Don Ayres Honda Recognized For 35 Years of Business as Honda Dealer

Chamber member Don Ayres Honda of Fort Wayne was recently recognized by American Honda Motor Company for completing its 35th year as a Honda dealer.

When the Ayres dealership was formed in 1973, America was experiencing its first energy crisis and Honda introduced its fuel-efficient Honda Civic Hatchback to car buyers in this country.

Don Ayres Honda remains northeastern Indiana’s only Honda dealership, and also has been awarded the prestigious Honda President’s Award seven times.

Downton Mardi Gras Tomorrow Night!

What: Downtown Mardi Gras
Date: Saturday, August 22
Time: 6 p.m. - midnight
Where: Columbia Street between Harrison & Calhoun
Free parking in the City-County Parking Garage, entrance just north of Columbia Street on Calhoun.
Cost: FREE

Are you ready to top New Orleans with a rockin' street party on Columbia Street right here in downtown Fort Wayne?! With beads, gumbo, great bands and New Orleans-style entertainment, this event has become a summer tradition on Columbia Street that is not to be missed!

For more information, go to www.downtownfortwayne.com. This event is 21 and over only.

In This Issue...

In today's issue of the Chamber's Emphasis magazine (which runs bi-weekly as the center section of the Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly)...

Find out what the World Baseball Academy is and how it will impact Fort Wayne's economy...

The Chamber will present awards for CEO, Employee, Small & Large Business of the Year at our Annual Meeting on November 5. Find out how to submit a nomination...

How businesses can take advantage of all Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation has to offer...

The USGA visits Sycamore Hills at the end of August for a special tournament - details inside!

For questions about Emphasis contact editor Nicole Wilkins at nwilkins@fwchamber.org.

FWA Undergoing Signage Project

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority (FWACAA) begins the second phase of replacing all of the existing lighted airfield directional signs at Fort Wayne International Airport(FWA). In addition to replacing the signage, this project will install the new FAA mandated pavement painted “hold-position” markings at all runway/taxiway intersections.

FWACAA received a grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in the amount of $1,221,735 to fund this project. The project starts today August 20 and is scheduled to be completed in early December of 2009.

General Motors Adding Production

More work, even overtime, for Fort Wayne's General Motors employees. General Motors officials announced earlier this week they will be adding production that includes the Fort Wayne Assembly Plant made possible partly because of the "Cash for Clunkers" program. The increase will give Fort Wayne employees a chance at something they haven't seen in a while, overtime.

Chamber Annual Meeting: Call for Nominees

Join us for an exciting “View from Above” at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, Thursday November 5, 2009 at the Summit Club from 5:30-8 p.m. Enjoy stunning views of downtown Fort Wayne as you are briefed on the latest in Northeast Indiana business.
Awards will also be handed out for CEO, Small and Large Business and Employee of the Year.

The Chamber’s Annual Meeting provides the opportunity to recognize great contributions and innovations by the Fort Wayne business community. Please read through the awards criteria listed below for each category and submit your nomination by Wednesday, September 30 to Laureen Voirol at lvoirol@fwchamber.org. Nomination forms are available at fwchamber.org. Register for the Annual Meeting here.

Small Business of the Year:
Presented to a Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce member business which has been in operation for at least 5 years and has fewer than 50 Full Time Equivalent employees. On the nomination form, please demonstrate how the company has contributed to the community, it’s reputation for integrity and fair business practice; examples of product or management innovation and successful problem-solving.

Large Business of the Year:
See qualifications above, with the business having 50 or more Full Time Equivalent employees.

CEO of the Year:
Presented to the CEO of a Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce member who has made unique contributions not only their business and employees, but to the Fort Wayne Community as a whole.

Employee of the Year:
Presented to the employee of a Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce member who serves as a positive role model in the workplace along with showing exceptional dedication to advancing the interests of his or her organization.

For more information call Laureen Voirol at (260) 424-1435, ext. 266.

