Growth Organization of Topekashawnee Co

“Vp of finance donald p beatty has a business relationship with wendy wells and mark ruelle which both serve as board members. Jerry farley has a business relationship with mark ruelle and mayor larry wolgast. Megan jones has a business relationship with andrew corbin and serves on his board at bcbs. Kurt kuta president/ceo has a business relationship with jerry farley. Janet stanek has a business relationship with randy peterson, he is her boss. Mark ruelle has a business relationship with jerry farley.”

“During 2016, the organization entered into a purchased services agreement with the greater topeka chamer of commerce (the chamber) for certain services, resources, office space and equipment. Services provided by the chamber to the organization include bookkeeping, accounting and audit support, and support servcies to include communications and marketing, administrative and government relations. In addition, the agreement includes payment to the chamber for a portion of the president's salary based on an estimate of the time spent serving the organization.”

“During 2017, the organization added committee descriptions to the by laws. The nonimating committeee consists of the vice-chairman, the secretary servings as co-chairs of the committee, the immediate past chairman, the president and ceo of the corporation and five elected directors who are not standing for re-election shall appoint the board of directors. The finance/audit committee consisting of the chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer, immediate past chairman, the president and ceo of the corporation and at least one non-officer director shall be appointed by the board of directors.”

“The directors of the group constitute its members. The members approve significant decisions of the organization.”

“The go topeka board of directors appoints a nominating committee which develops board nominations from its member investors and submits them to the board of directors for consideration.”

“Form 990 was reviewed by the entire board of directors prior to filing. The 990 was prepared by an outside cpa firm.”

“During orientation the officer/director is required to review & sign an agreement which requires notification of conflicts. The conflict of interest policy is required to be signed annually. Board members are also required to notify of any conflicts as they occur if after the conflict of interest policy is signed.”

“Compensation is determined by comparison of industry data for comparable positions and through performance reviews. The compensation is approved by the directors. Growth organization of topeka reimburses the chamber of commerce for a portion of these salaries through the shared services agreement.”

“The financial statements, governing documents & conflict of interest policy are not available to the general public, the 990 is available upon request only.”

“The incentive payments are performance based payments made to various businesses in exchange for providing jobs and/or economic development to the topeka/shawnee county area.”

“Timing difference in recognition of interest income -1,062.”