Happy Turkey Week! As you prepare to put on your stretchy pants and gobble down some roasted turkey (pun totally intended), first lean in to some quality considerations at the beginning of Black Friday deals and festivities.  I will continue to beat my Small Business Season drum to share the value around keeping our dollars local, especially during the holidays. 2025 is no different, and the opportunities to shop local continue to grow here in LaGrange County. More small businesses opened their doors in 2025, giving us even more chances to shop for loved ones and give the perfect gift on Christmas morning. As we commemorate all that makes Small Business Season special, and as we prep our budgets for Black Friday deals stacked as high as the Eiffel Tower, allow me to introduce you to my friend Tobi Oxenrider, Director of the Shipshewana Retail Merchants Association, as well as a small business owner in Shipshewana. Recently, she was aired on our latest Chamber Chat Podcast episode to share all about what it means to shop local this Christmas season. Here’s an excerpt from our conversation. Chamber: Let’s talk about Small Business Season. When I took this role at the Chamber, I didn’t fully understand what it means to shop local. It was and is so easy to shop on Amazon–one click, and it’s done. But when we start really understanding what it means when we spend our dollars outside of our community, it’s a much bigger picture. When we talk about the impact our tax dollars have when we keep them local–and what that means for our public safety, for public health, for education, for infrastructure, all those things–it’s much bigger than just supporting a business. I’d love for you to talk about that as a local business owner and the SRMA director, and about the local shopping scene here in Shipshewana. Tell us why the Small Business Season is so important, especially within the retail scene here in Shipshewana. Tobi Oxenrider: Yeah, it’s about taking the time to see that, sure, you’re not going to find an XBox here, or the next iPhone, but if you’re looking for baby clothes, socks, a book, food, furniture, whatever it is…There’s a beauty that comes when you take the time to walk through somebody’s shop who took the time to build this business, stock the shelves, their heart and soul that goes into that…When you walk into that, you see something there that connects you to your community. You see something on Amazon that is quick and easy, it doesn’t connect you to your community. Here, you can see products, touch them, and connect with the business owner who I see at the grocery store or church or wherever–those products I can buy locally are supporting their family. I think we just need to take the time to think about the balance that comes with supporting who we see in our community. When you shop small, it not only does something for the shops, it also feels so good when you have something purchased in your store. I mean, sure, did I save $2 or spend more than $5? Sure. But at Christmas, I mean, the impact you can make on not just that person, but also yourself and your community just feels awesome when you take the time to do it. C: I think one of the unveiling moments for me was when I continued learning about tax implications when considering shopping local versus big box stores. I came in with this perspective that if I buy from a big box store, I could get a good deal and save $5 or $10 on the same product I could find at a small local retailer that maybe adds an additional $5 or $10 on top of that product cost. But when we consider spending something that is a few dollars less in a big box store instead of local to save the extra dollars, we’re also sending some of our dollars away from our community. And so not only does it impact the local business where they’re losing money to large competitors, we’re also losing tax revenue that supports local government and infrastructure and road updates. If we don’t want to have rough roads, shop local. If we want to have good education systems, shop local. If we want to have great public safety and a police and fire department that is able to withstand our population, shop local. All of these things have a snowball effect. And when we don’t support local businesses, businesses close down and then our towns start to look a little shabby because of empty storefronts. There’s so much that goes into shopping local, and if we can collectively get to a place where we can shift our mindset, it’s not just one thing we’re doing (i.e., saving money), it’s so much bigger. Let’s talk about Wana Night Out. Last year, my husband and I went for the first time. We walked into one of the stores in Shipshewana because they had a discount they were offering. We walked in and I thought, what in the world! It drew me into a store I had never been in before, and I was amazed–the inventory that was available to me because I stepped foot in this store was unreal. There were shoes, boots, clothing items, toys, books for my kids. I got a bunch of Christmas gifts for my family that night, because it was kind of like a Black Friday in Shipshewana. It was equally really neat because I was shopping alongside neighbors and people I know locally too. Share a little bit about Wana Night Out and why that night is special. TO: It’s been going on for many years, and for many local people, it’s their favorite event. For the locals, it’s their opportunity to get in the shops that are here and some of their favorite places to go and have that experience with their neighbors. You get to see people you don’t always get to see, and it’s just so cool to see the local people out shopping. C: If you have never been, you have to experience it at least once. You get to go into store you don’t always get to go in during the work week. Hours are extended, and there is something for everyone! TO: There really is, and I think people forget that. You may not get everything under one roof, but you are going to have such a nice evening out, getting in your community, and supporting your neighbors. To hear the full episode from our latest Chamber Chat Podcast conversation, head to our website, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. And this weekend, after your tummy is full of good eats, head out to your local retailers and remember to shop local. Our community is counting on it!

