(From left): KLA Moderator Allyn Decker; Joni Truex, executive officer, Builders Association Kosciusko Fulton Counties; Dr. John Teevan, Grace College; KLA Cadet Alice Hitchcock, Lake City Bank; Michael Kubacki, Lakeland Financial Corp.; and KLA Cadet Lili Dailey, Lake City Bank.

By JONI TRUEX
KLA Public Information Director

KOSCIUSKO — KLA Cadets were welcomed to Syracuse by Henry DeJulia, town manager, to learn about economics in Kosciusko County. Tony Ciriello also welcomed the cadets and spoke about the Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy, which he has moderated since inception.

Joni Truex, executive officer, Builders Association Kosciusko Fulton Counties spoke on the economic impact of building in Kosciusko County. The average permit issued cost for a home built in 2015 in Kosciusko County is approximately $274,550, compared to a nationwide average of $318,000. Each home built creates 2.9 full time jobs. Buying your own home remains the American Dream.

Michael Kubacki, chairman of the board, Lake City Bank, provided an overview of banking and finance on the local and federal level. Credit access is critical in the United States, as the U.S. is an ownership society. Kubacki explained the differing roles in the financial sector. Dr. John Teevan, Grace College, presented a comparison of Kosciusko County’s economic status with other communities.

The next KLA session will be held on Feb. 2, at the KCH Wellness Center, where Health Care in Kosciusko County will be featured.

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.