Mayoral Fireside Chat

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  Scott Fadness

  Prior to his election as Fishers’ first mayor, Scott Fadness served as Fishers’ Town Manager from 2011-2014 and Deputy Town Manager of Operations from 2009-2011 overseeing the day-to-day operations of public works, engineering, fleet management and parks & recreation. As Town Manager, he reorganized town departments to streamline government services, create greater efficiencies and save Fishers’ taxpayers millions of dollars — all while doubling Fishers’ cash reserves. His dedication to fiscal responsibility earned him the Government Finance Officers’ Association “Distinguished Budget Award” three years in a row. Fadness holds a Master’s degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University and is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), and the Indiana Controllers Affiliate Group. He lives in Fishers with his wife, Aunna and son Lincoln. Fishers First Mayor Fadness became Mayor of the City of Fishers, Indiana on December 22, 2014. As the City of Fishers’ first Mayor, he manages the day-to-day operations of the City and leads a team of 12 department directors. In addition to his responsibilities as mayor, Fadness serves Indiana and the residents of Fishers in the following capacities: Chair of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns Legislative Committee - 2016 Vice chair of the Central Indiana Council of Elected Officials (CICEO) Hamilton Southeastern School Foundation Advisory Council Co-founder and Board member of Launch Fishers Hamilton County Disaster Action Team for the American Red Cross Adjunct Professor at the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Public and Environmental Affairs Vision Mayor Fadness is a proven, fiscally-responsible leader focused on Fishers’ future. He has promoted creative solutions to retain and create jobs, redevelop Fishers’ downtown and establish Fishers as a hub of entrepreneurial activity, and works tirelessly to ensure the Fishers’ success story continues. Mayor Fadness knows that Fishers must continue to deliver taxpayer-friendly, top-quality services. He has strengthened public safety departments and made sure that they are adequately staffed, trained and equipped for Fishers’ ever-changing needs. He is focused on investing in Fishers’ aging infrastructure and exploring new technologies to make Fishers stronger, safer and more responsive to its citizens. Mayor Fadness understands that people, not government, create jobs. In 2011, Scott co-founded Launch Fishers to create a space for entrepreneurs to plan, develop and launch their high-growth, high-potential businesses and products. To date, over 100 new companies call Launch Fishers home. As Mayor, Fadness will continue to focus on strategic efforts that encourage private-sector innovation and job growth. He has led efforts to revitalize Fishers by encouraging private investment in Fishers’ downtown. In 2015, Mayor Fadness will implement a comprehensive strategic plan that encourages smart growth and creates a stronger sense of community in Fishers.

  City of Fishers

  Mayor

  KEYNOTE

  Scott Fadness

  Mayor

  City of Fishers

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  Andy Cook

  Mayor Andy Cook has been a resident of Hamilton County for over 22 years. In 2007, he was the Westfield Town Council president and worked to transition Westfield into becoming Indiana's newest city on January 1, 2008.   After graduating from Northwestern High School near Kokomo, he received a degree in Biology and Environmental Health from Indiana University, Bloomington. After careers with the State Department of Health and the private sector, he joined his son in 1997 to develop Tradewinds, a transportation and logistics corporation, headquartered in Hamilton County.   Mayor Cook is dedicated to managing with financial integrity and is continuously working to maintain Westfield's character and charm while striving to increase its economic viability.   Mayor Cook and his wife of 43 years, Barbara, a retired physician assistant, live in Westfield and are the parents of two sons and a daughter, and have nine grandchildren.

  City of Westfield

  Mayor

  Keynote

  Andy Cook

  Mayor

  City of Westfield

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  Paul Reis

  Paul Reis serves as Chair of the firm’s Real Estate Practice Group. In practice for over 30 years, he has focused his career working with large and small businesses and municipalities in commercial and industrial real estate transactions and development, land use and zoning, urban redevelopment projects, contract negotiation and corporate governance and regulatory matters.

  Krieg DeVault

  Partner

  Moderator

  Paul Reis

  Partner

  Krieg DeVault

Driving Development in Indianapolis

Sports Entertainment & Placemaking

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  Ersal Ozdemir

  As President and CEO of Keystone Construction and Keystone Realty Group, Ersal has made a considerable impact on the Indianapolis community. He brings expertise, leadership, and vision to the companies, igniting a hunger for growth and development. Ersal graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. He is also a graduate of the Stanley K. Lacy Executive Leadership Class XXVIII. He speaks to various groups and has been interviewed about a variety of international issues over the years. Some of his hobbies are traveling, spending time with family and friends, playing soccer, playing table tennis, and supporting the local art community. Ersal is also the Owner of Indy Eleven, Indianapolis’ professional soccer team. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES: Board of Governors, North American Soccer League, Executive Committee; Board of Directors, Indiana Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors, Indy Chamber, Executive Committee; Board of Trustees, University of Indianapolis; Board of Governors, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Secretary and Executive Committee' Board of Directors, Palladium, Center for the Performing Arts, Executive Committee; Board of Directors, Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee; Board of Directors, Children’s Bureau Foundation; Board of Advisors, Purdue University School of Civil Engineering; 2012 Super Bowl VIP Services Host Committee, Co-Chair; Board of Directors, Current Publishing, Chairman; Member, Rotary Club; Member, American Society of Civil Engineers, Past Treasurer; Member, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties; Member, International Council of Shopping Centers, Inc.; Children’s Bureau, Past Chairman.

