ALL IN Kosciusko

What happens when a community stands at the crossroads of honoring its legacy and embracing necessary growth? This question lies at the heart of our conversation with Peggy Friday, CEO of KEDCO, as we explore the delicate balance of progress and tradition in Kosciusko County.

Fresh from representing our community at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis, we dive into why change can feel so uncomfortable yet remain absolutely essential. Peggy unpacks the behind-the-scenes reality of economic development—from the hundreds of hours spent securing projects like Slate Auto to the legal complexities of non-disclosure agreements that sometimes leave community members feeling in the dark.

The discussion takes us through recent wins bringing over 2,000 potential jobs to the county, alongside candid reflections on missed opportunities like the data center project in Leesburg. You'll hear powerful insights from regional leaders including Zimmer Biomet's Chairman, President, and CEO Ivan Tornos on why this community's values make it ideal for innovation, and Priority Medical's Luke White on building a legacy that transcends generations.

Whether you're concerned about preserving our community's character or excited about its growth potential, this conversation offers a thoughtful roadmap for moving forward together. Because thriving takes all of us—being curious, asking questions, showing up, and speaking into what's happening in our community.

AllInKosciusko.com

Bob Vitoux's leadership has transformed OrthoWorx from a community organization into a powerful catalyst for regional growth. Sitting down with host Matt Deuel and board member Suzie Light, Vitoux reflects on his three-year journey at the helm of the organization tasked with preserving Kosciusko County's status as the orthopedic capital of the world.

The conversation reveals the fascinating origin story of OrthoWorx, born in 2009 from concerned community leaders' collaboration with the Lilly Endowment and BioCrossroads. What began as a mission to retain orthopedic companies has evolved into a comprehensive strategy built on three pillars: talent development, community enhancement, and industry support. Under Vitoux's guidance, the organization has become the nexus of collaboration in a county where medical device manufacturing has thrived for over 130 years alongside agriculture.

Perhaps most transformative has been OrthoWorx's role in deploying $30 million in state funding, which Vitoux describes as providing "30 million reasons for people to care about what's going on in our community.”

Whether you're interested in economic development, community building, or the future of manufacturing in America's heartland, this conversation offers valuable insights into how strategic leadership and collaborative spirit can transform a region. Discover how neighbors helping neighbors might be the most powerful economic development tool of all.

AllInKosciusko.com

In this episode, Rob Parker (President & CEO of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce) and Terry Sweeney (Downtown Development Director) join us to unveil the ambitious Main Street Warsaw 2030 strategic plan, a community-driven roadmap transforming our city's heart into a cultural destination. Far more than buildings and sidewalks, this vision creates a front door worthy of our thriving community.

Cultural development forms the backbone of this vision. Main Street Warsaw is pursuing certification as a state cultural district, positioning the community to compete for regional investment funds. "We want to weave art and music throughout the downtown experience," Rob shares, "and use that as talent retention and recruitment for the entire county."

Want to help shape downtown's creative future? Visit www.warsawartsplan.com to complete a survey and provide input on the cultural district plan. You can also visit www.warsawcdc.org to download and view the full strategic plan. 

Whether you have ideas, energy, or simply love this place, downtown Warsaw needs you to be ALL IN. 

AllInKosciusko.com

Imagine transforming every corner of Kosciusko County with new trails, playgrounds, community centers, and public spaces where neighbors connect. That's the vision behind the Community Amenities Program (CAP), a groundbreaking $5 million initiative now available to municipalities and nonprofits across the county.

Rich Haddad, President of K21 Health Foundation, and Amy Roe, Kosciusko County Community Coordinator, join us to unpack how CAP will work and who can benefit. This funding—part of the larger $30 million Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative (OIRI)—specifically targets quality of place improvements in communities throughout the county, not just Warsaw-Winona Lake.

Looking ahead, success will be measured not just by completed projects, but by empowered local officials and citizens who feel confident to dream bigger and take action. This initiative builds upon previous community development work, creating momentum that could transform these communities over the next decade when combined with infrastructure, housing, and economic development initiatives already underway.

Ready to get involved? Visit allinkosciusko.com and check out the Community Amenities section to start your application process. Whether you're a town official, nonprofit leader, or passionate citizen with a vision, this is your opportunity to help create the community spaces that will shape our county's future.

AllInKosciusko.com

What happens when a community decides to take control of its future? In this inaugural episode of the ALL IN Kosciusko podcast, host Matt Deuel sits down with Jim Lancaster (SVP at Zimmer Biomet) and Craig Snow (CEO of Cedar Holdings and Indiana State Representative) to explore the birth of an ambitious community-wide initiative, All In Kosciusko. 

The conversation reveals how casual breakfast meetings between concerned leaders evolved into a transformative movement that's now secured over $57 million in funding for Kosciusko County's future. Snow shares the behind-the-scenes story of how he convinced state leadership to invest $30 million in the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative, while Lancaster explains why diversification beyond their world-renowned orthopedic sector is crucial for long-term prosperity.

In the second segment, we meet Ryan Christner (OIRI Executive Director) and Dr. Emi Kreklau (Grace College Catalyst Corridor Executive Director), who provide insights into the 21 different projects now underway—from an Orthopedic Innovation Research Center to community amenities programs in rural areas. These initiatives are designed not just to retain the orthopedic industry, but to attract young professionals who increasingly "choose where to live first, then find a job."

Ready to be part of this community transformation? Visit AllInKosciusko.com, follow on social media, and subscribe to this podcast to stay updated on how you can contribute to advancing lives and livelihoods across Kosciusko County.

AllInKosciusko.com

Welcome to "ALL IN Kosciusko," a podcast dedicated to the economic and community development of Kosciusko County. Join us as we spotlight local businesses, industry leaders, and community advocates who are teaming up to enhance all lives and livelihoods in our county. Each episode features inspiring stories, innovative ideas, and actionable insights that showcase how we can work together for a brighter future. Tune in to learn how our collective efforts are shaping Kosciusko County for generations to come! 

AllInKosciusko.com