tk...topeka's business magazine spring 2010

Spring 2010 TK Magazine 1

2 Spring 2010 TK Magazine


[contents]

In EvEry IssuE

6 By the Numbers Local, regional and national news and statistics.

8 Business Toolbox: Exercise Your Advertising Tim Kolling brings you tips and

tools to help your business grow.

12 Help DeskYou have questions, Topeka experts have the answers.

27 For Your Health: Making Healthy Choices in 2010 Carol Bragdon, PhD, RN,

ARNP offers 10 healthy eating tips to help your heart.

30 Scene About Town Go Red for Women Chamber Annual Meeting

Topeka IABC Topeka Active 20/30

40 Extra, Extra! News and updates about Topeka businesses.

44 Street Talk! Check out the results of the February 2010 TK Survey on

talking and texting while driving.

46 Last Word: Coleen Jennison TK highlights Coleen Jennison of Cox Communications.

Columns

10 Tough Love with Raubin & Megan Raubin and Megan sound

off about the pothole situation and solutions to notifying the city.

28 Champions of Character: Kevin Doel highlights Barry Feaker for his faith,

dependability and determination to meet the needs of Topeka’s neediest

38 Branding TopkeaHistorian Deb Goodrich tells the stories of Topeka’s business

beginnings. This issues she showcases Topeka’s founding father, Cyrus Holliday.

43 The Joyful Cynic & The Unapologetic Optimist Enjoy a laugh as Sharon

DuBois and Lisa Loewen sound off about advertising promises.

15

1822

24

Correction from our Winter 2009/2010 Issue:Rise Quinn is with Lower Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning

WIN $10! The first 15 people to email [email protected] a list of all our advertisers in the

Spring 2010 issue of TK...Topeka's Business Magazine will win a $10

gift certificate to Via's Pizzeria.

FEATurEsleading the WayJunior Achievement inducts four leaders into the Topeka Business Hall of Fame.

I need to spring Clean WHAT?We spring clean our homes, our cars, our yards and our offices. But some of the things that may be in dire need of a good cleaning, we may completely overlook. 1 on 1: Bringing Balance to your life Christi Nowak brings structure, logic and control to your work life through organization.

Credit score BreakdownTK breaks down the five areas that create your credit score.


I must confess - I’m guilty. I am an incessant multi-tasker who thinks her car is her office. I admit that I

have texted while driving and spend at least 99% of my drive time on the phone - seriously. At this point, I know some of you are shaking your head at me, and others are saying “what’s the big deal?” For me, it’s time to wake up and confront my phone addiction.

No, nothing tragic has happened to me or anyone I know or love, but statistics don’t lie. My inattentive driving is going to catch up with me. And heck, even Oprah said texting/talking and driving is stupid. I must listen to Oprah.

I have two solid, great reasons to put my phone away while driving: 1) because it’s dangerous to me and others and 2) because I tend to ignore anyone who is in my car, including my husband and children. It breaks my heart when I think about how many conversations I have missed with them because of my almighty multi-tasking.

I also question what I am teaching my children: build relationships through the phone rather than personal contact; fill up every moment; technology is indispensible; it is okay to talk and text while driving.

While I assume that some of you haven’t succumbed to the multi-tasking in your car trap, I know simply from the recent TK Survey that many of you are as guilty as I am (see the results of the TK Survey on page 44). Can you pull the plug on your phone addiction? I’ll be honest, I’m trying and failing daily (heck hourly). It is so hard to drive without that phone on my ear, but I have committed to no texting while driving and…okay, okay… no more talking.

The reward? Talking to my kiddos, decreasing my likelihood of a car crash, and maybe even decreasing stress levels. Those of you who know me best will surely know what a challenge this is for me. But also know that I truly believe that this is something I must do to improve my life, preserve my life, and possibly others.

I am not going to wait for the government to pass laws prohibiting my use of my cell phone in my car. I don’t need the government to tell me what to do. I’m a big girl. And I aim to prove it.

To all my friends, family and colleagues, get used to my voicemail. I’m on the road.

Tara Dimick

[from the publisher]

Publisher/Editor-in-ChiefTARA DIMICK

FounderKEVIN DOEL

Creative DirectorJENNI MONHOLLONTALON COMMUNICATIONS

Writing DirectorLISA LOEWEN

Account ExecutiveED SWIFT

Contributing Writers & Columnists KEVIN DOEL, SHARON DUbOIS, DEb GOODRICH, LISA LOEWEN, MEGAN MOSACK, RAUbIN PIERCE

PhotographersLOCK PHOTOGRAPHyDITMER DIGITAL & DESIGNK.L. STEVES, REFERRALS ONLy

CoverPHOTOS PROVIDED by JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF NORTHEAST KANSAS, INC.

PO box 67272 | Topeka, Kansas 66667785-217-4836 | [email protected]

Comments & [email protected]

Publishing CompanyE2 Communications, Inc

2010© TK is published and copyrighted by E2 Communications, Inc. Reproduction or use of this publication in any manner without written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information in this publication as of press time. The publisher assumes no responsibility of any part for the content of any advertisement in this publication, including any errors and omissions there in. E2 Communications, Inc makes no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding any goods or services advertised or listed in this publication. Listings and advertisements are provided by the subject companies, E2 Communications, Inc shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s right therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever. by placing an order for an advertisement, the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publisher against any claims relating to the advertisement.

Volume 4 i Issue 3 Spring 2010TK Topeka’s Business Magazine

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Main Bank3710 S.W. Topeka Blvd.

Downtown120 S.W. Sixth

Oakland2400 N.E. Seward

North2040 N.W. Topeka Blvd.

Southeast2825 S.E. California

Wanamaker2915 S.W. Wanamaker

Southwest1701 S.W. Gage Blvd.

PERSONAL BANKING BUSINESS BANKING MORTGAGE LOANS TRUST AND ASSET MANAGEMENT Member FDIC

Strong.Secure.Trusted.

785-274-5600 www.capcitybank.com


421,000,000

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. employees raised $1 million in support of the United Way’s “2009 Live United” campaign. Of the total, $851,244 came from the company’s Topeka workers, while the rest was raised in campaigns at plants outside of Kansas.

[by the numbers]

3.59There are 3.59 credit cards for

every man, woman and child in the U.S.

by the numbers

T I D B I T sDr. Larry E. Harris, OD will be passing his optometric prac-tice on to Dr. Lance Eisenbarth, OD exactly 42 years after starting his practice on North Kansas Avenue in 1968.

20717 is the national APR average for credit cards in the U.S.The average number of individuals

that stay at the Topeka Rescue Mission each night is 207.

$20,500,000,000in penalty fees from credit card charges in 2009

$3,430,000,000,000in purchases on credit and debit cards in the U.S.

Information from www.creditcards.com


Rely on a BankHonored for Excellence

Many banks are struggling. But CoreFirst Bank & Trust is again recognized for business excellence. A strong, Kansas-owned, community bank, CoreFirst is proud to have received the Business of Excellence Award from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Take advantage of the qualities that make CoreFirst stand out from our competitors – awarded for excellence and our contributions to keep Kansas’ economy strong. Please stop by one of our convenient locations and discover what CoreFirst can do for you.

Headquarters, 3035 SW Topeka Blvd.Phone Bank, 267.8900

Offering a full range

of periodontal services,

including maintenance,

surgical, esthetic and

implant procedures.

IV sedation available.

