Topeka BUSINESS A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER TOPEKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Volume 50, No. 10

October 2015

INSIDE:

Chamber Chat with Dr. Jerry Farley & Richard Liedtke, Washburn University

2015 Women of Influence to Be Honored Oct. 22

KCSL ‘Klick for Kids’ Coming in November

New Locomotive Diesel Technology Lab Unveiled

TopekaChamber.org Chamber

CHAMBER OFFICERS CHAMBER STAFF Each month Topeka Curtis Sneden Brent Boles Interim President/CEO Business features a local Chairman of the Board Janet Stanek Sherry Boyer Chairman of the Board-Elect photo taken by an area Receptionist Treasurer GREATER Neil Dobler photographer. This month’s Kim Gronniger Immediate Past Chairman Vice President, Marketing cover photo depicts the Curtis Sneden TOPEKA Interim President/CEO Erin Mohwinkle

campus of Washburn Communications Specialist COUNCIL VICE CHAIRS CHAMBER OF University, which celebrates Paul Bossert Meagan Vargas Leadership COMMERCE Finance Associate its sesquicentennial this Michel’ Cole Marketing Jerrica Winkenwader month. The photo is Randy Goldsmith BOARD AND Administrative Assistant courtesy of Chamber Membership Scott Griffith STAFF member jhP, a Topeka Development/GO Topeka Kurt Scott advertising and marketing Government Relations agency.

October Fun Finds from Chamber Members!

Home at Last inside the Fairlawn Mall has velvet pumpkins in rich autumn 1 hues with real stems attached to add elegance to your fall gatherings. Elevate autumn entertaining with pieces from “A Forest Walk,” the latest in the Juliska line of Portuguese earthenware. Browse Dash & Albert rugs to refresh entryways and add warmth as the season changes.

Cashmere Popcorn has tried and true flavors year round—Caramel Crunch, Peanut Butter Cup, Cinnamon—so for 2 fall try Pumpkin as a fun confection for yourself or a fall treat to share and savor with family, friends or coworkers.

Red Door Home Décor at Fairlawn Mall is the only place where you can find Aunt Sadie’s candles in 3 Topeka. Select from a variety of fall scents like Red Delicious Apple and Autumn. A “Greetings from Topeka, Kansas” candle will soon be available for the holidays. Metal letters with embedded lights can be displayed year round, and pumpkin-embossed containers can carry your home through Thanksgiving celebrations.

Fans of Kendra Scott necklaces and jewelry can find beautiful pieces to complement their outfits at Ash 4 Boutique at Westboro Mart. Ash Boutique is the only store in Topeka that carries the line, which previously was only available by visiting the namesake store on the Country Club Plaza, Nordstrom or other upscale stores and online venues. After selecting jewelry, look at assorted shirts, sweaters and other apparel to find distinctive pieces to punch up your fall wardrobe.

2 October 2015 TopekaChamber.org Chamber

This monthly feature gives Chamber members a chance “I love Topeka in October because We Love to highlight some of the it’s a great time to take walks seasonal treats and treasures and enjoy the beautiful fall in our community that they foliage and crisp air!” like best. This month’s TOPEKA -Mandi Walter, Network shoutouts are courtesy of Heartland Visioning Task Computing Solutions, LLC ln October Force members.

“I love Topeka in October because of Old Prairie Town’s annual “I love Topeka in October because leaves “I love October in are changing colors, fall is in the air and Apple Festival event. Apple Festival Topeka because the is a long-time Topeka tradition trees are an array of Porubsky’s is serving chili.” celebrating the fall season.” beautiful fall colors.” -John Bell -Sandra Clear Miriam Krehbiel Councilwoman District 2 Recreation Program Supervisor United Way of Greater Topeka Shawnee County Parks & Recreation

“I moved to Topeka four years ago and love that this community is a “I love Topeka in October when the great place to raise a family – great quality of life for family.” leaves change at Kaw River State -Mike Gibson, Executive Vice President, AGC of Kansas Park. It’s beautiful to walk the trails and watch the leaves scatter as the train rushes down the tracks!.”

-Brittany Stiffler Crabtree Blnx Consulting

CITY OF THOROUGHNESS: CHARACTER knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words, if neglected.

TopekaChamber.org October 2015 3 Chamber Chat A Conversation with How did you begin the process? to have places for them to stay right away and RL: We initiated several conversations with members of the community stepped up and Dr. Jerry Farley & staff, faculty, donors, administrators and others helped us out. We rented apartments nearby Richard Liedtke and determined we needed a one-stop location. and bought every bed in Topeka and even a few But that alone didn’t feel like it captured more in Kansas City. Everybody pitched in. Welcome to Washburn: Morgan Hall’s everything we felt we needed. The ideas got Front-Door Face Lift Offers Better Aesthetics bigger and evolved into the Welcome Center Describe some of the interior and exterior and Accessibility to Services concept. The project started in 2010 as a $3-4 improvements visitors and alumni might million investment and became a $17 million encounter when they arrive for Grand Washburn University celebrates its investment and an 18-month construction Homecoming festivities. sesquicentennial this month, a milestone to period. We realized we couldn’t have a new RL: We worked with members of student be commemorated through myriad Grand entrance without updating the hallways, government, who suggested putting the Homecoming activities including a ribbon bathrooms, air handling system and windows university motto, “non nobis solum” (not cutting for Morgan Hall’s Welcome Center Oct. throughout the building. for ourselves alone), over the threshold. The 23. The campus hub for student services has JF: Morgan Hall has been on campus since Ichabod Plaza features personalized bricks undergone an extensive renovation to convert the 1950s. Before the renovation, Morgan was and an Ichabod statue. Alumni Association the entrance into a welcoming space, replete basically a nondescript utilitarian structure. The board members, past and present, donated with artifacts and photographs that convey the aesthetic changes inside and out and the new funds for an Ichabod bench where students Ichabod experience to students, prospective students and families as soon as they cross windows have made a tremendous difference in can sit next to a bronze Ichabod Washburn the threshold. Dr. Jerry Farley, president, how the university presents itself. and have their picture taken. We also have and Richard Liedtke, executive director of an outdoor gathering space with a two-way Enrollment Management, discuss how the space’s Why is it important to have an inviting entry fireplace students indoors or outdoors can transformation inside and out not only improves point to the university? enjoy. We incorporated a symbolic feature that aesthetics but also enhances convenience with JF: The front entrance now creates the image we complements the previous work done on the multiple student services available in a single want to portray and want people to be a part of, Bradbury Thompson Alumni Center, which campus location. not just current students but students who went has a convex column area on the back side. To here 10 years or 25 years ago or more, many of signify completion of the transformation from whom work and live in Topeka. This school has student to alum, we created a concave column been embraced by the community throughout configuration for the Welcome Center to its history—saved as a public institution by the connect the two. citizens of Topeka and rebuilt after the tornado. Our legacy is closely tied to community support. Before the renovation, Morgan Hall didn’t have RL: It’s a point of pride for students and alumni, quiet spaces for students to study or eat lunch a place where everyone can be proud of what or gather for small group sessions. People sat they’ve accomplished and understand what with their legs extended in the hallways outside it means to be an Ichabod. From the Ichabod classrooms. Now we’re able to provide them with Plaza to the threshold of the Welcome Center comfortable chairs and booths and amenities to the artwork and photos and display cabinets, they didn’t have before. everything portrays what this place means for faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and How do you foresee the enhancements assisting members of the community. with student recruitment? RL: We want to create an experience for Dr. Jerry Farley and Richard Liedtke pose in Morgan Hall’s Community commitment is important to prospective students from the time they arrive upstairs walkway. you personally, Dr. Farley, and also to the by developing a welcoming environment and university. How do you facilitate that through creating customized tours. We do large group How did the renovation come about? campus initiatives? tours like Junior Days and Senior Days but we JF: It was Richard’s idea. He envisioned a JF: The state doesn’t give us any resources for thrive on opportunities to engage with interested student center where high school students facilities so we rely on the support of alumni and students one-on-one. visiting the campus could immediately be the community for structural and environmental JF: I teach short workshops around the country, informed about what it would mean to be an enhancements. We encourage our students and I see groups of 50 or 60 kids following a Ichabod. Then as they become admitted as to get involved through service opportunities guide around and that works well for some, students, they would transact all their business and internships with local organizations and but we are all about individualization. We give here – apply for financial aid, enroll for classes, businesses, and we encourage our faculty and prospective students a chance to sit in on a pay bills, anything they would need to do. staff to participate as well because we want them class and have lunch in the cafeteria with other RL: I began discussing this with Dr. Farley in to be involved. I’m a former chair of the Greater students so they really get a feeling for what it 2010. I helped create the one-stop concept at Topeka Chamber of Commerce and several would be like to be here on campus. another institution and knew it could work here. Washburn executives have served as well. Our Students and parents are used to quick service community connections are important to our How have faculty, staff, students and visitors models in other businesses and industries. success, and likewise we believe our students’ described their impressions upon seeing the Most people, especially the millennials, success is important to the local businesses that remodeled space so far? expect to experience the same transactional employ them when they graduate. RL: “Wow, amazing, awesome.” It’s been neat ease in education as they find in business. to see this come to fruition and to already see When prospective students and parents come This year we had an unusual need for students benefiting from the clustered services to campus, we want to make a strong first a community appeal. We had about 40 and gathering spaces we’ve provided pleases my impression, and Morgan Hall now does that. international students who arrived on campus, heart. but the residence halls were full. We needed