A little over a week ago, I had the annual privilege of joining my family in attending the Shipshewana Light Parade and Lighting Ceremony. It was a beautiful sight! Floats, trucks, and people (believe it or not!) decked out in Christmas lights of every color, marching with holiday cheer plastered all over their faces. After Santa and Mrs. Clause close out the parade each year, we follow close behind and walk into downtown Shipshewana to join a crowd of literally thousands of people, singing Christmas carols, listening to the Christmas story, and ending with a countdown turning on all of the lights of the quaint town. It’s quite a celebration, and it ends with people dancing in the streets to upbeat Christmas tunes, turning the hearts of people into the holiday spirit.  This event–for me–kicks off the season. It commemorates the joy that is easily felt as we enter into Thanksgiving and Christmas, where families come together, gifts are shared, and fellowship is rich and inviting. As the Chamber of Commerce, it equally kicks off another season–Small Business Season. While we love to celebrate our small businesses and the local commerce opportunities galore around year-long, this holiday season allows us the chance to really hone in on why it’s important to shop local. When Amazon Prime came into existence, I was one of the first to hop on the bandwagon. I remember the anticipation of clicking a button on my phone only to get exactly what I ordered (which can be just about anything) delivered right to my doorstep. How convenient! But not until I took this role did I really comprehend the negative impact that has on my own community. By shopping entirely online and with big box stores, I was sending my sales tax dollars out of state. I was removing any kind of relational shopping from my Christmas experience. I was forgetting about what it means to support local and support neighbors–those people I see, know, and love. Shopping local this holiday season is about so many things. Consider these statistics: $68 of every $100 spent locally stays in the community. Small businesses donate more 250% more to local causes that impact our own LaGrange County people. Nearly half of workers are employed by a small business. Communities with thriving small businesses see stronger job creation and resilience. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: “When you shop local, you’re not just making a purchase, you’re fueling jobs, supporting dreams, and keeping more money in our community.” Consider this cycle: You take an extra $20 to tip your waiter at the local joint. That waiter then goes down the street or to the next town over to get his hair cut. The barber of your waiter then takes his income to grab a coffee at the next door coffee shop. Then, in turn, the coffee shop–being a community-focused small business–donates to youth sports uniforms, not only empowering families but also supporting the next generation of LaGrange County. It’s not calculus. It’s simple local support. Imagine what can happen when we all buy in to this small business season movement! Here are a few practical ways to get involved this holiday season: Everyone has practical needs throughout the year. Stuff your family’s stockings with gift cards from the local mechanic, barber, grocery store, or gas station! Have a sweet tooth in your family? Snag some homemade goodies at the local chocolate stores, coffee shops, and grocery stores. (Bonus points if you purchase goods that are made in LaGrange County!) Hosting a family gathering but tired of cooking? Let a local establishment help! From one-person options to full-scale meals with all the fixings, it’s available here! Tired of the materialistic gifting process each year? Gift an experience with your family! From family photo sessions to hands-on animal experiences, from a carousel ride to live shows, you can gift it all! Here are a few things to remember as we officially launch Small Business Season: Wana Night Out, LaGrange County’s holiday shopping treasure: Happening on Tuesday, December 2, head over to Shipshewana to shop local deals and discounts. (Hint: Last year, my husband and I nearly completed our entire Christmas shopping in Shipshewana on this one day!) Learn more at www.visitshipshewana.org. Shop Local & Win! New this year, submit your receipts on any $25+ purchase made in LaGrange County for a chance to win prizes this holiday season! You’ll receive bonus entries when you shop at a Chamber member’s business! Learn more and submit your receipts by visiting www.lagrangecounty.org/shoplocal. It’s not hard, but it does take all of us. Don’t forget to shop local this holiday season!