Julie C. Swift, DDS, MS

634 Mulvane, Suite 306Topeka, Kansas 66606

telephone 785.233.1756

785.233.1816 Topeka800.227.0089 toll free

www.century-health.com

To review healthcare and employee benefit options for your business, contact

Century Health Solutions.

Does Your Employee Benefit Plan Add Up?


[business toolbox]

so it’s been three months… how is your New Year’s Resolution going? After taking some time off from my normal workout routine over the holidays, my resolution is to get to the gym at least three times a week with a couple buddies here in Topeka. Easier said than done, as I have to work three times as hard to get back to where I was before I stopped! Just like your body staying healthy with an exercise program, if you want your business to be healthy you have to be consistent with your advertising.

Pick a Program. Or in this case, an advertising campaign that will help achieve your marketing goals. Then select media outlets that help you focus on your target consumer demographic.

Don’t overdo it. With exercising, if you try to do too much too soon, you feel pain and don’t see results. You burn out and quit. With advertising, if you try to advertise in too many places you will not be important to anyone. You will be spread too thin, and you will not achieve enough frequency with any of the audiences you are trying reach.

Don’t Give up. Once you’ve started exercising, the key is to not give up. When you find the right program and follow it, the results will come!

surround yourself with Knowledgeable People. I am lucky to have workout buddies to keep me motivated. They push me to be better and work harder. That is the same thing you need with your advertising. Make sure the people you turn to for help have the experience to keep you on track and making the right choices.

When you are in good shape people look at you differently. They perceive you as strong, smart, and successful. In advertising when the consumer hears your commercials, they perceive your business as being solid, dependable and recommended…the right option for them when they are in the market for your products and services!

EXERCISE

WORKOUT GOALSGet StartedDevelop an advertising pro-gram and stick to it. Most advertisers chicken out about two to three months in to the campaign.

Go SlowStart with one good media option and be a star with that audience. As your budget al-lows you can add more types of media.

Don’t StopAdvertising will quit working as soon as you stop! If you don’t give it enough time and stick with it, your top of mind aware-ness starts to deteriorate just as your strength will when you stop working out!

Listen to the ExpertsWhen it is time to ramp up your advertising workout, make sure you turn to people with the experience and expertise to help you reach your goals.

by TIm KollInG

Your Advertising


Topeka’s Highest Rated Hospital

Top 5% in Nation for Second Consecutive Year

1700 SW 7th Street, Topeka, Kansas | 785-295-8000 | www.stfrancistopeka.org

MISSION STATEMENT | We will, in the spirit of the Sisters of Charity, reveal God’s healing love by improving the health

of the individuals and communities we serve, especially those who are poor or vulnerable.

St. Francis Health Center ranks among hospitals in the top 5 percent nationally in clinical excellence and stroke care for 2009 and 2010, according to HealthGrades, a national health care ratings organization. St. Francis is also ranked first in the state for gastrointestinal services.

The clinical excellence rating looks at mortality and complication rates among Medicare patients across 26 procedures and diagnoses, from heart attacks to total knee replacement. According to HealthGrades, St. Francis Health Center patients who have procedures done at St. Francis are 27 percent less likely to die and 8 percent less likely to incur a major complication.


Potholes are Everyone’s Business On your way to work today did you hit a pothole? Did

your customer hit a pothole on their way to meet with you or shop at your store? Although the winter weather may be gone, we will certainly have many more months, maybe even years, of pothole frustration ahead of us.

We are not going to spend time postulating or offering conjecture on how we got to the “moon cratered road situation” in our fine city, we will leave that for another time.

But, we are here now… a major infrastructure problem with the streets in Topeka on our hands. Even though a sales tax increase was approved to fund improvements to our streets, this is a 10-year process and doesn’t repair every street leaving us with many unresolved issues across the city. Plus, the city’s current process for reporting issues such as potholes, graffiti, street lights and code violations is time consuming and confusing, consisting of a lot of paperwork with a different form to complete for every issue. Develop Creative solutions

The Topeka road situation is one of our big topics and a serious concern from our listeners. Because of this, we have been continually seeking solutions to get our streets in better shape. For example, when we caught wind that Kentucky Fried Chicken was giving out grants to cities to fix potholes, we sprang into action to get a KFC representative on our show to see what we needed to do. Mayor Bill Bunten was listening to our show that day and was intrigued enough to contact KFC about this opportunity. Topeka was ultimately selected as one of the three cities nationwide to “Re-fresh Potholes.”

KFC’s business marketing idea met our city’s need and led to 50 potholes getting filled. This was a great start to addressing the citywide pothole problem, but as we listened

Love them or hate them, they get Topeka talking.Raubin and Megan sound off about the pothole situation and solutions to notifying the city.

TOUGHLove


to your calls and read your e-mails, we knew we only had scratched the surface. We immediately began researching and looking for additional solutions to get our city streets fixed. streamline the Process

Our research led us to a new partnership with a Connecticut-based company named SeeClickFix. Their mission is to develop tools that can help communities around the country help themselves. This online tool can be accessed at www.raubinandmegan.com. SeeClickFix is a one-stop shop for reporting any problems that need fixed or issues that need to be addressed in Topeka including potholes, sidewalks, crosswalks, traffic signals and drainage. This system integrates all the city’s current forms, plus much more, into one simple user-friendly online tool. Plus, it’s synergistic with Google’s great mapping technology making it easy to identify where the problem is when you make a report.

There are also mobile phone applications for the Apple’s iPhone and Google’s Droid for reporting problems on the go that “auto-magically” detects your location saving you a step.

Keep Citizens in the loopAfter a report is made, an email is dispatched to the City

Manager, City Council and Public Works, Code Compliance and/or whatever other groups are setup by the city, sorted by keywords.

Once a report is made, it is available for other people to see, so additional comments and requests to fix the problem can simply be added to the original report. SeeClickFix will even work with the city to integrate it into their workflow. The city can then update the status, respond to comments and close the report once the problem is resolved.

This service is completely free to use – that is right, there are no subscription fees or contracts to implement this system. It just takes some effort by the city to respond to the citizens’ call to action and to keep it updated with progress reports on the issues.

We have a tool that can make our streets a better place, but it needs your attention to make it work. This new tool will not fix our pothole problems overnight, but it offers us, as Topeka citizens, the opportunity to have a stake in the repair and upkeep of our city that will ultimately lead to safer streets, community beautification and a much smoother driving experience.

Send your comments, questions and ideas for Raubin & Megan’s Tough Love Column to

[email protected][ ]

HOW IT WORKSSTEP 1Go to raubinand megan.com, click on Road Patrol and navi-gate to your suggested hazard on the map. Use the controls in the upper left corner to move and zoom in on the map. When you find the right spot, click on it.

STEP 2Fill out the form that pops up, making sure to include as many details about the hazard as you can. If you have a photo of the site, you can upload it. Click “Save.”

STEP 3You can also get more informa-tion about an existing report, add to it or update its status by clicking on its marker.


[help desk]HumAn rEsourCEs

Q.I have several employees that look like they are working, but oftentimes I realize that they are

just browsing the Internet. They need the Internet for their work. What are some options to decrease this “cyber-slacking”?

A. When you stop by someone’s cubicle and realize they were/are cyber-slacking, do you say something or

do you hope they get your ESP message? If it’s the latter, you may actually be sending the wrong ESP message and accidentally communicating it’s OK. If you see someone on a questionable website, ask what that website has to do with business. If the answer is, “It doesn’t.”, then you need to let the employee know you expect him/her to be using the Internet only for business, not for fun or shopping, etc.

