Business
A publication of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce | Volume 45, No. 10 | October 2010
Chamber Chair Announces OCTOBER
EvEnTs
2011 Leadership Small Business HR Webinar Express Series
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Chamber Board Room
10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
“Goal Setting and Budgets”
RSVP by calling 785.231.6000
Fast Forward Educational Luncheon
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center, Washburn
12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
“Growing Grassroots: An Inside Look at the
Think Big Topeka Campaign”
*RSVP online
Fast Forward Government Speaker
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
James Davis Greg Schwerdt Coleen Jennison Security Benefit
5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Speaker: “The Importance of Coalition
James Davis, business and sales manager for Chamber board vice chairmen for 2011 will be: Building,” Nancy Johnson, Community
Custom Neon Signs, was elected 2011 Chamber • Membership, Randy Goldsmith, Resources Council
Chairman of the Board at the August Chamber C.B. Richard Ellis *RSVP online
Board of Directors Meeting. • Government Relations, Neil Dobler, Startup Weekend
Bartlett & West Friday, October 15-Sunday, October 17, 2010
Davis has served as chair-elect during 2010 and most Washburn Union
• Marketing, Amber Gentry, Networks Plus From business ideas to launch—an
recently served as chairman of the Inter-City Visit to
• Leadership, Jim Ogle, WIBW Channels entrepreneurial experience
Oklahoma City. He has also served as vice chairman
• Economic Development, Steve Briman, RSVP by calling Cyndi Legg, 785.231.6000
of government relations since 2006, working on
Bartlett & West Business Expo
federal and state issues as well as county and city Tuesday, October 19, 2010
local issues. In addition, the proposed slate of elected board Ramada Convention Center, Downtown
members on the Chamber’s board was duly elected Topeka
“I’m hoping for a rebound in the economy Luncheon: noon-1:30 p.m.
at the board’s September 17 meeting. Elected to Expo Open to the Public: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
personally and for all of our members. I believe we
three-year terms beginning January 1, 2011 were: Networking Social: 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
also need to maintain momentum for the projects
• Carol Wheeler, vice president, chief professional *RSVP online
we’ve been working on this year,” Davis said. “The
and regional officer, Stormont Vail HealthCare Fast Forward Networking Social
Kansas Avenue project and the NOTO Arts District
• Curtis Sneden, director of government affairs, Thursday, October 19, 2010
will help make Topeka a better place for business 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Collective Brands
and the entire community. We need to continue to Held in conjunction with the
• Mark Brinker, regional vice president, Business Expo Networking Social
work together and get these projects accomplished.”
Frito-Lay, Inc. Ramada Convention Center, Downtown
Other Chamber officers for 2011 will be Greg • Jeff Hiestand, senior vice president, CoreFirst Topeka
No cost to attend.
Schwerdt, Schwerdt Design Group, chair-elect, and Bank & Trust
*RSVP online
Coleen Jennison, Cox Communications, treasurer. • Shawn Brown, store manager, Hy-Vee, Inc.
Fast Forward Dinner Service
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Topeka Rescue Mission
Call Brea Black to volunteer, 785.232.6062
Online Registration Available *You are encouraged to make reservations and
You can now register and pay for most Chamber events online by pay for these events on the Chamber’s Website
at www.TopekaChamber.org. (See event
going to the Chamber’s Website—TopekaChamber.org—and clicking registration on right side bar of home page.)
on “Register Now!” on the right sidebar. It’s easy and quick!
ChamBER
mailings
BusinEss EXPO
2010
Promote your organization’s products
and services in the upcoming • Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Chamber mailings.
• Ramada Convention Hotel, 420 SE Sixth Avenue
Chamber Connection
A quarterly mailing available • Luncheon: noon-1:00 p.m., Grand Ballroom.
to all Chamber members Kay Waldo Barnes, former Kansas City, Missouri mayor,
Fourth Quarter 2010
will speak. Tickets are $25.
Deadline for pieces and $250 fee:
October 15, 2010 • Expo Open to the Public: 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.,
Mailing date: October 22, 2010 Regency Ballroom. Over 80 Chamber member firms
Community Happenings
will display products and services. The Chamber’s
A quarterly mailing available to all
non-profit Chamber members. The largest business-to-business networking event! Bring
organization benefiting from the your colleagues! Send your purchasing officer!
information on the piece must be a
Chamber member. • Networking Social: 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.,
Fourth Quarter 2010 Regency Ballroom.
Deadline for pieces and $60 fee:
Open to Chamber members and guests.
