February - Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce

Topeka
VOLUME 49, No. 2, FEBRUARY 2014
A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER TOPEKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Downtown Successes =
Community Growth
Creating unique spaces and experiences in downtown Fargo was Doug Burgum’s goal when he set
out to help redevelop Fargo, North Dakota’s downtown. He soon jumped into renovating buildings,
building new structures and helping entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
Doug Burgum, as the keynote speaker at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting January 13 shared things he’s
learned along the way:
news
CHAMBER
GO Topeka Elects
2014 Officers
Allan Towle,
president of Fidelity
State Bank & Trust,
will serve a second
term as chair of the
GO Topeka Board of
Directors.
•
Millennials, who grew up in the back seat of a car, don’t want to do that today.
•
City centers are growing faster than suburbs in 27 of the nation’s 51 largest metropolitan areas.
•
Walkability is important—for health reasons ranging from improving blood pressure and blood
sugar levels to reducing the risk of cancer. Check the walk score of your residence at www.
walkscore.com. The goal is to get a score over 70.
•
Topeka, at 61.47 square miles is bigger than either Boston at 48.28 square miles or San Francisco
at 46.87 square miles.
•
Density creates energy. San Francisco has 17,179.1 persons per square mile while Topeka has
2,074 persons per square mile.
•
Multi-use of parking garages (and buildings) is important. Burgum suggests business cars
during the day, residential parking at night.
•
Sprawl costs money….building streets and houses, adding utilities, adding street lights, hiring
more safety personnel and extending trash services is expensive.
PIE & POLITICS
SCHEDULED
•
Events that draw people downtown provide the lifestyle people at the beginning of their careers,
and at the end of their careers, are seeking.
The first Pie & Politics of 2014
has been scheduled for February
7, in the Topeka Chamber board
room. Seating is limited, register
at www.TopekaChamber.org.
Burgum finished his remarks by saying that 60% of people favor a mixed-use neighborhood that
requires less driving between home, work and recreation. And, that cities working on these issues,
succeed. “Best Cities Win,” Burgum says.
About Doug Burgum: With 30 years’ experience in the software industry, entrepreneur Doug Burgum
has built, invested in and sold companies that created
more than $5 billion in shareholder value. Burgum
formed a downtown revitalization company and named
it “Kilbourne Group,” honoring his mother who loved
downtowns and old buildings and whose maiden name
was Kilbourne. The group’s mission is to continue to be the
catalyst of inspiration and action for vibrant downtown
communities. Doug and his team believe one way to
achieve this is through numerous improvements to the
city’s core, ranging from historical preservation to new infill projects. Kilbourne Group also is dedicated to thought
leadership on important downtown initiatives such as
bike-share programs, green building and the powerful
Doug Burgum (right) mingles with membership after his
Keynote address at the 2014 Chamber Annual Meeting
economics of density, walkability and high-speed Internet.
Towle has announced the
other officers for 2014
will include Scott Griffith,
INTRUST Bank, as chair-elect;
Lucky DeFries, Coffman,
DeFries, Nothern as pastchair; Wendy Wells, U.S.
Bank as treasurer; and Scott
Gales, Architect One, PA, as
secretary. Doug Kinsinger,
Topeka Chamber/GO Topeka,
is president.
Speakers:
Senator Laura Kelly and
Representative Ken Corbet
Topic:
State Office Buildings
Keep-Sell-Demolish
What’s Being Considered
CHAMBER OFFICERS
Neil Dobler
Chairman of the Board
Brent Boles
Chairman of the Board-Elect
Jim Ogle
Treasurer
Coleen Jennison
Immediate Past Chairman
CHAMBER
news
Members Recognized at
Annual Meeting
Douglas S. Kinsinger
President & CEO
COUNCIL VICE CHAIRMEN
Achievement
Awards
Curtis Sneden
Government Relations
Allan Towle
Development/GO Topeka
Paul Bossert
Leadership
Karla Clem
Marketing
Randy Goldsmith
Membership
CHAMBER
Staff Profile
U.S. Bank was recognized at the 2014 Annual Meeting
of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce as
the Chamber Member Firm for 2013. Wendy Wells
accepted on behalf of U.S. Bank, recognized for their
contributions and volunteer effort toward the Chamber
and GO Topeka. They have sponsored events and
candidates for Leadership Greater Topeka, served on
Chamber and GO Topeka boards, on committees and
have often shared their wisdom and thoughtfulness in
focus groups and surveys.
