June - Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce

Topeka
VOLUME 49, No. 6, June 2014
A PUBLICATION OF THE GREATER TOPEKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Small Business Awards
Finalists Named
Three local businesses and one non-profit organization were recognized as winners in their category
at the 2014 Small Businesses Awards Luncheon May 13. The Small Business Awards event is presented
annually by GO Topeka Economic Partnership’s Entrepreneurial and Minority Business Development
(EMBD) and by the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce.
Senator Vicki Schmidt was on hand to emcee the event; while Shawnee County Commissioner Kevin
Cook, Topeka Mayor Larry Wolgast and City Council members Karen Hiller and Nathan Schmidt
presented the awards.
Doug Kinsinger, president and CEO of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka stated,
“The Small Business Awards are some of the most important recognition we offer as they symbolize
significant achievement over a sustained period of time.”
“Small Businesses and non-profits represented here today are true success stories. They were born
from a need and were challenged to fill a gap. They all have passion for what they do, vision to see
beyond today, tenacity to keep going and the flexibility to change with the market,” said Glenda
Washington, vice president of entrepreneurial minority business development. We are proud they
are a part of the fabric of this community.”
2014 Winners Are:
Capital City Business of Distinction
McCrite Plaza, Patrick McCrite, executive director
Minority & Women Business of Distinction
Key Staffing, Patti Bossert, president
Non-profit Award of Distinction
KTWU, Eugene Williams, general manager
Emerging Entrepreneur Award
4 All Humanity, C. Zoe Schumm, owner
See award photos and bios on pages 4 and 5
Sponsors for the Small Business
Awards Luncheon included:
Media:
WIBW Channels
Gold:
Envista Credit Union
Silver:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Capitol Federal
Century Health Solutions
PTMW, Inc.
Bronze:
Parrish Hotel Corporation
Rasmussen College
news
CHAMBER
Heartland Visioning to
Honor Volunteers
Heartland Visioning will host a
Volunteer Celebration Monday,
June 9 from 4:30 p.m. -6:30
p.m. at the Great Overland
Station, 701 N Kansas Avenue.
Individuals that have been
involved with the organization
over the years are invited and
encouraged to attend.
Attendees will be able to meet
John Hunter, newly named
executive director, and learn
about the next steps for
Heartland Visioning.
Join them for snacks, drinks
and great company!
CHAMBER OFFICERS
Neil Dobler
Chairman of the Board
CHAMBER
news
Brent Boles
Chairman of the Board-Elect
Jim Ogle
Treasurer
Coleen Jennison
Immediate Past Chairman
Douglas S. Kinsinger
President & CEO
VICE CHAIRMEN
Curtis Sneden
Government Relations
Allan Towle
Development/GO Topeka
Renee Whatley (center), owner of StevieRae’s Bar & Grill, 555 SW 39th Street, cut
the ribbon for her new business April 17.
She’s added fresh décor and new items to
the menu offerings at lunch, dinner and
late-night.
Brent Boles, left of center, joined Mayor
Larry Wolgast, Chamber president
Doug Kinsinger, and Schendel partners
Aaron James and Brandon Moore for
May 1 ribbon cutting ceremonies at
Schendel Lawn and Landscape, 4707 SW Sixth Avenue in
the former Heifner Nursery location.
Paul Bossert
Leadership
Karla Clem
Marketing
Randy Goldsmith
Membership
CHAMBER
Staff Profile
Ekwensi (pronounced Quincy) Griffith
DO and his wife Angela shared the
ribbon cutting honors May 7 for his
new business, New Health & AntiAging Clinic, located at 1100 SW
Wanamaker Road, Suite 103. The business offers weight
management, hormone replacement and addiction
treatment services. Their website is www.newhealthks.
com.
Connie Michaelis, marketing
director, and Pat McCrite,
executive director, talked about
the new Wellness Center at
McCrite Plaza Retirement Center, 1608-1610 SW 37th
Street, during ribbon cutting ceremonies May 8. The
Center is available to McCrite residents wanting to learn
fitness skills and healthy exercise routines.
The Residence Inn by Marriott,
1620 SW Westport Drive, hosted
an open house to showcase their
refreshed décor May 8. Pictured
cutting the ribbon are manager
Wesley Halsey (center) and Maria Brewer (center right),
sales director.
Washburn senior Sarah Roth
was matched with mentor Allan
Towle, Fidelity State Bank, as part
of the Washburn Leadership/
Leadership Greater Topeka
mentoring program. Twelve student and LGT alumni
matches were in place for the 2013-2014 school year,
giving students a glimpse at local businesses and
leadership opportunities in the community. They
celebrated the end of the school year at a reception May
8 on campus.
Christy Caldwell
Vice President,
Government Relations
almost 34 years with the Chamber
.
.
.
.
.
Christy started her career as a 3rd grade
teacher; some of the skills she used then
she also finds to be valuable today
many, many years ago Christy performed
as a clown – Skeeter was her name
has 2 great-grandchildren, Rhyleigh and
Harleigh – “I’m too young for this.”
Kansas road trips with a couple girlfriends
are a favorite of her’s – “there are amazing
places to visit in our state!”
Christy and her husband David enjoy the
adventure of traveling back roads and
staying at B&B’s
2
TopekaChamber.org
CHAMBER
news
Expo Title Sponsor Announced
The Chamber’s annual Business Expo has a new Title Sponsor for 2014—Blue
Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas.
“We’re delighted to have Blue Cross and Blue Shield join this event and look
forward to working with their associates for a successful Expo,” says Adrianne
Evans, Chamber vice president membership and show manager. “The show will
provide them a fresh way to introduce their products to the Topeka market.”