Also, it’s a good idea to develop an Internet policy on what is considered acceptable behavior and what is not, if you don’t have one already. (This should include social networking sites, such as Facebook, My Space, Twitter, etc). Communicate the policy if you haven’t already, or reiterate it if it has been awhile. Provide immediate feedback when you see employees cyber-slacking and counsel those who are not in compliance. If you have someone you think is really abusing the computer, have your IT firm find out exactly how much time is spent on what websites for counseling purposes.

Every organization is going to need this policy customized to its unique business so feel free to contact Creative Business Solutions for assistance with policy development.

Q. I am a small business but I would like to provide some benefits to my employees, what

are my options?

A. One option would be to minimally set up Paid Time Off (PTO) or separate vacation and sick time

as a benefit regardless of your company’s size. And since you may not be able to offer other benefits that the large organizations do, you may wish to make this more lucrative. Another option: Offering AFLAC (or similar) insurance as supplemental insurance can be a cost effective option

Cynthia B. StotlarVP of Training & Organizational

DevelopmentCreative Business Solutions

33 Years HR Experience

for small businesses. Finally, Health Spending Accounts (HSAs), Simple IRAs, and even 401Ks are available and can be affordable for small businesses.

We recommend you contact two or three benefits consultants who can provide you with options and price ranges that would work for you so you can compare options and select a plan that best meets your price range and your employees’ needs.

FInAnCIAl

Q. I am looking to start a business and I need to get a loan to do so, what information do I need

to bring to the loan officer?

A: • A detailed business plan that describes the type of business, target market and why it is a viable opportunity, etc.• Projections of year-end balance sheet.• Income statements for three years.• A current financial statement that defines the personal assets, liabilities, and net worth of the principal owners.• Personal tax returns for the previous three years.

Q. What is a finanical institution looking for when deciding whether to grant a loan to an existing

business?

A: There are three big questions that a lender asks and needs to have

answered before a determination can be made. 1) Will the current or projected cash flow service the desired debt levels?2) Is the offered collateral marketable and what is its value?


[help desk]mArKETInG

Q. How do I put my marketing budget to action to best reach potential customers?

A. Putting your budget into action should be determined by your ability to achieve the best mix of both reach

and frequency for your allocated budget. Reach is the people who see or hear an advertisement. Frequency is the number of times people will be exposed to your message. Always remember, just because you listen to a particular station or watch a certain TV show –and your friends do too – it is not an accurate way to buy. Qualified agencies subscribe to Neilson and Arbitron ratings and will have integrated software that helps immensely in determining the best reach and frequency options.

Reaching the most people may sound the best, but unless you reach them enough, the budget will be wasted. Be consistent. Stay with a medium for a planned length of time, as it does take repetition for advertising to work.

Don’t spread your media too thin. A newspaper ad, several radio spots and a couple of television spots will not be enough to inspire someone to take action. There’s not enough frequency because your dollars are being spread too thinly among the media. Make sure people see your TV spot three to four times and hear your radio five to six times within your campaign in order to really understand the message you are trying to convey.

Dana Rulon FryeFryeAllen, Inc.

Owner35 Years Marketing

and Advertising Experience

Q. If I own a small side business, what taxes will I owe?

A. As a self-employed person, the people who pay you will not withhold income, Social Security, or Medicare tax.

You are responsible for both the employer and employee side of Social Security and Medicare tax. If you file a Schedule C on your tax return, all of these taxes will be calculated on your tax return based on the income, after legitimate expenses, that you received. Some small businesses can get pretty complex, so a good rule of thumb is to save back about 20% of your net income on a quarterly basis. If that number is substantial, you should pay estimated quarterly tax payments to avoid any underpayment penalties and interest.

Q. Can I donate to charities helping with the Haiti disaster this year and deduct it on my 2009

tax return?

A. Yes, you can if you itemize deductions in 2009 and you make the donation between January 12th, 2010 and

before March 1st, 2010. The donation can be made by cash, check, credit, and even text message. Only money donations count – you’ll have to wait until next year if you donated goods.

Kurt Guth, EAVice President

American Tax Service, Inc.7 Years Tax Experience

13 Years Accounting Experience

You have questions and Topeka experts have the answers. Send your question to [email protected] and we will find the Topeka expert with the answer. Four to eight questions will be chosen for each TK issue.

3) What is the credit worthiness of the individual owners of the business?

This information coupled with the business’ previous three years of finanical statements help the lender determine the viability of the loan.

Jeff HiestandSenior Vice President Commercial Lending

CoreFirst Bank & Trust21 Years Banking Experience


for YOU

Go to VisitTopeka.com to create a hometown itinerary and discover what’s happening in your own backyard.

things to do where to eat places to go

W W W. V I S I T TO P E K A . C O M 785-234-1030 800-235-1030 1275 SW TOPEKA BLVD

For Hospitality and Business… We Have Topeka Covered!

Ramada420 SE 6th Street(785) 234-5400www.topekaramada.com

Holiday Inn Holidome605 SW Fairlawn(785) 272-8040www.topekaholidome.com

Holiday Inn Express901 SW Robinson Avenue(785) 228-9500www.topekaexpress.com

Jayhawk Tower700 SW Jackson(785) 234-9027

Visit parrishhotels.com for more information


Each year, an independent selection committee names four business leaders to Junior Achievement’s Topeka Business Hall of Fame. Chosen for their business excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, inspiring leadership and community involvement, these laureates embody the qualities Junior Achievement, the event sponsor, hopes to instill in young people through its education services.

“It never ceases to amaze me the level of talent that each year’s laureates bring to the table,” Terry Neher, co-chairman of the Hall of Fame, said.

Charles Bennett began his career as a bricklayer with Spencer Construction Co. He founded Charles R. Bennett Construction Co., and built notable landmarks such as Ahearn Field House at K-State and Allen Fieldhouse at KU. He also built Fairlawn Shopping Center.

Fairlawn Plaza Shopping Center is a part of the C.R. Bennett Memorial Trust. Randy Austin, the managing trustee, has been in charge of the shopping center for more than 20 years. Austin said that although Bennett owned businesses all over the country, he was passionate about Topeka. “He felt really grounded in Topeka,”

Austin said. “Topeka was what mattered.”In 1940 Bennett began 31 years of service on the Shawnee County

Selective Service Board, serving as chair of the board during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was active in the community and played a significant role in Boy Scouts of Shawnee County.

Austin said Bennett’s focus was on his employees. “He had people that were with him for years and years,” Austin said. “He was big on getting jobs to keep his employees working—even if he didn’t make money from those jobs.”

Charles Bennett passed away in 1985.

char

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Formed Charles R. Bennett Construction Co.

Built Dibbles Grocery Store-the firs

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piece of Fairlawn Shopping Center

Bought 160 acres of farmland where the

Fairlawn Shopping Center now sits

Built Fairlawn Shopping

CenterBuilt Ahearn Fie

ld House at Kansas State University

and Allen Fieldhouse at th

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Built a nurse’s home for Christ Hospital

(later became Stormont-Vail).

1940 1941 1950s 1955 1962 1970

LEADING THE WAYJunior Achievement inducts four leaders into the Topeka Business Hall of Fame

[ ]

"Bennett proved the maxim that busy, successful people stay that way by challenging themselves - with their jobs, their volunteer work, their charities and their visions." - Topeka Capital-Journal, August 30, 1985.[ ]Ph

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Tim Etzel was born and raised in Topeka and is married to Carol. Etzel said the idea of owning his own business was always in the back of his head, but it wasn’t until the tornado hit Topeka in 1966 that he was able to act on that dream. As apartments began to spring up in response to the lack of housing in Topeka, Etzel recognized the need for laundry service in those apartments, and Jetz Service Co. was born.

