TOP Mag Summer 2022

GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP

SPRING/SUMMER 2022

MEMBERS ONLY

TAP THAT TOPEKA 2022

HEALTH CARE

OPTIONS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

TOPEKA SPORTS COMMISSION FOCUSES ON MARKET GROWTH

The Art of Retirement Artists and innovators are often visionaries, rethinking accepted norms while proposing ideas to reshape the future.

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Coupled with extensive expertise in multiple wealth segments, our aim has always been to help dedicated financial professionals secure confident, comfortable retirements for their clients.

After 130 years, we are not running out of good ideas.

Along our journey, we’ve been inspired by so many artists and innovators striving to make a difference.

Security Benefit was a proud sponsor of the Brown vs Board mural in Topeka, Kansas.

Security Benefit products are available exclusively through independent financial professionals.

For more information about Security Benefit, visit SecurityBenefit.com.

One Security Benefit Place | Topeka, KS 66636 SB-10016-34 | 2022/01/22

y

LETTER FROM THE

EDITOR T

hanks for picking up the latest edition of Top Mag, a publication of the Greater Topeka Partnership!

Through this biannual magazine, we try to shine a light on some of the spectacular events, programs and people shaping our capital city. We recognize the GTP isn’t alone in its quest for greater local and regional economic prosperity, and we remain thankful for the wonderful community partners helping to see this work through.

In the pages ahead, you’ll learn more about recent and current initiatives being spearheaded by the partnership’s four founding organizations — Downtown Topeka Inc., GO Topeka, Visit Topeka and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. I hope it becomes clear just how hard GTP staff are working to empower businesses, uplift residents, improve wellbeing, and provide exciting activities for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.

Read on to learn more about special citywide activations like Topeka Dino Days and the Topeka Area Sports Commission; innovative new measures like the Chamber Blue of Kansas health plan open to GTP members; talent-attraction efforts, such as Forge Young Talent and Choose Topeka; local equity and opportunity initiatives taking root; and so much more!

After reading, we hope you’re inspired to share this great news with others in your social circle, workplace and community — because ensuring that Topeka and Shawnee County residents are informed and aware of ongoing development, in many ways, is just as important as the work itself.

Sincerely,

After reading, we hope you’re inspired to share this great news with others in your social circle, workplace and community

India Yarborough GTP Communications Manager

al

m.

EDITOR

Please recycle this magazine or pass it on to a friend.

CONTRIBUTORS

Bob Ross Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications India Yarborough Communications Manager

Jared Hitchens Erin Young Logan Hildebrand Israel Sanchez

All information is accurate at the time of printing.

However, the Greater Topeka Partnership does not assume responsibility for accuracy.

All rights reserved.

Carolyn Lang

Marketing Director Account Manager Account Manager Marketing Project Mgr.

LAYOUT & DESIGN Brand Manager

NOW, GREATER

TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP MEMBERS CAN ACCESS A NEW HEALTH PLAN!

CHAMBER BLUE OF KANSAS is an association health plan that allows employers to join together to purchase insurance. A larger pool of people and businesses enrolled in the plan may mean more plan options and potentially lower costs.

The Partnership has led the way in making this health plan a reality by forging a collaboration between BCBSKS and more than two dozen chambers of commerce from across Kansas. In Shawnee County, Chamber Blue of Kansas is open to employers who have two or more employees and are current, duespaying members of the Greater Topeka Partnership.

“This is a big deal, and a new concept for the GTP and our members,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “We’re excited to see Chamber Blue of Kansas come online, as it could mean better health coverage at lower costs for many of the local businesses that make our community great. For this plan to be as impactful as possible, we need lots of employers to get on board.”

To become a member of the Greater Topeka Partnership, visit TopekaPartnership.com/GTP-membership Questions about chamber membership may also be directed to MemberRelations@TopekaPartnership.com.

Ask how you can join the GTP’s Small Business Council!

”

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38

CONTENTS DINO Days................................................6 Ignite: Ready to Launch................................8 Chamber Blue of Kansas............................12 Intercity Visit.............................................14 Talent Attraction........................................16 Choose Topeka.........................................17

YOUNG TA L E N T

Forge Young Talent..............18

Topeka Area Sports Commission......26 Startups...................................................25 Local Sports..............................................26 Membership News....................................28 Downtown Topeka.....................................31 Partnership Events.....................................32 Small Business Awards..............................36 DEI Updates.............................................38

Employment, Workforce, Economy..............20 Innovation Center Plans..............................24

Momentum Campaign...............................40 Media Highlights......................................41

Summer 2022 | 5

DINODAYS A ROARING SUCCESS

T

hree of the city’s four core Topeka Dino Days exhibits opened in February, with the final exhibit coming online in early March. February also marked the launch of Visit Topeka’s Dino Days Explorer Passport. On Feb. 4, “SUE: The T. rex Experience” at Great Overland Station opened to the public. Then, on Feb. 24, “Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies” at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center opened, along with the “Topeka Dino Days Base Camp” at our downtown visitor’s center. The SUE exhibit remained open through May 1, while Tiny Titans and the base camp was open through May 30. On March 10, “Dinosaurs Alive! Created by Dino Don Inc.” at the Topeka Zoo opened. The attraction was so successful that the zoo decided to extend its exhibit through midJuly.

DINO DAYS LEADS TO RECORD ATTENDANCE AT DISCOVERY CENTER, ZOO All four core Topeka Dino Days exhibits have proven to be a hit among locals and visitors alike!

During the run of “SUE: The T. rex Experience” at Great Overland Station, more than 17,000 people visited the exhibit from at least 19 different states. Meanwhile, the exhibit generated more than $200,000 in ticket sales and $60,000 in merchandise sales. Add this to the record-setting attendance numbers reported by the Topeka Zoo, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center and Downtown Information Center in March, April and May, and you get a staggering 150,000 attendees — not including numbers for June and July!

6 | TOP

Summer 2022 | 7

IGNITE

READY TO LAUNCH

M

ore than 500 GTP members attended the partnership’s 2022 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 22. We ditched the usual luncheon for an afternoon of music, drinks, reflection and networking. The room was decorated in full with help from ACA Event Rental, and a special thanks goes out to Evergy, our presenting sponsor. We hope you enjoy this small gallery of the afternoon’s festivities!

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Winter 2021 | 9

Quality Care in the Heart of Topeka The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus is proud to be a part of a long legacy of high-quality, compassionate care. For more than 100 years, the hospital has combined compassionate care with lifesaving technological advancements to our patients and the communities served.

Today, the hospital has 378 licensed beds, a history of technological advancements and a generous and supportive community.

Full Accredidation by the Joint Commission

Advanced Primary Stroke Center

Accredited Chest Pain Center

1700 SW 7th St., Topeka, KS 66606 785-295-8000 kutopeka.com

Ambulatory Surgery Center

5 Primary Care Locations

3 Urgent Care Location

17 Specialty Care Clinics

CONGRATULATIONS

FOR 80 YEARS OF

MEMBERSHIP

Precision Machine Shop Industrial Millwrights Metal Fabrication 24 Hr Emergency Services

The Only Thing More Important Than Our Reputation...

Is Yours 7057 K4 Hwy, Meriden, KS 66512 785-484-2466

When it comes to your to-do list, put your future first.

To find out how to get your financial goals on track, contact us for a complimentary review.

