Fort Wayne, Ind. (April 15, 2010) — The Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance held its initial 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 Indiana's News Center was the master of ceremonies for the event.
This was the first year for the Swagger Awards, which was attended by over 220 guests, including Mayor Tom Henry and Allen County Commissioner Nelson Peters. The awards were created by the Economic Development Alliance to honor the 38 companies that have expanded in 2009.
Six companies were recognized in their respective categories as winners of the Swagger Award. The companies announced included: Rothberg, Logan & Warsco for the Downtown Development Award; BAE Systems for the Sustainer Award; Group Delphi for the New Business Award; Swiss Re for the Redevelopment Award; JH Specialty for the Small Business Award and Brotherhood Mutual for the Business Expansion Award.
Mac Parker, of the Baker and Daniels law firm, was given the Community Spirit Award for his commitment and contribution to economic development in Fort Wayne-Allen County. The award was then renamed the "Maclyn Parker Swagger Award for Community Spirit," after its initial recipient. Mr. Parker has been a major proponent of economic development within the community and often speaks of the City of Fort Wayne's need to reclaim its "swagger" of earlier days.
"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," stated 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 2010 Swagger Awards were sponsored by Baker and Daniels, Business People Magazine, The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, STAR Financial Bank, American Electric Power, Design Collaborative, NIPSCO, Hamil, Lehman & England, PC, Chase Bank, Salin Bank, Lincoln Financial, Carson Boxberger, BAE Systems, The AME Group, BKD and Kinder & Sons.
About the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance is an organization that furthers the base employment of Allen County. It is supported by Allen County, the City of Fort Wayne, the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce and the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority. For more information on the Fort Wayne-Allen County Economic Development Alliance, visit www.theallianceonline.com.