April - Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce

Topeka
VOLUME 50, No. 4, April 2015
A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER TOPEKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Three Provide Expertise to GO Topeka Board
Three community members have joined the GO Topeka board
and will serve three-year terms. GO Topeka’s mission is to create
opportunities for growth, prosperity, innovation and economic
diversity and vibrancy that positively impact current and future
citizens of Topeka and Shawnee County by attracting world-class
companies, providing existing companies with the knowledge
and resources to reach their highest potential and cultivating
entrepreneurial development and growth.
GO Topeka markets the community locally, regionally, nationally
and internationally to encourage new and existing businesses
to invest in Topeka and Shawnee County. GO Topeka, the
community’s economic partner since 2002, has generated 11,000
new and retained jobs and $1.3 billion in capital investments, as of
February 2015.
Nathan Morris scaled his first roof at
age 12 and has been climbing the roofing
business ladder ever since. As a laborer for
his family’s roofing operation, Morris rose
through the ranks, working as an estimator,
a project manager and vice president.
He started Meridian Roofing Solutions with
Keith Richards in January 2013, building a
company with a philosophy of dedication to
serving customers with quality products,
supporting and respecting employees and
their families and making a positive impact
in the communities the company serves. Morris is trained and
certified in a variety of installation methods and techniques.
Nathan Morris
Co-Owner
Meridian Roofing
Solutions
He is past chair for Fast Forward, a member of the Active 20/30
Club, lead organizer for TedxTopeka and a graduate of Leadership
Greater Topeka. He was recognized in 2014 as one of Topeka’s Top
20 Under 40 leaders by the Boy Scouts of America Jayhawk Area
Council.
Morris competes in Ironman events and
spends most of his free time with his wife,
Annie, a teacher in the Shawnee Heights
district, and their daughter, Elyse.
Brian Threadgold has been a member
of Local Union 226 for 17 years and is
responsible for organizing the electrical
industry in the Topeka area. Currently the
local union has 430 members. Threadgold
served a five-year apprenticeship after
high school and has worked in a variety of
electrical jobs from wireman to foreman.
Brian Threadgold
Business Manager/
Financial Secretary
International
Brotherhood of
Electrical Workers
Local Union 226
In 2007, he became president of the union and subsequently
became assistant to the business manager. In 2010, he became
the business manager and has served as an elected official in that
capacity ever since. Threadgold chairs the NE Kansas Building and
Construction Trades and the Kansas State Association of Electrical
Workers and serves as an executive board member to the Kansas
AFL-CIO and as a trustee to the local union’s pension, health and
welfare, and apprenticeship trust funds. He is also involved in
negotiating contracts for the membership.
He lives in northeast Shawnee County with his wife and two
daughters, “his greatest accomplishments.”
Doug Wolff
President
Security Benefit Life
Doug Wolff oversees product
development, pricing and operations
for Security Benefit Life, First Security
Benefit Life of New York and Security
Financial Resources. He has 25 years of
experience in investments, financial
consulting, actuarial pricing, product
development, marketing and strategy
formulation.
Before joining Security Benefit in 2011,
Wolff worked at Allstate Life Insurance
Co. where he held various product development and investment
roles. He began his career as an actuary with Ernst & Young in
Chicago. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from the
University of Illinois, where he graduated with honors.
Wolff is a chartered financial analyst and a Fellow in the Society
of Actuaries. He also is a member of the Association of Investment
Management and Research, a member of the Investment Analysts
Society of Kansas City and a member of the American Academy of
Actuaries.
He serves on the Stormont-Vail HealthCare Foundation board
of directors and is a member of the Finance Committee. He
also serves on the Communities in Schools of Mid-America at
Northeast Kansas Advisory Council.
Chamber Member Feature
‘Bun Season’ Brought to You by Bimbo Bakeries USA
As the weather warms and Topekans host
backyard barbecues for family and friends,
chances are the buns they buy for their brats
and burgers are made by Bimbo Bakeries USA.
The Topeka plant, the international company’s
premier baking facility, has been producing a
variety of bread products for name-brand and
private labels since 2011.
Dennis Sample, plant manager, has been with
the company 31 years and relocated to Topeka
in 2014. A native of Grand Island, Nebraska,
Sample oversees a workforce that averages 105
but expands to 115 during “bun season, that
time of year when you and millions of other
people start grilling.”
recreational facilities to ensure guests “have
some fun while they’re here.”
Melissa Combes, a Topeka native and Bimbo
HR generalist, said, “We collaborate with
Washburn Tech to provide training for
maintenance technicians and we recruit Kansas
State University interns, many of whom end up
working for us.”
Bimbo started as a family bakery in Mexico
and has evolved into the world’s largest baking
company. While simultaneously focusing on
bread, buns, tortilla and sweet goods growth,
it has also made a commitment to reduce the
carbon footprint at its plants, Sample said.
Production rises to nearly double during bun
season, which extends from April through
September as employees work longer hours to
produce white and/or wheat versions of Sara
Lee, Ball Park buns and other brands as well as
Oroweat, Dutch Country, Sara Lee, Iron Kids and
Rainbo bread. The plant also bakes for many
restaurant franchises.
“In older or smaller plants, employees would
have to generate much smaller batches of
dough, 700 to 900 pounds, and then physically
put pans on a rack,” Sample said. “Our
systems are streamlined and designed to draw
associates who fit the computer age.”
Sample said the Topeka plant is one of the
company’s premier facilities and the most
state-of-the-art baking operation in the region.
As such, the Topeka plant often hosts company
visitors, some of whom stay in the community
for extended training opportunities to learn
Lean manufacturing principles.
A Topeka Visitors Guide sits on Sample’s
conference table to showcase the community’s
restaurants, retail establishments and
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April 2015
TopekaChamber.org
Sample, who has lived in multiple locations
as his career has progressed, loves Topeka’s
outdoor amenities, especially nearby lakes at
Perry and Melvern where he enjoys spending
time with his eight grandchildren.