Community Is Everything Scott D Van Genderen, CFP®, ChFC®, AAMS® edwardjones.com FAP-1966F-A

Financial Advisor

Member SIPC

4009 Sw 10th Ave Topeka, KS 66604-1916 785-273-2277

Summer 2022 | 11

CHAMBER BLUE OF KANSAS

LOCAL BUSINESSES HAVE NEW OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN GREATER TOPEKA PARTNERSHIP HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN

T

he Greater Topeka Partnership has teamed up with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Kansas to offer area businesses access to health-insurance savings typically associated with large-group medical coverage.

The new opportunity, dubbed Chamber Blue of Kansas, is an association health plan that allows employers to join together to purchase insurance. A larger pool of people and businesses enrolled in the plan may mean more plan options and potentially lower costs.

“This is a big deal, and a new concept for the GTP and our members,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “We’re excited to see Chamber Blue of Kansas come online, as it could mean better health coverage at lower costs for many of the local businesses that make our community great. For this plan to be as impactful as possible, we need lots of employers to get on board.”

More than two dozen chambers of commerce in Kansas have partnered with BCBSKS to make this health plan a reality, and Topeka’s chamber was one of the first to sign on. In Shawnee County, Chamber Blue of Kansas is open to employers who have two or more employees and are current, dues-paying members of the Greater Topeka Partnership.

Chamber Blue of Kansas improves employers’ abilities to attract and retain top talent by elevating their buying power and increasing their access to health-care coverage provided by the state’s largest healthinsurance provider. Area businesses interested in Chamber Blue of Kansas are encouraged to visit BCBSKS.com/ChamberBlueKS. To become a member of the Greater Topeka Partnership, visit TopekaPartnership.com/ GTP-membership. Questions about chamber membership may also be directed to MemberRelations@TopekaPartnership.com.

“Chamber Blue of Kansas could be a game-changer for Shawnee County businesses,” said Curtis Sneden, president of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. “Chambers across Kansas have been working hard to stand up this plan because we recognize health coverage is a vital part of employee compensation. The easier it is for employers to provide affordable health insurance, the easier it will be for them to attract new employees and the happier those employees will be.”

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Chamber Blue of Kansas could be a game-changer for Shawnee County businesses.

THE CHAMBER BLUE OF KANSAS AHP IS AVAILABLE TO ALL EMPLOYERS WHO: • Employ two or more W2 employees • Members in good standing of a participating chamber Regulated by the Kansas Insurance Department and Department of Labor, this AHP provides more value for you and your business: • A dedicated account management team – one-on-one support – telephone, virtual or on-site • More choice with five health insurance plan options • Stability of rates with a larger pool of participants • Composite rating – A uniform rate for the group based on average risk rather than rating each member individually • Attract and retain top talent with your insurance benefit offering: health, dental, life and disability • Marketing and communications support: promoting the health insurance plan to your employees with a resource website

Summer 2022 | 13

14 | TOP

INTERCITY

VISIT

A

pril brought our biggest trip of the year, the 2022 Joint Intercity Visit! Nearly 130 attendees from Topeka and Lawrence traveled to northwest Arkansas to network, explore and learn about NWA’s uniquely collaborative economic development. The trip kicked off with panel discussions featuring the heads of all five NWA-area chambers, as well as members of the NWA Council.

Attendees were also able to hear from the local mayors, gain a better understanding of the area’s collaborative development, and learn about the challenges NWA has had to overcome. Thank you to all of our sponsors for making the trip posible!

Summer 2022 | 15

[ TALENTATTRACTION ]

TOPCITY INTERNS

TOP CITY TEACHERS

T

op City Teachers re-launched Treception on Jan. 27 with a kickoff at the Greater Topeka

PLANNING MOVES FORWARD he 2022 session of TopCity Interns kicked off June 2, with the program’s annual event at the Topeka Zoo. Close to 160 interns are in Topeka this summer for their respective internship programs, representing a return to TopCity Interns’ pre-pandemic enrollment numbers. In addition to the zoo kickoff event, TopCity Interns hosted a social event June 9 at The Pennant, with interns showing up to play games, enjoy drinks and food, and connect with peers in the program. TopCity Interns in June also offered a webinar led by Clayton Wealth Partners, covering “Financial Basics for the College Intern.”

Other events slated for the summer include an influential leaders panel hosted by Advisors Excel, an online resumebuilding workshop, and an end-of-summer golf bash at GreatLife North. TopCity Interns is designed to help Topekaarea employers retain talent and is a supplemental tool those employers may leverage to better engage interns while they’re in Topeka for the summer.

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KICKS OFF 2022 PROGRAMMING

Partnership. Top City Teachers is a talent-retention program for new teachers and student teachers, that is designed to introduce them to the Topeka and Shawnee County community and provide some professional development along the way. For more information or to get involved, contact Trina Goss at Trina.Goss@ TopekaPartnership.com.

CHOOSE TOPEKA RECEPTION HELD AT

REDBUD PARK

O

n April 1, GO Topeka hosted a welcome reception for the Choose Topeka candidates that have relocated to Shawnee County through the program. The reception was held at NOTO’s Redbud Park to coincide with the April First Friday art walk, and about 35 Choose Topeka recipients and their families were in attendance. Many shared that they enjoyed getting to know each other, and several attendees ended the evening by having dinner together at a local restaurant, with plans to meet up once a month going forward. GO Topeka expects to continue hosting events for those who have moved to Topeka through the Choose Topeka program, and our team hopes to see their friendships and community involvement grow through the process.

THE LATEST ON CHOOSE TOPEKA The Choose Topeka relocation initiative has continued to attract applicants, with a total of 72 candidates having relocated to Topeka/Shawnee County since the program’s launch. Of those new Topeka residents, 27 are remote workers, and 45 moved thanks to an employer match.

Those workers come from 22 different states and the District of Columbia. Many brought spouses or family members with them. The average salary for remote Choose Topeka candidates is $80,843, while the average salary for employer match candidates is $91,928.

According to the GTP’s director of business and talent initiatives, the Choose Topeka program has seen an increase recently in the number of employer submissions.

The program remains a great option for companies looking to fill those hard-to-fill positions

Summer 2022 | 17

FORGE

YOUNG TALENT

YOUN G TALEN T

FORGE PARTNERS TO SAVE SHAWNEE COUNTY SPELLING BEE Following an unexpected cancellation of the 68th annual Shawnee County Spelling Bee, Forge Young Talent and the Greater Topeka Partnership teamed up with Auburn-Washburn USD 437 to ensure the competition went on. Through quick communication and action during the month of February, the group worked to save the Shawnee County Spelling Bee so local kids who have studied hard to be there would still have a chance to compete for a spot at the Sunflower State Spelling Bee in late March.

The Shawnee County Spelling Bee was held Saturday, March 5 at the Washburn Rural High School auditorium.

Forge volunteers stepped up to serve as judges on the day of the event. Volunteers also helped with set-up and takedown, and the spelling bee winner took home a trophy sponsorsored by the GTP.

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FORGE LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE AS PART OF 2022 RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN

F

orge Young Talent launched a new website and kicked off a multi-level recruitment campaign this past spring. The revamped website, which is now live, has been updated to feature a cleaner aesthetic, the most recent Forge-related information, herd-specific pages tailored to potential members’ interests, and much more. The new website may be found at TopekaForge.org.

Along with the website, Forge rolled out a recruitment campaign in the spring that used multi-channel marketing to reach a wide audience. Then, in the fall, the organization will collaborate with regional colleges and Choose Topeka to spread the word that Kansas’ capital city is a place full of opportunities for employment and community involvement for young professionals. In addition, Forge has relaunched its “Pub Club” series, a happy-hour-themed networking event designed for young professionals, and is looking to stand up new events that cater to a variety of interests.