4 October 2015 TopekaChamber.org Chamber Chat Jayhawk Area Council Announces 2015 Honorees of Topeka’s Top ‘20 Under 40’ Award Celebrating its sixth anniversary, the Jayhawk Area Council, Boy Scouts of America’s Top “20 Under 40” award honors members of the Topeka and Shawnee County community for their commitment and contributions both professionally and personally. This year, the program received more than 115 nominations and 85 applications. The following community members are this year’s honorees: Dr. Amber Beckley, Beckley Chiropractic Brett Klausman, Midwest Health, Inc.

Leo Cangiani, Scott Dual Language Magnet Elementary School/USD 501 Jay Loschke

Jessica Domme, Kansas Attorney General’s Office Rachel Sachs, Advisors Excel

Brett Durbin, Trash Mountain Project Dr. Randall Schumacher, PediatricCare

Sparky Edwards, Department of Veterans Affairs Jamie Stafford, Key Staffing

Andrea Etzel, Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism Emma Starkey, Community Resources Council

Suzie Gilbert, Security Benefit Corporation Tiffany Strohmeyer, Barry’s Drug Center/Dunne’s Pharmacy

Billie Jean Graham, BNSF Railway Juli Watson, USD 501- Highland Park High School

Dr. Jennifer Harader, Oasis Family Medicine Associates, LLC Krystal Wiltz, The Home Depot and Washburn University

Brendan Jensen, Jensen Communications, LLC Sabrina Womack, Silverbackks, Inc.

The 2015 honorees will be recognized at a banquet on Thursday, Nov. 12th, at the Ramada Topeka Downtown.

TEDxTopeka Dec. 8, 2015 Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Tickets go on sale Nov. 2 at 10 a.m.

Lonnie Williams Featured in AARP Bulletin Lonnie Williams, founder of L&J Building Maintenance and a Drinon & Associates, Inc. Chamber board member, is featured in the October 2015 issue of AARP Bulletin in “Called to Give Back.” Williams is one of three people interviewed for the piece in which he describes How Effective his experiences growing up in Topeka in the 1950s, including Are You, Really? Private, Personalized attending grade school with Linda Brown, whose father was a • Relate more personably C-Level Coaching plaintiff in the Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court case. • Command more respect Lonnie Williams • Generate accountability 27 Years Helping Thousands He remembers watching cartoons and westerns in the Jayhawk Theatre balcony • Balance authority and empathy of Professionals Refine Their because of segregation and today is helping spearhead the theater’s restoration and • Inspire loyalty and teamwork Communication Style further the board’s efforts to provide a high-quality entertainment experience for • Master group dynamics everyone. Though he laments in the article that many of his childhood landmarks have been torn down, he is pleased that “the Jayhawk is still here.” What do they say, when you walk away...? Williams, who was wounded as a soldier in Vietnam, has overcome adversity to be named U.S. Small Business Administration Minority Small Businessperson of the Year and is dedicated to removing obstacles for others en route to fulfilling their Executive Coaching from Rich Drinon, M.A., potential. President, Drinon & Associates, Inc. Call 785-640-9936 or email: [email protected] A father of four children who run his company’s day-to-day operations, he started For a confidential initial consultation. Living the Dream of Kansas, a foundation that gives scholarships to minority high school students.

TopekaChamber.org October 2015 5 Chamber Member Feature ‘Klicks for Kids’ Coming to Topeka to Help KCSL Find Families

