Ridley, Decker Named 2022 Woman And Man Of The Year
January 27, 2023 at 4:29 a.m.
Ridley, Decker Named 2022 Woman And Man Of The Year
By David L. Slone-
Barb Ridley and Allyn Decker were surprised with the awards respectively - sponsored by 1st Source Bank and Times-Union - during the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce’s 111th Annual Awards Dinner at Grace College’s Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center in Winona Lake.
One person who nominated Ridley for her award said Ridley “exemplifies a person who is living out their purpose. She is engaged in Kosciusko County in a way that others can find inspiration to get involved.”
Through Ridley’s community involvement, she has forged strong relationships with others and is dedicated to giving back through a variety of volunteer efforts, Times-Union Managing Editor David Slone said in announcing the award. Those efforts include being a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer; shelter advocate at The Beaman Home, where she also serves on their board of directors; OrthoWorx Diversity Committee, Kosciusko County Community Foundation Grant Committee, Career Purpose Well-Being Committee volunteer; and Live Well Kosciusko Board of Directors member. She formerly served as the board president for a local Girl Scouts chapter and was the leader of the Northern Indiana Sewing Guild.
As her faith is very important to her, Ridley volunteers at Warsaw Community Church as a Stephen minister, is a part of their Key Stakeholder group and co-leads Warrior Women, a support group for widows. In an effort to be a better advocate for others, she has taken classes to understand trauma and its affect on families.
Along with keeping a healthy lifestyle by walking and jogging, practicing martial arts and working out with a trainer, she recently was invited to sing at Carnegie Hall with the Lakeland Community Choir. She is a loyal patron of Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, where she helped write their diversity statement.
A second nominator said Ridley is “the epitome of grade and love that she gives to anyone freely. Since my very first time meeting her, she welcomed me to the community with open arms and support. She has been a true champion for me and my family. She is a hero to many, a friend to most and, at the end of the day, she has always been my woman of the year.”
Upon receiving the Woman of the Year award, Ridley first asked whoever knew about the award to raise their hand, drawing laughter from the crowd. “I’ll meet you at the dojo,” she joked.
“I can’t believe this is true, but thank you so much,” Ridley continued.
She gave thanks to her colleagues and said, “As I often tell my children, be surrounded by strong people and show up. Always show up.”
She said she hopes to be that example to her children as well as to the people she associates with.
“So thank you for being strong people. And thank you for being here tonight,” she said. “I’m also speechless. I can usually find words but I’m almost speechless tonight. Thank you so much for the support that Kosciusko County gives to me and my family. Thank you.”
Doug Hanes, 1st Source Bank Warsaw City president, presented the Man of the Year award to Decker.
“It would be safe to assume that many of you here tonight have encountered his passion for our community at some point during their career,” Hanes said.
Decker is an acknowledged leader in the community and has dedicated countless hours to giving local emerging leaders the opportunity to discover how they can make a difference in Kosciusko County, he stated.
One person who nominated Decker for the award said, “He is an incredible community asset. He frequently, willingly gives of his time to chair a committee, moderate significant events and discussions and works diligently to make sure people have the (tools) to make their life better. He is selfless and works incredibly hard to make this a better place to live.”
Over the years, Decker has been very supportive of community organizations, with the list of volunteer roles he has taken on being extensive. He has served on the board of directors for Lakeland Christian Academy, Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation and others. He has served on committees and coalitions for Kosciusko Chamber, LaunchPad, Martin Luther King Jr. community committee, Kosciusko County Tobacco Free Coalition, OrthoWorx Diversity and many others.
As many know, Decker has served as the moderator for Kosciusko Leadership Academy for over 15 years.
Professionally, he’s had a great impact on the lives of students at Ivy Tech. He’s spearheaded an initiative to provide Ivy Tech technical certificates to students at Grace College and other higher education institutions throughout the state.
After receiving the Man of the Year award, Decker said he is a transplant, having grown up in Michigan, but he’s called Kosciusko County home since 1983. He and his wife Vicky have enjoyed raising their family here and launching their careers, as well as help launch other people’s careers as well.
“We’re blessed to be here in this community. We’re incredibly grateful for the people who have come alongside us to support us when we needed help, and there have been many of those times. And I look forward to many more good years to come,” he concluded.