“Topeka is just big enough with plenty of stuff
to do,” he said.
Bimbo Fun Facts
The Topeka plant is part of the company’s
inter-mountain east region and its delivery
territory extends north to the Dakotas and
south to Oklahoma. The plant operates five to
six days a week, roughly hauling 1,450,000 units
of product to grocery stores and restaurants in
seven states.
Sample said Bimbo bakes around 74 million
units annually and has the capacity to
increase production to 84 million units. Bimbo
(pronounced beem-bo) can bake around 13,500
units an hour. That speed is made possible by
engineering expertise that eliminates manual
labor.
Sample said, “Twice a year through our
company’s Good Neighbor program we partner
with local groups to participate in a community
initiative, and this year our employees will be
supporting the Keep America Beautiful Earth
Day clean-up project April 18.”
105
employees
Ball Park Buns
“Our plant won the company’s sustainability
award last year, and we’re proud of that,” he
said. “We have little to no waste water leave the
plant and timer lights and skylights that save
energy. We also have an oxidizer in our ovens
that uses the exhaust to generate heat so we
have no boilers in the facility.”
Sample said Bimbo is committed to
the community, including its Chamber
membership, which provides “an important
opportunity to rub elbows with other
manufacturers and get to know about them at
events like Business After Hours that help get
you in front of people.”
Combes said, “Giving back to the community
is an essential part of our corporate social
responsibility philosophy. We’ve given to
Harvesters, Easter Seals Capper Foundation, the
United Way and other fundraisers.”
74 million
units of bread and buns produced
1,450,000
units hauled per week
to grocery stores
and restaurants
7
states served
GO Topeka
EMBD to Host Second Annual
Women’s Forum April 28
Roberta Phillips, executive director of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s
Center for Women in Business, will deliver the keynote address at the
Second Annual Women’s Forum on Thursday, April 28, from 3-5 p.m. at the
Capitol Plaza Hotel, 1717 SW Topeka Blvd. The complimentary
event, sponsored by the Entrepreneurial and Minority Business
Development Women’s Initiative Committee, will also feature
a panel discussion led by local executives, educators and
entrepreneurs.
The Center for Women in Business facilitates education,
networking and mentoring opportunities for women in all stages
of their careers, promotes opportunities for women to serve on
corporate boards and in C-suite capacities and conducts research
with leading institutions to explore issues and economic impact.
Phillips will present research in three areas: “Women-Owned
Businesses: Carving a New American Business Landscape,”
“Women Advancing to the Top” and “Women in Leadership.”
Linda Canady, EMBD chair, said, “Phillips will highlight the strides women
have made while also emphasizing the business imperative to maximize
their potential and offering insights regarding their participation and
compensation in top management roles.”
Roberta Phillips
Phillips’ presentation will be followed by a panel discussion
moderated by Janet Thompson Jackson, Washburn University
School of Law. Participants include Jeri Hansen, senior
vice president, Capitol Federal; Kristina Dietrick, president
and owner of Creative Business Solutions; Dr. Julie Ford,
superintendent, Topeka Public Schools; Janel Johnson, board
president, Topeka Public Schools; Dr. Julie Swift, periodontist
and small business owner; and Wendy Wells, market president,
US Bank.
The session will conclude with a networking social. Seating is
limited for this free event and registration is required. Visit
TopekaChamber.org to register.
Barbara Woodford Stapleton Joins the
GO Topeka Team
Barbara Woodford Stapleton joined the GO Topeka team as director of existing business and workforce development
in March 2015. Previously, she served as the associate director for Career and Technical Education, Workforce
Development for the Kansas Board of Regents; senior regional account executive for Texas Guaranteed Student Loan
Corp. in the Rocky Mountain/Heartland Region; and marketing officer for Student Loan Services with Commerce
Bank & Trust. She has more than 16 years of relationship management, business development, marketing and
professional development experience. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Purdue University and a
master’s degree in management from Baker University.
Stapleton has been married to her husband, Michael, for 16 years and they have a son and a daughter.
Barbara Woodford Stapleton
CHAMBER OFFICERS
COUNCIL VICE CHAIRS
Bossert
GREATER PaulLeadership
Michel’ Cole
TOPEKA
Marketing
Goldsmith
CHAMBER OF Randy
Membership
Scott Griffith
COMMERCE
Development/GO Topeka
Kurt Scott
BOARD
Government Relations
Brent Boles
Chairman of the Board
Jim Ogle
Chairman of the Board-Elect
Janet Stanek
Treasurer
Neil Dobler
Immediate Past Chairman
Douglas S. Kinsinger
President & CEO
TopekaChamber.org
April 2015
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Fast Forward
Intern Program Will Provide Full
Topeka Experience
Fast Forward is working hard to plan its second
annual summer intern program. Thanks to the
generous support and sponsorship of Bartlett
& West, the Fast Forward summer intern
program is free to participants.
This year’s program will include an intern
kick-off event on Tuesday, June 2, mentorship
opportunities with Fast Forward Steering
Committee members and a fun scavenger
hunt for the interns that will help them see
different areas of Topeka, including NOTO, the
Capitol, the Topeka Zoo and more. Educational
opportunities will focus on basic networking
skills, online image protection and resume
building tips.
Fast Forward will still offer its core
programming throughout the summer.
Networking socials give members the
opportunity to get together in unique and
fun locations each month. The Insiders Series
will continue to showcase businesses and
organizations in Topeka along with group
outing opportunities to attend festivals,
the theater and other venues in Topeka.
The Inspire committee will offer additional
volunteer opportunities for everyone to
participate in. Finally, the summer would
not be complete without the Annual Golf
Tournament fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 7, at
the Topeka Country Club.
As you prepare for your summer interns,
keep in mind all of the activities that Fast
Forward will offer. The program we are putting
together will be beneficial to you and your
company.
We are looking forward to working with you
and getting to know your interns this summer!
