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

My family moved into our old farmhouse-style home when I was two years old. My parents had three children at that point, one being a brand-new baby, and their hands were full. Now, some thirty-plus years later, I recall the story my parents still tell from time to time–the one about the day we moved in. You see, we hadn’t moved far from our previous home in LaGrange on Grant Street. Yet, we were completely uprooting our home surrounded by neighbors and familiarity to move into “the country.” We didn’t know anyone in the neighborhood, but my parents were ready for the change. When we arrived–my mom, dad, my four-year-old brother, my two-year-old self, and my newborn sister–we were met with neighbors. They sat on our picnic table waiting for us to arrive, armed with muscle and hospitality. My parents still live in that same house, and my husband and I live just a hop, skip, and a jump down the road. Those same neighbors who were ready to help then are equally eager to help anytime a need arises now. I hope that we are the same kind of neighbors based on what we learned from them. As I reflect this week and begin typing out this column, I think of how rare it is in today’s world to have a similar neighborly approach to daily living. It’s almost an anomaly to see it in our current-day society, yet in LaGrange County is in our very DNA. It’s seen in our businesses, in our weekend grocery store trips, and when we walk up to the local bank teller. Our people just “get it,” and understand the value of neighborly community. My own personal hypothesis is that our roots–the Amish-Mennonite community culture local to LaGrange County–has served as the foundation and sustainability of these very virtues. I’ve spent my lifetime under the fold of these core values, largely under the influence of Amish neighbors, babysitters, and friends. I have learned a few things I’d like to share this week about the goodness of LaGrange County, that perhaps might be worth infusing into our businesses, communities, and our own personal lives. Give, even when it stretches you. When a need arises in our county, people are just plain ready to help. So, go to that fundraiser, spend your Saturday serving, or offer your skillset to lighten a burden. It's about using what we’ve been given to ensure the needs of those around us are met. A little sweat never hurt anyone. Baling hay; Putting up quarts upon quarts of fresh vegetables; Butchering fresh meat; Installing new fencelines; Harvesting the fields. Hard work is, well, hard. But, not only is it valuable, it is even more so essential to the very nature of who we are. Linking arms really is the best way to get it done. Two examples I’ve seen of this: (1) Once a week all summer long, multiple individuals and push mowers arrive at the schoolhouse across the road fro my house. Within an hour, they have the entire schoolyard mowed. This would take several hours for a single person to accomplish. (2) At my first Chamber luncheon, I walked in–not sure I understood what a Chamber was–and saw three or four bankers from different institutions sitting at the same table, laughing together. Competition is real, but so is community. When we allow ourselves the opportunity to put our guard down for the betterment of our neighborhood, real change happens. Community is firstly found around the table. Boy do we like good, homestyle cooking around here! But, the food is not ne arly as important as the fellowship that surrounds a meal. Joining together for supper? Well, come two hours early for games and porch-sitting, then stay for three hours after for more games and sharing. We know how to do community, and more often than not, it starts with the passing of a platter of food. Fresh country air is a real thing. Now, this one may be less manageable by humans and more so elevatable because of our geographic location, but nonetheless…our rural setting provides the best spaces for unwinding, refreshing, and communing. Get outside and put the screens down. Your body and mind will thank you. From bonfires to bike rides, from walks to a swim in the neighbor’s pond, our fresh country air is almost healing to the soul. I am fortunate for the community in which I grew up and now am raising my family. It has sculpted me into who I am today, and I see–daily!--these values being lived out for the betterment of our neighbors. This week, I’m not challenging you to wait on a picnic table for your newest neighbors to move in, but I am encouraging you to consider how you might take the values of our neighbors and infuse them into your daily life. Community isn’t just a word around here. It’s our way of life. 