forThroughout Foster the state, professionally Children taken disorder and opposition defiance disorder. abuse, strengthening families and empowering images of children awaiting adoption are We provide families with a lot of support and parents and youth. displayed in businesses, malls, libraries, conversation and meet with them weekly to churches and other venues in an effort to provide resources.” Through its early childhood program, agency find families for them. The Kansas Children’s employees work with parents at risk for Service League and the Kansas Department Melinda Kline, adoption services supervisor, abusing their children because of financial for Children & Families collaborate on the describes a family in which the couple had constraints, their own history of being abused, “Klicks for Kids” Heart Gallery and enlist the a beautiful home, stable jobs and extended mental illness and substance abuse. expertise of volunteer Kansas Professional family members to assist them with adopting three children, 2, 4 and 5, who had been “The parents we work with typically come Photographers Association photographers to into the program with a 50 percent risk factor capture the children’s personalities, provide sexually and physically abused by their parents and family friends. for abusing their children and when they them with a keepsake portrait and ultimately complete the training, we are 99 percent find them a “forever family.” “The couple met with the kids at a McDonald’s effective in preventing child abuse,” said “Klicks for Kids” relies on alliances with local and took them on weekends,” recalled Kline. Cozadd. “Often the parents we first meet don’t businesses interested in hosting the display, “The oldest girl was concerned about making know how to bond with their kids or play with from a single photo to a pod of four or more sure the doors were locked and that the them so we do a lot of hands-on play to model depending on the host site’s capabilities. Host security system was on so their biological behavior for them. It’s so important for infants sites can keep the display for two days or a parents couldn’t break in. She told the mom and toddlers to explore so we get on the floor whole month, depending on their needs. The soon after that she and her siblings had together and teach parents songs and nursery display will be coming to Topeka in November, decided they wanted the couple to be their rhymes and ways they can engage more fully and Corey Lada, community relations parents, and everything is working out very with their children.” manager, is securing sites now. well. The parents have not only changed the lives of these children for the better, but their KCSL serves as a resource for empowering own lives too.” children and parents in multiple ways. When a “IT IS EXTREMELY REWARDING TO BE high school student stole his recently deceased A PART OF A PROGRAM THAT HELPS KCSL staff love happy endings and strive so grandmother’s medications for a pill party at KIDS FIND A HOME. AND WHEN I hard for them because they understand the school and was subsequently expelled, KCSL SEE THE HEART GALLERY EXHIBIT IN dismal statistics of foster care children who was there with resources that helped the VARIOUS AREAS OF THE STATE WITH don’t get placed before they age out of the student receive substance abuse treatment, MY PORTRAIT OF A CHILD OR GROUP system at 18. manage his feelings, make better choices OF KIDS SHOWCASING THE ‘FOUND and keep up with his schoolwork so he could “The majority end up in jail or become isolated HOME’ SIGN ON IT, MY HEART MELTS graduate on time. The agency also helped the and unemployed,” said Kline. parents cope during the crisis. AND CELEBRATION OCCURS.” Stephen Smith, Stephen Smith Images Although foster care children can receive free tuition and room and board at area Volunteer Opportunities The revolving display, rotated among 25 KCSL relies on volunteers for myriad needs, or more Kansas communities, has been a universities, 5 percent or fewer take advantage of the opportunity, Kline said. including putting together gift baskets for new recruitment tool for finding adoptive families moms, serving meals to families at monthly since 2004, and about 25 percent of the “They don’t have that person who is going council gatherings, being a mentor, assisting children featured get adopted within a year. to hold them accountable or provide the with administrative duties and donating wish “We have about 40 photos in the display, but connection and support they need to succeed list items for holiday gifts for the kids and we picture about 55 kids because some are in in college,” said Cozadd. “And the dorms close grocery store gift cards for festive holiday sibling groups,” Lada said. “Since we’ve started over the holidays and between semesters so meals for client families. Contact Heather initiatives like ‘Klicks for Kids,’ we’ve had they have no place to go.” Moon, 785.215.6409, to get involved.

approximately 100 children adopted per year, Providing a place for kids to go and be safe and so that means we have another 300 kids who Mission Tour Opportunities supported began with the agency’s inception To learn more about KCSL, register for a still need homes and the right homes for them. in 1893 when its founder discovered a brother We don’t find kids for families, but families mission tour offered on various dates in and a sister alone on the prairie, abandoned October, November and December. Contact who fit the needs of our kids, many of whom by their father either intentionally or left have special needs.” Lee Walker, [email protected], for more behind while he went to find help. Since information. Gail Cozadd, KCSL east region director, said, then, the statewide non-profit agency has “We have a 94 percent success rate with been dedicated to making sure children have kids staying in the family they were placed safe families to live with so they can become with in foster care and becoming adopted. productive adults. The statewide average is about 79 percent. In 1992, the agency became the state chapter We’re especially proud of this rate because for Prevent Child Abuse America. KCSL’s we’re serving kids with the most significant mission is to protect and promote the needs and diagnoses—severe and emotionally well-being of children by preventing child disturbed, depression, reactive attachment

6 October 2015 TopekaChamber.org Chamber Member Feature laughing and talking, you come to realize Chamber Members WIBW’s “Wednesday’s Child” KCSL partners with WIBW-TV each week for they’re just kids who ended up in a tough Who ‘Klick’ for Kids “Wednesday’s Child,” a segment that features situation and they simply want what every a different child awaiting placement with child needs – a loving, safe place to call home.” Stephen Smith, Stephen Smith Images a family. Lori Hutchinson, Washburn Tech “I was honored to be a part of the creation “I believe every child should have a family and marketing director and former WIBW anchor, of the ‘Klicks for Kids’ program and then a happy home they can call their own,” said has shared these stories for the station for 14 we approached the Kansas Professional Felsburg. “It’s truly a pleasure to work with years, often accompanied by cameraman Rick Photographers Association to partner with Lori Hutchinson to help make that dream come Felsburg. KCSL statewide, giving KPPA members the true!” opportunity to assist with still photography “We hope our efforts raise awareness of needs for kids in their area. That was 15-plus the incredible need for adoptive families by Contact Corey Lada, [email protected] if you years ago, and it has grown in its effectiveness giving these children a face and a voice,” said would like to showcase the “Klicks for Kids” under Corey Lada’s leadership,” Smith said. Hutchinson. “Once you see them playing, Heart Gallery at your venue. “It is extremely rewarding to be a part of a program that helps kids find a home. And when I see the Heart Gallery exhibit in various areas of the state with my portrait of a child or group of kids showcasing the ‘found home’ sign on it , my heart melts and celebration occurs.”

LGT Alumni Invited to Thank You to Our Exclusive KBI Sneak Peek Business to Business Expo 2015 Sponsors Nov. 5 Tuesday Oct. 27, 1-4 p.m. One-hundred Leadership Greater Topeka alumni have registered to be one of the first groups to tour the new Kansas Bureau of title sponsor Investigation building on the Washburn University campus on Thursday, Nov. 5.

The event, sponsored by the newly formed LGT Alumni Committee, will be from 5:30-7 p.m. Dr. Jerry Farley, president of Washburn University, and Kirk Thompson, KBI director, will make formal remarks at 5:40 and conclude at 5:55, at which time platinum sponsors the attendees will be divided into small groups for guided tours of the facility. After the KBI tours, alumni who can participate can catch up with their LGT classmates and colleagues at the Burger Stand. The LGT Alumni Committee will provide appetizers at the Burger Stand, but individuals will pay for their drinks.

Given the exclusive nature of this event, attendance at the KBI building is limited to LGT alumni only, although spouses and expo luncheon networking social media sponsor significant others are welcome to join the group at the Burger Stand.