Nine other awards were presented Thursday night.
The LaunchPad Family Friendly Business Award, which recognizes a business that provides innovative and creative solutions to support their employees’ family and/or childcare needs was presented to Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation (TVSC), according to a news release from the Chamber Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice was this year’s award sponsor, and it was presented by Glenn Hall. Hall spoke about how TVSC opened an infant-toddler program for children of their employees. This new program has provided an impactful solution to their employees’ childcare needs. Honorable Mention for the LaunchPad Family Friendly Business Award was given to Da-Lite and Zimmer Biomet.
The Main Street Impact Award, sponsored by PNC Bank and presented by Corinna Ladd, was awarded to ONE TEN Craft Meatery. Ladd stated that, “ONE TEN has played a vital role in making downtown Warsaw a more vibrant and inviting place to be.” Honorable Mention for the Main Street Impact Award was given to the town of Milford and Urban Retrend.
The Making a Difference Award was sponsored by K21 Health Foundation and presented by Rich Haddad. The award was given to KCV Cycling Club for improving the community through events, bicycle safety education and the local trails. Haddad said, “KCV has succeeded in making a difference in our community in many ways.” Honorable Mention for the Making a Difference Award was given to Akzo Nobel and Rural King.
The Rising Star Award is given to Kosciusko County’s highest performing new company. This year, the award, sponsored by Horizon Bank and presented by Mitch Goon, was awarded to DreamOn Studios. Goon said, “Their brand-new studio is over 4,000 square feet of meticulously crafted audio-visual production space. The space is designed to pull off high end multi camera shows or podcasts that can be recorded or broadcast around the world with the push of a button.” Honorable Mention for the Rising Star Award was given to Ledgeview Brewing Company and Legacy Family Chiropractic.
The Community Development Award, honoring a business that has shown an outstanding contribution to community development in Kosciusko County, was sponsored by Old National Bank and presented by Sandra Parra. This year’s recipient was Kosciusko Connect. Parra said, “Since December 2021, they have connected nearly 5,000 customers, and they continue to expand their services. The future looks very bright for Kosciusko Connect.” Honorable Mention for the Community Development Award was given to the 802 Center Apartments and Warsaw Parks Department.
This year’s Business of the Year Award was sponsored by Lake City Bank. Chris Wiggins presented the award to Silveus Insurance Group. Wiggins said, “Over the past 83 years, Silveus Insurance Group has had a monumental impact on our community. Their leadership and staff have served on numerous influential boards, and in 2022, the company and its employees financially supported 44 unique charities.” Honorable Mention for the Business of the Year Award was given to Medartis and Paragon Medical.
Lauren Klusman, the Chamber’s director of marketing and communications, presented the Ambassador of the Year Award to Shawn Brown, publisher of Lake City Living. Brown attended 86 Chamber-related events and referred multiple new Chamber members in 2022.
The Kosciusko Young Adult Professional of the Year Award was sponsored by Crossroads Bank and presented by John Warren. YAP is a group of business professionals under the age of 40 who are active in the community. This year’s recipient was Heather Lardino with 1st Source Bank.
Matt Linville presented the Government Excellence Award, sponsored by Zimmer Biomet, to Kosciusko County Council member Sue Ann Mitchell. Linville said, “She is a wise steward of Kosciusko County knowledge, and no one has more government insight than she does.”
The night began with the presentation of colors by the Warsaw Community High School Junior ROTC Color Guard and the national anthem sung by Brad Kellar. Chamber President and CEO Rob Parker then welcomed everyone to the event and thanked many individuals who helped support the Chamber and the community during the past year, according to a news release from the Chamber.
Chris Scheeren was the opening speaker for the event and dinner was prepared by local restaurant and Kosciusko Chamber member Kelly Jae’s Lakeside. The major sponsors for the event included Lake City Bank, 1st Source Bank, Blue River Digital, Core Mechanical Services, DreamOn Studios, Grace College & Seminary, Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital, Maple Leaf Farms, Robinson Construction, Silveus Insurance Group, SYM Financial Services, Warsaw Buick GMC Chrysler and Wildman.
The evening’s keynote speaker was Indiana Secretary of Commerce Bradley Chambers. Chambers was interviewed by Lake City Bank President and Chief Executive Officer David Findlay.