Jennifer Owen, Fast Forward Manager
JOwen@TopekaChamber.org
Fast Forward hosted an evening of “Murder, Mayhem and the Mob” March
7. This “guests as actors” evening gave participants a chance to take part in
solving the mystery of who killed the Notorious Nick Nemetz played by Brendan
Jensen, Jensen Communications.
Members participated in the first-ever Fast Forward Day at the Capitol March
20. Curtis Sneden, Chamber vice president government relations, gave a brief
overview of current events happening in the House of Representatives and
the Senate, as well as a few tips on how to advocate for any cause participants
may feel passionate about. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet with
representatives and talk about issues important to YPs.
Zoe Schumm, All 4 Humanity, and Josh Schumm, Payless ShoeSource, enjoy a
tour and discussion at the March 19 Networking Social hosted by the American
Red Cross.
Fast Forward hosted its second annual Easter Egg Hunt for the children living
at the Hope Center at the Topeka Rescue Mission. Sean Frost, United Way and
member of the Steering Committee, played the role of Easter Bunny and posed
for photos with the kids.
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April 2015
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Washington Honored
at YWCA Leadership
Luncheon
Glenda Washington, vice president
entrepreneurial and minority
business development for GO
Topeka, won the non-profit
category at the 27th Annual YWCA
Leadership Luncheon April 2.
Washington has 23 years of
small business and procurement
experience, working as an assistant
vice president for Wachovia Bank
and a senior director of small and
Glenda Washington
minority business development for
the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce (Florida) before
moving to Topeka in 2013.
Washington and the EMBD Council have unveiled several projects,
including the Women’s Initiative, which assists women in growing
their business, preparing them for promotion to leadership
positions and providing special networking forums.
Chamber
Scott Named Vice Chair
Government Relations
Kurt Scott, president and chief
executive officer of KaMMCO Health
Solutions, Inc., has joined the board
of directors as vice chair government
relations. He replaces Coleen Jennison,
Cox Communications, who relocated
to Wichita. Scott also serves as
president and chief executive officer
of Kansas Medical Mutual Insurance
Company (KaMMCO), KaMMCO
Casualty Company, Inc., and KaMMCO
Foundation, Inc.
Kurt Scott
KaMMCO, endorsed by the Kansas
Medical Society and Kansas Hospital Association, is the leading
medical professional liability insurance company in Kansas.
Before joining KaMMCO, Scott worked as chief examiner of the Kansas
Insurance Department. He received his bachelor of science in business
administration, with a major in accounting, from Kansas State
University. Among other directorships, Scott also serves on the board
of directors of the PIAA, the insurance trade association representing
medical professional liability companies.
She has won numerous awards including the YWCA Women
of Influence Award (Jacksonville) and the Small Business
Development Center Minority Business Advocate Award.
She is a graduate of several leadership programs and serves on
the boards of the YWCA, 712 Innovations Inc. and Brown v. Board,
Sumner Legacy Trust. Washington and her husband, Leonard, have
five children and 14 grandchildren.
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Sherry Hunsicker, president/owner of Hilco Mortgage Co., gives Curtis
Sneden, Chamber vice president government relations, an assist during
“The Magic of Business” presentation at the March 11 Power Breakfast
sponsored by Shawnee County Parks and Recreation. Sneden interspersed
sound business advice amidst the razzle dazzle of magic tricks to deliver a
strong message about the importance of adaptability and collaboration in
operating a successful business of any size.
TopekaChamber.org
April 2015
5
What Your Chamber
Champions Did for You
First Quarter
Government
Relations, in
conjunction with
several partnering
organizations,
hosted a welcome reception
for legislators and also hosted
senators and representatives
at three Pie & Politics events so
members could learn more about
legislative issues and initiatives.
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Fast Forward hosted
events,
including a day at the Capitol,
the organization’s first Gen
Chat bringing together young
professionals and executives and
entrepreneurs for conversation,
a City Council candidate forum
and “Murder, Mayhem and the
Mob,” an interactive theater
experience.
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April 2015
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The Greater Topeka Chamber of
Commerce Foundation and GO
Topeka facilitated the opening of
712 Innovations Inc., one of the
country’s first cowork/maker
space businesses in the country,
to encourage innovation through
collaboration.
Government Relations
presented positions
supporting
Medicaid
expansion, urban
opportunity zones,
cultural and arts district
development and liquor law
modernization, as well as
positions opposing a new
judicial selection process and the
elimination of renewable energy
portfolio standards.
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The Chamber
welcomed
new
members.
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Thirty-seven representatives
from companies, non-profit
organizations, small businesses,
law enforcement and other
entities joined the 32nd
Leadership Greater Topeka class.
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GO Topeka awarded
Big Heart Pet
Brands an incentive
grant to help fund a
plant expansion.
The Chamber celebrated the
community’s recognition as
one of the country’s top 10
most affordable cities to live in,
according to Livability.com.
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The annual meeting in January
drew more than 800 members
to hear Philip “Brail” Watson,
one of the standout presenters
at the community’s inaugural
TedxTopeka events last November.
Gov. Sam Brownback shakes
hands with Brail’s mother, Neshal
Watson.
GO Topeka and
Entrepreneurial and
Minority Business
Development hosted
a workshop on collaborating
with Topeka Public Schools on
expansion projects.
date
The Chamber hosted two
sessions of Candidate School and
a Candidate Forum to prepare
residents running for City Council.
Entrepreneurial and
Minority Business
Development hosted
a Breakfast Buzz
session on social media,
presented by Mikki Burcher of MB
Consulting.
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Chamber members participated
in networking events, including a
Power Breakfast presentation and
three After Hours events.
TopekaChamber.org
April 2015
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Chamber
Danny Love and Chef Josh Valdivia keep the food coming for
Lindsay Halderman, Clubhouse Inn, and other guests at the March
24 Business After Hours event hosted by Aboud’s Catering.
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April 2015
TopekaChamber.org
Representatives Lane Hemsley and Fred Patton meet with
Chamber staff and members to discuss legislative issues and
initiatives at the March 27 Pie & Politics event sponsored by
Bartlett & West.