Homegrown. It’s a word that gets tossed around a lot in economic development, tourism, and placemaking circles. In today’s world, people crave authenticity, and if “homegrown” is slapped onto a product or experience, people seem to salivate! The irony for me, as a “homegrown” LaGrange gal myself, is that the word just plainly describes our way of life around here. Gardens are galore, crops and livestock are raised, products are handmade, and we generate what we need for a solid quality of life. As I continue to come face-to-face with other communities across the state and country, I am reminded of just how special it is to live in a “homegrown county.”  So often, I equate homegrown to homemade: cookies, bread, quilts, furniture, you name it. But if we consider homegrown and homemade in the terms of people, it brings to light an entirely new meaning. We (the Chamber) talk a lot about workforce. I’ve come to understand and appreciate that our local workforce is unique. Because we are not home to big cities or large amenities (which is quickly equated to big box stores), we are prone to experience a hemorrhaging of our young people once they finish school. “There’s nothing for me here” is something I’ve heard one too many times. Too often, our young people think that, in order to find success, they have to get to the greener stuff on the other side of the fence. When we spin that apparent weakness into a strength, we begin to see that our community is homegrown to its core. I challenge you: consider how many family-owned, multigenerational businesses and organizations you see around you. From nonprofits led by second-generation leaders to small businesses operating in second- or third-generation owners, our county just knows how to pass the baton. They understand how to train, raise up, and develop in order to build a lasting legacy. Our county thrives because of the homegrown. We lean into generational prosperity that doesn’t end with just one. This year, the Chamber has partnered with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) to host another cohort of Leadership LaGrange, our local leadership development program. The fellowship delivers top-of-the-line training on topics like conflict resolution, ethical leadership, communication, healthy habits, visioncasting, and civic leadership. And we’ve been privileged to host folks from all industries, generations, and backgrounds this year. Some were invited by their employer, and some joined with a hunger to grow themselves. This cohort is, in essence, raising “homegrown leaders” for the future of LaGrange County. This is just one example of homegrown. And creating a homegrown environment doesn’t stop. It takes work, and it takes people who are willing and committed to the future of our community–committed to the cultivation of places and spaces that our people “salivate” over. One opportunity that we get to connect our Leadership LaGrange graduates to is the long list of opportunities to serve and lead in our community. From county government boards (drainage, alcoholic beverage, emergency management advisory, zoning and appeals, library, parks and recreation, redevelopment, and more) to non-profit organizational boards (work advocating on behalf of people with disabilities, the animal shelter, women in domestic violence situation, unplanned pregnancy support, children in foster care, and more), there is a place for everyone–yes, everyone–to get involved. Homegrown means nurturing and raising up our own, and it also means connecting them to the harvest of opportunities to serve. It doesn’t stop at a leadership development program; the chance to make a difference as a homegrown leader beckons to you and me as well. How will you lean in and be a part of what makes LaGrange County great? To learn more about opportunities of service, please visit our website at www.lagrangechamber.org, or send me an email at sara@lagrangechamber.org. It takes all of us to continue supporting a “homegrown” LaGrange County. And to conclude, I would be remiss if I didn’t nod to the real homegrown leaders celebrated on yesterday’s national holiday. To those who have stepped up to serve in our military, and put their lives on the line–our veterans–we thank you and commemorate your homegrown service to LaGrange County, Indiana, and the United States of America. Happy Veterans Day!

In one of my first “professional” positions–AKA, my first big girl job–I was tasked with overseeing a team of volunteer leaders. These volunteers in turn led a larger pool of volunteers who ran the operations of the organization. As a naive youngblood, I thought, “No big deal!” Little did I know, I was in for the learning curve of my life.  While I stumbled (many times) along the way, I learned invaluable lessons about leadership, interpersonal relationships, and multi-generational operations. Of my time in that position, it wasn’t until four years later where I finally felt like I accomplished something: I earned the respect of an older leader (equipped with approximately 35 years more experience than I). He shared that when I first started, he was bound and determined not to be led by me, a young whipper-snapper. But, as time progressed, and as I made mistakes and learned from them, I demonstrated the soft skills he looked for in those who led him. In my position at the Chamber, the phrase “soft skills” gets tossed around often, especially when it comes to the younger generations. I hear the old adages, “Those kids don’t know how to work!” or, “These young people today just don’t want to work!” But if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that generations come with different expectations and varying workflows, and when they elevate each others’ strengths, a great workspace is created. So what are “soft skills” and what are “hard skills”? By definition, hard skills are those teachable, often measurable abilities that typically are job-related. They are often learned through education, training, and experience. They are technical by nature. Conversely, soft skills are the personal attributes that enable someone to interact with those around them. In a professional or employment setting, these may include things like communication, teamwork, problem solving, adaptability, time management, and emotional intelligence (self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions). It is pretty easy to prove why hard skills are important in the workplace. If you can’t perform the task, you can’t do the job. (Duh, right?) But oftentimes, soft skills aren’t hired or reviewed alongside the technical ones. So, why are soft skills “talked up” so much in today’s workforce, and why do they matter? Consider this scenario: You work alongside a new employee who is 110% proficient