[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 198 (Friday, November 20, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1064-E1065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DOWNTOWN INDY, INC. FOUNDER TAMARA ZAHN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 20, 2020

  Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of Tamara Zahn, the founder of Indianapolis Downtown Inc. 
now known as Downtown Indy, Inc., an organization tasked with 
developing, managing and marketing downtown Indianapolis. Known as 
Indy's ``greatest cheerleader,'' her loss will be felt far and wide 
across the city where she worked as a real estate analyst and 
consultant before establishing Indianapolis Downtown Inc. Her vision 
and enthusiasm and well-known contagious pride in the city led to 
national recognition for outstanding urban revitalization, development 
and beautification. She was an advocate for the city she loved and a 
valued mentor to many.

[[Page E1065]]

  Tamara was born on June 22, 1953, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Phyllis 
and Bob Zahn. She earned her BA from Indiana University and launched 
her career in real estate in Indianapolis. She consulted on large scale 
projects and played key roles with the Simon Property Group as it 
developed the Mall of America in Minneapolis and Circle Centre Mall in 
Indianapolis. In 1993, she became the first president of Indianapolis 
Downtown, Inc. (IDI), where she served until 2012. During her years at 
IDI, Tamara parlayed her real estate experience and marketing insights 
to help Indianapolis expand its ability to host major conventions, 
events such as Several NCAA Final Four and the NFL's 2012 Super Bowl. 
She launched the Cultural District program, the Marge Tarplee Downtown 
Beautification Fund, and chaired the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. She 
facilitated the United Way's Executive Women's Leadership class in 
2012, and in 2013, she was elected chair of the International Downtown 
Association (IDA). IDA provides tools, intelligence and strategies for 
creating healthy and dynamic centers that anchor the well-being of 
towns, cities and regions of the world.
  Tamara received multiple awards throughout her time leading in the 
State of Indiana including IBJ Inaugural Class of 40 Under 40 (1993); 
Olympic torch bearer (1996); IBJ's Inaugural class of Most Influential 
Women (1997); IUPUI Notable Woman (2000); NUVO Cultural Vision (2012); 
Downtown Champion (2014) and in 2004 she was awarded the State of 
Indiana's highest civilian award, The Sagamore of the Wabash.
  Tamara was known for her infectious laugh, upbeat attitude, strong 
vision and love for people. She was a mentor, a leader and an advocate 
for the growth of Indianapolis, and for women and equality. I admired 
Tamara and was blessed to count her among my friends.
  Tamara Zahn passed away unexpectedly on October 1, 2020. I join her 
beloved husband of 28 years, Tim Wade, her son, Tim Wade, Jr., and 
brother, Tom Zahn as well as countless Hoosiers in mourning the loss of 
a great leader and friend. The City of Indianapolis as well as the 
State of Indiana will miss her remarkable talents and loving 
personality but her legacy will live on as the city continues to 
flourish on the path she created.

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