The annual event is planned for Tuesday, October 28, at the Ramada Convention
Center, 420 SE Sixth Avenue. Sponsorships are available at myriad levels ranging
from Platinum to Door Prize Sponsor. Sponsorships will be reserved on a firstpaid, first reserved basis.
“This event has sold out the past several years,” Evans said. “We’re again looking
for a full complement of exhibitors along with a luncheon speaker and other
activities.” Booth sales begin in early July.
For information on sponsorship contact Tiffany Hall at thall@topekachamber.org or call Adrianne at 785.234.2644.
June After Hours will be
a Reality Event!
The June Business After Hours on Thursday, June 19, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. will be hosted by WIBW Channels in celebration of their 60 years on
the air (since November 15, 1953). The event will be at the station, 631 SW Commerce Place. Be sure to RSVP online at www.topekachamber.org.
WIBW has invited special guests for the evening including reality show stars:
•
Mallory Ervin – Amazing Race
•
Cindy Halverson – Amazing Race Winner
Additional Guests:
•
Andy Herren – Big Brother Winner
KC Wolf - KC Chiefs
•
Elissa Slater – Big Brother Fan Favorite
Reggie - Topeka Roadrunners
•
Bob Crowley – Survivor Winner
Topeka Zoo Animals
•
Danni Boatwright - Survivor Winner
Royals’ guest
•
Tina Wesson - Survivor Winner
•
Richard Hatch - Survivor Winner
view Sundays at 7:00 p.m.,
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.,
or Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.
CITY OF
CHARACTER
June 2014
view Fridays at 7:00 p.m.
view Wednesdays at 7:00
p.m.
ENDURANCE:
The inward strength to withstand stress and do my best
3
2014 Small
Pat McCrite was born and raised in North Kansas City, Missouri,
moving to Topeka to attend Washburn University in 1968. He played
college football while graduating with a degree in Fine Arts. His
mother, June McCrite was the first generation of senior caregivers in
the family. From this Pat was familiar with the business and became
the administrator of McCrite Care Home under her tutelage. At age 21
he was the youngest licensed administrator in the State of Kansas.
After he married Judy Smith, they began to build their own Senior
Living Communities. In 1977 they broke ground for the McCrite Plaza
Health Care Center. Pat’s philosophy was that any community that
bore the McCrite name would meet the highest standards of care
and would be aesthetically exceptional. Over the next 30 years the
McCrite’s continued to expand their Topeka community to include
independent and assisted living. In 2011 they broke ground for a new
community in the Briarcliff area of Kansas City, Missouri. It opened in
December of 2013.
McCrite’s is the only family owned and operated full continuum of
care community in Topeka and a major portion of Northeast Kansas.
When owners are actively involved, the quality of care and the
maintenance of the property are at the highest level. The McCrite
commitment is total hands-on-leadership.
Minority and Women Business of Distinction:
Key Staffing, Patti Bossert, owner
Senator Vicki Schmidt, Patti Bossert, City Councilwoman Karen Hiller
4
Capital City Business of Distinction:
McCrite Plaza, Patrick McCrite,
executive director
Senator Vicki Schmidt, Pat and Judy McCrite, Mayor Larry Wolgast
Key Staffing, founded by Patti Bossert in 1989, is celebrating their
25th Anniversary this year. Two of Patti’s children, Paul Bossert
and Jamie Stafford, have joined her in the business. Key has another
branch in Sioux Falls, SD and is currently expanding to a location in
Manhattan, Kansas. Altogether they employ more than 400 people.
Key Staffing strives every day to follow their mission statement,
“To provide innovative employment solutions that will exceed the
expectations of our clients and candidates.”
Patti and her family encourage a culture of involvement in the
community and giving back through volunteerism and philanthropy.
The team at Key Staffing show support through current involvement
and investment in the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce,
GO Topeka, Fast Forward, NFIB, Rotary, YEK, United Way, Topeka
Symphony, Junior Achievement, TIBA, KS Children’s Discovery
Center, American Cancer Society, Topeka Public Schools, Boy
Scouts of America, Topeka Civic Theatre, TPAC, 4-H, Combat Air
Museum, Topeka Center for Peace and Justice Leadership Kansas
and Leadership Topeka. Patti believes whether it is business or
community involvement, she always gets back more than she gives.
Most of all she believes in the future of Topeka.
TopekaChamber.org
Business Awardees
KTWU signed on-air for the first time October 21, 1965, with a staff of
five and housed in temporary classroom buildings at the tower site on
Wanamaker Road. The content was primarily educational for schools
and was broadcast for only a few hours each day. Today the KTWU
Studios are located on the campus of Washburn University. The
station has grown and now has an operating budget of $2.5 million, a
staff of 29 and is a PBS affiliate. KTWU offers programming 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week for a diverse audience of all ages, across five unique
digital destinations; KTWU (PBS) in High Definition on Channel 11.1;
KTWU/MHz Worldview on Channel 11.2; KTWU Enhance on Channel
11.3; KTWU.org, online; and KTWU Mobile TV. KTWU serves viewers
from the Nebraska border to the Oklahoma border and into Missouri.
KTWU distributes its content locally, regionally and nationally boasting myriad awards including seven Emmys.
Non-profit Award of Distinction:
KTWU, Eugene Williams, general manager
KTWU has continued to expand its services as a presenting station
and as a production unit. Independent producers from around the
country partner with KTWU and bring their programs to KTWU so
their works can be presented to the PBS system. KTWU currently has
seven national projects in various stages of distribution.
