A couple weeks ago, we hosted our annual meeting, which is an event in which we highlight local businesses through our Member Showcase Expo, elect our board of directors, and share a “State of the Chamber” – a year-in-review of sorts. One of the moments of the day that I will cherish for years to come happened during the final portion of the day, our annual awards ceremony. For folks who don’t know, we receive nominations from the public every year to highlight individuals and businesses within six award categories–Large Business, Small Business, Non-Profit, Professional, Young Professional, and Educator of the Year. When we highlighted the three finalists for the Small Business of the Year category, I looked out to see that all three business owners were sitting at two tables right next to each other. When they stood, it was a very clear and visible message: we’re in this together. When I arrived at the part of my speech in which I announced the 2026 winner–Bloomfield Lavender–I invited Marion Wiggins, the owner of the business, to come to the stage as I read aloud some of the comments from her nomination. The comments noted true grit, a collaborative approach to business, and a heart that’s not just in her business but also deeply rooted within her community. Once I completed my reading, I turned to congratulate Marion, only to find that she had brought to the stage with her the other finalists within the category. Admittedly, I was taken aback by the image, and moved deeply. We finished announcing the categories and then ended the day by snapping group photos with all of the winners. I had a brief moment with Marion when we waited for her photo to be taken. I turned to her and said, “It was really special what you did, bringing up the other finalists to the stage with you when you accepted your award.” Without missing a beat, she replied, “Well why wouldn’t I? We’re all in this together, and we support each other.” I had no further response to give, because that statement in and of itself sunk to the depth of my being, and the same sentiment reverberates into every inch of how we do business here locally. So often, I have found myself saying that, in LaGrange County, folks do business with the people they know. It’s not an inward approach, as it could be interpreted. Rather, the culture is that business is still very much relational and collaborative. While there is certainly a competitive market found in our communities in every industry, there is even more so a desire to uplift and support one’s neighbor (and business), because when we do that, everyone wins. Business here isn’t cut-throat. It’s not a quick transaction that sends the next customer on their way. No, business here is relational at its very core. As we continue on through the 2026 Indiana Legislative Session this month, we’re seeing the value and necessity of relationship-based advocacy for LaGrange County. While legislators gather in Indianapolis, folks here locally are continuing to do business, grow, innovate, and expand. But, what is happening at the state capital impacts how we do those very things. A relationship with our legislators is crucial to ensuring that LaGrange County remains relevant, vital, and pro-business. So how does the Chamber exist in this space? As a key convener for business success in LaGrange County, we maintain and hold dear these key relationships with legislators at all levels. While local elected officials are often much more accessible than those at the state and federal level, the Chamber exists to serve as a conduit to legislative influence for and on behalf of our members. Do you need help with a regulatory hurdle? Call the Chamber. Are you experiencing undue business friction because of a legislative burden? Call the Chamber. Do you have a desire to push into another area of business, but need direction or connections to make it successful? Call the Chamber. We’re positioned to connect you with the relationships in which we hold tight–relationships with Indiana Representative Tony Isa and Senator Sue Glick, as well as the offices of U.S. Congressmen Marlin Stutzman, Jim Banks, and Todd Young. While we may not be able to sign, seal, and deliver the legislation, we know the people who can. Let us put your hand into the hand of the right relationship, because that’s how business happens here. So, even if you weren’t at our annual meeting in January, I invite you to imagine the scene I described in my opening. It’s one where businesses are free to compete for market share, all while linking arms to enhance and sustain our local economy. As a business owner or resident–whichever you are–consider how you might step into a new role of influence and collaboration this year. How can you serve as an example for others, and bring other neighbors along with you? In LaGrange County, connecting the dots, supporting others, and doing it together is what makes the secret sauce. Thank you, Marion, for showing us what it means to show up and bring others along the way. That’s the LaGrange County business way.