The LGT Alumni Committee is led by Lance Royer, LGT 2012, Sheriff’s Office. Committee members include LGT 2015 members Brandon Aldridge, State Farm Insurance; Tanya Dorf Brunner, Oral Health Kansas; Misty Kruger, Shawnee County Health Department; Missy Lackey, U.S. Bank; and Kyle Mead, Lawyers Title of Topeka, Inc. The committee is planning quarterly FRIENDS OF THE EXPO EXHI BItor HOSPITALITY SPONSORS 2016 LGT alumni events for members, and in some cases Washburn Institute of Technology Jayhawk File Express their spouses, significant others and children too. Details Westar Energy Mize Houser & Company P.A. will be shared as events are finalized. If you’d like to join the committee, please contact Kim Gronniger. BGA Sponsor AWARDS SPONSOR Prairie Band Casino & Resort WestSide Stamp & Awards, Inc.

TopekaChamber.org October 2015 7 GO Topeka 2015 Women of Influence to Be Honored Oct. 22 Several women will be honored at the Second Annual Women of Influence recognition reception Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Ramada Topeka Downtown, 420 SE Sixth Ave. The event, sponsored by GO Topeka and Entrepreneurial & Minority Business Development, will honor the following women: Anita Wolgast, Dr. Beryl New, The Hon. Marla Community Principal, Luckert, Kansas Service Highland Park Supreme Court, A former fifth High School, Mentorship grade teacher at Education Justice Luckert has State Street School, served on the Kansas Wolgast has been New attended the Supreme Court an advocate for a historic Monroe since 2003, only the variety of community Elementary School, second woman to projects. She served Highland Park do so. Previously as chair of the “Carousel in the Park” project North Elementary she served as a judge of the Third Judicial to restore the antique carousel placed in Gage School, Highland Park Junior High, Topeka District in Topeka, beginning in 1992, and Park; served as executive director of Historic High School, Washburn University and the as that district’s chief judge from 2000 to Ward-Meade Park where she oversaw the University of Kansas. Committed to diversity 2002. Before that she was a partner with fundraising, renovation and dedication of four and mentorship, she serves as an adjunct the Topeka law firm of Goodell, Stratton, historic buildings and the drug store built to professor in the Education Leadership Edmonds & Palmer. She chairs the Kansas replicate an historic Topeka drug store; helped program at Washburn University. As principal Judicial Council, serves as a member of the raise funds for the Topeka & Shawnee County at Highland Park High School, she helped Kansas Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Public Library renovation and coordinated facilitate the only high school onsite industrial and the Kansas Children’s Cabinet and has the visit of First Lady Laura Bush for the robotics program in the world and initiated a taught several undergraduate and law school grand opening ceremonies; served as chair certified nurses assistant program on campus. courses as an adjunct professor. She is a past of the Kansas Arts Commission; oversaw the president of the Kansas Bar Association, the design of the Kansas quarter and chaired New is also an author and entrepreneur. Kansas District Judges Association, the Kansas a committee to launch the quarters at the She and her family established Kwenzi House Women Attorneys Association, the Topeka Bar Kansas State Fair; and served as a founding Publishing in 2014 to support writers of all Association, the Women Attorneys Association co-chair for the NOTO Arts District. ages and genres to publish their works with and the Sam A. Crow American Inn of Court, professional guidance and to address the which she helped establish with others to Wolgast was named one of the 2013 acquisition of early reading skills for parents foster excellence. Distinguished Kansans of the Year selected of children who may not be selected to attend

by the Topeka Capital-Journal; a Sales and pre-school programs or who may not be She has received numerous professional and Marketing Executive of the Year in 2014 and an able to afford high-quality nursery schools. distinguished service awards. More than 26 ABWA Woman of Outstanding Achievement. New wrote “The Sure Line,” an inspirational years ago she launched a statewide conference She is a past president of the Rotary Club fictional work, and a handbook for educators for women attorneys that continues and of Downtown Topeka Inc. and has received called “A Tiger’s Tale,” which depicts the brief organized a summer program for high school numerous awards for service and volunteerism life of a young Lawrence man who died at the students in legal careers. She participates in from organizations committed to the arts, hand of a police officer in 1971. programs that assign mentors to students at parks and recreation, historical preservation Washburn University School of Law and has a and more. network of alums she has mentored who are now judges, professors and lawyers around the country.

8 October 2015 TopekaChamber.org GO Topeka

Martha Bartlett Stephanie Dr. Brenda Piland, MB Piland Heston, Kansas Dietrich, Advertising Ballet Academy, Retired Auburn- & Marketing, Rising Star Washburn Outstanding Superintendent, Entrepreneur Heston moved to New York City upon Woman of As president and graduating from Achievement chief executive Seaman High School officer of MB Piland in 1995, embarking Dietrich was Advertising and Marketing since 1998, Piland’s on a 15-year career as a professional ballerina appointed entrepreneurial spirit flourished early as a and performing leading roles in famous ballets superintendent of the Auburn-Washburn record-breaking Girl Scout cookie seller. She throughout the United States and abroad. School District in 2001 and became the first and her agency team members have won Upon retiring from the stage, she became the female superintendent in the district and dozens of local, regional and international founding artistic director of the North Ballet the only female superintendent in Shawnee awards for their strategic work and creative Academy and Youth Company in Minnesota. County for 11 years. As superintendent, she execution on behalf of diverse clients. Piland She returned to Topeka in 2012 and opened managed a $70 million dollar budget and has been honored with the Kansas Women- the Kansas Ballet Academy, which she co-owns 1,000 employees before retiring in July 2015 Owned Business of the Year, Topeka Chamber with husband and fellow dancer Alexander after 40 years in education and 19 years Small Business of the Year, ABWA Woman of Smirnov. In 2015, KBA bought a competitor, as a superintendent. She was the Kansas Distinction and IABC Excel Award. successfully acquired their students and Superintendent of the Year in 2007 and one faculty members and rebranded its location. of four finalists for National Superintendent She is a Rotary International Paul Harris of the Year, one of only three Kansas Fellow and a graduate of Leadership Topeka, In 2013, Heston was instrumental in founding superintendents to rise to the national level. In Leadership Kansas and Leadership America. the non-profit 501©3 performing organization, 2015, she was named the ABWA Distinguished She has served as the United Way of Greater the Kansas Ballet Co., where she and her Woman of the Year and as a YWCA Woman of Topeka Community Wide Campaign chair and husband both serve as artistic directors and Leadership. as marketing chair for the Greater Topeka board members. In just two years, the company Chamber of Commerce board of directors. She has provided the community with more than Throughout her career she has been engaged has spoken on brand and marketing strategy 40 performances and brought in more than in professional activities and board service at in venues across the United States and Canada 12 guest artists to teach master classes and the local, state and national level. She served and in China. She founded Women United, a perform for local audiences. The company as chair of Leadership Kansas, as a governor’s women’s philanthropy serving women in need received the Arts Connect 2015 Arty Award appointee to the Kansas Advisory Group on and a small group women CEO roundtable for Best Performing Arts Organization and Juvenile Justice, as an advisory board member so participants can provide mentoring and will collaborate with the Topeka Symphony for the KS/MO Superintendents Forum and as coaching for one another to continue growing Orchestra for Nutcracker performances at the president of the Kansas Association of School personally and professionally in their careers. Topeka Performing Arts Center in December. Boards. She was elected to the American Association of School Boards Governing Board in 2011.