Senator Vicki Schmidt, Eugene Williams, City Councilman Nathan Schmidt
Emerging Entrepreneur of Distinction:
4 All Humanity, Zoe Schumm, owner
4 All Humanity is a Topeka based fair trade apparel line offering
a finely designed assortment of women’s apparel and accessories
from artisans around the world. 4 All Humanity’s mission is to help
alleviate poverty by providing artisans in impoverished areas with
a fair wage, good working conditions and consistent, sustainable
employment so they have the opportunity to get themselves out of
poverty, provide for their families and improve their communities.
Founded in 2012 by Zoe Schumm, 4 All Humanity has grown from
13 artisans to employing 488 artisans worldwide in five countries
(Uganda, Ethiopia, India, Peru and Thailand) and providing schooling
for orphans in Haiti with an education based T-shirt project. Using
her skill and background in fashion design, Zoe designs unique and
worldly products that appeal to a trendy western market. In using
good design and a fair trade model, 4 All Humanity is bridging the gap
between mainstream fashion (which has been known for its inhumane
treatment of workers) and fair trade fashion (which has been known
for its lack of fashion-ability and to only appeal to “hippies”). 4
All Humanity believes in the beauty of helping others, living fully,
dreaming big dreams and loving what you do.
Senator Vicki Schmidt, Zoe Schumm, Shawnee County Commissioner Kevin Cook
June 2014
5
FAST FORWARD
news
Ann O’Bryan, owner of Jess & Rosie’s welcomed the Fast Forward group.
O’Bryan talked a little about their resent expansion, new location and new name.
Jess & Rosie’s, formerly known as Boutique 1047, has been a longtime supporter
of the Fast Forward programs.
Fast Forward members were given the opportunity to go behind the glass cases of
Hazel Hill and make their own chocolate bark at the May 22 Insiders event.
Take a Selfie!
Fast Forward members Sean Frost (left), Mikki Burcher and Rodger Fry graduated
from the 2014 Leadership Greater Topeka program Wednesday, May 21. To date,
more than 900 members of the community have participated in the program.
HAVE YOU NOTICED?
You are no longer receiving monthly mailings with
invitations to events. We’re trying to save trees and
postage expense. Find events on our website at www.
TopekaChamber.org or on page 15 of this Topeka
Business Newsletter.
Call for a free
quote or demo!
(785) 354-7000
&
The Chamber wants YOU to take a selfie picture at the Topeka Regional Airport
before you board or on the plane headed out of Topeka toward Chicago. Send it to
msheahan@topekachamber.org. We’ll enter you into a random drawing for a onetime United Club pass that will let you wait in ultra cool surroundings for your flight
leaving Chicago for your final destination. Do this before June 30 to be entered to
win!
This Summer
FOErget the Drive.
United connects Topeka to the world twice
a day, which means your summer travels
just got a lot easier.
Log onto United.com, type in the airport
code “FOE,” and book your flight!
Leveraging the power of
Unified Communications
for your company’s
Visit us on the web www.dcstopeka.com
6
A I R P O R T
It’s All About Easy.
TopekaChamber.org
FAST FORWARD
news
Registration Open for Fast Forward
Annual Golf Tournament
Don’t miss a chance to play in the fourth annual Fast Forward/Generation Topeka Golf Tournament. Fast Forward/Generation
Topeka, a program of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, will host the 2014 Golf Tournament and Fundraiser on
Friday, August 1, 2014, at the Topeka Country Club, 2700 SW Buchanan.
The format will be a four person scramble with multiple winners, prizes, hole contests and drawings. Registration price
includes lunch and 2 drink tickets. The tournament will fill up, so register soon—online at www.topekachamber.org.
Registration the day of the event will start at 10:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at Noon.
Proceeds from the event will fund Fast Forward/Generation Topeka educational programs, scholarships to the 2014 InterCity Benchmarking
Exchange and other member benefits.
Registration Information:
•
$100 registration fee for an individual
•
$400 for a foursome
•
$150 for a hole sponsorship
•
$500 for a hole sponsorship and foursome
You can register online (www.topekachamber.org) or by calling Jennifer at 785.234.2644.
Summer Interns Invited to Fast
Forward Programs
Fast Forward/Generation Topeka, a program of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, will
kick off a program for summer interns of local businesses and organizations this month with
the goal to help interns make connections with other interns, members of Fast Forward and
the community.
“We want to help them see all that Topeka has to offer so when they graduate, they want to stay in Topeka or move here,” said Jennifer Owen,
manager of the Fast Forward program. “Fast Forward has a great summer of activities planned. Interns from area companies are invited to
participate in our core programming, plus some special events designed just for interns.”
Owen says there will be monthly Networking Socials where people can get together and share ideas while having a great time. They’ll also offer
educational opportunities each month, some focusing on Professional Development, others on something fun like cooking. The Insiders tours will
continue to showcase the unique businesses and organizations in Topeka and the InsidersOUT events will include festivals, the theatre and other
unique nighttime activities that the interns and Fast Forward members can attend as a group. The Inspire Volunteer Service committee has been
working on new and exciting volunteer opportunities. Finally, the summer would not be complete without the Annual Golf Tournament which will
be Friday, August 1, at the Topeka Country Club.
The official intern kick-off event will be Wednesday, June 11, from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., at the Topeka Performing Arts Center. There will be
entertainment, handouts and information about Fast Forward and the summer events. Fast Forward members will be on hand to meet the interns,
introduce them to other people and answer any questions they might have. At the end of summer, Fast Forward will host a picnic in August to
thank the interns for all that they have done and to wish them well as they head back to school. At the picnic, the Fast Forward/Generation Topeka
Intern of the Year will be recognized.
If you have additional thoughts or ideas that can improve and grow this program moving forward, please contact Jennifer Owen at 785.234.2644 or
jowen@topekachamber.org. If you would like to have your interns receive our weekly eNews, please send Jennifer their name and email and they’ll
be added to the list.
