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Small Business AwardsArchitect One, Dynamic Computer Solutions of Topeka, and Heartland Park Topeka were recognized as 2008 Small Businesses of the Year Wednesday, May 21, at the 28th Annual Small Business Awards presentation at the Washburn University Memorial Union. Robb Heineman, managing principal of OnGoal, LLC, and president of the Kansas City Wizards, was guest speaker.
“Despite a difficult economic period over the past three years in the construction industry, Architect One has experienced a 66% growth in staff and a 250% increase in revenue by deliberately diversifying our client base to a broader geographical region and by more aggressively pursuing projects in markets we have recognized as areas of our strengths,” says Wilson. Architect One’s recent projects include Heritage Bank, the Ottawa Community Center, and a new apartment project at 21st and Adams. The apartment project is making a “positive impact in that neighborhood,” says Wilson. Wilson and Gales, both graduates of Leadership Greater Topeka and past presidents of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Topeka chapter, have assumed leadership roles in a number of community organizations including the Riverfront Task Force, GO Topeka, the TARC Foundation, and United Way of Greater Topeka.
Specializing in networking, connectivity, communications, and computers, Dynamic has performed hundreds of customer network installations. As technology has evolved, so has the business, incorporating wireless and mobile WAN technology, IP voice converged systems, WatchGuard, AT&T services and products, built-to-order servers and workstations, to name only a few of Dynamic’s products and services. A solutions partner for AT&T more than 11 years, Dynamic recently was recognized at the 2007 AT&T Circle of Excellence Awards. The Millers and their firm are active in more than 20 nonprofit organizations, including Junior Achievement, Kaw Area Technical School advisory council, USD 337 Royal Valley advisory board, Topeka Fellowship, and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka. Dynamic also provides goods and services to a number of non-profit organizations.
Since 2003, HPT has expanded operations at the track from 87 event days to more than 260 event days in 2007, bringing back events such as World of Outlaws, American Motorcycle Association (AMA) racing, Championship Cup Series (CCS) road racing, and Monster Trucks. These events significantly impact the region’s travel and tourism industry. As Heartland Park Topeka underwent a major renovation from 2004 to 2007, construction contracts totaling more than $15 million were awarded—all to Topeka and Kansas companies. HPT gives back to the community by providing a secure location for City, County, and State law enforcement to use for training exercises. The Heartland Park Topeka Foundation, established by Nancy Irwin, has provided funds to the Peggy Kelly House, Kansas Children’s Discovery Center, the Prairie Advocacy Group, and other educational and charitable organizations in the community.
The Chamber/GO Topeka extend thanks to the following 2008 sponsors: Gold Sponsors: Kennedy and Coe Silver Sponsors: Coldwell Banker Griffith & Blair Amerian Home and Parrish Hotel Corporation Bronze Sponsors: BRB Contractors, Countertop Shoppe, Heritage Bank, PTMW, Inc., Sam's Club and T and T Mangement Co. dba McDonald's. Past Small Business Award Winners 1981-2007 |
Copyright © 2008 Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. | 120 SE Sixth Street, Suite 110 | Topeka, KS 66603-3515 | (785) 234-2644 | Fax (785) 234-8656 | topekainfo@TopekaChamber.org
Architect One, P.A., 3500 SW Fairlawn Road, was started in 1989 as a single employee/owner firm by Michael T. Wilson, senior partner. The architectural firm now has 10 employees, including architect Scott E. Gales, who joined the firm in 1993 and became a partner in 1998. 
Dynamic Computer Solutions of Topeka, Inc., 2214 SW 10th Street, and its president Mitch Miller and chief executive Fran Miller, have served the technology needs of area small businesses for over 24 years. When the Millers purchased the Topeka branch of Dynamic Computer Solutions in June of 2001, there were 14 employees. Today, the privately held, employee-owned company employs 24.
Heartland Park Topeka (HPT) has experienced a major transformation since Raymond and Nancy Irwin purchased the facility’s assets in the spring of 2003. Not only has the business become profitable, employment at HPT has risen from literally no employees to 30 full-time and more than 60 part-time employees. 
