Our team members at Cortez Transportation are the difference maker. They ensure our clients have a safe, timely, and personalized experience when traveling with Cortez. Each month we highlight a different employee so you can get to know them a bit! This month we’re spotlighting Ruben Salamanca!

Years in the transportation industry
3

Favorite Car
Genesis GV80

Longest Drive
Driving from Topeka to Des Moines, IA (205 miles)

Why do you like working in transportation?
I enjoy helping people get where they need to be safely and on time. It’s satisfying to provide a smooth, reliable experience that makes someone’s day easier. I also like speaking with people from other places and hearing their stories.

The oldest restaurant in Topeka, Northstar Steakhouse originally opened it’s doors in 1942 when bootlegger William “Jug” Robinson helped establish the business. A local legend for steak - this restaurant is a must visit for anyone spending time in the Capitol City!

Fresh off a ribbon cutting earlier this month - LINK Innovation Labs just opened their doors to the Topeka entrepreneur and business community. Serving as a hub to support startups, small businesses, researchers, and industry partners - LINK is designed to provide support in a central location with the intention to create partnerships and support.

“Link Innovation Labs is a powerful example of how our community continues to invest in long-term opportunity,” said Molly Howey, CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership. “By creating a space where entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders can come together, we are strengthening Topeka’s position as a place where innovation, talent, and business thrive.”

College basketball is about to be in full swing, and with the Jayhawks coming off a major win against number one ranked Arizona, Kansas is one of the best destinations for any NCAA Basketball fan! Considered the ‘Cradle of Basketball’, no other city in the US can boast an array of basketball history like Lawrence, Kansas.

Named in honor of the late Dr. F.C. “Phog” Allen, the Jayhawks’ head coach for 39 years, Allen Fieldhouse is one of the greatest venues and home court advantages in all of basketball. The energy and experience of a KU basketball game is something every sports fan should get to have.

Make your next game even more enjoyable by choosing Cortez Transportation to handle the trip!

One of the most notable airline partnerships reached a new milestone on Tuesday. United Airlines and JetBlue’s ‘Blue Sky’ loyalty program collaboration is launching new booking capabilities. Travelers will be able to purchase select flight itineraries operated by either airline directly on each carrier’s website and mobile app. Travelers will also start to see more travel options from each carrier when searching for flights across both airlines’ websites.

Launched late last year - travelers can now digitize their passport in their Apple Wallets with a new Digital I.D. feature available on their smartphones. Users can securely store and present their identity using their iPhone or Apple Watch with Digital I.D.

According to Apple, the Digital ID roll out in beta can be used to verify a person's identity at more than 250 airports nationwide to pass through TSA checkpoints for domestic travel.

Upcoming Events 🗓️

Topeka Performing Arts Center
Jonathan Dely - Feb. 14
The Wizard of Oz on Ice - Mar. 8
Bored Teachers Comedy Tour - Apr. 10

See more TPAC Events

Stormont-Vail Events Center
GT Arenacross 2026 - Feb. 13-14
Topeka LEGO Brick Convention - Feb. 21-22
NAIA Cheer and Dance Championship - Mar. 27

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Prairie Band Casino & Resort
Larry the Cable Guy - Mar. 12
Tower of Power - Mar. 26
David Lee Murphy - Apr. 2

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McCain Performance Series
HEDY! - Feb. 27
Drum Tao - Mar. 3
Red Hot Chili Pipers - Mar. 8

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Lied Center
Kings Return - Feb. 17
Peppa Pig - Mar. 10
IL Divo by Candlelight - Mar. 11

See More Lied Center Events