October 29, 2010
Mailing date: November 5, 2010 RSVP for these events at www.TopekaChamber.org
Call Sherry at the Chamber office,
• Awards • Door Prizes • New Connections
785.234.2644, to reserve your place
in the mailing of your choice. Mailings
are limited to the first 12 organizations
that reserve a place. Check the
Thanks TO OuR sPOnsORs
title sponsors platinum sponsors/networking social sponsors
Chamber’s Web site for all 2010 dates.
Chamber Officers
John Dicus
Chairman of the Board
expo luncheon sponsors
James Davis
Chairman of the Board-Elect
Greg Schwerdt
Treasurer
Rick Wienckowski
Immediate Past Chairman
media sponsors
Douglas S. Kinsinger
President & CEO
Council Vice Chairman
Coleen Jennison
Government Relations
Lucky DeFries networking social sponsors
Development/GO Topeka
Jim Ogle
Leadership
Amber Gentry
Marketing
Randy Goldsmith friends of the expo
Membership Linage and Washburn Institute of Technology
bag sponsor
Topeka Roadrunners
2 Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
ChamBER/gO TOPEka
nEws
Startup Weekend Designed for Entrepreneurial
Thinkers
Startup Weekend, a new event for Topeka that will be Friday through weekend, and others have even gone on to direct angel and venture
Sunday, October 15-17, 2010 at Washburn University is seeking capital investment. None of these statistics take into account the
participants, mentors and sponsors. amazing networking, ongoing professional relationships and incredible
experience that happen at every event.
Startup Weekend is a 54-hour event, facilitated by two national Startup
Weekend founders. The event provides the networking, resources The event will be in the Memorial Union at Washburn University. Hours
and incentives for individuals and teams to go from a business idea are Friday, October 15, 4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.; Saturday, October 16, 9:00
to launch. Startup Weekend’s motto is “Build Community. Start a.m.-9:00 p.m.; and Sunday, October 17, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Attendees can
Companies. No Talk. All Action.” The event is open to anyone come and go throughout the weekend. There is a modest participation
interested in the local entrepreneurial community or those that would fee and scholarships are available.
like to build a business. Join likeminded entrepreneurs in a setting
For more information, call Cyndi Hermocillo-Legg at 785.231.6000.
where anything is possible.
The Startup Weekend is a cooperative project of GO Topeka, the
In the past two years, participants in Startup Weekends across the Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development program of the
country have begun 280+ businesses, and 9,000 entrepreneurs have Chamber/GO Topeka, Washburn University, FryeAllen, Inc., Washburn
been inspired. Teams have even started to generate revenue during the Small Business Development Center and Youth Entrepreneurs Kansas.
Williams Joins GO Topeka Staff
Cindee Williams has been named assistant to GO Topeka and Topeka/Shawnee County as new opportunities for
vice president, attraction and marketing economic prosperity are pursued.”
for GO Topeka, the economic development
“Go Topeka is reorganizing its attraction efforts, including adding
arm of the Greater Topeka Chamber of
Cindee to our team, to meet these new demands and challenges with
Commerce.
no increase in personnel costs,” said Jenkins.
Williams will provide professional support
“The Chamber and GO Topeka continue to elevate our efforts to attract
to the GO Topeka job and investment
new jobs and improve our economic climate,” said Doug Kinsinger,
attraction program, external marketing
Chamber/GO Topeka president and CEO. “Cindee’s background
initiatives and the existing business
compliments the skills of our staff and helps us provide exceptional
program relative to prospect proposal
service to our prospects, members and businesses throughout the
Cindee Williams development.
Greater Topeka area.”
Williams has served as a marketing executive for the Kansas
Department of Commerce for the past 11 years and has developed
a wealth of experience in economic development marketing. She
will assist GO Topeka to develop a new five-year strategy to help the
community reach higher levels of economic success.
Williams earned a bachelor’s in psychology from Washburn University
and has served on the State’s Brand Task Force, coordinated the State’s
Prosperity Summits and worked with various committees seeking a
smoke-free environment.
“Although there have been exceptional successes over the years in
the Greater Topeka area, new dynamics in the global business climate
require new strategies including the methods of attracting new Tom Moses, CCIM
Senior Vice President
jobs and investments,” says Steve Jenkins, GO Topeka’s senior vice NAI Kaw Valley Commercial
Topeka, Kansas
president, economic development. “Cindee will be a significant asset 785-232-1602
tmoses@naikawvalley.com
October 2010 3
visiOning
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Mohwinkle Joins Heartland
Visioning Staff
Heartland Visioning in advertising from Washburn. Prior to joining
is once again back Heartland Visioning, she worked for Aviva, first
to full strength with as a communications specialist and then as an
Erin Mohwinkle advertising and sales promotion specialist.
joining the staff as
“I am excited about the changes in the
executive assistant
community, and I’m ready to be a part of the
to director William
many teams and projects that are changing the
Beteta.
look, feel and perception of the community
Mohwinkle will where I grew up,” said Mohwinkle.
be serving as
Erin lives in Topeka with her husband, Ryan, an
Erin Mohwinkle office manager for
insurance agent with State Farm.