Other awards presented during
the annual meeting included:
2013 Top Ambassador Award went to
Mickey Shaver, Mickey’s Promotions.
Adrianne Evans
Vice President Membership
15 years with the Chamber
.
.
.
.
.
.
Has an ornery wiener dog
named Gus, AKA meanie wienie
Enjoys trivia night at the TSCPL
& team consistently finishes in
the top 3
Greg Schwerdt, president & CEO of Schwerdt Design
Group, was named Member of the Year for 2013.
Schwerdt served as 2012 Chamber Chairman of the
Board and has continued his involvement with the
Chamber and GO Topeka by helping with fundraising,
prospects and encouraging young professionals’
involvement in the community. He’s assisted with the
InterCity Benchmarking Exchange and encouraged
Topeka business leaders to learn more about riverfront
development. He’s sponsored events and been a
corporate member of Fast Forward.
2013 Top Diplomat Award went to
Mike Braum, an individual member
retired from the printing and paper
industry.
Has lived in France
Has two grown daughters
Trained in gourmet cooking
classes
Avid reader, 2-3 books a week
Jay Loschke, Equity Bank, earned the
2013 Fast Forward Member of the Year
award.
The official “change of leadership” was completed
when 2013 Chamber Chair Coleen Jennison, Cox
Communications, passed the ceremonial gavel to Neil
Dobler, Bartlett & West.
2
TopekaChamber.org
COMMUNITY
news
United Airlines
Launches
Topeka Service
A Sunny Escape
Is Within Reach
United connects Topeka to
10 cities in Florida,
23 cities in California,
18 cities in the Caribbean,
and 5 cities in Hawaii.
Book your trip at United.com
Flights Started January 7,
Connecting Topeka to the World
Passengers on the first flight from Topeka Regional Airport to
Chicago’s O’Hare Airport quickly learned that parking, ticketing,
security and boarding were easy. The first flight left mid-afternoon
Tuesday, January 7 with local dignitaries and Topekans going on
business and quick get-aways in Chicago.
Business leaders such as Mitch Miller with Dynamic Computer
Solutions have already found flying from Topeka Regional to be
economical and easy. They are saying, “It’s really nice to get off the
plane and be walking in my front door in 15 minutes!”
Don’t forget--the airport code for
Topeka Regional
Airport is FOE!
CITY OF
CHARACTER
RESOURCEFULNESS:
Making wise use of what others
might overlook or discard
YOUR AD HERE.
REACH CHAMBER COLLEAGUES BY ADVERTISING
IN TOPEKA BUSINESS DURING 2014.
Call Marsha Sheahan or Tiffany Hall for details: 785.234.2644.
February 2014
3
BUSINESS
notations
Would you like to tell your Chamber colleagues about your expansions, new locations, awards and honors, or new products
and services? Sorry, personnel changes or announcements are not included. Notation information and your logo should be
e-mailed to Marsha Sheahan at [email protected].
Sales and Marketing Executives of Topeka will present its
2013 Sales and Marketing Executive of the Year award to
Vince Frye, president & CEO of Downtown Topeka, Inc.
Frye will receive the honor at the association’s Executive
of the Year banquet Tuesday, February 11, 2014, at the
Topeka Country Club. Since 1970, this award has recognized
individuals who have contributed to the well-being of
Northeast Kansas.
Custom Tree Care, Inc. has earned the service industry’s
coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an
exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer
review service in 2013. “Only about 5 percent of the companies that compete within Topeka,
Kansas are able to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a
mark of consistently great customer service.” Angie’s List Super Service Award 2013 winners
have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, be in good
standing with Angie’s List, have a fully complete profile, pass a background check and abide by
Angie’s List operational guidelines.
Teams are now forming for the American Cancer Society’s
Relay for Life of Shawnee
County! Create a team to
represent your organization
at www.relayforlife.org/
topekaks or call 785.438.5611
for more details. Proud to
create a world with more
birthdays.
The Shawnee County Parks and Recreation Foundation has announced the naming of Jim Parrish
Field at Bettis Family Sports Complex. Jim Parrish is a long time sponsor, coach and organizer of
youth baseball in Topeka. Parrish and his company, Parrish Hotel Corporation, have sponsored
youth baseball and softball teams who play at Dornwood Park,
Suburban League, Ken Berry League, and Shawnee County Amateur
Baseball Association. There were some years that Parrish and his
business would have as many as 11 or 12 teams sponsored throughout
Shawnee County in various youth baseball and softball programs. He has invested substantially
to benefit youth in Shawnee County with supervised summer baseball and softball programs.
The Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library has expanded services at the Oakland Community Center, 801 NE Poplar Street, making
it more convenient for people who work, live and play in the neighborhood to use the library. You can pick up and drop off books, movies,
music and DVDS by requesting items via catalog.tscpl.org and selecting the Oakland Community Center Smart Locker as your delivery
location – or you can make your request by calling 785.580.4555. You can also apply for a library card at the community center. The library also provides six
computers, a printer and library-sponsored events like songwriting, crochet, and art introduction and computer classes at the Oakland Community Center.
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4
Some Things in Business Need Expertise
A Commercial Real Estate
Transaction is One of Them
Tom Moses, CCIM
Senior Vice President
NAI Martens
Topeka, Kansas
785-232-1602
[email protected]
www.naimartens.com
30 Years Experience
TopekaChamber.org
FAST FORWARD news
Fast Forward members experience the Topeka Room at the Topeka and
Shawnee County Public Library during the January 29 Ignite Event. At this
event members heard from the genealogy center on what steps should be
taken first to research your pedigree, family and medical history.
Fast Forward members mingle at the January 23, 2014 Networking Social
hosted by Topeka Collegiate.
2014 YP Summit
in Salina
Fast Forward members encourage you and the young professionals
in your organization to attend the 2014 Kansas YP Summit April 3 in
Salina, KS.
Fast Forward was fortunate to host the 2012 and 2013 Kansas YP
Summits right here in our community. Salina Area Young Professionals
were chosen from 5 other young professional organizations who
applied and presented a plan to hold the event for the next two years.
From there it will be passed to another Kansas community who has
interest.
Started 5 years ago by the Reno County Young Professional
organization in Hutchinson, this annual conference encourages all
young professionals throughout Kansas to attend, regardless of an
affiliation with a Young Professionals organization or not.
Attendees have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally,
network with other young professionals and discover ways to get
involved in their communities and make Kansas even stronger! For
more information or to register visit YPKANSAS.COM.
Professional Development
Lean Six Sigma
Courses Offered
The Center for Organizational Excellence at Washburn University facilitates the goal of “learning for a lifetime” by providing opportunities for
enhanced understanding, skill development and applications that can effect change and support continuous improvement at both the individual
and organizational levels. Offering an array of professional development courses intended to support organizational continuous imporvement.
Lean Six Sigma and Project Mangement Essentials courses are on the line up for spring 2014 courses at Washburn University. For more
information visit www.washburn.edu/coe or call (785) 670.1399.
February 2014
5
ECONOMIC t
rends
ACCRA Cost of Living Data
Topeka MSA* (five counties)
Selected
Cities
Monthly Economic Indicators for the Topeka Area Economy
Washburn University School of Business Leading Index & Coincidence Index
102
NOVEMBER 2013
Coincident Index (Shawnee County)
Leading Index (National, State, County)
100
98
96
94
92
The Washburn University School of Business Leading Index remained unchanged at 96.3 in November at a preliminary estimate
of 96.3 (2005 = 100). The index is a composite of national, state and county indicators whose movements often precede changes in
economic growth. The leading index is up 0.4% over the last three months and up 1.1% over the last 6 months.
The Washburn University School of Business Coincident Index, which measures current economic conditions in Shawnee County
increased 0.3% in November to a preliminary estimate of 99.2 from 98.9 in October (2005 = 100). The index is a composite index
of county non-farm employment and taxable sales. The coincident index is up 0.3% over the last six months and down 0.8% from
November 2012.
Estimated Taxable Sales Topeka/Shawnee County
September 2013
$208,127,454
YTD 2013
$186,288,0754
September 2012
$208,535,777
YTD 2012
$1,873,413,776
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue
UTILITY HOOK-UPS
CITY OF TOPEKA
December
2013
December
2012
Residential
51,634
50,810
Commercial
4,145
4,122
55,779
54,932
Topeka Water**
Total
**Includes those within the county who use Topeka water.
December
2013
December
2012
Residential
68,992
69,094
Commercial
8,237
8,259
51
48
77,280
77,401
Westar Energy*
Industrial
Total
*Includes those within the Topeka city limits.