June 2014
7
GO TOPEKA
news
Yantra Services Grows in Topeka
Topeka based Yantra Services, Inc. (Yantra) was approved by the Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) for a maximum incentive of
$100,000 payable over 10 years for retention and creation of up to 20 high tech positions. GO Topeka will pay up to one tenth of the incentive amount
each year based upon the jobs generated and wages paid by Yantra during the contract.
Yantra is a financial technology firm specializing in designing, developing and managing electronic payment systems. By focusing on creating
secure contextual and conditional ways of moving money, the company provides consumers and businesses around the globe innovative ways
of sending and receiving payments. Yantra’s current and future technology offerings include international money remittance, card processing,
virtual currency and healthcare payments.
“Yantra was founded in Topeka and is working on growing the firm in Kansas,” said Suresh Ramamurthi, founder of Yantra Services, Inc. Yantra’s
key team members include among others ex-Google and ex-Yahoo executives. “GO Topeka has been very helpful in making connections with local
and state resources for businesses growing in the State”.
“Yantra offers services that support the large financial and healthcare sectors in Topeka. The growth of this company is important for the growth
of our entire business community,” said Allan Towle, GO Topeka board chair.
Scott Smathers, vice president of economic development for GO Topeka, added, “With our current workforce and three top notch universities
nearby we believe our area can provide many qualified candidates for these positions.”
“We are looking for hardworking, creative software engineers who are interested in the building of a next-generation financial services platform,
with skill sets ranging from development and testing to network administration. We think this represents an exciting opportunity for those
individuals who want to use their skill sets to make significant industry impact right here in Topeka,” stated Ramamurthi.
Job openings and more information on Yantra Services, Inc. can be found at their website, www.YantraServices.com. Yantra offices are located at
3024 SW Wanamaker Road. Resumes may be sent to Resumes@YantraServices.com.
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785-266-2323
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Randy Morris
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TopekaChamber.org
GO TOPEKA
news
JEDO and GO Topeka
Fund Washburn Tech
Scholarship Program
A $50,000 grant to expand and improve the local workforce was presented to Washburn Tech by the
Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) and GO Topeka May 7.
The grant will fund scholarships that will be available to both current and incoming Shawnee
County students. Washburn Tech will manage the program and be responsible for producing
specific outcomes including number and demographics of participants, program completion rates,
percentage enrolled in high-demand careers and number of jobs attained.
“The JEDO and GO Topeka funds being used for Washburn Tech scholarships is vital in providing
needed support for students in these career paths,” said Topeka Mayor Larry Wolgast. “These
programs at Washburn Tech are training students for jobs that are available, and anyone who desires
to enter these jobs should not be prevented from doing so due to lack of funds.”
“The scholarships being established by GO Topeka from funds provided by JEDO are a direct reflection
of local government reinvesting its tax dollars into improving the lives and job opportunities of
its citizens,” said Kevin Cook, Shawnee County Commissioner, District 2. “As the current chair of
JEDO, I am proud to be a part of providing this opportunity to the students of Washburn Tech and to
continue to build a valuable workforce in Topeka and Shawnee County.”
THINKING
OF ADDING
EMPLOYEES OR
EXPANDING YOUR
FACILITY?
There may be assistance
available to you in the form
of tax incentives and small
business or employee
on-the-job training
programs!
Call GO Topeka at YOUR
Greater Topeka Chamber of
Commerce for more details –
785.234.2644.
Scott Smathers
Vice President
Economic Development
Jo Feldmann
Vice President
Existing Business
Glenda Washington
Vice President
Entrepreneurial and Minority
Business Development
Washburn Tech offers 30 career programs in five divisions: Construction, Health Care, Human
Services, Technology and Transportation. Short-term, continuing education courses also are
available along with custom courses for business and industry. Washburn Tech, which serves both
high school and adult students, has an 81% graduation rate which is the highest in the state among all
universities, community colleges and technical institutions
There’s a new
community for
Topeka and
Shawnee County
entrepreneurs and
small business owners:
Topeka Entrepreneur.
Join us online so you never
miss out on news, advice
and conversation.
Dr. Clark Coco, Randy Pembrook, Allan Towle, Commissioner Kevin Cook, Mayor Larry Wolgast and Dr. Jerry Farley
celebrated a new grant for Washburn Tech that will fund scholorships.
June 2014
Facebook: Topeka Entrepreneurs
Twitter: @TopekaEntrprnr
LinkedIn: Topeka Entrepreneurs
9
BUSINESS
notations
Would you like to tell your Chamber colleagues about your expansions, new locations, awards and honors, or new products
and services? Sorry, personnel changes or announcements are not included. Notation information and your logo should be
e-mailed to Marsha Sheahan at msheahan@TopekaChamber.org.
Washburn University School of Law has
announced a new dual degree with the Washburn
School of Business. Recognizing that legal
and business studies complement each other,
Washburn will begin offering a dual Juris Doctor
(J.D.) and Master of Accountancy (M.Acc) degree
starting fall 2014. The new degree will expand career opportunities for
graduates who may choose to be a practicing attorney or a practicing
CPA and will enhance their credentials. Washburn Law already
offers two dual degrees: the Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Business
Administration (M.B.A.) degree and the Juris Doctor (J.D) and Master of
Social Work (M.S.W) degree. Adding a third dual degree provides even
more opportunities to Washburn Law students.
