Heartland Visioning would like to invite the community to join a discussion about downtown redevelopment of Kansas Avenue and Eighth Avenue from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 25, 2010 in the Regency Ballroom of the Ramada at Sixth and Madison.
In the Heartland Visioning Strategic Plan, an overwhelming majority of the community wanted downtown redevelopment and revitalization. Heartland Visioning is creating an opportunity for the community to come discuss redeveloping downtown Topeka, particularly Kansas Avenue and Eighth Avenue.
William Beteta, Executive Director of Heartland Visioning said, “Our goal at Heartland Visioning is to provide opportunities for community collaboration in the implementation of the strategic plan, and we want to make sure the community is included in the discussion of downtown redevelopment from the beginning.”
Heartland Visioning is a community-wide initiative to develop and implement a shared strategic vision for what we want our community to be in 5, 10, 20 years. Our community is defined as Shawnee County which includes: Auburn, Rossville, Topeka, Silver Lake, Willard, and unincorporated Shawnee County.
For more information please contact the Heartland Visioning office at 785.231.6006 or info@heartlandvisioning.com. We are also on facebook.com/HeartlandVision and twitter.com/HeartlandVision.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
GO TOPEKA ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY RELEASED
Projects resulting from GO Topeka’s 2009 efforts will have a net benefit of more than $15 million for the City of Topeka and Shawnee County over the next ten years, according to a report issued by Impact DataSource, an Austin, Texas, economic consulting, research and analysis firm.
GO Topeka, a subsidiary of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, is funded by the countywide half-cent economic development sales tax, which generates around $5 million annually, as well as private funding for attraction of new businesses, expansion of existing businesses, and acquiring and managing assets necessary to support and retain primary jobs. The dispersion of that money is overseen by the Joint Economic Development Organization, comprised of elected officials from both Shawnee County and the City of Topeka.
The announced projects in 2009 included the new Home Depot Rapid Deployment Center, the purchase of the former Payless ShoeSource Distribution Center by PTMW, Inc. and expansions at the existing U.S. Foodservice, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Frito-Lay plants. Together, these projects retained 1,575 jobs and created 463 new jobs with a combined average wage of $48,250.
The study estimates that the benefits will continue to grow over the next ten years, with 3,770 direct and indirect jobs added, resulting in 762 new residents in Shawnee County. Of those 762 new residents, 254 will be from direct and indirect workers moving into the county, with 64 new residential properties to be built for those incoming residents. The salaries to be paid to direct and indirect workers over the next ten years exceeds $2 billion, with nearly $777 million worth of taxable sales and purchases expected in the county over that decade.
“These are exactly the sort of results voters expected when they passed the half-cent sales tax for economic development, the Topeka Blvd. Bridge and specific ballot listed road projects,” said Doug Kinsinger, president and CEO of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka. “The efforts of GO Topeka have always been to ensure the promising future of Topeka and Shawnee County, and we will continue to do so for the people of the region.”
After the extraction of all incentive costs and the cost of services resulting from announced projects, the City of Topeka is expected to see nearly $10.8 million worth of net benefits over the next ten years due to the operations of GO Topeka’s 2009 announced projects, while Shawnee County is expected to net approximately $4.4 million. The study estimates Washburn University will see just over $5 million in net benefits over the ten-year span, while the Auburn/Washburn school district will see about $1.2 million and Seaman school district would see just over $1 million. Impact DataSource also predicts about $104.5 million in net benefits to the State of Kansas in the next decade.
“This is a great return on the investment for economic development and is worth celebrating,” said Steve Jenkins, senior vice president of economic development for the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka. “In addition to the benefits to other taxing entities and the wages being added to the community for the next decade, we continue to see a growth in the primary job sector that drives growth of small businesses and improvement of the community’s quality of life. This is what the community envisioned when the sales tax for economic development was passed by the voters.”
GO Topeka, a subsidiary of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce, is funded by the countywide half-cent economic development sales tax, which generates around $5 million annually, as well as private funding for attraction of new businesses, expansion of existing businesses, and acquiring and managing assets necessary to support and retain primary jobs. The dispersion of that money is overseen by the Joint Economic Development Organization, comprised of elected officials from both Shawnee County and the City of Topeka.