Leadership Development Roundtable Kickoff: August 26

(click on image for larger view)

Felderman Design-Build To Hold Groundbreaking Ceremony Tomorrow

Felderman Design-Build will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, August 20 at 11 a.m. to celebrate the new 84,000 SF office park development, located at 7300 W. Jefferson, at the corner of Aboite Center Road, a 1/2 mile from Lutheran Hospital with easy access to I-69.

Participating in the groundbreaking, along with company officials from Felderman Design Build and the team involved with Ridgewood Professional Park, will be representatives from the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fort Wayne.

"This is an exciting project because all involved are Fort Wayne businesspeople with years of experience in each of their fields who want to put back into the community that they live in," said Brian Belland, Business Development Coordinator for Ridgewood Professional Park.

Property highlights for the new office park development include a high traffic location in a growing area of Fort Wayne, seven office building lots and flexible unit sizes for sale or lease that can be built-to-suit. Property features include a common detention pond and internal common drives.

"Our desire is to make a first class professional park of seven free standing buildings that will make tenants proud to be there and make Fort Wayne proud to have the Park," said Belland.

Felderman Design-Build was founded in 1975 as Northeast Indiana's premier design-build firm. The business boasts of over 30 years of experience. Today, they oversee commercial projects from initial stages to completion.

Two Great Events Tomorrow: Morning Mix & Cc: me

Morning Mix – August 20 at the History Center

The next Morning Mix, hosted by The History Center (302 East Berry Street) will take place Thursday, August 20 from 7:30 a.m. - 9 a.m.The Morning Mix offers fast-paced, lead generating opportunities and is designed for professionals who are involved in sales and business development. You will experience 20 minutes at three different tables, receiving the opportunity to present your "unique selling proposition" to a couple of dozen businesspersons in a fast-paced, fun and structured setting.

Admission is $5. In addition, please make sure to bring a stack of your business cards. Continental breakfast is included. For more information, or if you are interested in being a table captain for a Morning Mix, contact Laureen Voirol at (260) 424-1435, ext. 266 or lvoirol@fwchamber.org. You do not have to be a Chamber member to attend.

Cc: me - August 20 @ Summit Club
Don't miss our next Cc: me event! If you enjoyed Club Soda you will love an evening at The Summit Club with hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and an exceptional view of downtown Fort Wayne and Parkview Field.

Build lasting relationships with other Fort Wayne professionals and find out the latest business buzz without being bombarded with sales pitches.

Cc: me takes place Thursday, August 20 from 5-7 p.m. at The Summit Club (110 West Berry St.) Cost is $5 for Chamber members, $10 for non-members.

3 Question Chamber Member Survey

Calling all Chamber members - we need your feedback on the Chamber's membership directory! There's only 3 short questions and we'd appreciate your help.

Take the survey!

Community Asked to Comment on Sidewalk Needs

The City of Fort Wayne is inviting residents to complete surveys asking for priorities on how to make the community easier to navigate for walkers. City Utilities customers will find a brief survey in their August bills, regarding sidewalks and asking for input on which locations are destinations that may need increased service from sidewalks, trails and other pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Besides the survey in City Utility bills, they will be available at Allen County Public Library branches within the city during the month of August, and at local community centers and facilities through September. All surveys should be turned back in to the City by the end of September. Residents are also encouraged to go online to complete the survey at www.cityoffortwayne.org/sidewalkplan. The deadline for responses is Sept. 30.

The goal is to have results by mid-October. The Sidewalk Plan will ultimately help provide guidance for plans and development of pedestrian infrastructure along major roadways over the next several years.

Last Chance to Tee Off for Golfopoly!

Hop on board for the Chamber's Annual Golfopoly, taking place Thursday, August 27 at Autumn Ridge Golf Club. Morning and afternoon tee times are available. Register to golf by this Thursday, August 20!

In addition to golfing, there will be a silent auction, with such wonderful prizes as a Lunch with the Mayor at JK O'Donnells.

