Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE — Mike Long’s wife, Dara Long, and two daughters, Hanna Croy and Aerial Gilbert, accepted the 2025 Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation’s 2025 Catalyst Award Wednesday night, which was presented posthumously to the late county council president.
The award was presented at the annual Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation meeting, held at The Event Center at Oakwood Resort. The annual meeting had its largest attendance remembered. Approximately 450 were in attendance.
“It is with both immense honor and deep heartache that we respectfully present the 2025 Community Catalyst award posthumously to beloved community member and leader, Mike Long. Mike was a true advocate for positive growth in Kosciusko County, embodying diligence in everything he did,” said Suzie Light, 2024 catalyst awardee. Light, along with Brad Jackson, KEDCO board president, presented the award.
“As a farmer, he became widely known as a top producer in agriculture and received numerous awards throughout his career, including the River Friendly Farmer Award in 2021 at the Indiana state Fair. Mike poured his sweat and tears not only into the fields, but also into people. He was known for his genuine care for others and he tended loyally to relationships.
“Beyond the farm, he faithfully served on the Kosciusko County Council both as a member and as board president. He was deeply committed to supporting economic development, adapting to the needs of our growing community and he encouraged and inspired others to get involved — Slate Auto’s presence in our county is evidence of that. From farming, to family, to community influence, he was a man of action and a man who cared. And he helped pave the way for great things in our county. KEDCO and our community will forever be grateful or the work foundation he laid — past, present and future,” stated Light.
Other awards were presented during the annual meeting. Award categories included Rising Leaders, Business Impact, Community Impact, Innovator of the Year and a new award, Inspiring Mentor.
Award recipients are:
• Rising Leader — Ryan Christner, OrthoWorx; Thomas Holton, Priority Medical; Abigail Koorey, Cable Bullet; and Shanda Scheeren, Blue Barn Berry Farm.
• Business Impact — Parkview Health, Shore Capital and Warsaw Chemical.
• Community Impact — City of Warsaw and Rebar Development for Union Station Lofts.
• Inspiring Mentor — Cory Colman.
• Innovator of the Year — Aluminum Insights.
Earlier in the meeting, KEDCO CEO Peggy Friday presented KEDCO highlights.
“We celebrate more than just a year of economic development. It is a celebration of collaboration, innovation and dedication that is propelling our community to unprecedented heights. This event brings together an impressive group of leaders who inspire … united by a common perspective. A core commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous economy for all.”
“Economic development is not about statistics. It’s about people, prosperity and building a stronger future for all. Job creation, improved infrastructure ad fosters development,” Friday stated. She noted due to the dedication of local businesses, the county has an unemployment of 3.6% and businesses are opening doors of opportunities. “This is the human impact of economic development.”
She pointed out over the past year, collective efforts of the KEDCO team and its partners have been a source of pride and gratitude. “With the shared vision, dedication and collaborative spirit, economic progress, ambitious goals were set understanding that economic development creates opportunities and builds a prosperous future. Through hard work these goals were not only met but exceeded in an impactful way.”
She noted the attraction of Slate Auto with the first vehicle expected to be off the line in May 2026, the plans for AutoCam Medical to move its $70 million facility and bringing hundreds of jobs to the area, attainable housing efforts led by KEDCO and communities across the county. Additionally, she noted programs being created to support and inspire entrepreneurs, roundtables connecting businesses and resources. Funding from state and charitable sources providing grants were fueling the infrastructure projects and workforce development initiatives. This prompted the mention of the Lilly Endowment $27 million grant to Grace College and the $30 million Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative funds from the state.
Friday noted participation in the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis along with Zimmer Biomet, OrthoWorx and Plug and Play. All In Kosciusko was showcased and they heard “over and over again that the kind of collaboration that exists here, not only with the All In, even those we don’t know about, is rare in the state of Indiana.” She stated they took their story and made connections with over 3,000 international business people and entrepreneurs. “Theses achievements could only be celebrated, renew an energy to build a brighter future … believe that a better future and go together.”
The receipt of the 2025 Community of the Year Award offers a high quality of life through strong leadership and economic opportunities in arts, culture and public safety, said Friday. “Winning that award for the community provides economic help, to make the area more attractive, locate people looking for a place to live,” she said.
“The things that are happening here are getting us attention,” said Friday.
She noted meeting over two days with municipalities across the county, sharing each community’s hope for economic development, core community needs, priorities and challenges. “Small towns can find economic success stories, a sense of place, regional cooperation and leadership cultivated on the entrepreneurial spirit.” Each community, according to Friday, has its own identity that helps promote the community, attract visitors and ensure continued vibrancy. Upgrades to broadband, roads, utilities and public spaces are crucial for development, Friday said.
She concluded noting young people are “vital future leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.”
“Their engagement is a critical investment in our county’s future,” she said, adding the county has the ability to “let them lead, to adopt innovative and collaborate.”
“I leave you with this thought. What if it was said this community already has economic activity, possesses untapped potential that could redefine our future?”
She concluded with a video of three kids writing letters to “Dear Future Me,” sharing their thoughts and desires for their futures.
Friday also recognized federal, state and local elected officials, board members and the KEDCO team. Also recognized was Ethan Mikel, a young student who can be found commenting on all things happening in Kosciusko County on KEDCO’s social media pages. “He understands economic development. Young people need to navigate the world, choices, fulfilling careers, and contribute to a more prosperous and sustainable community for themselves and others …”
