OneZone CEO Jack Russell delivers ‘State of Business in Carmel’ to Rotarians

By DUBBIE BUCKLER
Rotary Club of Carmel V.P.

Jack Russell, President & CEO of the OneZone Chamber of Commerce, which includes Carmel and Fishers, delivered an enlightening “State of Business in Carmel” address to Carmel Rotarians at the club’s meeting held July 10 at Woodland Country Club, 100 Woodland Lane, Carmel.

He proudly recognized Carmel Rotarian Tammy Haney as OneZone’s 2027 Board Chair. Russell noted that OneZone, led by its 45-member Board of Directors, serves more than 1,200 businesses throughout Hamilton County; has more than 200 Member Businesses; annually holds more than 90 events; has experienced 30 percent growth in membership; enjoys a 92 percent member retention rate; has received 25 Innovative Excellence Awards in the past five years; and was recently named the Indiana Chamber of the Year for 2026.

Russell reviewed “Carmel by the Numbers,” citing Carmel has more than 106,000 residents from 78 countries with 102 languages spoken; has a projected population of 114,000 by 2030; is one of Indiana’s premier destinations for corporate headquarters; is nationally recognized for its schools, parks, arts, and quality of life; and the Rotary Club of Carmel is the No. 1 Rotary Club in Indiana!

He explained how Carmel has evolved into one of the Midwest’s premier business communities by combining intentional economic development, exceptional quality of life, and strategic investments in talent, infrastructure, and place-making. He commended Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam and former Mayor Jim Brainard, both Carmel Rotarians, for their vision and leadership resulting in Carmel always being at the top of national lists of best places to live.

Russell remarked that Carmel’s next challenge is ensuring that workforce, housing, and transportation keep pace with continued job growth. By 2030, Carmel is projected to have approximately 18,000 more jobs than employed residents. As a result, those positions will need to be filled by people who commute into Carmel from other communities each day. He cited healthcare as one of Carmel’s fastest-growing employment sectors.

After reviewing similar numbers and concerns for Hamilton County, the state of Indiana, and the nation, Russell shared the following common themes across all four geographic tiers: 1) Workforce Shortages, 2) Housing Affordability, 3) Population Growth & Demographics, 4) Infrastructure & Transportation, 5) Economic Uncertainty, and 6) Talent Attraction & Retention.

He summarized that Hamilton County’s future competitiveness will depend on whether we can align growth, talent, housing, infrastructure, and quality of life, emphasizing that the communities that solve those issues first will be the communities that win the next generation of jobs and investment. After answering some questions from members, Russell was then presented copies of the Toy Story® books “Team UP” to autograph by Rotarian Tammy Haney, who will then present them to Carmel elementary school libraries.