Columbus named chamber’s ‘Community of the Year’
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The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has named the city of Columbus its 2022 Community of the Year. The panel of judges said the city of 50,000 is “the complete package,” offering a robust business climate, philanthropic spirit and exceptional workforce.
The chamber says Columbus is home to a booming manufacturing industry, including the global headquarters for powertrain maker Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI). Thirty-nine percent of the city’s workforce is employed in automotive, electronics, and aerospace.
“Columbus possesses the rural feel of a small, Midwestern community along with the talent, innovation and culture typically found in large cities. The mix is dynamite,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “The Indiana Chamber is delighted to acknowledge the employers and individuals there who are driving progress and positively impacting lives.”
Columbus was selected earlier this summer by a five-person Indiana Chamber panel after a thorough review of all cities under consideration. The chamber says the nominations came from the communities themselves or through individuals recognizing an area’s progress and commitment to its businesses and citizens.
“We want to be the best community of our size in the country,” said Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop. “Receiving this honor is validation that our many efforts are having the impact we intended. I’m so pleased to accept this recognition on behalf of every business and every citizen in Columbus.”
The chamber says Columbus was one of its first community of the year recipients back in 1992. The city will be presented the award in November at the Indiana Chamber’s 33rd Annual Awards program.