Big Heart Plant Expansion - Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce

Topeka
VOLUME 50, No. 3, March 2015
A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER TOPEKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
JEDO/GO Topeka Provide Incentive Grant for
Big Heart Plant Expansion
In February, GO Topeka Economic Partnership announced that it had awarded Big Heart Pet Brands an incentive grant to help
fund a sizable expansion project to its Topeka facility, 2200 NW Brickyard Road. JEDO approved the incentive for up to $166,760
at its meeting on Feb. 11, 2015.
The grant will help fund a multi-million dollar facility expansion and new equipment. Big Heart Pet Brands currently employs
more than 350 full- and part-time employees at its Topeka pet food plant and distribution center.
The 70,000 square-foot expansion will result in the retention of approximately 20 existing full-time positions and up to eight new positions,
bringing the total square footage of the company’s Topeka facilities to 313,520. The Big Heart Pet Brands Topeka facility was in competition with two
other U.S. facilities for this expansion.
“We look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship with GO Topeka and the Topeka Chamber
of Commerce,” said Bob Schroeck, senior vice president of operations for Big Heart Pet Brands. “We’re
committed to continuing to grow our business, and the GO Topeka grant provides great incentive to do so
here in Topeka.”
“The city of Topeka takes pride in its existing companies like Big Heart Pet Brands,” said Mayor Larry
Wolgast. “We are excited to see the continued growth and investment in our community, and we hope they
continue to call Topeka home for many years to come.”
Scott Griffith, chairman of the GO Topeka board of directors, said, “I am proud that GO Topeka was able
to participate in building a proposal in support of this project resulting in Topeka being chosen for this
investment. Thank you to Big Heart Pet Brands for its continued investment and for building the food
processing/pet food industry in Topeka and Shawnee County.”
“This agreement highlights a major JEDO focus on bringing additional employment and investment to
our community from existing businesses,” said Shawnee County Commissioner Bob Archer. “It is a sign of
confidence from a successful organization that knows us well.”
“This agreement highlights
a major JEDO focus on
bringing additional
employment and investment
to our community from
existing businesses. It is a
sign of confidence from a
successful organization that
knows us well.”
- Bob Archer
Shawnee County Commissioner
GO Topeka has provided resources to assist Big Heart Pet Brands (BHPB), formerly known as Del Monte Foods,
in past expansions. The company purchased the facility in 2002-2003 and has made continued investments to
maintain and grow the company to accommodate business needs.
• 2008: BHPB constructed its cutting-edge robotics distribution and storage
facility, creating 76 new jobs.
• 2010: BHPB renovated its dry manufacturing plant, resulting in the
retention of 50 existing jobs and the addition of six positions.
• 2012: BHPB expanded its Topeka facility and purchased new equipment,
resulting in the retention of about 23 positions and the creation of 10
positions.
Chamber Member Feature
Retail Appeal with Neighborly Feel
Randy Austin’s route to Fairlawn Plaza was
circuitous—an upbringing in Shreveport,
Louisiana, a Russian history major at the
University of Kansas, a law degree begun in St.
Petersburg’s Florida and concluded at KU, an
Olathe legal practice representing landowners
in eminent domain and criminal cases that he
enjoyed.
So when Austin, as trustee of his Great Uncle
Charlie Bennett’s estate, was asked to come
to Topeka to handle his late uncle’s affairs, he
prepared to take a six-week sabbatical from
Olathe to put things in order.
Nearly 30 years later, Austin said, “I’m still on
that six-week sabbatical.”
Bennett, who owned a construction company
and who built Allen Fieldhouse and Ahearn
Fieldhouse, helped develop the Fairlawn Plaza
property in the 1970s.
Austin bought Fairlawn Plaza Mall in 1987 and
purchased all the other owners’ interests in
the shopping center in 2013. Fairlawn Plaza has
been a long-tenured Chamber member, as have
several of its tenants.
“Chamber membership provides
collegiality and is the economic engine
that pulls and pushes the business
community in a positive way,”
Austin said.
In the 1980s, Venture, Petland and Walgreens
were major tenants in the complex, along with
stores fulfilling specialty niches with cards,
hair care and home décor. Online shopping was
not yet available and West Ridge Mall was just
emerging as a retail hotspot.
In today’s marketplace, Austin said, “The
Internet has become increasingly important
in everyone’s thinking, so we’ve developed a
deliberate tactic to attract stores that don’t
face online competition. Our tenants teach
gymnastics, martial arts and dance and offer
cooking, sewing and knitting instruction. We
have the Classic Bean and Eagle Auto Wash,
things you can’t experience on a computer.”
Austin credits “a different attitude” toward
doing business and reasonable rents with
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March 2015
TopekaChamber.org
fostering long-term tenants, some of whom
have been with the shopping center since its
inception. “We don’t have to call someone in
another state to get permission to do anything
because we make all of our decisions locally,”
Austin said, noting that the center is at about
96 percent of capacity.
As such, entrepreneurs are drawn to Fairlawn
Plaza, and approximately 10 women-owned
businesses have created successful ventures
amidst stalwart mainstays like Dillons.
