SYRACUSE - On Jan. 16, the Kosciusko Leadership Academy cadets visited the Syracuse Community Center where they learned about the economics of Kosciusko County.
Lauren Klusman, director of marketing and communications at Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, and Scott Wiley, member relations manager at Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, presented on how chambers of commerce serve businesses in the community by providing business counseling and education, advocacy at the state government, and networking. They spoke about the 700 members and the radio podcast they have called Bizz Buzz. Being the voice for members, they also have over 90 annual events and welcome members to join a committee, according to a news release from the KLA.
David Findlay, CEO of Lake City Bank, presented on macro economics with a focus on banking. Lake City has been in business for over 150 years and started in Warsaw. Findlay explained how local banking matters to community development through a commitment to investing in the community and providing loans to help businesses expand in the community.
Dr. John Teevan presented an overview of both the history and current state of economics in Kosciusko County.
Teevan said, “It was originally the railroad that put this county on the map,” which arrived in 1859. He mentioned several businesses that came down from Chicago, including Dalton Foundry, Da-Lite Screen, RR Donnelley and Arnolt. Teevan said that a continued focus on research and development, finance and medical services is the key to continued economic success.
The next KLA session will cover healthcare in Kosciusko County at the Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital administration classroom in the administration building on Feb. 6.