A couple of weekends ago, my family and I were enjoying a weekend stay at a local state park campground. We are campers and love to be outdoors–sitting around a campfire, napping in a camp chair, our kids playing with the others in our campground loop. It’s nature’s way of unplugging us. One of the things that I’m never too eager to do is going on bike rides. It’s not something that is all too attractive to me–you know, burning muscles, huffing and puffing, and sweating more than enough–though I do enjoy the chance to spend time with my family. It’s the sore legs and glutes afterwards that make me want to say, “No thanks, I’ll plant myself in this reclining camp chair.” Well, a couple of weekends ago, my husband convinced us to hop on bikes for a “short” bike ride. (Notice how I emphasized short.) About 3 miles in (with my daughter in the bike seat behind me no less), I found myself a bit winded. On that same bike ride, I heard birds chirping, I saw the wind in the leaves, and I watched my kids smiling and enjoying the ride. Once we finally pulled back into our campsite, I hopped off–though sore–to a fulfilling rest. Not only did I exercise my body, but I also enjoyed time in nature and with my kids in a safe, active manner. If you drive through LaGrange County at any time of the day, my guess is you’ll probably see yellow vests and headlamps or bike lights. Biking is not just a leisure activity around here (though many find it to be one). Biking is a way of life. Folks use bicycles for commuting to school, for work, for a trip to the ice cream shop, or to get to a family get-together. Over the last decade, a group of volunteers have built up a legacy in the LaGrange County Trails organization. Together, they have tirelessly worked toward a safe, recreational, transportational bike trail that will connect communities and enhance our way of life here. Specifically, the LaGrange County Trails board has progressively worked to develop a brand-new, railroad-tied bike trail, soon to be established in southern LaGrange County. It has been named the Hawpatch Trail. Board president Jeff Wingstrom shared the following about the project: “The Norfolk and Southern Railroad’s land survey in LaGrange County has been completed. The board is collaborating with their attorney and engineer to conduct thorough due diligence. A contract with VS Engineering is imminent, which will draw up plans for the construction of phase 1 and 2. Phase 1 will span from 75 W to 500 W, while phase 2 will connect Topeka to 1200 W. LaGrange County Trails is currently fundraising to construct the trail. Donations can be made to the LaGrange County Community Foundation with a specific designation for the Hawpatch Trail. The Hawpatch Trail will serve as a recreational hub for families, retirees, and individuals of all ages to enjoy exercising and spending time together. It will offer a peaceful and quiet environment to enjoy the beautiful countryside. Serving as a regional connection through northern Indiana, the trail will connect trails from St. Joseph County to Allen County. This will significantly enhance the existing network of trails in the region, providing economic benefits. It will also provide transportation for workers and a safe path for many Amish schoolchildren to bike to school. Ultimately, it can enhance the health and wellness of those living in our community. LaGrange County Trails envisions the implementation of the Community Foundation-funded Countywide Trails Plan, which will connect our cities and lakes with bike trails, for the enjoyment of all our citizens. Why are trails important to rural communities? The reasons of significance may vary from person to person, but by and large, they: Boost health benefits (because we need to feel the burn in our quads and glutes every once in a while!) Ensure safe transportation (because we need to keep our kids, our workers, and our people safe) Stimulate tourism and local commerce (remember the bike trips to the closest ice cream shop?) Foster a stronger sense of community by connecting towns with towns, and people with people (the very DNA of who LaGrange County is) Now, I get it–change is hard, especially when it deals with shifting of land, high construction costs, asking for donations, and a new way of doing things. But when we pull our minds up to a 50,000 view–and we must do it intentionally for the best outcome–then we’ll see the community-focused vantage point, one that looks at the longevity of our natural and created assets that make up our hometowns. The master plan for trails in our county–as well as the Hawpatch Trail itself–only happened because people came together to solve a problem and make a difference. That’s what it will take–being a part of something bigger than ourselves. To learn more about the work of LaGrange County Trails and the Hawpatch Trail, visit www.lagrangecountytrails.org. To donate, visit www.lccf.net/hawpatch-trail-fund. (PS: The Hawpatch Trail Fund is a $1 for $1 match, so your dollar can go even farther!) If you have questions, you can call the Community Foundation at 260-463-4363.

