MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

While Fort Wayne – and the rest of the country – still has a way to go before we can put the recession behind us, I have exciting news to share about our local economy.

New data released by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that while much of the country is losing manufacturing jobs, Fort Wayne’s manufacturing sector is growing. In fact, Fort Wayne’s real gross domestic product (GDP) grew by nearly a quarter (23.1%) — nearly four times the national average last year. And, equally important was the fact that the Fort Wayne metropolitan area experienced a 5.2% growth rate for total GDP in the area, which is more than twice the national average (of 2.5%). This growth in GDP in Indiana and throughout the Great Lakes Region is attributed to durable-goods manufacturing, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis report.

Real gross domestic product is defined as “the output of goods and services produced by labor and property located in the United States” and is used to measure economic activity of a metropolitan region. Of the 363 metropolitan areas across the country, 179 consider manufacturing to be a significant part of their economy. However, just 42 of these manufacturing-driven metropolitan areas had GDP growth between 2007 and 2010 – Fort Wayne was among those successful 42 areas.

In fact, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership notes that real GDP in the Fort Wayne area, now almost exactly back to where it was in 2007 — pre-recession!

Click to advertise on this website

We, at the City of Fort Wayne, have worked hard to cut red tape and encourage economic growth with our partners at the Economic Development Alliance, Allen County, and the Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce.

It’s good to see our efforts paying off.

We plan to continue spreading the word that Fort Wayne is a great place to locate and grow a business. This is no secret to companies who are already located here. Area companies are continuing to expand – they’re adding new jobs and our GDP output is outpacing the nation. As Mayor, I will continue to do everything I can to encourage business growth and the creation of new jobs.

The GDP news is a testament to what we’ve been saying for some time now — that Fort Wayne is a place where businesses can prosper, good jobs can grow, and families can thrive.

On Tuesday evening, September 13, I had the opportunity to speak with some of those families, during a neighborhood walk taken by me and some of my staff in the Southeast-Waynedale Neighborhood. The event – hosted by neighborhood association president Beulah Matczak – allowed us to say hello and hear residents’ thoughts and concerns about our city. We thank Beulah Matczak for her time and hospitality.