Heartland Visioning, coordinating visioning
Bill Yanek, right, president, and board
members of Centric Management
project meetings and activities and serving as a “We have deep roots in the community and love
and Consulting, 800 SW Jackson Street, coordinator for marketing and media activities. to get involved,” said Mohwinkle. “We very much
Suite 1500, participated in ribbon cutting look forward to raising a family in Topeka.”
ceremonies for their new offices Originally from Silver Lake, Mohwinkle earned
August 27. Centric Management and a bachelor’s in mass media with an emphasis
Consulting (formerly Association Services
Corporation) has provided innovative
association management for over
forty years.
Kansas Avenue Workshops Planned
Heartland Visioning and the Capital District
Project held the first of three workshops
September 28 to help determine the face of Kansas
Avenue. They received plenty of great input, and
there are still two more chances for members of
the public to provide their ideas on what they
by David Dixon of Goody Clancy, a renowned
think should happen with Kansas Avenue.
urban design and downtown revitalization
The first workshop was facilitated by Philip visionary.
Walker of The Walker Collaborative, a specialist
The workshops are five-hours long, and
in community visioning and rehabilitating town
food will be provided to people who RSVP
centers. Members of the public were able to hear
ahead of time by calling Erin with Heartland
his presentation, and then work together in small
Visioning at 785.231.6006, or by visiting www.
groups to give input on what they thought would
capitaldistrictproject.com.
make Kansas Avenue better.
Input from community members is highly
The next workshop will be from 5:00 p.m.-10:00
encouraged, and the ideas from all three
NW 46 Street east of Highway 24 opened p.m., Wednesday, October 6, at the Ramada
workshops will be combined into a final plan
‘officially’ Tuesday, September 21, with Convention Hotel, 420 SE Sixth Avenue. It will be
a celebration marking the finish of an for the Kansas Avenue redesign. If you want
facilitated by Susan Harden of RBF Consulting, an
improvement project including multiple to get your ideas heard and be a part of the
expert on “Main Street Kansas” and placemaking
roundabouts and increased intersection process, make sure to come to one or more of
safety. The project was a partnership on a budget.
the workshops.
between the Kansas Department of
Transportation, Shawnee County and The third workshop will be from noon-5 p.m.,
Bartlett & West. It was the largest American Wednesday, October 13, at the former US Bank
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) building, 800 SW Jackson, and will be facilitated
funded local project in Kansas.
4 Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
mEmBER
PROfilE
Technology Assists Topeka Blueprint
In all this talk of the “Digital Age,” you hear Mainly, Topeka Blueprint is a printing
constantly about how technology is pushing company that offers large format printing
people away from print and toward their services to architects, engineers and other
computer screens, smartphones and other similar professions, but they also provide
electronic devices. But don’t tell that to Craig standard consumer copying and printing
Trapp, president of Topeka Blueprint, who services in addition to a small retail
has seen advancements in technology help his business that sells specialty paper supplies.
business of putting ink on paper. They’ve long been a Chamber member
because Trapp has a strong feeling about
“We’ve done this kind of work before Kinko’s
supporting local business.
was even thought of,” said Trapp. “The new
technology that keeps coming out, the speed “I feel everybody should be a Chamber
is incredible. Today’s standard, people bring in member. There were times where we
25 sheets and want 100 sets, they want it today. didn’t really have the money to give,
And with the technology we’ve got today, it’s where we could have used it elsewhere to
incredible what we can do. help our business, but we gave it because
we believe in what they’re doing,” said
“Anything you can conceive of, we can put on a
Trapp. “If you’ve got a business in Topeka,
picture. It’s amazing to me every day to watch
you should buy from Topeka. We do it as
it—how does that machine do that so fast?”
much as we can. I have a lot of places that
Trapp, who began working for Topeka Blueprint come and try to entice me with pricing,
in 1970 as a delivery driver, has seen a lot of and I tell them ‘No, I buy local.’ Craig Trapp, president, Topeka Blueprint
advancements over the years. The company
“I suppose we all go to Nebraska Furniture
started in 1927 by A.M. Mills, and Trapp bought
Mart and we buy something because of We try to do things to satisfy people. I always
it from the Mills family in 1996, turning it into
their price. I’m just as guilty as the next guy, tell people, ‘You want milk and eggs, I’ll go
an employee-owned business. They moved
but I always try to go to the local store and ask get you milk and eggs.’ That’s what good old-
into their current location at 608 Jackson in
if they can meet that, or at least come close. fashioned service is.”