For Etzel, patience is vital to success. “It’s a commandment to continue to work while you are getting your business started,” Etzel said. “Lack of capital is what causes most business failure, so people need to make sure they have the

revenues to support the expense side.”

But, Etzel said, what really determines a successful business is your ability to hire and keep quality people. “you have to hire good people and then get out of the way.”

tim et

zel

Opened Jetz Cos. - A coin operated

laundry service that employs 135 people in

15 states Received an honorary doctorate

Graduated from Washburn

1964 1966 2007

Lee was born in Stafford, Kan., but grew up in Topeka. She is married to Craig Woodbury and has one daughter, Alexandra. Author of “Sewing Luxurious Pillows” and “Scarves to Make,” she is also a frequent guest on HGTV's Today at Home.

Linda Lee said Topeka was the obvious choice for her to start her design business because she had lived here all of her life. “This was my home,” Lee said. Topeka also made sense because it was the right size for building an interior

design business from the ground up. Lee said that being in Topeka allowed her to develop a broader range of design skills than she probably would have been able to cultivate in a larger

city. “The advantage to Topeka is that I was able to learn a lot more things. The disadvantage is that I had to learn a lot more things,” Lee said.

Lee said her business really took off when she migrated into the sewing industry. At that point she knew she had to expand beyond Topeka in order for the business to survive, so she purchased a well-known sewing school in San Francisco. At this point, her global aspirations grew. “I don’t think I would be doing what I am doing right now if I hadn’t gone to San Francisco, but I realized I could operate the business from Topeka, so here I am,” Lee said.

linda

lee

Graduated from K-State

Purchased The Sewing Workshop, a sewing

and design school in San Francisco

Introduced The Sewing Workshop Pattern

Collection, an innovative line of sewing patterns

Entered into a partnership with Bernina to

create the Project Sewing Workshop

Established Threadwear, an upscale fabric

store and retail center for Bernina

Established Linda Lee Design Associates,

an interior design firm.

1970 1973 1989 1991 1994 2009

[ “Tim has been a leader in our community for many years. Not only has he developed a highly successful business but he has also provided leadership on a number of cultural and educational initiatives. Tim is always willing to devote his time, resources and energy to improving the quality of life in Shawnee County and beyond.” - Roger Viola, Topeka Community Foundation ]

“Linda is that rare combination of creative talent and business acumen, and I’m so happy she’s being recognized by the Hall of Fame.” - Marsha T. Oliver, CPA V.P. of Marketing, Mize, Houser & Company, P.A.[ ]Ph

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Topeka Business Hal l of FameA Project of Junior Achievement of Kansas

2010 laureates Tim EtzelL inda Lee

Jim Parr ishCharles Bennett , Posthumous

2010 Tribute Dinner:Tuesday, March 2, 1010

Current laureates“Ham” AbrahamsSam Bareham*

Henry BubbAnderson Chandler

Sister Loretto Marie Colwel lHarry CraigJack Dicus

Emery FagerLou Fal ley*

Dr. Jerry Far leyDean Ferrel l*

Ruth F ink*Howard Fr icke

Kent Garl inghouseGeorgia Neese Gray

Alonzo Harr isonCyrus K Hol l iday

Edwin HughesBalfour JeffreyCharles Marl ingRosa Mendoza

Maynard Ol iver iusNancy Perry

Velma Pol lockLouis Pozez*Kris Robbins*Frank SabatiniTom Schwar tz

Oscar, John and Stan StaufferBob Wheeler

*Not pictured on cover

Parrish was born in Great Bend, Kansas and then moved to Topeka to attend law school and decided to stay because he liked the community. “I’ve always thought this was a positive community,” Parrish said. “It’s as good as we are willing to make it.”

Parrish is married to Nancy Parrish, Shawnee County District Court Chief Judge. They have four children.

Parrish said the key to success is taking advantage

of the freedom we have to choose what we want to do. If you have a business in mind, you need to educate yourself, measure your tolerance for risk, do research, plan, study, become as good as you possibly can at that business, and then plunge ahead. “You will make mistakes and will learn from them,” Parrish said. “We are fortunate to live in a society where we can bounce back from mistakes.”

But, most of all, Parrish said, “you need to make the decision to appreciate what you have around you and make the best life you can.”

jim pa

rish

Received juris doctorate from the

Washburn School of Law

Served in the Kansas Senate

Served in the Kansas House

1973 1973-74

1975-80

Parrish Hotel Corp.Holiday Inn Holidome – TopekaHoliday Inn Express - Topeka Ramada Hotel and Convention Center - TopekaHoliday Inn Express – Concordia

Parrish management Corp.Jayhawk TowerResidential and Commercial Real Estate

Entered into a partnership with Bernina to

create the Project Sewing Workshop

[ ]“Jim Parrish is a leader. When he gets involved in a project, positive things begin to happen. His commitment to excellence permeates throughout his business.” - Vince Frye, owner FryeAllen, Inc.

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I Need to SprINg CleaN

Something about melting snow and warm sunny days compels us to clean out our

closets and organize our cupboards.

We throw away stuff we have been hoarding all year, clean places that never see the light

of day, and buy the latest gadgets that promise to keep us

organized and clutter-free. We spring clean our homes, our cars, our yards and our

offices. But some of the things that may be in dire need

of a good cleaning, we may completely overlook.


Your ComputerYour desk may be spotless and

your papers neatly filed, but if you haven’t cleaned your computer, your spring cleaning isn’t complete.

Think about it. Most computer towers sit on the floor, where dust and pet hair float around getting sucked into the fan that is supposed to keep your computer components cool and working properly. That dust and debris can build up over time and cause your computer to overheat or slow down. So, just like everything else, you need to clean it.

Jim Driggers, owner of The Computer Store, tells people to clean their computers at least once a year (more often if they have pets).

How to Clean Your Computer:1. Unplug the computer.2. Take the side case off of the tower.

3. Buy a can of air and carefully blow out the dust and dirt from inside the computer, including the CD drives and the fan.4. If you’re afraid to do it yourself, take it to a local computer store and have it done professionally.

Once you have cleaned your computer, then you need to really clean your computer—the operating system. Driggers says that as you use your computer, it will naturally add files and change settings that you can’t see and don’t know about. These need to be removed to keep your system running more efficiently.

How to Clean Your operating System:1. Run defragmentation to unscramble the hard drive and compress data.2. Run Scandisk to check for errors and repair hard drive problems.

3. Clean out your Internet settings and cache. Too much information slows down your computer. 4. Make sure to have the newest version of antivirus and spyware software installed.

Simply following these steps can increase your computer processing speed by 25 percent. Of course, if you aren’t comfortable doing this yourself, or if you have more serious cleaning issues such as virus removal, you can take it to a professional.

“At The Computer Store, we can do 10 times more to clean out your hard drive and speed up your system than you can do at home,” Driggers says.