FORGE PARTNERS WITH BGCT TO HOLD ‘LIVE YOUR DREAM SYMPOSIUM’

I

n February, Forge Young Talent partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs of Topeka to host the Forge “Live Your Dream Symposium” at the BGCT Teen Center. On Feb. 18, BGCT kids had the chance to hear from a diverse group of area professionals from various industries, including community building, law, engineering, medicine, law enforcement and much more. Club kids participating in the symposium had the opportunity to connect with professionals in small-group settings to learn more about their work, ask questions and begin to visualize their own futures. The kids also enjoyed food provided by Milk & Honey Coffee Co. and Flavor Wagon, and the day culminated with a tour of Washburn Tech East. “This symposium is important to Forge because our desire to improve our community doesn’t stop with our current generation,” said Del-Metrius Herron, member of the Forge executive team. “The youth that participated ... are the future of our community. We want them to see the amazing people and opportunities that are right in their backyard.”

FORGE RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN YIELDS NEW MEMBERS

Forge Young Talent’s spring recruitment campaign closed at the end of June, with the campaign’s performance exceeding expectations and leading to dozens of new members. The campaign ran for seven weeks, starting in April and following the launch of the new TopekaForge.org website. In total, the campaign saw 145,153 impressions across social media, reached 44,814 unique accounts on social, and accumulated 124,018 impressions through WIBW channels, which circulated three digital ads. That engagement led to more than 70 new Forge sign-ups during the campaign period.

FORGE ANNOUNCES DEI OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEMBERS With the formation of Forge’s DEI Oversight Committee, the leadership team has approved nominations to the committee and are pleased to announced the following committee members: • BRANDON MORENO, Kansas Department of Health and Environment • DESIREE PERRY, Capitol Federal Savings Bank • SUSANA ORTIZ, Ad Astra Per Aspera Counseling LLC • FATIMA LUTHI, Envista Credit Union

Summer 2022 | 19

[ EMPLOYMENTWORKFORCEECONOMY ]

GTP STAFF UPDATES PATTERSON STEPS INTO NEW ROLE CFO Natalie Zeller, who has been with the GTP since 2018, announced she is leaving the partnership to become the senior financial leader for a Kansas-based agtech startup. While we were sad to see Natalie go, we were thankful for her dedication and leadership over the past four years and wish her all the best as she embarks on this new adventure! Her last day with the partnership was May 5.

Both the GO Topeka and Visit Topeka audits were finalized before she left, and the GTP’s consolidated audit was nearing completion. Thankfully, the GTP has identified the right candidate to fill her position. Josh Patterson, who has been with the partnership since 2018 and most recently served as controller for the finance team, became senior vice president of finance and administration after Natalie's departure.

We hope you’ll help us congratulate him on this well-deserved promotion!

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V

isit Topeka announced in late May that Sean Dixon, president of the organization, has completed the requirements necessary to become a Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME), the highest individual certification bestowed upon professionals in the tourism industry. According to Destinations International, the accrediting organization, the CDME program prepares senior executives to thrive in a constantly changing tourism environment, while focusing on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies. Through the CDME program, Dixon completed courses covering destination management, sales and marketing, leadership strategies, advocacy and community relations, financial management, and more. As the tourism industry continues to grow and evolve, Dixon will have opportunities through the CDME program to continue his professional education and may seek recertification every four years. We hope you’ll help us congratulate him on this accomplishment!

WASHINGTON TO SERVE ON STATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TASK FORCE GO Topeka’s Glenda Washington, who serves as chief equity and opportunity officer, has agreed to serve on the newly formed Kansas Women’s Economic Development Task Force created by United WE, a Kansas City-based nonprofit that tackles barriers to women’s economic participation and growth. Through the task force, United WE is hosting a Kansas Town Hall listening tour to hear from members of various communities about barriers impacting women’s participation in the workforce. Key issues being discussed include employment, income, education, child care, health, social and economic status, and public engagement. The first session of the listening tour took place June 23 in Topeka. All sessions are free and open to the public.

GO TOPEKA WELCOMES NEW SVP OF INNOVATION

G

O Topeka has hired Stephanie Moran to serve as the organization’s new senior vice president of innovation. She has assumed the role previously held by Katrin Bridges. Moran comes to GO Topeka after spending three years as president of Nutri-Shield, a Kansas-based agriculture startup. Moran also spent 18 years at Payless Shoe-Source’s headquarters and led many efforts, including the creation of their international franchising division. At GO Topeka, Moran will build on progress made in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship, and pursue new inititatives that arise under her leadership. Moran’s first day with GO Topeka was March 28. Please welcome her to the GTP team!

GO TOPEKA’S MOLLY HOWEY NAMED A TOP50 ECONOMIC DEVELOPER Consultant Connect, a leading international resource for economic developers and location consultants, recently named GO Topeka president Molly Howey one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers.

The organization announced its 2022 class of leading economic developers via social media on April 12.

According to its website, Consultant Connect each year asks its robust site-selector and economic-development communities to nominate individuals worthy of such recognition. This year’s Top 50 Economic Developers will be honored during the 2022 ECONOMIX conference, which is scheduled for Dec. 6-8 in Columbus, Ohio.

DTI PRESIDENT NAMED 2022 IDA FELLOW Rhiannon Friedman, president of Downtown Topeka Inc., was recently selected as a 2022 International Downtown Association Fellow, becoming one of only 30 urban-place-management professionals from across the country to take part in this year’s fellowship program. Downtown association fellows include professionals who have been identified as future leaders in the urban-place-management field. The 30 fellows chosen for the association’s 2022 cohort traveled to New York City in June to take part in “the most robust and significant professional development experience ever offered by the International Downtown Association,” the IDA noted in its acceptance letter.

GTP WELCOMES NEW HIRES

In January, Michelle Treglio joined the partnership as resource development coordinator. Treglio most recently worked for the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. A mom of three, Treglio moved to Topeka in 2015 from Suffolk County, New York. She previously owned Mother Moon Dance in Barrington Village and, as a business owner, was a member of the Topeka Chamber.

On Jan. 31, Kate Garren joined the partnership as executive assistant on the Visit Topeka side. Garren previously worked as a Municipal Court Clerk for the city of Topeka and is a graduate of Missouri Southern State University. A native of Carthage, Missouri, Garren moved to Topeka about a year ago with her husband. She is the bonus mom to four awesome children. Garren said she has fallen in love with Topeka and she and her family are proud to call the city, “Home.”

In April, Janice Purney came on board as an executive coordinator to Chamber, DTI and Momentum 2027 Strategy. Purney is a longtime resident of Topeka and a graduate of Shawnee Heights.

She previously worked at Security Benefit as an account representative. Purney is married with one son, a daughter-in-law and two granddaughters that she loves spending time with.

Summer 2022 | 21

SHAWNEE CO. LABOR MARKET

SEES RECORD-LOW UNEMPLOYMENT

D

ecember labor statistics showed a record-breaking low unemployment rate in Shawnee County not seen in more than 30 years. The county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 2.3%, meaning about 2,016 working-age people are unemployed in the area. There are pros and cons to having such a low level of unemployment. On one hand, it means there are fewer people out of work, potentially more jobs in the market and higher wages. On the other hand, it may result in difficulties recruiting talent, wage inflation, reduction in productivity and a smaller labor force. Some local businesses are having to deal with those negative effects. We are seeing a shrinking local labor force, as more than 7,000 workers left the labor pool during the second half of 2021. This may be because workers remain fearful of COVID-19, some retired early, or they are on the side lines waiting for better opportunities. Either way, those conditions create a tight labor market. Earlier this year, there were more than 6,000 active online job postings in Shawnee County. More than 40% of those jobs are in occupations related to computers and mathematics, health care, management, and sales. We could see some relief in the near future as COVID wanes, but that is difficult to predict with certainty.

