In the last two years, KEDCO has implemented a new mission, model, and strategies based on a three-step process that brings together public and private sector stakeholders to develop partnerships and programs in response to the unique needs of local companies and communities in Kosciusko County. The model builds on the community’s industry strengths, specialized workforce, and exceptional quality of life amenities.

“Our team is excited about the progress we are making with our new mission to convene, build and show our community’s talent, ideas, and capital,” said KEDCO CEO Alan Tio. “This project is another step in helping us implement and clearly communicate our mission.”

The evolved brand identity, which includes visual and tangible components such as the logo and color palette, better aligns with the KEDCO brand today. “The brand identity conveys the energy of the organization and creative approaches we’re taking,” said Tio. “We also understand how critical it is to build trust and connection with people near and far to strengthen Kosciusko County. This evolved identity better communicates our forward-looking, mission-focused approach to local economic development.”

The organization’s work plan now includes initiatives focused on the agribusiness and medical device sectors, community development projects, talent recruitment and retention, entrepreneurial support, and workforce housing development. KEDCO is a member of AgriNovus Indiana, works closely with Warsaw-based OrthoWorx, and represents Kosciusko County at the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership.

Local outreach at the foundation of these initiatives and includes quarterly agribusiness, medical device, and executive roundtable events; monthly entrepreneur and newcomer meetups; and recurring entrepreneur support organization gatherings and one-on-one coaching. These efforts build on best practices identified during the Small Cities, Big Futures benchmarking project, and involve partnerships with numerous local organizations.

“Connection with business and community stakeholders is critical for us to assess and better understand the needs of our communities and local companies,” said Tio. “These regular outreach efforts are the starting point in our three-step process to help our clients build successful companies and thriving communities.”

The brand identity project was led by KEDCO marketing partner Katie Dewitt and strategy partner Jack Patton. KEDCO also worked with Warsaw-based 1Eighty Digital to refresh the appearance and functionality of the organization’s website, which relaunched today, with video work from local videographers Mason Geiger Photography & Film and One Voice Media. Future enhancements will include case studies of business and community leaders and the launch of a Clearly Kosciusko podcast series.