Your FINaNCeSThere’s more to making sure your

finances are in good working order than paying your bills and balancing your checkbook. Matt Taylor, senior

WHat?


vice president of Denison State Bank, offers the following suggestions for financial spring cleaning:

go paperless.Make a commitment go paperless

in your banking. Sign up for electronic statement delivery. Use your debit card for purchases rather than checks. Pay bills using an online bill payment program or directly at billers’ web sites. Securely shred – don’t throw in the trash – any unwanted documents that have confidential identifying information.

gather & deposit.Gather up the loose change in

your house and vehicles and get it deposited into your bank or credit union account. Idle coins can really add up and don’t earn any interest until they are deposited.

automate Financial transactions. Automate as many financial transactions as you can. Use Direct Debit for fixed recurring payments like cable and trash pick-up bills. Use direct deposit payroll through your employer if possible. With just a one-time set-up, all these things and more

occur without you doing any work.

pay it off. Do whatever it takes to pay your

credit card balances, and then only use them in emergencies. Rolling debt weighs on you financially, emotionally, and physically.

Businesses prepare for online payments.

If you are still paying your treasury tax and loan (TT&L) federal tax deposits by taking them to the bank, the days of paper processing may soon be gone. The federal government is pushing for online payments. Register at www.eftps.gov.

You may be surprised at the difference “clean” finances can make for your bottom line.

Your expeCtatIoNSEvery year we make New Year’s

resolutions to change something in our lives. We decide to lose weight, or make more money, or spend more time with our families. By the time spring arrives, we have probably already given up on those resolutions, conceding failure and feeling even worse about ourselves.

1047 SW Gage BlvdFleming Place Shopping Center

P: (785) 272-5700

Change takes more than Willpower

“Change. It sounds easy, but it’s really hard because change is complex,” says Dr. Robert Shulman, psychologist with New Beginnings Health Care in Topeka. He says that making a change in your life requires more than just willpower—it actually requires a biochemical change in your brain. “We are creatures of habit,” Shulman says. “That habit is partly brain chemistry. Change is uncomfortable because of the chemistry.”

So, does that mean it is impossible for you to lose weight, change your attitude or spend more time with your family? Of course not. But, you might need to lower your expectations about the extent of the change you want to make.

Break It downWhen you clean out your closet, it

can be overwhelming if you attempt to do it all at once. If you break it down into smaller jobs like straightening just the shelves or organizing your shoes, it becomes more doable.

Schulman says we need to take the same approach when we set our


priorities. The key is to set small goals that you know you can accomplish, so you won’t get discouraged and feel like a failure.

Let’s say you work 60 hours a week to grow your business and provide for your family but you want to spend more time with your kids, so you decide to make a change. If you promise to be home for dinner every night, there is a good chance you won’t be able to keep that promise—setting you up for failure and your family up for disappointment.

But, if you promise to make it home one night a week for dinner, that is an achievable goal.

Look for the opportunities to make small changes in your life and chances are you will succeed.

So the next time the urge to spring clean something comes over you, don’t forget those dust bunnies hiding out right in front of you.


[1 on 1]

TK: Why is it important to be organized?

The Wall Street Journal has reported that white collar workers waste an average of 40 percent of their workday; not because they aren’t smart, but because they were never taught organizing skills to cope with the increasing work loads and demands. Being organized can bring order, calm and control to your home and family life. It can bring structure, logic and control to your work life. It can save you money – It

costs $120 in labor to track down a misplaced document or $250 in labor to recreate it – cited in North Carolina’s Brunswick Beacon 10/94.

TK: What are the signs that a person should spend

some time to get organized? Can you find what you are looking for in 30 seconds to

1 minute? Do you put things away after using them? Are you on time for appointments and meetings? Do you have a system for the papers in your life? Do you feel balanced in life? If you answered yes to all of these questions then you probably lead an organized life. If you answered no to any of the questions, organizing parts of your life could bring balance to your work and/or family life.

TK: Where should a person begin when it comes to

getting more organized?When I begin working with clients, I start with a Needs

Assessment. In a Needs Assessment we talk and evaluate why they want to get organized and what is disorganized that is driving them the craziest. The best place to start is with the active/day-to-day things first. For example

BRINGING BALANCE TO YOUR LIFEQ&A with Christi Nowak


that daily mail monster; most of us do not have a system for the active papers in our lives. Active papers are new mail, bills to pay, things to do or read, things to file, etc. Start by getting a system for these active papers (include in this system mailing supplies – envelopes, stamps, and stationary), a good container for your active paper system – an expandable file folder – a pocket for each type of active paper and your mailing supplies.

TK: What does it take to get and stay organized?

In my opinion it takes three things to stay organized:1. A good system for all the things and activities in your life2. Daily maintenance3. Self disciplineThat last one is the hardest. We must train ourselves to put things away, to be aware of time, and to be responsible for the organizing systems in your life. Getting organized depends on many variables. Your upbringing and your personality can bring good and bad variables to your organizing table. And getting organized also takes self discipline, daily maintenance, and figuring out a good system for all aspects of your life.

Christi NowakOrganized Everyday, LLC, Owner

Member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.

TK: Do “cookie cutter” systems/containers

work?Have you ever bought a storage bin or a personal

planner with the hopes that one item would miraculously get you organized? I would guess that most of us have tried this, and found that this didn’t work. Systems for being organized must be customized just for you. They should be easy for you to use and integrate into your life. And containers should be bought or made after you know what you want to put in them – we usually do this backwards.

TK: What should someone do if they cannot get

organized on their own?Sometimes recruiting a friend even to just be there

when you tackle organizing your office can keep you on track enough to get the job done, and sometimes it’s time to call in the professionals. The National Association of Professional Organizers can be your gateway to finding a qualified professional organizer. A NAPO professional organizer can help design and teach you how to use systems and processes based on established organizing principles. You can find out more at www.napo.net.

TK Survey

reports 21.4%

of those that responded

would consider using a

professional to help them get

organized.


We depend on our credit score for so many important things in life. Your credit score can deter-mine whether you can or cannot buy a house, a car or a computer, and even how much it will cost you.

A credit score is determined much like a how a teacher calculates grades. The teacher takes scores from tests, homework, attendance and anything else they want to use, gives a weighted value according to items of importance and comes up with a final, single-number score. It's the same for a credit score. But instead of using the scores from pop quizzes and papers, it uses the information in your credit report.

Outstanding Debt30%

Length of Credit15%

The longer you have had established

credit (this includes unused accounts), the better it is

for your overall credit score. Why? Because past payment

history more accurately predicts future payment.

New Credit 10%

Types of Credit

10%Your credit score will benefit from having

experience with several different kinds of credit

accounts, such as revolving credit accounts and installment

loans.

Opening new credit accounts will negatively affect your score for a short

time. You will also be penalized for hard inquiries (those where you have given lenders permission for). However, the score does interpret several hard inquiries within a short amount of time as one to account for an individual shopping around for the best deals on a loan.

One of the primary reasons a lender wants to see the score

is to find out if and when you pay your bills. The

score is affected by how many bills have been paid late, how many were sent out for collection and any bankruptcies. Plus, the more recent the offense, the worse it will be for your overall score.

How much do you owe on car or home loans? How many credit cards do you have

that are at their credit limits? It is recommended to keep your card balances at 25 percent or less

of their limits.

Payment History35%

{Credit Score Breakdown}


Information provided by HowStuffWork.com


Eva and Charles Bennett

www.fairlawnplaza.com

Charles Bennett was the owner and developer of Fairlawn Plaza Shopping Center that started with a single grocery store, in 1962.

Today, with the opening of the new Dillons Store, Fairlawn Plaza is home to over 50 quality merchants.

Randy Austin, a member of the Bennett family, continues the legacy of the locally owned and operated Fairlawn Plaza Shopping Center.