Retired Brigadier General Deborah Rose, U.S. Air Force, will be the keynote speaker. Deborah Rose graduated from Washburn University with a bachelor’s degree in nursing and Wichita State University with a master’s degree in nursing. She was employed at the Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Affairs Medical Center for 14 years before becoming a military technician. She received a direct commission in the Air Force Nurse Corps in 1983, beginning her military career at the 184th Tactical Fighter Group in Wichita. She transferred to the 190th Air Refueling Wing, ultimately becoming the highest-ranking female in the Kansas National Guard when she was promoted to colonel in 2002 and brigadier general in 2007. Her final assignment with the military was as the director of the Joint Forces Headquarters, Kansas National Guard, where she was responsible for the integration of the nearly 8,000 Kansas Army and Air National Guard forces for homeland security missions. She was additionally assigned as the Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander of U.S. Air Force Africa. She deployed to Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield as a nurse. During Pre-Operation Iraqi Freedom, she deployed to Turkey as the leader of an aerial refueling base bed-down team. She retired from the Air Force in 2011. In May 2012, she received an honorary doctorate degree in public service from Washburn University. She has been active with numerous community causes throughout her career.

The program is free but registration is encouraged. To RSVP, visit topekachamber.org.

TopekaChamber.org October 2015 9 GO Topeka Tallgrass Brewing Co. Founder Shares Tips for Entrepreneurial Success at EMBD Small Business Conference In 2007, just two months after paying off the graduate school loan he used to obtain a master’s degree in geology, Jeff Gill quit his job with an environmental consulting group and launched the Tallgrass Brewing Co. with his wife, Tricia.

“The idea started in 2006 during a date night,” says Gill. “I was complaining about being a geologist and she asked me what I wanted to do and I said I wanted to make craft beer. I was an enthusiast and had been tracking trends on the coasts and knew that craft breweries would eventually expand into Kansas.”

Gill says he sought guidance and inspiration from resources at the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library and from people who could provide support and insight for the endeavor. Author Peter Drucker’s premise that business is “80 percent marketing and the rest is cost” especially resonated with Gill.

What began with seven friends sampling Gill’s brews in a makeshift tasting room in his garage has since become the largest craft brewing company in Kansas with more than 100,000 customers. Tallgrass recently completed a $7 million build-out of a 60,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility at its Manhattan location, quadrupling its capacity. The company also opened the Tallgrass Tap House, an 11,000-square-foot brewpub in downtown Manhattan.

“I’ve seen being an entrepreneur as like getting up every day and putting one foot in front of the other while people throw bricks at your head, and there is some truth to that feeling,” he says. “It’s much easier to sit at a desk for 30 years, but it’s not as much fun.”

Gill is an exuberant entrepreneur and hopes his success inspires others to launch their own endeavors. He says entrepreneurs have to be contrarians able to overcome naysayers, understand the truth of their venture and appreciate the value it will provide to customers.

He attributes his company’s success to focusing on four fundamentals: identifying value, interpreting value for stakeholders, removing the irritants that impede the delivery of value and bringing the “wow.”

“Bringing the ‘wow’ may sound silly and trite, but your product is all about the customer’s experience with it,” he says. “In my case, people like craft beer because it’s different, it’s fun, it’s hoppier and has distinctive flavors.”

Gill’s early offerings have expanded beyond stalwart favorites like Buffalo Sweat Oatmeal Cream Stout and Belgian-Style Velvet Rooster to include seasonal brews like Zombie Monkie Robust Porter, Ginger Peach Saison and Big Ricc, a Russian Imperial Stout made with coffee and chocolate, all packaged with whimsical artwork to reinforce that customers are encountering something special.

Gill says the day-to-day realities of creating new products and keeping up with various demands can become all consuming “with hundreds of tasks that can distract you,” so he works with a coach to stay on course.

“My time with my business coach gives me a chance for reflection so I can return to focusing on the fundamentals,” he says. “We start each session by reviewing all the positive things that have taken place since we last met and then work on what needs to be addressed.”

Gill’s corporate philosophy places team members first and adheres to the adage “hire hard, manage easy.” He says having the right people in place makes it easier to satisfy distributors, retailers, beer drinkers, vendors, the community and the shareholders, all of whom are essential to Tallgrass’ success.

He describes the corporate culture as “casual, boisterous and quality driven with smiling people. I didn’t start my business to hang out with people I wouldn’t want to hang out with.”

For Gill, the most gratifying part of his entrepreneurial journey has been “providing opportunities for others to create awesome beers here at Tallgrass. Seeing our team members putting their minds together to reach toward our common goals is the best part!”

His best advice for entrepreneurs? “Surround yourself with smart people who share your passion for the goals of your business, and let those people help you not repeat the mistakes you will inevitably make.”

10 October 2015 TopekaChamber.org GO Topeka BNSF and Washburn Tech Unveil New Locomotive Diesel Technology Lab

BNSF Railway and Washburn Tech celebrated their partnership in providing a new Locomotive Diesel Technology Lab to prepare students for careers in the railroad industry at a ribbon cutting Aug. 31. The new program features a curriculum certified by the National Academy of Railroad Sciences, an educational relationship between BNSF and Johnson County Community College.

“Traditionally, locomotive diesel positions are difficult to fill,” said Carl Ice, president and chief executive officer of BNSF and a Topeka native. “It’s not something a large number of people have experience with, so this partnership makes great and wonderful sense because it will give students access to quality careers.”

Ice said that BNSF has “grown significantly” with 8,000 locomotives, 800 of which were purchased in just the last two years, and that ongoing expansion creates a pipeline for skilled workers.

Launched in spring 2015, the Locomotive Diesel Technology program covers a range of critical skills needed in a locomotive shop, including inspecting, maintaining and repairing locomotives. Students receive hands-on training by disassembling and reassembling locomotive components donated by BNSF.

In establishing the program, Washburn Tech also received funding from the state, including a Kansas Department of Commerce Jobs and Innovative Industry Skills Training grant of $152,583 and a $70,000 Innovative Technology grant from the Kansas Board of Regents.

“We think this program will appeal to a variety of candidates,” said Bret Irvin, BNSF’s assistant vice president, human resources, Fort Worth. “For example, many military veterans have a diesel mechanic background, but they have never worked on locomotives. This program will allow them to bridge their skills to a possible career with BNSF.”

Clark Coco, dean, Washburn Tech, said, “We are pleased to prepare a highly skilled workforce that keeps the country moving and look forward to developing additional training in the near future that will assist the railway industry and the economy.”

