Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Names 2026 Individual Award Winners

Winners will be recognized on June 4 at the Annual Meeting

Each year, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. proudly celebrates the individuals and organizations driving positive change and progress throughout Fort Wayne and Allen County. The annual awards recognize outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to building a stronger community. We are honored to present this year’s awards to the following recipients:

Maclyn Parker Swagger Award for Community Vision and Leadership – Don Steininger

This award is given to an individual (or individuals) who exemplifies the persistence and will to make Fort Wayne-Allen County a thriving community by being a strong advocate for economic development.

Don Steininger has spent decades supporting and championing community growth in Fort Wayne and Allen County through business leadership, real estate development, and civic service. As President of Steininger Development and related companies since 1986, Don has built his career around creating opportunity for the region and its residents. A strong supporter of the community, he has served on nonprofit boards and in leadership roles with organizations such as the Community Foundation of Greater Fort Wayne, Junior Achievement Foundation, Friends of the Rivers, United Way of Allen County, and many others. Through his persistence, leadership, and deep commitment to community progress, Don has helped advance the bold thinking and civic spirit this award was created to recognize.

Barb Smith GFW Inc. Service Award – Clifford Clarke

This award honors exemplary service to GFW Inc. and dedication to Allen County’s economic growth.

Clifford Clarke is a respected technology leader and founder of C2 IT Advisors. Clifford has served on the Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Board of Directors since 2022 and currently serves as chair of the Advocacy Committee. He has held senior information technology leadership roles with Ivy Tech Fort Wayne, the City of Fort Wayne, and other organizations. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he has made a lasting impact through service to organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Leadership Fort Wayne, the Fort Wayne Black Chamber of Commerce, Greater Fort Wayne Inc., Three Rivers Federal Credit Union, Indiana Tech, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and the Indiana Wing of Civil Air Patrol. A trusted leader, collaborator, and community advocate, Clifford has helped advance progress, opportunity, equity, and inclusion across Allen County.

Public Official of the Year Award – Senator Justin Busch

This award honors exceptional efforts by public officials to build a stronger community by creating the best environment to attract and retain talent and business.

Senator Justin Busch has demonstrated that commitment through his service to northeast Indiana and his continued work on behalf of the people and businesses of Allen County. Before joining the Senate, Senator Busch served as an at-large member of Allen County Council, was appointed to the Indiana State Real Estate Commission, and worked for the George W. Bush administration. Outside of public service, he serves as Vice President of Fort Wayne Garmong Construction. Through his leadership, public service, and commitment to strengthening our community, Senator Busch has helped advance an environment where businesses, residents, and communities can continue to grow and thrive.

In addition to honoring individual achievements at the Annual Meeting, Greater Fort Wayne Inc. will celebrate three outstanding organizations whose work is making a lasting impact in Allen County. The GFW Inc. Business Excellence Awards honor businesses and nonprofits in Fort Wayne and Allen County that demonstrate a strong commitment to their customers, support their employees, and contribute positively to the community.

Awards will be presented at the Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Annual Meeting on Thursday, June 4th, at 5:00 PM. For more information about the awards and Annual Meeting, please visit award.gfwinc.com.