I’ll never forget the first time I laid eyes on it. It was almost heavenly. The ceilings stretched far above my head, high enough that I was forced to crane my neck back as far as it would go just so I could admire the intricate paintings found on its plaster. The pillars holding up the ceiling were marvelous, and while the layout of the building was confusing at first, it promised complex workings that decided governmental processes and approaches. It was the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Four years ago, I journeyed to the state capitol for my first-time attending the annual Chamber Day at the Statehouse program, hosted jointly by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana Chamber Executives Association. Presentations by legislators and committee heads, as well as tours and updates, filled the day with an overwhelming load of knowledge about state government. I remember walking away feeling a bit overloaded, but honored to see the process firsthand–something I never dreamt of doing outside of my role at the Chamber. And it’s that time of year again. This year marks the 125th session of the Indiana General Assembly, when state Representatives and Senators gather to author bills, debate in committees, and aim to pass into law new processes, approaches, and mechanisms to better our state and local communities. The process is tedious, and oftentimes confusing, but it’s repeatable. And, the legislative process is something we all should know more about. This year is a “short session,” meaning legislators are not writing or approving a bi-annual budget for the state. Because of this, processes are shorter, including when legislators officially adjourn from session. (This year, the estimated timeframe is mid-to-late February…a VERY short session this year.) While the government is often tied to varying degrees of understanding (or, dare I say, emotions), it’s important to recognize the connection between state session and the inner workings of our local community. From business tax requirements to infrastructure funding, from public school requirements to health insurance specifications, from childcare incentives to energy sustainability measures, our annual state government sessions dictate how our communities operate and how they are sustained. Allow me to give a quick refresher on the process. How does a bill become a law, and why does it matter? An idea is developed–from a legislator, a community, an advocacy group, etc.. Then, the idea is drafted (“authored”) by a legislator. Other lawmakers may be asked to co-sponsor the bill for added support. The bill is first introduced in the chamber of the author. (So, if a Representative authors the bill, the House will be the first to receive the bill. If a Senator authors, then the Senate receives.) If the chamber’s leadership does not call the bill for First Reading (read by title for the full legislative body there), the bill dies and it does not proceed through session. The bill is either assigned to a committee, or is killed. If assigned to committee, it can be either scheduled for hearing (where it is discussed, evaluated, and testimonies can be given). At that point, the bill can be voted upon, tabled, or killed. If the bill continues, it is sent back to its house of origin for a Second Reading. (Again, it can be killed before this is approved by chamber leadership.) If it is read, amendments can be suggested and/or approved by the full body of legislators. Again, it can be killed at this point. If the bill is approved, it can be scheduled for a Third Reading. If the bill is scheduled, amendments can again be added, which must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the full body. Following a vote on amendments, the bill again comes to a vote by the full body. There are, very easily, several ways for the bill to die in this step of the process. If a bill makes it this far, it is kicked across the hallway to the other chamber (from the House to the Senate, or from the Senate to the House), and the process starts all over. If, by luck or by strength in its contents, the bill makes it through the entire process again in the other chamber without any amendments, it goes straight to the Governor for signature. If the bill is sent back approved and with added amendments, it will be reconsidered in its house of origin. From here, it could be voted on and approved, voted on and killed, or voted on with disapproval but with desire to advance from both houses, at which point the bill would be assigned to the Conference Committee. (This committee is made up of two members from each of the legislative bodies, one from each major political party.) The Conference Committee can, at that point, kill the bill, or attempt to reconcile differences between the two chambers before sending it back to both chambers for a final vote. If, by some strong chance, the bill continues to move forward with approval, it is sent to the Governor’s desk for signature. Anytime a bill is sent to the Governor, it has the potential for several outcomes: he can do nothing (kill it), he can sign it into law, or he can veto it. If the latter happens, the bill goes back to the Senate and House, at which point the legislative bodies can do nothing (the bill dies), override the veto (and the bill becomes law), or have a stalemate in the revote, and the bill dies. Okay, let’s all take a collective deep breath…that was a lot of bill-centric information! And good grief, if a bill actually becomes law, we can know in faith that the sucker was vetted by every level of state government. It is a complex, daunting, long process, and our legislators do it every single year. (Imagine the long sessions–which happen in odd-number-ending years–when finances and budgetary conversations must also take place.) But here’s the real takeaway–what elected officials in Indianapolis are doing impacts everything we know here in LaGrange County. It impacts the amount you see on your property tax papers. It impacts how your kids are educated. It impacts how health insurance operates and covers your claims. It impacts how roads are repaired or rebuilt, how our local government is operated, and how housing developments are funded and supported. Everything we know is touched by this process. And the scary part? Most people don’t care, or at the very least, don’t intentionally engage with its workings. That’s what advocacy is. While the connotations of the term could conjure up political, cut-throat scenarios, advocacy is so, SO much more. It is staying in the know, and studying the issues and bills being passed through the Statehouse. It is attending county government meetings to learn more about how things actually work in our county. It is talking to your state Representative or Senator to share your concerns. And it is (or could be) getting involved in a non-profit or advocacy group working to advance a mission close to your heart. These pieces impact our people, our communities, and our businesses. And it’s time for us to get involved, and be an advocate of LaGrange County. Sure, it’s daunting, but it’s not impossible. And there are many resources available to help. To learn more about how the LaGrange County Chamber is involved in the process, visit www.lagrangechamber.com/advocacy_corner. There, you can join our advocacy newsletter group, learn more about our Coffee with the County Forums, and stay in the know. You can also find our 2026 Legislative Priorities Agenda, and learn more about the issues impacting our local businesses the most. Get engaged, educate yourself, and be a part of the long-term success of LaGrange County.

