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When Katy Nelson took over as President and CEO of the Topeka Area Building Association (TABA), she quickly realized she had an opportunity to make the role—and the organization—bigger and better.

Five years later, that vision is taking shape.

TABA is preparing to move from its current 800-square-foot space into a new 10,500-square-foot building at 1112 S.W. 6th Ave. But for Nelson, the new space represents much more than room to grow.

It's an opportunity to expand education, support the next generation of skilled workers, bring members and the community together and create new possibilities for the organization and the region it serves.

“I love what I do,” Nelson said. “This is a job that was made for me.”

More Than a Building Association

The Topeka Area Building Association brings together professionals and businesses connected to the building industry, creating opportunities for members to connect, collaborate and support one another.

For Nelson, that support comes down to one simple philosophy: members do business with members.

“I live and breathe those words,” she said.

That philosophy has been put into action throughout the construction of TABA’s new building. Every company involved in the project is a TABA member, with one exception but even that organization is now interested in joining after learning more about TABA.

For Nelson, supporting the people and businesses who invest in Topeka is an important part of building a stronger community.

It's that same commitment to involvement and community that has helped shape TABA's relationship with Envista.

Building Room for What’s Next

TABA's new building will allow the organization to bring more of its work under one roof.

Nelson's goal is to host as many of TABA's events as possible in its own space, creating more flexibility while reducing the need to rent outside venues. The larger facility will also provide space for education, training, community programs, and eventually, office and event space available for others to rent.

But one of the biggest opportunities lies in expanding TABA's educational reach.

TABA's service area stretches well beyond Topeka, reaching nearly to the Nebraska border and south toward Emporia, with communities including Lawrence and Manhattan in between. Until now, limited space and resources have made it difficult to fully serve the larger area.

The new building will change that.

Nelson envisions creating an education center where contractors, apprentices, and young people can learn practical skills and explore opportunities in the trades.

TABA is also starting to work with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club to introduce youth to career paths they may not have considered. The goal is to help younger generations realize there are many paths to a successful career.

“We're starting a new program with the Boys and Girls Club to start these kids out on a path so that they know there's more out there than just college,” Nelson said.

Programming could look like hands-on experiences like learning how to plumb or run electrical through walls, frame a door, or install a window.

“We're going to teach these kids,” Nelson said. “And we’re going to get them excited and interested [in different trades]!”

Investing in the Next Generation

The new space will also support TABA's growing apprenticeship program.

Nelson plans for apprentices and young adults in the program to gather at the new facility once or twice a month for the classroom and bookwork portion of their training. In the future, TABA also hopes to purchase educational materials directly, helping reduce the financial burden on participating contracting companies.

Looking further ahead, Nelson would also like TABA to offer classes for individuals preparing for general contractor licensing or testing.

Together, those programs reflect a larger vision: creating a place where people can learn, develop skills, and discover opportunities within the building industry.

“We're creating an education center and we're going to do all kinds of things,” Nelson said.

A Partnership Built on Community

Envista and TABA's relationship didn't begin with the new building.

The two organizations have worked together for years, including through TABA's Home Show and other community connections. Envista employees and leaders have also been involved with TABA throughout the years, helping build a relationship rooted in more than just business.

So when Nelson began exploring the possibility of purchasing a new building, Envista was there to help guide her through the financing process.

Nelson said the experience stood out because of how personal it felt.

“Erik came over to my current building and he was like, ‘This is what we need to do for a loan,’” she said. “He walked me through the whole process.”

For TABA, working with a financial partner that already understood the organization—and shared its commitment to the local community—made an important milestone feel more manageable.

“It was probably the best process I've ever had,” Nelson said. “It's because Envista is easy to work with.”

That kind of relationship matters to Nelson, especially as she encourages TABA members to support businesses that are also invested in the community they call home.

Building a Future Together

As TABA prepares to open the doors to its new home, Nelson sees the building as a starting point.

There are apprenticeship programs to grow, educational opportunities to create, young people to introduce to the trades, and communities throughout the region that TABA hopes to reach.

The organization's footprint may be getting bigger, but its focus remains rooted in the same idea: investing in people, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities that strengthen the community.

For Nelson, the future of TABA is about continuing to build on what already exists, and making room for what comes next.

To learn more about the Topeka Area Building Association, its programs and membership opportunities, visit https://buildingtopeka.org/ 

As TABA enters this next chapter, Envista is proud to continue supporting an organization that is helping build a stronger future for Topeka and the surrounding communities.