Former KEDCo President George Robertson Passes Away
KOSCIUSKO — Former KEDCo President George Robertson, 71, passed away this weekend on Feb. 23, after a battle with cancer.
Robertson was well known in the community and joined KEDCo in 2010 as the organization’s first full-time executive director. Since that time, the community has seen the development of Warsaw Tech Park, job creation and investment projects throughout Kosciusko County and the launch of multiple workforce development initiatives with KEDCo’s involvement.
“On behalf of the KEDCO Board of Directors, we are deeply saddened by George’s passing and want to pass along our sincerest condolences to his family. George will be remembered by many locally, statewide and nationally as he touched many lives and helped many companies and communities grow and add opportunity for their citizens,” said James Tinkey, KEDCo board member. “He was instrumental in not only developing and implementing plans that focused on meeting the needs of local companies but also was a valuable resource and facilitator for many businesses and industries locally in assisting them in meeting their goals. We have truly been fortunate to have George in Kosciusko County as he closed out his long and illustrious economic development career in 2018 and he will long be remembered as a friend, partner and unselfish community servant.”
“Our team at KEDCo shares our deepest condolences with George’s family,” commented current KEDCo President Alan Tio. “He was a passionate community leader and accomplished economic developer. We are grateful for how much George contributed to move our organization forward as our president for nearly a decade. His legacy will continue to be felt in our community.“
Warsaw Mayor Joseph Thallemer spoke about Robertson’s impact on Warsaw through his work on workforce development and the creation of the Certified Technology Park.
“George was very instrumental in understanding the importance of workforce development in our community. His expertise was unparalleled and he was really a driving force behind the workforce development,” commented Thallemer. “He spent a good part of his career right here in Warsaw trying to help us retain and build. He understood there was a whole lot more to economic development than just going out to recruit.”
When Robertson arrived, in 2010, Kosciusko County’s unemployment rate was at 13.5 percent. By the end of 2015, the unemployment rate in the county was 4 percent.
Previous to his work with KEDCo, Robertson held leadership positions with organizations based in Maryland, Louisiana and New York. His experience includes roles with local, regional and state-level economic development organizations. As a result, Robertson was a frequent instructor at economic development courses across the country and has been recognized as an authority within the economic development profession.
Robertson met his wife, Priya (Kasmatie), on an economic development trip to Guyana, South America, where they later adopted their son, Joel.
One of Robertson’s lifelong passions was the Scouts. As an Eagle Scout, he continued to play an active role in the organization. After arriving in Kosciusko County, he became a Cub and Boy Scouts leader. He helped develop the first successful Scouting pack in the Claypool/Silver Lake area. His youngest son, Joel, is active in the Boy Scouts and frequently helped his father with Scouting events and trips. Even during his battle against cancer, Robertson continued to dedicate much of his free time to the Scouts.
Funeral arrangements are with Titus Funeral Home and a celebration of Robertson’s life will be held at a later date.