We'll also feature many fun new games on the course, including a special Hole-in-One chance to win a New Car from O'Daniel Automotive!!

Register now at fwchamber.org as an individual or in teams of four. Morning tee time is 7:30 a.m. and afternoon tee time is 1:30 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Closing reception with hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and a chocolate fountain and cheese fountain from Fort Wayne Chocolate Fountain will begin at 6:30 p.m. For questions contact Laureen Voirol at (260) 424-1435, ext. 266 or lvoirol@fwchamber.org.

Thank you to our Silver Sponsors, Comcast Business Class & ROCK104 and our Beverage Cart Sponsor, PHP.

John Norquist, Presents Take on Fort Wayne and Other Cities Renewal Efforts

On August 28 from noon-1:30 p.m. John Norquist, former Milwaukee mayor, President & CEO/Congress for the New Urbanism, will speak on Fort Wayne’s renewal efforts at the Grand Wayne Center downtown.

Sports, entertainment and lodging are all in the mix as downtown redevelopment for Fort Wayne is in full swing. Behind the physical face of new construction and revitalization is the potential expansion of jobs, tax revenue and housing options. And, while development projects are never a guarantee of economic success, urban renewal expert John Norquist is helping many cities make the most of redevelopment dollars.

For more information visit www.economicclubofindiana.com

Students 1/2 off at Science Central in August

Anyone with a student ID will receive 1/2 off admission to Science Central for the entire month of August. Hours are 10-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon - 5 p.m. on Sundays. Regular price admission is $7 for adults and kids older than 3.

Find fun in science this summer!

Chamber Participates in United Way Day of Caring

The Chamber joined 800 United Way of Allen County volunteers to take part in the 17th Annual United Way Day of Caring on Friday, August 14.

After breakfast at Headwaters Park Chamber volunteers got directly involved in improving the community. This year, the Chamber built a brick/stone paveway for local agency Hope House.

Here are pictures of the Chamber volunteers working hard at this year's Day of Caring:

Chamber, City and Community Partners Offer Free Tax, Recor-Keeping Business Workshop

The City of Fort Wayne in cooperation with the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Enterprise – A Program of the Fort Wayne Women’s Bureau, Small Business Administration, SCORE, Community Development Corp. and the Indiana Small Business Development Center will offer a free forum on small-business taxes and recordkeeping Aug. 20.

The workshop, which will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Omni Room on the second floor of the City-County Building, will cover the following topics:

· Business legal structure
· Financial statements
· Recordkeeping for taxes

The topics are designed for people who are currently in business or considering starting a business. The workshop’s presenters are attorney Joshua Burkhardt of Beer Mallers Backs & Salin, LLP; and SCORE’s Jack Dever and Al Kruetzman.

The remaining workshops planned for 2009 are:
· New business start-up in a recession, Sept. 17
· Procurement, Oct. 15
· Patents, trademarks and copyright, Nov. 19

All workshops will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Omni Room of the City-County Building. For more information, contact Denise Porter-Ross at 427-2603 or denise.porter-ross@cityoffortwayne.org.

3 Question Chamber Member Survey

Calling all Chamber members - we need your feedback on the Chamber's membership directory! There's only 3 short questions and we'd appreciate your help.



Take the survey!

Urban League Run/Walk

The Urban Run/Walk 2009 is approaching! Join with the Urban League and run or walk to support us in participating in this special event. The Urban League has provided 80 plus years of quality social service to the Fort Wayne residents by empowering communities and changing lives. Corporate sponsorships are available!

Registration: Saturday September 26, 2009 @ 10 a.m.
Where: Fort Wayne Urban League 2135 South Hanna Street Fort Wayne, In 46803

Run 5K (3 miles)
Walk 2 mile

Proceeds benefit Educational activities for the Fort Wayne Urban League.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Jonathan C. Ray at the Fort Wayne Urban League office at (260) 745-3100.