1942 (moving from down the street) and have
And most of the time, they can. We need to give
expanded their business into its current space Topeka Blueprint is open Monday-Friday from
local businesses that chance.”
since then. 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. For more information on
The attitude of supporting the community and the services they provide, visit their website at
“We’re big supporters of downtown Topeka,”
local businesses has helped Topeka Blueprint www.TopekaBlue.com.
said Trapp. “We’ve thought about moving in
stick around, watching competitor after
the past, but our roots are in downtown. We’ve A Chamber member firm will be featured in Topeka
competitor come and go.
always been downtown. I feel we have a great Business each month. Company names will be drawn
location; I don’t know where else we could go. I “We have a lot of very good, loyal customers, quarterly by the membership department from the
like this old building and we’ve put a heck of a and we appreciate their loyalty,” said Trapp. labels prepared for the Chamber Power Breakfast.
lot of money into it fixing it up.” “You treat people fair, and they’ll be fair to you. Chamber communications specialist Andrew Davis
writes the company profiles.
October 2010 5
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Are You New Venue for Creative Work
Getting Announced
the Chamber
eNews? POP UP TOP seeks to breathe new life into vacant storefronts
of Downtown Topeka. Vacant storefronts that have long sat
Make sure the Chamber has
empty are transformed into public art spaces and exhibits-
your correct email so you can
that in turn foster a collective creativity to all who pass by. Through a partnership with Chords & Oil
receive weekly communication
and downtown property owners; artists, creators, thinkers, and organizations have gallery space
from the Chamber about events
opportunities available to them at no cost in highly visible locations throughout downtown. All
and projects YOUR Chamber is
properties remain actively available for sale or lease.
involved with! If you’re not getting
eNews on Friday mornings, Interested in a POP UP Gallery? Find out more @ www.chordsandoil.org/popuptop
call Adrianne at the Chamber
and make sure she has your
correct email, 785.234.2644.
You might also want to put into
your contact information the
following email so it will get
through your security systems:
noreply@topekachamber.org.
Thinking of Adding
Employees or
Expanding Your
Facility?
There may be $$$ available to you
in the form of tax incentives and Fast Forward members gathered with anchormen and women “on stage” at WIBW-TV during a recent
small business or employee networking social hosted by WIBW Channels.
on-the-job training programs!
Call GO Topeka at YOUR Greater
Topeka Chamber of Commerce Manpower’s Free Webinar Series
for more details – 785.234.2644.
Steve Jenkins Employment Law Webinar
Senior Vice President,
Economic Development Wednesday, October 21st
Kathy Moellenberndt 11 a.m - 12 p.m. CDT
Vice President,
Business Development Mark Toth will answer more of your toughest
Dan Schemm employment law questions in this engaging and
Vice President, interactive webinar. The webinar is designed to
Existing Business make sure you get all the latest legal developments,
Cyndi Hermocillo-Legg tools and tips to help you stay ahead
Vice President,
Entrepreneurial and Minority
of legal troubles.
Business Development
Cindee Williams
Register at
Asst. Vice President, us.manpower.com/webinarseries
Marketing & Business Attraction
For questions call us at 785 228 7800
6 Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
ECOnOmiC
TREnDs
Monthly Economic Indicators for the Topeka Area Economy ACCRA Cost of Living Data
Selected Second Quarter
Topeka MSA* (five counties)
Cities 2010
Civilian Labor Force July 2010 June 2010 July 2009
Kansas City, KS/MO 97.5
Total 124,660 123,958 125,503
Employed 116,213 116,197 117,116 Little Rock, AR 96.1
Unemployed 8,447 7,761 8,387 Manhattan, KS 94.6
Unemployment Rate 6.8% 6.3% 6.7%
Lawrence, KS 93.5
Employment (In Thousands) July June July
Topeka, KS 92.5
Non Farm Wage and Salary 2010 2010 2009
Natural Resources/Construction 5.9 5.8 5.7 Des Moines, IA 91.2
Manufacturing 7.1 7.1 7.2 Oklahoma City, OK 89.9
Trade, Transportation,
Omaha, NE 88.2
Warehouse, Utilities 18.1 18.0 17.8
Information 1.8 1.9 2.0 Tulsa, OK 88.0
Finance Activities 7.0 7.0 7.2 Springfield, MO 87.5
Professional & Business Services 9.1 9.0 9.2 Topeka participates in the ACCRA Cost of Living Index
Education & Health Services 17.8 17.8 17.5 study which measures differences between areas in the
Leisure & Hospitality 9.2 9.3 9.3 cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes
Other Services 4.8 4.8 4.9 and non-consumer expenditures, for professional and
managerial households in the top income quintile. For
Government 28.0 29.3 25.8 the third quarter 2009, 315 urban areas participated
Total 108.8 110.0 106.6 with the average being a ranking of 100.
