Topeka
VOLUME 49, No. 7, July 2014
A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER TOPEKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Tulsa is InterCity
Destination
This year’s destination for the InterCity Benchmarking Exchange will be Tulsa, Oklahoma, Wednesday
and Thursday, September 24-25. The group will travel by bus to Tulsa Wednesday morning, have
sessions Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, and return by late afternoon on Thursday.
“We anticipate taking a look at their brand new River Walk project, their arts district and
entrepreneurship programs, as well as their young professional programs,” said Brent Boles, Chamber
chair-elect and this year’s InterCity chair. “They have an interesting Boomerang program to attract
and retain young professionals and their downtown is experiencing significant construction and
revitalization. Our pre-trip in early June was interesting and the Tulsa Regional Chamber is excited
about showing off their community.
Watch for more information in the next several weeks as pricing, sessions and tours are determined!
Topeka Chamber members and others in the community involved in the downtown project,
riverfront, entrepreneurship, the arts district and more are welcome to participate in this trip.
The Topeka Chamber has sponsored visits to other communities since 2002 when the group went to
Springfield, MO.
For more details about learnings from prior trips, check out the InterCity page on the Chamber’s
website, www.topekachamber.org.
Save the Date!
September 24-25, 2014
The bronze statues above are located near the north end of Tulsa’s
River Walk Park. At right the Brady Arts District attracts people of all
ages for entertainment, eating out and enjoyment of local arts.
news
CHAMBER
Make
Connections at
Lunch Connect
The next Chamber
Lunch Connect will
be Tuesday, August
12 at the Waters Edge Lounge
in the Capitol Plaza Hotel, 1717
S Topeka Blvd., from 11:45 a.m.1:00 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to
“connect” with new friends
and colleagues that may just
become your next business
partner! Cost is $15.25, which
covers meal, drink and gratuity.
There are a limited number of
spots available and attendees
MUST register. RSVP online.
The event is sponsored by:
CHAMBER OFFICERS
Neil Dobler
Chairman of the Board
CHAMBER
news
Brent Boles
Chairman of the Board-Elect
Jim Ogle
Treasurer
Coleen Jennison
Immediate Past Chairman
Douglas S. Kinsinger
President & CEO
COUNCIL VICE CHAIRMEN
Curtis Sneden
Government Relations
Allan Towle
Development/GO Topeka
Marinello Schools of Beauty
hosted ribbon cutting
ceremonies for their new facility
at 109 SW 29th Street May 28.
Renee Ramirez, center, is the center manager.
Topeka Mayor Larry Wolgast
(left) helped cut the ribbon for
new business Action COACH Business Coaching, 5020
SW 28th Street, Suite 201, at their ribbon cutting June 17.
Pictured are company principals Andrea Engstrom, Jan
Kemper and Earl Kemper.
Jennifer Kennedy of Meadow Creek Event Center, 7015
SW Tenth Avenue, spoke at ribbon cutting ceremonies
June 12. The business offers both indoor and outdoor
venues for receptions, weddings, reunions and more in a
setting where guests can enjoy the peaceful serenity of
the country, yet be close to the amenities of Topeka.
Dynamic Computer Solutions
of Topeka, 2214 SW Tenth
Avenue, celebrated the firm’s
30th Anniversary June 12 with ribbon cutting ceremonies
and an afterhours event for Downtown Topeka, Inc.
Pictured at center are owners Mitch and Fran Miller.
Chamber members were delighted to play with the
interactive displays at Business After Hours May 20 at
the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.
At the annual Leadership Greater Topeka graduation
luncheon May 21, high school students who were
members of the class were surprised with $1,400
scholarship checks. Alisha White, Highland Park High
School, and Carleigh Frazier, Washburn Rural High School
(left to right), discovered their classmates collected the
scholarship money among themselves to honor the
girls who were such valuable contributors to the class
experience during the spring program.
Paul Bossert
Leadership
Karla Clem
Marketing
Randy Goldsmith
Membership
CHAMBER
Staff Profile
Molly Howey
Director of Business
Development
3 years with GO Topeka
.
.
.
.
.
.