“Fairlawn Plaza is like a small town. You can
make copies, get your hair cut, eat, wash your
car, fix your shoes, pick up a prescription, buy
groceries, whatever you need to take care of,”
Austin said. “People who are familiar with our
community seek us out.”
Kris Saia, Fairlawn Plaza event coordinator
and former owner of Dickerson Antiques, said,
“Prospective tenants see a history of support
and success for small, locally owned businesses
and that’s often a determining factor in their
decision. We work here with our friends and
neighbors.”
Members of the merchants’ association strive
to look for new ways to promote businesses,
and special events tied to non-profit causes
have cultivated strong collaborations
beneficial for the broader community.
For example, the Topeka Community
Foundation’s Day of Giving, held the first week
of June, benefits multiple 501(c)3 organizations
that set up booths to promote their respective
missions. The event drew 72 agencies in 2013
and 111 in 2014 and expects 132 participants
in 2015.
“It’s phenomenal,” Austin said. “The first year
the Topeka Community Foundation was hoping
to raise $35,000 in contributions, but instead
it raised $159,000. In 2014, the event raised
more than $300,000. People have to come in
on a single day between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. to
make their gift, so it’s a big testament to the
generosity and commitment of the people of
Topeka.”
New First Friday Artwalk activities, an annual
Oktoberfest to raise money for organizations
like the Children’s Miracle Network at St.
Francis Health and pet pictures with Santa
draw faithful participants and new fans. An
international horseshoe tournament coming
to Topeka in July has generated excitement and
opportunities as well with a large retail area
Randy Austin
converted into an official qualifying space.
“I saw that Topeka had been selected for the
tournament and offered our services as the
‘official shopping center’ for the event,” Austin
said. “The organizers had never heard of such a
thing, but they made it happen.”
Austin and Saia believe Fairlawn Plaza’s
longevity and continued relevance as a retail
destination can be attributed to ingenuity
and adaptability as times change and people’s
interests are redirected by trends and
technology. Yet the one defining quality of
the center they believe has remained constant
throughout its reinventions is the collective
character of its tenants.
“Our merchants try to be good citizens in the
community and they’re nice folks,” Austin
said. “’The nicest folks are at Fairlawn Plaza’
is a new slogan we’re working on because it’s
absolutely true.”
Fairlawn Mall
Chamber Members
ASA Marketing
Classic Bean
Cowabunga Safaris
Dillon Companies
Eagle Auto Wash & Detailing Salon
Subway
Walgreens
GO Topeka
Security Benefit Wins Ad Astra Award
At its Feb. 17, 2015, meeting, the Kansas Chamber
presented its prestigious Ad Astra Award to
Security Benefit Corp. The Ad Astra Award is
the highest accolade from the Kansas Chamber
bestowed on a Kansas business that has aimed “to
the stars through difficulty” and has uniquely
contributed to the economic health and welfare
of the state.
“The results we’ve achieved over the past five
years only serve to confirm our belief that Kansas
is an ideal place for a financial services company
to grow and flourish,” Security Benefit Chief
Executive Officer Mike Kiley said. “I think any
company that survives more than 100 years will
have its share of adversity. We not only came
through, we’ve reached new heights.”
Noting that the company exceeded $5 billion of
sales for each of the last three years, Kiley said,
“We now find ourselves competing with the
biggest names in the financial services industry.”
Doug Kinsinger, president and chief executive
officer of the Greater Topeka Chamber of
Commerce, said, “Throughout the company’s
transitions, Security Benefit has retained its
commitment to recruiting and retaining top
talent and continues to invest in the community
through philanthropic support. We congratulate
Security Benefit for its adaptability and ingenuity
in not only weathering the economic downturn
of 2008 but emerging from the experience with
renewed vigor and unprecedented results.”
This fall the Greater Topeka Chamber of
Commerce and GO Topeka will host a Financial
Services Summit to spotlight numerous local
companies like Security Benefit that are
transforming product development, delivery
mechanisms, data management and customer
service in ways that have global impact on
banking and insurance industry sectors.
About Security Benefit
Security Benefit Chief Executive Officer Mike Kiley
Security Benefit’s story began more than 120
years ago when it was founded in Topeka by 11
men with $11 and a mission of providing life
insurance protection for everyday working
people. Today, Security Benefit is a top provider
of retirement products,
serving a full range of wealth
segments and multiple
VALUGUARD
industry categories
within the U.S.
retirement market.
$27.7B
IN TOTAL
ASSETS
With a strong
vision, innovative
products and a
transformative
distribution model,
Security Benefit
evolved from a solid,
Midwest specialty
retirement firm into
one of the fastestgrowing savings and
income companies
in the financial
industry.
950
ASSOCIATES
>1,000
associate
volunteer hours
spent each year to
support area
non-profit
agencies
From 2010 to 2014,
Security Benefit’s
assets increased
more than 150
percent, and more
than 100,000 new
clients turned to
the company for
help meeting their
retirement needs.
That growth has
created more than
400 new jobs in Topeka.