Construction Permit Information
City of Topeka
New Single Family Residential Permits
New Multi-Family Residential Permits
Value, New Residential Units
New Commercial Units
Value, New Commercial Units
New Commercial Alterations
Value, Commercial Alterations
Construction Permit Information
Unincorporated Shawnee County
New Residential Permits
Value, New Residential Units
New Commercial Buildings
Value, New Commercial Buildings
New Commercial Alterations
Value, Commercial Alterations
Civilian Labor Force
Total
Employed
Unemployed
Unemployment Rate
Employment (In Thousands)
Non Farm Wage and Salary
Natural Resources/Construction
Manufacturing
Trade, Transportation,
Warehouse, Utilities
Information
Finance Activities
Professional & Business Services
Education & Health Services
Leisure & Hospitality
Other Services
Government
Total
Kansas City, KS/MO
99.2
Little Rock, AR
98.2
Topeka, KS
93.8
Manhattan, KS
92.8
Des Moines, IA
90.3
Oklahoma City, OK
90.3
Springfield, MO
88.6
Tulsa, OK
88.3
Omaha, NE
87.2
Topeka participates in the ACCRA Cost of Living Index
study which measures differences between areas in the
cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes and
non-consumer expenditures, for professional and managerial
households in the top income quintile.
November October
2013
2013
10
15
0
$1,795,000
0
$0
1
$304,700
YTD
2013
November
2012
79
2
0
0
$2,945,000 $16,782,000
0
22
$0 $11,997,200
3
165
$3,842,896 $40,216,143
October September
2013
2013
14
8
$2,126,411
1
$350,000
3
$1,744,000
2013 Annual
Average
YTD
2013
99
$1,565,000 $18,389,475
0
2
$0
$700,000
1
11
$15,000 $15,393,545
November 2013
118,227
112,518
5,709
4.80%
YTD
2012
October
2012
13
YTD
2012
91
$2,521,428 $17,092,411
1
8
$125,000 $6,300,500
0
7
$0 $2,686,068
October 2013
118,660
112,158
6,502
5.50%
November 2012
119,647
112,406
7,241
6.10%
November
2013
5.6
7.3
October
2013
5.7
7.3
November
2012
5.1
7.5
17.9
17.5
18.0
1.8
6.9
12.3
17.6
9.1
5.0
26.5
110.0
1.8
6.9
12.3
17.6
9.2
5
26.4
109.7
1.6
7.1
11.4
17.7
9.1
4.9
25.7
108.1
*These numbers reflect the five-county MSA. Comparing these figures with 2004 and prior years is not advisable.
6
82
0
10
$318,000 $16,832,863
5
49
$1,180,169 $33,725,689
27
442
$1,940,672 $27,082,652
TopekaChamber.org
GO TOPEKA
news
GO Topeka
Releases
Educational Programming
Schedule
GO Topeka’s Entrepreneur and Minority Business Development program will offer a wide selection of
seminars and workshops during first quarter 2014. Chamber members, their guests and associates
are welcome to attend.
Small Business Tax Facts: What Small Business Owners Should Know when Filing 2013 Small
Business Income Taxes, Thursday, February 13, 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. at the Ramada Convention
Center, 420 SE Sixth Avenue. This FREE workshop, hosted by GO Topeka’s Entrepreneurial and
Minority Business Development department, will cover the basics on filing 2013 Small Business
Taxes and provide insight on how the changes in the tax law will affect your small business. Gary
Knoll and Brad Koehn of Berberich Trahan & Co., PA. will present the workshop. RSVP by contacting
Mary Ann Anderson at 785.231.6000, or online at www.TopekaChamber.org.
Breakfast Buzz, New Year New Growth, Wednesday, February 26, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at the
Ramada Convention Center, 420 SE Sixth Avenue. Breakfast Buzz is Topeka/Shawnee County’s
professional development event for small, minority and women-owned businesses. Speaker Rick
LeJuerrne will help attendees rediscover the feelings of excitement of starting a business and
how to rediscover the entrepreneurial energy. He’ll lead a discussion of great ideas, thinking
strategically and doing new things. Cost for the breakfast meeting is $15 for Chamber members and
EMBD graduates and $20 for the general public. RSVP by calling Mary Ann Anderson, 785.231.6000,
or online at www.TopekaChamber.org.