If you’ve been following this column for very long, you know that I have two young kids–a son (8 years old) and a daughter (3 years old). One of the very painful parenting seasons we are in is helping our son to learn that his actions are often duplicated in his sister–for the better and the worse. Teaching my son that he is a leader to his sister is complex, because he is still navigating the complexities of his own behaviors and emotions. Even more so, he is the oldest cousin on my side of the family, so when we’re all together, the troop of young ones typically follow suit after the oldest. I’ve talked with my son more than once in which I said, “Remember that they’re watching you.”  If there is any lifelong lesson I continue to meditate on, it’s that one. I remember as a teenager being called out as a leader, and having mentors and teachers make that same comment, whether intentionally or broadly. “There will always be others who are watching you.” These “others” observe your actions, your intentions, your communication, your relationships, and in general, how you hold yourself. I remember that the intricacy in that lesson as a young adult was the assumed pressure that came with it–how will I teach others through my own actions and words? Will I reverberate a message that directs them in the wrong direction, or the right one? Now, I don’t believe the intention behind these words is ever one that suggests we should intensely and obsessively worry about the perception others have of us. However, I do think there’s a lesson there that many of us can forget in our day-to-day lives. I will bang my LaGrange County drum louder and louder to say that we are so fortunate to have the character and community we possess here. Within our businesses and industries, we have collaborative, hardworking, bigger-than-myself people who seek success and growth for the betterment of not just themselves. We have a generational support system which encourages our youth to make a life and grow a business here. We have a variety of industries that provide an even wider variety of opportunities. This is LaGrange County, and we have one of the best settings in the state (in my humble opinion)! But there’s always an opportunity to remind ourselves of how we’re setting the stage for the next generation. How are we preparing them and providing the example for success, growth, and sustainability? This week, allow me to give a few examples of how you can cultivate culture, character, and community now for tomorrow’s workforce and LaGrange County: Commit yourself to lifelong learning. The best thing you can do to set an example is growing yourself. Take a class. Attend a workshop or conference. Read a leadership or business book. Complete a diploma, degree, or certification. Listen to a podcast. Others will learn to grow by watching you do it yourself. (You can do at least half of these things by visiting the Chamber’s website.) Commit to being a leader who develops leaders . Take care of your team by investing in them as people, and as up-and-coming leaders themselves. Consider how you’re taking care of them financially, professionally, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally. How can you invest more? (And remember, this isn’t just about those of you who own a business or run a team. How can you do this with the people around you?) Commit to business or organizational growth. How are you taking what you have, and investing and molding it into something even better? This could include succession planning for the future, scaling your operations, increasing your workforce to provide more local jobs, or auditing your operations to find ways to shave expenses and bolster revenue. (This is a great reminder about the resources our Chamber has for your business to grow and succeed!) Commit to community. If you are a business owner, how are you leveraging your resources to better the community around you? (This is a great time to remind you about the benefits and connections you can find through Chamber membership!) If you aren’t a business owner but are reading this anyway, consider how you can leverage your own resources–time, talent, and dollars–to impact the community around you. Commit to the future of our county. Tomorrow’s world isn’t just about doing something today. It’s about the mindset and position in which we approach it. Our actions today must reflect a commitment to a sustainable LaGrange County. This means joining boards, volunteering time, or giving resources in order to provide a space where our youth wish to live, work, and enjoy for years to come. You can help do that by getting involved today–in county development, education, public health, community development, the list goes on and on. I’ll be honest–the next time I tell my son that his sister is watching, I will remember this column, and it will probably give me a bitter taste on my tongue. It’s convicting to me. Am I committed to the same standards I put on my son, but on a larger scale? Am I willing to live and lead in a way that reflects this belief–that others are watching? What we do today isn’t just for us today; it’s not just about self-fulfillment, whether we recognize it or not. What we do impacts those around us, both now and for the future. So…what will your LaGrange County legacy be? Don't forget that they’re watching you.