Security Benefit
Charitable
Foundation with
contributions
made to more
than
100
local
organizations
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TopekaChamber.org
March 2015
3
Fast Forward
GEN CHAT
As part of the ongoing
effort to start a positive
dialogue between Young
Professionals and more
established professionals in
the community, Fast Forward
hosted a Generational Chat
at the Topeka Country Club,
Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Goal of this event:
Give YPs the opportunity to sit
down in small groups and in an
informal setting with some of
Topeka’s successful business
leaders.
Monday, Feb. 23, Fast Forward hosted a City Council Candidate Forum at Bartlett & West. More than 30
people came to listen to and learn from eight of the 13 citizens running for City Council. Participating
candidates were TJ Brown, District 2; Sandra Clear, District 2; Christina Rondash, District 4; Les Parrish,
District 4; Zach Haney, District 4; Brendan Jensen, District 6; Chuck Leivan, District 6; and Nathan
Schmidt, District 8.
>
BEER 101
On Friday, Feb. 13, Fast Forward held Beer 101 at Blind
Tiger. Blind Tiger Owner Jay Ives discussed the history of
the building, the brand and beer basics. Blind Tiger has
been recognized and awarded for various brews through
the years and currently offers 16 beers on tap.
Established professionals who
participated in the event:
> Brent Boles, President,
Schendel Lawn and Landscape
> Marvin Spees, President,
Capital City Oil
> Vince Frye, President/CEO,
Downtown Topeka, Inc.
> Kristina Dietrick, President,
Creative Business Solutions
> Garry Cushinberry, SVP,
Community Relations, CoreFirst
Bank and Trust
> Michel’ Cole, Vice President,
Corporate Communications and
Public Affairs, Westar Energy
PARTICIPANT THOUGHTS
“I thoroughly enjoyed the less
formal setting and I think it
helped folks to open up and
share their thoughts.”-Andrew
Lindeman, Sunflower Bank
“I loved the energy of
the group. It was fun
to be young again.”Michel’ Cole, Westar
“I wanted you to know that I
thought it was a great event
and our six community leaders
enjoyed it as much as we did.”Sean Frost, United Way
of Greater Topeka
NETWORKING SOCIAL
WestSide Stamp & Awards hosted the monthly social Feb. 26 at
its newly renovated space. A fire forced them to move from their
location for months while the renovations took place. Westside
Stamp & Awards is now back home at 2030 SW Fairlawn Road.
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March 2015
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“I left feeling refreshed,
energized and maybe,
most importantly,
respected.” –Mikki
Burcher, MBurcher
Consulting
Spring has sprung!
Chamber
Check out March’s Fun Finds at these Chamber
1
member merchants!
Bad Asstra Per Aspera T-shirts
at The Merchant featuring
Amelia Earhart, Carrie Nation,
John Brown, Flying Monkeys
and the Yellow Brick Road for
$18.50 (includes tax), men’s
and women’s sizes available.
2
Art deco Ichabods for desk
décor at the Washburn
University Bookstore for $75,
1717 SW College Blvd.
3
Socksmith Socks in fun prints
(fruit, footballs, dogs, guitars,
typewriters, pancakes, apples,
Einsteins, etc.), men’s $10 and
women’s $7.50 to $10, Jess &
Rosie’s, 5633 SW 21st St.
Carol Bradbury
Brand Consultant,
Founder of
Bloomerang Studios,
Community Based Art
Welcome to Perspectives. Each month a Topeka
resident and Chamber member will share a firstperson perspective shaped by experience as a
native, a transplant or a boomerang resident of the
community.
As an artist and an entrepreneur in Topeka, there is a
particular topic that continues to come up when working
with local non-profits and community leaders. Topekans
want to come together to create community and feel
proud of where they live.
State of the Community Scheduled for April 16
Luncheon Speakers
Larry Wolgast
Mayor
City of Topeka
Kevin Cook
Commission Chairman
Shawnee County
Details
Thursday, April 16, 2015
11:45 a.m. Seating
Noon- 1:30 p.m.
Sunflower Ballroom
Maner Conference Center
Capitol Plaza Hotel
1717 SW Topeka Blvd.
$40 Chamber Members
$45 General Admission
$320 Corporate Table for Eight
Register online at TopekaChamber.org. For additional information, contact Kim Gronniger at
[email protected] or call 785.234.2644.
Sen. Laura Kelly and Sen.
Vicki Schmidt kicked off
the Chamber’s first Pie &
Politics event Feb. 20 in
the board room. The two
discussed legislative issues
and expectations for the
remainder of the legislative
session. On March 13,
Representatives Annie
Kuether and Dick Jones met
with attendees. Reservations
are still being accepted for
the March 27 event featuring
freshmen Representatives
Fred Patton and Lane
Hemsley. Register online at
www.topekachamber.org.
CITY OF
CHARACTER
Boomerang
Perspectives
I grew up in Topeka and have lived from Switzerland to
Seattle. Since returning, I’ve been using art as a way to
bring people together, to create something they could
not create alone, and transform it into public art.
I designed the first BloomerangTM project, the I GO NOTO
banners, in the early days of the arts district. More than
200 Topekans participated in the project, bringing their
energy and diversity together to infuse our historic North
Topeka Downtown with color and life.
