Joe Dager
Business901
Fort Wayne, IN 46845
Phone: 260-438-0411

Website:http://www.Business901.com
Website:http://www.FundingYourNonprofit.com
Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/business901
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/business901
Email: jtdager@business901.com

Isn\u2019t that the truth, the farther you travel the smarter you are? I think the smartest I have ever
been was in Cairo, Egypt, even though I was unable to get a $200 package out of customs for
less than $400. Being perceived as an expert in your own home town is simply the most difficult
thing to do. Why?

I believe a lot of it is that others have watched you mature, go through your ups and downs, and
gotten to know you other than your area of expertise. But being
from the smallest biggest city in America, I see these first hand in
many instances. Fort Wayne has the stigma that it struggles to grow
as a city. I will admit to its troubles, we are surrounded by major
cities in every direction and a state line within 20 miles to boot! We
also have been tied to the auto-industry for years creating a bond
with southeastern Michigan and Northwest Ohio more so than
Indianapolis, our own state capital.

have that. Not the lack of forward thinking politicians, I think
Graham Richard was one and that Tom Henry may be in a totally different way. What frustrates
me is the total lack of support on a state basis to develop Fort Wayne as a second city and the
agencies within Fort Wayne that are supposed to take the initiative to develop Fort Wayne and
Northeast Indiana. The thinking in Indianapolis is like they are sending Commodore Perry to

They continue to think our region can be better served by hiring outside people to lead us and to consult us. Is it better to have experience of the job or the experience of the region? (A question, that may be weighed heavily with recent resignation of Kristine Foate, FTW Chamber