Mom of three very active kids
When not at work you can usually find
her in the bleachers at a sporting event
of some kind watching one of her kids
Currently pursuing her CEcD to become
a certified economic developer
Loves to garage sale and go to auctions
to find bargains
Her personality color is orange
She used to play the drums
2
TopekaChamber.org
13ways
1
Leadership
Greater Topeka
The Leadership Greater Topeka
graduation in May honored 35 individuals
who completed the 100-hour community
leadership program.
2
$50,000
Supporting
Local Workforce
the Chamber & GO Topeka
Helped your Business During Second Quarter 2014
6
This Summer
FOErget the Drive.
Marketing efforts
to promote
United connects Topeka to the United’s
world twice
Air Service
a day, which means your summer travels
continued to be a
just got a lot easier.
priority.
Log onto United.com, type in the airport
code “FOE,” and book your flight!
grant for scholarships to expand
and improve the local workforce was
presented to Washburn Tech by the Joint
Economic Development Organization
(JEDO) and GO Topeka in May.
3
Government
Affairs
The Chamber’s government affairs
efforts during the 2014 legislative
session included priorities of reducing
unemployment insurance taxes for most
businesses and retaining the machinery
and equipment tax savings legislation
for all Kansas businesses. The Chamber
supported both efforts which were
successful.
4
5
7
EMBD Held
Women’s Forum
A I R P O R T
It’s Forum,
All Aboutsponsored
Easy.
The initial Women’s
by
the Entrepreneur and Minority Business
development program, was held in May
to allow women in business opportunity
to share successes and learn from one
another.
8
Networking
Opportunities
1300
members attended membership
networking events during second
quarter.
Hosted the annual
State of the
Community event in
April.
Small Business
Survey
A Small Business Survey was completed
by GO Topeka’s Entrepreneurial and
Minority Business program.
July 2014
9
JEDO APPROVED
CONTRACT
Members of the Joint Economic
Development Organization (JEDO)
approved a three-year contract with
GO Topeka to implement economic
development services in Topeka and
Shawnee County.
10
Educational
Opportunities
16
emerging entrepreneurs graduated
from the Ice House (10) and
Childcare (6) business development
classes.
11
Represented
Business’ Interests
Chamber business leaders,
along with representatives
from the City, County and
GO Topeka, traveled to
Washington DC in April
to visit with our federal
delegation about the
importance of air service and
the military’s presence in Topeka as well as
getting the Kansas River levee repaired.
The Water Resources Reform and
Development (WRRDA) bill, which includes
repair of the weir in the Kansas River near
downtown Topeka, was authorized in May
and now awaits funding allocation.
12
Fast Forward/Generation
Topeka launched the
Summer Intern Program
in June to introduce
interns working for local companies
to the community in an effort to
encourage them to come back to
Topeka when their education
is complete.
13
Continuous Growth
in Partnerships
The Manufacturer’s in the Classroom
Program and the new M-Tech Class for
Non-Food Manufacturers were launched
to connect local manufacturers with
students in area high schools.
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 msheahan@TopekaChamber.org.
Interim HealthCare of Topeka,
KS, was recognized by the National
Headquarters for excellence in
growth and leadership during the
2013 business year at their national franchise conference in April. Jill
Harrison, owner of the Topeka office, was honored with the Raymond C.
Herriges Management Award. Herriges was the first franchise owner and
was instrumental in developing Interim’s initial operating policies and
procedures. The award is presented to the individual who has achieved
the greatest degree of operational excellence combined with outstanding
sales growth during the previous year.
Family Service & Guidance Center’s
(FSGC) pre-doctoral internship program in
professional psychology has been accredited
until 2021 by the American Psychological
Association (APA), qualifying the agency to
train children’s mental health care providers.
FSGC’s training program addresses a critical need in northeast Kansas
and across the country. “There is a shortage of qualified, well-trained
mental health professionals in communities like ours,” says Connie
Romig, Ph.D., director of FSGC’s training program. “The profession needs
quality training sites for psychologists, and we’re proud to provide an
outstanding internship experience.” FSGC receives 60-70 internship
applications each year and accepts three interns who are with the agency
for a year. FSGC’s internship program has been APA-accredited since
2002. Family Service & Guidance Center serves over 12,000 children,
adolescents and families each year with a full range of mental health care
services. FSGC is celebrating their 110th anniversary in 2014.
