Representatives of Kosciusko County gathered Nov. 5 to accept the Community of the Year Award from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. Photo provided by All IN Kosciusko.

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS – At the 36th annual Awards Dinner hosted by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis, Kosciusko County accepted the Community of the Year Award.

The Community of the Year Award usually goes to a city or town but this year recognized collaborative work in Kosciusko County. Photo provided by All IN Kosciusko.

More than 40 community members from across Kosciusko County traveled to Indianapolis to attend the event and celebrate the recognition together. Their presence was a reflection of the unity, collaboration and shared vision that earned the community the honor.

“This moment is big for our community,” said Ryan Christner, president and chief executive officer of OrthoWorx. “For years, people have been pouring into Kosciusko County, and today, we get to celebrate all that hard work paying off.”

The award is presented each year to a Hoosier community that demonstrates significant contributions to its business climate, quality of life and overall image.

Why Kosciusko County

The Indiana Chamber selection panel recognized Kosciusko County for:

– Strong collaborative leadership and public-private partnerships that drive growth and quality of life

– Forward-looking initiatives such as the All IN Kosciusko campaign that bring people and organizations together around shared goals

– Transformative redevelopment projects like the Slate Auto facility, which is converting the former LSC Communications plant in Warsaw into an electric vehicle production site expected to create about 2,000 new jobs

– Its long-standing global reputation as the Orthopedic Capital of the World and its continued investment in advanced manufacturing and innovation

– The deep roots and ongoing innovation of its agriculture community and agribusinesses, which play a vital role in advancing global supply chains and developing solutions that reach far beyond the county

“It’s a great recognition of how Kosciusko County comes together to move our community forward and improve the lives and livelihoods of everyone here,” said Jim Lancaster, MedTech executive and leader with All IN Kosciusko. “This award usually goes to a city or town, but the way Kosciusko has come together in recent years sets us apart, and it’s showing.”

For Peggy Friday, CEO of Kosciusko Economic Development Corp., the award represents more than a milestone.

“This honor shines a light on what’s possible when business, education, government, and community leaders truly work together,” Friday said. “Kosciusko County’s strength has always been in its people. Innovators, builders and believers who care deeply about this place and its future. Tonight, that collective spirit was on full display.”

Rob Parker, president and CEO of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, also praised the collaboration that made the recognition possible.

“We’re so proud of our community,” Parker said. “It took a lot of heart and teamwork to get here, and it’s amazing to see everyone come together to make it happen.”