Topeka Relocation Guide 2009

T opeka’s Pioneering Spirit Prevails During Sharon Boranyak Turbulent Economic Times Chamber/GO Topeka Communications Specialist For over 150 years, a pioneering spirit has prevailed in Topeka, Kansas. Established on the Oregon Trail, Topeka soon became the original headquarters of the old Santa Fe Railroad (now BNSF Railway Company), exemplifying how Topeka/Shawnee County embraces innovation. Today, the research to produce a more fuelefficient fuel cell locomotive is taking place in Topeka, the community is at the center of the largest animal science center of excellence in the world and the area boasts one of the highest educational attainment levels in the United States with over 36% of the residents having bachelors’ degrees or higher. Topeka is a community that is creating new competitive positions for the present and future. Assets That Set Topeka Apart Topeka/Shawnee County competes with 18,000 other communities in its quest to create and retain jobs and capital investment. The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and its economic development arm, GO Topeka, aggressively target companies globally, using forward-thinking strategies that make the most of the community’s valuable assets. Del Monte Foods Indeed, Topeka/Shawnee County has assets that site selectors seek: Accessibility: Topeka/Shawnee County is at the crossroads of I-70/I-35, providing excellent east-west and north-south access. The Union Pacific and BNSF railroads serve the community with over 120 trains arriving and departing daily. Forbes Field and the Forbes Field Industrial complex, a Foreign Trade Zone, have a 12,000 foot runway providing an excellent economic asset. Kansas City International Airport is within an hour’s drive. Solid Infrastructure: Kansas roads are rated third best in the U.S. Roads, utilities and fiber-optic cable are in place for further development. Topeka/Shawnee County has a network of sophisticated, reasonably priced telecommunications systems that give it a leading-edge position as a global competitor. Cutting-Edge Research: Leading national research universities lie to Topeka’s east (University of Kansas) and west (Kansas State University), and the community has one of the leading small universities in the nation (Washburn University). Washburn University recently entered into a unique affiliation with Kaw Area Technical School that greatly enhances workforce development for existing, as well as future jobs. Topeka also is a center of animal and human health research, being home to an international animal science research facility and two major hospitals that perform clinical trials. Lohmann & Rauscher International headquarters is located in Topeka, as is Security Benefit and its se2 division. Diverse Economy: Topeka and Shawnee County are home to a variety of business and industry sectors including manufacturing, distribution, business services and human and animal sciences. Notable examples include Hill’s Pet Nutrition (international headquarters and its research Topek a Reloc at ion Gu ide 20 09 and development center), Security Benefit, Aviva, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, Frito-Lay, Del Monte, Payless ShoeSource/Collective Brands (international headquarters), Jostens and Target Distribution. A diverse economy assures that the community is more resilient to the ups and downs of business cycles that other parts of the country may experience. Ready and Committed Workforce: Topeka/Shawnee County has a workforce that reflects the attitude that built America – committed, dedicated to quality and a hard-working Midwestern work ethic. The workforce has diverse skills because of the diverse nature of the local economy and is supported by strong school systems and Kaw Area Technical School for education and training. Additionally, a “knowledge corridor” with 60,000 university students within 50 miles of Topeka provides a highquality stream of 12,000 college graduates annually, contributing significantly to the highly educated workforce. The Topeka area ranks in the top 20% of the nation related to those with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Business-Friendly Climate: According to Moody’s Economy.com, Topeka/Shawnee County is one of the lower cost locations for business. Office rents are 41% lower, energy costs are 30% lower and the overall cost of doing business in Topeka is 7% lower than the national average. Quality Place to Live: Topeka/Shawnee County has a cost-of-living index of 89, with 100 being the national average (ACCRA Cost of Living Index, Third 4 http://www.Economy.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Topeka Relocation Guide 2009

Topeka Relocation Guide 2009 Contents Topeka's Pioneering Spirit Prevails During Turbulent Economic Times The Topeka & Shawnee County Library is "Your" Place Topeka Arts Community Grows Through ARTSConnect Topeka Bragging Rights History of Topeka Choosing Topeka Little Know Facts About Topeka 15 Things to Experience in Topeka What's a Young Professional to Do? Topeka in Profile Transportation Lodging Brick Oven: American Cuisine with a Multi-Cultural Twist Great Overland Station: Rich History, Elegant Architecture Religious Organizations Libraries, Shopping and Child Care Referral Housing Income Demographics Business and Industry Topeka MSA Employment Education Higher Education Opportunities Healthcare Local Transportation Taking Care of Pets Utilities Cultural Activities Trails Festivals Attractions Important Numbers Community Information Sources Licensing Agencies Employment Agencies

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