In 2013, Bloomerang moved into Westboro Mart, 3127
SW Oakley. It’s a great location, nestled in the Westboro
neighborhood. I enjoy great neighbors like MB Piland,
and Porterfield’s. I love the way the colorful banners pop
against the fountain and light poles. The banners came
out of a public engagement we held during a First Friday
Artwalk in front of Beauchamp’s Art Gallery. The banner
designs remind me of Monet’s Water Lilies.
Adding to this colorful community narrative is a project
soon to launch called WE THE PEOPLE. Nearly 300 Quincy
Elementary students added their “marks” to group works
that will be adapted to street banners for NOTO, marking
a safe walking path between the arts district and Quincy.
The project will debut at the NOTO Arts Center, at the
May First Friday Artwalk.
Every group is unique and so is the process. The
results, however, are universal. Children and adults
laugh as they make their marks on group artworks ...
a doodle, a scribble, a flower. Neighbors spend time
catching up. I’m glad to be a part of these conversations.
Next time you’re driving around Topeka, keep an eye
out for these colorful symbols of community. And take
a moment to be grateful for each special neighborhood
that makes up our community. Read more about raising
your community flag at www.BloomerangStudios.com or
contact me at 785.783.8233.
PERSUASIVENESS:
understanding others so I can effectively communicate with them.
TopekaChamber.org
March 2015
5
Business Buzz
Share your company’s news with your Chamber colleagues. Contact [email protected]. Information will be placed as space and timing allow.
McDonald’s Owners Expand Restaurants
On Jan. 1, Tom and Marilyn Dobski purchased four
McDonald’s restaurants located at 29th and California, on
Kansas Avenue, on North Topeka Boulevard and on South
Topeka Boulevard following the retirement of the previous
owners. The Dobskis own McDonald’s restaurants at 12th and
Gage, on Wanamaker and at 21st Street and Belle, as well as
in other communities.
“We were already operating in the Topeka market and we
thought it was a natural fit to expand,” said Marilyn. “Our
entire company is excited for this challenge. Topeka is a growing
community and we are looking forward to working more closely
with the Topeka Chamber in the coming years.”
New menu items customers can anticipate include a new artisan
grilled chicken sandwich and a new sirloin third pound burger, as
well as the return of frozen strawberry lemonade and chocolate
dipped cones.
‘Get Down and Dirty’ with Keep America Beautiful
Keep America Beautiful-Topeka/Shawnee County invites
schools, civic groups, clubs, companies and citizens to
participate in a community Earth Day cleanup Saturday,
April 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants get a free
lunch. Learn more about how to form a team and win
prizes at [email protected] or call 785.224.0446. Chamber
member sponsors for the beautification event include Pepsi,
Frito-Lay, Strathman Sales, Shawnee County, the City of
Topeka, Custom Tree Care, Waste Management, and WIBW
Channels.
Valeo Opens New Dental Clinic
Valeo Behavioral Health Care has opened its new Healthy Smiles Dental
Clinic at 330 SW Oakley St. The new dental clinic will provide services to
eligible Medicaid Health Home patients in partnership with Community
Health Ministry, a safety-net clinic based in Wamego; Oral Health Kansas;
and Topeka Community Foundation.
Premier Employment Solutions and Key Staffing Find a New Home
Premier Employment Solutions and Key Staffing
have both found a new home. The new location
is the recently remodeled building at 5840 SW
Huntoon St. Key Staffing is proud to have been
a member of the Topeka Chamber for 26 years.
They invite you to stop by their new office and
say hi!
Baker University Forming New Classes
Groups are now forming for 100 percent online degree programs, all of which begin
March 30:
Associate of Arts in Business
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Arts in Business Leadership
Bachelor of Science in Management
Master of Business Administration
For more information, contact [email protected], 785.272.6442.
Stormont-Vail HealthCare Named One of
Country’s Top 100 Hospitals
Stormont-Vail HealthCare has been named one of the
nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Truven Health Analystics, a
leading provider of data-driven analytics and solutions to
improve the cost and quality of health care.
“Having Stormont-Vail receive this honor, ranking us
among the best hospitals in the country on overall
performance, is tremendous,” said Randy Peterson,
president and chief executive officer of Stormont-Vail
HealthCare. “Being identified as a 100 Top Hospitals
award winner establishes us as a high performing health
care organization providing exceptional value to our
community and positions us as a national leader. Our
medical staff, employees and leadership have worked
hard to achieve these national benchmarks and should be
very proud.”
The winning hospitals were announced in the March 2,
2015, edition of Modern Healthcare magazine.
Washburn Rural High School Earns DECA Gold Level Certification
The School-Based Enterprises at Washburn
Rural High School, WRHS Bank and Common
Grounds Coffee Shop, were among only
285 school-based enterprises in the United
States to achieve Gold Level Certification
(or recertification) this year and will be
recognized at DECA’s International Career
Development Conference in Orlando, Florida.
The students who worked on the certification
were Katie Gnagi, Chessa McCalla and
Nathan Miller with the assistance of their
advisers Brian McFall, Jay Mastin and Teresa
Golden.