at the job. He is able to produce precise outcomes every single time, and his calculations are nearly perfect. He has more degree certificates than can hang on the wall, and enough experience to put him at the top of the totem pole. However, this coworker comes in every day, sits down at his workspace, and only stands to go to lunch or find the bathroom. His productivity is often late and you rarely see him working with anyone else. He seems to be as rigid as a board, and doesn’t like facing any sort of conflict in your workplace. Would you choose to continue working alongside this person, or would you prefer to transfer to another department (or another job)? In a perfect world, hard skills go hand-in-hand with soft skills. They produce a professional, yet relatable coworker. When they’re married together, they ensure that the workplace production level is consistent, successful, and held together by the people who make up the team. Teamwork is at the top of the board, deadlines are met, and coworkers are able to proficiently face conflict when it arises so that it doesn’t interfere with the organization’s success. As you step into your workflow this week, consider how these soft skills can intertwine with your own and your team’s success: Emotional Intelligence Tip: Listen before reacting. Encourage others to pause before responding. Tip: Notice non-verbal cues. Body language and tone often reveal more than words. Tip: Practice empathy daily. Even small gestures–like offering to help, thanking someone, or checking in–build trust. Time Management Tip: Prioritize tasks and plan the day. Make a simple “top 3 things to accomplish” list. Tip: Start early on deadlines. In rural and small-business settings, being reliable and timely is more valued than perfect execution. Tip: Respect others’ time. Being punctual and prepared shows maturity and reliability. Teamwork and Cross-Generational Collaboration Tip: Communicate openly and clearly. Avoid assuming others “know what you mean.” Tip: Value mentorship. Pair younger workers with seasoned employees–they can model behavior, soft skills, and reliability. Tip: Use stories, not lectures. Younger generations respond better to examples and lived experiences than abstract rules. Tip: Model patience and respect. Different generations have different work habits–get to know the others around you, and identify the strengths in their workflow. Whether you’re like me in my first professional position–swinging at all the learning curveballs being thrown at you–or whether you’re a seasoned professional who’s been through a few experiences of your own, engage with your team and learn how you can grow. I admit, I still find myself tripping over my own opportunities for growth, and it’s a lifelong lesson to be learned. Soft skills are important, and when we intentionally look for them and for ways to get better, the entire organization flourishes. Interested in learning more? A quick online search will give you access to many examples of how soft skill development creates a competitive advantage, not just for yourself, but for your business. Check out resources like Harvard Business Review, the US Department of Labor, and Yale University.

When businesses, community, and resources all collide, something wonderful happens. True, generational impact unfolds, and it happens every year in our communities. The Chamber has been a longstanding host of an annual event called Power of the Purse, where we simply hold a space for businesses, employees, and local individuals to participate in a live-auction and raffle event. The day is created to raise funds (and awareness) of an issue we don’t talk enough about: food insecurity. Those two words were unfamiliar to me until I stepped into an economic and community development role that I now hold. The plaque–that is, that folks in our own backyards don’t have enough food to keep their bellies full–is something that often goes unnoticed or unattended to, because it’s something we don’t see with the naked eye (oftentimes anyway). Fortunately, our county is home to many non-profit organizations fighting afflictions just like this. In this week’s column, allow me to introduce you to Sonja Giggy, our latest podcast guest and the Director of LaGrange County Hope, the organization providing meals and additional sustenance to the doors of children and families who need it in our communities.  Chamber: Would you tell the story–from the idea of starting this organization, to where you are now? (LaGrange County Hope) Sonja Giggy: We started in 2020 out of a question between myself and my sister. We knew there were food insecurity things happening in the schools because of COVID, and we wondered what summer was going to look like for those kids who depended on food during the school day. We started at Topeka Elementary School because of our relationships there. We decided that we were going to pack food and deliver to kids who would sign up for that program. It kind of just started organically in our kitchen. I’m not sure either of us thought we were going to grow to where we are now. We ended up putting information in with the Boomerang Backpack program at the schools (the weekend food program). We simply said, “We have food for you if you’re food insecure, and we will deliver it. All you have to do is call or text a number.” Just in that first year in Topeka, we served 36 or 37 kids. And we’ve just grown every year since then as doors have opened. We’ve had people come to us asking about partnering and expanding the program to the entire school district, and then across the county. This was our 6th year doing the program, and we were able to deliver food to 477 kids countywide. Our bags are easy to prepare with individually-packaged items. They get 5 meals and 8 snacks each week. We find that so many of the kids we’re serving are actually home alone because their parents are working, so that’s why we do the individually-packaged items. We have learned that the key to this program has been the delivery piece. There are a lot of wonderful programs that offer food to kids and adults, where those things need to be picked up at a certain location. I think our growth has come because of our delivery piece in all of this. We’re finding that either parents are working and can’t pick up, or they simply might not have money for the transportation to drive there. The delivery piece is key. In 2022, we ended up forming a board and we are now a registered 501(c)3 non-profit. We saw that the need wasn’t going to go away, and our organization needed to stay in place. Last year we acquired a building in LaGrange–the Garage Community Center–and that is where our food is currently packed. We have since partnered in a way with the Community Harvest