“We will initially limit the courses to 19 students, but will expand the program with additional NARS-certified instructors as market needs demand,” said Tim Clothier with the Business and Industry Center for Washburn Tech.

Local BNSF leaders who have helped support the start-up of the program at Washburn Tech are Curt Meyers, shop superintendent, and Jeanne Artzer, manager, Human Resources. Topeka is home to one of BNSF’s system shops where locomotives are overhauled. As employees retire and more workers are needed outside of attrition, the expectation is these students will have the knowledge and skills needed to become journeymen and compete for diesel mechanic openings at the Topeka shop.

Juli’s Coffee and Bistro Participates in National Bimbo Bakeries Breakfast Sandwich Contest In September, Chamber members Juli’s Coffee and Bistro and Bimbo Bakeries participated in an online competition for the best local breakfast built on an English muffin or bagel.

The Hometown Breakfast Battle, sponsored by Bimbo Bakeries, which owns the Thomas brand of bakery products and has a plant in Topeka, commemorated the brand’s 135th anniversary and spurred culinary ingenuity across the country to come up with a recipe celebrating local cuisine.

With just two days to devise an idea and submit an accompanying photo of the sandwich “If we win, we’re and a video describing the restaurant, Juli Cuthbertson and her employees discovered getting a bigger inspiration in Kansas City barbecue. The KC BBQ Breakfast Sandwich they created featured catering van and a sausage patty on a bagel with barbecue sauce, a fried egg and maple cream cheese. a bigger kitchen and giving the Online voting narrowed the field from 135 to 16 restaurants left vying for the $25,000 prize money at press time, team a vacation or including Colby Garrelts, Kansas City, Mo. a bonus because Although the saucy creation of Cuthbertson and her team didn’t make it to the next round, Cuthbertson said the they’re the reason experience “was a lot of fun and caused some excitement and camaraderie among the team members and customers we’re successful.” who were rooting for us. Somebody has to win, so why not us?” Juli Cuthbertson, owner of Juli’s Coffee and Bistro Now the bistro has passed the first round of another competition for one of 20 $100,000 Chase small business grants.

“If we win, we’re getting a bigger catering van and a bigger kitchen and giving the team a vacation or a bonus because they’re the reason we’re successful,” she said.

TopekaChamber.org October 2015 11 Business Buzz Share your company’s news with your Chamber colleagues. Contact [email protected]. Information will be placed as space and timing allow.

Century Health Solutions, Inc. Offers CRC to Honor Topekans at 2015 Awards of Educational Seminars for Private Health Excellence Celebration Oct. 28 Insurance CRC, now in its 90th year, will honor an individual, government entity, Century Health Solutions, Inc., is offering free seminars this fall to business, non-profit agency and long-standing community organization create knowledge about private health insurance options. All seminars at its Awards of Excellence event Wednesday, Oct. 28, at Ramada are offered at the company’s location at 2951 Woodside Drive. Please Topeka Downtown, 420 SE Sixth Ave. A luncheon will begin at 11:30 RSVP as seating is limited: 785.233.1816 or [email protected]. a.m., followed by a Learning Summit at 1:45 p.m. The program’s theme is Art Deco and attendees are encouraged to dress in 1920s attire for Medicare Educational Seminars the event, which will feature a photo booth, radio show in partnership Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m. with KTWU and era-appropriate gifts for all participants. Tickets are $50 Oct. 24, 11 a.m. per person and can be purchased through the CRC website at www. Oct. 28, 1 p.m. crcnet.org. Nov. 3, 6:30 p.m. Nov. 7, 6 p.m. Learning Summit sessions include “Fundraising: The Art of Human Nov. 11, 1 p.m. Interaction,” A.J. Scipio, Kansas African American Affairs Commission; Nov. 19, 1 p.m. “Mission Driven Social Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m. Media,” Mikki Burcher, MBurcher Consulting; Individual Health Insurance “Mastering Media Seminar Relations,” Nicole Corcoran, Oct. 24, 2 p.m. University of Kansas; and Nov. 7, 2 p.m. “Advocacy vs. Lobbying,” Rick Cagan, NAMI.

712 Innovations Offers First Friday Maker’s Sumptuous Evening Set for Oct. 30 Market Nov. 6 Meals on Wheels of Shawnee County is hosting its Sumptuous Evening Take advantage of the First Friday Artwalk traffic to show off your Gala Friday, Oct. 30, at 6:30 p.m. at the Ramada Topeka Downtown art, clothing, jewelry, accessories, décor, body care or anything Regency Ballroom, 420 SE Sixth Ave. The event includes wine, spirits else you’ve made at 712 Innovations, LLC, 712 S. Kansas Ave. and sumptuous bites from area chefs, caterers and restaurants. To Spaces are free to members and only $10 for non-members. Visit purchase tickets and preview the event’s auction items, visit www.712innovations.com for more information. www.mowks.org.

Leadership Simulcast Live2Lead Coming to Topeka Nov. 6 Live2Lead Simulcast will be broadcast in Topeka Nov. 6 John C. Maxwell, expert, author, coach and recipient of Inc. Magazine’s designation as the number one leadership expert in the world, will discuss intentional leadership; Pat Lencioni, founder and president of The Table Group, a firm dedicated to providing organizations with ideas, products and services that improve teamwork, clarity and employee engagement, will cover organizational health; Valerie Burton, coach and author of 10 books on personal development, will present on the importance of being resilient and ready; and Kevin Turner, Microsoft’s chief operating officer, will be interviewed about his leadership style in overseeing more than 47,000 employees in more than 190 countries. The rebroadcast of this worldwide leadership event will be hosted by Leadership Mpact at the Washburn Tech Conference Center, 5724 SW Huntoon St. Doors open at 7 a.m. for registration. The event begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $89. Visit live2leadtopeka.eventbrite.com or email [email protected] for more information.

Chamber Lunch Connect

Thursday, Nov. 12 Topeka Zoo 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

You won’t want to miss this unique behind-the-scenes experience at this community treasure. The Topeka Zoo is providing lunch, so your $5 lunch fee will be used to purchase items on the zoo’s wish list. To register, visit www.TopekaChamber.org.

12 October 2015 TopekaChamber.org Business Buzz

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” Set for Screening at Jayhawk Theatre Oct. 23 and 24 The Jayhawk Theatre, 720 SW Jackson St., will present two screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” Friday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Oct. 24, at its second annual interactive extravaganza. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and midnight both nights. Activities include a costume contest, audience participation, a time warp prop bag, giveaways and more. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Dress as your favorite character and bring your own chair. Concessions will be available for purchase and all proceeds go toward restoring the theater. Purchase tickets at http://rockyhorror-jayhawktheatre.brownpapertickets.com.