The announced projects in 2009 included the new Home Depot Rapid Deployment Center, the purchase of the former Payless ShoeSource Distribution Center by PTMW, Inc. and expansions at the existing U.S. Foodservice, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Frito-Lay plants. Together, these projects retained 1,575 jobs and created 463 new jobs with a combined average wage of $48,250.
The study estimates that the benefits will continue to grow over the next ten years, with 3,770 direct and indirect jobs added, resulting in 762 new residents in Shawnee County. Of those 762 new residents, 254 will be from direct and indirect workers moving into the county, with 64 new residential properties to be built for those incoming residents. The salaries to be paid to direct and indirect workers over the next ten years exceeds $2 billion, with nearly $777 million worth of taxable sales and purchases expected in the county over that decade.
“These are exactly the sort of results voters expected when they passed the half-cent sales tax for economic development, the Topeka Blvd. Bridge and specific ballot listed road projects,” said Doug Kinsinger, president and CEO of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka. “The efforts of GO Topeka have always been to ensure the promising future of Topeka and Shawnee County, and we will continue to do so for the people of the region.”
After the extraction of all incentive costs and the cost of services resulting from announced projects, the City of Topeka is expected to see nearly $10.8 million worth of net benefits over the next ten years due to the operations of GO Topeka’s 2009 announced projects, while Shawnee County is expected to net approximately $4.4 million. The study estimates Washburn University will see just over $5 million in net benefits over the ten-year span, while the Auburn/Washburn school district will see about $1.2 million and Seaman school district would see just over $1 million. Impact DataSource also predicts about $104.5 million in net benefits to the State of Kansas in the next decade.
“This is a great return on the investment for economic development and is worth celebrating,” said Steve Jenkins, senior vice president of economic development for the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka. “In addition to the benefits to other taxing entities and the wages being added to the community for the next decade, we continue to see a growth in the primary job sector that drives growth of small businesses and improvement of the community’s quality of life. This is what the community envisioned when the sales tax for economic development was passed by the voters.”
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Resurrection debate: Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?
Michael Licona, author and New Testament historian, and Richard Carrier, author and speaker, will debate the question of the resurrection - if Jesus rose from the dead - at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, in Washburn Room A, Memorial Union, Washburn University. The event is free and open to the public.
Licona wrote “The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus.” He also was interviewed by Lee Strobel in his book, “The Case for the Real Jesus,” and Stobel’s video, “The Case for Christ.”
Carrier is a professional historian, published philosopher, and prominent defender of the American free thought movement. He has appeared across the country and on national television defending sound historical methods and the ethical worldview of secular nationalism.
Washburn University’s student organization, Christian Challenge, and the Atheist Community of Topeka are sponsoring the event. For more information, contact Craig Freerksen at (785) 806-4255.
Licona wrote “The Case for the Resurrection of Jesus.” He also was interviewed by Lee Strobel in his book, “The Case for the Real Jesus,” and Stobel’s video, “The Case for Christ.”
Carrier is a professional historian, published philosopher, and prominent defender of the American free thought movement. He has appeared across the country and on national television defending sound historical methods and the ethical worldview of secular nationalism.
Washburn University’s student organization, Christian Challenge, and the Atheist Community of Topeka are sponsoring the event. For more information, contact Craig Freerksen at (785) 806-4255.
Topeka Edward Jones Branch Office Supports Project Topeka - Community Food Drive
Jonathan Didde, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Topeka, is supporting Project Topeka by using his office as a drop-off location for a food drive.
Local residents and businesses may help those less fortunate in the community by bringing in items to the Edward Jones branch office during regular business hours from January 27th to February 28th.
The branch address is: 5844 SW Huntoon, Ste 300 in Topeka.
Local residents and businesses may help those less fortunate in the community by bringing in items to the Edward Jones branch office during regular business hours from January 27th to February 28th.
The branch address is: 5844 SW Huntoon, Ste 300 in Topeka.
Monday, January 25, 2010
ERC selects 30th Annual Designers’ Showhouse Sites
ERC Resource & Referral announces sites for the 30th Annual Designers’ Showhouse, an annual grassroots fundraiser for the non-profit, community service agency. The event raises critically needed support for ERC though a partnership between ERC, local home owners, and area designers and craftsmen. This year, ERC has select two homes with unique features to transform and showcase for public tours and activities:
A historic, Victorian home at 1621 SW Boswell, in the College Hill neighborhood --- The home built by the Sweet family in 1922 has been a private residence, a home for unwed mothers and was recently purchased by the United Methodist Church as a campus ecumenical ministry center. The first and second floors are identical, however, the first floor will be transformed into a gathering room, small group conference space, offices and fellowship areas. The second floor will be transformed into communal student residences featuring bedrooms; bathrooms; and kitchen, dining and living room space.
