WARSAW — Kosciusko Leadership Academy recently met at the Ivy Tech Community College Orthopedic and Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, where cadets learned about the history of orthopedics in the county and the impact the industry has on the region.

Bob Hastings, research director for DePuy Synthes Joint Reconstruction, spoke about the rich history of orthopedics in the community. Hastings told the story of Revra DePuy, who began selling fiber splints in Warsaw the late 1800s. In 1905, J.O. Zimmer began working for DePuy as a salesman. Zimmer left the company in 1927 to found Zimmer Manufacturing. In 1977, Biomet was founded by former employees of Zimmer and OEC.

Seth Nash, director of product management at Zimmer Biomet discussed several market forces that may impact the global orthopedics industry over the coming years. These included the role of public policy, emerging global markets, and the role of technology.

Brad Bishop, executive director of OrthoWorx, Inc. spoke on the impact of the orthopedic industry in the community. OrthoWorx is as Warsaw-based, regionally focused organization dedicated to collaboratively building on our community strengths as the Orthopedic Capital of the World. The organization seeks to support the long-term sustainability and growth of the orthopedic sector with a focus on talent development, talent attraction, and innovation. Bishop highlighted the large concentration of employees in the “orthopedic corridor”, which includes Whitley and Allen counties. With a 25 percent employment growth in the last 10 years and an over 20,000 job total employment impact to the region, the orthopedic industry is a vital piece of the community. Over $1.3 billion per year in labor expenditures and over $500 million a year in taxes are contributed as a direct result of the industry. The total economic value to the State of Indiana is estimated at $4.7 billion.

Bishop also discussed the FORGE skills gap studies, and highlighted the importance of increased skills training and alignment with industry needs to meet the increased future demand in orthopedics. Employment in orthopedics is expected to grow approximately 10 percent over the next 10 years, with an expected labor force growth of only 3.7 percent.

The next KLA session will be held at the Kosciusko County Courthouse, where cadets will learn about law enforcement and the judicial system of Kosciusko County.