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Private investment in Allen County exceeded $770 million last year, representing a “remarkable year” for development, Greater Fort Wayne Inc.’s CEO said Tuesday.
“Our communities serve as lighthouses for the Great Lakes region, excelling at attracting and retaining both talent and investment,” said President and CEO of the Federation of Local Chambers of Commerce. John Arburns said in a statement.
Along with the investment amount, U.S. Census Bureau data released last March shows the county’s population growth outpaced both the state and national averages, contributing to a strong year for both economic and community development. Ta.
The county’s population growth rate in 2022 was 0.6%, higher than the state (0.29%) and national population growth rate (0.38%).
“We are committed to building on this momentum and making 2024 even more successful,” Arburns said.
His comments were part of a year-end report that included a summary of more than 700 announced jobs and more than $42 million in new annual payroll. The county also saw 20 business expansions or relocations. Companies involved include Bolt His Custom Trucks, General Motors Fort Wayne Assembly Plant, North American Refrigerated Warehouse, and more.
As local officials first reported last week, Allen County will issue more than $2 billion in building permits in 2023, making it the seventh year in a row to exceed $1 billion.
“We know Allen County is a great place to work, raise a family, and start a business,” Allen County Commissioners Rich Beck, Therese Brown and Nelson Peters said in a joint statement. , and the word is spreading.” “All segments of our community contribute to this success: our private sector, nonprofit organizations, and the hard-working individuals who call Allen County home.”
Throughout 2023, GFW staff met with representatives from more than 650 businesses in the county to discuss their needs and growth opportunities.
Educators and economic development leaders continue to focus on developing the workforce. GFW staff and local business leaders gave presentations to more than 2,600 high school students across the county as part of the MadeByMe skilled trades initiative, according to Tuesday’s summary report. The presentation focused on introducing career paths in the skilled trades and advanced manufacturing fields.
Other highlights from Tuesday’s news release include:
Indiana Tech has broken ground on Troder Hall, a 124-room residence hall scheduled to open in summer 2024.
Convene a task force of local leaders to leverage federal funding for infrastructure projects. Partners across the county worked together to secure his $100 million in funding for infrastructure projects in Fort Wayne and Allen counties.
Approximately 700 acres have been set aside for Project Zodiac, a data center run by a Fortune 100 company whose name has not been disclosed.
The 122nd Fighter Wing Indiana National Guard commissioned a comprehensive economic impact study to lay the foundation for the plan.
We are partnering with Amani Family Services and Fort Wayne Downtown to develop the Fort Wayne-Allen County Welcome Plan. The goal is to ensure that the local international workforce is supported and engaged.
GFW also hosted its second annual Economic Development Summit event. More than 400 leaders attended and heard presentations and discussions on topics including inclusive economic development, aerospace and defense innovation, talent attraction, tourism development, and Riverfront Fort Wayne. These elements are part of the Allen County Together (ACT) Economic Development Action Plan.
“Allen County Together makes a powerful statement: not just where we are going, but who we are and what we want to be: high growth that creates economic opportunity for all; We strive to be an innovative and inclusive community,” said Ellen Cutter, director of GFW. economic development officials said in a statement.
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