CONSUMPTION IN SHAWNEE COUNTY

INCREASED BY 12% FROM PREVIOUS YEAR

According to data compiled by GO Topeka’s senior economic advisor, local consumption in Shawnee County increased by 12% in 2021, compared to 2020, and by 16% compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic level). In 2021, there were close to $3.8 billion in taxable sales in the county, including sales in retail, food and beverage, personal property, online shopping, and more.

Brick-and-mortar sales grew by 9% between 2021 and 2020, while online shopping grew by 28% during the same period. Online shopping continues to grow at a rapid pace. In 2019, there were close to $486 million in online sales. In 2020, that number rose to $579 million, and in 2021, $739 million in online sales were recorded. Overall consumption and demand for goods and services in the county remains strong, although changes in inflation may affect how local consumers spend their money.

22 | TOP

150 NEW BUSINESSES FORMED IN SHAWNEE CO. OVER PAST YEAR Between February 2021 and February 2022, 150 new businesses were formed and established in Shawnee County. Most of those businesses were located within the city of Topeka limits. Both geographic location and industry affiliation of those new businesses vary widely. We are seeing business growth in real estate, insurance, agtech, health services, food and beverage, industrial machinery, and more. Some of these newly formed businesses required brickand-mortar facilities, but some service-oriented and family-owned businesses did not. This explains new business formation within residential neighborhoods.

GO TOPEKA, CHAMBER PARTNER TO HOLD CHILD CARE SUMMIT

MARS EXPANDING IN TOPEKA,

CREATING 100+ NEW JOBS M

ars Wrigley in early April announced it would expand production at its Topeka manufacturing facility to the tune of $175 million.

The expansion is expected to create more than 100 new jobs this year and will result in local production of candies like Milky Way and 3 Musketeers. With this expansion, Mars Wrigley will have created about 500 jobs and invested more than $750 million in the area since joining the community in 2014.

HOUSING ADVOCACY TASK FORCE MEETS TO IDENTIFY PRIORITIES A group of housing advocates and industry experts have convened to form the Housing Advocacy Task Force, which will address housing challenges and strategies outlined in the Momentum 2027 communitydevelopment plan. The task force is designed to be action-focused and will primarily address challenges related to housing availability. The task force’s most recent meeting was facilitated by the GTP’s Michelle CuevasStubblefield. Together the group identified the following aspirations and priorities: creating more mixed-use developments throughout the city, standing up or re-investing in apartment complexes to ensure they have amenities that are attractive to young professionals and families, revitalizing and restoring existing homes, developing vacant lots, and building new high-quality homes that are smaller and within an affordable price point for moderate-income families. In order to meet these aspirations, the following gaps and challenges may need to be addressed: labor shortages, infrastructure funding, supply-chain costs and delays, developer incentives, marketing the area (so developers are aware of opportunities in and around Topeka), and having a central point of contact for those interested in developing locally. Two initial action items were itentified at the May meeting, and the task force reconvened in June to follow up on progress and determine next steps.

GO Topeka and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce partnered with Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas to hold a child care summit on March 24 with some of the area’s major employers. About 40 attendees were present, representing employers, child care providers and local nonprofits. During the one-day summit, they heard about the supply and demand of child care in Topeka, talked about related workforce implications, listened in on a panel discussion, and participated in small-group discussions about innovative child care solutions that may be possible in our area. In addition, a representative from the K-State Research and Extension office shared a needs assessment the office has been pushing out to other counties in Kansas.

Shanwee County may look to do a similar survey to determine the level of need in Topeka and Shawnee County. Conversations about the aforementioned issues are ongoing, as a child care task force is expected to be established through Momentum 2027; it may consist of some of the players who participated in the March summit. If you have questions or would like more information about upcoming opportunities, please reach out to GO Topeka’s Trina Goss at Trina.Goss@TopekaPartnership. com or the chamber’s Curtis Sneden at Curtis.Sneden@ TopekaPartnership.com.

Summer 2022 | 23

[ INNOVATIONINTHEHEARTLAND ] HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE APPROVES

INNOVATION CENTER PLANS

WINDOW WRAPS ADDED TO FORMER WOLFE’S BUILDING Window wraps featuring renderings of the future ASTRA Innovation Center were installed May 20 on the three downtown buildings that will eventually house the center. Renovation plans for all three of those buildings in the 600 block of S. Kansas Avenue have received final approval from the Kansas State Historic Preservation Office, and plans for two of the buildings have also received federal approval through the National Park Service. Additional information has been sent to finalize approval for the third building.

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PLUG AND PLAY TOPEKA ANNOUNCES THIRD COHORT

OF STARTUPS I

n February, following a virtual pitch competition, Plug and Play Topeka and the program’s corporate partners selected 12 startups to participate in the third cohort of its local accelerator program focused on animal-health and ag-tech innovation. These early-to-mid-stage startups hail from several different states — including California, Pennsylvania and Washington — and six different countries — including Chile, Israel, Italy, Spain, the U.K. and the U.S. The startups represented a broad range of new innovations in areas like sustainable packaging, food systems, pet and livestock health, and energy. The following startups were selected: • • • • • •

Adrich Hargol FoodTech Kauel Technologies Natural Machines PupPod W-Cycle

• • • • • •

Full Cycle Bioplastics Helpet Moolec Science NovoNutrients TeleTails Yoran Imaging

GO TOPEKA WORKING WITH DEALROOM TO LAUNCH STARTUP PLATFORM GO Topeka recently announced the launch of Kansas Innovation Dealroom, a new digital platform designed to track startup activity in northeast Kansas and provide access to company information and ecosystem metrics that demonstrate how the area’s entrepreneurial ecosystem evolves over time. Used by company founders, startups and scale-ups, venture capital firms, and ecosystem stakeholders, the Dealroom platform helps stimulate connections and investments, leading to a more robust and visible startup landscape.

The platform can be found at Kansas-Innovation.Dealroom. co. While initial content will focus on the greater Topeka area, the site will continue to expand to include data for other communities in northeast Kansas.

Summer 2022 | 25

S

en

he

ssor

er song

[ LOCALSPORTS ]

WASHBURN SECURES 2023 NJCAA TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS Accompanying the launch of the Topeka Area Sports Commission, Visit Topeka in early May announced that the capital city has secured a National Junior College Athletic Association championship that is expected to attract some 550 participants to Topeka from colleges across the country. Visit Topeka and Washburn University’s state-of-theart indoor athletic facility will play host in 2023 to the NJCAA Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field Championships.

The track and field championships are expected to feature around 40 teams from NJCAA member colleges nationwide. Several area hotels are preparing to host the hundreds of participating athletes and their coaches. The tournament’s local economic impact is estimated at more than 700 room nights sold and some $150,000 in direct spending by visitors.