A new construction home at 5029 NW Derby Drive in North Topeka --- This 3400 square-foot home is being built in the Sterling Chase housing edition by Russ King Homes for a Topeka family. The home will feature "green," or environmentally friendly, construction techniques and energy efficiencies, and will be rated as an Energy Star home. This project will help educate the public about the latest in "green" building, as well as showcase the creativity of area decorators and interior designers.
"This year’s event is a little different from the previous 29 Showhouses. We are featuring two homes. We have never featured ‘green building’ before. The timing seemed right as our society is becoming more aware and interested in green building techniques and learning ways to conserve energy. The north home will create public awareness and entertain at the same time," said Reva Wywadis, ERC executive director. "The Topeka Home Builders Association Green Council is heavily involved with the project."
"The home on Boswell is interesting because of it’s history and intended use as a campus ministry and student residence. It will create new and interesting design challenges for our interior designers as they help transform the space into a functional, livable, yet fun environment that appeals to the college crowd and young-at-heart," said Wywadis.
Because the home on Boswell is an ecumenical ministry with limited funding, ERC is encouraging local businesses and philanthropic community members to consider adopting a room to provide the funding necessary to makeover the property. "We really need the support of the community on this showhouse property. Community support will benefit two local non-profits---ERC and Campus Ministry at Washburn University."
"We have a lot of space this year to design and decorate. We need area designers to help us transform both properties with the latest and greatest design trends, while keeping the intended purpose of both properties," said Wywadis.
Local businesses and individuals interested in supporting the project and area designers interested in decorating a room at either property are asked to contact Reva Wywadis at ERC Resource & Referral at 785-357-5171 as soon as possible.
A "bare bones" showing of both properties is scheduled for February 18-21, 2010. The Bare Bones Preview kicks off the Showhouse event by giving the public the chance to tour both properties for $5 before work begins. Special events at area showrooms are also being planned this year in conjunction with the Bare Bones Preview showing.
Visit www.ercrefer. org for updates on the 30th Annual ERC Designers’ Showhouses and associated events.
A historic, Victorian home at 1621 SW Boswell, in the College Hill neighborhood --- The home built by the Sweet family in 1922 has been a private residence, a home for unwed mothers and was recently purchased by the United Methodist Church as a campus ecumenical ministry center. The first and second floors are identical, however, the first floor will be transformed into a gathering room, small group conference space, offices and fellowship areas. The second floor will be transformed into communal student residences featuring bedrooms; bathrooms; and kitchen, dining and living room space.
A new construction home at 5029 NW Derby Drive in North Topeka --- This 3400 square-foot home is being built in the Sterling Chase housing edition by Russ King Homes for a Topeka family. The home will feature "green," or environmentally friendly, construction techniques and energy efficiencies, and will be rated as an Energy Star home. This project will help educate the public about the latest in "green" building, as well as showcase the creativity of area decorators and interior designers.
"This year’s event is a little different from the previous 29 Showhouses. We are featuring two homes. We have never featured ‘green building’ before. The timing seemed right as our society is becoming more aware and interested in green building techniques and learning ways to conserve energy. The north home will create public awareness and entertain at the same time," said Reva Wywadis, ERC executive director. "The Topeka Home Builders Association Green Council is heavily involved with the project."
"The home on Boswell is interesting because of it’s history and intended use as a campus ministry and student residence. It will create new and interesting design challenges for our interior designers as they help transform the space into a functional, livable, yet fun environment that appeals to the college crowd and young-at-heart," said Wywadis.
Because the home on Boswell is an ecumenical ministry with limited funding, ERC is encouraging local businesses and philanthropic community members to consider adopting a room to provide the funding necessary to makeover the property. "We really need the support of the community on this showhouse property. Community support will benefit two local non-profits---ERC and Campus Ministry at Washburn University."