Who Owns the Ice House: An Entrepreneurial Education Course – The next course begins
Wednesday, February 19, 2014 and runs continuously on Wednesday evenings through April 23,
5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce boardroom. Built on a rigorous
and relevant framework, this highly interactive program enables new entrepreneurs to learn from
the first-hand experience of successful real-world entrepreneurs. Drawing on the eight life lessons
described in the book, “Who Owns the Ice House,” the program will allow entrepreneurs to triumph
over hardships and adversity by embracing an entrepreneurial mindset. Cost is $55 for Shawnee
County residents. Contact Mary Ann Anderson, 785.231.6000, for an application and to reserve your
seat in the class.
FastTrac NewVenture: An Entrepreneurial Education Course. The next course begins Thursday,
May 29 and runs Tuesday and Thursday evenings through June 26 from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. in the
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce board room. You have an idea for a business. Now what?
That’s where it starts. Now what do you do with the idea? You could start a business- but could
you start a viable business? The FastTrac NewVenture program is a flexible course with a proven
framework to help support you as you start a business and begin your journey on the road to
success. Cost for Shawnee County residents is $55. Contact Mary Ann Anderson, 785.231.6000, for an
application and to reserve your seat in the class.
THINKING
OF ADDING
EMPLOYEES OR
EXPANDING YOUR
FACILITY?
There may be assistance
available to you in the form
of tax incentives and small
business or employee
on-the-job training
programs!
Call GO Topeka at YOUR
Greater Topeka Chamber of
Commerce for more details –
785.234.2644.
Scott Smathers
Vice President
Economic Development
Jo Feldmann
Vice President
Existing Business
Glenda Washington
Vice President
Entrepreneurial Minority Business
Development
There’s a new
community for
Topeka and
Shawnee county
entrepreneurs and
small business owners:
Topeka Entrepreneur.
Join us online so you never
miss out on news, advice
and conversation.
Facebook: Topeka Entrepreneurs
Twitter: @TopekaEntrprnr
LinkedIn: Topeka Entrepreneurs
February 2014
7
MEMBER
pr of i le
Vintage Vibe, nostalgic gateway to the past, is located in NOTO.
Co-Owners- Mother & Daughter Team- Karen and Tiffany Robben have
a passion for finding great vintage treasures for others. Consider the
Vintage Vibe owners your personal buyer for great vintage finds!
Is everything in your shop antique/vintage?
Vintage Vibe specializes in vintage, which means any items from the
1930’s-1970’s, but we also sell some antiques. Our merchandise consists of
clothing, jewelry, purses, scarves, collectible glass, aprons, dishes, books,
bottles/jars, architectural salvage, enamelware, furniture , retro items,
pictures, linens, suitcases, etc. Many of the artists in our shop actually
create their art from repurposed vintage items.
What is something interesting about Vintage Vibe that we probably
don’t know?
Vintage Vibe just happened one day; it wasn’t something we really planned.
Co-owner Karen Robben had a love for antiques and collectible items and
had always wanted to have her own shop but the timing was never right to
be able to do so.
Co-Owner, Tiffany Robben was once a zookeeper. Unfortunately, because of
the slow economy many of the zoos across the country have had to reduce
the size of their staffs. Tiffany happened to be one of the unfortunate
employees who lost their job. After attending a couple of the First Friday Art
Walks in NOTO, Tiffany and Karen determined that the NOTO Arts District
would be an ideal home for a Vintage store so they joined forces and Vintage
Vibe was born. We literally rented a building and opened for business
within two weeks.
Both owners love to go “Picking” – looking for unique vintage items that
their customers will love. “We try to find great items at great prices and pass
those great prices on to our customers.” We take pride in the fact that our
merchandise is very affordable for all budgets.
What is the most unique gift we could pick up for our Valentine at
Vintage Vibe?
We have a lot of “unique items” here at Vintage Vibe! If you love up-cycled
jewelry- we have that! If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind item to turn
into a bar- We have that! If you are looking for a vintage dress for your date
night- we have that!
Left, an example of a few items
you might find in Vintage Vibe.
Right, Brandy Robben, Karen
Robben and Tiffany Robben
celebrate their ribbon cutting in
October. Vintage Vibe opened
in July 2012 in NOTO and
quickly outgrew their original
location. In October they
relocated to their permanent
home at 833 North Kansas
Avenue. The move allowed
them to expand their line of
vintage clothing and accessories
as well as their vintage/retro
furniture and other collections.
8
Where do you find items for your shop?
Anywhere and everywhere! We are always looking! We pick barns, houses,
estate sales, and sometimes go to auctions. “There have been times when we
see something while driving and want to stop to see if we can buy it! We are
literally always looking for the rare and unusual items for our customers!”