My husband and I are coming up on the 4-year anniversary of one of the largest Chip-and-Joanna-Gaines projects of our life: our house. It’s been nearly 4 years since we moved into a freshly-constructed barndominium-style home, and nearly 4 years since we both breathed a collective sigh of relief that the process was done! It was stressful, to say the least, even more so for my husband who carried most of the oversight burden.  As you’ve probably learned about me by now, I am construction-illiterate. I can hardly hammer a nail straight, let alone measure, draft, and build any kind of stable structure. It was almost comical (notice how I said almost) because I was often being schooled by my husband in how things worked. We had more than one conversation where I assumed we could “just” put a light fixture here, or a wall there, only to see a smirk on my husband’s face, knowing very well that we couldn’t. Boy, how far I’ve come. One of the learning curves I experienced during this project was a new understanding of how things work on a county level. Our house project was my first upfront experience in which I began to comprehend the “hows” and the “whys” of the architectural processes in LaGrange County. Never had I heard the word “setback” before, nor had I ever used any kind of brain energy to think about where a fence could and couldn’t be built. Equally, I had not considered how a driveway is permitted or installed, or how much land could be used for this or that. In those moments, I felt a strong urge to pout, landing on a “this is my land, and I can do what I want with it” mentality. Being in my position at the Chamber, I have had many more learning curves. The entire system of planning and zoning is complex, but is built to be beneficial for our entire community. As an individual, and with an individual mindset, it can be difficult to see at times. However, I’d encourage you to take a listen to our most recent Chamber Chat podcast episode with guest Robbie Miller, the LaGrange County Planning & Zoning Administrator. Read below an excerpt from that conversation that sheds some light on this very process, and the “why” behind it all. Chamber: What drew you into a public service role? Robbie Miller: I enjoy my job, and I enjoy seeing what people want to do on their property. I enjoy seeing firsthand how LaGrange County is prospering and what’s growing. That’s been a big draw. C: Getting to be a part of others’ success. RM: Correct. C: So Planning & Zoning was all new to you when you stepped into that world and that department. How long did it take you before you felt like you fully understood and knew the ins and outs of the job? RM: When I was hired the first time, I was an assistant. When the Administrator at the time left, it was basically my responsibility then. I learned a lot and realized that the rules that we have are very important for our county to develop. I eventually left the position to stay home with my children, and then came back in 2017 as the Administrator. C: For those who are unfamiliar, like me who didn’t have a comprehension of what ordinances were or what existed in LaGrange County, can you give a lesson on what Planning and Zoning is and why it is important? RM: Zoning is what I call the rules. We have setbacks, and what you can do on your property, where you can build, different zoning districts, so it’s just a book of rules that were created off of the LaGrange County Comprehensive Plan to have the rules support the plan, and so that the county can develop as the public wanted it to develop. Planning is long-term planning. We want to make sure that where we permit a business, it will be beneficial to the county’s future development. The Plan Commission also oversees the subdivisions of all property. Anything under 10 acres needs to have what’s called a plat. They also oversee any rezone petitions and ordinance amendments. C: Let’s take an example of a zoning term like a setback. Can you share what it is and why things like that are important? RM: A setback is the invisible line of where you can build to on your property. All the zoning districts have different setbacks. The lakes, for example, we just changed through the Unified Development Ordinance to better serve the lakes community. They have a 6-foot sideyard setback. In the agricultural district, we have a 25-foot sideyard setback. That means you can’t build any closer than that to the edge of your property. C: Why is it important to have setbacks like these? RM: Well, on the lakes, we decreased it from 10 to 6-feet because we have such small lake lots. Years ago, they were lots with fishing shacks. Now, when you go in to build a house on a 50-foot-wide lot, it can be restrictive. The UDO process has helped, especially in the lakes districts, to build what they want without having what we call a variance. C: When we look at a setback for a lake zone versus an ag zone or what have you, and when you’re looking through the lens of a personal space, I’ve