Sunflower State Games is recruiting volunteers to help the events run
smoothly. Volunteers will help with such tasks as checking in athletes,
keeping time and score, traffic control and pre-event preparation. This
is the 25th anniversary of the games and will once again draw thousands
of athletes to Topeka to compete in the Olympic style sports festival this
month. Volunteers are needed the weekends of July 11-12, July 18-20
and July 26-27. If you, your colleagues and friends are interested in
helping, please call Sunflower State Games at 785.235.2295 or register as a
volunteer by going to http://www.sunflowergames.com/volunteer.
Washburn Tech has launched a new
online site called witjobs.net that
allows companies to post job openings.
Once an opening is published,
Washburn Tech instructors in the applicable areas are notified so they,
too, may serve as a resource for local companies. The service is free and
available to anyone, whether an individual is posting a job or looking for
one. Washburn Tech created the site in response to the needs of the local
business community.
4
U.S. Bank has named Topeka, Kansas employee
Terry Neher an Annual Pinnacle Award honoree, the
company’s highest employee achievement honor.
U.S. Bank’s Pinnacle Awards program recognizes
outstanding achievement and rewards employees for
their tremendous performance. Neher, a commercial
banking relationship manager, works at U.S. Bank’s
Terry Neher
719 S. Kansas Ave. office in Topeka. He has been
with U.S. Bank for 12 years and in the banking business for 30 years.
Neher is among the top 10 percent of top performing employees
nationwide to win U.S. Bank’s award for outstanding achievement
and superior performance. This is his third Annual Pinnacle Award.
Neher is a member and past chairman of the Junior Achievement
of Kansas board of directors, and also served on the boards of GO
Topeka and Washburn Rural Foundation, and as treasurer of the
Western Hills Baptist Church.
Porterfield’s Florist has
been named National
2014 Retail Florist of the
Year by Wholesale Florists
and Florist Suppliers
Association of America and
Florists’ Review Magazine.
Porterfield’s, located at 3101
SW Huntoon, has operated
in Topeka since 1965. Owner David Porterfield took over the family
business from his parents, Brooke and Virginia Porterfield, in 1981.
Educational Credit Union’s Business Development division is hosting a
three-part Seminar Series this July for business owners. ECU’s Business
Resources Summer Series, “What Every Small Business Owner Needs to
Know” will be presented by Martha Bartlett Piland, Rich Drinon and Rick
Lejuerrne, Esq. Advanced registration is necessary, and the series is free
to attendees. For more information or to RSVP call Jennifer Kirmse at
785.271.6900.
Call for a free
quote or demo!
Leveraging the power of
Unified Communications
for your company’s
success.
Visit us on the web at www.dcstopeka.com
TopekaChamber.org
Call for a free
CHAMBER
news
Ambassador Gary Knoll, Berberich Trahan & Co., chatted with new member
Alden Hickman, a Legal Shield representative, at the New Member Reception
June 16 in the Chamber board room.
Auburn Washburn schools hosted the June 11 Power Breakfast at Washburn Rural
High School. The newly remodeled entrance and gathering place proved a great
locale for the Chamber’s quarterly membership meeting. Pictured are new members
recogonized at the meeting.
WIBW Channels celebrated sixty years of broadcasting by hosting Business After Hours June 19. More than 500 guests enjoyed meeting Reality Show stars, food and
beverages and limo rides from the parking lot.
1800 SW 42nd Street
Topeka, KS 66609
785-266-2323
www.tarcindustries.com
®
What can TARC Industries do for you?
Roofing excellence since 1979.
• component assembly and packaging
• shrink wrap, label, bag, heat seal,
collate, insert, fold, seal, etc.
“Do the right thing.”
For 35 years and three generations our family
has kept our founder’s promise.
g
in
• Packag
ion
• Printing/
Mai
ling
ct
nt Destru
• Docume
• re-stacking of pallets
• NAID Certified Document Destruction
Program
We provide you with quality service, cost savings,
convenience and timeliness.
Saves your staff time in preparation, sorting and delivery.
• mailing preparation - inserting,
folding, tabbing, labeling, etc.
Don’t risk your roof on an unproven contractor.
Call the pros at Midwest Coating.
Our proven approach saves
money and prolongs the
value of your investment.
