Welcome to my blog. I document my adventures in travel, style, and food. Hope you have a nice stay!
TK looks at how HOST 1 and 2 programs evolved and introduces you to three recipients who were able to sustain their operations because of the community’s generosity.
On April Fool’s Day, Scott Hunsicker, owner and president of Kansas Financial Resources, called several local businesses offering to buy $3,000 to $5,000 in $50 gift cards. Fortunately for incredulous business owners, the magnanimous gesture was no joke.
“Without a strong foundation of small businesses, a community could just crumble,” said Washington. “Our business owners have been so grateful for the lifeline these grants have provided to help them pay their rent and other bills and save their employees’ jobs.”
Since reopening May 4, Chuckburger, a 65-year-old drive- thru, walk-up restaurant in East Topeka, has seen “lots of new faces and experienced the best five days of sales” in the 20 years that John Benedict has owned the establishment.
“It’s always satisfying to help someone else out, and you never know when you’re going to be the next one who needs assistance,” he said. “We never imagined this pandemic would happen and we really appreciate the efforts of people in the community willing to help us out.”
With taxes due and “an avalanche of things to juggle,” Albrecht said the funds from the HOST program and other sources “arrived just in time to let us see a little light at the end of the tunnel.”
Being engaged and collaborative, open to differences and working effectively with people who do not necessarily share the same attributes or characteristics are parts of being a good virtual team member.
While the pandemic has challenged these three Topeka event businesses, it has also flexed their creativity and compassion like never before. After all, the show must go on, even if it takes on a different form.
While the Jayhawk Theatre remains indefinitely closed to audiences, it recently debuted a new live stream offering, Jayhawk Theatre Live, that allows patrons to enjoy the historic stage from the safety of their homes.
Passion for the extraordinary is what got Cheryl Clark into event planning. That same passion is helping her push her business through extraordinary circumstances.
Most people don’t realize that Vaerus Aviation has been holding events in its hangar for several years. The unique venue has hosted Advisor’s Excel Christmas parties, several weddings and numerous corporate events. And now, after partnering with Abby Wempe, owner of Along Came Abby, those who rent the venue can also utilize the services of a professional event planner.
It used to be that planning a fun night out with friends meant a road trip to Lawrence or Kansas City. Not any more. With a laser focus on making Topeka great place to work and live, several new businesses hope to also make it a fun place to play.
Looking for a unique and fun night out with your family, friends, or colleagues? Try tackling
a challenge as a group, working together to solve a puzzle at NOTO Escapes.
“We didn’t want to just open an axe throwing bar, we wanted to open one downtown. We didn’t even consider a non-downtown business,”community and help downtown thrive. We want to be a part of this community and the renaissance that is happening down here.”
“I love to see the smiles and share the joy,” Lee said. “It’s been amazing to see the response and support for Roxy’s here in Topeka, and I want everyone to know that we’re committed to creativity and a fun food experience.”
“People are just as focused on what they feed their pets as they are on what they feed their families and we strive to accommodate their increasingly complex and diverse preferences,” said Luke Livingston, plant manager.
Topeka becomes one of a handful of cities in the U.S. to offer relocation incentives to talent working remotely.
"I’m thrilled to see this expansion take place,” Shawnee County Commissioner Kevin Cook, JEDO chair. “Hill’s is playing a vital role in the health of pets all over the world, and we have the work that’s being done right here in Shawnee County to thank for that.
“This is an exciting expansion that will provide new, specialized jobs – with benefits - and an estimated economic impact of almost $70 million. This project is a big win for Topeka & Shawnee County,” Shawnee County Commissioner Kevin Cook, JEDO chair.
Law firm Foulston Siefkin LLP’s Topeka office recently moved to a new location in the heart of downtown Topeka. The renovated space is a new look inside a historic 120-year-old building located at 822 S. Kansas Avenue, Suite 200.
