Today, the Greater Topeka Partnership communicated its COVID-19 Crisis Organizational Plan. The plan consists of several measures necessary to ensure the organization’s financial sustainability through and after the crisis, including temporary pay reductions for most Partnership staff. Partial and full furloughs, along with a hiring freeze on open positions, will impact approximately 30% of staff positions within the Partnership.
Every team member will be affected in some way. Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership, will be taking a 40% reduction in pay. Responding to the current challenge, he said, “Today is a hard day, every member of our team provides important value, and the decision that we announced this week was not made lightly. These actions were taken to ensure that when this crisis is over, we will be able to focus on restoring our community and rebuilding the Momentum that we have fought for over the past decade."
The plan takes effect April 11 and is expected to remain in effect until early-July. All efforts are being made to find opportunities to shorten the duration. Furloughed associates will continue to receive their benefits, including health insurance.
"Businesses and organizations like ours across the country are facing the same painful necessity to temporarily reduce their payrolls in response to dramatic decreases in revenue resulting from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic," said Curtis Sneden, president of the Topeka Chamber of Commerce
“Decisions like these are never easy,” Keith Warta, CEO of Bartlett and West and chair of the Partnership’s Chairs Council said, “I am proud of the leadership that the Greater Topeka Partnership is demonstrating during this difficult season. These temporary actions will ensure the Partnership is able to continue to lead and help the community navigate this crisis.”
About Greater Topeka Partnership
The Greater Topeka Partnership serves as the collaborative agency of eight distinct efforts that support the enhancement of economic development and quality of life in Topeka and Shawnee County. They include:
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Greater Topeka Chamber |
Downtown Topeka, Inc |
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Bob Ross at Bob.Ross@TopekaPartnership.com.