heard at times some folks getting frustrated with being limited to what they can do on their property. From a county perspective, why are these things important? RM: I think it’s a lot of things. It’s about safety, visibility, development, all of these things. Especially safety. If there’s an emergency, it can be very difficult to get to without these parameters. C: Talk to us now about the Planned Unit Development (PUD). RM: We have a lot of country businesses who have expanded. Their children may want to join the business. They then divide it up so that their residential or agricultural lots are separate and the business lot can be planned for what they want in the future. It helps them to think long-term. C: Speak to the individual listening to this. Why are these things important for the long-term? For someone who may be caught up in the today, why is this important for the future of LaGrange County? RM: I think it directs the development of LaGrange County. We have a new zoning district, which is Rural and Industrial, which helps support home-based businesses especially within the Amish community. It helps us at Planning and Zoning to see the long-term plan together. As an organization, and even more so, as a Chamber of Commerce, we represent the interests of our members–businesses, organizations, and individuals. Our goal is and will always be to work in the best interest of business and community in LaGrange County. While some days are more productive to this end than others, we will diligently and continuously work towards the achievement of our vision statement, which is “To be a champion of generational prosperity in LaGrange County.” What does that mean? It means that our work is for the long-haul. Everything we do is to inspire others to collaborate for the betterment of LaGrange County for our kids, and their kids, and their kids. It’s the generational effect of our unique community, and this Planning & Zoning conversation is just one more reflection of that growth mindset in LaGrange County. I encourage you to learn more about the Unified Development Ordinance and the LaGrange County Comprehensive Plan, and how they are in place for the betterment of our future. And next time you feel the tug of a pout mentality about your property or a real estate project–much like I did from time to time during our own project–take a moment to consider the bigger picture. Robbie and her team are ready to help you along the way and answer your questions. Until then, take some time to visit our website, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts to hear the full conversation with Robbie, and learn more about the countywide picture. Together, for the betterment of our future. Cheers!

I recently had the opportunity to meet with two new friends–Sara and Rachel–from a consulting firm out of Minnesota/Iowa. They came to LaGrange County to learn more about our communities, our people, and our industries here. It was a true pleasure to be able to share the great things about LaGrange County, but to be honest, I am often a bit apprehensive when I walk into a meeting like that. I question whether I will have enough to share, or if I’ll be able to answer all of their questions. But, as we sat down together over a cup of vanilla chai latte (thanks, Fawn River Coffee Co.!), I realized just how easy it was to share about what makes our hometowns beautiful. And in those moments, I remember how fortunate we are to be a hometown, hardworking, producing county that makes a difference on the state, regional, and national level.  This week, allow me to open a page into our own book. Can I brag on us for just a minute? Read below to learn more about just how fortunate we are with our industries, assets, and people. As you’re probably aware, LaGrange County’s largest industry is manufacturing and goods-producing industries. In 2023, goods-producing industries (mostly manufacturing and construction) generated about $1.46 billion in county GDP, out of a total county GDP of $2.353 billion. Manufacturing alone employs roughly 9,000 people (36% of all jobs) in the county, and accounts for a high share of wages (about 42.6% of county earnings). Key manufactured goods in LaGrange County include recreational vehicles, modular/manufactured homes, metal and machinery parts, and furniture/wood products. We’re home to many RV builders, making the region “the RV capital of the world.” Overall, LaGrange County’s manufacturing output is among Indiana’s highest on a per-county basis. The woodworking and furniture sector is a notable sub-industry. Over 90 Amish-owned shops in the county produce high-quality custom furniture, cabinetry, fixtures, and related wood products. In 2018, the total gross sales reported by the Northern Indiana Woodcrafters Association and its members reached nearly $191.6 million with total payroll nearly topping $40 million and over 930 jobs. In short, wood and furniture manufacturing–often Amish-led–is a second pillar of the local