Greater Fort Wayne Inc., the organization that serves as the single‐point‐of‐contact for economic growth and business services in greater Fort Wayne, has established its legislative priorities for 2014. At the top of the list are four key priorities: economic development incentives, single county Executive for Allen County, increased funding for the EARN Indiana program, and support for a different classification for Indiana University‐Purdue University Fort Wayne that recognizes its uniqueness in the State.
“We go through a process to establish our key priorities to best serve our investors and community,” said Mark Becker, CEO of Greater Fort Wayne Inc. “The business advocacy committee made recommendations to GFW’s Board of Directors, which supported the full recommendation of the committee. These issues will impact our educational systems and economic growth, which is why it is important for GFW to advocate for issues that affect the business community at the local, state, and federal level.”
Through GFW’s established legislative agenda, we support economic development policies that encourage development and job creation. Our community needs the tools to act quickly to game changing opportunities that will lead to job creation and economic prosperity. In order to increase the pace of quality job creation in Allen County, we must direct our resources toward building a community product that supports and attracts development. Our local governments must also continue to have access to tools necessary to turn economic development prospects into projects.
Key agenda items for economic development that we support are:
- Single county Executive for Allen County
- Creating new and maintaining existing economic development incentives in order to strengthen Fort Wayne as a regional center
- Infrastructure investments to achieve development‐ready sites
- Riverfront development
- Available resources for entrepreneurs and start‐ups
- Streamlining the permitting process
Greater Fort Wayne Inc. is focused on building a business‐friendly environment that welcomes all aspects of diversity and talent to our community. After thoughtful discussion, the Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Board of Directors voted today to oppose House Joint Resolution 6, the constitutional amendment banning same‐sex marriage.
“We need to be competitive on a national level and be recognized as a community that thrives on diversity, innovation, and inclusion,” said Becker. “Such legislation hinders our ability to grow and prosper and could delay our vision of becoming a top metro center in the United States.”
GFW also supports access to affordable, high‐quality public education that will help keep talent in our community. Educational attainment is also a key driver of economic growth and prosperity. It is essential for businesses to have access to a qualified and skilled workforce.
Key agenda items for education and workforce development that we support are:
- Increase funding for the EARN Indiana program which provides financial assistance to employers who provide paid internships for qualified students
- A different classification for IPFW that recognizes its uniqueness in the state as a multi‐system campus equally affiliated with both Indiana and Purdue Universities.
View the full legislative agenda online by visiting, , www.GreaterFortWayneInc.com/Legislative‐Agenda.