Food Bank out of Fort Wayne, where we find locations to distribute their food to youth within LaGrange County. We’ve also received some grant money two years ago for what we call our Emergency Food Fund. It is not youth-specific, but is for anyone who finds themselves in a position where they need emergency food assistance. It is a one-time resource, where we then connect them to other resources from there. C: We can talk a lot about different societal or community problems, if you will. We can talk about poverty, unemployment, and those types of things, because we can see them. When we can see them, we tend to be a bit more aware of the problem. In taking this role, it’s become quite evident that food insecurity is something we often don’t see. I think that’s why what you do is so vital. You’re fulfilling a problem that is oftentimes unseen. With all that said, can you share a little bit about your growth and the sobering statistics this year? SG: The way we look at statistics for LaGrange County, we use an organization called Indiana Youth Institute. LaGrange County has right around 43% of students on free and reduced lunches, which surprises us. We aren’t even tapping 5% of those kids with our summer program. I believe there have been a lot of things over the last couple of years that have led to our growth. There have been factories shut down. There have been funding declines for a summer food voucher program, which provided for about 7,000 kids statewide. I think some people find it surprising that a majority of our households have two working parents. There are some single parents, and several households in which grandparents are raising kids, so that adds another aspect to it regarding income level. I think the cost of living, housing, and food costs married with the declined benefits have really struck our local people. Typically we have a “soft” deadline for signing up so that we can get a general idea of how many kids we’d have each week. I would generally have one or two families add on last-minute to that deadline. This summer, I had families adding on every single week. C: What is one thing you would share about LaGrange County Hope and our local food insecurity affliction? SG: I think so many of us hesitate to get involved because we feel like it’s a huge jump to do that. Really, it’s just taking a step. You don’t have to build a bridge, you just have to take that first step. And, trust that, together, if everyone does that, and works together on this, imagine what could happen. Don’t be afraid to take a step, and reach out with any questions. Because we’ll help you take that step. What a challenging (and convicting!) podcast interview this was for me–and I hope for you too, all because two people saw a need, and took a step to build the solution. This week, I hope you can take away something new about the invisible affliction of LaGrange County, and are inspired to take a step to be a part of the solution. To hear the full episode, head to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, our website, and look for “LaGrange County Chamber Chat.” And, it’s not too late to get involved in this year’s Power of the Purse event on November 4! Head to our website or call our office to learn more about how you can get involved to ensure that “no tummy goes hungry” in LaGrange County.

Picture it: A warm, sunny day, around 1:00 in the afternoon. You follow a truck that slowly declines speed, only to stop in the middle of the road. You question what is going on, and raise an eyebrow at the audacity of this truck who stopped mid-journey. But before you can even ask the question, the passenger door opens, and a young Amish man hops out with his jacket and lunch pale in hand. A quick wave and a shut of the door, and he runs across the road to his home, while the truck begins the last leg of his drive.  I’ve been in this scenario a few times. And the uniqueness of this scene is described in more than a few words. It tells the story of our workforce: Neighbors helping neighbors. Early morning work hours closing down just after the noon bell. Lunch packed for the day in the age-old bi-color plastic cooler. Amish and non-Amish working alongside one another. And work getting done, just to start more work at home. LaGrange County’s labor landscape does not compare to others across the state. Not only is our makeup of people different, but so are our hours, jobs, and industries. And when we look into our community’s future, our workforce is central. It is made up of the people who fix machines, serve customers, build homes, care for others, and keep our community alive. To grow strong, we must develop talent–and protect it. Allow me to showcase some of our local workforce, by the numbers: LaGrange County’s civilian labor force in June 2025 was about 19,169 people. The local unemployment rate started out strong at the beginning of the summer with a 3.0% rate in May. In July, this rate saw a significant bump to 4.6% before declining by a whole percent the following month. Manufacturing is the dominant sector locally, with about 36% of non-ag employment in the county falling within this industry. The most recent data shows that the top employment industries in LaGrange County were manufacturing, followed by retail trade and construction. Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. The most recent data confirms that 73.4% of our businesses employ less than 10 people. Women’s labor participation in LaGrange County is about 54.9%, but when considering those who have children under the age of 18, that rate drops significantly, to 37.9%. At the state level, Indiana’s labor force participation rate is about 63.6% as of August 2025. I’m not much of a numbers gal, but numbers do tell a story. In this case, these data confirm that LaGrange County employment is performing well. The flip side of that coin, though, is that competition for workers is tight, and there are untapped pools of people not fully engaged in the workforce. For example, consider our local manufacturing scene. It has deep roots and a long history in our county, especially of niche markets like recreational vehicles and pre-fab housing. But, on a statewide level, Indiana reports that there are frequent skilled labor shortages, especially as automation, robotics, and smart-factory technology is adopted. The presence of many small companies means local training and adaptability matter–bringing the skills to people, and not always requiring travel to big urban centers. We are fortunate to be served by multiple accessible institutions. Freedom Academy, located in Kendallville, provides local certificate programs in fields like welding, industrial maintenance, HVAC, CNC, and quality systems–all aligned with real employer needs. Ivy