Blassingame Home Care, 1835 NW
Topeka Boulevard, Suite 205, has expanded
into the adjourning suite and added “The
Meeting Place.” The business specializes
in in-home care for the elderly who are
recovering from a medical event or who need supervision due to dementia
or comfort care in their final months. They’ll use the space as a training
center for their 65 employees, activity space for their clients and seniors
in the community on Thursday afternoons and it can also be rented for
corporate or social meetings. The space has room for 65 at tables and
includes a kitchenette and the option to bring in your own food. For
more information about their in-home care services, the free activities or
renting the room, contact owner Beverly Blassingame at 785.286.2273.
Anyone with an interest in poverty is invited to attend the “Topeka
Community Conversation on Poverty” Wednesday, June 11, that has
been coordinated by Washburn’s “Learning in the Community” project.
This is not your typical conference---no experts from outside--- instead,
Topeka citizens are asked to come together and discuss how to really
eliminate poverty in the community. Those that have experienced
poverty are especially invited; if you work in an agency, bring at least one
client/consumer/customer with you. Registration for the event is at 8:30
a.m. in the Washburn University Memorial Union with the event running
from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. You can register at www.washburn.edu/
tccop. Regular registration fee is $25; student/low income discount is $20;
agency registrant + one consumer are $45. Additional information and
scholarships are available by calling Judy at 785.670.2286. Lunch will be
provided.
10
The Women’s Fund within the Topeka
Community Foundation has announced
their 2014 grant awards. Those receiving
grants include: Antioch Family Life Center,
$7,280, Youth Art Workshop; Boys & Girls
Club of Topeka, $4,950, Financial Literacy Training; Housing & Credit
Counseling, $1,000, Women & Money Series; Junior Achievement,
$6,500, Financial Literacy; Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, $950,
Financial Literacy; Kansas Legal Services, $ 7,078, Financial Literacy;
Mulvane Art Museum, $10,000, Arts Program; and S.T.E.P.S., $3,161,
Stepping/Arts Instruction.
Stormont-Vail HealthCare has received an
Excellence Award for Clinical Care from
VHA Inc., national health care network.
The award recognizes Stormont-Vail’s
achievement of exceptionally high levels of performance in clinical care
when compared to national benchmarks.
National Night Out Against Crime
will be Saturday, August 9, and Topeka/
Shawnee County neighborhoods are
encouraged to host their own events. The
event, coordinated through Safe Streets, had 52 neighborhoods participate
in 2013 along with more than 7,000 people. Partners for this event include
the Topeka Police Department, Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Shawnee
County District Attorney’s Office and Target. “National Night Out is a great
opportunity for neighbors to get to know one another or reconnect with
people you haven’t visited with recently,” said Kristi Pankratz, Safe Streets
director. “A good neighbor is one of the best crime prevention tools you
will find.” For more information, or to sign up your neighborhood, call Safe
Streets at 785.266.4606.
The Kansas Koyotes have introduced their
Koyotes Care Foundation website. The
Foundation is designed to use the highprofile nature of a professional sports
team to develop programs and events that
will encourage healthy living, academic
excellence, good citizenship and behavioral skills. The organization will
help smaller fundraising organizations achieve their goals as well as
helping fund other larger organizations. Check out their site at
www.koyoteskare.org.
TopekaChamber.org
MEMBER
pr of i le
Anytime Bail Bonds is a local Topeka bail bonding company
serving the courts of Shawnee District Court and Topeka
Municipal. In addition, they write bail bonds for the 2nd Judicial
District which covers Lawrence, Holton, Alma and Westmoreland.
Anytime Bail Bonds is a part of the Kansas Bail Bonds agency
which has been in business for over 30 years and covers the
entire state of Kansas.
What is something interesting about Anytime Bail Bonds that Chamber
membership may not know?
Sometimes the work is comparable to fire fighters. When a call comes in, we
need to respond very quickly to help families get their loved ones out of jail
so they have their day in court. It’s a people business and you get to meet
some very interesting characters. Believe it or not, we work like any other
business depending on our customer service skills and referrals from our
defendants and others in the community.
Aside from that, company philosophy is giving back to the community
through volunteer work when possible. I (Larry Mostrom) currently am an
Ambassador for the Topeka Chamber of Commerce, chapter president for
Fort Hays Alumni for Shawnee County and Chair for Northeast Chapter Sons
of Thunder men’s ministry. Before coming to Topeka I chaired the Board of
Directors for the Broomfield, Colorado, Chamber, chaired Ballet Nouveau
Colorado and one time chaired the Broomfield Chamber ambassador
program.
What is a bail bond? Are there different types?
A bail bond is a mechanism for insuring justice for the court system to
make sure the defendants show up to court. There are many types of bonds,
however we write appearance bonds, performance bonds and appeal bonds.
How does a business like yours generate revenue? Or what type of fee is
attached to attaining money from a bail bondsman?
We are regulated by the Kansas Department of Insurance. Our fees are paid
by an insurance premium based upon the bond. Generally the insurance
premium is 10% of the bond.
Larry Mostrom,
Anytime Bail Bonds
How is bail determined? What is the range of dollar amounts that you
have posted?
Bond is determined by the courts. What affects the level of the bond is
seriousness of the crime, criminal history of defendant and ties to the
community.
What happens when you post bail and the defendant doesn’t show up
for court?
If a defendant fails to make it to court it is called a failure to appear. We then
receive a forfeiture letter from the courts stating what has happened and
a time frame to have the defendant go before the assigned judge or deliver
them to the county jail. Sometimes it can be a simple call to the defendant
or consignor as why they failed to make it to court and then get them before
the judge for a possible new court date. However the more serious crime may
require the use of a Recovery Agent also known as the Bounty Hunter to
assist in apprehending the defendant and delivering him or her to the jail.
Should that fail we then are required to pay the set bond to the courts and
then we precede legal actions against the consignors.