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VISIT TOPEKA, COMMUNITY PARTNERS

LAUNCH TOPEKA AREA

SPORTS

COMMISSION

O

n Tuesday, May 3, Visit Topeka and community partners formally announced the creation of the Topeka Area Sports Commission (TASC). The commission was born from a destination development task force that identified the riverfront and youth sports as tourism drivers for the local market. With a riverfront advisory group already in place, the determination was made to establish a single entity dedicated to upgrading existing sports venues, developing new sporting facilities, advocating for sports already in the market, and attracting new opportunities to the area. TASC will be an advocate for not only Topeka and Shawnee County but other surrounding communities, advancing the scope and reach of the area’s sports network. The first order of business for TASC is to undertake a feasibility study that will determine the current inventory, strengths and weaknesses of local sports and their venues, and detail how the greater Topeka area can effectively compete in the Midwest. The study’s completion date will be early August, and excitement is already brewing around what the report may contain.

TRACK-AND-FIELD INVITATIONAL BRINGS

500 YOUTH AT H L E T E S TO

TOPEKA

O

n Saturday, Feb. 19, hundreds of youth athletes — some from as far away as Seattle — competed in the inaugural Topeka Super Indoor Invitational held at Washburn University’s new indoor athletic facility. The event, organized by track-and-field heavyweights Cliff Wiley and Kenneth Ferguson, with help from Visit Topeka, brought 500 participants and their families to the capital city. Wiley and Ferguson hope to make the indoor invitational an annual tradition, and it now seems doable given the success of their inaugural meet.

INQUIRE WITHIN

Summer 2022 | 27

[ MEMBER/PARTNERSHIPNEWS ]

HAPPY

ANNIVERSARY

5YEARS

AIM Strategies, LLC AJ's Import Garage Allen Community College Azura Credit Union - 37th and Topeka Boulevard Azura Wealth Management Bobo's Drive In Breakthrough House, Inc B'well Market Cafe Barnabas/VERGE Carlson Financial Capitol Connection Capitol Federal - Commercial Banking Center Capitol Federal - Gage Branch Capitol Federal - Oakland Branch Capitol Federal - Topeka North Capitol Federal - Boulevard Capitol Federal - Fairlawn Capitol Federal - South Topeka Capitol Federal - Wanamaker Capitol Federal - North Topeka Capitol Federal - Aquarian Center Chocolatey Software Community Bank - North Topeka CoreFirst Bank & Trust - Southwest CoreFirst Bank & Trust - Wanamaker CoreFirst Bank & Trust - West CoreFirst Bank & Trust - North Plaza CoreFirst Bank & Trust - Croco CoreFirst Bank & Trust - Dillons East CoreFirst Bank & Trust - Dillons West CoreFirst Bank & Trust - Downtown CoreFirst Bank & Trust - Fleming Place CoreFirst Bank & Trust - Hunters Ridge Curb Appeal Power Wash 28 | TOP

DBA Distribution Services Dove Cremations & Funerals-Southeast Chapel Dove Cremations & Funerals Southwest Chapel Drager Studios El Centro of Topeka Envista Credit Union (North) Envista Credit Union (East) Envista Credit Union (10th Street) Envista Credit Union (Belle) Envista Credit Union (Holliday Square) Envista Credit Union (Oakland) Falk Architects Inc. Fidelity State Bank & Trust Co. - Gage Center Fidelity State Bank & Trust Co. Southwest Fidelity State Bank & Trust Co. Westridge First United Methodist Church Friends of the Free State Capitol, Inc. Gun Garage and Shooting Range LLC Historic Topeka Cemetery Hog Wild Pit Bar-B-Q Jason's Deli Kansas Towers Kaw Valley Bank - North Kaw Valley Bank - West Kaw Valley Bank - East Kaw Valley Bank - Wanamaker Kaw Valley Bank - Urish Kaw Valley Bank - South Leaping Llamas Artisan Shop Legacy Motor Co. Norsemen Brewing Company Mather Flare Rental Memorial Park Cemetery Mount Hope Cemetery, Funeral Chapel & Reception Center

THESE ARE THE ANNIVERSARY DATES FOR MEMBERS THAT HAVE BEEN WITH THE CHAMBER

Murphy Tractor & Equipment Inc Newcomer Funeral Service Group Inc Parker-Price Cremations, Funerals & Receptions Peter Bellucci Agency, Inc. American Family Insurance Philip Billard VFW Post 1650 Premier One Prairie Band, LLC SERC Physical Therapy (SW Topeka) Shunga Family Dental Care Silver Lake Bank - Southwest Silver Lake Bank - Gage Silver Lake Bank - Silver Lake Sky Zone Topeka Supersonic Music The Brownstone, LLC The Burger Stand The Evel Knievel Museum, Inc. The Foundry Event Center Topeka Electric Motor Repair, Inc U.S. Bank - 21st Street U.S. Bank - Wanamaker U.S. Bank - Pioneer Square U.S. Bank - Rossville U.S. Bank - Silver Lake U.S. Bank - 5th and Jackson U.S. Bank - White Lakes U.S. Bank - Fleming Place VisionBank - Downtown Voya Financial Advisors

10YEARS

Advisors Excel Air Ground Ocean Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.

Center for Nutrition & Preventative Medicine, PA Cornerstone of Topeka, Inc. HTK Architects HR Partners Interim HealthCare of Topeka Mars Wrigley Confectionery Midland Care Findables Resale Store Mike Braum Optimum Health Family Practice Prairie Band Casino & Resort PT's Coffee Roasting Co. Red Robin Reser's Fine Foods - Burrito & Deer Creek Plant SBB Engineering, LLC Simply Sarah's Catering Stevenson Company Inc.

15YEARS

Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant Blue Dot Copeland Insurance Agency Hy-Vee, Inc L&J Building Maintenance LLC Premier Real Estate LLC Topeka Presbyterian Manor

20YEARS

A-1 Lock and Key, LLC Batis Development Bettis Asphalt & Construction, Inc Capital Label, LLC Cassidy Orthodontics Community Resources Council Countertop Shoppe, division of Fisher's Fixtures Inc Darrell's Service Davin Electric Inc Denison State Bank - Topeka Branch Gray & Company Hayden Tower Service Henson, Hutton, Mudrick, Gragson & Vogelsberg LLP Kansas Secured Title Kansas Van & Storage-Criqui Corporation

Land Air Express Inc/Emporia Freight & Delivery Marian Dental Clinic Newbery, Ungerer & Hickert, LLP OFG Financial Performance Tire & Auto Schmidt Vending Schmidtlein Excavating, Inc Shawnee County Sheriff's Office Sowards Glass, Inc Sunflower Foundation Tallgrass Surgical Center The Overlook Topeka Public Schools Foundation Topeka Rescue Mission Topeka Smiles, PA/Dr. Cheryl Houck, DDS UV&S

25YEARS

ALLSIGNS Briggs KIA College Hill Plumbing and Heating, Inc Evergy Frito-Lay, Inc Futamura USA Hyatt Place Kansas Financial Resources Kansas Gas Service-A Division of ONE Gas Inc. League Of Kansas Municipalities Rolling Hills Assisted Living Rolling Hills Health & Rehab US Foods

Professional Engineering Consultants PA Schwerdt Design Group, Inc. TARC The Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital

40YEARS

Finney & Turnipseed, Tr & CE, LLC Gage Center Bowl/ReKat Recreation Inc Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer, LLP Hamilton, Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics Kansas Association of Insurance Agents Kansas Contractors Association Kansas Electric Cooperatives Kansas Motor Carriers Association Kansas Sand and Concrete, Inc. Mainline Printing McElroy's, Inc Mid American Credit Union Mize CPA Inc The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company UMB

45YEARS Brewster Place Dillon Companies MCP Group Wendy's Restaurants (Legacy Restaurant Group)

30YEARS 50YEARS BRB Contractors Cruise Holidays Kelley Construction Co, Inc Lewis Toyota McDonald's Restaurants Mohan Construction, Inc. SME Topeka, Inc.

