Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Celebrates Community and Business Excellence at 2026 Annual Meeting

Awards honor local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders

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 2026 Annual Meeting. The event celebrated a year of momentum, organizational excellence, and the people and businesses helping shape the future of Allen County.

The evening highlighted several key achievements from the past year, including 37 ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, and member celebrations supported by Greater Fort Wayne Inc.; 17 business expansions that advanced economic growth across Allen County; and 14 organizations celebrating 50 years or more in business. Together, these milestones reflected the continued growth, investment, and momentum taking place throughout Fort Wayne and Allen County.

The evening was highlighted by the presentation of the Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Business Excellence Awards, which recognize organizations that demonstrate excellence in their work, leadership, and impact. The event also honored individual award recipients whose leadership, service, and commitment continue to strengthen the success of Allen County.

This year’s Business Excellence award winners are:

Excellence in Small Business Award: Calienté LLC

Calienté LLC is a local designer and manufacturer of thermal and climate systems, delivering engineered heating solutions for industries with demanding performance needs. Since its founding in 2001, the company has served the telecommunications industry with innovative products that help customers reduce energy use and system costs while improving reliability in outdoor and mission-critical environments. Over the past 25 years, Calienté’s focus on efficiency and performance has supported its growth into new markets, including transportation, medical devices, defense, and military training.

Excellence in Nonprofit Award: Turnstone

Founded in 1943, Turnstone empowers people with disabilities to achieve their highest potential by providing support and opportunities through every stage of life. As one of the few free-standing nonprofit organizations in Northeast Indiana offering comprehensive services for people with disabilities and their families under one roof, Turnstone provides therapy services, adaptive sports, childcare, adult programs, fitness opportunities, and more. Its impact also extends beyond its walls through advocacy and accessibility initiatives that reach more than 70,000 individuals each year. With nearly 15% of Allen County residents living with a disability, Turnstone remains committed to expanding opportunity and strengthening quality of life across the community.

Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Business Excellence Award: Parkview Health

Parkview Health is a not‑for‑profit, community‑based health system serving Indiana and northwest Ohio, driven by a mission to improve health and inspire well‑being to every person, every day. As the region’s largest employer—with more than 17,000 staff across 15 hospitals and 300 care locations—Parkview is nationally recognized for safety, quality, patient experience, and workplace culture, earning distinction as the only U.S. health system to receive the Excellence in Experience Management award, with PRMC ranked among the Top 10 Best‑in‑Class hospitals for consumer loyalty. Powered by a standout culture and exceptional benefits, including lifestyle stipends, volunteer time off to give back to the community, robust well‑being & mental health support, therapy dog visits, and community perks, Parkview continues to be celebrated nationally and by others as a premier workplace delivering extraordinary experiences for both employees and patients.

In addition to the Business Excellence Awards, the evening celebrated individuals whose vision and service exemplify dedication to Allen County’s growth:

• Maclyn Parker Swagger Award for Community Vision and Leadership: Don Steininger, President of Steininger Development, was honored for his commitment to economic development and his leadership and service to the community.
• The Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Barb Smith Service Award: Clifford Clarke, founder and principal consultant of C2 IT Advisor, was recognized for his service and dedication to Greater Fort Wayne Inc. and his leadership throughout Allen County.
• The Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Public Official of the Year Award: Senator Justin Busch, Indiana Senate District 16, received this award in recognition of his exceptional leadership in creating a business-friendly environment that attracts and retains both talent and investment.

During the evening, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. celebrated its recognition as the ACCE National Chamber of the Year award winner. This national recognition honors chambers that demonstrate outstanding leadership and a strong commitment to the values outlined in the ACCE Horizon Initiatives.

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.