(785) 232-4276
www.MidwestCoating.us
Randy Morris
President
July 2014
5
ECONOMIC t
rends
Topeka MSA* (five counties)
Monthly Economic Indicators for the Topeka Area Economy
Washburn University School of Business Leading Index & Coincidence Index
APRIL 2014
102
Coincident Index (Shawnee County)
Leading Index (National, State, County)
100
98
96
ACCRA Cost of Living Data
Selected
Cities
2014 First
Quarter
Kansas City, KS/MO
100.3
Little Rock, AR
99.3
Manhattan, KS
99.3
Topeka, KS
92.4
Springfield, MO
92.4
Des Moines, IA
91.8
Tulsa, OK
89.1
94
Oklahoma City, OK
88.9
Omaha, NE
86.5
The Washburn University School of Business Leading Index decreased 0.1% in April to a preliminary estimate of 96.8 from 96.9 in
March (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 0.2% over the last three months and down 0.1% over the last 6 months.
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.
The Washburn University School of Business Coincident Index, which measures current economic conditions in Shawnee County
increased 0.6% in April to a preliminary estimate of 100.1 from 99.5 in March (2005 = 100). The index is a composite index of county
non-farm employment and taxable sales. The coincident index is flat over the last six months and up 1.3% from April 2013.
Estimated Taxable Sales Topeka/Shawnee County
March 2014
$220,323,972
YTD 2014
$ 600,991,791
March 2013
$216,265,236
YTD 2013
$560,025,826
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue
UTILITY HOOK-UPS
CITY OF TOPEKA
May
2014
May
2013
Residential
52,009
53,998
Commercial
4,196
4,174
56,205
58,172
Topeka Water**
Total
**Includes those within the county who use Topeka water.
May
2014
May
2013
Residential
69,292
69,247
Commercial
8,209
8,220
51
47
77,552
77,514
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
April
2014
Construction Permit Information
Unincorporated Shawnee County
New Residential Permits
April
2014
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
7
0
$1,370,000
3
$60,000
6
$8,505,887
March
2014
10
YTD
2014
18
April
2013
9
YTD
2013
24
0
0
0
0
$3,312,000 $5,931,000 $1,852,000 $5,776,000
5
11
3
9
$2,559,500 $14,530,242 $1,548,000 $3,441,250
10
27
28
102
$1,378,344 $14,068,098 $11,396,261 $16,944,983
13
March
2014
18
YTD
2014
$2,499,880
2
$175,000
0
$0
$2,073,480
0
$0
1
$4,763,608
$5,474,591
2
$175,500
2
$8,592,072
April 2014
120,502
114,061
6,441
5.30%
37
April
2013
12
$2,543,300
0
$0
1
$2,600,000
March 2014
120,313
113,585
6,728
5.60%
YTD
2013
33
$6,364,419
0
$0
2
$2,700,000
April 2013
122,206
114,902
7,304
6.00%
April
2014
6.2
7.1
March
2014
5.9
7.0
April
2013
5.3
7.2
18.1
18.0
18.2
1.5
6.9
13.5
18.0
9.5
4.7
26.3
111.8
1.4
6.9
13.2
17.9
9.0
4.7
26.2
110.2
1.4
6.9
12.3
18.2
8.7
4.8
27.6
110.6
*These numbers reflect the five-county MSA. Comparing these figures with 2004 and prior years is not advisable.
6
TopekaChamber.org
GO TOPEKA
news
Two Classes Offered
Early Fall
Whether you are just thinking about starting a new business, or
if you’re “learning as you go,” there’s an entrepreneurial class
for you this fall. GO Topeka’s Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development program will offer
both classes.
The FastTrac New Venture class will begin Monday, August 25 and run Monday evenings (except
September 1) through November 3. This class will start with your idea and help you find the answers
you’re wanting about starting the business: Is your idea viable? Does the business concept match your
personal vision? Is there a real market opportunity? Who is your target market? What’s your company’s
brand?
The Who Owns The Ice House? Class will begin Tuesday, September 23 and run Tuesday evenings
(except November 4) through December 2. The class is based on the book, Who Owns The Ice House,
and draws on the eight life lessons described in the book. This class will address “the power to choose”,
recognizing opportunities, putting your ideas into action, creating wealth, building your brand and more.
Both classes run for 10 sessions. Hours and location are 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Chamber Board
Room, 120 SE Sixth Avenue. The classes cost $55 for participants from Shawnee County thanks to
scholarships from the Topeka Chamber/GOTopeka and the EMBD program.
