Fort Wayne Chamber relocating

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce is putting its headquarters up for sale and will look for a new spot to set up shop in downtown Fort Wayne.

In a news release, the Chamber called this "a strategic move to increase its downtown presence and potentially enhance collaboration with fellow economic development organizations."

The Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce Foundation owns the Chamber building at 826 Ewing Street and has been leasing its use to the Chamber. But now the foundation will list the building for sale.

“This is a decision that follows our strategic plan,” said Pat Sullivan, Chamber Board of Directors Chairman. “We utilized a committee of 10 business leaders who considered all of our options and needs. We need to be an organization built for the 21st century, as well as the best stewards of our members’ investment in our mission. From our perspective, those needs led us to the decision to explore new facilities for the Chamber.”

Chamber President and CEO Mike Landram emphasized that the Chamber will stay centrally located in downtown Fort Wayne. He also says the Chamber's exploring possibilities that would involve co-locating with several other economic development organizations in one downtown facility.

“The benefits of a co-location are numerous,” Landram said. “The improvements in efficiency, communication and collaboration are all things that would benefit our members and the Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana business community.”