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Long before beautification programs and facade partnerships, there was a jewel of downtown Decatur – Eichhorn Jewelry. Much as L.S. Ayres was the anchor store at Glenbrook Mall in Fort Wayne, Eichhorn’s was and still is one of the anchors of downtown Decatur. For much of the last two decades, the face behind the counter at Decatur’s jewelry store has been the polite and smiling face of Matt Dyer.
Now serving his 17th year on the Decatur City Council, Dyer has been as involved as nearly anyone in the revitalization of downtown Decatur.
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“Our family started our business expansion 20 years ago and it’s become a catalyst for others to do the same,” notes Dyer. “Decatur is thriving, but especially downtown.”
Dyer shared his vision for Decatur to WZBD as part of the station’s primary election coverage.
“We are a small town in the heart of the Midwest. A city where we enjoy our quality of life, away from big cities, but close enough to visit when we wish to.”
Dyer continues: “Decatur is a great place to live and worship, a safe place to call home.”
The gemologist also boasts development in the Industrial Park area.
“We have seen the expansion of existing businesses and new, diverse industries have seen expansion of existing businesses. We also have new, diverse industries that have come into vacant properties.”
Two new water treatment plants, along with the new water line from Berne, are two extremely important infrastructure projects of which Dyer is extremely proud.
The patriarch of a large family that lives in the city, Dyer’s proudest accomplishment is simply becoming involved, something he encourages every citizen to consider.
In regards to hopes for the future, Dyer hopes that his re-election will allow him to focus on the development of the riverfront area between first street and the St. Marys River.
“The city has been acquiring properties for some time,” he says. “Taking our comprehensive plan, putting it into action, that is something I look forward to seeing through. We want to work with developers to grow the city in business, industry and residential areas.”
Dyer, a republican, is running for the at-large seat on the city council. He is opposed by Tim Ehlerding in the primary, which will be held on Tuesday, May 2nd.
“Decatur is right on track,” says Dyer, “ and I am proud of what we have accomplished.”