Fairlawn Plaza is honored that our founder is being inducted into the Topeka

Business Hall of Fame.

From Dibbles to Dillons in 48 Fabulous Years!


Give your financesa good spring

cleaning.We can helpclean up yourfinancial life,from refinanc-ing your homeloan at alower rate toautomatingyour routinepurchases, plus more. Put some springinto your step with light and easybanking. Call, click or visit us today.

Use “FinanceWorks” on DSB Onlineinternet banking to manage your money.


[for your health]

Reducing your risk of heart disease cannot be done without considering what you are consuming on a daily basis. It is important to give your body balanced nutrition by eating a variety of nutrient dense foods. A healthy eating plan low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol can help to prevent the build up of cholesterol in your arteries decreasing your risk for heart attack, stroke and other health problems.

Carol Bragdon, PhD, RN, ARNP, Cotton-O’Neil Heart Center offers these 10 healthy eating tips, which helps your heart work better.

lighten up. Losing even a few extra pounds helps unburden your heart.

Be fat-savvy. Trim saturated fat and cholesterol by choosing lean meats, skinless poultry and low-fat or fat-free milk products. Look for foods with little or no trans fat.

slash sodium. Look for reduced-salt and no-added-salt versions of canned soups, vegetables and prepared foods. Add less salt to foods.

load up on produce. Enjoy colorful fruits and vegetables - their fiber, vitamins and minerals are great for your heart and blood pressure.

Go for whole grains. Eat at least three ounces daily of whole-grain foods such as whole-grain cereals, whole-wheat bread and pasta, and brown rice.

Get hooked on fish. Eat omega-3-rich fish such as salmon, trout and herring at least twice a week.

Go a little nuts. Choose modest portions of foods with unsaturated fats such as vegetable oils, nuts and seeds.

Focus on Fiber. The fiber in oatmeal, barley, fruits, vegetables - and yes, beans, is good for your heart.

Be label conscious. The nutrition facts label can help you manage the calories, fiber, fat, cholesterol, sodium and other nutrients in the foods you eat.

move to the beat. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Time strapped? Exercise just 10-minutes at a time. Try brisk walking, jogging, dancing, biking, gardening-even vacuuming with vigor!

making Healthy Choices in 2010


For many of us, the economic downturn over the past few years has caused us

to radically change our lives. By that, I mean we do not eat out as often, we hold off on major purchases, and (gasp!) we scale back our cable TV plan to “Basic.”

For many others, though, the economy has cost them everything. They find themselves jobless, homeless and desperate for the basics of food, clothing and shelter. And the number of those finding themselves in this dire condition has taxed the resources and capabilities of the Topeka Rescue Mission.

Topeka native Barry Feaker has served as the leader of the Topeka Rescue Mission for the past 24 years, a man on a mission whose faith, honesty, dependability and determination have

helped meet the needs of Topeka’s neediest and made him a true Champion of Character.

Prior to the Topeka Rescue Mission, Barry worked in the mental health field for both the State and the Menninger Foundation. He was also involved in youth ministry through a local church and Youth for Christ.

So what led him to his position with the Rescue Mission?

“In one word: God,” Barry says. “I was praying about God’s direction for my life. Due to a sequence of events that occurred, I was invited to a meeting with the Topeka Rescue Mission Board of Directors. I was not looking for a job in a rescue mission at that time, but God made it clear that this was where I was supposed to be. He opened up the doors 24 years ago and I have been blessed to be a part of this ministry ever since.”

As Executive Director, Barry is responsible for the oversight of the various services of the Topeka Rescue Mission, including Men’s Shelter, Hope Center, Food Services, Distribution Center, and Thrift Store. He also attempts to understand the needs of those in the community, especially those who are hungry and/or homeless; stay abreast of current trends to be prepared to meet future needs; rally support of the “mission” by educating and engaging the community in helping their neighbors in need; and collaborate with community agencies to enhance services and support available to the hungry and homeless in Topeka.

Many of us experience tough

In each issue, TK founder Kevin Doel highlights Topekans that exemplify high-caliber character, those people that serve as role models for each of us through the high stan-dards they set for themselves and strive to achieve success for the community beyond their own self-interests.

moments each day that are discouraging and make us long for Friday and the weekend reprieve. How does one tackle the challenges of a job filled with heartbreaking real-life tragedies that never take weekends off? According to Barry, faith is essential.

“The Topeka Rescue Mission is a faith ministry. In order to function effectively as a leader in this ministry one must possess the ability to walk by faith and not always by sight.”

Another key to Barry’s success has been determination to overcome even the most overwhelming obstacles. To illustrate, he shared the story when, in 1989, the old Mission building began to fall down and inspectors told them they were not able to use the building anymore.

“At that time, the question arose as to whether or not we would have to quit. We had no money, but there was a need and we believed God was telling us to keep moving forward, so we determined to do just that and we were successful. Without determination, you don’t go anywhere.”

Barry also finds great inspiration from what he witnesses on a daily basis.

“The compassion and generosity of other people motivates me. When people see someone suffering in our community, their desire is to help. Their love, compassion and concern strengthens me and helps me to keep moving forward.”

Champion of Character: Barry Feaker

Photos by Rachel Lock Photography


[scene about town]


Photos taken at the

Sixth Annual Go Red For Women LuncheonDecember 4, 2009

Ramada InnPhotographer: K.L. Steves, Referrals Only www.ReferralsOnly.org


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[scene about town]

Great Topeka Chamber of Commerce 2010 Annual MeetingThursday, January 21, 2010 - Ramada Inn



[scene about town]

Winter 2009 TK Magazine 35

Topeka Chapter of the International Association

of Business CommunicatorsKansas NEA

February 3, 2010

36 Spring 2010 TK Magazine36 Winter 2009 TK Magazine

[scene about town]

36 Winter 2009 TK Magazine

Topeka Active 20/30 Chapter

Topeka Country ClubJanuary 20, 2010


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The Kansas Koyotes kickoff their record-setting EIGHTH SEASON of exciting Indoor Professional Football FUN this April!

Exciting sports action and AFFORDABLE entertain-ment you can ENJOY with the WHOLE FAMILY! Join us! Be a part of the area’s longest running FAMILY FOOTBALL FUN!

Season Tickets are on SALE now. GREAT SEATS are still available! Ask your employer about the Koyotes CORPORATE FAMILY & FRIENDS Season Ticket DISCOUNT program. You may qualify for a 25% (or larger) DISCOUNT on your SEASON TICKETS!!!

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TK020810a.pdf 2/10/2010 5:23:38 PM


In 2004, Topeka celebrated its 150th birthday. T h e n - m a y o r , James McClinton,

asked me to chair a committee that would “brand” Topeka, develop a new slogan and logo.

Even with talented and insight-ful co-committee members, I failed miserably. But as with most failures, I learned a lot. The discussions were

earnest and enlightening, and each person brought unique perspective and enthusiasm to the table. An inter-esting side note is that most of us were not native Topekans, and not even na-tive Kansans. So many times we talked about what brought us to Topeka and over and over the answer was “a job” or “an education.”

The public feedback to our en-deavor was passionate and each per-son who suggested an identity for our fair city was convinced that his or her idea was obvious to anyone with half a brain and the only possible choice. Trouble was, there was absolutely NO consensus among those suggestions. I truly felt we were not morally qualified to deem Topeka “The Prairie Capital” or “Prairie Crossing“ or “Railroad Town” or “The Real Gateway to the

Branding Topeka

West” or any of the dozens of other suggested possibilities, though each of these was accurate. What intrigued me most, though, was the divide between government and private enterprise in defining our home. I think that is the fundamental issue facing Topekans and understanding our history can help us find perspective and shape the future.

