Press release from the City of Fort Wayne:
Business, community leaders partner with City to attract development in southeast Fort Wayne
Southtown Area Advisory Committee to advise Mayor Henry on how to increase private investment, jobs near Southtown Centre
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry continued the City’s efforts to increase private investment, commercial development and jobs in the Southtown Centre area of southeast Fort Wayne with the formation of the Southtown Area Advisory Committee. Today the Mayor signed an executive order to create the group of more than a dozen business and community leaders appointed by the Mayor.
“This is a dynamic, action-oriented group of individuals committed to bringing more commercial development, job opportunities and economic success to the Southtown area,” said Mayor Henry. “I look forward to working with the committee and thank its members for their willingness to serve.”
The Southtown Area Advisory Committee includes representatives from the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, the Southside Business Group, private business owners, the Southeast Strategy Advisory Committee, key area churches and community leaders. Business owners Ted Williams and John Dortch are co-chairs of the committee. City Councilman Glynn Hines, 6th District, is also a member of the group.
“During my time on City Council, there has been considerable public and private investment in southeast Fort Wayne. However, we need to continue the momentum to make sure we explore every opportunity for continued growth,” said Councilman Hines. “Our goal is to produce measurable results that bring jobs and economic development to southeast Fort Wayne.”
The committee will serve as a sounding board for the City concerning potential development opportunities in the area. Members of the group will also serve as ambassadors to encourage additional private investment in the area.
“We have a number of people on this committee who are very successful doing business in southeast Fort Wayne,” Mayor Henry said. “By promoting this area to potential investors and sharing their stories, these entrepreneurs can help us attract new businesses and ultimately additional jobs to the Southtown area.”
One of the committee’s key goals is to help to ensure the sustainability of the Regional Public Safety Academy located at Southtown Centre. Considering its potential to attract large groups for training and events, business leaders view the Academy as a catalyst for economic growth and jobs in the area.
The executive order authorizes the Southtown Area Advisory Committee to function for two years. At the end of that time, the Mayor will review the committee’s results and can reauthorize it for another period. If after two years action to reauthorize the committee is not taken, it will expire.
Southtown Area Advisory Committee
Co-Chairs:
Ted Williams, McDonald’s Restaurant
John Dortch, The Preston Joan GroupCommittee Members:
Rick Bender, Wal-Mart South store manager
Mike Bynum, Southeast Strategy Advisory Committee
Pastor Wayne Feay, Fellowship Missionary Church
City Councilman Glynn Hines, 6th District
Charlie Hire, Hires Automotive Center, vice-president Southside Business Group
Lewis King, King’s Barbershop, Southeast Strategy Advisory Committee
Mike Landram, interim president and CEO, Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce
Michael Olson, Belmont Beverage
Pastor Anthony Payton, Come As You Are Community Church
Marge Wulliman, president, Southside Business Group
Fernando Zapari, El Mexicano newspaperCity of Fort Wayne staff:
Julie Sanchez, redevelopment specialist
Bernie Beier, Regional Public Safety Academy director
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