A sold-out crowd of nearly 600 community and business leaders gathered Thursday evening at the Parkview Mirro Center for Greater Fort Wayne Inc.’s 2025 Annual Meeting. The event celebrated bold ideas, collaborative progress, and the leadership shaping the future of Allen County’s economy.
The evening began with a fireside chat featuring Governor Mike Braun, who shared his vision for Indiana’s continued growth and prosperity. GFW Inc. reflected on a year of remarkable achievements, including 42 ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings, and member celebrations supported by Greater Fort Wayne Inc., along with 21 economic development projects that helped drive progress across Allen County. These milestones showcased the powerful momentum driving growth and transformation across Fort Wayne and Allen County.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Business Excellence Awards. These awards recognize organizations and individuals who are making a lasting impact through innovation, inclusion, and measurable success.
This year’s award winners are:
Excellence in Small Business Award: McIntosh Energy Company
McIntosh Energy, a veteran-founded and family-owned business, took home this year’s small business honor. The company operates four MacFood Mart convenience stores in the Fort Wayne area and provides fuel delivery and fleet card services. McIntosh Energy was recognized for its commitment to innovation, strong local partnerships, and deep-rooted community engagement, including hosting nonprofit events that benefit the region.
Excellence in Nonprofit Award: Fort Wayne Zoo
The Fort Wayne Zoo received the nonprofit award for its outstanding commitment to inclusivity and community impact. Drawing more than 600,000 guests annually, the zoo has removed barriers to access through its “Zoo for All” program and provides nearly 15,000 free admissions each year. As a national leader in accessibility, it has earned certification for both sensory and autism inclusion. The zoo continues to be a cornerstone of quality of place in northeast Indiana.
Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Business Excellence Award: Fort Wayne Metals
Fort Wayne Metals, a global leader in precision wire-based materials, was honored with the most prestigious award of the night. The company’s pioneering advancements in medical materials like Nitinol and absorbable magnesium support critical innovation around the world. Equally impressive are its people-first policies, equitable pay practices, and commitment to community betterment through partnerships in education, housing, and health.
In addition to organizational achievements, the evening celebrated individuals whose vision and service exemplify dedication to Allen County’s growth:
- Maclyn Parker Swagger Award for Community Vision and Leadership: Lena Yarian, President/CEO of Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana, was honored for her unwavering commitment to economic development and her leadership in building a thriving Fort Wayne-Allen County community.
- The Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Barb Smith Service Award: Pat Pasterick, co-founder and retired CEO of Design Collaborative, was recognized for decades of service and dedication to Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and to advancing transformational projects that elevate the region’s economic future.
- The Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Public Official of the Year Award: Brigadier General Michael D. Stohler, Assistant Adjutant General for the Indiana National Guard, and Commander of the Indiana Air National Guard, received this award in recognition of his exceptional leadership in creating a business-friendly environment that attracts and retains both talent and investment.
The event served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when businesses, nonprofits, and individuals come together with a shared vision for growth, inclusion, and impact.
Greater Fort Wayne Inc. premiered a new community video that highlights Allen County as a place of bold vision and extraordinary results. The full video is available on the GFW Inc. YouTube Channel and website.
During the evening, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. announced its selection as a finalist for the prestigious ACCE Chamber of the Year award. This national recognition honors chambers that demonstrate outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to the values outlined in the ACCE Horizon Initiatives. Winners will be named this July at the ACCE Annual Conference.
