Madison Mayor Bob Courtney spoke at the Chamber’s announcement Tuesday before a City Council meeting.
The Indiana Chamber was pleased to reveal Madison as its 2024 Community of the Year on Tuesday. The announcement was made at a press conference ahead of a city council meeting.
With its rich heritage and historic architecture, a beautiful setting along the Ohio River and proximity to several large metropolitan areas, most Hoosiers are familiar with Madison. But there’s much more at play. Madison is enjoying an ongoing housing and business sector expansion, a revitalized downtown and a growing list of events that keep the city bustling throughout the year.
“Madison is a true southern gateway for the state of Indiana and is fast becoming a regional hub for business, in addition to being an established epicenter for recreational and leisure activities,” offers Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders. “What’s happening in Madison is a credit to the public and corporate leadership there and is a feather in the cap of the entire state. It’s an honor to put a spotlight on the tremendous progress they’re making with this award.”
“Maybe I’m biased, but I think Madison has it all,” says Bob Courtney, a Madison native who after a long career in banking and finance became the city’s mayor in 2019. “Yes, we do have a great environment for business and as a result a growing business sector. And we have a growing list of attractions, amenities and improved infrastructure to support all that. We have great schools. But it’s even more than that. We’ve set a vision and curated an atmosphere that is very friendly, welcoming and inviting. That’s why Madison is one of the few cities in Indiana – or anywhere – that is projecting population growth.” (Courtney is shown above accepting the honor.)
Using cutting-edge artificial intelligence software, city leaders are striving to grow in a more strategic way than Madison ever has.
“Our community is in a renaissance period of not just growth, but growth that is thoughtful and managed,” states Tony Steinhardt, the city’s director of economic development. “We’ve elevated amenities and quality of life; we’ve eliminated blight – there are places to eat, things to see and do. And we’ve done all of these things by collecting, analyzing and studying data and trends to build on what we have, enhance Madison’s current situation and chart a course for its future.”
A five-person Indiana Chamber panel selected Madison after a thorough review of all cities under consideration. Those nominations came from the communities themselves or through individuals recognizing an area’s progress and commitment to its businesses and citizens.
City officials will receive the honor at our 35th Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, November 13 at the Indiana Convention Center. Tickets and tables can be purchased online or by calling (800) 824-6885. The ceremony will feature four other statewide honors: the Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year, Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year, Yamaha Dynamic Leader of the Year and Young Professional of the Year.