As an historian, I am well-ac-quainted with the struggles of Kansas

to be a free state. Our his-tory books, our reenact-ments, our art -- all teach us that the politics of the day forged our beginnings.

What is woefully under-mentioned is the economic opportunity that made politics an issue. Had not people of all races and ethnicities, from ev-ery corner of this Union and coun-tries abroad, seen opportunity in this far-flung prairie, no one would have come! Those early settlers, even Na-tive Americans, chose this spot on the Kaw River because they believed they could create a community that would provide a good living and establish a sound future for their children. Agri-culture, transportation, industry -- the opening of the Kansas Territory ap-pealed to the entrepreneurial spirit.

No individual embodies that spirit more than founding father Cyrus Kurtz Holliday.

The young Pennsylvanian came to Topeka with a belief in equality and a

Deb GoodrichAuthor and historian,

masondixonwildwest.blogspot.com

The young Pennsylvanian came to Topeka with a belief in equality and a willingness to defend his rights and those of others.

Cyrus K. Holliday


willingness to defend his rights and those of others. But most importantly, he came with vision. He arrived with an understanding of the opportunity that lay in west-ward expansion and Topeka’s pivotal role in connecting the country. He was a dreamer. But, he was a dreamer with persistence and common sense and a work ethic. It took years for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad to be transformed from a “paper road” to the iron rails that crossed the state. Holliday deserves the credit for seeing the project through Bleeding Kansas, Civil War, political upheaval and negative naysayers. Holliday lent his name, money and influence to other enterprises including Merchants Bank (now US Bank), and supported a host of philanthropic causes.

In his later years, Holliday lamented the direction taken by a new generation of businessmen. They were stodgy, unimaginative, unappreciative of the sacrifices of men of his era.

Hmmmm. Interesting.I think part of the phenomenon he witnessed

is inevitable. As all business owners know, there is a different energy required from starting up and then maintaining any organization. But the second part of the change he saw I believe is due to the expanding government. Becoming the state capital was a feather in Topeka’s cap to be sure, but along with lucrative government contracts came increased dependence on government jobs. The fact is, the bigger the govern-ment the lazier the people.

It is time to rekindle the energy that created To-peka, to renew the vision of men like Holliday who saw opportunity for himself and others, who was willing to take a risk and see it through.

The settlement of the American West, in which To-peka played such a pivotal role, was not just about re-defining our borders but redefining ourselves. No mat-ter how many failures, no matter the disappointments, the West was a place to begin anew. We still have that prospect, and in grabbing that opportunity, let us re-member Holliday’s legacy of energy and vision.

Deb GoodrichAuthor and historian,

masondixonwildwest.blogspot.com

Photos courtesy of the Kansas State Historical Society Kansasmemory.org. Deb’s photo by Rachel Lock Photography


[extra, extra!]

Topeka Construction Company Nominated for Greater KC Chamber Small Business of the Year

KBS Constructors, Inc. of Topeka and Shawnee, Kansas was nominated for Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce 2010 Small Business of the Year, and the accompanying Mr. K Award, by Sprint. The winner will be announced at the 24th Annual Small Business Celebration Awards Luncheon to be held on May 19.

“It means a lot to us for one of our clients to feel strongly enough about our services to nominate us for an award like this,” said Dan Foltz, President of KBS. “We are humbled to be nominated.”

TOPEKA CONTRACTORS WIN AWARDS

Awards were presented to three Topeka general contractors during the Associated General Contractors of Kansas, Inc. 76th Annual Convention January 22 in Wichita.

KBS Constructors, Inc. received an Award of Honor for Meadowlark Hills Retirement Community Expansion, Manhattan, THW Design, architect and Manhattan Retirement Foundation, Manhattan, owner.

Murray & Sons Construction Co., Inc received an Award of Honor for Renovation of Jolliffe Hall, Manhattan Christian College, Manhattan, The Ebert Mayo Design Group, Manhattan, architect and Manhattan Christian College, Manhattan, owner.

Kendall Construction, Inc.,

40 Winter 2009 TK Magazine

Topeka an Award of Honor for Prairie Band Pottawatomi Casino & Resort – Longhouse Buffett, Mayetta, H2B Architects, Inc., architect and PBP Casino & Resort, owner.

Awards were presented to a total of fourteen general and specialty contractors. Entries for the State Building Awards Program were judged on significant construction features, innovative construction techniques and outstanding examples of workmanship.

AGC, the state’s largest commercial and industrial building construction trade association, represents more than 260 general contractors, specialty contractors and suppliers throughout the state.

Custom Tree Care, Inc. owned by Greg Gathers of Topeka was one of eight small Kansas businesses an-nounced as a 2009 Existing Business of the Year by the Kansas Small Busi-ness Development Center.

Each of the eight KSBDC regional centers had the opportunity to select one emerging and one existing busi-ness in its region for the award. Out of the 2,400 entrepreneurs who received KSBDC services in 2009, seven emerg-ing and eight existing businesses have been selected.

"The businesses were selected by our consultants after considering several criteria," said Wally Kearns, KSBDC state director. "Some of the areas they evaluate include major ac-complishments while establishing and growing the business, obstacles they overcame, and profitability and contri-butions made to their communities."

Topeka Company Receives KSBDC 2009 Existing Business of the Year Award

Longhouse Buffet, Prairie Band Pottawatomi Casino & Resort


[extra, extra!]

Thirty-six individuals from Topeka and Shawnee County have been selected to participate in the 2010 Leadership Greater Topeka program of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. There are 776 alumni of the program.

Members of the 2010 class are: Erin Aldridge, marketing

manager, Topeka Performing Arts Center; Jose Arimany, associate manager, Business Analysis, Hill’s Pet Nutrition; Gregg Burden, supervisory program specialist, VA Health Resource Center; Tyrell Carstarphen, student, Highland Park High School; Aaron Classi, commercial banking relationship manager, U.S. Bank; Shelley D’Attilio, laboratory manager, Stormont-Vail HealthCare; Kristina Dietrick, president, Creative Business Solutions; Mary Anne Durall; assistant vice president - global services/operations, se2 - div. of Security Benefit; Amber Gentry, vice president, Networks Plus; Brenda Guilfoyle, director resource development, United Way of Greater Topeka; Brian Haug, account executive, WIBW-TV; Julie Hinrichsen, vice president information services, CIO, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas; Captain Shane Hoobler, Shawnee County Sheriff ’s Office; Dracy Jenkins, executive director, Distribution Power Delivery, Westar Energy, Inc.; Dean Roxanne Kelly, Washburn Institute of Technology; Amanda Lanum, news anchor, WIBW Channels; Chris Lipp, cirector of cardiology/

Winter 2009 TK Magazine 41

vascular surgery service line, St. Francis Health Center; Larry McCoig, regional president, Citizens Bank & Trust; Katie McCollom, development director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Topeka; Bill Naeger, senior project manager, Bartlett & West; Jenny Oxandale, assistant director, Kansas Volunteer Commission, KSDE; Nancy Riegle, interpreter/translator, Spanish Solutions International, LLC; Cody Robertson, associate attorney, Goodell, Stratton, Edmonds & Palmer, LLP; Angel Romero, resident assistant (RA), Washburn University Residential Living; Ginger Spivey, programming associate, KTWU, Washburn University; Captain Jerry Stanley, Topeka Police Department; Shelly Starr, chief of litigation, Topeka City Attorney; Brandi Studer, associate attorney, Henson, Hutton, Mudrick & Gragson, LLP; Bob Swafford, owner/president, ColorWorks Paint & Supply; Bob Trepinski, executive director, Marian Clinic; Angela Valdivia, administrative assistant, Student Activities & Greek Life Office; Washburn University; Monte Weathers, Brigade S4 (Logistics Officer), 69th Troop Command, Kansas Army Nat’l Guard; Dana Wethington, chief executive officer, American Red Cross, Kansas Capital Area Chapter; Abbey Wostal, vice president/business development, Fidelity State Bank and Trust Co.; Corrie Wright, HND manager, City of Topeka - Dept. of Housing & Neighborhood Development; Tyson Yager, business analyst, Capitol Federal Savings.

