Kosciusko County Honored as 2025 Community of the Year by the Indiana Chamber

(INDIANAPOLIS) — At the 36th Annual Awards Dinner hosted by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce on November 5, 2025, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis, Kosciusko County proudly accepted the prestigious Community of the Year Award.

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 powerful reflection of the unity, collaboration, and shared vision that earned the community this honor.

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

This 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 Was Selected

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

Reflecting on the recognition, Jim Lancaster, MedTech Executive and leader with ALL IN Kosciusko, said, “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. 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 KEDCO (Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation), 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,” she 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.”

What This Means for Kosciusko County

Receiving the Community of the Year Award celebrates not only past achievement but also the momentum that continues to shape the county’s future. The recognition highlights Kosciusko’s ability to:

• Attract and retain innovative businesses in sectors such as medical technology and advanced manufacturing
• Build strong collaboration between government, education, business, and nonprofit partners
• Reinvest in community assets and workforce development
• Enhance quality of life and make the county a destination where people want to live, work, and grow

About the Event

The Indiana Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner draws more than 1,400 business leaders, public officials, and community representatives from across the state. This year’s program featured four major statewide honors: Business Leader of the Year, Government Leader of the Year, Dynamic Leader of the Year, and the Community of the Year. The keynote address was delivered by Daymond John, entrepreneur and branding expert from ABC’s Shark Tank.

Looking Ahead

Kosciusko County will continue to build on this momentum, strengthening partnerships, growing its economy, and sharing its story with pride across Indiana and beyond. Follow the journey at www.ALLINKosciusko.com and on the ALL IN Kosciusko social media channels.