LaGrange County Chamber Chat Podcast

What happens when faith, adventure, and the great outdoors come together? 🌲☀️

In this episode of Chamber Chat, Sara sits down with Chris Walter, Executive Director of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Indiana-Kentucky (LOMIK), to explore the mission behind an organization creating meaningful outdoor experiences for people of all ages.

Chris shares what makes outdoor ministry so impactful, the experiences happening at LOMIK camps, and how these spaces help people connect with faith, nature, community, and one another.

From campfires to lifelong memories, LOMIK is creating experiences that go far beyond a week at camp. 🔥🏕️

Tune in and discover how outdoor ministry is making a lasting impact and creating a legacy for generations to come.

🎧 Chamber Chat: Because here, community isn’t just a word; it’s a way of life.

On this episode of Chamber Chat, we sit down with Amy Sink, CEO of Interra Credit Union, to talk about her path to leading one of the region’s major financial institutions — and what “member-owned” actually means for the people and businesses of LaGrange County.

Amy takes us behind the curtain of a job most people only see from the teller line: the myths about credit unions she’d love to retire, how banking habits have shifted over her career, and what it really takes for a small business owner to build something that lasts. We also dig into how Interra shows up for local nonprofits and community partners, and an initiative happening right now that more LaGrange County residents should know about.

Plus, a lightning round covering everything from debit vs. credit to the one word her team would use to describe her leadership.

Whether you’re running a business, managing a household budget, or just curious what goes on inside a credit union’s walls, this episode has something for you.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

What does it take to prepare today's students for tomorrow's workforce? In this episode of the LaGrange County Chamber Chat Podcast, host Sara Patrick sits down with Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School Principal and Football Coach Jason Schackow for an inspiring conversation about education, leadership, and the future of LaGrange County.

Jason shares his journey from becoming a member of the LaGrange County community to leading one of the county's largest schools. Along the way, he discusses the mentors who shaped his career, the evolving landscape of education, and how coaching football reinforces the same character, discipline, and teamwork he hopes every student carries into adulthood.

The conversation also explores how schools and local businesses can work together to strengthen workforce development, what employers are looking for in today's graduates, and why community partnerships are more important than ever. Jason also highlights exciting initiatives happening at Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School that deserve more attention and leaves students with a powerful piece of advice for their future.

Whether you're a parent, educator, business leader, student, or community member, this episode offers valuable insights into preparing the next generation for success.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Jason Schackow's journey to becoming Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School Principal

• How education has changed over the years

• The connection between athletics, leadership, and lifelong success

• The skills today's students need for college, careers, and life

• How businesses can partner with local schools to build a stronger workforce

• Why community engagement is essential to student success

• What makes Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School unique

• Jason's advice for every student preparing for the future

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the LaGrange County Chamber Chat Podcast for conversations with the leaders, innovators, and organizations shaping the future of LaGrange County

Looking for reliable portable toilet rentals in LaGrange County? In this episode of the Chamber Chat Podcast, we go behind the scenes with the team at Avail Portable Toilets to uncover what it really takes to run a successful local sanitation and restroom rental business.

Whether you are planning a backyard wedding, managing a local construction site, or organizing one of LaGrange County’s signature community festivals, portable restrooms are the unsung heroes of a successful event. Today, we’re breaking down the logistics, the luxury options, and the myths surrounding the industry.

• The Reality of the Restroom Industry: How the team got started and the funniest reactions they get when telling people what they do for a living.

• Behind-the-Scenes Logistics: A deep dive into a typical day for the service team and the strict standards required for cleaning and sanitizing portable restrooms.

• Luxury Restroom Trailers vs. Standard Units: Exploring the different tiers of temporary sanitation—from rugged construction site port-a-potties to high-end, luxury portable toilets for weddings and upscale events.

• Industry Myth-Busting: The team busts the biggest misconceptions about portable toilets and shares the wildest, most unexpected things they’ve encountered on the job.

• Supporting LaGrange County: What it means to serve local businesses, festivals, and community growth, plus a look at the future goals for Avail Portable Toilets.

  
  

Why Listen? Discover the high standards of cleanliness, customer service, and community pride that separate a great portable restroom experience from a bad one. Plus, stick around for a hilarious rapid-fire round with the team!

What if a trail could do more than connect two places? What if it could connect communities, support local businesses, enhance quality of life, and shape the future of LaGrange County?

