TK Staff Profile: Kim Gronniger
I work as a senior marketing manager at Security Benefit. My husband, Dan, is an attorney with KVC Behavioral HealthCare, and we have two adult children--Joe, an accountant with Harvesters and a member of the Dreamgirl band, and Catie, a nurse at St. Francis studying to become an advanced practitioner. My favorite pastimes include hanging out with family and friends, writing freelance articles and short stories, watching Joe's band play at various venues, reading, traveling, shopping, rooting for the Dodgers, going to movie theaters and serving brunch at Let's Help with my Rotary Club colleagues.
What is the most exciting thing you have witnessed in business in Topeka the past few years?
From a small business perspective, I love Westboro Mart shops and Wheatfield Village, especially B&B Theatres; all the downtown development with the Cyrus Hotel and Iron Rail Brewing and plans to revitalize Jayhawk Theatre; artistic opportunities available at Prairie Glass Studio and Potwin Pottery; upscale eateries like the Rowhouse Restaurant and The White Linen; and fun shops like Red Door, Pinkadilly and Home at Last. On a larger scale, I'm excited about the Plug and Play opportunities for our community and the strong work under way through the Greater Topeka Partnership and Momentum 2022 to promote economic vitality and enhance quality of life in Shawnee County.
What do you think makes a good story?
The people! I've been so fortunate to interview really passionate entrepreneurs and executives who've been able to bring great ideas to fruition through creativity, commitment and collaboration.
What are your goals this year?
I earned an MFA in creative writing from KU last year and one of my goals this year is to finish my collection of linked short stories set in Topeka. I started keeping a daily gratitude journal this year. My other goals are to make my bed and walk every day--these two didn't kick in until COVID-19 but so far so good.
What has been your favorite story you have written for TK? Why?
I've enjoyed writing all of the stories I've done for the magazine, but I was particularly energized by one I did recently about significant investment to transform blighted areas of our community into vibrant commercial enterprises--Wheatfield Village, Gage Center, Sherwood Crossing and the former Kmart complex on Wanamaker. It's been really fun to see the work taking place in those areas.
What are you currently reading?
I just finished "The Dutch House" and now I'm ready to start "My Dark Vanessa" by Kate Elizabeth Russell (who got her doctorate at KU in 2018). Next up is a reread of "The Feminine Mystique" because I'm hooked on the "Mrs. America" limited series.
