Pictured discussing Clunette Elevator are Gabe Ayres and KLA Cadets .

KOSCIUSKO — Kosciusko Leadership Academy started the 2017/2018 year at Ivy Tech Community College with an introduction to KLA by Board President Dr.Jeffery Fawcett, Grace College, and history of KLA by Advisor Nathan Conley, Lake City Bank. An overview of the KLA year was given by Moderator Dr. Allyn Decker, Ivy Tech Community College.

Following the introductory session, the cadets boarded a bus to begin the tour of Kosciusko County.  The first stop was Clunette Elevator, where Gabe Ayres provided an overview of the history, present and future of Clunette Elevator and agriculture.  Clunette Elevator, a family owned business employs 25 people year-round and the employee count grows to 40 employees during peak times.  Clunette Elevator has adapted and changed with the evolution of agriculture and agriculture products, developing into a high-tech industry that truly cares for the land, animals and people.  “Who’s telling the agriculture story today?  They’re not on our team,” shared Gabe. 

Cadets then continued the tour of Kosciusko County by visiting PolyWood.  Touring the manufacturing facility, cadets learned that PolyWood is now available for purchase on-line at polywood.com, in addition to their partner retailers. 

Cadets enjoyed lunch while touring Webster Lake on the Dixie Boat.  Upon returning to shore, the cadets boarded the bus for a stop at Tippy Creek Winery to learn about this entrepreneurial business. 

The last stop of the day was the City of Warsaw Airport, where the cadets learned $860 million is the economic impact generated in Kosciusko County as a direct result of the airport in 2016. As a comparison, Fort Wayne’s direct impact is $980 million and Goshen’s is $13.8 million.  The KLA cadets were provided an opportunity to learn about various industries and companies operating in Kosciusko County. 

The next KLA session will be held on Sept. 12, at the Wawasee Area Conservancy, Syracuse, to learn about protecting water resources. 

KLA is a not for profit organization devoted to serving Kosciusko County by encouraging leaders and future leaders to dream and create a better community through white paper projects.