We Love
TOPEKA
ln April
Chamber
This monthly feature gives
Chamber members a chance to
highlight some of the seasonal
treats and treasures in our
community that they like best.
The April shoutouts are courtesy
of the Chamber Diplomats, who
help recruit and retain members.
I love $5 Friday flowers at Porterfield’s.
I love taking my kids to the Topeka Zoo now that the weather is warm.
I love working out at Great Life Golf and Fitness.
I love to "Soar with the Eagle Once a Week" at Eagle Auto Wash.
Chris Martin, Logan Business Machines
I love the relieved face
of Chamber Ambassador
Gary Knoll, Berberich
Trahan & Co., P.A., after
tax season is done.
Kyle Mead,
Lawyers Title of
Topeka, Inc.
I love AJ’s NY Pizzeria.
It has great pizza,
atmosphere and
cinnamon knots that are
awesome.
Eric Claspill
Waddell & Reed, Inc.
I love all the great golf
courses we have available
where we can get out in the
beautiful weather and meet
with friends.
Mickey Shaver
Mickey’s Promotions
I love seeing the wildlife during my morning runs on the Shunga Trail.
I love watching our grinning dog as he plays with his buds at Hill’s Bark Park.
I love walking the Capitol grounds with my family.
I love volunteering for Junior Achievement at Shawnee Heights Middle School.
I love watching my daughter’s innovate and play at Kansas Children’s Discovery Center.
Native
Perspectives
Allan P. Towle
President and CEO
Fidelity State Bank
& Trust Company
Welcome to Perspectives. Each month a Topeka
resident and Chamber member will share a
first-person perspective shaped by experience
as a native, a transplant or a boomerang
resident of the community.
My observations about Topeka are fairly simple.
Topekans primarily live in their neighborhood.
Close to church, school, the grocery store, the local
park, etc. We commute to work and occasionally
to one of the larger attractions in our community:
a child’s sporting event, Lake Shawnee, Gage Park,
a shopping area, a restaurant, Topeka Performing
Arts Center, Topeka Civic Theatre, downtown for a
parade.
It amazes me how many people express negativity
about Topeka. Sure, on a daily basis I hear about
decisions or plans in our community that I shake
my head and wonder why. But when I ask questions
and keep an open mind, I always find there is more
to the story than the one- or two-minute morsels
of information we hear on the daily news or read
about in the paper or online or than the average
citizen knows. I may not agree, but there is usually
a reasonable explanation for the decision or plans.
Many years ago I got involved in various aspects
of our community: my church, Boy Scouts, Rotary,
the Chamber and GO Topeka. I served on not-forprofit boards and committees. By getting involved
outside of my neighborhood, I found a better
understanding of our community. I see more of
the treasures, excitement and activity Topeka
has to offer. I have a better attitude because I am
more aware of the many people in our community
working to make it the best place to live and raise a
family. There are activities throughout the Topeka/
Shawnee County area nearly every weekend that
attract hundreds or thousands of participants.
Be part of making Topeka/Shawnee County the
best place to live and raise a family. Volunteer and
get involved in areas that you enjoy and where you
can make a difference.
It is truly you who has the power to make Topeka/
Shawnee County the best place to live and raise a
family. Get involved and get informed.
Mike Eldridge, Sunflower Marketing
TopekaChamber.org
April 2015
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Business Buzz
Share your company’s news with your Chamber colleagues. Contact kgronniger@topekachamber.org. Information will be placed as space and timing allow.
Stormont-Vail HealthCare Sponsors Free Skin
Cancer Screening April 25
Stormont-Vail HealthCare will provide a free community skin
cancer screening from 8 a.m.- noon Saturday, April 25, at the
Stormont-Vail Cancer Center, 1414 SW Eighth Ave. Participants
can have suspicious moles and other spots checked for signs
of cancer and a determination on whether further analysis is
necessary. An appointment is required. To make an appointment,
call Health Connections at 785.354.5225.
Topeka Habitat for Humanity Women Build
2015 Set for May 6-9
Join other women in the community to learn new
skills and help hardworking families realize their
dream of homeownership. The Third Annual
Women Build Fundraiser will begin with a prebuild social May 6 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Top of
the Tower, 534 S Kansas Ave., followed by two
build days May 8 and 9 from 8:30 a.m-3:30 p.m.
Donation for the social is $45 and the donation
for each build day is $30 until April 15 and $35
after that date.
The event will be at Hi-Crest Area and a Habitat
for Humanity home on SE Michigan Avenue.
Contact Michele Parker, 785.234.4322 or
785.783.7670, for more information.
St. Francis Health to Deploy Germ-Killing Robot
St. Francis Health recently became the first hospital in the state of
Kansas to add Tru-D Smart UVC, a 5-foot-5 germ-killing UV disinfection
robot, to its checklist of disinfection routines aimed at protecting
patients from serious hospital-acquired infections.
“The acquisition of this technology is simply another way that we’re
working to safeguard the well-being of every single patient who
walks through our doors and protect the integrity of our health care
environment,” said David Setchel, president of St. Francis Health.
Tru-D, which works by generating UV light energy that modifies the
DNA or RNA structure of an infectious cell, is able to calculate the time
needed to react to room variables and then deliver a lethal dose from a
single location to eliminate lingering pathogens in an entire room.
According to the manufacturer, Tru-D can achieve 99.9 percent
disinfection of all viruses and bacteria so “it takes the guesswork
out of previous protocols and ensures confidence in clinicians and
patients.”