A school-based enterprise (SBE) is an
The Common Grounds crew March 12, left to right:
Drew Mutschelknaus, Josh Campbell, Alli Barron,
entrepreneurial operation in a school setting
that provides goods and services to meet the Katie Gnagi, Brian McFall (business instructor) and
Emma Goodhart.
needs of the market. SBEs are managed and
operated by students as hands-on learning
laboratories that integrate national curriculum standards in marketing, finance, hospitality and
management.
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March 2015
TopekaChamber.org
Sheltered Living Receives Grant
from Capitol Federal Foundation
Sheltered Living Inc. received a $50,000
donation to support a new initiative to enhance
the safety and security of residents in the 19
homes it owns. Capitol Federal Foundation and
Lewis H. Humphreys Charitable Trust, Bank of
America, NA, Trustee each donated $25,000 to
support a keyless access control system that will
also reduce costs in key management, locks and
labor for the organization.
The control system will provide a greater level of
security and safety by providing the agency with
the ability to monitor who is accessing specific
homes and when. The system was installed in
the new service center at 3401 SW Harrison.
Ribbon Cuttings
The Merchant Honored with Statewide Award
The Merchant received the 2015 Existing Business
of the Year award from the Kansas Small Business
Development Center. The Merchant was one of 16
businesses, and the only Topeka business, to be
recognized.
Owner Lisa Boyd received the award at the State
House in front of members of the House and
Senate March 10.
Open since 2009, the shop features fun artwork,
vintage clothing and quirky knick-knacks arranged
in colorful, ingenious displays. “Our motto is
that you’ll never know what you’ll find at the
Merchant,” said Boyd.
The Merchant was recognized for its eclectic
merchandise as well as for Boyd’s extensive
involvement in promoting the community through
First Friday Artwalk events and participation on Downtown Topeka
Inc. committees and the Visit Topeka community-wide branding
initiative.
Boyd credited the Washburn Small Business Development
Center with helping her launch her business and hopes other
entrepreneurs will join her in expanding the small business
community in Topeka.
YWCA Leadership Academy Accepting
Applications
The 2015 Leadership Momentum Course begins April 8. Space is
limited to 25 for this six-month program designed to accelerate
professional growth, enhance self-awareness and improve
personal and team performance.
Participants will hear from successful women in the region as they
learn about political savvy, negotiation styles and tactics, strategic
leadership skills, change process management and collaborative
professional relationship development.
Contact Jan Michel at [email protected] or 785.435.8119.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Foundation Contributes $740,000 to
Community Causes
Spice Shop Wins Award
Moburts, 732 SW Gage, was one of the
winners of the “American Small Business
Championship” sponsored by SCORE, a
business mentoring organization, and Sam’s
Club. Winners were selected based on an
online video contest in which contenders
created a one-minute video about the
challenges they had overcome in establishing
their business.
“Thank you to SCORE,
Sam’s Club and our
customers,” Al said.
For Al and Mary Jo Struttman, those sacrifices included early morning
Saturday sales at the farmer’s market to capture customers and time
spent cultivating suppliers. Moburts offers everything from Mayan sea
salt and Mexican oregano to cocoa sugar and Cajun seasoning, as well
as oils and vinegars to enhance the flavor of any dish. The Topeka spice
shop, one of two winners in Kansas, won a year of free mentoring and a
$1,000 gift card, which the Struttmans plan to use to purchase software
and supplies.
SCORE mentors helped the Struttmans with advice on financing, setting
up a business, choosing a location, displaying products and using
social media. Go Topeka works closely with SCORE to support small
businesses.
jones huyett Partners’ Client Work Honored at
Advertising Awards Banquet
jones huyett Partners (jhP), a Topeka-based advertising/marketing firm,
received 33 ADDY medals and a Best of Show Award at the American
Advertising Federation-Topeka Chapter awards competition for work for
nine clients. The annual ADDY Awards competition recognizes creative
excellence in all forms of advertising and in all types of media.
jhP received the Best of Show Award for a Kansas Department of
Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Campaign involving print, photography
and videography. The team received Gold medals for work for 712
Innovations; the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism;
Security Benefit; NAPA; Topeka Rescue Mission; and the jhP website.
Client work recognized with Silver medals included Blue Cross and Blue
Shield of Kansas; Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism;
Security Benefit; Visit Topeka; Washburn University; Washburn Institute of
Technology; Washburn University School of Law; and jhP.
Approaching its 10th year, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield
of Kansas Foundation reached a record of $740,000 in
distributions given to 272 organizations to support programs
that promote health improvement, enhance access to health
care, provide health education, encourage healthy behaviors or
develop prevention initiatives.
Grants were awarded to support school-based efforts to
promote healthy habits; United Way organizations; a traveling
Smithsonian exhibit, “Hometown Teams: How Sports Shape
America”; 30 community health clinics; nursing scholarships
and other health-related certificates and degrees; Special
Olympics; a public awareness campaign designed to reduce
gender and relationship violence; an outdoor recreation
challenge; the American Red Cross; and dental, eyesight and
kidney programs.
“Our board was pleased to have the opportunity to provide
funding for a large number of organizations that share
our dedication to improving the health and wellness of
Kansans,” said Marlou Wegener, chief operating officer of the
Foundation.
