Indianapolis was announced as the 2012 Community of the Year on Oct. 31 at a downtown press conference on Georgia Street, a location which highlights the city’s ongoing infrastructure improvements, economic growth and beautification efforts.

“I’m honored to accept this award on behalf of the city of Indianapolis and our residents, our community groups and businesses – large and small – and our employees, who all come together to make Indianapolis the wonderful place it is,” said Mayor Greg Ballard.

“Indianapolis is a destination for people and for businesses. Because of our impeccable financials, AAA-debt rating, stable tax environment and balanced budgets, businesses know what to expect in Indy – which makes them more likely to act, create jobs and invest in Indianapolis because they can plan.”

Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar on the selection: “Super Bowl XLVI put Indianapolis center stage internationally and marked the pinnacle in a long history of events and developments that have made it a continuing success story.

“The capital city has a varied and growing list of cultural amenities, business diversity and vibrant neighborhoods, as well as strong leadership and a powerful spirit among its residents. This honor is deserved on so many levels,” he emphasized.

Among the specifics cited by the Indiana Chamber:
• CityWay, a business and residential combination near the Eli Lilly campus that will serve as a connecting point to the rest of downtown
• 16 Tech, a partnership that will build on existing strengths in medicine, life sciences and high-tech organizations
• Unprecedented road and sidewalk construction as part of Rebuild Indy, which was largely funded by partnering with Citizens Energy to run the city’s water and wastewater operations
• Bike lanes and trails that have helped enhance residents’ quality of life

Indianapolis was previously named Community of the Year by the Indiana Chamber in 1995. Warsaw was named Community of the Year in 2003.

“The Indianapolis business climate has proven welcoming to a broad audience. The new entities are exciting additions to a business lineup that features outstanding companies that have called Indianapolis home for many, many years,” Indiana Chamber Chairman Mike Wells of REI Real Estate Services

The 2012 Community of the Year award will be presented to Mayor Ballard during the Indiana Chamber’s 23rd Annual Awards Dinner on November 1 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.The 2012 Business Leader of the Year and Government Leader of the Year recipients will be announced at that time.

More than 1,200 business, political and community leaders are expected to attend. Legendary journalists Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward will take the stage as the feature presentation, discussing the Nixon presidency, politics and journalism with “Inside the White House: From Nixon to Obama.”

Past Community of the Year recipients:

2011: Kokomo
2010: Terre Haute
2009: Valparaiso
2008: Noblesville
2007: Anderson
2006: Evansville
2005: LaPorte
2004: Muncie
2003: Warsaw
2002: Marion
2001: Greater Lafayette
2000: Jeffersonville
1999: Fort Wayne
1998: Rochester
1997: Batesville
1996: Elkhart
1995: Indianapolis
1994: Kendallville