*These numbers reflect the five-county MSA. Comparing these figures with 2004 and prior years is not advisable.
Construction Permit Information July June YTD July YTD
City of Topeka 2010 2010 2010 2009 2009
UTiliTy HOOK-UPS CiTy Of TOPEKA
New Residential Permits 9 7 42 4 58
New Multi-Family Residential Permits 1 0 12 1 20 Westar Energy* August August
Value, New Residential Units $2,415,000 $1,519,000 $9,847,400 $550,000 $14,093,500 2010 2009
New Commercial Units 6 4 43 11 63 Residential 68,945 69,085
Value, New Commercial Units $2,569,253 $1,436,500 $14,682,282 $5,576,399 $39,262,150
Commercial 8,396 8,419
New, Commercial Alterations 38 47 222 38 170
Value, Commercial Alterations $3,811,501 $2,130,443 $13,439,068 $3,219,819 $11,627,179 Industrial 53 52
Total 77,394 77,556
Construction Permit Information July June YTD July YTD * Includes those within the Topeka city limits.
Unincorporated Shawnee County 2010 2010 2010 2009 2009
New Residential Permits 5 8 61 8 66
Value, New Residential Units $1,515,000 $1,907,000 $11,799,560 $1,739,000 $13,220,665 Topeka Water** August August
New Commercial Buildings 1 0 3 2 11 2010 2009
Value, New Commercial Buildings $7,000 $0 $1,492,000 $7,457,322 $12,771,322
Residential 49,534 49,548
New, Commercial Alterations 0 1 3 1 7
Value, Commercial Alterations $0 $1,339,735 $4,678,735 $2,000 $3,985,523 Commercial 4,163 4,147
Total 53,697 53,695
Estimated Taxable Sales - May 2010 YTD 2010 May 2009 YTD 2009 ** Includes those within the county who use Topeka water.
Topeka/Shawnee County $203,447,357 $958,192,040 $204,955,278 $967,076,557 Note: Some water hook-ups serve multiple users.
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue
Washburn University School of Business Leading Index & Coincidence Index The Washburn University School of Business Leading
JULY 2010 Index decreased 1.0% in July to a preliminary estimate
104
of 95.4 from 96.4 in June (2005 = 100). The index is a
composite of national, state and county indicators whose
102
movements often precede changes in economic growth.
The leading index is down 1.7% over the last three months
100
and down 1.4% over the last 6 months.
98 The Washburn University School of Business Coincidence
Index, which measures current economic conditions in
96
Shawnee County increased 1.5% in July to a preliminary
estimate of 99.3 from 97.8 in June (2005 = 100). The index
is a composite index of county non-farm employment and
94 Leading Index (National, State, County)
Coincidence Index (Shawnee County) taxable sales. The coincidence index is up 1.6% over the
last six months and up 1.3% from July 2009.
92
Jul-06 Mar-07 Nov-07 Jul-08 Mar-09 Nov-09 Jul-10
October 2010 7
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ER
a mB ERs
ChminD
RE
Community Calendar
Be sure to add your organization’s
events to the Chamber’s
Community Calendar. The
Barb Quaney and Doug Jones, owners of JQ Historic Properties, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of their
Chamber’s calendar is the
newest restoration project September 3 with ribbon cutting ceremonies at 825 SW Western Avenue (left) in the
MOST COMPLETE calendar Historic Old Town Neighborhood. The Colonial Revival home was then open to the public for the First Friday
in the community! Check event which featured local artists who reside within the Historic Old Town Neighborhood. The duplex home,
rescued from demolition, was built in the early 1900’s. Both houses pictured have been renovated by the company.
out arts, sports, business,
entertainment and family events.
Go to www.TopekaChamber.org,
click on the link (top right
corner) and submit your event.
You can also email all details to
sboyer@TopekaChamber.org.
Questions? Call 785.234.2644.
Small Business Resource
Directory Available
The 72-member Inter-City Visit delegation to Oklahoma City September 2-3 had the opportunity to visit the
The Chamber, in cooperation Bricktown Ballpark and take a boat ride to see the improvements to the river running through downtown
with the Washburn Small Business Oklahoma City. Take-aways from the visit included an increased sense of the importance of building trust;
developing a spirit of cooperation and making sure projects are first rate. They also saw that downtown
Development Center, offers a redevelopment attracts activity and creates a sense of place. They also learned that water is an attractor for new
Small Business Resource Directory projects and ideas and that the return on investment for the OKC riverfront is high.
that is available free of charge to
individuals interested in starting
a new business in our community.