TopekaChamber.org
March 2015
7
Business Buzz
Doug
Kinsinger,
president
and chief
executive officer of the Chamber;
Jacob Bond, store manager;
owners Doug Hutton and Dave
Riggs; and Mayor Larry Wolgast
showcase a festive box of the
franchise’s namesake staple at
a ribbon cutting Feb. 6 at 4009
SW 21st St. Customers can also
select from an array of specialty
items and sandwiches ranging
from limited-time-only treats
like a Brownie Batter doughnut
to always-available egg white
flatbread sandwiches and frozen
coffee Coolatta confections. The
new store employs 80 people.
The 53rd annual
Topeka Home
Show, put on by
the Topeka Home
Builders Association, was held the
last weekend of February. A ribbon
cutting kicked off the event Friday,
Feb. 27. Ivan Wichert, THBA CEO,
cut the ribbon. The show brings
in more than 100 vendors from
all over the state to the Kansas
Expocentre. The vendors bring
with them the newest ideas in
home improvement, making it
easy for attendees to find almost
anything they may be looking for in
home improvement or remodeling.
Brothers Craig Atwood (left)
and Lee Atwood cater to the
community’s barbecue tastes
whether they are serving thickstacked sandwiches made with
grilled Texas toast and ribs in their
restaurant at 1620 SW Sixth Ave.
or delivering meals in a bright
yellow 1948 Chevy Fleetline. At
a Feb. 26 ribbon cutting, the
owners displayed fan favorites. The
Hogzilla Sammich (pictured at left),
is a combination of pulled pork,
bacon, ham and sausage, and the
Gut Bomb, (pictured at right) is
prepared with pulled pork, ghost
cheese, onions and jalapenos.
Big’Uns Grill is open for breakfast
and features a family magic show
on Wednesday nights and live
music on Friday nights.
Lee Hartman and
Kevin Doel, longtime publishers
in the Topeka
market, and
Irene Haws, a graphic designer,
pose with the cover of Topeka
Health & Wellness magazine, their
new collaborative creation. The
magazine, unveiled at a ribbon
cutting and open house March
5, is dedicated to all aspects of
health and wellness for residents
of all ages. Each month local
experts will educate readers
about ways to become physically,
mentally and spiritually healthy.
Articles and advertisements
featuring area providers will
share news about technology,
techniques, products and services
designed to enhance quality of
life. Free copies are available at
grocery stores, restaurants, coffee
shops, fitness centers and doctors’
offices.
New Chamber members Brandon Miller, representative, and Thomas Miller,
president of Quantum Wealth Advisors, mingle with Ben Coates, Peoples Benefit
Group, at the Feb. 17 Business After Hours event at Security 1st Title.
Members of the 2015 Leadership Greater Topeka class pose for a picture with
Washburn University President Jerry Farley during their day-long educational
session. Thirteen participants are Washburn alums.
On Feb. 17, HHB BBQ owners Eddie and Kim Moege announced that their
restaurant’s new location will be on the first floor of Architect One. Plans are to
open mid-May. Pictured left to right at the announcement ceremony are Mike
Wilson, Architect One; Kim Moege; Eddie Moege; Mayor Larry Wolgast; Vince
Frye, president/CEO of Downtown Topeka Inc.; Scott Gales, Architect One; and
Doug Kinsinger, president/CEO of the Chamber and GO Topeka.
Leadership Greater Topeka participants Abel Frederic; Tonya Dorf Brunner;
Richard Raimond; Angie Strecker; Emma Starkey; and Michael Perkins show off
the creations they made in the Mulvane Art Museum ArtLab Feb. 27.
8
March 2015
TopekaChamber.org
A Conversation with
Karl Fundenberger
Fresh Air, Flexibility and
Freedom: New Bikeshare
Program Creates Transportation
Transformation for Topeka
Beginning April 15, Topekans age 16 and older
will be able to participate in the city’s new
Bikeshare Program, which will launch with
100 red bikes equipped with adjustable seats
and baskets. Get a handle on how the program
works with Karl Fundenberger, director of
bicycle operations for Topeka Metro.
Karl Fundenberger
Director of Bicycle Operations
Where and when did the idea for a
bikeshare program originate?
KF: The Bikeways Advisory Committee and
the Topeka Metro board of directors started
thinking about this idea four or five years ago.
It’s an old idea nationally and internationally.
Topeka’s Bikeways Master Plan calls for creating a
comprehensive network of useful bike routes.
Why now?
KF: Topeka Metro is the city’s transportation
solutions provider. We see daily the
transportation challenges people face: young
teenagers who don’t have cars and don’t want
their parents driving them around or people who
don’t have reliable cars and still need to get to
work or appointments or the store. Washburn
University has about 300 international students
who are thrilled that we’re introducing this
program. It’s also a way to recruit and retain
young professionals. In places like Denver and
Chicago, biking is second nature.
How does the program work?
KF: People can sign up online with a credit card.