Do you see repeat customers/clients?
Sadly, sometimes we do have repeat customers; they are affectionately
called “frequent flyers.”
Anytime Bail Bonds is open 24/7, 365 days a year. Their
website is www.kansasbailbonds.com and phone numbers are
785.233.4445 or 785.213.1828.
YOUR AD HERE.
REACH CHAMBER COLLEAGUES BY ADVERTISING
IN TOPEKA BUSINESS DURING 2014.
Call Marsha Sheahan or Tiffany Hall for details: 785.234.2644.
June 2014
11
ECONOMIC t
rends
Topeka MSA* (five counties)
Eco Devo
Monthly Economic Indicators for the Topeka Area Economy
Washburn University School of Business Leading Index & Coincidence Index
102
MARCH 2014
Coincident Index (Shawnee County)
Leading Index (National, State, County)
100
98
96
94
The Washburn University School of Business Leading Index decreased 0.1% in March to a preliminary estimate of 96.4 from 96.5 in
February (2005 = 100). The index is a composite of national, state and county indicators whose movements often precede changes in
economic growth. The leading index is down 0.2% over the last three months and up 0.2% over the last 6 months.
With guidance
from JEDO, this
year GO Topeka
expanded
its efforts in
Scott Smathers,
entrepreneurial
VP Economic
development. As
Development,
part of these efforts GOTopeka
new business
classes have been
established, the micro loan program
is being expanded, programs
have been launched for existing
businesses and coworker/maker
space efforts are underway. Other
new programs are also under
consideration so give us a call if you
or someone you know if looking
to start or expand a business in
Topeka/Shawnee County.
The Washburn University School of Business Coincident Index, which measures current economic conditions in Shawnee County
decreased 0.1% in March to a preliminary estimate of 99.5 from 99.6 in February (2005 = 100). The index is a composite index of
county non-farm employment and taxable sales. The coincident index is up 0.2% over the last six months and up 0.6% from March
2013.
Estimated Taxable Sales Topeka/Shawnee County
February 2014
$191,430,657
YTD 2014
$ 380,667,819
February 2013
$182,854,297
YTD 2013
$373,760,590
Source: Kansas Department of Revenue
UTILITY HOOK-UPS
CITY OF TOPEKA
April
2014
April
2013
Residential
51,763
51,685
Commercial
4,179
4,148
55,942
55,833
Topeka Water**
Total
**Includes those within the county who use Topeka water.
Westar Energy*
April
2014
April
2013
Residential
69419
69,404
Commercial
8,208
8,224
51
47
77,678
67,675
Industrial
Total
*Includes those within the Topeka city limits.
Construction Permit Information
City of Topeka
New Single Family Residential Permits
New Multi-Family Residential Permits
Value, New Residential Units
New Commercial Units
Value, New Commercial Units
New Commercial Alterations
Value, Commercial Alterations
Construction Permit Information
Unincorporated Shawnee County
New Residential Permits
Value, New Residential Units
New Commercial Buildings
Value, New Commercial Buildings
New Commercial Alterations
Value, Commercial Alterations
Civilian Labor Force
Total
Employed
Unemployed
Unemployment Rate
Employment (In Thousands)
Non Farm Wage and Salary
Natural Resources/Construction
Manufacturing
Trade, Transportation,
Warehouse, Utilities
Information
Finance Activities
Professional & Business Services
Education & Health Services
Leisure & Hospitality
Other Services
Government
Total
March February
2014
2014
10
4
0
$3,312,000
5
$2,559,500
10
$1,378,344
YTD
2014
March
2013
18
0
0
$410,000 $4,561,000
1
8
$770,742 $14,470,242
5
21
$2,884,087 $5,390,911
March February
2014
2014
18
2
$2,073,480
0
$0
1
$4,763,608
$318,231
0
$0
0
$0
March 2014
120,313
113,585
6,728
5.60%
YTD
2014
24
$2,974,711
0
$0
2
$8,592,072
3
YTD
2013
15
0
$1,352,000
2
$1,741,000
23
$2,671,364
0
$3,924,000
6
$1,893,250
74
$5,548,722
March
2013
YTD
2013
9
$1,669,000
0
$0
0
$0
March 2014
120,078
112,668
7,410
6.20%
21
$3,821,119
0
$0
1
$100,000
March 2013
120,685
112,697
7,099
6.60%
March
2014
5.9
7.0
March
2014
5.5
7.0
March
2013
5.0
7.2
18.0
17.9
18.0
1.4
6.9
13.2
17.9
9.0
4.7
26.2
110.2
1.4
6.9
13.0
17.8
8.8
4.7
26.2
109.2
1.4
6.9
11.9
17.9
8.6
4.7
27.8
109.4
*These numbers reflect the five-county MSA. Comparing these figures with 2004 and prior years is not advisable.
12
TopekaChamber.org
MEMBERSHIP news
Please join the Chamber staff in welcoming these firms and organizations to Chamber
membership and support them by buying from your Chamber colleagues! The following
members joined in April 2014 and were approved for membership at the May 2014 Board of
Directors meeting.
