be either 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less. This list is published annually in Super Lawyers Magazine. Foulston Siefkin LLP is the largest law firm in Kansas with more than 90 attorneys and offices in Wichita, Kansas City and Topeka. Visit www.foulston.com for more information.
Suited for Your Business. Jeff Hiestand
SVP, Commercial Loan Officer
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INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT - GLASS INDUSTRY As the new year begins, we will commence a new tradition within Topeka Business. Each issue we will be highlighting the diverse businesses that embody a certain industry. Our first month we would like to kick things off with the glass industry. JAYHAWK BODY SHOP AND GLASS History Since the 1950s, Jayhawk Body Shop & Glass has offered custom glass and auto body repair to Topeka and the surrounding areas. What they actually do Jayhawk Body Shop is an automotive glass and collision repair facility. The shop handles windshield chip and crack repair, windshield replacement and electric window repair. Specialists offer mobile, onsite service. Jayhawk Body Shop also offers reliable auto painting and extensive painting services. Contact Info
Jayhawk Body Shop & Glass Kevin Dunford, general manager 910 SW Sixth Ave. 785.354.1758 jayhawkbodyshopandglass. com. SOWARDS GLASS, INC. History Sowards Glass, Inc. was started in 1992 by Keith and Linda Sowards. The company Kansas Children’s Discovery Center was a project that was incorporated on July 1, Soward’s Glass provided the windows for. They are currently working on the new FHLBank just north of 6th 1995. In the last 25 years and Wanamaker. Sowards Glass has installed your business or through a general glass for commercial contractor. businesses, schools and hospitals in the Topeka area. Contact Info Sowards Glass What they actually do Topeka - 2011 NW Topeka Blvd. Sowards Glass professional Kansas City - 15352 S. Keeler St. glaziers specialize in the 785.233.4466 installment of commercial sowardsglassinc.com. storefronts, entrances and curtainwall systems, canopies, sunshades, windows, mirrors, commercial shower doors, firerated glass and more. In addition, the company will work directly with
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Advertise with Us! Contact jhitchens@topekachamber.org 10
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Welcome, new members
New Members
Reinvestments
Furniture Mall of Kansas
MBI, Inc.
Please help us welcome our newest members to the Chamber!
A-1 Lock and Key, LLC
Gage Center Dental Group
Midwest Housing Equity Group -
Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds &
(December 2016)
Adecco
Accounting Center, Inc.
Kitchen Gallery 5331 SW 22nd Pl # 26 Topeka, KS 66614 785.273.6436
American Pre-Sort, Inc.
Enterprise Holdings 333 SW Topeka Blvd. Topeka, KS 66603 913.967.8494
Chick-fil-A
Architect One, P.A. 103 s 4th Street, Suite 205-B Manhattan, KS 66502 785.271.7010
Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant Brown V. Board - National Park Service
Kansas Operations Penny Morgan Financial Service
Palmer LLP
Nichols and Wolfe Chartered
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Oasis Family Medicine
Company Hamilton, Wilson & Hendrickson
Ricks Advanced Dermatology &
Heritage Bank
Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas CoreFirst Bank & Trust Crown Colony Apartments CustomSkin Medspa, LLC Darrell’s Service David’s Jewelers The Dirty Dog Dunkin’ Donuts Four Seasons Pools
Associates, LLC Porterfield’s Flowers & Gifts
Orthodontics Indepsys Technology Group, LLC
Skin Surgery
Jayhawk File Express, LLC
Rural Development Corp
The Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital
Security National Properties Funding II LLC
Kansas Turnpike Authority KScharacter.org
Topeka Periodontics, PA
Laird Noller Ford
Townsite Cafe/Peachtree Catering
Lawyers Title of Topeka, Inc.
West Ridge Lanes & Family
Legend Senior Living Massage Envy
Fun Center Zimmerman & Zimmerman PA
HEARTLAND VISIONING ANNUAL SUMMARY Hearltand Visioning saw 2016 as a record year for growth and accomplishments across the board. Volunteers stepped up and participated in the steering committee, community surveys, the formation of a Monroe NIA as well as the renewal of the downtown NIA. The Oregon Trail Charette that took place in August of 2016 set a record for most participants involved in the process according to the National Park Service (NPS) staff. There were more than 100 participants for the all-day design charrette and over 40 pre-feedback forms from all over the community. The NPS staff also noted the highlight of the week was the involvement of the Quincy Elementary students. “Quincy students loved the NPS Charette,” said Susan Liotta,
Principal of Quincy Elementary School. “They saw the big picture of working for the future and next generations. That’s a difficult concept to capture with elementarystudents . We are thankful for the inclusion of young minds in planning projects.” “The community involvement in 2016 shot through the roof,” said Kristen Brunkow, Director of Communications and Community Engagement. “Along with breaking the National Park Service’s records with our Oregon Trail involvement, our neighborhood meetings had 60 plus people and NOTO Phase II input meetings had over 80 people at all 3 meetings. Our community’s increased involvement is evidence of positive change!” “Planning for 2017 moves us from problem solving to
recognition and promotion of our successes,” said John Hunter, Executive Director of Heartland Visioning. “The Holistic Economic Development Strategy and the inter-city visit to Des Moines paint a picture for our future. The changes we are making today will have a positive impact on our community in the years ahead.” In 2017 network teams at Steering Committee will include, “grow the core,” neighborhood revitalization, community pride and recruit Topeka & Shawnee County first. The January Steering Committee will kick off the start of Topeka’s Social Ambassadors making it easy for every-day citizens to learn and celebrate positive advancements. “There has not been a time when I was more proud to live in and be a part of the Greater Topeka community,” said Miriam Krehbiel, 2016 chair of Heartland Visioning. “These are exciting times with great opportunities on the horizon. I moved back to Topeka in 2008 and was struck by the negative perspective people had about the community in which we live. That is not the case today!” TopekaChamber.org January 2017
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Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce 120 SE Sixth Ave., Suite 110 Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515 Periodical postage paid at Topeka, Kansas
Topeka Business Topeka Business (USPS 576520) is published monthly for members of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, 120 SE Sixth Ave., Suite 110, Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515, 785.234.2644. Periodical postage is paid at Topeka, Kansas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Topeka Business 120 SE Sixth Ave., Suite 110 Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515 Editor: Jared Hitchens
Thur. 19th January
Wed. 8th
February Wed. 8th
February
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 Annual Meeting 11:30 - 1 p.m. Ramada Topeka Downtown 420 SE 6th Ave Chamber Caffeine Connection 7:30 a.m.- 8:30 a.m. Sun Resorts Tanning Salon 2919 SW Wanamaker Rd Military Relations Council Luncheon 11:30 - 1 p.m. Capitol Plaza Hotel - Shawnee Ballroom 1717 SW Topeka Blvd
Forge Pub Club Thur. 5 - 7:30 p.m. 16th TBA February
Business After Hours Tues. 5 - 7 p.m. 21st Kansas Health Institute
February
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212 SW 8th Ave, Suite 300
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TopekaChamber.org
Forge’s Pub Club, which provides an opportunity for young professionals to network in a fun environment while showcasing local businesses in the Greater Topeka area. The Pub Club will be the 3rd Thursday of every month at a different venue/bar/restaurant. If you are interested in hosting a Pub Club please contact Gabriel O’Shea at goshea@greatertopeka.org.
The Military Relations Council’s mission is to raise awareness and appreciation between our military and civilian communities in Shawnee County with the result that Topeka will be known as a community which values its military installations and service men and women, active and veteran, as integral parts of our local economy and culture. This specific luncheon addresses the reintegration of men and women into Topeka’s workforce post active service.