Kosciusko County, Indiana – Kosciusko County has been recognized as Indiana’s 2025 Yamaha Community of the Year, a distinction presented by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The award highlights the county’s steady focus on collaborative leadership, its efforts to diversify the local economy, and an ongoing commitment to enhancing quality of life for residents.
Chosen after a thorough review process by a panel of Chamber representatives, Kosciusko County stood out among several contenders across the state. Leaders say the recognition is more than just a title—it reflects years of intentional work to unite local government, private businesses, and community organizations under a shared vision for growth and sustainability.
Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders praised the county for its ability to deliver on nearly every measure that defines a thriving community. “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,” she said.
Sinders noted that the county’s ALL IN Kosciusko campaign was especially influential in the decision-making process. “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,” she explained.
Rob Parker, president and CEO of the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce and executive director of Main Street Warsaw, said the recognition validates the county’s ongoing work to ensure a brighter future. “We couldn’t be prouder to accept this honor from the Indiana Chamber, and it’s further affirmation of our ALL IN Kosciusko vision to shape a bold and collaborative future,” Parker said. “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.”
Community Projects That Stood Out
One of the county’s most impressive qualities, according to the Chamber, is its proactive approach to revitalizing local assets and preventing closures. Instead of watching businesses and landmarks go dark, Kosciusko leaders have consistently found ways to breathe new life into them.
Examples include saving the Stonehenge Golf Course in Winona Lake, ensuring that the community retained a valued recreational and cultural resource. Another notable project was the transformation of the former LSC Communications plant in Warsaw. What was once a shuttered industrial site is now home to Slate Auto’s new electric vehicle production facility, expected to create 2,000 jobs.
This kind of adaptive reuse demonstrates the county’s ability to think ahead and turn potential setbacks into opportunities. For residents, it means more than economic stability—it represents a shared commitment to protecting the identity and vitality of the community.
Building a Broader Economic Base
Kosciusko County has long been associated with its strong life sciences sector, especially given its reputation as the “Orthopedic Capital of the World.” Yet county leaders have pushed beyond that identity, making a concerted effort to attract new industries and diversify the local economy.
One standout initiative is the arrival of the world’s largest MedTech incubator in Warsaw. This project reflects both a continuation of the county’s leadership in healthcare innovation and a willingness to embrace forward-looking ventures that expand its global relevance.
Sinders emphasized that this type of diversification is exactly what the Chamber wants to highlight with the Community of the Year award. By investing in new industries while maintaining existing strengths, Kosciusko County is demonstrating a model for resilience that other Indiana communities may seek to follow.
Statewide Celebration in November
Kosciusko County will formally receive its honor at the Indiana Chamber’s 36th Annual Awards Dinner, presented by Meijer, on November 5. The event will be held at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis. The evening’s keynote speaker is Daymond John, an entrepreneur widely recognized for his role on the ABC show Shark Tank.
The annual dinner, one of the Chamber’s signature gatherings, will also spotlight three additional statewide honors: the Ogletree Deakins Business Leader of the Year, the Birch Bayh-Richard Lugar Government Leader of the Year, and the NextEra Energy Resource Dynamic Leader of the Year.
Tickets for the dinner are available for both individuals and groups. A table of 10 is priced at $1,995, while individual tickets are $195 each. More information is available at the Indiana Chamber’s website.
The evening will also feature support from an extensive list of sponsors, including Zimmer Biomet, which is serving as the speaker sponsor. Other corporate sponsors include Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, AT&T Indiana, Eli Lilly and Company, and Pacers Sports & Entertainment, among many others.
A Legacy of Recognized Communities
Kosciusko County now joins a growing list of Indiana communities honored by the Chamber in recent years. Madison took home the award in 2024, Boone County in 2023, Columbus in 2022, Greater Lafayette in 2021, and Fort Wayne in 2020. The distinction places Kosciusko in company with some of the state’s most dynamic and forward-thinking regions.
For local leaders, the recognition provides encouragement but also sets a challenge—to continue building on the momentum. With initiatives like ALL IN Kosciusko driving collaboration, new industry investments, and creative approaches to preserving community assets, officials believe the county is well-positioned for continued success.
As Parker noted, the award is not the end point but a milestone in a longer journey. The vision for Kosciusko County remains one of inclusion, opportunity, and growth, and this statewide recognition provides fresh energy to keep moving forward.