If I had a dollar for every time I get asked something like, “What does the Chamber actually do?” or, “Do you do this full time?” I’d have a solid stream of income. I share this with a bit of humor, because it brings up a mix of reactions. Sometimes I’m surprised, trying to gauge whether the question is sarcastic or genuinely curious. Other times, it stops me in my tracks, because it reinforces a realization I’ve come to understand deeply. It reminds me just much of our work at the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce happens quietly–and how little of it is transactional. January 21 is nationally recognized as “Get To Know Your Customer Day.” That can mean many things across many industries, but at its core, it boils down to one thing: listening. One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned in life is that listening matters far more than talking. This applies with our customers, and equally, it applies to chambers too. As a Chamber, we don’t have customers as they are typically defined. However, we do have members, and they are at the core of who we are and what we do. In fact, if there’s anything we’re known for, it’s that we “sell memberships,” with an annual fee (or due) required to be involved. But the Chamber isn’t here to sell membership. For us, the Get To Know Your Customer Day is a reminder of something bigger: the Chamber exists to understand needs, connect dots, and generate growth–both now and for the future. One of our founding principles in the work we do is advocacy. The word “advocacy” is received in so many different ways, and in many cases, is connected to politics. (Which, if I’m being honest, doesn’t always come with warm feelings.) If I may bend your ear, I would propose to you that advocacy is not politics or cut-throat government work. Rather, advocacy is about listening first, and then translating those needs and business pain points into policy conversations. We stand as a bridge between our local businesses and our elected officials on all levels, ensuring policy–which affects us all, whether we realize it or not–is pro-business. For example, the LaGrange County Chamber surveyed its membership in the last quarter of 2025 to identify countywide legislative priorities. Those priorities are being placed directly in the hands of legislators who represent our communities. These include pushes for legislation that address healthcare costs, housing needs, childcare availability and affordability, and workforce barriers. Granted, our calendars and meetings don’t make the headlines. But the outcomes shape the environment our businesses operate in every day. Emails, calls, meetings, and coalition-building efforts are pushing the needle in the name of LaGrange County advocacy. Another key principle is the work of convening–bringing people together for positive, impactful work. Sure, people see our events, the awards we present, and the photos we share. They don’t always see intention. Convening, at its core, is problem-solving, trust-building, and creating neutral tables, ensuring that everyone has a voice in the conversation. It’s where educators sit next to employers, nonprofit leaders sit next to manufacturers, and conversations turn into collaboration. This can be felt through forums, roundtables, education discussions, and cross-sector conversations. Remember, relationships move faster than institutions, and we’re seeing that played out on a weekly basis through partner connections and our membership’s willingness to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Where I enjoy watching vision meet action is within our programming and workforce initiatives. Let’s be honest–if programming didn’t exist, we wouldn’t be able to connect folks, support small businesses, prepare the next generation, or adapt to changing workforce and marketplace realities. For example, consider how a leadership program, a career expo, or an advocacy forum cultivate connections and growth. Face-to-face relationships are the bread and butter of our communities, and these types of programs create a space for that to happen in real time. Students see careers differently, up-and-coming employees are empowered to take ownership in their workplace, and small, home-based businesses connect to a greater marketplace than can be tapped on their own. The work is a daily, weekly, monthly, annual plan being carried out in the details. It’s about planning, coordination, following-up, and connecting the right people quietly. It’s about bringing resources to the community in order to help land their hand in the hand of the exact, right person at the exact, right moment. This is where a chamber of commerce as a mechanism for business shines–because it’s about elevating businesses and sustaining the local economy for the long haul. Most of this work doesn’t come with applause–but it compounds. Now that I’m four years into my role in our local chamber, I rather enjoy receiving those opening questions, because I’ve come to realize that it’s not offensive. Instead, it’s an opportunity for a new relationship and conversation, opening the book about LaGrange County business and community. If there’s anything that cements itself within me more every single day, it’s this: a chamber of commerce is a business tool, not a transaction. It is a connector, not a club. When businesses join–and truly leverage their chamber investment–they engage with a realm of opportunity that can’t be accessed outside of membership. Listening is where it’s at. And may I always be persistent in listening first, and speaking second. Let that be a reminder for us all–strong communities don’t happen accidentally. This is your (not-so-quiet) invitation to engage with our local chamber. Don’t just pay a due; engage, lean in, and impact your business and your community. To learn more about the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce and becoming our newest member, call Sara at (260) 463-2443, or email info@lagrangechamber.org.