Tech Community College–Indiana’s largest community college and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system–is a well-known partner offering credit and non-credit pathways, as well as apprenticeships and stackable credentials in our region. Glen Oaks Community College–just across the state border in Centreville, Michigan–is another nearby option. It offers more than 40 certificate and degree programs to help students either enter the workforce or transfer to four-year schools. These institutions work alongside our local employers to offer “learn-to-earn” models, short-term credential options, and training that targets real jobs. The key is coordination: connecting these opportunities to the unique, lunch pale workers of our communities. With unemployment fairly low and business workforce demand high, our greatest limitation is talent availability. To remain competitive, LaGrange County must commit to a a few things: We must engage more of our community, particularly, women, those who wish to return to the workforce, and underemployed individuals (which could include those working below their skill level, those working fewer hours than they want, or those in unstable or low-wage positions without benefits). Supports like childcare, flexible hours, family-friendly supports, and wrap-around services will bolster these efforts. We must expand capacity in technical and practical training. In order to do this, we need to focus on skills relevant to local industries: advanced manufacturing, woodworking, TV and home-building trades, machinery maintenance, and other hands-on work. We must be willing to deepen partnerships with local trainers and continuing education institutions, like Freedom Academy, Ivy Tech, Glen Oaks, local school systems, and other employers. This will ensure that their curricula aligns with employer needs, and that we can remove as many barriers to entry as possible. We must promote apprenticeships and on-the-job learning. Learning while earning is ideal for many in our community, allowing workers to build skills and income simultaneously, often without the need for long-term classroom commitments. Our county’s numbers are solid. But they also show that sustaining growth depends on people. How we train them, engage them, and welcome them into meaningful work that will last a lifetime in LaGrange County. With both local and regional resources available, now is the time to act to ensure that we’ll be seeing many lunch pales after a long day’s work for many years to come.

Social media is a black hole of digital socialization, often painted full of “memes” - images or photos meant to send (oftentimes a humorous or sarcastic) message, whether in part or fully truthful. One such meme I’ve seen circulate the internet that draws attention says something like this: “Paying taxes on the money you make. Paying taxes on the money you spend. And paying taxes on things you own that you already paid taxes on with already-taxed money.” Nobody wakes up excited to pay taxes. (If you are, then I want to meet you.) Whether we’re talking about LaGrange County, the broader Northeast Indiana region, or the state as a whole, taxes are one of the most important tools we have to keep our communities running. They are the dollars that pave the roads we drive on, fund the teachers who educate our children, provide for our first responders, maintain our parks, and even keep the lights on in local government buildings. In plain terms, taxes are a shared investment. Instead of each of us paying individually for things like fire trucks, school buses, or snowplows, we pool our dollars together so that everyone has access to essential services. (Because let’s be honest, if we each tried to provide our own fire trucks or school buses, you’d have a city full of Tonka Trucks.) This is how small communities like ours can support big needs. Here’s a simple breakdown of how those dollars flow: Property taxes are one of the largest local revenue sources. They primarily support schools, libraries, police, fire departments, and county and township government services. Income taxes (paid to the state, with a portion returned locally) help fund county government, local roads, and other public services. Sales taxes (collected at the state level, and often derived from visitors in our thriving tourism industry) go into Indiana’s general fund, which is redistributed for things like Medicaid, higher education, and infrastructure. Recently, Indiana has been making adjustments to the way property taxes are structured, including realignments that affect how dollars are shared between different levels of government. The Indiana Legislature passed Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1, 2025), which is a sweeping property tax reform package. Here are some key changes: 10% Homestead Credit begins in 2026, and is capped at $300 per household The Supplemental Homestead Deduction is expanded, gradually increasing from 37.5% to 66.7% New deductions will be available for certain residential (non-homestead) properties The Local Income Tax cap is lowered to 2.9%, limiting how high counties and towns can raise income tax rates What does this mean for you? Well, in some cases, homeowners will see some relief, especially those with modestly valued homes. Local governments, including schools, will need to adjust budgets to reflect reduced property tax revenue, or at the very least, get creative in how budgeting processes are finalized. In some cases, services may shift funding sources, or communities may explore referenda to make up gaps. (That’s not to say these will be the ultimate solutions for LaGrange County, but they may be explored opportunities across the state.) The big picture is this: when we pay local taxes, the money doesn’t disappear into some far-off account. It stays here, in LaGrange County and Northeast Indiana, working for us. Every time you drive down a cleared road in winter, see an ambulance arrive quickly, or walk into a well-maintained library, you’re seeing your tax dollars at work. As residents, it’s important to understand both sides of the equation: yes, we all want to keep our tax burden manageable, but we also want the strong public services that make our community safe, livable, and prosperous. Finding that balance is the work of local government, and staying informed is how we, as taxpayers, make sure our voices are heard. Next time you see a school bus pass by or a sheriff’s deputy on patrol, take a moment to remember–you helped make that possible. Taxes may not be exciting, but they are the quiet fuel that keeps our community moving forward. If you’d like to know more about the recent legislation change in property taxes, visit iga.in.gov and search for Senate Bill 1. 

