Most of us think of MARK DAVIS as a lawyer or lobbyist or Mr. Hoosier Heartland Highway. 
Today, MARK talked about his vocation in economic development and the profound effect ROTARY had on his vocation. Back in the 80's MARK was President of Greater Lafayette Progress, which today is Greater Lafayette Commerce. MARK recognized many individuals who served on his team and thanks to them, was able to attract SIA, now the Subaru & Toyota Camry plant. MARK shared a couple quick stories about persuading the Japanese companies to choose Lafayette for their plant. Economic Development is simply keeping existing companies happy and growing, encouraging entrepreneurship, and attracting new businesses to our community.
Tony is a native of Lafayette, majored in criminal justice, served many years in law enforcement and serves on many community boards. Tony started his talk by complementing MARK DAVIS on his deep commitment to our community. The Mayor gave an update on projects started in 2009 and where the City is going in 2010. The City of Lafayette is on good, solid, financial footing through department re-organizations, internal transfers, efficiencies and without borrowing any money. Lafayette has over $2 M in their rainy day fund; $3 M in EDIT and finished the year in the black without cutting services. His regional approach to economic development allows growth and competition in a global economy. Some of the projects include: (1) the massive conveyance tunnel that starts at Riehle Plaza, goes under the railroad tracks, and ties into the Pearl River Life Station. (2) 350 South will be completed soon and includes sidewalks, medians, plants, street lights and retention swales to meet storm water requirements. Part of the road has been re-named Veterans Memorial Parkway and the Mayor's youth council is interviewing Vets and their families to learn what it means to lose a loved one in war. The youth council will take those emotions and stories to design signs/banners for the Veterans' Memorial Highway. Look for the ceremony announcement in the Spring. (3) After 350S is completed, Concord Road will be widen to four lanes, etc., and at the same time, a bridge will be built over the railroad tracks at Staley's south plant. The Mayor pointed out that this will help traffic flow AFTER the projects are done and asked for patience from the community during construction. Other projects include renovating 515 Columbia street building to LEED standards. A $7.7 M neighborhood stabilization grant was received to re-vitalize the old Bridgeway apartments (now torn down) and has been re-named Chatham Square. Construction will start this summer and follow LEED standards. 90% of the torn down Bridgeway apartments has been recycled, which is one way of showing that Lafayette is environmentally friendly. Two new exhibits are coming to the Columbian Zoo - the Wabash National river otter exhibit and an Australian exhibit with kangaroos, emus, 2 giant turtles, etc. Many good comments and questions followed the Mayor's presentation.