The cost is $25 a year for two hours of biking
a day. If someone keeps the bike longer, then
there is an hourly fee of $2.50 that gets added to
the bill. All bikes have built-in GPS
tracking systems so we know where
every bike is at all times. People who
just want to ride a bike at the park can
show up on a whim and pay the hourly
rate at a kiosk. The bikes have a hold
feature so you can run into a coffee
shop or the library and keep the bike
locked up and in your name with the
time running. It’s like telling a taxi to
wait.
Chamber Chat
Where can people get a bike?
KF: Hubs are available at the Quincy
Topeka Metro location, Visit Topeka,
Washburn University, Topeka &
Shawnee County Public Library, Lake
Shawnee and Gage Park. Bikes can be
returned at more than 50 bike-lock
locations across the city.
What are the advantages of
renting a bike?
KF: It’s a cheaper form of
transportation than riding the bus,
Topeka Metro Bikeshare Program “spokes”person Karl
and an annual pass is less than a single Fundenberger showcases a prototype of the new bicycles
that will be available this spring throughout the city.
tank of gas. If you want to ride for
recreation, you can avoid the hassle of
hauling a bike to the park or the lake
this work and reach the people who can benefit
or the expense of maintaining and storing one.
the most.
You can just show up and hop on a bike wherever
you like with this program.
What other benefits does the program
provide?
KF: The website can track every ride you’ve
taken and provide you with the number of miles
you’ve ridden, the calories you’ve consumed
and your estimated savings on gas and carbon
emissions. Riding a bike helps the environment
and contributes to your financial and physical
well-being.
If the program proves popular, will you add
more bikes?
KF: We’re starting with 100 bikes, but we’re
hoping to double that number within a year
depending on community response. We’re
looking for partners who want to help us make
Why is Topeka well suited for the Bikeshare
Program?
KF: Topeka’s small enough that you can bike
everywhere and it doesn’t take too long to get
across town. I’m a Topeka native and I’ve ridden
bikes here my whole life. Sometimes it’s just more
convenient than trying to find a parking place.
Where are your favorite places to ride?
KF: I love riding my bike on the Shunga Trail
and the Landon Trail. Riding a bike is the
closest thing to flying, a really pleasant mode of
transportation.
For more information, visit
TopekaMetroBikes.org.
TopekaChamber.org
March 2015
9
We Love
TOPEKA
ln March
“I love how
accessible leaders
are in Topeka
so that you can
connect with
them and make
a difference by
serving on boards
and committees.”
-Brian Haug
10
March 2015
TopekaChamber.org
This monthly feature gives Chamber members a chance to highlight some of
the seasonal treats and treasures in our community that they like best. The
March shoutouts are courtesy of the Chamber Ambassadors, who represent
the Chamber at ribbon cuttings and other community events.
I love Topeka in
March because it
is the beginning
of a new season.
Best thing About
Kansas is that
we get four full
seasons!
-Bob Brackney
“I love Topeka in March
because I can celebrate
spring with new decorative
items for my home from the
Topeka Home Show.”
-Jo Ann Long
“I love Topeka in March because
I can watch March Madness
basketball games with my
friends at a K-State friendly
location like Tailgators.”
-Tim Kolling
“I love Topeka in March
because, weather
permitting, my husband
and I enjoy walking the
trails at the Governor’s
Mansion.”
-Marilyn Ervin
“I love Topeka in March
because I can walk the
trails at Lake Shawnee
and Shunga Trail.”
-Cindy Patton
Welcome, Members!
New Members (From January 2015)
Berkeley Square Productions
Video production
Dave Uhler
7720 SW Huntoon
Topeka, Kansas 66615
785.554.4228
Sponsored by: Doug Kinsinger, Chamber
president; Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Brown v. Board - National Park
Service
National Park
Sherda Williams
1515 SE Monroe
Topeka, Kansas 66612
785.354.4273
Sponsored by: Doug Kinsinger, Chamber
president; Adrianne Evans and Curtis
Sneden, Chamber staff
McAlister’s Deli
Restaurants
Bree Mickelson
1129 SW Wanamaker Road, Suite B
Topeka, Kansas 66604
214.373.3400
Sponsored by: Rise Quinn and Adrianne
Evans, Chamber staff
Vern’s Retail Liquor LLC
Liquor, retail
Aaron Rosenow
3700 SW Gage Blvd.
Topeka, Kansas 66610
785.266.5880
Sponsored by: Rise Quinn, Chamber staff
Quantum Wealth Advisors
Insurance, retirement planning
Thomas Miller, President
Brandon Miller, Representative
3620 SW Fairlawn Road, Suite 201
Topeka, Kansas 66614
785.273.4168
Sponsored by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber
staff
New Assignees (From January 2015)
RTUI (Register Tapes Unlimited, Inc.)
Advertising
Mark Gudenkauf, Marketing consultant
317 SE Mulberry
Topeka, Kansas 66609
785.383.3042
Sponsored by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber
staff
Chow Time Buffet #8
Restaurants
Terry Lin
1700 SW Wanamaker Road
Topeka, Kansas 66604
785.783.8988
Sponsored by: Rise Quinn, Chamber staff
Ken Schmanke, CBRE
Real estate - commercial
Ken Schmanke, Advisor & broker
2609 SW Randolph Court
Topeka, Kansas 66611
785.554.8140
Sponsored by: Martha Bartlett Piland, MB
Piland Advertising & Marketing; Adrianne
Evans, Chamber staff
Dunkin’ Donuts
Doughnuts
Doug Hutton
4009 SW 21st St.
Topeka, Kansas 66604
Sponsored by: Rise Quinn, Chamber staff
Kansas City Master Companies, Inc.
