Spring 2013 Cover Story - A Word From The Chairs
How is GO Topeka serving businesses in Topeka?
“GO Topeka works diligently with state, regional and community partners to ensure that a positive business environment exists in the community. Our existing business program requires a unique marketing approach and many of the same community assets that attract new companies will keep existing businesses rooted in Shawnee County.
The core of any community/city is its existing businesses. GO Topeka recognizes that much of Topeka and Shawnee County’s continued job growth comes from its existing businesses and industry. Businesses thrive in environments that provide support and resources, making it easy to grow and move their product to the market place. ”
What accomplishment of GO Topeka are you the most proud of?
“I believe the diversity of the successes of GO Topeka brings our community the most pride. In the past 10 years we have assisted 126 companies, including: 27 companies that we provided assistance and direct incentive funds; 53 companies that we provided assistance that did not require incentive funds; and 46 micro-loans to help start businesses. Of the 80 companies outside of the microloan program only nine were new companies attracted to our community bringing primary jobs. That means that 71 existing companies received assistance from GO Topeka to retain and grow jobs in our community.
Besides the direct impact on the businesses that have received assistance, the effect and value of GO Topeka’s efforts were recently validated by our business community. Our “Seizing the Opportunity” capital campaign raised over $4 million of private funds to help support the behind the scenes administrative costs needed for continued economic development in our community over the next five years.”
What made you decide to step forward as Chair?
“When I was asked to serve as chair-elect and then chair, it was easy to say yes. There are very few places that one can serve for the benefit of the community as a whole.”
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for Topeka businesses?
“Topeka and Shawnee County must look strategically at how we can continually improve its infrastructure, business climate, educational and workforce development programs, quality of life, and other such improvements to make ourselves even more attractive to companies and quality workforce. A community is judged not only by where it is today but by where it is going in the future.”
What was the last book you read?
“smile & move© a reminder to happily serve” by Sam Parker
Favorite quote?
“We’re here to make good things happen for other people.” - Quote on a poster sold by GiveMore.com
{Chair of Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce}Coleen Jennison // Director of Government Affairs // Cox Communications
How is the Chamber serving businesses in Topeka?
Coleen Jennison
“The Chamber works diligently to improve the business climate in Topeka and Shawnee County by providing member services, advocating for public policies that benefit business, training future leaders and working to improve the community so it is attractive to current and future businesses wanting to do business in our community. It’s important to remember that with every “big” story there are many small stories that never get recognized, but still help create the best environment for businesses and the community.“
What do you hope to accomplish in your time as Chair?
“Continue to shine a light on what an amazing place Topeka is to live, work and play. Announce more job creation—be it new or existing businesses. Foster the teamwork from all sectors of our community.”
What accomplishment of the Chamber are you the most proud of?
“Focusing the Chamber’s efforts to create change by building partnerships and collaborations has paid off for our community. The Chamber has seen results with quality of life projects such as downtown and NOTO; workforce development programs, such as the Advanced System Technology Program at Washburn Institute of Technology; and growth of jobs in our business community. ”
What do you see as the biggest challenge for Topeka businesses?
“The biggest challenge the Chamber faces as we work to improve the business climate, is keeping the momentum going to create a quality community with an attractive cost of living and a climate that encourages businesses, large and small, to locate and expand in Topeka/Shawnee County. We must work in partnership to build a community that can retain and attract the skilled workforce needed by businesses in the community. In building an attractive community, the Chamber is working to promote workforce training and development, create downtown revitalization, improve our infrastructure and establish air service from Forbes Field.”
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for Topeka businesses?
“We’ve worked hard the past several years to improve our streets and assets such as the NOTO Arts District. Earning the designation from Kiplinger as one of the top ten cities to watch in this decade was quite an accomplishment. There are new opportunities for marketing, for our downtown and for continually improving our quality of life. As we continue to work together, creating positive collaborations and partnerships our community will thrive.”
What was the last book you read?
“Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, an amazing thriller.
Favorite quote?
“Well behaved women rarely make history” - Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
{Chair of Topeka Independent Business Association}Bob Evenson // President // RW Evenson, Inc.
Bob Evenson
How is TIBA serving businesses in Topeka?
“By unifying like-minded small business owners in the area.”
What are the long-term goals for TIBA?
“To always protect the interest of and speak for independent business.”
What accomplishment of TIBA are you the most proud of?
“Being engaged with policymakers, city council, county commissioners and state legislature, and reporting back to the membership our accomplishments, as well as struggles. We have open and honest communication between all parties.”
What made you decide to step forward as Chair?
“If you know me, you know that I am a person who, if I strongly believe in a cause, cannot sit on the sidelines. I am in the game and leading the charge.”
What do you hope to accomplish in your time as Chair?
“When my term is over, I hope the organization has grown in membership. If this happens, it means the association has accomplished our goals and is living up to our mission statement.”
What do you see as the biggest challenge for Topeka businesses?
“The biggest challenge is being able to level the playing field between big and small business. Everyone should get the same opportunities.”
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for Topeka businesses?
“Regional growth being in between Kansas City and Manhattan.”
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
“This really sounds corny, but to find the cure for cancer. Being in the health insurance industry, I see what cancer does not only to the individual, but to the family.”
What was the last book you read?
“Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand
Favorite quote?
“There is no independence quite so important as living within your means. Don’t let your checkbook be the saddest book you ever read.” - Calvin Coolidge
{Chair of North Topeka Business Alliance}Justin Glasgow // President // Performance Tire & Wheel
Justin Glasgow
How is NTBA serving businesses in Topeka?
“Collectively we are a voice for the small and large businesses of North Topeka. Our mission is to improve the economic environment and quality of life in North Topeka.”
What are the long-term goals for NTBA?
“Very simple. Sustain our current business environment and look for ways we can grow it, while maintaining or increasing the quality of life for our neighbors.”
What accomplishment of NTBA are you the most proud of?
“Our current merit badge is the success of NOTO (North Topeka Arts District). We supported NOTO since its infancy, and we are very proud of where it stands today.”
What made you decide to step forward as Chair?
“I have been emotionally invested in North Topeka all my life. Both sides of my family have lived in North Topeka or Oakland for generations. Now, I am financially invested in North Topeka as well. Needless to say it was an easy decision to be part of such a good group of people.”
What do you hope to accomplish in your time as Chair?
“Paradigm shift. I think anyone who has lived in North Topeka knows how great of a community we are. We have a phenomenal school system with family buy-in and we have a good infrastructure for a business community.
Public perception is the only thing holding back North Topeka from popping.
We need to shift people’s mindset of what North Topeka was into a mindset of WANTING to be a part of it.
It really is the land of milk and honey; people just don’t know it yet.”
What do you see as the biggest challenge for Topeka businesses?
“We need butts in the seats! Topeka has been stagnant in growth for far too long. We need Topeka to be a destination for the young family that wants to call someplace home rather than lose them to Kansas City or surrounding communities.”
What do you see as the biggest opportunity for Topeka businesses?
“Although Topeka is a large city, it is still small in some regards. Great things can happen at a small level. NOTO is a great example. Anita Wolgast and John Hunter took a simple idea of an arts district and revived a dying portion of North Topeka in the process. Downtown North Topeka is now a destination for many around Topeka and throughout Kansas.”
What was the last book you read?
“I am Second” by Dave Sterrett and Doug Bender
Favorite quote?
“If you complain about a problem and you’re not willing to be a part of the solution, now YOU are part of the problem.” - Unknown