As a natural part of my role here at the Chamber, I have the pleasure and privilege of serving on various boards and committees that relate to our work. One such seat is on a local Credit Union Foundation’s board of directors, on which I was onboarded just earlier this year. As we walked through the preliminary meetings establishing expectations, responsibilities, and vision for the future, we ended one such conversation with the board chair posing a very contemplative question: “How has your purpose defined your service here?” As I listened to story after story from my fellow board members, many of whom were just as new as I, I heard narratives of how faith, community, and doing the right thing molded so many individuals’ work. It was inspiring and stirring all at once.  This very life vision–that of working for the betterment of the people and places around you–is quite common in our parts. Our Chamber team is offered the luxury of hearing and seeing so many of these stories, businesses, and individuals through our work as an organization. This week’s edition is dedicated to one such leader. Allow me to introduce you to Paul Miller from Decron in Shipshewana. Here is his story. Paul’s journey began in the floor department of an RV factory, where he learned to weld while repairing frames. A tour of several frame and jack suppliers introduced him to the powder coating process, sparking a curiosity that would grow into a lifelong business. In 2003, he began tinkering with metal in a small garage, making lawn and garden items that sold to local stores. Soon, he was asked to create wrought iron railings and fences, and the RV industry approached him for custom parts. Initially called Custom Steel Designs, the business grew over the years, expanding facilities and equipment, serving both custom clients and RV factories. By 2018, Paul and his team refocused entirely on repeatable production items for RVs, adopting the name Decron–short for DEcorative, CReative, ON Time. Today, the company operates out of 40,000 square feet with 55 employees, all while remaining family-owned and involving all five of Paul and Regina Miller’s children. Their growth has been powered by investments in advanced equipment, including a powder-coating system, CNC laser cutting machine, angle rolls, tube benders, CNC brake presses, and more. Decron also functions as a manufacturer and fulfillment center, with a dedicated facility for packaging and shipping, offering clients a true one-stop solution for metal fabrication needs. What sets Decron apart is not just their technical capabilities but their approach to service. “We attribute the growth and loyalty of our business as simply doing to others as we would like to have done to us,” Paul notes. “We get our customers one part at a time, and just serving them well keeps them returning.” Their guiding principles focus on faith, safety, and improving both customer service and the standard of living for employees. The business philosophy–treat others as you would want to be treated–is simple yet powerful and integrative. Every decision, every process, every part delivered reflects that commitment. Paul and his business have been a member of our Chamber of Commerce for over 15 years. Initially, Paul joined the Chamber to advertise the business. Today, he values membership as a way to support and stay connected to the community, attending luncheons, networking, and championing local initiatives whenever possible. Stories like Paul’s remind us that the strength of our community is shaped by business owners and leaders who serve not just their business, but their employees and the greater community. They invest in people, purpose, and process–always with an eye toward making life better for those around them. Through hard work, vision, and dedication to both craft and community, Paul, Regina, and the Decron team show us what it means to lead with heart, integrity, and excellence. It’s a privilege to celebrate their story and the countless ways local businesses in LaGrange County continue to inspire, grow, and serve. If you’re reading this column as a business owner, I challenge you to evaluate your company’s “why.” Why do you do what you do? What does it matter? And why does it get you out of bed day after day? If you’re reading this as a local resident or employee, I challenge you to ask that question the next time you step into a local business. Learn more about their business, what they do, and why they do it. Where does their passion come from–and to go back to the question in my onboarding meeting for the Credit Union Foundation’s board of directors–how has their purpose defined their service here? LaGrange County business is more than making money. It’s driven by hard work ethics, family-driven values, and community found in the depths of our neighborhoods. Lean in, and be a part of purpose-driven LaGrange County.

