Over the last year, OrthoWorx has had the privilege of supporting and participating in many exciting happenings in the community.
The organization could not be more thrilled about the energy surrounding the Orthopedic Capital of the World®, according to a news release from OrthoWorx. The community is positioned for immense growth moving forward and OrthoWorx would like to take a moment to acknowledge some of the work that has taken place.
• Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative – Announced in spring 2023 and once approved, the funding ($30 million) will go to OrthoWorx with plans to use the funds to create new amenities to attract and grow the next generation of the workforce.
• Plug and Play Ribbon Cutting – The newest Plug and Play location is positioned in the heart of Warsaw, renowned for its thriving MedTech ecosystem. Plug and Play aims to leverage regional expertise and resources to drive collaboration and accelerate growth of startups in the MedTech sector.
• Orthopaedic MBA – Grace College’s School of Business announced the launch of a new one-of-a-kind Orthopaedic MBA program, starting in May 2025. Optimally located in the Orthopedic Capital of the World®, the one-year hybrid program will pair students with fellowships at local orthopaedic companies, where they will gain practical skills and graduate ready to make a valuable contribution to the orthopaedic industry.
• RAMP Launch – In partnership with Purdue University’s IN-MaC and Warsaw Community Schools, OrthoWorx announced the upcoming launch of the Regional Advanced Manufacturing Pathway (RAMP) that will be available to students starting during the 2024-2025 school year. In partnership with four local manufacturers – Instrumental Machine & Development, Medartis, Precision Medical Technologies and Zimmer Biomet, the program will be offered to a select group of junior and senior manufacturing pathway students at the Warsaw Area Career Center (WACC). Through the program, students will have the opportunity to gain fundamental manufacturing skills, hands-on experience and an internship opportunity with one of the industry partners.
• POLYWOOD Academy Launch – With guidance from OrthoWorx and IN-MaC, Wawasee Community Schools announced the latest addition to its Pathways Career & Technical Education (CTE) Cooperative menu of hands-on, career-focused experiences with POLYWOOD Academy. Enrolled students will participate in a two-year program. In year one, students will focus on curriculum designed to build practical skills and the application of theoretical understanding. In year two of the program, students will apply their knowledge of the curriculum by participating in an industrial electrical capstone, which is a paid internship through POLYWOOD.
• Young Professionals Programming – Over the course of the last six months, OrthoWorx has engaged with area young professionals through two events and the announcement of a third (taking place on June 1). The purpose of these events is to foster networking amongst peers and highlight the community to those who are starting their careers in the Orthopedic Capital of the World®.
• Hire Kosciusko Hiring Fairs – In partnership with several other workforce development agencies, OrthoWorx sponsors opportunities for local employers and job-seekers to connect and pursue career matches. At the February 2024 fair, 230 job-seekers attended, and many hires were made. Fairs are also planned for late May and October 2024.
In addition to the great work that has been accomplished, OrthoWorx has also undergone rebranding including a logo change, reimagining its initiatives and creating a new website. The organization is now positioned to take on all that the future holds with a refreshed visual representation and a website (www.orthoworxindiana.com) that depicts its mission more clearly than before, the release states.
To celebrate all that has taken place and is to come, OrthoWorx is hosting an open house on Wednesday, May 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the offices on the third floor of City Hall. This will be an opportunity for attendees to see and interact with the new branding and hear from OrthoWorx President and CEO Bob Vitoux for a brief presentation highlighting all the initiatives OrthoWorx is excited to be a part of in this community.