Barb Ridley and Allyn Decker were surprised with the awards respectively - sponsored by 1st Source Bank and Times-Union - during the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce’s 111th Annual Awards Dinner at Grace College’s Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center in Winona Lake.
One person who nominated Ridley for her award said Ridley “exemplifies a person who is living out their purpose. She is engaged in Kosciusko County in a way that others can find inspiration to get involved.”
Through Ridley’s community involvement, she has forged strong relationships with others and is dedicated to giving back through a variety of volunteer efforts, Times-Union Managing Editor David Slone said in announcing the award. Those efforts include being a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer; shelter advocate at The Beaman Home, where she also serves on their board of directors; OrthoWorx Diversity Committee, Kosciusko County Community Foundation Grant Committee, Career Purpose Well-Being Committee volunteer; and Live Well Kosciusko Board of Directors member. She formerly served as the board president for a local Girl Scouts chapter and was the leader of the Northern Indiana Sewing Guild.
As her faith is very important to her, Ridley volunteers at Warsaw Community Church as a Stephen minister, is a part of their Key Stakeholder group and co-leads Warrior Women, a support group for widows. In an effort to be a better advocate for others, she has taken classes to understand trauma and its affect on families.
Along with keeping a healthy lifestyle by walking and jogging, practicing martial arts and working out with a trainer, she recently was invited to sing at Carnegie Hall with the Lakeland Community Choir. She is a loyal patron of Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, where she helped write their diversity statement.
A second nominator said Ridley is “the epitome of grade and love that she gives to anyone freely. Since my very first time meeting her, she welcomed me to the community with open arms and support. She has been a true champion for me and my family. She is a hero to many, a friend to most and, at the end of the day, she has always been my woman of the year.”
Upon receiving the Woman of the Year award, Ridley first asked whoever knew about the award to raise their hand, drawing laughter from the crowd. “I’ll meet you at the dojo,” she joked.
“I can’t believe this is true, but thank you so much,” Ridley continued.
She gave thanks to her colleagues and said, “As I often tell my children, be surrounded by strong people and show up. Always show up.”
She said she hopes to be that example to her children as well as to the people she associates with.
“So thank you for being strong people. And thank you for being here tonight,” she said. “I’m also speechless. I can usually find words but I’m almost speechless tonight. Thank you so much for the support that Kosciusko County gives to me and my family. Thank you.”
Doug Hanes, 1st Source Bank Warsaw City president, presented the Man of the Year award to Decker.
“It would be safe to assume that many of you here tonight have encountered his passion for our community at some point during their career,” Hanes said.
Decker is an acknowledged leader in the community and has dedicated countless hours to giving local emerging leaders the opportunity to discover how they can make a difference in Kosciusko County, he stated.
One person who nominated Decker for the award said, “He is an incredible community asset. He frequently, willingly gives of his time to chair a committee, moderate significant events and discussions and works diligently to make sure people have the (tools) to make their life better. He is selfless and works incredibly hard to make this a better place to live.”
Over the years, Decker has been very supportive of community organizations, with the list of volunteer roles he has taken on being extensive. He has served on the board of directors for Lakeland Christian Academy, Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation and others. He has served on committees and coalitions for Kosciusko Chamber, LaunchPad, Martin Luther King Jr. community committee, Kosciusko County Tobacco Free Coalition, OrthoWorx Diversity and many others.
As many know, Decker has served as the moderator for Kosciusko Leadership Academy for over 15 years.
Professionally, he’s had a great impact on the lives of students at Ivy Tech. He’s spearheaded an initiative to provide Ivy Tech technical certificates to students at Grace College and other higher education institutions throughout the state.
After receiving the Man of the Year award, Decker said he is a transplant, having grown up in Michigan, but he’s called Kosciusko County home since 1983. He and his wife Vicky have enjoyed raising their family here and launching their careers, as well as help launch other people’s careers as well.
“We’re blessed to be here in this community. We’re incredibly grateful for the people who have come alongside us to support us when we needed help, and there have been many of those times. And I look forward to many more good years to come,” he concluded.
Nine other awards were presented Thursday night.