Sam’s Club Memberships Now Come with $130 in
Instant Savings
Sam’s Club has a new incentive for business people who want to
join Sam’s Club or renew their membership. Each card will now be
loaded with $130 worth of instant savings as well as a welcome
package worth $20. Savings include things like a free take-and-bake
pizza, a free rotisserie chicken, 98 cents for a 40-pack of bottled
water and $4 off three pounds of seedless grapes. Contact Dan
Shenck, ddshenc.s08176.us@samsclub.com for more information on
how your company can participate.
Keep America Beautiful Shares Spring Cleaning Opportunities
Keep America Beautiful has compiled a list of services available to residents of Shawnee County April 18 so they can
spruce up their spaces by removing trash, e-waste and hazardous household materials.
The landfill at Rolling Meadows Recycling and Disposal Facility sponsored by Waste Management of Kansas, Inc.
and located at 7351 NW Highway 75 will be open from 7 a.m.- noon for trash disposal. All loads must be covered and
must not contain tires, hazardous waste items or appliances that contain Freon.
Shawnee County Solid Waste Department will collect household cleaners, pesticides, paint and similar waste products from 9 a.m.- noon
just east of Topeka Boulevard and North 46th Street. The free collection is available to residents of Shawnee County but not to businesses.
On April 11, Seaman Middle School, 5620 NW Topeka Blvd., will collect e-waste from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (fee for CRT/LCD plasma screens and
televisions).
April 13-17, TARC Industries, 1800 SW 42nd, will offer free residential document destruction.
April 24: Topekans Against Graffiti (TAG) volunteers will paint over graffiti from 1-3 p.m.
April 25: Washburn University students participating in “The Big Give” will help with various community projects.
April 25: Christmas in Action Topeka volunteers will help remodel local houses.
Community volunteers also can register to help with beautification efforts at kab@kabtopsh.org or by calling 785.224.0446.
Check Out These Chamber Eateries: Rowhouse Restaurant and Monsoon Grill Hailed in Movoto Blog
The Rowhouse Restaurant and the Monsoon Grill were named in a Movoto blog, “15 Restaurants in Kansas That Will Blow the Taste Buds Right Out
of Your Mouth.” The fare at the Rowhouse Restaurant, 515 Van Buren St., is described as “American Classics with a Twist.” The blogger writes, “A
truly innovative staple of the Kansas food scene, Rowhouse Restaurant has one of the most creative kitchens around. The best way to get a feel for
this restaurant is by testing out the tasting menu, pairing each course with the recommended
glass of wine, of course. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself or a loved one to an unforgettable
experience.”
The Monsoon Grill, 2040 SW Wanamaker Road, is billed as “Authentic Indian Food Minus the
Long Flight.” The blogger writes, “With all of the Indian classics, it’s a great place to dine on
this style of cuisine whether it’s your first time eating Indian or you’re a seasoned veteran. If you
need help picking something off the menu, the chicken tikka masala and the Peshwari naan are
highly recommended.”
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April 2015
TopekaChamber.org
Rowhouse Restaurant
Monsoon Grill
Kansas Children’s Discovery Center Sets
Spring Break Records
The Kansas Children’s Discovery Center set two new
records during spring break this year, serving 923 visitors
on a single day and more than 5,000 for the entire week.
Visitors came from 18 states and more than 140
communities across Kansas!
Midwest Single Source Acquires
Advanced Business Supplies
Business Buzz
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Kansas
Will Hold the Red Nose Run May 9
5K Run and One Mile Walk at Lake Shawnee, Shelter House 1, West Edge Drive
7–8:30 a.m. - Pre-registration
9 a.m. – Race/Walk
$30 Registration for ages 14 and up
$15 for ages 13 and under
$10 for military and their family members
Register at Active.com.
It’s Tulip Time in Topeka
Midwest Single Source, located at 555 SE 70th, has
acquired ABS Supplies. Midwest Single Source, with
headquarters in Wichita, was founded in 1976 and
opened its Topeka location in 1987. ABS Supplies was
founded in 2002 in Topeka, specializing in items such as
name badges, awards, stamps, promotional products,
laser engraving and heat sublimation, all services that
Midwest Single Source provides to its customers as well.
Get ready for spring by wandering through more than
100,000 tulips and daffodils across Topeka from April
10-26. Tulips can be found at Ted Ensley Gardens,
3650 SE 37th and West Edge Road; Old Prairie Town
and Botanical Garden,124 NW Fillmore Street; and
Doran Rock Garden in Gage Park, 601 SW Gage Blvd.
A $5 donation is suggested.
Dillons Hosted the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile April 9, 10 and 12
Topekans had a chance to take a selfie with the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile April 9, 10 and 12 at
various Dillons stores. The Wienermobile made stops at 6829 SW 29th St. (29th and Urish), 5311 SW
22nd Place (Fairlawn Plaza), 1400 Huntoon (Huntoon), 2010 SE 29th (29th and California), 4015 SW
10th Ave. (10th and Gage) and 800 NW 25th (North Topeka).
Stormont-Vail Breaks Ground for New Primary Care Clinic
Stormont-Vail HealthCare broke ground on a new primary care facility that will
be equipped with an ExpressCare clinic on its lower level March 25. The clinic,
4505 NW Fielding Road, will be home to three family practice physicians:
Dr. Timothy Borchers; Dr. Melissa Herrman and Dr. Patrick Raney. Dr. Korri
Phillips is the medical director of Cotton-O’Neil ExpressCare. Lab and X-ray
services will be available in the new building, which should be completed early
in 2016.
CITY OF
CHARACTER
TRUTHFULNESS:
earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts.
TopekaChamber.org
April 2015
11
Ribbon Cuttings
Dovetail Roofing
celebrated its
10th anniversary
with a ribbon
cutting March
10. Owners John
Barta (right) and Aaron Becker
cut the ribbon with their family
members before commemorating
the occasion with a luncheon for
employees and supporters of their
residential roofing business. In their
remarks, Barta and Becker, both
raised primarily in North Topeka,
shared their commitment to the
community and credited a strong
focus on customer service to their
success.