  Keystone Realty Group

  President & CEO

  Ersal Ozdemir

  President & CEO

  Keystone Realty Group

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  James Morris

  Trustee Morris is the vice chairman of Pacers Sports & Entertainment. A graduate of Indiana University with a master’s degree from Butler University, he was former Mayor Richard G. Lugar’s chief of staff from 1967-73, before joining the Lilly Endowment, serving as its president from 1984-88 and from 1989-2002. He was also the chairman and chief executive officer for IWC Resources Corporation and Indianapolis Water Company. Before going to PS&E, Trustee Morris was the executive director for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) where he led the world’s largest humanitarian agency. Trustee Morris has received many honors, including 16 honorary degrees and IU's Distinguished Alumni Service Award. He has been a trustee and board chairman for both Indiana State University and Indiana University, serves on the National Advisory Board for the Boy Scouts of America, and is treasurer of the U.S. Gymnastics Federation. He served as chair of the Board for Riley Children’s Foundation, is a former member of the IU Foundation Board of Directors, and serves on a number of corporate boards.

  Pacers Sports and Entertainment

  Vice Chairman

  James Morris

  Vice Chairman

  Pacers Sports and Entertainment

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  Aasif Bade

  As president of Ambrose Property Group, Aasif M. Bade focuses on long-range planning, capital management, and customer relationships. Prior to founding Ambrose, Aasif worked in various positions at Duke Realty Corporation. During his career, Aasif has completed over $1 billion of commercial real estate transactions. Aasif received his Bachelor of Science in Finance and Real Estate from the Kelley School of Business, Indiana University Bloomington and completed the Harvard Business School Executive Education Program. Aasif was born and raised in Indianapolis where he attended North Central High School. Aasif enjoys spending time with his wife, Tasia, daughter, Alina, and son, Kamran. His passions outside of family include giving back to the community and fishing.

  Ambrose Property Group

  President

  Aasif Bade

  President

  Ambrose Property Group

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  Greg Rakestraw

  As a broadcaster in Central Indiana for nearly the last 20 years, there may not be an event covered, broadcast, or talked about were Greg Rakestraw wasn’t a part of it. Greg has hosted a variety of radio shows in his nearly 20 year career, first serving as the host of his own popular shows on smaller wattage stations in Indy from 2000-2009. Now he serves as the 107.5/1070 The Fan’s primary fill-in host for The Dan Dakich Show, The Ride with JMV, and the Grady and Big Joe Show. Currently, TV & video announcing is also where many Hoosiers regularly hear Rakestraw. Via Home Town Sports, the statewide all-Indiana sports cable channel was seen in over 600,000 homes across the state, Greg calls play-by-play IHSAA state championship events, like football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, and volleyball. Additionally, viewers are familiar with him handling play-by-play duties for the Horizon League, and championship events for NCAA.com, and the American Legion World Series on ESPN3.

  107.5 FM & 1070 The Fan, Post-Game host on Colts Vectren Radio Network, TV voice of Indy Eleven

  Program Director and Host

  Moderator

  Greg Rakestraw

  Program Director and Host

  107.5 FM & 1070 The Fan, Post-Game host on Colts Vectren Radio Network, TV voice of Indy Eleven

Developing Indianapolis

The Projects Changing the City

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  Elaine Bedel

  Elain Bedel, Indianapolis, was appointed by Governor Eric Holcomb in 2017 to serve as president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the state’s lead economic development agency. Prior to serving the state in her current role, Elaine served as president, chief executive officer and chief compliance officer of Bedel Financial Consulting Inc., a role held since she founded the company in 1989. Bedel is an author of a personal finance book and is a nationally-recognized speaker, providing financial expertise at conferences hosted by Schwab Impact, the University of Indianapolis and the Financial Standards Board. Previously, she served as the director of personal finance planning at Coopers and Lybrand. Throughout her career, Bedel has been recognized for dedication to her profession and her community. Bedel was recognized as a 2014 Enterprising Woman of the Year by Enterprising Women Magazine and received a Trailblazer Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). She was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame by the Junior Achievement of Central Indiana and received the Financial Planning Association’s “Heart of Financial Planning” Award in 2013. Bedel is a graduate of Hanover College and earned an MBA from Butler University.