manufacturing base. Agriculture remains vital in LaGrange County too. There are nearly 2,500 farms on almost 194,000 acres (2022). Total farm product sales were $494 million in 2022, which was a 79% increase since 2017. Unlike many counties, LaGrange’s output is livestock-heavy, with livestock and poultry products accounting for 79% of sales ($391.4 million), versus $102.6 million in crops. In fact, the county ranks near the top in the state for several products: it is Indiana’s #1 producer of cattle/beef ($75.5 million) and horses ($15.8 million), and #3 in poultry and eggs ($231.9 million). LaGrange County is also the second-largest duck-producing county in the U.S. and Indiana’s largest horse-producing county. Major crops include corn, soybean, hay, wheat, and specialty crops. A significant portion of farms are small and family-run (averaging at 78 acres). Farm proprietors account for about 2,200 jobs (8.7%) and over $168 million in income. Tourism (especially Amish-country and outdoor recreation) is a growing service sector in our county. LaGrange County (anchored by Shipshewana) attracts over 2 million visitors annually. The town’s population swells from just over 500 year-round residents to 20,000+ on a busy summer day. In 2023, tourism contributed $253.9 million to LaGrange County’s economy, which generated $60 million in tax revenue, $48.8 million in total wages, and sustained 1,965 tourism-related jobs. LaGrange County’s natural assets (67 lakes, state wildlife areas, county parks, and rivers) also draw campers and outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Other key sectors include the transportation and logistics industries, construction, and retail/service industries. Naturally, LaGrange County is a “natural distribution hub” (lagrangecountyedc.com) as the host to the I-80/90 toll road and US 20. While trade and transport jobs are modest on a local level, the sector itself strengthens the strong manufacturing base we are home to. About 1,430 construction jobs (5.7% of total) are sustained in our communities, supporting homebuilding and industry expansion. Retail trade employs nearly 2,200 people (8.7%), largely serving our local population, as well as tourist shoppers. Other private services (like healthcare, education, and the like) comprise the remaining private-sector workforce. Now, as you read all of those data points, I would wonder if you’re like me, and need a good reminder from time to time on just how good we’ve got it here. From the lush green foliage of Mongo’s state preserve to the hopping visitor scene in Shipshewana; from the mighty manufacturing scene on the west and south sides of the county to the rolling farmland on the east; and from the restaurant scene in downtown LaGrange to the fast-paced highways to the north…we’ve got it all. Here’s your part: we’ve got to remind ourselves of our own hometown’s beauty, and then be willing to share that story. LaGrange County is locally-made and locally-loved. We’re fortunate with the assets we are privy to every day, but sometimes we need our eyes re-opened to all of its goodness. This week, commit to gratitude for your own hometown, and share your story. LaGrange County will be better because of it. Sources: ● Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, fred.stlouisfed.org ● INcontext, incontext.indiana.edu ● LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation, lagrangecountyedc.com ● Northern Indiana Woodcrafters Association, indianawoodcrafters.com ● USDA Agriculture Counts, nass.usda.gov ● Hoosiers by the Numbers, hoosierdata.in.gov ● LaGrange County Convention & Visitors Bureau, visitshipshewana.org

“They don’t know what they don’t know.” Our world is buzzing with information. In the last 20 years, the consumption of information has increased tremendously. The birth of the internet and online content has only exacerbated this, and the generation of artificial intelligence will only multiply it more. The problem is, even with more information at our fingertips than ever before, we as Americans still have a tendency to walk around uneducated, or dare I say, ignorant. It comes down to my opening statement. We don’t know what we don’t know. If we haven’t had the opportunity to learn it, or haven’t taken the time to understand it, we’ll walk in a dark tunnel of uncertainty. The danger comes when that uncertainty clashes with an open, tameless tongue. In an almost entirely online world of news, updates, shares, and content, it is more important than ever to know the facts, and educate ourselves. Even more so, it is invaluable to use our voices to share that truth with others. That’s the definition of advocacy. Every year, our Indiana General Assembly–state elected Representatives and Senators–gather at the Statehouse in Indianapolis to commence the annual legislative session. In “short” sessions (which happen in years ending with an odd number), the session is abbreviated and is not required to write a bi-annual budget. In the “long” sessions (happening in years ending with an even number), not only is policy pushed forward, but the bi-annual budget is drafted. I’ve become growingly amazed at how elected officials–Hoosier citizens just like you and me–are capable of ingesting the seemingly insurmountable amounts of proposed bills that go through each session. I mean, the number of bills totals hundreds, and the pages of each bill can equal much the same. It’s a lot of reading and understanding! If there’s any takeaway I have from learning about this process, it’s this: This year, I heard a new legislator say that they weren’t aware of a bill being pushed through session. Why? It wasn’t because this legislator was disengaged. No, it was because of the difficult task he is given to keep up with the pace of the session and content of the proposed bills. It was overwhelming and nearly impossible to know about every issue, every initiative, and every bill being advocated for. Why do I make this point? Because advocacy matters. Our legislators are human beings. They work diligently, both during session and after, to understand, learn, and engage with issues affecting their districts. But it’s impossible for them to know everything. Our local, small town voices matter. What does advocacy mean? It can be as simple as researching a particular topic or issue you’re passionate about, and then sharing it with your legislator. It can be as involved as leading a coalition or nonprofit group to achieve policy wins which advance your organization’s mission. In the end, it means getting involved and using your voice. But what really happens when we use our voices on the statewide level? Why does advocacy matter for small towns? Allow me to share a few reasons why it’s important. If we don’t speak up, someone else will–and oftentimes, it’s on behalf of urban interests. Policy is shaped by who shows up. When our LaGrange County leaders, business owners, and residents stay silent, lawmakers may assume that our silence means things are fine. The truth is, our needs are different, and if we don’t help others understand that, nothing positive will come. Lived experience from small towns brings balance to statewide decisions. Decisions on things like childcare, healthcare, infrastructure, broadband, and housing must have rural input included in order to reflect the true needs of the Hoosier state. Local voices ensure that the policy makes sense in the rural context. It shows policymakers that we’re paying attention–and that we vote. Rural communities carry political weight when unified and engaged. Policymakers will listen when we are informed, involved, and engaged. And, advocacy builds political capital for our county–making it more likely that we’ll be included in future state funding or pilot programs in the future. We get a seat at the table instead of being on the menu. There’s a saying in advocacy, and it’s this–”If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” That’s especially true in budget years. Local advocacy ensures that we’re part of the planning, not just recipients of decisions made in Indianapolis. It builds future readiness and local leadership. Advocacy helps develop confident local leads–those who can speak to issues, testify before committees, or mobilize others. That’s a long-term asset for LaGrange County. You see me talking about advocacy a lot. As the Chamber of Commerce, we believe we are the collective voice for business in LaGrange County, and in order to achieve that end, it will take not just the Chamber staff beating this drum. In reality, if we want to see positive change in LaGrange County, it will take local leaders, business owners, the non-profit sector, and individual residents to link arms and raise a battle cry in the name of the future of LaGrange County. Advocacy isn’t just politics. (Read that line again.) It’s protecting our way of life, and pushing for policy that lifts up places like LaGrange County across the entire state of Indiana. The General Assembly doesn’t know what small towns need unless we tell them. And when we tell them, we’ll see results. The 2026 Legislative Session is just around the corner. Get to know more about our LaGrange County elected officials by using the information below. Tony Isa – Indiana Representative, House District 51, LaGrange & Steuben County ● Business Owner in Angola and Real Estate Agent in the greater Northeast Indiana region ● 317-232-9736 ● H51@iga.in.gov Sue Glick – Indiana Senator, Senate District 13, LaGrange, Steuben, Noble, and Dekalb Counties ● Attorney and Private Firm/Business Owner in LaGrange ● 317-232-9400 ● susan.glick@iga.in.gov 