In my role at the Chamber, I get all sorts of fun questions. “Is this your full time job?” “What is a Chamber actually?” And the question I get the most and have to answer the most: “What does the Chamber actually do for businesses?” The truth is, when people hear the word Chamber, it is quickly associated with membership dues, business luncheons, or a logo on a sign. But in reality, many people in our community benefit from the Chamber’s work every day–whether they’ve ever attended an event or not. At its core, the Chamber exists to strengthen the local economy by bringing people together who might not otherwise sit at the same table. (For a recap on where this derives from, see last week’s column about our mission and vision.) Employers, educators, local leaders, and entrepreneurs are regularly connected through conversations that shape workforce readiness, business growth, and long-term community planning. The results of those conversations ripple outward–into job opportunities, business stability, and a stronger quality of life. If you’re like me and have kids at home, you’ve likely seen the impact through career awareness efforts and partnerships between schools and local employers. From career days in kindergarten to an all-day career expo connecting students to real job opportunities locally, these partnerships are vital to our collective future success. If you’re a consumer, the shops, services, and restaurants you rely on are stronger because local businesses aren’t navigating challenges alone, and are part of an interconnected marketplace of leaders who envision generational prosperity for years to come. Even if you’ve never walked through the doors of a Chamber event, its work often shows up in visible, practical ways throughout the community, including: Stronger local businesses , which means more stable jobs, better customer experiences, and fewer empty storefronts. Workforce connections between schools, employers, and training partners that help students and potential workforce understand career options and help businesses find talent. Leadership development and collaboration , ensuring community decisions are informed by people who live and work here. Support for small and family-owned businesses , many of which are the backbone of our local economy. Advocacy and alignment around issues that affect daily life, from workforce needs to infrastructure to quality of place. A stronger sense of local pride , created when businesses, organizations, and residents are rowing in the same direction. The Chamber works best when it is leveraged as a connector–not just as the host of a business name on a membership list. Its value shows up when people lean in, share ideas, ask questions, and help shape solutions that benefit the broader community. That participation doesn’t always look like a formal role. Sometimes, it’s simply showing up, offering perspective, or supporting the work being done behind the scenes. You don’t have to belong to the Chamber to live in the results of it. A health business community supports a health community overall–and the Chamber is one of the places where that work quietly, intentionally, and collectively happens. To learn more about the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce, head to our website at www.lagrangechamber.org, or flip through the BRAND NEW 2026 LaGrange County Chamber Member Services & Business Directory, included in this week’s newspaper. Our office is always a call away with any questions you may have: (260) 463-2443. Together, we can make a difference and elevate LaGrange County! 

