Fishers Named 2016 Community of the Year
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Chamber of Commerce says the transformation of Fishers from a bedroom community into a "smart, vibrant and entrepreneurial city" is the driving force behind naming it the 2016 Community of the Year. Mayor Scott Fadness says Fishers may see as many as 4,000 new job commitments this year. The community, which transitioned from a town to a city less than two years ago, has grown to a population of nearly 90,000 and has the largest coworking space in the state, Launch Fishers, which boasts more than 600 members.
Fadness says the city is focused on helping people who live in the community "find gainful employment in their own city." "One of the best quality of life measurements for me is to eliminate residents’ need to commute a long distance," says Fadness. "If you could spend another hour with your family, rather than being in the car, why wouldn’t you?"
The chamber also cites a string of recent high-profile announcements in the city. In November, Swedish furniture retailer IKEA announced plans to open a store in Fishers next year. The $40 million store will employ about 250. In January, Texas-based Topgolf International Inc. unveiled an $18 million proposal for a golf entertainment facility in the city. The Fishers City Council approved items in January helping clear the way for both projects.
Among other accomplishments highlighted by the chamber: a long-term vision called the Fishers 2040 Plan, downtown growth, the success of the Hamilton Southeaster school district and national attention for affordability and livability.
Fishers will be among the honorees at the Indiana Chamber’s 27th Annual Awards Dinner on November 15 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and political commentator George Will will headline the event.
Previous Community of the Year recipients include:
2015: Carmel
2014: Bloomington
2013: Bedford
2012: Indianapolis
2011: Kokomo
2010: Terre Haute
2009: Valparaiso
2008: Noblesville
2007: Anderson
2006: Evansville