(INDIANAPOLIS) — At a time when many downtowns are struggling to stay vibrant and cities and towns statewide wrestle with brain drain, Greater Lafayette has seen significant growth on numerous fronts. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has taken notice and is honoring Greater Lafayette as its 2021 NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year.

A wide-ranging public-private partnership has pulled together resources from across Lafayette, West Lafayette and Tippecanoe County to assure the area’s business sector and population are growing and the region has the infrastructure and amenities to accommodate and continue that growth.

“When you look around Greater Lafayette, it’s absolutely phenomenal to see the continued transformation,” says Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar. “It’s a testament to the dedication of business and community leaders in attracting new talent, retaining top workers and enhancing the quality of life. The area is a tremendous standout for the state.”

From 2015 to 2020, there has been $889.5 million in public investment into the area and $1.5 billion in private sector investment.

A sampling of projects include:

  • a $22 million multi-purpose/sports stadium featuring state of the art playing surfaces, equipment and facilities that will seat 2,500 people in Columbian Park in Lafayette;
  • The Rise ($80 million) and Hub on State ($57 million) housing developments in West Lafayette;
  • $34 million wellness center in West Lafayette; and
  • $24 million redevelopment of the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds.

“This community decided a long time ago that local governments needed to collaborate to make Greater Lafayette a robust and exciting place to live, work and play,” states Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski. “We have all devoted endless resources to provide an infrastructure for future growth with amenities that enhance the quality of life for our citizens throughout Greater Lafayette. I am so pleased to share this recognition with our wonderful citizens and the countless business and community leaders that have dedicated their time and talents to make this community what it is today.”

As projects continue to take root, Greater Lafayette Commerce – a collaboration of six community economic development organizations – is set to launch a major talent recruitment and branding campaign this fall.

Lafayette and West Lafayette also have invested millions in the ongoing redevelopment of their downtowns. The results include 350 new housing units and 25,000 square feet of commercial/retail/office space and at least $60 million more is planned.

On the business front, there have been major new investments by SAAB ($37 million) and Rolls Royce ($3.5 million) to further position the area as an aviation hub, as well as a dedicated Aerospace District Research Park ($30 million). Not to mention, notes Brinegar, the continued commitment made by leading employers Purdue University and Subaru of Indiana Automotive.

In 2020, the $3.4 million Riverfront Promenade overlooking the Wabash River also was completed connecting Lafayette and West Lafayette.

“There has been a team effort in place to work collectively for the good of Greater Lafayette for years. That work compliments the efforts of both cities and county governments to set a course that strives for growth and prosperity reaching far across Tippecanoe County,” offers Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tom Murtaugh. “This award is a testament to that determination by every citizen to make Greater Lafayette greater!”

The pandemic, emphasizes West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis, has only strengthened area cooperation.

“Both cities working together, sharing resources and collaborating in the fight against COVID shines a bright light on Greater Lafayette and shows the true character of its citizens. What a great honor it is to receive the Community of the Year award. Many thanks to those who participated in making our community such a great destination for the state of Indiana.”

Greater Lafayette will be presented the honor at the Indiana Chamber’s 32nd Annual Awards program, presented by Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, November 9 at the Indiana Convention Center. A table of 10 in the Greater Lafayette Community of the Year section is $1,650 and individual tickets are $165 each. All can be purchased online at www.indianachamber.com/ad or by calling (800) 824-6885.

The ceremony will feature three other statewide honors: the Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year, Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year and the Dynamic Leader of the Year. Recognitions in volunteering also will be given. The winners of those awards will be announced weekly beginning September 2.

The event speaker sponsor is OneAmerica and PNC is the opening reception sponsor. 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, Indiana Soybean Alliance/Indiana Corn Marketing Council, MCM CPAs & Advisors, Roche Diagnostics Corporation, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Sweetwater Sound, Inc., The Kroger Company and UPS.

Additional sponsorships for the Indiana Chamber’s 32nd Annual Awards program are available by contacting Jim Wagner at jwagner@indianachamber.com.

Media interested in covering the awards event should contact Matt Ottinger at (317) 264-7541 or mottinger@indianachamber.com.

The most recent Indiana Chamber of Commerce Community of the Year recipients are: 2020: Fort Wayne; 2019: Plymouth; 2018: Jasper; 2017: Goshen; 2016: Fishers; 2015: Carmel; 2014: Bloomington; 2013: Bedford; 2012: Indianapolis; 2011: Kokomo; and 2010: Terre Haute.

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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.”