Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
INDIANAPOLIS - Affirming that good things come in small packages, Warsaw, with a population of barely 12,000 that belies its thriving economic status, was honored Thursday as the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's 2003 Community of the Year at the organization's 14th Annual Awards Dinner.
Warsaw Mayor Ernest Wiggins accepted the honor at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis before a crowd of more than 1,000 business and political leaders.
"Warsaw's vibrant, diversified business mix and quality of life attributes make it a deserving choice as Community of the Year," said Indiana Chamber President Kevin Brinegar. "Business and industry serve as leaders in providing a healthy, progressive climate for employers and employees.'
Top businesses include orthopedic giants Zimmer, DePuy and Biomet. Manufacturing continues a strong presence with printer R.R. Donnelley and Da-Lite Screen Co., a world leader in the production of projection screens, heading the list.
Local residents working at these world-class companies can omit the phrase "commute time" from their vocabularies. Lakes - Center, Pike and part of Winona within the city limits, plus 100 more in the county - contribute to a quality of life that benefits far more than the area's weekend visitors.
Improving the already strong quality of life is a focus for Mayor Wiggins. In the works, the route for an approximately eight-mile greenway project (featuring a bike path) that includes the City-County Athletic Complex, Donnelley plant and one of the Zimmer facilities along its route. Such changes would complement Center Lake, the Warsaw Biblical Gardens and a number of other attractions.
Also honored at the Chamber's Annual Awards Dinner were the Government Leaders of the Year - Rep. B. Patrick Bauer (D-South Bend) and Rep. Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) for their work in guiding key economic development legislation through the General Assembly - and Business Leader of the Year Doug Bawel, president of Jasper Engines & Transmissions.
The dinner followed the Chamber's Fall Board of Directors and Annual Membership meetings. Recognized during a luncheon ceremony as Volunteers of the Year for their work with the Chamber were Mike Kubacki of Lake City Bank in Warsaw, Jim Neustel of Water Island in Indianapolis and Sam Schlosser of the Plymouth Foundry.
Jean Wojtowicz, president of Cambridge Capital Management Corp. in Indianapolis, was elected the Chamber's 2004 chair of the board of directors.
Past Indiana
Chamber Winners:
Business Leader of the Year
Bob Koch - 2002
Marilyn Moran-Townsend - 2001
Christopher J. Murphy, III - 2000
Bill Cook - 1999
Ian Rolland - 1998
Patricia Miller - 1997
Randall Tobias - 1996
John Hillenbrand II - 1995
Frank Walker - 1994
Don Wolf - 1993
Dane Miller - 1992
Van Smith - 1991
Dick Wood - 1990
Community of the Year
Marion - 2002
Greater Lafayette - 2001
Jeffersonville - 2000
Fort Wayne - 1999
Rochester - 1998
Batesville - 1997
Elkhart - 1996
Indianapolis - 1995
Kendallville - 1994
St. Joseph County - 1993
Columbus - 1992
Muncie - 1991
Bluffton - 1990
Government Leader
of the Year
Sen. Larry Borst - 2002
Gov. Frank O'Bannon and Supt. Of Public Instruction Suellen Reed - 2001
Rep. Jeff Linder - 2000
Rep. Bob Behning - 1999
Sen. Teresa Lubbers - 1998
U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton - 1997
U.S. Rep. David McIntosh - 1996
Rep. Michael Smith and Sen. Thomas Weatherwax - 1995
Rep. Paul Mannweiler - 1994
Sen. Morris Mills - 1993
Hon. Thomas Barnes - 1992
Sen. Joseph Harrison - 1991
U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar - 1990
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has been the state's largest broad-based business advocacy organization for over 80 years. Today, it serves more than 16,000 members and customers.