Salisbury Supply Co., Inc. Security Benefit Topeka Area Building Association Topeka Blueprint & Supply Co Topeka Country Club U.S. Bank

35YEARS 80YEARS Noller Lincoln Mercury

Fidelity State Bank & Trust Co

Summer 2022 | 29

MEET OUR

NEW MEMBERS PLEASE HELP US WELCOME THESE BUSINESSES THAT HAVE RECENTLY JOINED OUR MEMBER FAMILY

160 Driving Academy 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee • 785 Flavor Wagon ACA Event Rental Alma Creamery, LLC Board & Brush Topeka Boone and Bounty Bradley Drone Service The Builder Bees CASA of Shawnee County, Inc CBD American Shaman of Topeka Charlie's Car Wash Clear Choice Commercial Cocktails by Mac Culligan of NE Kansas Dan Key, Farmer's Insurance Earth's Choice • Epic Overstock Fellowship Hi-Crest Freight Management Solutions Fulcum Capitol Genstler Eye Center GloFish Charters Haas Crane & Equipment Rental Havoc Room Heinen Aviation Hunter & Laine Jefferson's Restaurant Kansas Hospital Association Lasting Legacy On-Line, LLC Lifeworx, Inc Linens By Marlen 30 | TOP

L.U.L.A.C Senior Center Mammoth Sports Construction Maximus Merit Weight Loss Mirror, Inc Nauling's Texas BBQ & Soul Food • Pert Home Team Pestmaster Services of Topeka Phoenix Marketing Group Play it Again Sports Poppin Squeeze, LLC Powerhouse Athletics Procopy, Inc R&J Maintenance Services, Inc Senator Roger Marshall’s Office Runningboards Marketing Small Cakes Snap IT Solutions Sterling Select Insurance Agency • The Sweet Tee Taco Bell Top City Styled Topeka Latino Professionals Association Topeka Youth Project Top Fuel Digital Unite Us/Unite Kansas West Ridge Mall Woolly Farms Foundation Wheatfield's Village Apartment

SOOFA DIGITAL SIGNAGE COMING TO DOWNTOWN

D

owntown Topeka Inc. is working to bring Soofa Signs to Kansas’ capital city. Soofa Signs — self described as “the neighborhood news feed for smart cities” — are 100% solar-powered smart feeds that make city communication and wayfinding easier for residents and visitors alike. They provide real-time updates from sources like weather apps, local events calendars and city social media feeds, as well as manually entered information, including public notices and business news. More information will be available in coming weeks, with installation tentatively slated for this summer. If successful, it would be Soofa Signs’ first installation in the state of Kansas.

DTI JOINS KANSAS MAIN STREET PROGRAM Downtown Topeka Inc. in March officially joined the Kansas Department of Commerce’s Kansas Main Street program, becoming a “Designated Kansas Main Street” community. Here’s what DTI president Rhiannon Friedman had to say about the program: “This initiative connects communities across the state, helping them build stronger, more resilient downtowns that are full of life and activity. With training, vast resources and worthwhile educational tools, it also allows organizations like Downtown Topeka to keep a pulse on the many issues impacting main streets just like ours.” As a designated community, DTI now has access to the Main Street America network, and Friedman had the opportunity to attend the annual Main Street America national conference held May 16-18 in Richmond, Virginia.

Summer 2022 | 31

[ TOPEKAPARTNERSHIPEVENTS ]

‘POLITICALLY SPEAKING’ SERIES CONNECTS GTP MEMBERS AND STATE LEGISLATORS TOPEKA CHAMBER HOSTS CONGRESSIONAL FORUM WITH REP. JAKE LATURNER On May 5, the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce held its first Congressional Forum of 2022, hosting freshman Congressman Jake LaTurner for lunch and a presentation at the Topeka Zoo’s Kay McFarland Japanese Garden and Venue. An audience of about 40 engaged chamber members listened as LaTurner discussed the state of policy-making in Washington D.C., and then fielded questions on topics ranging from transportation to health care.

Patrick Vogelsberg, the chamber’s vice chair of government affairs, acted as master of ceremonies.

Many thanks to the event’s host sponsor, Kansas Gas Service – A Division of ONE Gas. Our supporting sponsors were AT&T, Foulston Siefkin and Prairie Band LLC, and our table sponsor was Security Benefit. The chamber plans to hold two more forums in 2022.

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he Topeka Chamber on Jan. 24 held the first installment in its “Politically Speaking” series, giving GTP members the chance to engage with and ask questions of some of their state legislators.

The chamber brought together the state senators representing Shawnee County — Brenda Dietrich, Kristen O’Shea and Rick Kloos. They discussed the work being done by their respective legislative committees and also touched on some of their broader 2022 legislative priorities, including redistricting. Attendees asked questions about efforts to address child-care needs and workforce development, the possibility of Medicaid expansion, and progress on the Polk-Quincy Viaduct project, which remains on track.

On Feb. 14, the Chamber's next installment of “Politically Speaking”was held at the Kansas Statehouse. Members were invited to hear from State Representative Jim Gartner about tax policy and pending legislation. Thank you to presenting sponsor AT&T and supporting sponsor Cox Communications for making it possible.

The final installment of the “Politically Speaking” series took place in early March, marking the last chance during Kansas’ 2022 legislative session for GTP members to interact in a small-group setting with some of their elected state leaders to talk about such issues as redistricting, tax proposals, support for veterans, and the Attracting Powerful Economic Expansion (APEX) Act, among other topics. The Topeka Chamber expects to continue this series in 2023. “Politically Speaking” is designed to provide GTP member businesses the chance to talk openly and in an intimate setting with their elected officials. It is just one way the Topeka Chamber is building a bridge to connect member business owners with the people crafting statewide legislation that may affect them.

POLITICALLY

SPEAKING LEGISLATIVE LEADERS FORUM

PRESENTED BY

SPRING WOMEN’S FORUM DOUBLES AS ATHENA PROGRAMMING LAUNCH

LGT ANNOUNCES ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS, CELEBRATES 2022

GRADUATING CLASS

T

he Greater Topeka Partnership and Leadership Greater Topeka invited community members to help celebrate the program’s 2022 graduating class and honor those alumni recognized as winners of this year’s LGT Alumni Awards. The awards gala and graduation was held Thursday, May 19 at The Beacon.

This was the first year LGT held the gala and graduation as one event.

The 2022 LGT graduating class was comprised of 36 aspiring and established leaders, who have been engaged in programming sessions over the past five months to gain new perspective on the community, learn adaptive leadership concepts, and build a lifetime network of fellow leaders who may help activate and support their personal and professional goals. The event recognized those 36 program graduates and celebrated local leaders for their continued community involvement.

The following local leaders were recognized with 2022 LGT Alumni Awards:

On March 16, GO Topeka put on its annual spring Women’s Forum at downtown venue The Beacon. The forum, held during Women’s History Month, featured presentations

by Wendy Doyle, of United WE, who talked about the organization’s “The Status of Women in Kansas” report; Reva Wywadis, with Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas, who discussed the issue of affordable child care; and a Forge panel that discussed strategic leadership and women in business. The forum concluded with an engaging presentation by Polo Tate, of Athena International, who helped announce the launch of Athena leadership programming coming this year to Topeka. For more information on local Athena programming, contact the GTP’s Glenda Washington at Glenda.Washington@ TopekaPartnership.com.