For more information, or to enroll for one of the classes, please contact Glenda Washington, VP of EMBD
at 785.231.6000 or email Mary Ann Anderson at manderson@gotopeka.com.
Event Will Connect
Buyers and Vendors
The Business Opportunity Fair on Thursday, November 6, from
8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Capitol Plaza Maner Conference
Center will connect small, minority and women-owned
businesses with procurement and contracting officers from
government, private contractors and corporate entities. If you
are interested in being present at the event, please contact
the Kansas Department of Commerce at 785.296.3425 or email
rharris@kansascommerce.com. This program is presented by
the Kansas Department of Commerce with assistance from GO Topeka’s entrepreneurial and minority
business development program.
CITY OF
CHARACTER
July 2014
HUMILITY:
Acknowledging that achievement results from the investment
of others in my life
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 and 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
7
MEMBER
pr of i le
David and Annette Jackson were married in 1970. David had begun operating the
greenhouse since graduation from KSU in 1968 with a horticulture degree. Annette
taught school for a year but became pregnant and was forced to resign in her 6th month
of pregnancy, which was March 1971. She then joined David in the business.
At that time Jackson’s Greenhouse was solely a vegetable greenhouse growing and selling fresh tomatoes to 15-20 local grocery
stores in Topeka. Bedding plants were added as a spring crop for wholesale to other nurseries and grocery stores. Before long a
garden center was added; floral services, a nursery, landscape services and interior plant maintenance followed.
What is something interesting about Jackson’s Greenhouse that
Chamber membership may not know?
Annette trained as a florist with Fraucee and David Porterfield at Kaw Valley
Area Vo-Tech (now Washburn Tech). She graduated from Concordia Teachers
College in Seward, Nebraska ,with an elementary education degree with
emphasis in church organ.
Jackson’s provides interior plant design and maintenance for businesses and
residences.
How long has Jackson’s been in the Topeka community?
David’s forbearers on the Jackson side settled in the Topeka area in the late
1880’s. David’s great grandfather raised over a hundred acres of potatoes at
the current site of Big Heart Pet Brands at Highway 24 and Brickyard Road.
His Grandmother Taylor’s family farmed near Grantville (at now US Highway
24 and Kansas). David’s father Dwight purchased the current greenhouse in
1951, 3 months before the ‘51 flood.
You offer more than just items from the greenhouse; What other
services do you offer?
Besides plants, our services include landscaping, interior and exterior plant
maintenance, and floral and landscape design. We also test soil for PH and
organic content analysis free of charge.
What is the BEST plant, shrub &/or flower for surviving our Topeka,
Kansas climate?
Among the best landscape plants for scenery area are the new generation’s
shrub roses. Easy Elegance is David’s favorite series, followed by the Drift
roses, Knockouts and Carpets. For the shade, the new Bloom-a-thon Azaleas
are his favorite. In perennials for sun, the Prairie Series of Echinacea are
great, but Stella de Oro Daylilies are hard to beat. For shade Hostas and
Heuchera (coral bells) hybrids are fantastic.
For someone who does not have a green thumb, where should they
start?
A non green thumb gardener should always start with soil (not dirt). Plant
health and success begins with a healthy root system and soil is the primary
driving force of that.
Raised gardens are somewhat of a trend right now, what might be the
benefits of these?
The benefits of a raised bed are twofold: 1) Less bending over and 2) more
production per square foot. The negative is the extra cost and labor to install
originally.
Jackson’s Greenhouse & Garden Center is located at 1933 NW
Lower Silver Lake Road and is open seven days a week from 8:30
a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. More information
can be found on the website at www.JacksonsGreenhouse.com
or by calling 785.232.3416. Checkout their Facebook page at
Facebook.com/jacksons.greenhouse.
Dave and Annette Jackson
of Jackson’s Greenhouse &
Garden Center
8
TopekaChamber.org
FAST FORWARD
news
Fast Forward kicked off their Summer Intern Program at a welcome event
June 9 at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. More than 40 interns from area
companies attended, eager to meet Fast Forward members and learn about the
community’s offerings for “outside of work” activities.