Foundation repair
Jesse Parkhurst, Field consultant
13501 Arrington Road
Grandview, Missouri 64030
816.763.1500
Sponsored by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber
staff
Take a “Chance” Auctions
Auctioneer
Chance Lammer, Auctioneer, CEO
843 N Kansas Ave.
Topeka, Kansas 66608
785.633.1743
Sponsored by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber
staff
Undersheriff Phil Blume
Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office
Misty Curtis
Intrust Bank
Jennifer Gonzales
Dillon Companies
Jeff Gragg
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Jana Dawson
Westar Energy
Tracy Jepson
CASA of Shawnee County
Aine Nevar
Ronald McDonald House
Justin Pike
West Ridge Mall
CC Tyson
AmericINN
Rod Weber
Dillon Companies
Valerie Williams
Capitol Federal
Reinstatements
Ramada Convention Center,
Downtown Topeka
Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center
*February and March Reinvestments
will appear in the April issue.
CHAMBER OFFICERS
COUNCIL VICE CHAIRS
Bossert
GREATER PaulLeadership
Michel’Cole
TOPEKA
Marketing
Goldsmith
CHAMBER OF Randy
Membership
Scott Griffith
COMMERCE
Development/GO Topeka
Coleen Jennison
BOARD
Government Relations
Brent Boles
Chairman of the Board
Jim Ogle
Chairman of the Board-Elect
Janet Stanek
Treasurer
Neil Dobler
Immediate Past Chairman
Douglas S. Kinsinger
President & CEO
TopekaChamber.org
March 2015
11
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
120 SE Sixth Ave., Suite 110
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515
Periodical postage paid at Topeka, Kansas
Topeka Business
Topeka Business (USPS 576520)
is published monthly for members
of the Greater Topeka Chamber
of Commerce, 120 SE Sixth Ave.,
Suite 110, Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515,
785.234.2644. Periodical postage is paid
at Topeka, Kansas.
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to
Topeka Business
120 SE Sixth Ave., Suite 110
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515
Editor: Kim Gronniger
Calendar of Events
Fast Forward InsidersOUT
Saturday, March 7, 2015
11:30 a.m. seating,
6-10 p.m.
Equity Bank
420 SE Sixth Ave.
RSVP online- $
Chamber Power Breakfast
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
7:30-8:30 a.m.
Lake Shawnee Event Center
at Bettis Family Sports Complex
Hosted by Shawnee County Parks and
Recreation
29th & Croco
RSVP online
Pie & Politics
Friday, March 13, 2015
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Chamber Board Room
120 SE Sixth Ave. - Second Floor
RSVP Online
Entrepreneurs & Ale
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Celtic Fox
118 SW Eighth Ave.
RSVP online
Fast Forward Networking Social
Thursday, March 19, 2015
5-7 p.m.
American Red Cross
1221 SW 17th St.
RSVP online
Pie & Politics
Friday, March 27, 2015
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Chamber Board Room
120 SE Sixth Ave. - Upstairs
RSVP Online
Fast Forward Day at the Capitol
Friday, March 20, 2015
8 a.m.-Noon
Kansas State Capitol Visitors Center
6425 SW Sixth Ave.
RSVP online
Fast Forward Easter Egg Hunt
Monday, March 30, 2015
6-7:30 p.m.
Hope Center Topeka Rescue Mission
120 SE Sixth Ave. - Second Floor
RSVP Online
March
5
6
6
9
20
23
Fast Forward Steering Committee, 3:30-5 p.m.,
Equity Bank
GO Topeka Board of Directors, 7:30-9 a.m., CBR
Ambassadors, Noon-1 p.m., CBR
Diplomats, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., ECR
Chamber Board of Directors, 7:30-9 a.m., CBR
Diplomats, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ECR
April
2 Fast Forward Steering Committee, 3:30-5 p.m.,
712 Innovations
2 Ambassadors, Noon-1 p.m., CBR
3 GO Topeka Board of Directors, 7:30-9 a.m., CBR
13 Diplomats, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ECR
15 Entrepreneurs & Ale, 5:30-7 p.m., Celtic Fox
20 Chamber Board of Directors, 7:30-9 a.m., CBR
22 Fast Forward Inspire Dinner Service, 5-7 p.m.,
Topeka Rescue Mission
27Diplomats, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., ECR
Succession Planning for Small
Businesses
Monday, March 23, 2015
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Chamber Board Room
120 SE Sixth- Second Floor
Four-session course
RSVP online
Business After Hours
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
5-7 p.m.
Aboud’s Catering
2127 SW Westport Drive
RSVP online
CBR: Chamber Board Room, Second Floor
ECR: Executive Conference Room, First Floor
*Events are free to Chamber Membership unless otherwise noted.
GET CONNECTED
Other Important Dates
Register at
www.TopekaChamber.org