New Members
(From April 2014)
Action COACH Business Coaching
Business coaching
Andrea Engstrom
6101 SW Fourth Street
Topeka, KS 66615
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Green Advisors
Consultants - business
Kayla Johnson, Partner
2104 Snowbird Drive
Manhattan, KS 66502
888.706.4646, ext. 1014
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Loss and Life Recovery
Sharon Highberger
628 NW 43rd Street
Topeka, KS 66617
785.633.7764
Sold by: EMBD
Pacha’s by the Pound
Catering, Food truck
Kode Pacha, Owner
621 SW 85th Street
Wakarusa, KS 66546
785.317.1984
Sold by: Selena McNaul
Race Against Breast Cancer
Non-profit, Women’s health
Dawn Robertson, Administrator
4646 NW Fielding Road
Topeka, KS 66618
785.271.1500
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Welcome to
New Assignees
(From April 2014)
Jerry Allen
Bimbo Bakeries USA
Hollie Area
US Bank
Janet Blue
Immediate Care & Family Medicine at
Tallgrass
Melissa Combes
Bimbo Bakeries USA
Ryan Hellmer
CoreFirst Bank & Trust
Amie Hoss
Home Depot Distribution Center
Missy Lackey
US Bank
Tina Lundgren-Saia
First American Title
David Mills
Kansas Audio Video
Jenny Pagel
March of Dimes
Luke Perez
Field of Greens
Dennis Sample
Bimbo Bakeries USA
Kacy Seitz - Northwestern Mutual
Financial services
Kacy Seitz, Financial Representative
612 S Kansas Avenue
Topeka, KS 66603
Sold by: Rise Quinn, Chamber staff
Michael Silva
Topeka Performing Arts Center
Shadow Glen Golf Club
Golf courses
J. Taylor, Director of marketing and
membership
26000 Shadow Glen Drive
Olathe, KS 66061
913.764.2299
Sold by: Adrianne Evans, Chamber staff
Dirty Dog (The)
Field of Greens/Breakroom
Kansas Audio
University Flowers
Top City Soda Pop
Beverages
Brian Adams, Head soda jerk
2944 SW Wayne Avenue #37
Topeka, KS 66611
785.817.0828
Sold by: EMBD & Adrianne Evans, Chamber
staff
June 2014
Reinstatements
WANT
TO GET
INVOLVED
IN YOUR
CHAMBER?
Chamber standing
committees are always
looking for new volunteers…
join us!
Ambassadors
•Meets monthly for lunch,
first Friday
•Assist with Ribbon Cuttings,
Groundbreakings and
Community Events
•Be the PR “face” of the
Chamber at Chamber events!
•Ambassadors wear the Red
Jackets at Chamber events.
Call Marsha Sheahan if
interested in joining this
committee.
Diplomats
•Meets bi-weekly for lunch,
second and fourth Mondays
•Assists with membership
retention by delivering new
member packets, visiting
current members and
calling on members whose
investments may have lapsed.
Call Adrianne Evans if
interested in joining this
committee.
Be an active participant in
YOUR Chamber!
785.234.2644
13
MEMBERSHIP news
Thanks to those Chamber member firms and organizations that renewed their commitment to the growth and development of the Greater Topeka
community through Chamber membership during April 2014.
Reinvestments
Absolute Design by Brenda
American Red Cross-Kansas Capital
Area Chapter
Aquarian Design
Baker University
Capital Label, LLC
Changes of Topeka
Continental Professional Laundry
Cook, Flatt, and Strobel Engineers PA
Copeland Insurance Agency
Paul Davis Restoration of Greater
Lawrence & Topeka
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit
The Dirty Dog
Discount Toner & Ink
Ditch & Associates Inc.
Einstein’s Stores, Inc.
Express Employment Professionals
Field of Greens/The Break Room
Friends University
Great Life Golf & Fitness at Berkshire
H & R Block
Hall Commercial Printing
Handprints Child Care Inc.
Hanover Pancake House
HDB Construction, Inc.
Heartland Visioning
HME, Inc.
Homestead of Auburn Assisted Living
Interim HealthCare of Topeka
Brian Ismert - Northwestern Mutual
ISS Facility Services
Steve Johnson-Prudential First Realtors
Real Estate
Kansas Audio Video
Kansas Koyotes
L & J Building Maintenance LLC
Lineage
Gary L. Lucas Insurance Agency
Larry Lutz-Prudential First Realtors
Real Estate
Maximus Fitness & Wellness/Woodvalley
Racquet & Fitness Center
Millennium Cafe
Penny Morgan Financial Service
Murphy Tractor & Equipment Inc.
Murray & Sons Construction Co
NexLynx, Inc.
P1 Group, Inc.
Paisano’s Ristorante
Pat the Plumber
Patton Law Office, LLC
PDQ Construction, Inc.
Pepe & Chela’s Inc.
Schmidt, Beck & Boyd Engineering, LLC
Schmidtlein Excavating, Inc.
Seaman USD #345
Senate Luxury Suites
Skinner Garden Store, Inc.
SodaWorks, LLC
Sovanski Photography
Sowards Glass, Inc.
Strathman Sales Company, Inc.
Super 8 at Forbes Landing
Sutherlands
Ed Swift
Topeka and Shawnee County Public
Library
Topeka Landscape, Inc.
Topeka Public Schools Foundation
Westside Stamp and Awards
WIBW AM/FM
The WorkSafe People™
14
TopekaChamber.org
CHAMBER
event
s
Register online @ www.TopekaChamber.org
You are encouraged to make reservations and pay for these events
on the Chamber’s Website at www.TopekaChamber.org.
(See “Register Now” in the center of the home page.)
Chamber Lunch Connect
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Topeka Country Club
2700 SW Buchanan
$20 per person
Fast Forward Insiders
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
911 Dispatch Call Center
Law Enforcement Center
320 S Kansas Avenue
Fast Forward InsidersOUT
Saturday, June 7, 2014
5:00 p.m.
Germanfest, Sacred Heart Catholic Church
312 NE Freeman Avenue
Business After Hours
Thursday, June 19, 2014
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
WIBW Channels
631 SW Commerce Place
Chamber Power Breakfast
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
Washburn Rural High School
5900 SW 61st Street
Fast Forward InsidersOUT
Friday, June 20, 2014
7:00 p.m.
