Getting connected to the Allen County business community is one of the best ways to grow your business and develop your skills. Whether you’re looking for a casual after-hours atmosphere, educational programs, or to join a group for a longer-term peer connection, we’ll get you plugged in with other professionals.
What’s new and next for our community? Allen County Leaders Luncheons bring you up close with the people making waves in Fort Wayne and beyond. These exclusive, member-only quarterly keynote presentations will leave you inspired and connected with area leaders.
Your sounding board for all things leadership.
Designed for executives from companies of all sizes, CEO Roundtables give you a forum to:
CONFIDE
Connect with peers in a private, confidential setting.
CONVERSE
Get feedback from trusted advisors who have been in your shoes.
THRIVE
Share valuable tools and resources to meet today’s business challenges.
CEO Roundtable FAQs
Do I have to be a member of GFW Inc. to participate in a CEO Roundtable?
Yes. GFW Inc. CEO Roundtables are open to active GFW Inc. member companies ONLY. If your company is not a member of GFW Inc. and you would like to visit a group, please submit a CEO Roundtable application here.
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
CEOs (including C-Suite), senior executives and executive directors, presidents, and owners of small and mid-size companies regardless of title, may join a CEO Roundtable. Individuals with for profit and nonprofit entities may participate.
Do I have to submit a CEO Roundtable application to visit a group?
Yes. This saves you a step once you are ready to join any group!
How many times can I visit a CEO Roundtable?
Individuals are permitted to visit a maximum of ONCE to any roundtable with an opening for their specialty/category in the calendar year (January to December) before a vote is required for official membership in that group.
How much does it cost?
Fees for this program are $50 annually.
Is there an attendance requirement?
Yes, this is up to the discretion of the roundtable chair; however, it is expected that all participants maintain at least 70-75% attendance in order to maintain their status in the group. Members who are not able to make the attendance requirement are asked to consider this program another year.
How do I know when a group meets or if there us availability for my industry?
Only one participant per industry is permitted in each roundtable to prevent business competition. (e.g., you can have two realtors, one commercial and one residential; just not two of the same.) Rosters for each roundtable are available here and are updated monthly.
Can I be in more than one CEO Roundtable?
Yes, an individual may be in a maximum of TWO (2) groups, but a company can have one individual in all active CEO Roundtable. Each individual must apply separately and pay their separate fees for each group.
What if there is not space in an of the groups for me to join? Can I start my own group?
Individuals who would like to start their own CEO Roundtable must submit a letter of intent to the Events Manager, Olivia Dickerson at odickerson@gfwinc.com.
Questions? Contact Olivia Dickerson, Events Manager, at odickerson@gfwinc.com or 260-203-5743.
Smash your sales goals–with a little help from your friends.
Teamwork makes the dream work!
Sometimes referred to as tip clubs, Leads Groups are private groups that meet regularly to share business referrals and help grow one another’s business. Here’s how they work:
COLLABORATE
We limit each group to one professional per industry or category, so you’re not chasing the same leads.
SHARE
Group members pass along contacts who could be interested in doing business with you.
WIN
By working together, you get a competitive edge as you chase your professional goals.
Leads Group FAQs
Do I have to be a member of GFW Inc. to participate in a Leads Group
Yes. GFW Inc. Leads Groups are open to active GFW Inc. member companies ONLY. If your company is
not a member of GFW Inc. and you would like to visit a group, please submit a Leads Group application
online.
Do I have to submit a Leads Group application to visit a group?
Applying first is recommended but not required. It saves you a step once you are ready to join any
group!
How many times can I visit a group?
Individuals are permitted to visit a maximum of TWO (2) separate meetings per group, limited to two
groups per calendar year before a vote is required for official membership in that group.
How much does it cost?
Fees for this program are $50 per person, per group for each year of participation.
Is there an attendance requirement?
Yes, members are expected attendance average of 75% attendance of meetings across a year.
How do I know when a group meets or if there is availability for my industry?
Only one participant per industry is permitted in each group to prevent business competition (e.g., you
can have two realtors, one commercial and one residential; just not two of the same). Rosters for each
group are available here and are updated monthly.
Can I be in more than one Leads Group
Yes, an individual may be in a maximum of TWO (2) groups, but a company can have one individual in
all active Leads Groups. Each individual must apply separately and pay their separate fees for each
group.
What if there is not space in any of the groups for me to join? can I start my own Leads Group?
Individuals who would like to start their own Leads Group must submit a letter of intent to the Impact Coordinator, Shelby Nichter at snichter@gfwinc.com.
Questions? Contact Shelby Nichter, Impact Coordinator at 260-203-5721 or snichter@greaterfortwayneinc.com
Find out the latest business buzz and build lasting relationships with other professionals! These after-work events sell out fast, so register early!
Get connected, inspired, and empowered! As a member of the GFW Inc. Women’s Network, you’ll meet great people who are ready to help you become your best self. Join us for events and programs that push you to be your best self, both professionally and personally.
Signature Events
Our biggest gatherings of the year, signature events are your opportunity to connect with friends, colleagues, and leaders from across the community.
Our Annual Meeting celebrates and highlights the accomplishments of the past year, shares insights from local leaders, and looks toward a bright future in Allen County. Join us as we announce the winners of:
- The Excellence in Small Business Award.
- The Excellence in Nonprofit Award.
- The Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Business Excellence Award.
- The Barb Smith GFW Inc. Service Award.
- The Maclyn Parker Swagger Award for Community Vision and Leadership.
- The Public Official of the Year Award.
The Greater Golf Open is an opportunity to build relationships, whether you love to play or you’re looking for a creative way to reach Fort Wayne executives.
The annual Economic Development Summit celebrates the progress and successes of Fort Wayne and Allen County. Each year, this half-day conference provides an exclusive look into the initiatives driving our economic growth and shaping our future. Attendees can expect expert insights, dynamic panel discussions, and opportunities to engage with local leaders. Join us to gain valuable knowledge, connect with key stakeholders, and be part of the conversation that influences the direction of our vibrant community.
Kick off the holiday season at the business community’s signature holiday gathering. It’s a spirited evening of networking, celebrating success, and some of the ugliest holiday sweaters in Allen County.
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