This year commemorates 15 years since I graduated high school. Sometimes I think there’s no way a decade and a half have flown by since high school, but then usually my cracking knees or achy back confirm that is true. (Insert an affirmative “mmhmm!” here.) As I prepare for a 15-year reunion gathering with some former classmates, I have found myself reflecting on my years of youth. I am naturally wired to be a relator, so most of my memories revolve around people. Specifically, there are a few teachers and leaders I remember looking to, and still find myself reflecting on–a teacher who made sure I was taken care of on a bad day, a coach sitting me down to ask how I was after a hard week of losses, and another teacher calling me out for my strengths when I served as her teacher’s assistant. It was the people who spoke into me and walked alongside me in a formative way that built me into who I am today. When I reflect on those years in junior high and high school, I remember a few core, revealing moments: In high school, I was enrolled in a government class. Truthfully, I only sat in that class because I had to in order to earn my diploma. The class ended up being one of the most memorable classes because it was one that (ironically enough, considering where I am today) just clicked. I found an appreciation for learning the history of our country’s government, and how it operated. My teacher saw this intrigue in me before I even recognized it myself, and called out my strength in the curriculum. In junior high, our class took a field trip to Fort Wayne to experience JA Biz Town–a simulated society in which we were assigned roles and responsibilities, and tasked with managing our made-up lives in that scene. I took a leap to run for mayor and won, much to my surprise. My mom was on the field trip with me, and recounted some of the things I did well in that role after we got home. Never did I ever imagine being the leader of my class in that space, but it came to be, and I thrived in it. In high school, I was a part of several student groups, facilitated and overseen by volunteer teachers. Many of these groups were philanthropic by nature, committed to doing good for the school and the community. I rose into leadership roles in these groups, and found personal fulfillment by leading and serving along other likeminded students. The full circle moment in my story is that these small, assumedly minor instances in my education years were just mere stepping stones into my life now. One little conversation or one minor assignment were opportunities for me to be trained into a future leader and socially responsible citizen. Why do I share these memories? Because in the education system–both then and now–it isn’t just about curriculum and lessons (though those components are arguably very important). The people in the room with the students are–in my experience–perhaps the most valuable piece of the education system. Edward Albert said, “The simple act of caring is heroic.” This statement is a natural vision statement for community-driven education. When individuals care, and when people get involved, the entire system of students and families is emboldened to be their best selves. When a person takes the day off to volunteer at school, transformational moments happen. When an individual joins the local Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), the school is strengthened. When businesses commit to speaking with and teaching students through their own experiences and expertise, a community is built. So, as the first school bell of the year rings, consider how you might commit to local heroism. How can you engage with the future of our communities in a way that will inspire, support, and transform the future of our county? Our businesses need workers. Our workers are sourced from our communities. And our communities are taught and inspired by our schools. It will take all of us to drive our local economy and develop our next generation of leaders, teachers, laborers, and dreamers. Our county is counting on it. Consider these opportunities this school year: Join your school’s PTO and support the teachers and events that support your students. Serve as a Read United volunteer with Crossroads United Way (read to an elementary class in order to inspire literacy and reading abilities) - visit crossroadsuw.org to learn more. Connect with your local high school’s Work-Based Learning teachers to speak to a class about your career and/or business (it’s not hard - it’s just telling your story!) Westview High School (Karl Grau): 260-76-4146 Lakeland High School (Donna Poe): 260-499-2470 Prairie Heights High School (Lori Shaffer): 260-351-3214 Stay involved, and educate yourself on the happenings of your local school. Attend board meetings where appropriate, understand how state policy molds our public school system, or attend a Chamber event like “Coffee with the County” or the Career Expo to learn more! Sara Patrick is the Executive Director of the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce. For the most up-to-date information on all things related to the Chamber, or to learn more about how to grow the success of your business or organization, visit their website at www.lagrangechamber.org, or phone the office at (260) 463-2443. Sara can be reached by email at sara@lagrangechamber.org.