VAERUS AVIATION EXPANDING ITS PRESENCE AT FORBES FIELD WITH LATEST INVESTMENT IN COMPANY GROWTH

Topeka, KS — Today, Topeka and Shawnee County’s Joint Economic Development Organization (JEDO) board voted to invest in the growth of Vaerus Aviation, a Topeka-based company specializing in aircraft acquisition, as well as flight and aircraft management. Vaerus serves clients across the community and country.

Previously referred to as “Project Brick,” the company’s expansion is expected to result in 13 new, well-paying jobs. JEDO is investing in the creation of those jobs, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $110,000. The expansion project is expected to generate an economic impact of $18.9 million over 10 years, representing a 301% return on investment for the community.

“The greater Topeka community has been an excellent launchpad for us, and we look forward to many more years of growth and opportunities for reinvestment in our community,” said Patrick Traul, vice president and director of operations at Vaerus. “We are proud to be building the foundation of our business here in Topeka.”

“Vaerus is a strong local company with national reach, and I’m proud to see it growing alongside our community,” said Shawnee County Commission Chair Kevin Cook. “Vaerus continues to invest in the Topeka area, and I’m glad they see the value of launching and scaling in Shawnee County.”

“Vaerus is a key player in the region’s aviation industry, and I’m excited to see their expansion at Forbes Field continue to unfold,” said Topeka Mayor Michael Padilla. “It’s a win for the community when we can help a company create new jobs, with good pay, for our residents.”

“With this expansion being an addition to growth they announced earlier in the year, Vaerus is helping transform the aviation landscape in our community,” said Molly Howey, president of GO Topeka. “We’re excited to see a local employer like Vaerus continue to invest in and see the value of doing business here. I’m confident the jobs they’re creating will have a positive impact on Topeka’s economic prosperity and enhance the company’s presence in their industry.”

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About Greater Topeka

The Greater Topeka area in Shawnee County represents a community of 178,909 people, located in the Greater Kansas City region. As the state capital of Kansas, Topeka is home to a dynamic employer base. Companies headquartered here include Advisors Excel, Security Benefit, Capitol Federal and Evergy.

About GO Topeka

GO Topeka creates county-wide economic success for all companies and citizens through implementation of an aggressive economic-development strategy that capitalizes on the unique strengths of the community. GO Topeka operates under the Greater Topeka Partnership and is the leading economic development agency in the area. For more, visit GoTopeka.com.

About Vaerus Aviation

Vaerus Aviation is responsibly growing to be one of the largest aircraft management companies in Kansas, with a second base of operation in Scottsdale, Arizona. Offering comprehensive aircraft management, as well as aircraft acquisition and sales services, Vaerus provides exemplary service to clients by creating an organizational culture focused on advocating for customer aviation needs, strong support of employees, and the highest standards of safety. As one of only three flight departments in Kansas and the only management company in the region to achieve Stage III IS-BAO status, Vaerus continues to stand out among the nation’s aircraft companies. For more, visit VaerusAviation.com.