Fort Wayne Releases New ED Report

City and regional leaders in Fort Wayne, Indiana plan to expand local economic development efforts. Last week a new report on the Fort Wayne area's economy - "Investing in Our Future" - was released. The message is blunt - this area must act immediately to halt a 20-year downward drift. The report advises greater attention to both shoring up the existing economic base, especially manufacturing, and giving increased attention to economic diversification through the development of new technology-based industries.

Major recommendations include:

* Creation of a $20 million economic development superfund.
* Develop clusters in advanced manufacturing, life sciences and aviation/intermodal logistics.
* Increase state and local flexibility to match companies' needs.
* Support entrepreneurship financially and culturally.
* Invest in the work force through public and private means.
* Greater regional collaboration.
* Measure the success of efforts through a series of benchmarks.