Senator Marshall Tours Local Businesses & Meets with Local Leaders in Topeka

Topeka – On Thursday, U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas), toured several local businesses, including a family-owned and operated business and a business incubator site. The Senator also met with officials to discuss opportunities for greater investments in housing across Kansas.

Highlights from the visit include:

Ernest Spencer Metals Tour

Senator Marshall visited Ernest Spencer Metals, founded in 1920 by Ed Ernest, who then partnered with Bud Spender in 1955; today, his grandson is the CEO. They started designing and building grain elevators and feed mills for agriculture facilities throughout the Midwest. As the company grew, the expanding to making their own in-house quality components – they have two modern production facilities, Meriden and Topeka.

Click here for more photos. 

LINK Innovation Lab Tour

Senator Marshall also visited the LINK Innovation Lab, a 17,000 sq. ft. facility that includes innovation labs and office space for company and project research and development. Topeka and Shawnee County intend to utilize the facility to attract more startups in the animal health sector to the state. The Animal Health corridor, which spans from Manhattan, Kan., to Columbus, Mo., represent 67% or $21.5 billion in animal health, diagnostics, and pet food sales in the U.S.

Click here for more photos. 

Federal Home Loan Bank

Senator Marshall also visited the Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka to receive a briefing on how the cooperative provides liquidity to community lenders and supports housing and community development across Kansas and the region. Bank leaders shared updates on recent progress under FHFA Director Bill Pulte, their work with federal regulators, and how FHLB Topeka investments are strengthening communities. 

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Contact: Payton Fuller