By Nancy Edwards
Fishers Town Municipal Complex attracted hundreds of residents celebrating the grand opening of a new entrepreneurial workspace, a brand-new amphitheater and the annual tree lighting ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 29.
The evening kicked off at 5 p.m. in the basement of Hamilton East Library, where Launch Fishers is located and held their grand opening. Launch Fishers, founded by John Wechsler, is a new initiative for entrepreneurs looking for a temporary home to launch their businesses. The space offers 16,000 square feet and a coffee bar will be added within the next month.
An annual fee of $300 and a one-time $99 badge and membership setup fee allow the member print/scan/copy facilities and a variety of work and meeting spaces, from lounge areas to larger team spaces and conference rooms. A dedicated workplace with a desk and chair also is available for the entrepreneur for $150 a month. “Anyone is welcome,” Wechsler said.
Future goals for the start-up incubator include a student orientation outreach for those in grades K-12, which is perfect for students such as Aaron Gurin, a senior at Fishers High School. Gurin said he enjoyed dropping by Launch Fishers after school or on weekends to assist with web design and development, or work on troubleshooting problems with iPhones and iPads.
“This is a great collaboration,” he said, also noting that the environment is much more conducive than a busy coffee shop.
After a ribbon cutting ceremony, some present at the event, along with many residents in the community, walked to the Tree Lighting Ceremony in front of the new Switch Amphitheater. The annual event, held from 6 to 8 p.m., began with Santa Claus riding up on his sleigh to light the 25-foot tree with help from a local child. Afterward, attendees were treated to music at the amphitheater by Fishers High School choirs and Fishers Sister Cities’ Dickens Carolers, as well as a small petting zoo, a photo with Santa, and hot cocoa provided by the Rotary Club of Fishers.
Jamie Ekew, who attended the event with her sons Jonah and Jameson, said her family came out to support her son who sang in the choir at Fishers High School.
“I love the new facility so we’re excited,” Ekew said.
New Fishers residents Brian and Jennifer Harless, along with their 3-year-old daughter, Carly, said they enjoyed their first holiday event at the Municipal Complex.
“This is very well put together,” Brian said. “We had a great time.”
For more information about Launch Fishers, go to launchfishers.com.