• RISING STAR AWARD (2 recipients) Chelsea Huston, General Manager of Axe & Ale Susana Maria Ortiz, Owner/LPC at Ad Astra Per Aspera Counseling and Counselor Educator at Emporia State University • ACTIVATOR AWARD (2 recipients) Jacob Wamego, President and CEO of Prairie Band LLC Dawn McWilliams, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Topeka • MARSHA SHEAHAN LEGACY AWARD (1 recipient) Roger Underwood, retired from the banking industry, serves on Community Bank Board of Directors “These awards represent the levels of leadership needed for any community to move forward,” said Michelle Cuevas-Stubblefield, the GTP’s senior vice president of strategy and LGT supervisor. “LGT alumni, the advisory board and the Greater Topeka Partnership are excited for the opportunity to honor Topeka, Shawnee County leadership. Our community wouldn’t be where it is today without them.”

Summer 2022 | 33

SPRING

GOLF CLASSIC DTI HOLDS DOWNTOWN TOPEKA RESTAURANT WEEK Downtown Topeka Inc. put on its 2022 Downtown Topeka Restaurant Week in April, with more than a dozen eateries taking part! Held April 1524, Downtown Topeka Restaurant Week allowed the area’s shops to offer special menu items and promotions. DTI also partnered with KSNT on food-themed segments highlighting local chefs and their restaurantweek creations. Digital promotions of restaurant week on Facebook and YouTube generated more than 135,000 impressions, and the video ad available on YouTube was viewed more than 30,500 times!

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A

pril events were a hole in one, kicking off with our Spring Golf Classic at Firekeeper Golf Course! It was the first of two tournaments the GTP is hosting this year. A total of 28 teams braved the cooler weather to participate, with Kansas Gas Service taking home the win! Thank you to Prairie Band LLC for serving as the presenting sponsor, Prairie Band Casino for serving as the reception sponsor, and Azura Credit Union for serving as the swag sponsor. Our fall tournament is close to being sold out, so be sure to claim your spot today!

TAP THAT

TOPEKA

BUSINESS UNWIND February’s Business Unwind hosted by Architect One and The Tee Box was a hit. Attendees were able to hear from AO president Scott Gales, as well as The Tee Box owner Jake King, about the partnership that led to The Tee Box’s opening. The indoor golf venue and bar offered a sampling of their menu and specialty cocktails, while AO showed off their upstairs offices. Thank you to our gracious hosts!

Other Unwinds this year have taken place at Great Life North/Top City Golf, Senne & Company, and St. Joseph Lofts.

Summer 2022 | 35

WINNERS ANNOUNCED AT 41ST ANNUAL

G

SMALL BUSINESS

AWARDS

O Topeka held its 41st annual Small Business Awards luncheon on Tuesday, May 10 at downtown’s Townsite Avenue Ballroom. From among 23 finalists, the following local businesses were recognized as award winners:

• WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS AWARD —

• YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AWARD —

• SMALL BUSINESS MANUFACTURER AWARD —

Naly’s Outdoor Co. • MICRO-ENTERPRISE AWARD — Blue Jazz Coffee Roasters • EMERGING INNOVATION AWARD — Brew Bank • MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS AWARD — Harris & Sons Enterprises Inc.

36 | TOP

Asset LifeCycle LLC • VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS AWARD — Anneal Initiative Inc. Harris Fabrication • SMALL BUSINESS EXPORTER AWARD — PlainsCraft LLC • TOP CITY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR — Tarwater Farm & Home Congratulations to this year’s award winners, and thank you to all of the finalists for taking part!

NEW DOWNTOWN MURAL

TAKES WING

A

new downtown mural is taking shape on Kansas Avenue. Thanks to the generosity of our downtown activation sponsors, Downtown Topeka Inc is proud to develop a new series of murals highlighting the diversity of our businesses. The "Olive Meadowlark" mural will soon grace the side of Topeka's newest Mediterranean restaurant, Olive Cafe. "We are excited to feature new artists in downtown Topeka,” said Rhiannon Friedman, president of Downtown Topeka Inc. “Judith White, of Looking Glass Tattoo, has developed a beautiful new piece that celebrates Topeka’s middle-eastern community and welcomes people to downtown."

THANK YOU TO OUR DOWNTOWN ACTIVATION SPONSORS WHO MAKE THIS PROJECT POSSIBLE:

WE ARE EXCITED TO FEATURE NEW ARTISTS IN DOWNTOWN TOPEKA. Summer 2022 | 37

[ DEIUPDATE ] GU ÍA

CO MP LE

CI UD AD TA DE

22 ES 20

¡DINOSAURIOS!

¡LLEGAN GRANDES EXHIBICIONES EN 2022!

OPORTUNIDADES DE TRABAJO EN TOPEKA DE MILES DE PUESTOS TRABAJO DISPONIBLES EN LA CIUDAD.

FIESTA MEXICANA

¡LA CELEBRACIÓN MÁS GRANDE DE LA CULTURA MEXICANA EN KANSAS!

¡SEMANA DE LA MÚSICA!

¿POR QUÉ MÁS DE 80.000 PERSONAS VISITAN LA CIUDAD CADA VERANO?

¿TE MUDAS A TOPEKA? P.102 2/21/2022 2:51:48 PM

Cover 1_OFC_3.indd 3

VISIT TOPEKA RELEASES ITS FIRST-EVER PRINTED SPANISH-LANGUAGE GUIDE In March, Visit Topeka announced the release of its first-ever print edition of a Spanish-language visitor’s guide! In collaboration with GO Topeka, Visit Topeka has rebranded this year’s guide as a “Topeka City Guide” to introduce visitors and potential future residents to the quality of life and amenities the area has to offer. The Spanishlanguage 2022 Topeka City Guide is thought to be the first Spanish-language guide offered in the Midwest and features 112 pages of content designed to appeal to the region’s growing Hispanic and Latino populations. Print copies may be obtained at the downtown Topeka Visitor’s Center, and a digital version is available. The publication of this guide corresponded with the release of a new Topeka commercial, which is also available in English and Spanish!

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SBA DISTRICT DIRECTOR VISITS TOPEKA

I

n an effort to promote equity and inclusion, the Greater Topeka Partnership hosted Michael Barrera, Kansas City district director for the U.S. Small Business Administration, on March 24 for a full day of outreach and networking with local officials and Hispanic-owned businesses. In attendance were Mayor Mike Padilla; Topeka City Council members Karen Hiller, Sylvia Ortiz and Spencer Duncan; and more than 50 local small-business owners.

Barrera and his staff had the opportunity to share information about business products and services, such as grants, investment capital, disaster assistance and more. They also participated in a Q&A session with business owners and provided insight on various loan programs. The informational programming was followed by a tour of eight minority-owned businesses in east Topeka. The goal was to hear their stories and concerns, and provide potential solutions.

GO TOPEKA PARTNERS ON OMNI CIRCLE PRESS EVENT GO Topeka partnered with Omni Circle Group in January to help organize the Jan. 12 press conference that took place at Omni Circle’s future headquarters and co-working space, 1301 S.W. Topeka Blvd. At the press conference, Omni Circle formally announced its acceptance of a $360,000 grant it received from the Kauffman Foundation. The grant will be used to power a new startup community in Topeka designed to uplift minority entrepreneurs. It will also fund networking events, business-related programming and more. The January press event featured comment from Omni CEO Michael Odupitan; the GTP’s chief equity and opportunity officer, Glenda Washington; GTP CEO Matt Pivarnik; Advisors Excel owner and co-founder Cody Foster; and Paul Hughes, deputy secretary for business development at the Kansas Department of Commerce.

