Members of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce pose for a picture prior to participating in the annual chamber golf outing. InkFreeNews photos by Liz Adkins.

Press Release

WINONA LAKE — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is honoring Kosciusko County as its 2025 Yamaha Community of the Year for its strong emphasis on collaborative leadership, economic diversification and a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

The announcement was made prior to the start of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce’s annual chamber golf outing at Stonehenge Golf Club in Winona Lake on Wednesday, Aug. 20.

Kosciusko County was selected by an Indiana Chamber panel after a thorough review of all locations under consideration. The group chose Kosciusko County because it “checks all the boxes for being a place where people want to live, work and visit and employers want to be,” said Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders. “Kosciusko County is a best-in-class example of how communities can work for the betterment of all citizens. Its vibrant ecosystem of public and private partnerships works together for the collective good and demonstrates inspiring servanthood leadership.”

Sinders specifically praised the ALL IN Kosciusko campaign as “such a thoughtful initiative to drive community-driven innovation and turn ideas into action. That type of forward-looking approach got our attention with how it further unites leaders from all sectors in the county.”

“We couldn’t be prouder to accept this honor from the Indiana Chamber, and its further affirmation of our ALL IN Kosciusko vision to shape a bold and collaborative future,” said Rob Parker, president and CEO of the Kosciusko Chamber and executive director of Main Street Warsaw. “At the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, we believe this recognition reflects the dedication, collaboration and spirit of inclusion that defines our community. We are confident that this approach will continue to guide us toward a stronger, brighter future – one that brings opportunity and prosperity to all who call Kosciusko County home.”

David Ober, senior vice-president of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, speaks to Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce members prior to the annual chamber golf outing.

Other aspects that stood out to the Indiana Chamber were specific efforts to restore and repurpose community assets, preventing facilities and businesses from going dark due to evolving market conditions. Examples include saving the Stonehenge Golf Course in Winona Lake and transforming the former LSC Communications plant in Warsaw into Slate Auto’s production facility for electric vehicles,
which is expected to bring in 2,000 jobs.

Sinders also singled out how Kosciusko County is actively seeking to diversify its economic base by attracting new industries. That’s exemplified by bringing the world’s largest MedTech incubator to Warsaw.

“It’s the only area in the state that has really put itself on the global map as the Orthopedic Capital of the World,” said David Ober, senior vice-president of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. “We’re delighted to acknowledge the employers and organizations within Kosciusko County.”

Kosciusko County officials will receive the honor at the Indiana Chamber’s 36th Annual Awards Dinner presented by Meijer on Nov. 5 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. The keynote speaker is Daymond John, a well-known entrepreneur and star investor on ABC’s hit show, “Shark Tank.” A table of 10 starts at $1,995 and individual tickets are $195 each. Tickets can be purchased online at www.indianachamber.com/ad or by calling (800) 824-6885.

The ceremony will feature three other statewide honors, which are to be announced that evening: Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year, Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year and the NextEra Energy Resource Dynamic Leader of the Year.