Fast Forward members helped put finishing touches on the Born Learning Trail
at Pine Ridge Manor. The Trail consists of fun, bright and colorful outdoor games
designed to boost a child’s language and literacy skills while encouraging
families to get active. A ribbon cutting was held June 19 to celebrate the
completion of this project.
Fast Forward
Mobs Local
Businesses
As a way of promoting and giving back to the great local businesses that are
such a vital part of our community Fast Forward/Generation Topeka picks
a day and a locally owned small business to mob each month. Chamber
members and Fast Forward members are encouraged to visit the location
sometime that day and check them out. While you’re there, drop off a
business card and/or take a selfie and tag Fast Forward on social media to
be registered to win fun prizes.
ow for the 4th
rN
nual
An
Regis
te
Left, Fast Forward members Andrew Wiechen and Cassandra Taylor of
Architect One snapped a photo while mobbing Juli’s Coffee & Bistro, 110 SE
Eighth Avenue, on Wednesday, June 18.
Generation Topeka
Golf Tournament
August 1, 2014
Registration Fees:
• $100 for an individual
• $400 for a foursome
• $150 for hole sponsorship
• $500 for hole sponsorship
and foursome
At the Topeka Country Club, 2700 SW Buchanan
Check-in will start at 10:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at Noon
Format is a four person scramble with multiple winners,
prizes, hole contests and drawings. Registration price
includes lunch and 2 drink tickets.
Proceeds from the event will fund Fast Forward/Generation
Topeka educational programs, scholarships to the 2014
InterCity Benchmarking Exchange and other member
benefits.
Register your team at www.TopekaChamber.org or by calling
Jennifer at 785.234.2644.
July 2014
Topeka Regional Airport code: FOE
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 in May 2014 and were approved for membership at the June 2014 Board of Directors
meeting.
New Members
Terry Leatherman
Housing & Credit Counseling, Inc.
B2B Golf Mastermind, LLC
Business consultant
Mark Stevens, President & CEO
3707 SW Mission Drive
Topeka, KS 66610
785.341.1776
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Shannon Nichol
Lawyers Title of Topeka, Inc.
(From May 2014)
Canada Drug of Topeka
Prescription medication
Eric Enns, Owner
5938 SW 17th Street, Suite 400
Topeka, KS 66604
785.272.6100
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Eyewear Unique
Eyewear
Eric Enns, Owner
5938 SW 17th Street, Suite 400
Topeka, KS 66604
785.271.7356
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Questar Fueling
CNG (Compresses Natural Gas)
Carl Galbraith, General manager
333 South State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84145
801.324.5824
Sold by: Doug Kinsinger, Chamber CEO
Stevie-Rae’s Bar & Grill
Bar
Renee Whatley, Owner
555 SW 39th Street
Topeka, KS 66609
785.783.2115
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Welcome to
New Assignees
(From May 2014)
Robbie Bradstreet
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
Pamela Hahn
Heartland Works, Inc.
Lisa Jackson
Sheltered Living, Inc.
Keith Kowalski
Kansas City Royals
G.R. Laughlin
Community Resources Council
10
Kelly Stanford
Communities in Schools of Mid-America
Nikki Stiles
Cara’s Cup at Barrington Village
Reinvestments
Thanks to those Chamber member
firms and organizations that renewed
their commitment to the growth
and development of the Greater
Topeka community through Chamber
membership during May 2014.
Absolute Design by Brenda
American Heart Association - Midwest
Affiliate
Aquarian Design
ARTSConnect
Asset Lifecycle, LLC
Black Gold, Inc.
Brickyard Barn Catering & Event Planning
Canada Drug of Topeka
Capitol City Office Products
The Celtic Fox
Center for Nutrition & Preventative
Medicine PA
Century Business Technologies
Certus Structural Engineers, Inc.
Communities in Schools of Kansas
W.O. Comstock & Associates, LLC
Concrete Supply Inc.
Coyote Canyon
The Craig Group
Crown Distributors, LLC
Crown Trophy Store #151
Cruise Holidays
Denison State Bank - Topeka Branch
EC Enterprises
Eyewear Unique
Dean Ferrell
Findables for Midland Care
First American Title
The Floor Project
Goal Marketing, LLC
Larry Haas Agency, Inc-American Family
Insurance
Heartland Park Topeka
Heartland Title Services, Inc.
John Hoffer Chrysler Jeep, Inc.