When I was a kid, I often traveled to my aunt and uncle’s home in Ohio for a week in the summertime. I experienced their rolling hills and farm animals, their creek and garden, and everything in between. It was a treat. One such memory that still holds for me today is the first time I watched the Wizard of Oz. It was in Ohio, and my aunt introduced me to the whimsical tale of Dorothy on her journey to find the Wizard. I remember a sense of disappointment and fulfillment all wrapped together when she pulled back the curtain to find the man behind the wizard.  One of the greatest joys I have in my role at the Chamber is similar to that experience. I have the privilege of front-seat-access to many behind-the-curtain moments and stories. We get to hear first-hand the toils and trials of homegrown business owners and leaders finding success in the things they love, all while doing it right here in LaGrange County. In this week’s edition, allow me to introduce you to Lindsay MacDonald, owner and creator behind Lighthearted Candle Company. Our most recent Chamber Chat Podcast episode (aired just this past Monday) features her story. Below is an abbreviated excerpt of that conversation. Chamber: Let’s jump into it. Start by telling us who you are. How did you get into the business and what was that journey like? Lindsay MacDonald: For 8 years before this, I was an English and History teacher at Prairie Heights High School and loved it. I thought I would retire from it. But then there was a pivot point when my second daughter was born. There was something about watching our first daughter meet the second one, it threw a switch in my mind and I was ready to step back from teaching. Lighthearted Candle Company has transformed from that step back and being with my girls. C: How did you go from that pivotal moment in your life to where you are now with the business? LM: I was home with my girls and had the time to slow down and be fully present and full of gratitude with them. I had the space to be creative. I actually started sewing first and made handcrafted dog collars for my dog, among other things. Somewhere along the way, I picked up candles, and that was next-level. I noticed that all I wanted to do was work with candles or create new scents. In the midst of that, my best friend Molly opened a plant shop in Crown Pointe, and I offered to put some of my collars in her shop to fill some of her shelf space. I was there on her opening weekend and I watched people admire my work. It was very quickly an addicting feeling, and after a while, I realized, “Well why am I doing this in Crown Pointe? I could do this back home.” I started setting up in a local mercantile and I began sewing more products, amongst candles. By June 2024, we launched our website fully and at that time officially launched as Lighthearted Candle Company, leaning into candles and scented products fully. C: Tell us a little about the business name. When you started sewing you had “Lighthearted” in the name, and it stayed when you moved fully to candles. Tell us what that means. LM: When I first started, I was trying to figure out how to capture the essence of that period of time, where I had taken that leap of faith and had stepped back from my teaching position and chose to be home. I get emotional talking about it because it was such a period of having the gift of time, where I went from a life that was in fast-forward, where I didn’t have a chance to breath and soak things in, to stepping back, slowing down time, and being present. I was acutely aware during that period of time–more than any other period in my life–what a gift time is, and what a gift my children were and are. So pair that with the joy of getting to create. I was so filled with joy and gratitude that I got to do that. “Lighthearted Handmades” (the original sewing business) was an effort to capture the joy and the gratitude, and also the immense privilege that I was able to have that experience and that set-apart time. It translated very nicely into Lighthearted Candle Company because my first collection of candles sought to capture and celebrate little moments of deep joy–those moments where you feel present drinking your first cup of coffee, or outside watering your flower garden, or you’ve just washed your sheets after putting it off for two weeks. The brand started in a period of joy and gratitude, but it has also always been an effort to capture and celebrate little moments of joy, and to encourage gratitude and being present in the little moments that really make life worth it. There is much more to this conversation that I wish I had the space to share with you in this column. (Here’s your reminder to go listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcast, our Chamber website!) This conversation was a real treasure, because it encapsulated the true passion and groundedness in Lindsay and her family’s business. She is taking her talent and vision to the next level, by opening the door and inviting others into her space of peace. We hope you enjoyed this excerpt of Lindsay’s story. To learn more about Lighthearted Candle Company (or to smell her delicious scents!), visit www.lightheartedcandleco.com, or visit one of these local retailers: Coffee & Cream of South Milford Lake Country Landscaping, South Milford Springfield Acres, East of LaGrange Mongo General Store The Trading Post, Mongo Fawn River Coffee Co., LaGrange Bloomfield Lavender Apothecary, LaGrange Chapters Bookshop, LaGrange The Little Shoppe, Howe Two Chicks and a Chair, Shipshewana