Bring a Pumpkin to the Zoo in October All-Day STEAM Labs Offered for Kids When School’s Not in Session and Feed It to an Elephant 712 Innovations and the Manchester School for Young Children are presenting all-day STEAM labs for kids this fall. STEAMOPOLIS is an educational experience There is something new and exciting at the Topeka Zoo. for school-age children to enroll in on days off from school. The all-day labs teach For the month of October, guests can bring a pumpkin, kids about science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. Slots are limited larger than an adult’s head, and get an opportunity to and will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis. Here are upcoming feed one of the elephants! When guests give a pumpkin programs for this fall: to the zoo, they will receive a ticket that is good for one ‘Build It Bigger,” Oct. elephant feeding. Elephant feedings will take place 22; “Exploration Art,” every day in October at 2 p.m. (excluding Boo at the Nov. 2; “Toy Factory,” Zoo dates, Oct. 24 and 31). The ticket is good all month Dec. 12; “Adventure so you can feed Tembo or Sunda the day you bring in a City,” Dec. 21; and pumpkin or come back another day. “Robots and Rockets,” Dec. 30. For more information, visit Avondale East NETCenter to Host steamopolis.com. Community Baby Shower for Safe Sleep Networks Avondale East NETCenter is hosting a baby shower Plus Presents for safe sleep for pregnant women in Shawnee ‘Connect the Dots to Better Your Business’ County. Participants don’t need to register for the Networks Plus Presents: The Connected Series, a new Networks Plus initiative, event. Those who receive safe sleep training at the will feature Joyce Layman as its first keynote speaker. She will present ‘Connect event will receive a safe crib and wearable blanket the Dots to Better Your Business’ Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the Networks Plus based on availability. The event is Saturday, Oct. 17, conference room, 1251 SW Arrowhead. The event will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and will from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the center, 455 SE Golf include a catered lunch. To RSVP, visit www.networksplus.com/connected. Park.

Chamber Members Get Discount to Mother Earth News Fair Oct. 24-25 The second annual Mother Earth News Fair Oct. 24-25 at the Kansas Expocentre will be a fun-filled sustainable lifestyle event packed with hands-on workshops and demonstrations on renewable energy, small-scale farming, green building, organic gardening and more. Enjoy local food, family entertainment and a vast eco-friendly marketplace during the event. Take advantage of a special $10 weekend wristband offer, which is good for both Saturday and Sunday, and available for Chamber member businesses and their customers. The price at the gate for an adult weekend wristband is $30. Children 17 and under are free. For more information, visit www.MotherEarthNewsFair.com.

U.S. Bank Business Edge Platinum Product Recognized by MONEY Magazine MONEY magazine announced its annual list of “Best Credit Cards” and the U.S. Bank Business Edge Platinum product won the “Best for Borrowing” in the Small Business category for the second consecutive year. The magazine chose only 14 cards in five categories. The Business Edge Platinum Card, designed for small business owners, offers 0 percent on purchases and balance transfers the first year and there is no annual fee.

TopekaChamber.org October 2015 13 Ribbon Cuttings

Brenda Smith, Quick Print; Dee Dee Hunt, Goodyear; and Barbara Butts, WestSide Stamp & Awards, enjoy the Business After Hours event hosted by Florence Crittenton and the Washburn University Sept. 15. FHLBank Topeka participated in a ribbon cutting Sept. 22 to unveil a newly remodeled Emergency Culligan of Topeka, 3116 SW 29th Shelter at 2649 SW Arrowhead St., hosted a ribbon cutting and Road. The shelter provides 24- BOO It open house Oct. 1 to showcase its hour care to ensure girls have offerings. The company sells water a short-term safe place to stay softener systems, filters, bottled until transition to an appropriate Downtown water and more for home or office. placement takes place. The One particularly handy piece of FHLBank Topeka Community Candy equipment dispenses hot, cold Affairs Committee provided or room temperature water at the financial support and labor to push of a button, ideal for drinking increase the functionality of the Crawl as well as for making noodles or space. They removed two walls, oatmeal for a desk-side lunch or painted the room and added new snack. carpet to make the space larger Oct. 29 and more inviting. To date the 5:30 -7 p.m. Eric Mueting, a financial advisor shelter has served 31 girls ages 12- with Edward Jones, 2231 SW 18. Tina Wages, business manager, Stop by and Wanamaker Road, hosted a said, “Our staff took current ribbon cutting Oct. 1. He and his residents in for a sneak peek and see Chamber colleague, Cathy Brake, another the girls were all mesmerized by and GO Topeka financial advisor, collaborate the transformation. One girl, in with clients with myriad financial particular, began to cry as she staff on 6th, needs to create specific strategies walked through the space. When across from the to meet their goals, whether asked why, she told our staff that it it’s saving for retirement or for really looked and felt like a home Chamber office college funds for children or and she had never had the feeling grandchildren. of being home before.”

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14 October 2015 TopekaChamber.org Welcome, Members!

Reinvestments (From July & August) Cummins & Coffman, CPA’s, P.A. New Members (From July & August) David’s Jewelers (July 2015) Dynamic Computer Solutions of Topeka (July 2015) American Medical Response Inc. FastSigns Advanced Individual Services American Tax Service, Inc. Gizmo Pictures Stacy Bleidissel Auburn-Washburn USD #437 Haag, Bill –RE/MAX Associates of Topeka 2713 SW 29th St. Bank of America Home Loans Hampton Inn - Topeka Topeka, Kansas 66614 Bartlett & West Holiday Inn Express & Suites North (Topeka Investment 785.864.7112 Briggs Dodge Group) Caregivers Home Health Horst, Terrill, & Karst Architects PA Butler & Associates P.A. Chick-fil-A Indepsys Technology Group, LLC Attorneys Community Blood Center ITC Great Plains Tedd Butler Custom Cabinets & Racks, Inc./Custom Powder Coating Jayhawk Area Council Boy Scouts of America 3706 SW Topeka Blvd. Dovetail Roofing Jayhawk Pharmacy & Patient Supply Topeka, Kansas 66609 Educational Credit Union JM Staffing 785.267.6441 Exceptional Advertising Specialties Inc. Land Air Express Inc./Emporia Freight & Delivery Findables for Midland Care Larry Hesse Financial Services Calhoun’s Jewelers Heartland Title Services, Inc. LIFE Leadership Jewelers Hy-Vee, Inc. Lineage Doug Calhoun Indepsys Technology Group, LLC Marion Lane Candles 4029 SW Tenth St. Interim HealthCare of Topeka MB Piland Advertising & Marketing Topeka, Kansas 66604 International Brotherhood of Electrical #226 Midwest Single Source 785.267.4450 Kansas Electric Power Cooperative Inc. Mike Braum Kelley Construction Co, Inc. New Directions Learning Academy Earl McIntosh Agency - American Family Kid Stuff Marketing, Inc. Noller Lincoln Mercury Insurance Knox Signs & Graphics Ogden Publications, Inc. Insurance Koger Agency, Inc. Old Chicago Earl McIntosh KS Commercial Real Estate Services Inc. Oldcastle Precast 2816 SW Gage Blvd. Leadership MPact Payless ShoeSource Topeka, Kansas 66614 Legal Shield - Alden R. Hickman Pete Doll 785.267.7311 Legend Senior Living Prairie Band Casino & Resort/Firekeeper Golf Course LIFE Leadership Professional Engineering Consultants PA Harrison Street Investments, LLC Mainline Printing, Inc. Project Topeka Community Food Drive Apartments Matheson Gas Ramada Topeka Downtown Andrea Neumann MBI, Inc. Rebound Physical Therapy 1307 SW Harrison Meals on Wheels of Shawnee and Jefferson Counties, Inc. Rental Management Solutions Topeka, Kansas 80241 Merry Maids Rolling Hills Health Center Mid America Auto Parts Rolling Meadows RDF, A Waste Management Company Leading People Partners, LLC Mid American Credit Union Rowhouse Restaurant and Catering Inc. Consulting Moburts Inc. SAMCO, Inc. Todd Averett, President NexLynx, Inc. Schmidt Vending 6021 SW 29th St., Ste. A PMB #340 Noller, Brad - American Family Insurance Schwerdt Contract Interiors, Inc. Topeka, Kansas 66610 OneAmerica Securities Inc. Scotch Fabric Care Services 785.478.0023 Penny Morgan Financial Service Security Benefit Primerica Southwest Publishing & Mailing Waverly Partners, LLC Shipman, Larry - American Family Insurance SS & C Solutions, Inc. Consulting Southard Corporation The Eye Doctors of Topeka Deborah Galbraith Spangles, Inc. The Salvation Army 4205 Nicklaus Drive Tanglewood Nursing & Rehabilitation The Traveling Vineyard Lawrence, Kansas 66047 TARC Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy Inc. 785.856.9273 Terracon Topeka Community Foundation Treanor Architects, PA (August 2015) Topeka Habitat for Humanity Topeka Home Builders Association WESTAFF BMW and VW of Topeka Topeka Housing Authority WIBW Channels Automobile dealers Topeka Networking Council Yantra Services Steve Maher Topeka Performing Arts Center 3030 S Kansas Ave. Topeka Presbyterian Manor Topeka, Kansas 66611 Tractor Supply Co. #292 785.266.8480 (From July & August) Traveling Vineyard, The New Assignees

