Kosciusko Chamber Of Commerce Highlights Award Recipients
Press Release
WARSAW — Earlier this month, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce announced the recipients of their 2020 business and individual awards during their 109th annual awards program.
From left, are Rob Parker, Kosciusko Chamber President & CEO; Sherry Searles, Launchpad Director; Mike Wilson, Wawasee School Board member; Don Bokhart, Wawasee School Board president; Jennifer Phillips, director of special services; Steve Troyer, Wawasee Community Schools superintendent; Becky Linnemeier, Wawasee School Board member; Rob Fisher, Wawasee School Board member; Mary Lou Dixon, Wawasee School Board member; James Flecker, director of finance and legal services; and Glenn Hall, Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice executive director.
LaunchPad Family Friendly Business Award
Recipient: Wawasee Community Schools
The LaunchPad Family Friendly Business award recognizes a business that provides innovative and creative solutions to support their employees’ family and/or childcare needs. Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice was this year’s award sponsor. Glenn Hall spoke about how this year’s winner, Wawasee Community Schools, opened two new on-site early learning programs for their staff and the community. Honorable mention recognition for this award was given to Parkview Warsaw YMCA and Zimmer Biomet.
From left, are Autumn Knepper, The Salvation Army; Melissa Cunningham, The Salvation Army; Rob Parker, Kosciusko Chamber President and CEO; Sina Locke, The Salvation Army; and Ken Locke, The Salvation Army.
Making a Difference Award
Recipient: The Salvation Army
The Making a Difference Award was sponsored by Old National Bank and presented by Sandra Parra. The award was given to The Salvation Army for their positive impact on the community.
“This month, The Salvation Army is celebrating its 100th anniversary of serving Kosciusko County and following their motto of ‘doing the most good’ with resources given so generously by the community,” said Parra. “Each year, The Salvation Army provides help to nearly 5,000 individuals in Kosciusko County.”
Honorable mention recognition was given to Clevenger Insurance and Kensington Digital Media.
From left, are Rob Parker, Kosciusko Chamber President and CEO; Marsha McSherry, Kosciusko County administrator; and Kurt Boggs, PNC Investments.
Health and Wellness in the Workplace Award
Recipient: Kosciusko County Government
The Kosciusko County Government was awarded the Health and Wellness in the Workplace Award, sponsored by PNC Bank and presented by Corinna Ladd. The Kosciusko County Government recently conducted a health risk and biometric assessment of their employees. They used the results to create and implement a comprehensive workplace wellness program. Employees are able to attend classes on health and wellness during paid work hours. Honorable mention for this award was given to Goshen Health and Kosciusko County Purdue Extension.
From left, are Mitch Goon, Horizon Bank; Michael Pahl, Winona IT president/owner; and Rob Parker, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce president and CEO.
Rising Star Award
Recipient: Winona IT
The Rising Star award is given to Kosciusko County’s highest performing new company. This year, the award, sponsored by Horizon Bank and presented by Mitchell Goon, was awarded to Winona IT.
“In their first two years of business, Winona IT has grown its employee and customer base quickly,” said Goon. “Their team has risen to the challenge by effectively managing the growth in workload while maintaining a positive relationship with all clientele.”
Honorable mention recognition was given to Cable Bullet and Music Encounters.
From left, are Rob Parker, Kosciusko Chamber president and CEO; Doug Rassi, Polywood president/co-founder; Ryan Zimmerman, Polywood director of human resources; and Lisa O’Neill, Lake City Bank, executive vice-president and chief financial officer.
Business of the Year Award
Recipient: Polywood
This year’s Business of the Year Award was sponsored by Lake City Bank. Lisa O’Neill presented the award to Polywood.
“In 2020, they welcomed 160 new employees to their Syracuse location,” said O’Neill. “Currently, they are in the process of constructing additional buildings that will provide over 100 new local jobs within the next year. This growth has positively impacted Kosciusko County’s economy with rippling effects for our residents and the surrounding area.”
Honorable mention was given to G&G Hauling & Excavating and Rabb Water Systems.
Heather Lardino, 1st Source Bank.
Ambassador of the Year Award
Recipient: Heather Lardino, 1st Source Bank
Lauren Klusman, the Chamber’s marketing and communications manager, presented the Ambassador of the Year Award to Heather Lardino from 1st Source Bank.
From left, are John Warren, Crossroads Bank; and Travis McConnell, Law Office of Travis J. McConnell.
Young Adult Professional of the Year Award
Recipient: Travis McConnell
John Warren of Crossroads Bank, presented and sponsored the Young Adult Professional of the Year Award. YAP is a group of business professionals under the age of 40 who are active in the community. This year’s recipient was Travis McConnell.
Kosciusko County Coroner Tony Ciriello
Government Excellence Award
Recipient: Kosciusko County Coroner Tony Ciriello
Monica Kendrick presented the Government Excellence Award sponsored by Zimmer Biomet to Kosciusko County Coroner Tony Ciriello.
“Ciriello is a very dedicated local elected official,” said Kendrick. He is committed to our community and is always willing to help those who need him.”
As previously announced, the Chamber also awarded the 2020 Man and Woman of the Year to Dr. David Hoffert and Angie Ritchey.