What is your favorite thing to “pick”?
Tiffany: “I love architectural salvage! There is something about saving
something old that gets my blood pumping! Everything back then was made
by hand in the United States and was always quality workmanship-why just
throw that into a dumpster and send it to a landfill? It should be saved so
that future generations can enjoy it.”
Karen: “I love picking barns! You never know what treasures might have
been hidden in the loft of a barn! I love when you pull out an item that is
covered in 25 years of dust, just to wash it off and find out that you have a
hidden gem! Our coffee bin by our hospitality area is one of those “barn
gems” we came across!”
What kinds of fun things are happening in NOTO?
Everyone should mark your calendar for the 1st Friday Art Walk (every 1st
Friday of the month)! The Art Walks consist of everything from featured
artists at many of the galleries and shops to entertainment from musicians.
During the Art Walks, many of the galleries and shops serve drinks and
snacks for customers to enjoy as they shop.
In addition to the Art Walks most of the shops are open all month long.
Some of the shops feature “how to” classes and the NOTO Arts Center offers
art classes for various age groups. In addition to the galleries and shops
there are several new eating establishments that have opened in the District.
It’s been very exciting watching the District grow and seeing the amount
of customers grow as well. We are excited that even more businesses will
be opening in the very near future and several others are currently in the
planning phase.
Vintage Vibe is Open Tuesday- Thursday: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.;
Friday: 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; First Friday: 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.; and
Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., every week & year round. Vintage
Vibe is located at 833 N. Kansas in the NOTO arts district. Check
out their website at www.vintagevibetopeka.com or find them on
facebook at shopvintagevibe.
TopekaChamber.org
GO TOPEKA
news
State Offers Programs and Support
For Your Growing Business
NetWork Kansas is tremendous asset for the growth of entrepreneurship and small businesses
throughout our state. NetWork Kansas is devoted to providing the central portal that connects
entrepreneurs and small business owners with the right resources – expertise, education and
economic resources- when it’s most needed.
Expertise
If you have questions about starting or growing a business, they have over 500 partners across the state of Kansas ready to help you!
Education
Resource partners offer a wide variety of seminars and workshops. NetWork Kansas also offers Economic Gardening, which helps grow businesses
by providing technical assistance designed to focus on key strategic issues that best serve the companies and their immediate needs. The issues
include core strategy, market dynamics, marketing leads and management team. The economic gardening team works closely with the business to
understand and uncover specific needs before applying the tools that keep the business relevant, responsive and adaptive.
Economic
Aside from making connections NetWork Kansas also offers funding programs such as StartUp Kansas, the Kansas Capital Multiplier Venture Fund
and Loan Funds and E-Community Partnership.
Over 400 Topeka entrepreneurs have been assisted through the referral center. To find out what resources are available to you and your business
contact NetWork Kansas at 877.521.8600 or www.networkkansas.com.
“Our mission at NetWork Kansas is to connect entrepreneurs and business owners with the right resources at the right
time. We invite Topeka businesses to contact us with any questions or needs they may have - we are here to help.”
- Corey Mohn, Director of Statewide Programs, NetWork Kansas
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President
February 2014
REACH CHAMBER COLLEAGUES BY ADVERTISING
IN TOPEKA BUSINESS DURING 2014.
Business card size ads:
• $100 for one month, or
• $250 for three months.
Double business card size ads:
• $200 for one month, or
• $500 for three months.
Call Marsha Sheahan or Tiffany Hall
for details: 785.234.2644.
Brandon Aldridge
Sales Manager
9
MEMBERSHIP news
Please join the Chamber staff in welcoming these firms and organizations to Chamber membership and support them by buying from your
Chamber colleagues! The following members joined or reinvested in November 2013 and were approved for membership at the December 2013
Board of Directors meeting.
New Members
(Joined in November 2013)
Appelhanz Roofing, Inc.
Creative Senior Solutions
Insurance and annuities
Thad Wellshear
6607 SW Hamptonshire
Topeka, KS 66614
Sold by: Rise Quinn, Chamber staff
Federated Insurance
Insurance, estate planning/trusts
Dan Garcia, District marketing manager
1091 Lowell, Suite 100
Overland Park, KS 66210
913.906.9363
Sold by: Selena McNaul, Chamber staff
Flower Gallery
Florists, Home décor,Wedding boputique
Mary Holloway
2025 SW Urish Road
Topeka, KS 66615
785.273.1780
Sold by: Rise Quinn, Chamber staff
Johnson Storage & Moving Company
Storage, moving
1936 NW Lower Silver Lake Road
Topeka, KS 66608
785.267.4040
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Kansas Basement & Foundation Repair, Inc.