The Homestead of Topeka
Indepsys Technology Group, LLC
Integrity Insurance Agency Inc.
ISG Technology, Inc.
Brian Ismert - Northwestern Mutual
KaMMCO
Knox Signs & Graphics
Leadership MPact
Legend Senior Living
Lyndon State Bank
Marian Clinic
Maximus Fitness & Wellness/Woodvalley
Racquet & Fitness Center
McElroy’s, Inc.
Mickey’s Promotions
Dr. David Nelson, OD PA
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
Palace Liquor
Papa Murphy’s Take N Bake Pizza
(KOFO LLC)
PC 911 of Kansas
Pioneer Group
Qdoba Mexican Grill
Quest Credit Union
Residential Leasing & Management
Services, LP
Schendel Pest Services
Schwerdt Design Group, Inc.
Scotch Fabric Care Services
Security Benefit
Simply Solutions Inc.
DL Smith Electric
Southard Corporation
Sovanski Photography
StageCoach LLC
Ed Swift
UniFirst Corporation
WIBW Channels
YWCA
Reinstatements
Crown Trophy
Vintage Vibe
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.)
Fast Forward Etiquette Dinner
Thursday, July 10, 2014
6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Ramada Downtown
420 SE Sixth Avenue
RSVP online
$20
Business After Hours Block Party
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
ABS Supplies
Co-sponsored by American Presort &
PDQ Construction, Inc.
631 NW Tyler, Suite 303
RSVP online
July
4 Chamber/GO Topeka office closed for Independence Day
10 Fast Forward Steering Committee, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Jennifer’s House
11 Ambassadors, Noon-1:00 p.m., ECR
14 Diplomats, Noon-1 p.m., CBR
28 Diplomats, noon-1:00 p.m., ECR
Fast Forward Inspire Dinner
Service
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Topeka Rescue Mission
600 N Kansas Avenue
To volunteer, email
angel.romerojr@gmail.com
August
1
1 1
7
11
12
13
15
15
19 21 25
25
27
27 Fast Forward Networking Social
Tuesday, July 24, 2014
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Meridian Roofing Solutions
1275 SW Topeka Boulevard
RSVP Online
Fast Forward InsidersOUT
Saturday, July 17, 2014
5:00 p.m.
Fiesta Mexicana
216 NE Branner Street
*events are free to Chamber Membership unless otherwise noted
GO Topeka Board of Directors, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., CBR
Ambassadors, Noon-1:00 p.m., CBR
Fast Forward Golf Tournament, noon, Topeka Country Club, 2700 SW Buchanan
Fast Forward Steering Committee, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Location TBA
Diplomats, Noon-1 p.m., ECR
Chamber Lunch Connect, 11:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Capitol Plaza Hotel Waters Edge Lounge, 1717 S
Topeka Boulevard
Power Breakfast Committee, 7:30 a.m., ECR
Chamber Board of Directors, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., CBR
Fast Forward InsidersOUT, Laugh Lines (improv comedy), 7:00 p.m., Topeka Civic
Theatre & Academy, 3028 SW Eighth Avenue
Business After Hours, 5:00-7:00 p.m., The Floor Project, 5930 SW 19th Terrace, Suite A
Fast Forward Networking Social, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Washburn Student Union, 1700 SW College
Diplomats, noon-1:00 p.m., ECR
FastTrac New Venture Class begins, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Monday evenings, CBR
Breakfast Buzz, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., Ramada Downtown, 420 SE Sixth Avenue
Fast Forward Inspire Dinner Service, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N Kansas
Avenue
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
Expo Exhibitor Forms Coming Soon
Be watching for the Business Expo exhibitor forms that will be
mailed to you soon.
The booths always sell out, so don’t wait until September to
reserve your space because they’ll be gone.
Call Adrianne Evans at the Chamber for details, 785.234.2644.
July 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
July 5th
National Work-a-Holic Day
we encourage you
break the habit,
simply take the day
off (after all, it’s a
Saturday this year!)
Or make a point
to enjoy National
Hammock Day (July
22) and National
Relaxation Day
(August 15).
GET CONNECTED
On July 5, 1971, Amendment 26 was
proclaimed which set the voting age at
18 in the United States.
Is your favorite 18-year-old registered to vote?
July 15 is the last day
to register to vote in the
August Primary Election
www.TopekaChamber.org