Construction of U.S. 24 Interchanges, Two Years Ahead of Schedule

Press Release From the Statehouse on Friday, February 8, 2008 -

The construction of the interchange at State Road 101 and U.S. 24 will be contracted this spring, two years ahead of schedule, according to Rep. Randy Borror (R-Fort Wayne).

The design work, which began in December, has been completed, and construction will begin this spring — two years sooner than originally planned. Rep. Borror said design work was accelerated in order to speed up construction.

“There has been public concern regarding the lack of interchanges,” said Rep. Borror. “By adding additional intersections, we will be able to enhance safety on the highway and save money since construction prices continue to rise.

“Funding from Major Moves has made the acceleration of this project possible. Because of Major Moves, we will are able to do this today, rather than 20 years from now.”

The interchanges will be built at Webster Road and State Road 101, along with a pedestrian overpass at Ryan/Brick roads. The cost for the interchanges is $40 million.

Rep. Borror and Gov. Mitch Daniels announced the plans for the interchanges on Dec. 12, 2007.

Continental to Double Size of Planes

We just got word that Continental Airlines will double the size of their planes flying to Cleveland. They are going to use the Q200 aircraft, which seats 37, starting on February 14. This will discontinue the use of the B1900, a 19 passenger plane.

Additionally, the Q200 has a flight attendant and lavatory; things the 1900 does not. A very good upgrade.

Emphasis Hits Stands Today

Check out today's issue of the Chamber's Emphasis magazine. Featured in this issue is Business People magazine which celebrates its 20th anniversary this month.

We've also got Valentines Day Tips from the Pros at DeBrand Fine Chocolates and Lopshire Flowers as well as information on the expanding CEO Roundtable Program.

Pick up today's Business Weekly - we're right in the middle!

Fort Wayne Airport Receives Top Honors From Allegiant Air

CONGRATULATIONS FORT WAYNE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT!

In a release from Allegiant Air this morning:

Fort Wayne International Airport is flying high after being recognized by Allegiant Air for “Most Creative New Service Campaign” at the first annual Allegiant Air Airport Conference in Las Vegas, Nev. Fort Wayne was one of only five airports to be recognized for outstanding achievements at a special awards dinner held Feb. 6.

Tory Richardson, Executive Director of Airports, and Kristi Holmes, Community & Government Affairs Manager, of the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority were in attendance and received the award from Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr., Allegiant Travel Company president and CEO.

“I would like to congratulate the Fort Wayne International Airport and thank them for the support they have shown us,” said Maurice J. Gallagher, Jr. “The airport management team and Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority have been a pleasure to work with and we look forward to a successful, long lasting relationship.”

The airport was recognized for their outstanding marketing campaign to encourage Allegiant Air to bring low-cost nonstop service to Phoenix-Mesa, Ariz. and Fort Lauderdale, Fla. for the Fort Wayne community. As part of the innovative campaign, the airport launched an election race between two characters, Nick Phoenix and F.T. Lauderdale. These clever candidates could be seen around Fort Wayne campaigning for their destination.

Each candidate made quite an impression; the airport received more than 150,000 emails voting for their favorite candidate. On Aug. 28, 2007, Allegiant Air announced they would bring service to both destinations.

The low-cost airline inaugurated service to Phoenix on Nov. 21, 2007 and began flights to Fort Lauderdale Dec. 14, 2007. Allegiant began serving the Fort Wayne community Feb. 16, 2007.

The Allegiant Air Airport Conference invited airports currently served by Allegiant Air and airports that would like Allegiant’s low-cost nonstop service in their respective areas. Airports had the opportunity to meet with Allegiant representatives and attend workshops that cover a variety of airport related topics. More than 100 airports were in attendance for the conference that was held at Treasure Island Hotel and Casino, Feb. 5 through 7, 2008.