Basement repair
Danny Morrow, President
804 N Haverhill
El Dorado, KS 67042
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Kent & Company
Construction,Contractors, Fencing
Kent Fruits
2150 SW Westport Drive
Topeka, KS 66614
Sold by: Rise Quinn, Chamber staff
McGowan Gordon Construction
Construction/contractors
Moria Holland, Project development
315 S Third Street
Manhattan, KS 66502
785.320.2815
Sold by: Rise Quinn, Chamber staff
Topeka Youth Project
Youth development agency
2901 SW Burlingame Road
Lower Level
Topeka, KS 66611
785.273.4141
Sold by: Selena McNaul, Chamber staff
10
Warner Electric
Electrical contractor
Larry Warner
921 N Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66608
785.286.3445
Sold by: Rise Quinn, Chamber staff
James Waters - Farm Bureau Financial
Services
Insurance, Financial services
James Waters, Agent
1003 Lincoln, PO Box 50
Wamego, KS 66547
785.456.7627
Sold by: Rise Quinn, Chamber staff
Williamson and Jurgensen, LLP
Attorneys
Darcy Williamson, Partner
510 SW Tenth Avenue
Topeka, KS 66612
785.233.9908
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Reinvestments
(In December 2013)
A T & T Inc.
Absolute Design by Brenda
Air Ground Ocean
Bette Allen
American Cancer Society
Antioch Family Life Center
Aquarian Design
Autos, Inc.
Awesome Adventures, LLC
Blind Tiger Brewery & Restaurant
Sharon Boranyak
Brickyard Barn Catering & Event Planning
Brookfield Plaza LLC
Capitol Strategies
CenturyLink
Cleaning Etc., LLC
Countertop Shoppe, division of Fisher’s
Fixtures Inc.
Cruise Holidays
Cumulus Broadcasting
Custom Tree Care, Inc.
Darrell’s Shell
Diamond Everley Roofing
Easter Seals Capper Foundation
EC Enterprises
Faith Roofing Company
Fidelity State Bank & Trust Co.
Framewoods of Topeka, Inc & Southwind Gallery
Great Plains Balloon Club, Inc.
HealthWorks
Heritage Bank
Housing & Credit Counseling, Inc.
Integrity Insurance Agency Inc.
Brian Ismert - Northwestern Mutual
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
Johnson Storage & Moving Company
Kansas Electric Cooperatives
Kansas STARBASE
Keller Williams Legacy Partners
Kennedy and Coe, LLC
Kentucky Fried Chicken
Kriz-Davis Topeka Division
LeadingAge Kansas
Lexington Park Assisted Living
Lower Plumbing Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
Manpower
Marian Clinic
Maximus Fitness & Wellness/Woodvalley Racquet
& Fitness Center
Mechanical Contractors Association of Kansas
Meridian Roofing Solutions
Midwest Health
Dr. David Nelson, OD PA
Nusound Hearing Center
Peggy’s Tax & Accounting
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
Premier Real Estate LLC
Michael Rack, DDS-General
Riddle’s Jewelry
Sovanski Photography
Subway (J. Orange LLC)
Ed Swift
Topeka Capital-Journal
JB Turner & Sons Roofing & Sheet Metal
Michael L. Van Dyke, CLU, CHFC
West Ridge Lanes & Family Fun Center
WIBW Channels
Wild Horse Saloon
Welcome to
New Assignees
(In December 2013)
Terri Bynum
Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.
Teresa Johnson-Lewis
Topeka Magazine
Matt Miller
UMB
Roger Moore
Topeka Community Concerts
Ashley Rudolph
The Lofts at College Hill
Brent Schneider
GCR Truck Tire Centers
Erika Skinner
UMB
Dylan Woods
Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas
TopekaChamber.org
CHAMBER
event
s
Register online @ www.TopekaChamber.org
Other Important Dates
You are encouraged to make reservations and pay for these events
on the Chamber’s Website at www.TopekaChamber.org.
(See “Register Now” in the center of the home page.)
Pie & Politics
Friday, February 7, 2014
3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Chamber Board Room
Fast Forward Insiders
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Strathman Sales
4235 SW Burlingame Road
Small Business Income Tax Workshop
Thursday, February 13, 2014
8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Ramada Downtown
420 SE Sixth Avenue
Business After Hours
Wednesday, February 18, 2014
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.,
Topeka Regional Airport
Forbes Field
sponsored by Metropolitan Topeka
Airport Authority
Fast Forward InsidersOUT
Tuesday, February 22, 2014
6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.,
Uncle Bo’s Blues Bar
420 SE Sixth Avenue
February
6 Fast Forward Steering Committee, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Equity Bank
7 GO Topeka Board, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., CBR
7 Ambassadors, Noon-1:00 p.m., CBR
10 Diplomats, Noon-1 p.m., CBR
12 Power Breakfast committee, 7:30-8:30 a.m., ECR
14 Leadership Greater Topeka Session #1
21 Chamber Board, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., CBR
24 Diplomats, noon-1 p.m., CBR CANCELLED
26 Fast Forward Inspire Dinner Service, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Topeka Rescue Mission,
600 N Kansas Avenue
28 Leadership Greater Topeka Session #2
Breakfast Buzz
“New Year New Growth”
Thursday, February 26, 2014
7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m.
Ramada Downtown
420 SE Sixth Avenue
Chamber Power Breakfast
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
Aldersgate Village
7220 SW Asbury Drive
Fast Forward Networking Social
Thursday, March 20, 2014
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Uncle Bo’s Blues Bar
420 SE Sixth Avenue
Business After Hours
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
VisionBank
3031 SW Wanamaker Road
Fast Forward Networking Social
Thursday, February 25, 2014
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Advisors Excel
2950 SW McClure Road
March
6 Fast Forward Steering Committee, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Location TBA
7 GO Topeka Board, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., CBR
7 Ambassadors, Noon-1:00 p.m., CBR
10 Diplomats, Noon-1 p.m., CBR CANCELLED
12 Chamber Power Breakfast, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Aldersgate Village, 7220 SW Asbury Drive
14 Leadership Greater Topeka Session #3
20 Fast Forward Networking Social, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Uncle Bo’s at the Ramada, 420
SE Sixth Avenue
21 Chamber Board, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., CBR
24 Diplomats, noon-1 p.m., CBR
25 Business After Hours, 5:00-7:00 p.m. , VisionBank, 3031 SW Wanamaker Road
26 Fast Forward Inspire Dinner Service, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Topeka Rescue Mission, 600
N Kansas Avenue
28 Leadership Greater Topeka Session #4
CBR: Chamber Board Room, 2nd floor ECR: Executive Conference Room 1st floor
Register at www.TopekaChamber.org
If mailing or faxing please check each event you would like to register for and fill in your information below.
Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Firm ____________________________________________________________Phone________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________ Zip_________________
_____ Check enclosed
_____ Please invoice me
_____ Bill my credit card:
Visa / MasterCard / Discover / Amer. Express (CID#__ __ __ __)
Number_____________________________________________ Exp. Date_____________
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce • 120 SE Sixth Avenue, Suite 110, Topeka, KS 66603-3515 • 785.234.2644 • fax 785.234.8656
FREE
Small Business
Income Tax
Workshop
Small Business Tax Facts:
What Small Business Owners Should Know
when Filing 2013 Small Business Income Taxes
February 13, 2014
8:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Ramada Downtown
Register at www.TopekaChamber.org
February 2014
11
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
120 SE Sixth Avenue, Suite 110
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515
Periodical postage paid at Topeka, Kansas
Topeka Business
Topeka Business (USPS 576520)
is published monthly for
$10.00 per year for members
of the Greater Topeka Chamber
of Commerce, 120 SE Sixth Avenue,
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 Avenue, Suite 110
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515
Editor: Marsha Sheahan
Interesting Tidbits
and
counting
45
Where it all began…
a new 8-page color brochure
about Constitution Hall is
now available. A humble
building, the dramatic
sight and touch of original
materials will captivate
visitors. Check out:
www.freestatecapitol.org
Topeka Jobs
New
482
Retained
481
2013
144
650
Downtown Topeka, Inc. is
planning to host or assist
with more than 45 events
downtown during 2014.
Chamber members and their
guests attended the 2014
Annual Meeting January 13.
businesses joined the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce during 2013. Do
you know of a business or individual that would benefit by being a member?
Call Adrianne at 785.234.2644 and staff will do the follow-up.
GET CONNECTED
www.TopekaChamber.org