  Indiana Economic Development Corporation

  President

  Elaine Bedel

  President

  Indiana Economic Development Corporation

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  Richard Horn

  Richard Horn is President of SCP. Richard's primary focus is expanding SCP's office and industrial footprint in SCP's targeted cities. Prior to SCP, Richard was President of Horn Properties which he created in 2002 to invest in and develop office, industrial, land and senior housing projects. Horn Properties developed Metro Air Business Park, an industrial park located adjacent to the new Indianapolis International Airport terminal. Horn Properties also invested in The Stratford Companies, a senior housing development and operating company. The company developed and operated continuing care retirement communities with a total investment of $250 million. Formerly President of Duke Realty, Richard spent 20 years at Duke where he led the REIT into the Chicago, Minneapolis and St. Louis markets and expanded their presence in Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Columbus, Nashville, Raleigh and other Southeastern cities. As President of Duke, Richard had direct responsibility for overseeing development, acquisitions, management and leasing for their 13 strategic cities totaling 110 million square feet of office, industrial and retail space. Rich received his J.D. from Indiana University School of Law, Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degrees from Indiana University. He has been involved with Goodwill Education Initiatives (GEI), The Excel Center, World President’s Organization (WPO), Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Urban Land Institute (ULI), NAIOP, Carmel Dad’s Club, United Way, Rebuilding Together and the National Entrepreneurship Foundation.

  Strategic Capital Partners

  President

  Richard Horn

  President

  Strategic Capital Partners

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  David Flaherty

  David, along with his partner Jerry Collins, is responsible for the strategic direction, operation, and profitability of Flaherty & Collins Properties. Working with his experienced development team, David is instrumental in seeking out real estate opportunities and leading the process that turns those opportunities into successful transactions for his clients and his company. He has been responsible for the completion of hundreds of real estate transactions including acquisitions, dispositions, development, and financing. ACCREDITATIONS / ORGANIZATIONS: National Association of Home Builders Multifamily Division-Leadership Board National Multi Housing Council Board of Visitors/Indiana University School of Business, Indianapolis Indianapolis Bar Association Indiana Real Estate Broker Vision Communities, Inc. - Board Member PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: After graduating from law school in 1984, David joined Revel Companies, an Indianapolis- based full service real estate company, until 1993, when he and Jerry Collins founded Flaherty & Collins Properties. EDUCATION: BS Business, concentration in real estate, 1981 Indiana University - Bloomington, Indiana JD, School of Law, 1984 Indiana University - Indianapolis, Indiana PERSONAL: Dave is married with two children. Dave enjoys snow skiing, running, and coaching children’s athletics.

  Flaherty & Collins Properties

  Chief Executive Officer, Principal

  David Flaherty

  Chief Executive Officer, Principal

  Flaherty & Collins Properties

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  Andrew Held

  With over a decade of real estate development and financing experience, Andrew has led Birge & Held to become one of the most active private equity apartment acquisition companies in the Midwest. Andrew has been involved in commercial and residential development and financing since 2003. He graduated from Indiana University in 1999 (BA – History) where he excelled as a student-athlete and received academic all-American honors. In 2002, he received his JD from the Indiana University School of Law and practiced at the law firms of Hackman Hullet & Cracraft and Bose McKinney & Evans. His practice areas focused on commercial and residential real estate development, handling acquisitions, leasing, financing and dispositions for many of the largest commercial development and construction companies in the United States. In 2007, Mr. Held received his MBA with a finance focus from Butler University. In 2008, he co-founded what is now Birge & Held.

  Birge & Held Asset Management LLC

  President & COO

  Andrew Held

  President & COO

  Birge & Held Asset Management LLC

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  Joshua Malarsky

  Josh Malarsky is a partner in Katz, Sapper & Miller’s Real Estate Services Group. Josh provides accounting and tax services for clients in a variety of industries, with a specialization in the real estate field. He has advised on numerous transactions, including sales and purchases of retail, commercial, and residential real estate developments, historic and new markets tax credit projects, and real estate investment trust (REIT) structure and compliance. Josh is also part of the firm’s Aviation Services Group and works with like-kind exchanges, income tax planning, and structuring related to privately held aircraft. Internally, Josh serves on the firm’s Community Outreach Committee, Recruiting Committee and Mentoring Committee. EDUCATION: Josh received a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. ASSOCIATIONS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Josh is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Indiana CPA Society. He is also a member of the Indiana chapter of Urban Land Institute and is the co-chair of its Young Leaders Group Committee. Additionally, Josh serves as a member of the board of trustees for Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre as well as treasurer and board member for IndyHub.

  Katz, Sapper & Miller’s Real Estate Services Group

  Partner

  Moderator

  Joshua Malarsky

  Partner

  Katz, Sapper & Miller’s Real Estate Services Group