If you or someone you know
is considering starting a small
business, stop by the Chamber
office and pick up a directory.
LEFT: Phil Tysinger, right, received the second quarter Diplomat Award from Randy Goldsmith, left, C.B.
Richard Ellis and Chamber vice chairman membership. Phil was recognized for his diligent efforts to
deliver new member packets and to call on current Chamber members. RIGHT: Ed Carpenter, representing
PTMW, Inc., spoke about why the company chose to expand in Topeka at the September 8 Power
Breakfast hosted by Junior Achievement of Kansas at Highland Park High School.
8 Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
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Senator Sam Brownback, right, visited with GO Topeka chairman Lucky Kelly Services, Inc. managed by Jane Young, front center, hosted ribbon
DeFries, left, at a federal forum for Chamber and GO Topeka board cutting ceremonies and an open house September 1 to celebrate their new
members August 27 in the Chamber Board Room. office space at 1080 SW Wanamaker, Suite 200.
The newly remodeled Dillon’s North store was officially opened at ribbon Midland Care Findables Retail Store has moved to 4032 SW Huntoon
cutting ceremonies August 31. The Dillon’s Stores presented a $10,000 in Gage Village from their previous location in Fleming Place. They
contribution to Harvesters Community Food networking during the celebrated with ribbon cutting ceremonies August 24. The store accepts
ceremonies. upscale clothing donations from the public and resells them to benefit all
the Midland Care programs. Pictured are Findables volunteers and store
manager Nancy Buckingham Harms (right).
Kelly Donaldson- Edward Jones has relocated to 605 NW Hwy 24, Suite 104.
Donaldson, center, hosted Chamber Ambassadors, clients and friends at
ribbon cutting ceremonies and an open house September 9.
October 2010 9
BusinEss
nOTaTiOns
What qualifies for Business Notations? 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
should be e-mailed to Marsha Sheahan at msheahan@TopekaChamber.org.
Larry Heilman of Smith Audio Visual was interviewed for a story titled PTMW, Inc., 2040 NW
“Courts Employ Technology to Get Things Done” which appeared Highway 24, will host
in Systems Contractor News, August 16, 2010. The story details changes an open house and
courts across the country are implementing so recordings, sound systems ribbon cutting in their
and video conferencing provide an accurate record of proceedings in new facility Thursday, October 21 from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. GO Topeka
the face of budget cuts for equipment and personnel. Smith AV’s work in provided incentives and other support services to PTMW, Inc. to make
Johnson County, Kansas (Olathe) was featured. this business expansion project possible. Chamber members are invited to
attend. Ribbon cutting ceremonies will kick off the event at 4:00 p.m.
The Better Business Bureau of Kansas Incorporated advises consumers
to “Check out a Business before Doing Business.” The organization has The Countertop Shoppe & Fisher’s Kitchen & Bath recently completed
made it easy for consumers across the state to call 1-800-856-2417 or visit the new culinary kitchen in the Hy-Vee Club Room, 2951 SW Wanamaker
their website at www.Kansasplains.bbb.org to get information about Road. An open house is scheduled at Hy-Vee for Saturday, October 9 from
businesses and charities. 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. A recent kitchen remodel by Countertop Shoppe &
Fisher’s Kitchen & Bath is featured on the cover of the current issue of
Youth Entrepreneurs Kansas will host a “Business for Breakfast” event Signature Kitchen & Baths, a national design magazine.
Thursday, October 14 at Washburn’s Bradbury Thompson Center. Danny
O’Neill, the “Bean Baron” of The Roasterie, Inc. will be the speaker. Visit
www.yeks.org or call 866.999.3921 for further details.
Peterson Publications, Inc. has announced
a partnership with the Association of
International Metalizers, Coaters and
Laminators (AIMCAL), Fort Mill, SC, as
it launches Converting Quarterly, a new
technical publication for the web-processing,
converting and finishing industry. The first
issue is scheduled for February 2011. Peterson
also will work with AIMCAL to sell online
advertising for both a weekly e-newsletter and Gary Yager, right, and his associates cut the ribbon for the new VisionBank
the Converting Quarterly website. Jeff Peterson, president of Peterson headquarters at 3031 SW Wanamaker September 17. They capped off the
Publications, says “This is a very exciting opportunity for us to expand ceremonies with a surprise fireworks display.
our association magazine base. It fits in very well with our other core
magazines and travel related publications.”