2010 Leadership Greater Topeka Class Announced

AAF Topeka announces the 2010 ADDY Award winners for their cre-ative excellence in all forms of adver-tising.

The 2010 Best of Show were awarded to Gizmo Pictures, jones huyett Partners and New Boston Cre-ative Group. In the area of Cinema-tography, Best of Show went to Gizmo Pictures, producer Matt Porubsky and director David Kitchner for their pro-duction of the Porubsky’s Transcen-dent Deli Trailer. Best of Show for a Campaign went to jones huyett Part-ners for their Blue Cross Blue Shield Coordinated Campaign. Best of Show for Packaging went to New Boston Creative Group for the Buffalo Sweat Packaging.

Gold ADDY Awards were re-ceived by Gizmo Pictures, jones huy-ett Partners, blam creative, MB Piland Advertising and Marketing, Tallgrass Studios, Capitol Federal, New Boston Creative Group and FryeAllen, Inc. for their creative excellence on adver-tising and media campaigns.

The ADDY Awards are facili-tated through over 200 advertising organiza-tions within 15 districts. Judges review and select Gold and Silver medal winners. Each round Gold medal winners are forwarded on to the next level, from local to regional and regional to national.

AAF Topeka Announces 2010 ADDY Award

Winners


“


”“

”“

Joyful CynicNot My Fault I have figured it out. I am NOT overweight! I have been using a shampoo

that claims it will provide “more body.” Now, when I rinse my hair in the shower, the shampoo flows down all over me, and I am convinced that it is just living up to its advertised promise.

No, really. When I was a

young woman, I always washed my hair over the sink and the shampoo never touched anything but my head. And I didn’t have anywhere near this much body.

This is not my fault! Blame

the shampoo industry!

UnapologeticOptimist

Ticked Off

Ok, I’m a little ticked off. Ever since I saw that Easy Button on TV, I have been searching ev-erywhere trying to find one.

Who wouldn’t want a but-ton that would make life easier with just one push? Think what I could do with that. My office would be organized; my house immaculate and my kids would be perfect angels. But as far as I can tell, it isn’t in stock anywhere. And I’m not the only one who’s upset about this. Just the other day, I was trying to convince my 4-year-old to pick up her thou-sands of Polly Pockets she had strewn across the living room. In her own diva way, she threw her-self down on the floor and wailed, “I can’t. It’s too hard. I need an Easy Button!”

Who wouldn’t want a button that would make life easier with just one push?

I am NOT overweight!

[the joyful cynic & the unapologetic optimist]

photos by ditmer digital & design Winter 2009 TK Magazine 43

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talk!street

Would you be willing to stop texting while driving?

Do you text while driving?

Would you be willing to stoptalking on your phone while driving?

Do you talk on the phone while driving?

“What else is there to do from point A to point B??”

“There is no possible way to NOT TALK while driving.”

“I use my drive time to take care of things before I get home. Trying to use my blue tooth more often.”

“I need to for business.”

“Rarely is a call so important that waiting until I’m not driving isn’t soon enough.”

“I would hope if there was to be a law prohibiting talking while driving that an exception would be made for hands free devices.”

“It isn’t safe, but I think it’s unreasonable to think that people will stop doing it.”“It is too hard for me to

text while I am sitting down, much less while driving!” “I try not to, but it happens

at red lights.”

“I only do so at stop lights, or I pull over in a parking lot.”

“I’ve done this a few times until I almost ran into a ditch with my kids in the car. I will never text and drive again. Now if someone texts me and I am driving, I call them back instead of texting them back.”

“Hard to stop this one, but I’m trying...” “I think it’s ridiculous that

there isn’t a law preventing people from talking and texting while driving. There’s a law that makes me wear a seatbelt when failing to do so, doesn’t hurt anyone but myself.”

“After the horrible accident on a video I saw from someone texting I think there should be huge fines for people seen texting while driving.”

“Just took Oprah’s pledge to stop.”


Yes - 84.5%No - 14.5%

Yes - 49.6%No - 50.4%

Yes - 95%No - 5%

Yes - 46.9%No - 53.1%

Results based on the responses of 289 participants in the February 2010 TK Survey.

“My kids are more distracting than my cell phone.”


[the last word]

Who are your heroes and why?My parents, because they always

believed in me and there was never any doubt or question that I could do, be, or achieve anything to which I set my mind.

My mentor William A. Taggart, he taught me that you always return every phone call no matter who calls and that if you know how to work every piece of office equipment (copier, fax, coffee pot, etc.) you’ll never be caught in a pinch. He was a great man who gave me my first shot.

Cox Communications was ranked the best company for women in cable for the 7th year in a row by WICT PAr Initiative. What makes a company great to work for?

Cox is a great company because they believe in their employees. It’s great that we are the best company for women in cable for the 7th year in a row and that we’ve achieved countless diversity awards, but at the end of the day if an individual works hard and is willing to take advantage of the opportunities, Cox makes them available. It’s honestly been a privilege to work for such a great company.

What is something surprising that few people know about you?

I’m not a native Kansan. I was born in upstate New York and moved 6 times growing up. I came to Kansas for a recruit weekend at Benedictine College in Atchison from an all girls’ Catholic high school in Dallas and

decided this was where I wanted to be. After my stint in Washington, D.C., I chose to come back to Kansas. I think Topeka is the best kept secret (and actually the “smallest” city in which I’ve lived)!

Why the Boys and Girls Clubs of Topeka?

I became involved because Cox has been affiliated with the Boys and Girls Clubs on the national level for many years. My belief in what the clubs do locally have led to me to accept a second term as Chief Volunteer Officer. The mission really says it all, to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Boys & Girls Club is a safe place to learn and grow, all while having fun. It is truly The Positive Place for Kids.

Coleen’s Board Involvement:

- Chief Volunteer Officer Boys and Girls Club of Topeka

- Vice Chair of Government Relations Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce

- Kansas Cable Telecommunications Association

- Kids Vote Kansas

- Leadership Kansas

Coleen JennisonDirector of Government Affairs for

Cox Communications

Coleen Jennison oversees Cox’s local, state and federal government affairs initiatives.

She is also responsible for their charitable giving and non-profit partnerships through-

out the region, which Coleen says is the most rewarding aspect of her job.

After graduating from Benedictine College, Coleen worked for Taggart & Associates in

Washington, DC. She returned to Kansas in 1995, where she became Legislative Assis-

tant to the Majority Leader, Chief of Staff to the Majority Leader and finally Chief of Staff

to the Speaker of the House.

Photo by Lock Photography

tk...topeka's business magazine spring 2010

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