In this episode of Chamber Chat, host Sara Patrick sits down with Jeff Wingstrom, President of LaGrange County Trails, to discuss the vision, passion, and progress behind the effort to create a connected trail system throughout the county.

Jeff shares his personal journey, what inspired his commitment to outdoor recreation, and how trails can serve as powerful assets for economic development, tourism, health, and community engagement. The conversation explores current projects, future goals, the challenges of building trails in a rural community, and how residents can play a role in bringing this vision to life.

Whether you’re an avid cyclist, a casual walker, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who cares about the future of LaGrange County, this episode offers an inspiring look at how trails can help connect people, places, and possibilities.

Tune in and discover how today’s trail projects are helping pave the way for tomorrow’s LaGrange County.

How much of what you’ve been told about health is actually helping you?

In this episode of the Chamber Chat Podcast, host Ian Mullen sits down with Andrew Coblentz, Clinical Director and Health Restoration Coach at The Wellness Way – Shipshewana, for a conversation that challenges conventional thinking about health and wellness.

Andrew shares his personal journey into the health restoration field, explains The Wellness Way’s unique approach to identifying root causes rather than simply treating symptoms, and discusses how education and empowerment can help individuals take control of their health.

From common health misconceptions to inspiring client success stories, this episode offers practical insights for anyone looking to improve their well-being and better understand how their body works.

Plus, stick around for our lightning round where Andrew shares his favorite health habit, top local dining spot, and one piece of advice for living a healthier life.

Whether you’re just starting your wellness journey or looking for a fresh perspective on health, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways.

🎙️ Listen now and discover what health restoration really means.

In this episode of Chamber Chat, we sit down with Dan Byler, a Westview graduate, entrepreneur, community supporter, and the familiar voice many know as the “Westview Whistler.” Dan shares the story behind building LaGwana from the ground up right here in LaGrange County and reflects on the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned along the way.

We talk about the importance of staying rooted in community, supporting the next generation through internships and work-based learning, and using creativity to tell local stories. Dan also shares how livestreaming Westview basketball games became a meaningful way to connect the community and why supporting local schools and events continues to be a passion of his.

Whether you’re a business owner, student, entrepreneur, or community supporter, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and hometown pride.

What does it really take to turn a small community into a destination?

In this episode of Chamber Chat, we sit down with Sonya Nash, CEO of the LaGrange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, to talk about her journey into tourism, what drives her passion for this work, and how she’s helping shape the future of LaGrange County.

From sharing what the CVB actually does day-to-day to explaining the real economic impact of tourism on local businesses, Sonya gives an inside look at how visitors become customers and stories become strategy. We also dive into what makes LaGrange County unique, how we balance growth with preserving our Amish heritage, and what’s ahead for tourism in our region.

Plus, stick around for a fun rapid-fire round where we get to know Sonya beyond her role.

🎧 Whether you’re a business owner, community leader, or proud local, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on the power of tourism and why it matters more than ever.

In this episode of Chamber Chat, we sit down with Zach Hayden of ATA Excellence Martial Arts to talk about how martial arts goes far beyond kicks and punches.

Zach shares his journey into martial arts, what inspired him to get involved, and how ATA Excellence is helping students of all ages build confidence, discipline, and leadership skills. From working with young students to shaping strong mindsets, this conversation highlights the real impact martial arts can have both inside and outside the studio.

We also dive into what makes ATA Excellence Martial Arts unique, how they are investing in the next generation, and the role they play in strengthening the LaGrange County community.

Whether you are a parent, a student, or just curious about martial arts, this episode will give you a whole new perspective.

🎧 Tune in and discover how discipline today builds leaders for tomorrow.

In this episode of Chamber Chat, we sit down with the heart behind Liana Wellness for a powerful and honest conversation about what it truly means to feel well.

From the inspiration behind starting Liana Wellness to the personal experiences that shaped the journey, we explore how a holistic approach can help women move from feeling exhausted and overwhelmed to becoming “Holistically Strong & Beautiful.” This episode dives into why so many women today feel stuck, even when they are doing all the “right” things, and what it really means to live in alignment with yourself.
We also unpack how Liana Wellness is different from traditional wellness programs, where the transformation process begins for clients, and simple, practical shifts you can start making today to feel better in your body and your life.
You’ll hear real insight on the challenges women face, the breakthroughs that are possible, and the deeply rewarding transformations happening every day through this work.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready for something different, this conversation is for you.