(INDIANAPOLIS) —  “The days of public-private partnerships are here to stay.” That’s how Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry describes the city’s recent transformation. Downtown revitalization –  $681 million in projects this year alone –  and new business investment/expansions are spurring growth. In recognition of these and other efforts, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce is honoring Fort Wayne as its 2020 PNC Community of the Year.

“As the state’s second-largest city, Fort Wayne continues to gain prominence as an outstanding place to live, work and raise a family,” offers Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar. “It’s a testament to the dedication of business and community leaders in attracting new talent, retaining top talent and enhancing quality of life.”

Fort Wayne will be presented the honor at the Indiana Chamber’s 31st Annual Awards program, held November 10 as a virtual event presented by Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield.

The online ceremony is free to attend via Zoom and will feature the live announcements of five other statewide awards. Among them: the Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year, Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year and Indiana Wesleyan University Dynamic Leader of the Year. Recognitions in human resources and volunteering will also be given.

Last year, the city of Plymouth, Chuck Surack of Sweetwater Sound (Fort Wayne), Gov. Eric Holcomb and Indianapolis entrepreneur John Thompson took top honors.

One aspect of Fort Wayne’s submission that made the Indiana Chamber take notice is the multi-phase riverfront redevelopment downtown. Mayor Henry calls phase one, Promenade Park, “the crown jewel of the community investment locally.” Featuring trails, kayaking, playgrounds and more, Promenade Park opened in 2019. Phases two and three will revolve around mixed-use development.

“We decided some time ago that we needed to embrace our rivers and make them an active part of not only the economic development of our community, but also for leisurely activities and social gatherings,” Mayor Henry comments. “Just about this time last summer, we opened phase one and what a magnificent introduction of Fort Wayne. Tens of thousands of people have utilized it.”

Meanwhile, public investments are expected to generate approximately $1 billion in private investment over a 10-year period. Renovating The Landing, Fort Wayne’s original business district, involves restoring historic buildings (with businesses slated to open later this year) and a new streetscape.

Also kicking off in 2019, the Summit City Match program to boost neighborhoods by matching early-stage businesses with vacant storefronts, as well as the groundbreaking for a five-story boutique hotel, a project of Vera Bradley co-founder Barbara Bradley Baekgaard.

Mayor Henry says, “We’re honored and humbled to receive the 2020 Community of the Year Award. That kind of recognition means a lot to us. We’re proud of the collaboration. We’ve had a number of employers compliment the city of Fort Wayne for trying to make sure they’re as comfortable as possible even during this COVID pandemic. It all goes back to relationships and communication.”

The theme of the Indiana Chamber’s virtual 2020 Annual Awards program is One Indiana; it will salute the heroes who have emerged amid the pandemic and economic recovery, as well as feature a moderated conversation with the four main honorees. To register for the free event, go to www.indianachamber.com/ad.

The event’s speaker sponsor is OneAmerica. Corporate sponsors are AT&T Indiana, CBRE, French Lick Resort, NIPSCO, Tilson and Zimmer Biomet.

Contributing sponsors are AECOM Hunt; Community Health Network; Corteva Agriscience; Fineline Printing Group; Indiana Soybean Alliance/Indiana Corn Marketing Council; Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick; KERAMIDA Inc.; Markey’s Rental & Staging; MCM CPAs & Advisors; Subaru of Indiana Automotive; Sweetwater Sound, Inc.; The Kroger Co.; UPS; and Vectren, A CenterPoint Energy Company.

Additional sponsorships for the Indiana Chamber’s 31st Annual Awards program are available by contacting Jim Wagner at (317) 264-6876 or jwagner@indianachamber.com.

Media interested in covering the event should contact Rebecca Patrick at (317) 264-6897 or rpatrick@indianachamber.com.

The most recent Indiana Chamber of Commerce Community of the Year recipients:

2019: Plymouth
2018: Jasper
2017: Goshen
2016: Fishers
2015: Carmel
2014: Bloomington
2013: Bedford
2012: Indianapolis
2011: Kokomo
2010: Terre Haute
2009: Valparaiso

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The Indiana Chamber partners with 25,000 members and investors – representing over four million Hoosiers – to achieve the mission of “cultivating a world-class environment which provides economic opportunity and prosperity.”