Once upon a time, I graduated high school, went to college, ceased any competitive sport participation, and gained the “freshman 15.” I was fresh out of high school and with a newfound independence, eager to do whatever the heck I wanted to do. Unfortunately, I did not plan for the incredibly gratifying opportunities to ignore exercise and eat whatever I wanted. Once I reached college graduation, and subsequently, my wedding day and the start of my marriage, I realized it was time for me to “get back at it.” I wanted to get my body back in shape, shave a few pounds, and feel better physically. I tried a new regimen, with eager willingness to dive right in, only to find that after a week or two, I didn’t love it. Who knew that workout routines included early alarm clocks, smaller portions at the dinner table, and sore muscles?! (Obviously, I’m being sarcastic here.) My eagerness came into a drought, and I gave up. This was a process I found myself repeating two or three more times in the first 5-7 years of my marriage. A disapproval of the condition of my physicality, a desire to exercise and feel better, a fresh jumpstart, and then another failed attempt. But then I had my firstborn. I watched him grow, only to find a parallel growth of arthritic ache in my back and knees–leading to a decreased ability to play with and physically interact with my toddler. Equally, I recognized that my ability to assist with the care of my disabled brother was decreasing as well. I just wasn’t as physically capable as I used to be. That’s when the mindset shift came. I wanted to try the whole “exercise thing” one more time, but this time, the desire came with a newfound vision–to become healthy enough to play with my son, and care for my brother. I wanted to strengthen my back and gain in muscle mass in order to do those two things. It was no longer about weight, but about ability to relate and serve. I dug in, and found that–even when my muscles hurt so much I limped when I walked–I still got up when the alarm went off. I was continuing with my routine, and my muscles were strengthening. It felt good, and I felt alive! Five and a half years later, I am still at it, and feel energized when I get the chance to work out and challenge myself. I don’t share that story to stroke my ego or show off a win. Rather, I share that to say that vision and mission matter. When we can recognize and embrace our “why,” whether it be in life, business, community, or otherwise, it sets the trajectory for the future. The LaGrange County Chamber is chomping at the bit to kickstart a brand new year. This year, we’ve doubled down on our vision statement, because we believe in the future of our communities and of LaGrange County. Our vision is “To be a champion of generational prosperity in LaGrange County.” We wholeheartedly believe that the future of LaGrange County is being built today in how we relate to one another, how we build our businesses, and how we invest in our communities. Everything we do is aimed at that target, energized by the opportunity to make a difference for our collective tomorrow. As a vision statement is the sun setting on the horizon, so a mission statement is the train and tracks that disappear into its colorful glory. The mission is how we achieve our vision, and it drives everything we do. For us, our mission in 2026 has been refined after strategic planning with our leadership team. Now, it is “Fostering community connections. Driving business success.” As a hometown girl myself, the value of relational living is innately embedded in my being. Our county just gets this. A core value of our communities is intentionally knowing those we live with, work with, and enjoy life with. As your county Chamber of Commerce, we elevate this by fostering community connections in everything we do. It has to start there. And at the end of the day, our county won’t continue to grow if we don’t have a thriving business community. Our local marketplace and economy is everything, and its health is a make-or-break for our future. In everything we do, it is our goal to drive business success, giving them the tools, development opportunities, and resources they need to not just exist, but thrive. So this year, as you start a fresh calendar, we invite you to join us for a kickstart to your regimen. Grab your goal list off the shelf and blow off the dust. And, if you don’t have a list to pull off the shelf, now is the time to write them! Here are some quick tips: Identify your “why.” What gets you up in the morning, and what are your values? Put them into a single statement defining your purpose for life, work, and relationships. Then, create some goals. These should be categorized for yourself personally, for your family, for your workplace or business, and for your community, which are reflective of your why statement. Create a game plan. Put some attainable next steps in place. How will you work towards achieving your goal in the first month? In the first quarter? In the first year? This new year, commit yourself to “get back at it.” It’s time for a fresh vision and mission, for generational prosperity in LaGrange County. Happy New Year! 

We made it! It’s officially the last day of the year, and for us, it brings all the feels– a bittersweet cocktail of joy, eagerness, sadness that another year passed, and, well, exhaustion. The last day of the year is a pivotal moment for all of us to reflect on the past year and look forward to the next one with anticipation and strategy. Of the triumphs and defeats, the highs and the lows, and everything in between that we encountered this past year, what will 2026 bring? As the calendar turns and we prepare to welcome a new year, this moment invites reflection. For us at the Chamber, it’s just not about what has passed, but about what has been built, strengthened, and set in motion for the future. For the LaGrange County Chamber, 2025 has been a year defined by connection, momentum, and purpose. Throughout the year, the Chamber served as a convener–bringing people together around ideas, opportunities, and shared goals. We hosted networking events that created meaningful business connections, professional development opportunities that equipped leaders and