T

PEKAH

STANDS WIT

UKRAINE raine

#standwithuk

ine #prayforukra

#standingwit

hukraine

FIRST UKRAINIAN REFUGEES ARRIVE IN TOPEKA

‘TOPEKA STANDS WITH

UKRAINE’ BILLBOARD GOES LIVE AT EVERGY PLAZA

I

n a quickly evolving effort to show the Topeka community’s support for the Ukrainian cause, the Greater Topeka Partnership, city and county officials, and staff at Evergy Plaza collaborated near the beginning of March to display a “Topeka Stands with Ukraine” graphic on the plaza’s digital screen.

The display was accompanied by blue and yellow lights that shone throughout the plaza each night that week. Community members were invited to come out, snap a photo with the sign, and share their support for Ukrainians on social media.

After an announcement in March that Topeka would be standing up a refugee task force to determine how better to aid Ukrainian refugees allowed to enter the U.S., Topekans welcomed two refugee families to the city in early April with open arms. Yana Ross, the civilian leader of Topeka’s refugee task force — which includes Topeka Chamber president Curtis Sneden, Topeka City Council member Karen Hiller, and others — traveled more than 1,500 miles to bring the refugees to Kansas’ capital city. Since their arrival, Topekans have stepped up to donate basic necessities, furniture and more. Now, Topeka has close to three dozen Ukrainian refugees in the area.

GTP HELPS UNVEIL MULTICULTURAL MURAL IN NOTO Glenda Washington, chief equity and opportunity officer, and fellow GTP staff helped with the unveiling on Friday, May 6 of Topeka’s new multicultural mural in NOTO. They gathered outside the Topeka Habitat for Humanity building, alongside fellow community members, to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the project. The multicultural mural features a three-panel design highlighting the African American, Hispanic and Native American histories of our area. Artists Mona Cliff (Native American), Jamie Colon (Hispanic American) and George Mayfield (African American) were present to share the inspiration behind their designs. Their colorful creations may be viewed anytime on the west exterior wall of Habitat for Humanity, just behind NOTO’s Redbud Park.

Summer 2022 | 39

[ MOMENTUMCAMPAIGN ]

BUILDING MOMENTUM Momentum M27 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FINALIZED The Momentum 2027 Executive Committee has been finalized and will consist of the following members: • KEVIN COOK, Shawnee Co. Commission • TARA DIMICK, Envista Credit Union • LEILANI GRAY, Topeka Collegiate • MICHAEL ODUPITAN, Omni Circle Group • MIKE PADILLA, Mayor, City of Topeka • MARSHA POPE, Topeka Community Foundation • NIKKI RAMIREZJENNINGS, SENT Topeka • KEITH WARTA, Bartlett & West The eight-member committee is expected to work with the Greater Topeka Partnership to provide oversight of the Momentum.

40 | TOP

FOR 2027

I

n January, the Momentum 2027 steering committee formalized its competitive assessment and approved a framework for Topeka and Shawnee County’s next community development plan. The Momentum 2027 framework being introduced places an emphasis on equity, branding our community as, “A place to learn. A place to prosper. A place to live. A place to belong.”

At their Feb. 24 meeting, the Momentum 2027 steering committee, comprised of about 50 individuals from various walks of life, voted to approve a draft of the Momentum 2027 community development plan.

The final draft of Topeka and Shawnee County’s Momentum 2027 community development plan made its way through the last rounds of approval in March, as consulting agency Broad Ripple Strategies worked to draft a plan for implementation. Once the executive committee signed off on the final Momentum 2027 draft, it moved on to the GTP Chairs Council for approval.

The Greater Topeka Partnership Chair’s Council formally adopted the Momentum 2027 strategy at their May meeting.

The adopted strategy encompasses the Community Assessment, the official Momentum 2027 Strategic Plan, and the plan’s Implementation Guide. The GTP’s website is currently being updated with the latest information, and an online form is now available for those interested in joining a task force to support the key initiatives of Momentum 2027.

Next steps include introducing the strategy to the public prior to its Jan. 1 start date and finalizing an implementation guide with recommendations on how to tackle and reach the four primary goals, 11 objectives and 21 key initiatives. If you have an organization that would like to hear more about Momentum 2027, please contact the GTP’s Janice Purney at Janice.Purney@ TopekaPartnership.com

MOMENTUM 2022 95% COMPLETE Topeka and Shawnee County’s Momentum 2022 strategy is 95% complete, with most of the community’s development objectives having been met. The partnership expects to close out Momentum 2022 mid-year, as the community turns its attention toward Momentum 2027.

A recent event that highlights the success of Momentum 2022 was a partnership between Topeka and PC’s for People to hold the community’s first “Digital E-Cycle Event” in April, collecting computers and tablets that will be refurbished and provided to community members in need of digital devices. The initiative has been touted as a Momentum 2022 win and comes in response to the growing awareness that digital divides exist and must be bridged. The “Digital E-Cycle Event” moved at a fast pace with sustainable success, according to the GTP’s senior vice president of strategy.

[ MEDIAHIGHLIGHTS ]

BEST REMOTE WORK

DESTINATION FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR

A CULTURAL CITY WITH FEWER CROWDS &

GREAT RESTAURANTS,

GTP & CITY OF

TOPEKA LAUNCH JOINT PODCAST

COFFEE SHOPS,

FOOD TRUCKS & BEER GARDENS –HOLA.COM

FEATURED AGAIN!

TOPEKA NAMED TOP

ZOOM FOR REMOTE TOWN WORKERS

25

MSN PROFILES TOPEKA AS TOP

US TRAVEL DESTINATION

WALL STREET

JOURNAL HOTTEST HOUSING MARKET:

TOPEKA

#3 BEST HOUSING

IN 2022 MARKET IN THE UNITED STATES

- REALTOR.COM Summer 2022 | 41

THANK YOU TO OUR

AD ASTRA MEMBERS

Scott Gendersen Edward Jones

PARTNERSHIP SUPPORTERS

INFLUENCERS

• The Home Depot RDC

• Haus Property Partners

• Lincoln Center OB-GYN, PA

• Axe and Ale

• Board & Brush Topeka

• Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home

• Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer, LLP

• Denali Home Design

• TLC Marketing Consultants

• The Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital

• Two Men and A Truck • Meadowlark Home Health

• My Gym Children's Fitness Center-Topeka

• Sloan, Eisenbarth, Glassman, McEntire & Jarboe LLC • Alpha Media (AM 580, 94.5 Country, Country Legends 106.9) • United Rentals • CBD American Shaman of Topeka Wanamaker • SnapIT Solutions

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• Endeavor Private Wealth • Pure Golf Topeka, LLC • Cumulus Media, Inc. Topeka • Wells Fargo Advisors • KBS Constructors, Inc • Kansas Gas Service-A Division of ONE Gas Inc.

• Lance Dykes Agency - Shelter Insurance • Shopper's Kitchen • The Sweet Tee • Wheatfield Village Apartments • Taco Bell

Summer 2022 | 43

Greater Topeka Partnership 719 S Kansas Ave.

Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515 Periodical postage paid at Topeka, Kansas TOP (USPS 576520) is published quarterly for members of the Greater Topeka Partnership, 719 S Kansas Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515, 785.234.2644. Periodical postage is paid at Topeka, Kansas.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: TOP 719 S Kansas Ave. Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515 Editor: Bob Ross