WARSAW, Ind. (October 26, 2022) – The Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) yesterday hosted its annual meeting to celebrate economic development initiatives in Kosciusko County, and recognize businesses and individuals for leadership and contributions to the community. Key highlights included the announcement of the Kosciusko All Things Art Fund to support public art throughout the County, and retired community and education leader Dr. Bill Katip receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash award.
“It’s an exciting time for us to pause to recognize the individuals and organizations throughout Kosciusko County for their impressive contributions to our community,” said KEDCO CEO Alan Tio, “As we continue to put our mission in motion, these success stories illustrate the momentum that is building in Kosciusko County and motivate to keep moving forward.”
KEDCO Leadership Partner Suzie Light helped kick off the event with an exciting announcement about the new “Kosciusko All Things Art Fund,” which is being established to raise funds for local municipalities to support public art in communities throughout Kosciusko County.
“Public art benefits local tourism and offers cultural, social, and economic value. It also enhances the quality of place for residents and visitors, and we’ve learned through the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP) and Forward Kosciusko, that local residents want public art in their communities,” said Light.
The fund is held within the Kosciusko Development Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) organization, and part of the KEDCO family of businesses. The fund will provide money to units of local government such as the City of Warsaw, Towns and Kosciusko County, to acquire public art. To learn more about the Kosciusko All Things Art Fund or to contribute online to the fund, visit www.kosciuskoedc.com/AllThingsArtFund.
Tio continued the program by sharing local economic development highlights from 2022, including updates on KEDCO’s focus areas of talent, entrepreneurship, and housing.
Joining Tio for a informal discussion were Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers and Indiana Economic Development Corporation Executive Vice President David Rosenberg. Chambers and Rosenberg shared insight on what’s happening with economic development at the state level, and the State’s strategic plan for economic development which includes a heavy focus on “The Five E’s”: Environment, Entrepreneurship, Economy of the Future, Energy and External Engagement.
“I continue to be inspired by the innovative and creative efforts put into building the future of our state,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers. “Events like this are important opportunities to align the perspectives and views of our communities with those of the state, and to celebrate Indiana’s local change-makers.”
For the third year, KEDCO continued its recognition program highlighting Rising Leader, Business Impact, Community Impact, and Community Catalyst awardees.
The Rising Leader award recognizes “under 40” emerging leaders in the community who making an impact in the workplace, with their own businesses, or through their involvement in the local community.
2022 Rising Leader Award Recipients
Joe Beard, Instrumental Machine & Development
Shawn Brown, Lake City Living Magazine
Gina Clevenger, Clevenger Insurance Agency
Joe Clevenger, Clevenger Insurance Agency
Michael Conrad, Precision Medical Technologies
Kelsea DeGaetano, Kelsea Designs
Emily Illingworth Kosnik, Toyota of Warsaw
Josh Miller, Zimmer Biomet
Leo Patiño, Indiana Tech
Tess Streasick, Cable Bullet
Zach Tucker, Maple Leaf Farms
The Business Impact award recognizes businesses in Kosciusko County that made investments in the community such as expansion projects, job creation, and other workplace investments during 2022.
2022 Business Impact Award Recipients
Autocam Medical
Bentley Pontoons
Danco Medical
DreamOn Studios
EBus Dynamics
Louis Dreyfus Co.
Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital
Medartis US
OMCO
Parkview Kosciusko Hospital
Precision Medical Technologies
Wildman Business Group
Woodenware USA
The Community Impact award recognizes community development and placemaking projects in Kosciusko County. This year, five awardees were recognized.
2022 Community Impact Award Recipients
Instrumental Machine & Development
Kosciusko Connect
Frank & Becky Levinson
Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams
POLYWOOD
The Community Catalyst award recognizes a difference-maker who is making an impact on people and the community through their private careers, public service, and community involvement. The Community Catalyst award was presented to Cary Groninger for his service as a business owner, developer, and elected official in the community.
“It is an honor to present the Community Catalyst award to Cary Groninger this year for his ongoing contributions in our community,” said Tio, “He is ‘setting the example’ through his leadership in the business community, service as an elected official, and dedication to making a lasting impact.”
The event concluded with a presentation from Indiana State Representative Craig Snow recognizing Dr. Bill Katip with an honorary Sagamore of the Wabash Award. Katip has had a longtime association with Kosciusko County, including service on the KEDCO board of directors, and recently retired following an extensive career in higher education leadership.
View photos from the event online later this week via Flickr. Stay connected with KEDCO on Facebook, Linkedin and Instagram (@kosciuskoedc) and visit www.kosciuskoedc.com.