teams, workforce and education conversations that shaped long-term solutions, and community-facing events that welcomed residents into the work we do. Each event and program was designed not simply to check a box, but to create value–for business, for individuals, and for LaGrange County as a whole. That commitment to relevance and impact was recognized beyond our county this year. The Chamber was honored by the Indiana Chamber Executives Association with the Innovative Excellence Award for the third consecutive year, and named a finalist for the Indiana Chamber of the Year for the second year in a row. While awards are never the goal, they do matter–because they affirm that the work happening here is forward-thinking, effective, and worthy of being modeled across the state. Closer to home, we celebrated the people who make this community exceptional. Our annual Legacy Awards recognized individuals and businesses who are investing in something bigger than themselves–leaders who are shaping the future through service, innovation, and commitment. These moments matter because they remind us that progress is personal and that lasting impact is built by people who show up day after day. Behind the scenes, the Chamber also spent intentional time preparing for what comes next. Strategic planning conversations with our board and partners helped sharpen our focus, clarify priorities, and ensure that our efforts remain aligned with the evolving needs of our community. Looking ahead, our work will continue to center on workforce development, strong local commerce, and thoughtful advocacy–all while remaining nimble enough to respond to new opportunities and challenges. If there is one takeaway from this year, it is this: the Chamber is not a building, a logo, or a membership list. It is a tool, and one that belongs to the entire community. It is a mechanism to be leveraged for growth and sustainability across all of our communities. That is why this is an important time to talk about membership. Did you know that, while many people associate the Chamber strictly with business, individuals can also join? Individual membership is a way to invest in the future of LaGrange County, to support community-building efforts, and to be part of something that creates real, visible impact. You do not have to own a business to believe in strong leadership, a prepared workforce, and a thriving local economy. To learn more about Chamber membership, simply visit our website at www.lagrangechamber.org, or give our office a call at (260) 463-2443. (We’ll be back in the office starting Monday, January 5.) As we step into the new year, many of us will set goals or resolutions–personally and professionally. This is a season of looking ahead, of asking what matters most and how we want to show up in the months to come. In the weeks ahead, I’ll be writing more about vision, purpose, and the power of knowing your “why.” For now, I’ll simply say this: progress does not happen by accident. It happens when people choose to engage, invest, and believe in what is possible. Thank you to our members, partners, volunteers, and supporters who made this year meaningful. The work continues–and the best is still ahead. Happy New Year! 

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year, for so many reasons. I get two weeks' worth of extra time with my kids when school is out. I get extra time with my husband as we’re both intentionally home and away from work. We get to see family we haven’t seen in a while with plenty of game nights and sleepovers. We get to see the expressions on our kids’ faces on Christmas morning. We get to celebrate the reason for the season with family, friends, and neighbors in meaningful ways. We get to have Christmas movie-marathons. We get to experience sights, sounds, and smells that only come once a year. (Thank a Christmas cookie for the extra five pounds around the waistline.) It’s beautiful, magical, and surreal. Last week, I was on my way back from a work day in Indianapolis and stopped in Fort Wayne for a short grocery stop. I almost ran my cart into another as I came around the corner, and instead of a disgusted look or avoiding eye contact, I got an apology and a “Merry Christmas,” as the driver continued on his way. It caught me in my tracks. What made that interaction different (and quite frankly, much more manageable) than so many other “normal” grocery store interactions? There was a little more joy in the air than usual. People seemed genuinely willing to find the good in their day, allowing for little to no room for negativity or complaints. Could it be because of the season? One of my favorite Christmas movies to watch every year stars an infamous grown man in a large elf suit, who leaves the North Pole to head to New York City in search of his long-lost father. In the process, the naive man-made-elf experiences the less-than-joyful world, completely opposite of his usual spirited home with Santa Claus. In his full naivete and perhaps complete disregard for the perceptions of others, he very proudly and loudly yells, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” (I bet if you know which movie I’m talking about, you heard his voice while you read that.) As I pause to reflect on the year we’ve had, the things we’ve seen, and the opportunities we’ve experienced, I can’t help but be grateful for those who have “sung loud for all to hear.” They are the joy-givers who have done the daily work to make a difference: the individuals who roll up their sleeves for no pay and no recognition, only to advance the mission of a local non-profit organization; the ones who care for our children; the cooks who prepare our food at the local grills; the young person who bag our groceries; or, the individual who offers a kind smile and a “Merry Christmas” after bumping carts. They’ve delivered their boisterous chorus through their actions and have built a hometown that sings loud for all to hear. This Christmas season, as we end the year and celebrate what’s gotten us here, let’s take a moment to remember the joy-givers and challenge ourselves to be one. How can you give kindness as you head into 2026? Here are a few humble suggestions: Offer a smile. The best smiles are unexpected. They