The Feet on the Street

By Teresa Royer, Member Relations Specialist

Whew! It was a full day today--meeting and learning about our members (not to mention dodging raindrops and sometimes snow!) I'm happy to share a few of my visits with you:

My first stop was Environmental Remediation Services to speak with Lynn Partridge. I learned that Lynn serves on a couple of the Government committees at the Chamber and tries to make it to the Third House Forums to speak with our elected officials.

I also stopped by Schaefer's Anserphone and met Nick Radu. Nick mentioned that he enjoys reading the weekly "Chamber Update" through his email. They are open 24/7/365. (Anserphone is spelled without the "W"--didn't want you to think I misspelled it.)

PS It's fun to tell people about the Chamber BLOG...........

URGENT: Flood Fighting Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are urgently needed to help in the flood fighting effort. The City of Fort Wayne has sent out an immediate request for volunteers to fill sandbags and load trucks.

Volunteers are asked to dress warmly and wear clothing that will cover their skin. They are to report to the Fort Wayne Street Department, 1701 S. Lafayette Street. Volunteers should park in the Street Department parking lot and report to the Volunteer Registration area.

For more information or to register as a volunteer call 311 (City Hall, First Call Line) immediately.

M2M Discounts

Calling all Chamber members! Do you offer a member-to-member discount for your company's products or services? If so, we want to hear from you. In the near future, we will be creating a Web site which will list special member-to-member discounts to better inform Chamber members.
If you offer a member-to-member discount, please contact Christy Drake in Member Relations at (260) 424-1435 ext. 266 or cdrake@fwchamber.org.

The Feet on the Street

By Teresa Royer, Member Relations Specialist

Today I stopped by Renhill Staffing Services and had the pleasure of speaking with Amy, Heather, and Sarah. I was delighted to find that they were all very interested in learning of ways to make connections through the Chamber. Look for Heather sometime soon as a Greeter at a Meet Me at Five and I believe one of them will be checking out a Leads Group or two.

While out and about I also stopped by to see Don from Bittersweet Gifts about advertising on Chamber Certifichecks. I couldn't help but spend a few minutes browsing while I was there -- they have very unique items.

I'll have my "feet on the street" all day tomorrow so hopefully there will be some great bits of news to share with you. Until then...

Home Team Advantage

Many Chamber members take advantage of special PHP discounts for their business. Well if you are a PHP member then tonight you've got home advantage. If you're looking for something fun to do this evening the Mad Ants host Sioux Falls Skyforce at 7 p.m. Show your PHP card and its "Buy One, Get One Free" on $10 tickets.

Don't forget the Mad Ants "Chamber Night" is coming up soon on Sunday, March 2 when they take on Sioux Falls once again. Along with discounted ticket options, Chamber Members and their guests will gain special VIP access to a Coaches Chalk Talk 45 minutes prior to the game (located in the Century Room), receive a special Mad Ants souvenir and have a chance to shoot around on the court after the game, as well as get player autographs.

For tickets call Melissa at (260) 469-4667, ext. 104 or Melissa@fortwaynehoops.com. Please mention Chamber membership to receive the discounted rate.

The Feet on the Street

By Teresa Royer, Member Relations Specialist

Today I received the invitation to Neoti Broadcast Network's Launch & Open House celebration on February 15 at Bandidos on Illinois Rd./14. We'll be doing Neoti's ribbon-cutting at 2:30 p.m. to kick off the festivities...I'm looking forward to it.

Fort Wayne Goes Green with Upcoming "Good Life" Show

We just got word from Fort Wayne Shows, Inc that they are bringing a new home & garden show to Fort Wayne. This October "The Good Life" Home, Garden & Harvest show will teach us all how to go "Green".

The show will take place October 24-26, 2008 at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum and the best part...admission is FREE!

Since "Green" is the new mainstream "The Good Life" will showcase ideas and products for living more efficiently through energy, food, lifestyle, home & gardening.

The Web site http://www.home-gardenshow.com/ describes the show as being: "for everyone. Whether you are already a believer in the necessity of making your life better through the use of such products, or whether you are just becoming aware of the importance of this for a better life, or just for curiosity sake, then this is the place for YOU!"