The historic Dillon House, 404 SW
Ninth St., has been refurbished
as offices for The Pioneer Group
and premier event space for the
community. A March 24 ribbon
cutting showcased the home’s
numerous attributes, including a
meeting room with a view of the
Capitol, stained glass windows of
authors, a family baby grand piano
nicknamed “Goldie” for its paint
job and a fireplace etched with the
inviting words “None come too
early, none stay too late.” Small
rooms can be reserved for $90 or
the entire first floor can be used for
up to eight hours for $1,200.
April Fun Finds at
Chamber Member
Merchants!
1
2
3
Foot golf played with a
soccer ball and a 3x3 hole to
hit, now available at Shawnee
County Parks and Recreation,
Forbes Field.
Guinness Blonde sipped al
fresco at the Celtic Fox.
Cold Stone Creamery Spring
Fling flavors like Red Velvet
Cheesecake Ice Cream, Pink
Champagne Sorbet and Tart
Cherry Yogurt (pictured).
12
April 2015
TopekaChamber.org
Valeo Behavioral
Health Care
celebrated
the opening
of its Healthy
Smiles Dental Clinic with a ribbon
cutting March 18 at 330 Oakley
St. The clinic began providing
dental services Jan. 9 to eligible
Medicaid Health Home patients in
partnership with Valeo, Community
Health Ministry of Wamego,
Topeka Community Foundation
and Oral Health Kansas. The clinic
operates two Fridays a month
and offers assessments, X-rays,
cleaning, fluoride, education and
referral for services such as fillings,
extractions and dentures.
Dog Day
Afternoon
celebrated
the opening
of its second
location at 121 NE Highway 24
in the former Roy Frey building
with a ribbon cutting March 29.
The refurbished space retains
its western flair with a Howdy
Y’all reception area and themed
rooms, as well as spacious indoor
and outdoor areas for romping.
Julie and Phil Castaneda, owners,
thanked supporters at the event
for entrusting their dogs to their
care and making a second location
possible.
A Conversation with
Child Care Aware and
Designers’ Showhouse
Volunteers
Hutt, Wywadis, Klausman and Hoferer
Every spring Topekans tour a grand home
designated as the year’s Designers’ Showhouse
to raise funds for Child Care Aware®of Eastern
Kansas, an organization that supports the
development and learning of young children by
providing programs and services that improve
the quality and accessibility of child care for
working families.
With a theme of “Stately Elegance,” this year’s
1928 home, owned by Washburn University
as the president’s residence since the 1970s,
will incorporate Ichabod elements and expand
entertainment features to accommodate the
many donors, dignitaries, alumni, professors
and students fortunate enough to experience
the inimitable hospitality of Dr. Jerry and
Susan Farley. Learn more about the Designers’
Showhouse tradition and the critical work of
Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas through
a conversation with Reva Wywadis, executive
director of Child Care Aware; Jeanne Hoferer,
event co-chair and a Washburn University
trustee; Jolene Klausman, event co-chair; and
Jan Hutt, designer coordinator.
Since this house is owned by Washburn
University and will be used by future presidents,
how did you involve the homeowners and other
interested parties in design decisions?
JHoferer: A committee included the Farleys,
representatives from the university’s executive
staff and two volunteers from the Washburn
Board of Regents. We wanted the home to be
comfortable and timeless and reflect both the
period in which it was built and the excellence
for which the university is known. The timing
complements the culmination of the university’s
sesquicentennial events, including grand
graduation ceremonies the last weekend of the
Showhouse. The Farleys have been so gracious
about this huge inconvenience for them, and we
hope they enjoy their upgraded space for many
years to come.
JK: We had conversations about making the
Chamber Chat
residence a Showhouse for a couple of years,
and the sesquicentennial seemed like the perfect
time to add one more aspect to the celebration.
The university has been wonderful to work
with and took care of a lot of maintenance and
infrastructure needs before the designers arrived.
What uniquely Washburn elements will be
added to the décor?
JHoferer: The kitchen has beautiful new cabinets
with Ichabods hand-carved in the posts of the
island and a Washburn tile commemorating the
sesquicentennial will be placed over the stove.
Some of the designers have also included blue
hues in subtle ways.
JK: A new guest suite expanding across the third
floor will provide an inviting space for dignitaries
staying overnight and will include a coffee bar
and sitting area.
This is the 35th year for the Showhouse. Why do
you think it remains popular?
RW: When it first started, it was a way for the
public to see the latest ideas in home décor.
People can watch HGTV now, but the Showhouse
is a fun outing that supports a cause. Every ticket
purchased, every item bought in the boutique and
every meal ordered provides services for families,
and the event also coincides with graduation and
Mother’s Day celebrations.
Volunteers are essential to the Showhouse’s
success, whether it’s as a designer, a docent or a
donor. Is it hard to find participants year after
year?
JK: When I moved to Topeka, I joined the
Chamber to meet people and when I needed
something for this year’s Showhouse I just went to
my old friends I knew from Chamber activities.
There’s no hesitation when I ask for volunteers
because they know this effort supports important
work done through Child Care Aware for our city.
How do designers get selected?
RW: We invite them to walk through the space
and share with them the homeowner’s vision
and if they’re interested, they create a design
board showing the types of floor coverings and
furnishings they’re envisioning. The homeowner
weighs in and negotiations get underway.
Jan, you’ve been a Showhouse designer for many
years and this year you’re coordinating the
participants. How do you recruit designers and
what tips can the public glean from their work?
JHutt: With a 15-room house, it’s sometimes a
challenge to find enough designers able to donate
their time so there’s always variation each year
depending on availability. Most designers depend
on word of mouth so this event helps put them
on the map. Designers also tend to stick with
tried and true methods for creating beautiful,
traditional homes, so the public can pick up
ideas just by studying the rooms they like best. I
encourage people to go with what they love and
use trends sparingly. You can also work wonders
with what you already have if it’s rearranged right.
I’m a big fan of feng shui and energy flow.
The Showhouse is the biggest fundraiser for
supporting the work of Child Care Aware of
Eastern Kansas. Why is having a referral
service for high-quality day care providers and
development opportunities for those providers so
important for our community?
RW: Ninety percent of brain development
happens within the first five years, so it’s critically
important that providers have the tools they need
to prepare children for school. Sometimes we
coach providers for success and other times we
coach them into a new career path because they
don’t have a passion for working with children
and shouldn’t be doing it. Parents need to be
educated consumers and know they can check
a provider’s compliance history and inspection
reports just as they would for a restaurant they’re
unsure about. High-quality child care has farreaching effects. We can’t bring in new businesses
if we don’t have a well-educated workforce and if
teachers are overwhelmed by too many children
in the classroom requiring extra resources, then
the education of all children in a classroom is
affected. Chamber members and other employers
also suffer when employees have to miss work
because of unreliable child care. We’ve worked
with Glenda Washington, a vice president at GO
Topeka, on programs to support small business
child care providers so parents can focus on their
jobs.
JK: When I was a single mom, it was often all
I could do to keep things together. Back then,
people didn’t ask a lot of questions and just hoped
their kids would be safe. Expectations are so
much higher and better now because of services
provided by Child Care Aware.
JHoferer: The Showhouse fundraiser for Child
Care Aware brings education full circle this year,
from early childhood education to eventual
college classes at Washburn. As a representative
for both Washburn and the Showhouse
committee, I’m excited about the long-lasting
benefits this year’s collaboration will have on so
many people in our community.
For more information, visit http://east.
ks.childcareaware.org.
2015 Designers’ Showhouse
3130 SW Shadow Lane
April 25-May 17
Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Chamber Member Showhouse Designers
• BA Designs LLC
• Carpet One Floor & Home
• Furniture Mall of Kansas
• Gardner’s Flooring America
• Midwest Health Inc.
TopekaChamber.org
April 2015
13
Welcome, Members!
New Members (From February 2015)
712 Innovations
Cowork/maker space
Jared Starkey, Executive director
712 S Kansas Ave.
Topeka, Kansas 66603
785.406.6500
Sponsored by: Glenda Washington, GO
Topeka staff; Adrianne Evans, Chamber
staff
Kevon Abshier
Individual member
5623 SE Erica Drive
Berryton, Kansas 66409
Sponsored by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber
staff
Brown & Bigelow, Inc.
Advertising specialties
Robert Lipson, Account executive
PO Box 549
Manhattan, Kansas 66505
785.539.6677
Sponsored by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber
staff
Cair Paravel Latin School Inc.
Education
Miranda Collins, Marketing and
development director
635 SW Clay St.
Topeka, Kansas 66606
785.232.3878
Sponsored by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber
staff
Econo Lodge
Hotels/motels
Dean Patel
2950 SW Topeka Blvd.
Topeka, Kansas 66611
785.267.1681
Sponsored by: Doug Kinsinger and
Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Lexington Park Independent Living
Apartments
Retirement & life care
Peggy Parker, Director
1011 Cottonwood Court
Topeka, Kansas 66604
785.273.4562
Sponsored by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber
staff
14
April 2015
TopekaChamber.org
Oasis Family Medicine Associates, LLC
Medical clinic
Jennifer Harader, MD
2850 SW Mission Woods Drive, Suite 103
Topeka, Kansas 66614
785.286.6816
Sponsored by: Rise Quinn, Chamber staff
Marsha Sheahan
Individual member
315 SW Whitehall Lane
Topeka, Kansas 66606
785.554.5593
Sponsored by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber
staff
Reinvestments (From February 2015)
Aboud’s Catering
Absolute Design by Brenda
Accounting Center Inc.
Advisors Excel
Allen, Bette
Big O Tires- Tryon Automotive Inc.
Bimbo Bakeries USA
Bloomerang Studios LLC
Brent, Don- Photography & Imaging Inc.
Brier Payne Meade Insurance
Brookfield Village Apartments
Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar
Capitol Federal
Carpet One
CBIZ MHM, LLC
Central National Bank
Century Business Technologies
Chez Yasu
College Body Shop
Denison State Bank – Topeka Branch
Designed Business Interiors Inc.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
Douthett & Co. CPA, PA
Durham School Services
Dynamic Computer Solutions of Topeka
Eagle Consulting, Inc.
Equity Bank
Family Service & Guidance Center
Feldkamp’s Furniture
Friends of the Topeka Zoo, Inc.
Furniture Mall of Kansas
Goering Family Optometry
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.
Greenpoint Construction & Demolition
Processing Center
Ham, Nathan Photography
Hanover Pancake House
Harvesters Community Food Network
Herman’s Meat & Deli
Hesse, Larry- Financial Services
Highland Residential Management, Inc.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc.
Horst, Terrill & Karst Architects PA
INTRUST Bank
Jayhawk Area Agency on Aging, Inc.
Jayhawk File Express, LLC
Jeanette Johnson – Berkshire Hathaway
HomeServices First, REALTORS
Jostens Printing & Publishing
Kansas Expocentre
Kansas Gas Service- a Division of ONE Gas Inc.
Kansas Rehabilitation Hospital
Keep America Beautiful – Topeka/ Shawnee
County
Key Staffing
L & J Building Maintenance LLC
Laird Noller Ford
Lamar Advertising
Lawyers Title of Topeka, Inc.
Lexington Park Retirement Community
Logan Business Machines
MANA de Topeka
McCrite Plaza Retirement Community
McPherson Contractors, Inc.
NAI Martens
Noller, Brad– American Family Insurance
OFG Financial
Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt
Parrish Hotel Corporation
Penwell-Gable Funeral Home
Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
Piping Contractors of KS, Inc.
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 441
Premier Employment Solutions
Quest Credit Union
Red Robin
Residential Leasing & Management
Services, LP
Robb Co., The
Robuck Jewelers
Rolling Hills Assisted Living
Ronald McDonald House Charities of NE
Kansas Inc.