offer a glimpse of good in the world. When something goes wrong, pause and challenge yourself to offer a smile instead of a snide remark or a dirty look. Imagine how it could change your world and the community around you. Always assume the best intentions. My friend Renea offered this gem at one of our events this year, as it related to employees and culture, but boy, does it resonate in everyday life too. Be courageous in assuming the best intentions, and watch how your posture towards others begins to change. Give a little extra. Let’s be real. We’re closing out our books and finishing out the year as we prepare for another tax season. How could your business find deeper generosity during this season to better the community around you? (Here’s your clue: head to our website or grab one of our directories to find the MANY non-profit organizations doing the work to better our county every single day.) Give the gift of time. This is a convincing reminder! This is the time to slow down, and give the gift of yourself–put down the work, take some time to intentionally rest (that means ACTUALLY rest), and invest your time in others. Relationships with family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and peers are an investment that will reap a mighty lifelong harvest. Embrace and enjoy your circle. One of the best pieces of advice I received on my wedding day is something I carry throughout my life: “Take several moments throughout the day to just stop, look around, and listen. Take some mental photographs, because the day will be so fast, and you’ll miss the moments that matter.” This Christmas season, take some time to look around and identify what makes your world go ‘round. Is it the people? The places? The traditions? The businesses? The community? Take an extra moment for mental photos, and embrace what brings you joy. So, as we close out this Small Business Season, I challenge you to be a joy-giver and a joy-singer. The best way to spread Christmas spirit is to do it loudly, so that all can hear. It makes a difference, and it’s what makes LaGrange County special. Merry Christmas from the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce! May your celebrations be joy-filled with many moments to remember.

“I think you need new tires.” I had heard it said to me at least two or three times at that point. As I sighed inwardly, I thought to myself, “You know, I should probably get that tire replacement scheduled.” You see, in my marriage, my husband typically takes care of the repair and maintenance-type things: changing the oil in the vehicles, fixing household appliances that break, identifying the cause of a malfunction, you get the picture. This also entirely includes the state of my tires. We purchased a new-to-me vehicle last year to replace my old Acadia, and while I love it, I must confess: I do not pay attention to the repair-and-maintenance-type things. Fortunately for me, I usually assume they’re fine, until my husband tells me it’s time for a fix. (God bless him. He keeps me in line.) In this particular scenario, he had made a few phone calls to identify the type and size of tires I needed, and got the prices from several auto shops. He instructed me on the best price and how I should schedule that appointment, but he wouldn’t have dared to try to figure out a time that would fit in my schedule. (Because let’s be honest, it probably wouldn’t have ended well for either of us if he did.) He handed me the scrap piece of paper with his notes, and told me I needed to make the appointment before the first snow. Lo and behold, the first snow came, and my tires weren’t replaced. Oh no! I dialed the number to the shop he gave me, and they got me in the next day with squeaky new tires (that are impressive in the snow, I must say). Very quickly and efficiently, they sent me on my way. After my prolonged attention to the problem, I was patched up and ready to go in two-day’s time. It was a very real reminder that these vital services and those who carry them out are the ones who make the world go ‘round in our local community and economy. When a problem arises–tires need replacing, a furnace goes out, or an electrical short causes a blackout–these ready-to-roll service men and women are eager to support our people, our homes, and our businesses, ensuring we are up and running in no time. If you’ve read this column for any length of time now, you know that I talk a lot about Small Business Season–the time of year where we focus on those non-box stores that make our local economy flourish. The Season is commemorated in November and December, with an urgency to turn our attention away from quick, online convenience to those known individuals who open their shop doors to us for the products and services we need–locally. Just like my bald tires, this week’s column will serve as a real reminder about the unsung heroes who make the world–and my tires!–go round. You know who I’m talking about. It’s the auto shops, the gas stations, the contractors, the hair salons, the tech services, the HVAC businesses, and the electricians–the businesses that keep our daily life running. They’re so often overlooked when people think “shop local,” but they employ residents and keep our community functioning. Consider this: when your truck breaks down or your electrical system needs repairing, Amazon can’t help–but your neighbor can. So, this Small Business Season, the challenge is simple: consider planning 2026 maintenance by scheduling with your local providers. Need your oil changed? Call your local mechanic or schedule an appointment online. Need your hair cut? (This Rapunzel does!) Get on the books of your favorite local stylist. Need your furnace serviced before the brutal cold of January settles in? Get it scheduled today with no more worrying. (This is your friendly reminder to pick up a copy of the Chamber’s Business Directory or head to our website to see a full list of local providers!) Small Business Season is all about keeping our dollars local, supporting not just our neighbors but sustaining the local economy, public services, education, and amenities of our very own LaGrange County. Shop local this Small Business Season, and shop LaGrange County. Merry Christmas! 

