Greater Topeka Chamber
of Commerce/GO Topeka
highly motivated work
force, Topeka’s own Washburn University, in alliance
with Kaw Area Technical
School (KATS), provides a
comprehensive educational
system meeting the work
force needs of the 21st century. Topeka also offers key
worker education programs,
including the Industrial
Maintenance Center of Excellence at KATS. State income tax
credits and training funds through the Kansas Industrial Training (KIT) Program and Investments in Major Projects and
Comprehensive Training Program (IMPACT) enable Topeka
and Shawnee County to attract new categories of manufacturing by affordably and efficiently training employees on new
technology.
Case in point, an important and growing sector in the
region that benefits from Topeka’s investment in work force
education and training is renewable energy. Kansas has the
third-ranking potential for wind energy in the nation, and in
2007, then-Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius formed a Wind
Working Group with its sights set on harnessing one of the
state’s strongest and cleanest resources. The infrastructure is
in place, with steel bending, fabricating, and assembly capabilities already existing at many fabrication shops in and
around Topeka. Their centralized location makes national
transport of wind turbines and other large components,
including support equipment and machinery for the industry,
cost competitive.
The emphasis on wind energy has also opened the doors for
other forms of renewable energy such as solar and biomass. In
fact, in 2009, Kansas initiated aggressive new incentives for solar
energy manufacturing. With Kansas ranking as third-best state
for biomass energy production, Topeka is focusing on advanced
storage technology to transport energy derived from renewable
sources to the rest of the country.
The vibrancy in this community is palpable, and not just in the
business sector. With its flourishing arts community, recreational
hub for families, excellent schools, and affordable way of life,
Topeka is both an outstanding and attainable place to call home.
“We do work hard, harder than most, I would say, to keep our
community vibrant,” said Steve Jenkins, senior vice president of
economic development, Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. “We do it because we know the real value of a job well
done. It’s not about flashy recruiting or a bill of goods we can’t
deliver on. It’s making you feel confident and comfortable at the
end of the day that you made the right choice.”
Steve R. Jenkins, CEcD
Senior Vice President, Economic Development
Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka
120 S.E. Sixth Street, Suite 110
Topeka, KS 66603-3515
Phone: 785.231.6065
Fax: 785.234.8656
E-mail: sjenkins@TopekaChamber.org
www.TopekaChamber.org