US Foods Culligan of Northeast Kansas (July 2015) Valeo Behavioral Health Care Water Washburn University Chris Butler Bob Barnott WIBW AM/FM Topeka Capital-Journal 3116 SW 29th St. Topeka, Kansas 66614 (August 2015) Chelby Cummings 913.782.4141 Aboud’s Catering Denison State Bank Ace Computers Pine Apartments, The Adecco Jessica Lehnherr Apartments Advanced Individual Services, LLC CASA of Shawnee County Tami Shirey Answer Topeka, Inc. 238 SW Gage Blvd. #101 ARTSConnect Danyel Mills Topeka, Kansas 66606 Berry’s Arctic Ice Capital City Bank 785.234.6060 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Blue Moose Bar & Grill Selena Owen-McNaul Brookwood Shopping Center Big Brothers Big Sisters of Topeka Butler & Associates P.A. (August 2015) Century Business Technologies Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas Shane Hillmer Cold Stone Creamery - TLC Ventures LLC Southwest Publishing & Mailing Comfort Suites Topeka

TopekaChamber.org October 2015 15 Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce 120 SE Sixth Ave., Suite 110 Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515 Periodical postage paid at Topeka, Kansas

Topeka Business Topeka Business (USPS 576520) is published monthly for members of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, 120 SE Sixth Ave., 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 Ave., Suite 110 Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515 Editor: Kim Gronniger Designer: Erin Mohwinkle

Calendar of Events

Other Important Dates EMBD Lunch & Learn Fast Forward Networking Social LGT Alumni Sneak Peek at KBI October Monday, Oct. 5, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, 5:30-7 p.m. 2 GO Topeka Board of Directors, 7:30-9 a.m., CBR Greater Topeka Chamber of Topeka Bar Association Young Lawyers KBI 2 Ambassadors, Noon-1 p.m., CBR Commerce Division, Kansas Bar Association Durow Drive and Washburn Ave. 120 SE Sixth Ave., Suite 110 1200 SW Harrison 3 Fast Forward Inspire Operation Backpack, 5:30 p.m., Lyman Chamber Lunch Connect Learning Center, 2032 N Kansas Ave. Chamber Lunch Connect Business to Business Expo Thursday, Nov. 12, 11:30-1 p.m. 3 Fast Forward Steering Committee, 3:30-5 p.m., TBA Wednesday, Oct. 7, 11:30-1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27 Topeka Zoo 12 Diplomats, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ECR Valeo Behavioral Health Care Luncheon Noon-1 p.m. 635 SW Gage Blvd. 16 Chamber Board of Directors, 7:30-9 a.m., CBR 330 SW Oakley Ave. Exhibition 1-4 p.m. 21 Fast Forward Entrepreneurs & Ale, 5:30-7 p.m., HHB BBQ Social 4-5:30 p.m. Business After Hours 26 Diplomats, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., ECR ‘Expedition Topeka 2015’ Ramada Topeka Downtown Tuesday, Nov. 17, 5-7 p.m. 28 Fast Forward Inspire Dinner Service, 5-7 p.m., Topeka Thursday-Friday,Oct. 8-9 420 SE Sixth Ave. Midwest Coating Rescue Mission Various Topeka Locations 3830 NW 16th St. EMBD Lunch & Learn 28 Fast Forward Third Annual Trick-or-Treat at Pine Ridge EMBD Lunch & Learn Thursday, Oct. 29, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fast Forward Networking Social 29 BOO IT Downtown Thursday, Oct. 15, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Greater Topeka Chamber of Thursday, Nov. 19, 5-7 p.m. Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce Knox Signs and Graphics November Commerce 120 SE Sixth Ave., Suite 110 5612 SW Topeka Blvd. 5 Fast Forward Inspire Operation Backpack, 5:30 p.m., Lyman 120 SE Sixth Ave., Suite 110 Learning Center, 2032 N Kansas Ave. EMBD Lunch & Learn 5 Fast Forward Steering Committee, 3:30-5 p.m., TBA EMBD Lunch & Learn Monday, Nov. 2, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. 6 GO Topeka Board of Directors, 7:30-9 a.m., CBR Monday, Oct. 19, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Greater Topeka Chamber of 6 Ambassadors, Noon-1 p.m., CBR Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce Commerce 120 SE Sixth Ave., Suite 110 9 Diplomats, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ECR 120 SE Sixth Ave., Suite 110 18 Fast Forward Entrepreneurs & Ale, 5:30-7 p.m., HHB BBQ 20 Chamber Board of Directors, 7:30-9 a.m., CBR 23 Diplomats, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., ECR 25 Fast Forward Inspire Dinner Service, 5-7 p.m., Topeka Rescue Mission CBR: Chamber Boardroom, Second Floor ECR: Executive Conference Room, First Floor Register at GET CONNECTED www.TopekaChamber.org