“Reefer Madness” at
Topeka Civic Theatre
3028 SW Eighth Avenue
pricing information online
Fast Forward Intern Welcome Event
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Topeka Performing Arts Center
214 SE Eighth Avenue
Fast Forward Insiders
Thursday, June 12, 2014
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Allen Field House, sponsored by the Williams Fund
651 Naismith Dr, Lawrence
Fast Forward InsidersOUT
Saturday, June 14, 2014
5:00 p.m.
Rocking the Reunion Concert –
80’s on 8th Avenue
Downtown
pricing information online
Fast Forward Networking Social
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Loft’s at College Hill
1425 SW Lane
Fast Forward InsidersOUT
Saturday, June 28, 2014
1:00 p.m.
TapThat, A Capital Brew Event
Downtown Topeka, SW Sixth
Avenue and Jackson Street
pricing information online
Other Important Dates
June
5
6
6
9
9
Fast Forward Steering Committee, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Nathan’s House
GO Topeka Board, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., CBR
Ambassadors, Noon-1:00 p.m., CBR
Diplomats, Noon-1 p.m., CBR
Heartland Visioning Volunteer Celebration, 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Great Overland Station,
701 N Kansas Avenue
16 New Member Reception, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m., CBR
20 Chamber Board, 7:30 a.m.-9:00 a.m., CBR
23 Diplomats, noon-1:00 p.m., CBR
25 Fast Forward Inspire Dinner Service, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Topeka Rescue Mission, 600
N Kansas Avenue
July
4 Chamber/GO Topeka office closed for Independence Day
10 Fast Forward Steering Committee, 3:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m., Location TBA
10 Fast Forward Etiquette Dinner, 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Ramada Downtown, 420 SE Sixth
Avenue
11 Ambassadors, Noon-1:00 p.m., CBR
14 Diplomats, Noon-1 p.m., CBR
15 Business After Hours, 5:00-7:00 p.m., ABS Supplies, 631 NW Tyler, Suite 303
17 Fast Forward InsidersOut at the Fiesta Mexicana
23 Fast Forward Inspire Dinner Service, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Topeka Rescue Mission, 600
N Kansas Avenue
24 Fast Forward Networking Social, 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Meridian Roofing Solutions, 1275
SW Topeka Boulevard
28 Diplomats, noon-1:00 p.m., CBR
CBR: Chamber Board Room, 2nd floor ECR: Executive Conference Room 1st floor
*events are free to
Chamber Membership
unless otherwise noted
Register at www.TopekaChamber.org
If mailing or faxing please check each event you would like to register for and fill in your information below.
Name ________________________________________________________________________________________________
Firm ____________________________________________________________Phone________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________ Zip_________________
_____ Check enclosed
_____ Please invoice me
_____ Bill my credit card:
Visa / MasterCard / Discover / Amer. Express (CID#__ __ __ __)
Number_____________________________________________ Exp. Date_____________
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce • 120 SE Sixth Avenue, Suite 110, Topeka, KS 66603-3515 • 785.234.2644 • fax 785.234.8656
Save the Date for Next Lunch Connect
Chamber members will continue to have the opportunity to connect with fellow members over lunch at upcoming
Chamber Lunch Connect events this year.
The next Chamber Lunch Connect will be Wednesday, June 4 at the Topeka Country Club, 2700 SW Buchanan, from 11:45
a.m.-1:00 p.m. Lunch will be a “fix your own salad” and a cookie for desert; cost is $20 per person.
The event is sponsored by:
There are a limited number of spots available and attendees MUST register with Adrianne Evans,
Chamber vice president membership, by phone (785.234.2644), by email: aevans@topekachamber.org.
or by registering online.
June 2014
15
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce
120 SE Sixth Avenue, Suite 110
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515
Periodical postage paid at Topeka, Kansas
Topeka Business
Topeka Business (USPS 576520)
is published monthly for
$10.00 per year for members
of the Greater Topeka Chamber
of Commerce, 120 SE Sixth Avenue,
Suite 110, Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515,
785.234.2644. Periodical postage is paid
at Topeka, Kansas.
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to
Topeka Business
120 SE Sixth Avenue, Suite 110
Topeka, Kansas 66603-3515
Editor: Marsha Sheahan
Interesting Tidbits
Picture Hanging Tips from
Gary Blitsch,
Framewoods of Topeka
Always use picture-hanging hooks, rather
than large nails or screws
JUNE 14
A one-nail picture hook generally can hold
up to 30 pounds of weight
Flag Day was officially
established in 1916 by
President Woodrow
Wilson.
When hanging larger pieces, it’s best to use
two hooks per artwork, space the hooks six
to nine inches apart
The center of the picture should be 60 inches
from the floor, which places it at about eye
level for most people
The most important tip is not to worry too
much about getting things perfect. Just
remember to use the right tools and hangers
to keep your artwork safely on the wall.
GET CONNECTED
Did you see our billboard? Thank you to
Lamar Advertising of Topeka for helping
us celebrate.
Don’t miss these fun summer events:
Display the flag
between sunrise and
sunset, raise it quickly
but lower it slowly and
carefully; never fly
another flag above the
U.S. flag; don’t allow
the flag to touch the
group; display it with
the union (blue & white
area) to the flag’s own
right (viewer’s left).
www.TopekaChamber.org
June
7
7&8 14 28 First Friday Art Walk
Mulvane Art Fair,
Washburn Campus
Rockin’ the Reunion: 80’s on
Eighth Concert 5:00pm, 8th &
Jackson, downtown
TapThat Brew Fest, downtown,
1:00 p.m.