Local businesses honored at 2nd Annual Swagger Awards Banquet

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance held its second annual Swagger Awards Banquet earlier today at the Grand Wayne Convention Center. The awards were given to recognize companies that have grown in Fort Wayne-Allen County. Melissa Long of Indian's News Center was the master of ceremonies for the event.

This was the second year for the Swagger Awards, which was attended by over 220 guests, including Mayor Tom Henry and Allen County Commissioners Nelson Peters, Linda Bloom and Therese Brown.

The awards were created by the Economic Development Alliance to honor the 48 companies that have expanded in 2010.

Six companies were recognized in their respective categories as winners of the Swagger Award. The companies announced included: Lamplight Inn for the Downtown Development Award; Heritage Food Service Equipment for the Sustainer Award; Quincy Recycle for the New Business Award; Lutheran Health Network for the Redevelopment Award; Voss Automotive for the Small Business Award and Trelleborg Sealing Solutions for the Business Expansion Award.

Scott Glaze of Fort Wayne Metals was given the Maclyn Parker Swagger Award for his commitment and contribution to economic development in Fort Wayne-Allen County.

"The Swagger Awards have been a tremendous success because we accomplished what we set out to do, which was to pay tribute to companies that are working hard and continuing to grow during a time of economic uncertainty," said Andi Udris, Alliance President. "Many people were brought together for this event because they recognized the importance of honoring the companies that are creating jobs and opportunity for our community."

The 2011 Swagger Awards were sponsored by Maclyn Parker, Indiana Michigan Power, Business People Magazine, STAR Bank, Hamil, Lehman & England, NIPSCO, Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, Design Collaborative, Fort Wayne Metals, Lutheran Health Network, ITT Communications Systems, The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, Chase, Baker & Daniels, PNC Bank, Cirrus ABS, Classic Communications and Catalyst Marketing Design.