Hoosier State Today

Madison Named Indiana Chamber Community of the Year

(INDIANAPOLIS) — With its rich heritage and historic architecture, beautiful setting along the Ohio River, and proximity to several large metropolitan areas, Madison is well-known among Hoosiers. The city is currently experiencing a housing and business sector expansion, a revitalized downtown, and a growing list of events that keep it bustling year-round.

In recognition of these developments, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce has selected Madison as its 2024 NextEra Energy Resources Community of the Year.

“Madison is a true southern gateway for the state of Indiana and is fast becoming a regional hub for business, in addition to being an established epicenter for recreational and leisure activities,” said Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders. “What’s happening in Madison is a credit to the public and corporate leadership there and is a feather in the cap of the entire state. It’s an honor to put a spotlight on the tremendous progress they’re making with this award.”

Bob Courtney, Madison's mayor since 2019 and a native who had a long career in banking and finance, expressed pride in his city. “Maybe I’m biased, but I think Madison has it all,” he said. “Yes, we do have a great environment for business and as a result a growing business sector. And we have a growing list of attractions, amenities and improved infrastructure to support all that. We have great schools. But it’s even more than that. We’ve set a vision and curated an atmosphere that is very friendly, welcoming and inviting. That’s why Madison is one of the few cities in Indiana – or anywhere – that is projecting population growth.”

Tony Steinhardt returned to his hometown after working for RATIO Architects for 25 years to become Madison’s economic development director. Alongside other city leaders including Courtney, Steinhardt aims to grow Madison strategically using cutting-edge artificial intelligence software.

“Our community is in a renaissance period of not just growth but growth that is thoughtful and managed,” Steinhardt stated. “We’ve elevated amenities and quality of life; we’ve eliminated blight – there are places to eat, things to see and do. And we’ve done all these things by collecting, analyzing and studying data and trends to build on what we have, enhance Madison’s current situation, and chart a course for its future.”

Andrew Forrester, Visit Madison executive tourism director noted: “Madison has really boomed the last decade. If you haven’t been here in a while you would be amazed at the transformation …and we want to tell people all about it.” Forrester highlighted Madison's vibrant music scene, flourishing arts community, riverfront attractions including jet boat tours, as well as Fairfield Inn & Suites at Historic Eagle Cotton Mill which was recently rated No. 1 Fairfield Inn in the U.S.

Earlier this year USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards named Madison as the No. 1 Small Town in the Midwest while Main Street America awarded it with Great American Main Street Award recognizing excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization.

A five-person panel from Indiana Chamber selected Madison after reviewing nominations from various communities or individuals recognizing local progress.

City officials will receive their honor at Indiana Chamber’s 35th Annual Awards program presented by Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield on November 13 at Indiana Convention Center where tickets can be purchased online or via phone call.

The ceremony will also feature four other statewide honors: Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of Year; Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader; Yamaha Dynamic Leader; Young Professional Of Year awards respectively sponsored by Zimmer Biomet (speaker), PNC (opening reception), AT&T Indiana among others listed below:

Corporate sponsors include Eli Lilly Company French Lick Resort Indiana University IPM Institute NIPSCO Pacers Sports Entertainment Polaris Marine Tilson Contributing sponsors AECOM Hunt Cherry Bekaert Connor Painting Corteva Agriscience Inside INdiana Business Division IBJ Media Markey Subaru Of Indiana Automotive Kroger Co Additional sponsorships available through Jesse Brothers Media coverage contact Matt Ottinger

Recent recipients include Boone County (2023), Columbus (2022), Greater Lafayette (2021), Fort Wayne (2020), Plymouth (2019) Jasper (2018).