"We have a lot of space this year to design and decorate. We need area designers to help us transform both properties with the latest and greatest design trends, while keeping the intended purpose of both properties," said Wywadis.
Local businesses and individuals interested in supporting the project and area designers interested in decorating a room at either property are asked to contact Reva Wywadis at ERC Resource & Referral at 785-357-5171 as soon as possible.
A "bare bones" showing of both properties is scheduled for February 18-21, 2010. The Bare Bones Preview kicks off the Showhouse event by giving the public the chance to tour both properties for $5 before work begins. Special events at area showrooms are also being planned this year in conjunction with the Bare Bones Preview showing.
Visit www.ercrefer. org for updates on the 30th Annual ERC Designers’ Showhouses and associated events.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Taxpayers Shouldn’t Be Burdened with Solving Government’s Spending Problem
The Kansas chapter of the grassroots group Americans for Prosperity released the following statement in response to Gov. Mark Parkinson’s 2010 State of the State Address:
“Considering that over a six-year time frame, from FY 2004 to FY 2009, spending increased by a staggering 40 percent, it was disappointing to once again hear Gov. Parkinson fail to identify excessive spending as being the real reason why Kansas is facing a budget shortfall,” said AFP-Kansas state director Derrick Sontag. “The budget crisis we are currently experiencing is a direct result of our state government living beyond its means, thus it is simply unacceptable for Gov. Parkinson to call for tax increases on Kansas families and businesses.
“Contrary to the Governor’s claim tonight, Kansas is a high tax state in nearly every measurement. When compared to our neighboring states, Kansas has the second highest personal and corporate income tax rates, second highest sales and gas tax rates and is even second highest in property tax collections per capita. Kansans simply cannot afford more taxes. The only state with a higher tax burden is Nebraska. However Nebraska’s state debt per capita is $22, while Kansas’ is $1,202.
“Now more than ever is the time to implement true fiscal reform in how we spend taxpayer dollars. I encourage the Governor and Legislature to not only avoid increasing taxes, but also to seriously consider passage of key measures that will impose some fiscal sanity in Topeka.
“Kansas needs to enact spending constraints, zero-based budgeting and budget stabilization fund legislation this year. When our state government entirely exhausts a budget surplus of nearly $1 billion in two and a half years, it’s obvious these measures need to be taken.
“Now is the time for our Governor and lawmakers to look in the mirror, not in the pockets of Kansas taxpayers when searching for answers. We have an opportunity to change the way we do business in Kansas by getting control over the reckless way we spend taxpayer dollars and ultimately, changing the reputation of our great state from being considered a high tax state to one that cultivates economic growth and prosperity through reductions in spending and tax rates.”
“Considering that over a six-year time frame, from FY 2004 to FY 2009, spending increased by a staggering 40 percent, it was disappointing to once again hear Gov. Parkinson fail to identify excessive spending as being the real reason why Kansas is facing a budget shortfall,” said AFP-Kansas state director Derrick Sontag. “The budget crisis we are currently experiencing is a direct result of our state government living beyond its means, thus it is simply unacceptable for Gov. Parkinson to call for tax increases on Kansas families and businesses.
“Contrary to the Governor’s claim tonight, Kansas is a high tax state in nearly every measurement. When compared to our neighboring states, Kansas has the second highest personal and corporate income tax rates, second highest sales and gas tax rates and is even second highest in property tax collections per capita. Kansans simply cannot afford more taxes. The only state with a higher tax burden is Nebraska. However Nebraska’s state debt per capita is $22, while Kansas’ is $1,202.
“Now more than ever is the time to implement true fiscal reform in how we spend taxpayer dollars. I encourage the Governor and Legislature to not only avoid increasing taxes, but also to seriously consider passage of key measures that will impose some fiscal sanity in Topeka.
“Kansas needs to enact spending constraints, zero-based budgeting and budget stabilization fund legislation this year. When our state government entirely exhausts a budget surplus of nearly $1 billion in two and a half years, it’s obvious these measures need to be taken.
“Now is the time for our Governor and lawmakers to look in the mirror, not in the pockets of Kansas taxpayers when searching for answers. We have an opportunity to change the way we do business in Kansas by getting control over the reckless way we spend taxpayer dollars and ultimately, changing the reputation of our great state from being considered a high tax state to one that cultivates economic growth and prosperity through reductions in spending and tax rates.”
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