News release from Greater Fort Wayne, Inc.:
Greater Fort Wayne Metro Chamber Alliance, Inc. Holds Annual Meeting
(May 20, 2015) – Members of the Greater Fort Wayne Metro Chamber Alliance, Inc. convened their Annual Meeting today to celebrate the successes of 2014, to honor the Leadership Fort Wayne Class of 2015, and recognize three community leaders for their commitment to the greater Fort Wayne business community. The business meeting, called to order by Board Chairman Ron Turpin, included a synopsis of the work conducted by Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Staff, Board and Committee members.
Turpin outlined that “today is a celebration of our successes as an organization and a community. In 2014, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. supported efforts to designate IPFW as a Metropolitan University which was awarded on the last day of the legislative session. We also conducted two Inter-City Visits to Des Moines, Iowa which helped inspire a $3 million dollar investment by the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne to the Riverfront Development project. In addition, GFW Inc. took a leadership role in supporting the Regional Cities Initiative and the development and sale of the community’s first economic development spec building. We are equally proud of our collaboration and co-location with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and are grateful for the confidence shown by the business community in helping GFW reach its capital campaign goals.”
Eric Doden, recently named CEO for Greater Fort Wayne Inc., provided a video welcome to members where he enthusiastically shared his vision and encouragement for a greater Fort Wayne. “It is an exciting time to be a part of this community and region, said Doden. What I’m seeing is a real belief in what we can accomplish together by growing jobs, wages and economic opportunity for a better community. I’m excited about our future and where we are headed as an economy.”
Members of the Leadership Fort Wayne Class of 2015 were recognized for their achievement, and presented with certificates of completion by Board Chairman Ron Turpin and Committee Chairwoman Irene Walters. “This year’s class represented a great cross-section of our community. Small business owners, corporate executives, nonprofit leaders, and members of our Air Guard participated in the 2015 class, learning from nearly 100 community and business leaders,” said Cheri Becker, VP of GFW, Inc. “Leadership Fort Wayne continues to develop strong leaders who are prepared to be better leaders professionally and in service to our community.”
“We as an organization believe it’s important to recognize business leaders and elected officials who are active in the community and who champion our work” said Turpin. “This year, we are honored to award Mike Cahill with the Chairman’s Award, Chuck Surack with the Swagger Award, and Phil GiaQuinta with the Legislator of the Year Award. We are grateful for their work on behalf of the greater Fort Wayne community and the GFW Inc. organization.”
The meeting ended with a concert provided by the internationally-recognized Voices of Unity Choir.
About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention and community engagement. To learn more, visit https://www.greaterfortwayneinc.com/.
Related Images:
