By Nick Poust
Thriving nearly two years after appointing its first mayor and transitioning from a town to a city, Fishers is now a second-class city with the award of awards when it comes to Indiana hardware. The city, which has grown considerably under Mayor Scott Fadness, was named Community of the Year by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
Autumn Gasior, Director of Public Relations for the City of Fishers, said this recognition is a testament to its diversification.
“Our attention to all of the different areas of the city is probably what has helped us earn this award,” Gasior said.
While there has been focus on developing downtown Fishers, including a Certified Technology Park within the Nickel Plate district, Gasior said the city also has put emphasis on revitalizing some of its older neighborhoods, while developing the I-69 business corridor as well as improving the metropolitan airport on 96th street. That means more jobs and an ever-growing population.
“In the 1990s, we had less than 10,000 people,” Gasior said. “We’re closing in on 90,000 now.”
The number of success stories thus far for Fishers is no short list. In addition to an array of developments, they have brought in stores like Stanley Security, IKEA, Topgolf and Republic, which has led to both a boom in job creation and population.
“Commercial development continues to be an area of growth,” Gasior said. “One of Mayor Fadness’ initiatives is really providing the people of Fishers jobs here in our community. We’re growing all the way around.”
Fresh off their award, the city will look forward to the “2040 Plan,” a comprehensive plan that includes everything from further development of parks and neighborhoods to transportation, economic development and projected population growth.
“It’s a comprehensive plan that will serve as a roadmap for the next several years as we continue to develop and grow,” Gasior said. “We’re making sure that as we grow we’re doing so in a smart way that makes sure the community remains a vibrant place to be.”