RSI
Rural Development Corp.
Sales & Marketing Executives of Topeka Inc.
Schwerdt Contract Interiors Inc.
Scotch Fabric Care Services
Security Benefit
Security National Properties Funding II, LLC
Sertoma Great Topeka Duck Race
Six Auto Sales & Service
Sovanski Photography
Stifel Nicolaus
TBS Electronics, Inc.
Topeka Rsecue Mission
Topeka, City of
Underground Vaults & Storage
VisionBank
Walt’s Auto Body CARSTAR Inc.
Wendling Noe Nelson & Johnson LLC
WIBW Channels
Wienckowski, Rick
Young, Kurt
Welcome Members!
New Assignees
(From February 2015)
Jay Buchholz
Rasmussen College
Suzie Gilbert
Security Benefit
David Halverty
Myers and Stauffer LC
Amanda Lewis
Coldwell Banker Griffith & Blair American
Home
Rodd Miller
Stifel Nicolaus
Cindi Stocker
Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home
Reinvestments (From January 2015)
AAA Kansas
Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning
Aldersgate Village
Allied Paint
Alorica, Inc.
Anderson, Ray- Ray Anderson
Company, Inc.
Antioch Family Life Center
Architect One, P.A.
BA Designs, L.L.C.
Berkeley Square Productions
Brown V. Board - National Park Service
Capital Area Gymnastics
CASA of Shawnee County
CenturyLink
Classic Bean - Fairlawn Plaza
Colmery-O’Neil VA Medical Center
Community Bank
Courtyard by Marriott
Cowabunga Safaris
Darrell’s Service
Doug Richert Pontiac Cadillac
Easy Own Auto Leasing
eBiz Software
EC Enterprises
Foulston Siefkin LLP
Framewoods of Topeka, Inc. &
Southwind Gallery
Gage Center Bowl/ReKat Recreation Inc.
Gage Center Dental Group
Grace Hospice
Great Overland Station
Helping Hands Humane Society
Home Depot Distribution Center
Hyatt Place
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
Kansas Association of Insurance Agents
Kansas Masonic Foundation, Inc.
Kansas STARBASE
Kansas Turnpike Authority
KSNT KTKA KTMJ & NE KS CW & 24/7 Weather
Legal Shield - Alden R. Hickman
Legend Senior Living
Luminous Neon, Inc.
Macfee Refinishing Inc.
Madison Government Affairs
Mars Chocolate North America
Midwest Housing Equity GroupKansas Operations
Mize Houser & Company P.A.
Newman, Hesse & Associates, PA
Picture This!
Ramada Convention Center,
Downtown Topeka
Security Benefit
Silver Lake Bank
Stevenson Company Inc.
Stubbs Development Co, LLC
Sunflower Foundation: Health Care
for Kansans
Topeka Capital-Journal
Topeka Public Schools, USD 501
Townsite Cafe’/Peachtree Catering
Wal Mart #2131
Walt’s Auto Service Plus, Inc
WIBW AM/FM
TopekaChamber.org
April 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
Calendar of Events
Fast Forward Insiders Series
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
12:30- 1:30 p.m.
Family Service & Guidance Center
325 SW Frazier
Chamber Lunch Connect
Thursday, April 23, 2015
11:45 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Great Overland Station
701 N Kansas Ave.
Business After Hours
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
5-7 p.m.
Midland Care Connection
200 SW Frazier Ave.
Fast Forward Gen Chat
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
5-7 p.m.
Topeka Country Club
2700 SW Buchanan
Second Annual Women’s Forum
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
3- 5:30 p.m.
Capitol Plaza Hotel, Emerald Ballroom
1717 SW Topeka Blvd.
Fast Forward Entrepreneurs
& Ale
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
5:30-7 p.m.
Celtic Fox
118 SW Eighth Ave.
Fast Forward Networking Social
Thursday, April 30, 2015
5- 7 p.m.
Uncle Bo’s - Ramada Convention
Center
420 SE Sixth Ave.
Fast Forward Entrepreneurs
& Ale
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
5:30-7 p.m.
Celtic Fox
118 SW Eighth Ave.
State of the Community Luncheon
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Noon- 1:30 p.m.
Capitol Plaza, Maner Conference
Center
Sunflower Ballroom
1717 SW Topeka Boulevard
Fast Forward Insiders Series
Thursday, May 7, 2015
5-7 p.m.
Glacier’s Edge Winery
1636 SE 85th St.
Wakarusa
Business After Hours
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
5-7 p.m.
Kansas Audio Video
1016 SW Sixth Ave.
GET CONNECTED
April
2 Fast Forward Steering Committee, 3:30-5 p.m.,
712 Innovations
2 Ambassadors, Noon-1 p.m., CBR
3 GO Topeka Board of Directors, 7:30-9 a.m., CBR
13 Diplomats, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ECR
20 Chamber Board of Directors, 7:30-9 a.m., CBR
22 Fast Forward Inspire Dinner Service, 5-7 p.m.,
Topeka Rescue Mission
27Diplomats, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., ECR
May
Small Business Awards Luncheon
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Noon- 1:30 p.m.
Capitol Plaza Hotel, Maner Conference
Center
1717 SW Topeka Blvd.
*Events are free to Chamber Members unless otherwise noted.
Other Important Dates
Register at
www.TopekaChamber.org
1 GO Topeka Board of Directors, 7:30-9 a.m., CBR
1 Ambassadors, Noon-1 p.m., CBR
7 Fast Forward Steering Committee, 3:30-5 p.m.,
712 Innovations Inc.
11 Diplomats, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ECR
15 Chamber Board of Directors, 7:30-9 a.m., CBR
25Diplomats, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., ECR
27 Fast Forward Inspire Dinner Service, 5-7 p.m.,
Topeka Rescue Mission
CBR: Chamber Board Room, Second Floor
ECR: Executive Conference Room, First Floor