St. Francis Health
Center plans to open a
new 12,000-square-foot
ambulatory imaging center and primary care clinic in January 2011 in
the newly constructed Tallgrass II building, west of SW Sixth Avenue and
Wanamaker Road. The new center will offer patients convenient access to
advanced diagnostic imaging services in a convenient, efficient, patient-
friendly setting. MRI, CT, ultrasound and diagnostic X-ray services will be
available. St. Francis is continuing to recruit new primary care physicians
and evolve and reshape St. Francis Health Center to provide the most
Ribbon cutting ceremonies for the new Holiday Inn Express & Suites at
contemporary, convenient, high quality care according to Robert 601 NW Hwy 24 were held in late July. Madan Rattan, center, is the
Erickson, St. Francis Health Center president and CEO. managing partner/general manager of the four-story 81-room facility.
CITY OF DiliGENCE: investing my time and energy to complete each task assigned to me.
ChaRaCTER
10 Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
mEmBERshiP
nEws
REINVESTMENTS
Thanks to those Chamber member firms and organizations that have renewed their commitment to the growth and development of
the Greater Topeka community through Chamber membership.
Accounting Center, Inc. Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of Protection One NEW ASSIGNEES
American Tax Service, Inc. America Quik Print michele Brady
Andy’s Cleaning Co., LLC JHS Solutions LLC Linda Ramirez Gonzalez BNSF
Arthritis Foundation, KS Chapter Joy & Company SAMCO, Inc
Janet Dunnichay
Auburn-Washburn USD #437 KS Commercial Real Estate Services, Inc. Schwerdt Contract Interiors, Inc.
Peterson Publications
BNSF Railway Company Kansas Children’s Service League Security Benefit
Cair Paravel Latin School, Inc. Kansas Correctional Industries Sheltered Living, Inc. kristie Dyer
CD Tradepost Kansas Electric Power Cooperative, Inc. Sherwin-Williams Manpower
Century United Companies, Inc. Kelley Construction Co, Inc. Spangles, Inc. Ron krueger
Clare Bridge of Topeka Kid Stuff Marketing, Inc. State Farm-Agency Field Office Kansas Air National Guard
Classic Bean - Fairlawn Plaza Koger Agency, Inc. TARC Janeal lischke
Confectionary Disasters The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Terracon Heritage Christian School
Cowabunga Safaris Sunflower Marketing - a division of Topeka Bench Ads wayne major
Debacker’s Inc. M-C Industries Inc. Topeka Foundry & Iron Works Bryan College
Elite Private Care, Inc. MBI, Inc. Topeka Housing Authority
FastSigns Midas Auto Service Experts Topeka Presbyterian Manor matt mcmanis
Hilco Mortgage Corp New Century Credit Union Topeka Smiles, PA Print Docs
Hooters Noller Lincoln Mercury Tractor Supply Co. #292 april Rowland
Horst, Terrill, & Karst Architects, P.A. Old Chicago United Rentals Davidson Funeral Home
Humana MarketPoint Operating Engineers Local 101 U.S. Foodservice valerie Taylor
Hy-Vee, Inc. Outback Steakhouse Valeo Behavioral Health Care Quest Credit Union
International Brotherhood of Prairie Band Casino & Resort Villa West - J.T.L. Paladin LLC Brian Threadgold
Electrical #226 J. Gary Pratt DDS WIBW AM/FM International Brotherhood of Electrical
J & J Developments Inc. Premier One Data Systems, Inc. Who Is Tom Murphy? Worker’s Local Union #226
Anthony Jaramillo Primerica WTI -Topeka
michael Turner
Professional Engineering Consultants, P.A.
Tractor Supply Company #292
NEW MEMBERS
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 August 2010 and were approved for membership at the September 2010 Board of Directors meeting.