I remember when a “city” friend moved to town to start a new job. We had many conversations about the transition into LaGrange County and what was glaringly different from his previous community. As a homegrown LaGrangian (is that a word?), I often chuckled to myself at the comments. One of my favorites that was shared was about the local grocery store scene. The grocery store in town is a longstanding establishment that offers every food item you might need. But for locals, it equally serves as a catch-up point. My friend would often share the frustration of trying to stop at the grocery store unnoticed. If you’re a local, you know that’s just not possible in our small community. In fact, it tends to be the opposite of our culture. Consider this: you pull in to find a parking spot. You get out of your vehicle and shut the door, only to find a neighbor you haven’t seen in a week, and you stop to catch up, right there in the middle of the parking lot. Once you wrap up that conversation, you move into the store, waving at another friend pulling in as you make your way to the entrance. You grab your cart, and head to aisle 2, but before you get there, you see someone you know in the produce section. Once you finally get through the second aisle and head to the next, you find a family friend and stand there next to the noodles catching up on life. By the time you final make it to the checkout counter, you’ve recapped the last few weeks with half-a-dozen folks you know, feeling a bit like a good ‘ole family reunion in the middle of the grocery store. To my friend who was accustomed to large box stores that could easily hide a known face, our local scene embraces relational shopping. It’s what makes it special. Across the county, it is no different. Walking into a small boutique or shop, the owners tend to greet you with a smile–and oftentimes, by first name too. Commerce here isn’t transactional; it’s very much relational. It’s not abnormal for an owner to get to know you as you enter their establishment, or for cashiers to ask you how your day is going as you checkout. It’s about the people, not about the dollar. And that’s why shopping local this Small Business Season is monumentally important. The “human” component of retail commerce is the backbone of our small business economy in our county. At the Chamber, we have quite literally hundreds of friends running their stores, shops, and businesses on this very premise. Consider checking out a few of them as you do your Christmas shopping this holiday season: Clothing & Footwear: Radiant Remix Boutique, Countryroad Fabrics, The Fancy Farm Girl Boutique, Gravel & LACE Boutique, Head Over Heels, L & R Footwear & Gifts, Sarah Davis LTD Gift Shops & Retail: No Place Like Oz Museum & Gift Shop, Dutch Blessing Floral, Glow Christian Bookstore, Riverwood Pottery, A Thankful Heart, The Barn Door, Cariloha, Chapters Bookshop, Davis Mercantile, Eminence Home, Lambright Country Chimes, Lasting Impressions, Lehman’s Variety Store, Lighthearded Candle Company, PLAID UMBRELLA -collective-, Polish Girl Collectibles, Silver Star Leather, Simply Paper & Supplies Furniture Retail: B&L Woodcrafts, Brandenberry Furniture, Dutchman Log Furniture, Legacy Home Furniture, Raber Patio Enclosures, Shipshewana Furniture Co., Wana Cabinets & Furniture, Weaver Furniture Sales Groceries & Gifts: E & S Sales, Forks County Line Stores, Miller’s Food & Drug, Topeka Save-A-Lot, Yoder Meat & Cheese, Yoder Popcorn Hardwares: Bear Ace Hardware, Emma Warehouse, Schlemmer Hardware, Town & Country Hardware, Yoder’s Shipshewana Hardware Our local businesses care about their customers. Sure, they’re certainly in business to make money and hone their craft. But they chose LaGrange County as their business’s location because they wanted to invest in our people and our local economy. These are the businesses that donate to local sports teams and schools because they are passionate about our youth. These are the businesses that support our numerous non-profits organizations because they view their business profit as an opportunity to invest in the issues troubling their people and their community. And these are the businesses that contribute to local causes because they value being a part of the growth of the greater good here. Business isn’t transactional, and customers don’t go unnoticed here. That’s how business is done in LaGrange County. So this Small Business Season, I challenge you to the 3-Store-Challenge: Above is a list of over 40 stores found locally. Choose 3 that you’ve never visited before, and go check them out before Christmas. (Hint: If you need a location or more information about them, head to our website www.lagrangechamber.org or give our office a call at 260-46-2443!) You may just find the best Christmas gift–and the best shopping experience–you’ve ever found before…right here in LaGrange County. Happy Small Business Season!