Fort Wayne wins Community of the Year award
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) – The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has named Fort Wayne the 2020 PNC Community of the Year. Greater Fort Wayne Inc. says the statewide award can be attributed to the city’s quality of life improvements, new business investment and job growth.
Chamber officials highlighted the city’s improvements to Promenade Park, renovations on The Landing, and The Bradley boutique hotel during the judging process.
“As the state’s second-largest city, Fort Wayne continues to gain prominence as an outstanding place to live, work, and raise a family,” said 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.”
GFW says it has seen improvements in its ability to attract and retain talent. Citing data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Allen County posted a net positive of nearly 1,500 residents via net domestic migration in 2019, its best year on record and third consecutive year with a positive number.
The county also added nearly 1,200 new jobs and more than $52 million in new annual payroll last year.
“This award is an achievement for everyone in Fort Wayne and Allen County,” said John Urbahns, president of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “We have worked together to not only transform downtown Fort Wayne, but to upgrade our neighborhoods, enhance our rural communities, and grow jobs and wages. We’ve come a long way, but we must keep improving to reach our goal of becoming a nationally recognized economy.”
Fort Wayne will be presented the honor at the chamber’s 31st Annual Awards program to be held virtually on November 10.