Event management kTPk Country legends 106.9 Plato’s Closet sugar & spice - sweet Celebrations
solutions llC Radio Retail & Boutique
Event Planner Arica Shepard, Advertising & David Wells, Owner/Manager Event planner
Debbie Thomas, Owner Marketing Consultant 2727 SW Wanamaker Road Autumn Johannes
PO Box 269 2121 SW Chelsea Drive Topeka, KS 66614 3310 SW Sixth Avenue
Auburn, KS 66402 Topeka, KS 66614 785.783.3230 Topeka, KS 66606
785.250.7554 785.276.1069 Fax: 785.783.3376 785.220.7249
Sold by: Entrepreneurial & Minority Sold by: Phil Tysinger, Dynamic Sold by: Kristin Scott, Chamber staff Sold by: Ed Carmona, EC Enterprises &
Business Development, Cyndi Computer Solutions Topeka Connection
Rental management solutions
Hermmocillo-Legg mohwinkle, Ryan-state farm (Rms)
Jose Pepper’s insurance Property Management
Restaurants Insurance Jason Adair, Owner
Tiffany Rosner, Manager Ryan Mohwinkle, Agent 1515 SW Topeka Boulevard
1425 SW Wanamaker Drive 5855 SW 29 Topeka, KS 66612
Topeka, KS 66614 Topeka, KS 66614 785.266.3499
785.783.8100 785.273.1572 Fax: 785.266.3994
Sold by: Jim Driggers, Network Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff Sold by: Kristin Scott, Chamber staff
Technologies of Kansas On The Border salon 808
kansas Employability Restaurants Beauty/Barber
Government Brian Reed, Manager Jandi Terrell, Co-Owner
Aimee Bradshaw, Marketing 1235 SW Wanamaker Road 808 SW 12
Consultant Topeka, KS 66604 Topeka, KS 66612
1000 SW Jackson Street, Suite 100 785.228.0700 785.235.8808
Topeka, KS 66612 Fax: 785.228.0703 Sold by: Welcome Home program
785.296.2395 Sold by: Kristin Scott, Chamber staff
Fax: 785.438.0694
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
October 2010 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
CalEnDaR
Of EvEnTs CBR: Chamber Board Room, 2nd floor ECR: Executive Conference Room, 1st floor
October 19 Business Expo Networking Social, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.,
1 GO Topeka Board of Directors, 7:30 a.m., CBR Ramada Convention Hotel, Regency Ballroom and Atrium
1 Ambassadors, noon, Westlake Shelter, Gage Park 19 Fast Forward Networking Social with Chamber Business Expo, 5:00 p.m.-
1 Leadership Greater Topeka Nomination Deadline 7:00 p.m., Ramada Convention Hotel, Regency Ballroom and Atrium
5 New Member Reception, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 pm, CBR, sponsored by 20 GO Topeka Executive Committee, 7:30 a.m., CBR
WIBW Channels 25 Diplomats, noon, CBR
5 Small Business Orientation Session, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Topeka & 27 Fast Forward Dinner Service, Topeka Rescue Mission
Shawnee County Public Library November
6 Kansas Avenue Design Workshop #2, 5:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m., 1-2 Leadership Greater Topeka Selection Conversations
Ramada Convention Hotel 2 Small Business Orientation Session, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.,
7 Fast Forward Steering Committee, noon-1:00 p.m., CBR Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
8 Leadership Greater Topeka Application Deadline, 3:00 p.m. 3 Fast Forward Luncheon with Leaders, 12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m.,
11 Diplomats, noon, CBR Washburn Institute of Technology
12 Small Business HR Webinar Express Series: “Goal Setting and Budgets,” 4 Fast Forward Steering Committee, noon-1:00 p.m., CBR
10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., CBR 5 GO Topeka Board of Directors, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., CBR
13 Fast Forward Educational Luncheon, 12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m., 5 Ambassadors, noon, CBR
Washburn Alumni Center, “Growing Grassroots: An Inside Look at the 8 Diplomats, noon, CBR
Think Big Topeka Campaign” 10 Power Breakfast Committee meeting, 7:30 a.m., CBR
13 Kansas Avenue Design Workshop #3, noon-5:00 p.m., 10 DBE Advisory Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., CBR
801 S Jackson, first floor 13 naviGate Entrepreneurial Boot Camp
13 DBE Advisory Council Meeting, 5:30 p.m., CBR 16 HR Express Webinar Series, “Top 10 Leadership Mistakes,”
13 Fast Forward Government Speaker, 5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Security Benefit 10:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., CBR
13 Fast Forward Educational Luncheon, 12:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Bradbury 16 Business After Hours, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., US Bank, 719 S Kansas Avenue
Thompson Center, Washburn 16 Small Business HR Express Half-Day Workshop, 8:00 a.m.-noon,
15 Chamber/GO Topeka Board of Directors Retreat, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Topeka Capitol Plaza
Holiday Inn West Holidome 17 GO Topeka Executive Committee, 7:30 a.m., CBR
15-17 Startup Weekend for Entrepreneurs, Washburn Union 17 Fast Forward Government Speaker, 5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m., Security Benefit
19 Business Expo Luncheon, noon-1:00 p.m., Ramada Convention Hotel, 19 Chamber Board of Directors, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., CBR
Grand Ballroom 19 Fast Forward Holiday Party, 5:00 p.m.-?, PT’s Coffee, 929 SW University
19 Business Expo Open to the Public, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Drive, Suite D-2
Ramada Convention Hotel, Regency Ballroom and Atrium 22 Diplomats, noon, CBR
24 Fast Forward Dinner Service, Topeka Rescue Mission
Be sure to add your organization’s events to the Chamber’s Community Calendar. The Chamber’s calendar
is the MOST COMPLETE calendar in the community! Check out arts, sports, business and entertainment
and family events. Go to www.TopekaChamber.org, click on the link (top right corner) and submit your
event. You can also email all details to sboyer@TopekaChamber.org. Questions? Call 785.234.2644.