The LaunchPad Family Friendly Business Award, which recognizes a business that provides innovative and creative solutions to support their employees’ family and/or childcare needs was presented to Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation (TVSC), according to a news release from the Chamber Kosciusko Home Care & Hospice was this year’s award sponsor, and it was presented by Glenn Hall. Hall spoke about how TVSC opened an infant-toddler program for children of their employees. This new program has provided an impactful solution to their employees’ childcare needs. Honorable Mention for the LaunchPad Family Friendly Business Award was given to Da-Lite and Zimmer Biomet.
The Main Street Impact Award, sponsored by PNC Bank and presented by Corinna Ladd, was awarded to ONE TEN Craft Meatery. Ladd stated that, “ONE TEN has played a vital role in making downtown Warsaw a more vibrant and inviting place to be.” Honorable Mention for the Main Street Impact Award was given to the town of Milford and Urban Retrend.
The Making a Difference Award was sponsored by K21 Health Foundation and presented by Rich Haddad. The award was given to KCV Cycling Club for improving the community through events, bicycle safety education and the local trails. Haddad said, “KCV has succeeded in making a difference in our community in many ways.” Honorable Mention for the Making a Difference Award was given to Akzo Nobel and Rural King.
The Rising Star Award is given to Kosciusko County’s highest performing new company. This year, the award, sponsored by Horizon Bank and presented by Mitch Goon, was awarded to DreamOn Studios. Goon said, “Their brand-new studio is over 4,000 square feet of meticulously crafted audio-visual production space. The space is designed to pull off high end multi camera shows or podcasts that can be recorded or broadcast around the world with the push of a button.” Honorable Mention for the Rising Star Award was given to Ledgeview Brewing Company and Legacy Family Chiropractic.
The Community Development Award, honoring a business that has shown an outstanding contribution to community development in Kosciusko County, was sponsored by Old National Bank and presented by Sandra Parra. This year’s recipient was Kosciusko Connect. Parra said, “Since December 2021, they have connected nearly 5,000 customers, and they continue to expand their services. The future looks very bright for Kosciusko Connect.” Honorable Mention for the Community Development Award was given to the 802 Center Apartments and Warsaw Parks Department.
This year’s Business of the Year Award was sponsored by Lake City Bank. Chris Wiggins presented the award to Silveus Insurance Group. Wiggins said, “Over the past 83 years, Silveus Insurance Group has had a monumental impact on our community. Their leadership and staff have served on numerous influential boards, and in 2022, the company and its employees financially supported 44 unique charities.” Honorable Mention for the Business of the Year Award was given to Medartis and Paragon Medical.
Lauren Klusman, the Chamber’s director of marketing and communications, presented the Ambassador of the Year Award to Shawn Brown, publisher of Lake City Living. Brown attended 86 Chamber-related events and referred multiple new Chamber members in 2022.
The Kosciusko Young Adult Professional of the Year Award was sponsored by Crossroads Bank and presented by John Warren. YAP is a group of business professionals under the age of 40 who are active in the community. This year’s recipient was Heather Lardino with 1st Source Bank.
Matt Linville presented the Government Excellence Award, sponsored by Zimmer Biomet, to Kosciusko County Council member Sue Ann Mitchell. Linville said, “She is a wise steward of Kosciusko County knowledge, and no one has more government insight than she does.”
The night began with the presentation of colors by the Warsaw Community High School Junior ROTC Color Guard and the national anthem sung by Brad Kellar. Chamber President and CEO Rob Parker then welcomed everyone to the event and thanked many individuals who helped support the Chamber and the community during the past year, according to a news release from the Chamber.
Chris Scheeren was the opening speaker for the event and dinner was prepared by local restaurant and Kosciusko Chamber member Kelly Jae’s Lakeside. The major sponsors for the event included Lake City Bank, 1st Source Bank, Blue River Digital, Core Mechanical Services, DreamOn Studios, Grace College & Seminary, Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital, Maple Leaf Farms, Robinson Construction, Silveus Insurance Group, SYM Financial Services, Warsaw Buick GMC Chrysler and Wildman.
The evening’s keynote speaker was Indiana Secretary of Commerce Bradley Chambers. Chambers was interviewed by Lake City Bank President and Chief Executive Officer David Findlay.
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