Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana Weekly Legislative Update

Regional Chamber of Northeast Indiana • May 5, 2025

End of Session Update
2025 Legislative Session
 
The General Assembly concluded the 2025 Legislative Session in the early morning hours of Friday, April 25th. Many key issues were addressed by legislators this session – all of which will now head to Governor Braun’s desk for final approval before becoming law. Most legislation will have an effective date of July 1st.
 
In the legislative session, the House introduced 708 bills, with 143 passing both chambers and 140 sent to the governor, reflecting a pass rate of 20%. The Senate introduced 521 bills, 110 of which passed both chambers and 104 were sent to the governor, also with a pass rate of 20%.
 
You can follow along with Governor Braun’s Bill Watch Page to see when bills make their way to Governor Braun’s desk and are signed.
 
Below are the highlights for the 2025 legislative session:
 
The Budget
 
Despite being the last bill passed this session, HEA 1001, State Budget (Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton) was a top priority for all members of the General Assembly. The Indiana Constitution requires the General Assembly to pass a balanced budget every two years, with this biennium’s totaling around $45 billion. This year, the budget process was complicated by the April 16th revenue forecast which showed the state at a projected shortfall of around $2.4 billion over the next 3 years. Following this announcement, fiscal leaders from both caucuses, along with Governor Braun, met and shortly thereafter unveiled the final version of Indiana’s next biennial budget (presentation linked here).
 
Governor Braun’s proposed 5% budget cuts from his budget have been expanded across additional state agencies, with several being asked to cut even more. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is among the hardest hit, with a projected 25–30% reduction in its operational and administrative funding.
 
To bridge the funding gap, a $2 per pack increase to the cigarette tax, along with similar hikes on other tobacco products was included in the budget. This is expected to raise about $800 million over the biennium. All revenue from these increases will be dedicated solely to funding Medicaid. The budget funds all of Indiana’s current Medicaid obligations.
 
Additionally, the state’s public health funding has been reduced from $100 million down to the $30–40 million range. However, funding was increased for the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Department of Corrections (DOC), and Department of Child Services (DCS). The additional dollars will be pooled into a discretionary fund, which the governor can draw from as needed throughout the biennium to meet the most pressing needs from among those three agencies.
 
Also in the budget is a $65 million increase in K–12 education funding, as well as fully funded universal school choice, which was a main budget priority for House Republicans and Governor Braun. The catch with universal school choice is that due to the tight budget forecast it will not take effect until the second fiscal year (2027).
 
In a press conference Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka) noted that under the new budget and with the effects of SEA 1, local governments are projected to experience stronger revenue growth than the state government, with local growth at 1.6% in FY26 and 1.7% in FY27.
 
The House voted to pass the conference committee report on the budget with a 66-27 vote, while the Senate voted to pass the amended budget with a 39-11 vote.
 
Property Tax Reform
 
SEA 1, Local government finance, (Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle) overhauls Indiana’s property tax and local income tax systems by capping levy tax growth, phasing out certain deductions in favor of credits, and introducing property tax deferral programs while requiring more public accountability for tax increases. It raises the local income tax expenditure limits starting in 2028, shifts tax authority to county fiscal bodies, phases in new requirements for school corporations to share operating referendum revenues with charter schools and mandates the development of a property tax transparency portal. This legislation also dissolves the Union School Corporation, limits bond issuances by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District and sets caps on fire protection territory tax rates. SEA 1 was passed by both chambers and received signatures by both Lieutenant Governor Beckwith and Governor Braun later that same day on April 15th.
 
HEA 1427, Department of local government finance, (Rep. Craig Snow, R-Warsaw) increases the cost threshold for when the Department of Natural Resources can use its own workers for projects. The bill allows the State to sell bonds through negotiation and grants the ability for several counties to raise local food, beverage, and innkeeper taxes, with new rules that ensure that these funds are properly reported and managed. HEA 1427 also added flexibility for partnerships and investment firms regarding taxes and expands eligibility for a physician tax credit. The legislation ensures local health funding benefits only lawful U.S. residents and assigns study committees to investigate property tax issues for charitable organizations. It also helps fund local fire departments. Overall, the bill updates and cleans up many parts of Indiana’s financial, tax, and government systems while giving new options for local governments to manage their finances more effectively. This bill also contains several technical changes to SEA 1, restoring existing veteran property tax deductions, and offering new tax breaks for community land trusts, nonprofits, and businesses that provide childcare. It also simplifies and modernizes property tax procedures, improves transparency on tax bills, and allows some counties to raise their property tax limits temporarily.
 
HEA 1142, Fiscal matters, (Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton) was one of the last bills passed during the legislative session. This bill contained additional trailer language for SEA 1 to ensure that it was technically correct and could go into effect.
 
House Priority Bills
 
HEA 1002, Various education matters, (Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis) is a 138-page bill that was often referred to as the education “deregulation bill.” HEA 1002 seeks to clean up education language in Indiana Code removing around 35,000 words from Title 20 Education in the Indiana Code with the goal of reducing regulations, increasing flexibility, and allowing more local control over education decisions. The proposed conference committee report was ultimately passed in both chambers and now heads to the governor’s desk.
 
HEA 1003, Health matters, (Rep. Brad Barrett, R-Richmond) strengthens investigations into Medicaid fraud by expanding the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit’s authority and allows for better data sharing between agencies. It also improves healthcare transparency by requiring healthcare providers to post pricing information, ensuring patients receive good faith estimates sooner, and makes it easier for consumers to compare medical services. This bill also streamlines healthcare operations by reforming prior authorization practices, protecting provider reimbursements, and speeding up physician credentialing when they change jobs. Provisions in the bill prohibit anti-competitive contracting provisions between hospitals and insurers including a prohibition on all-or-nothing clauses, anti-steering clauses, and anti-tiering clauses. Finally, the bill clarifies language enacted in 2023 that prevents patients from being charged hospital rates at a physician office.
 
HEA 1004, Nonprofit hospitals, (Rep. Martin Carbaugh, R-Fort Wayne) went through various iterations this session as it seeks to reduce healthcare costs and improve services. In short, this bill penalizes large hospital systems if their prices exceed certain thresholds. It creates a state-directed payment program funded by payments from Managed Care Organizations, adjusts how hospital payments are handled under Medicaid, and imposes strict financial transparency requirements on nonprofit hospitals with steep penalties for noncompliance. The bill mandates price studies on hospital services, ties nonprofit hospital pricing to statewide averages, increases transparency around insurance commissions, fees, and drug rebate practices, and expands data reporting requirements for hospitals and insurers.
 
HEA 1005, Housing and Building Matters, (Rep. Doug Miller, R-Elkhart) promotes housing development by streamlining the permitting and inspection processes to address delays and inefficiencies. It establishes clear timelines and expands inspection options to help reduce costs and uncertainty for developers. Additionally, by prioritizing infrastructure funding for communities that adopt pro-housing policies, the bill incentivizes local governments to implement practices that support economic growth and help address housing shortages.
 
HEA 1006, Prosecutors, (Rep. Chris Jeter, R-Fishers) targets public safety by establishing the prosecutor review board to investigate prosecutors that may not be fully enforcing Indiana laws. The bill initially had a fund associated with it that could be distributed to prosecutors who follow the requirements set out for them, however due to the tight budget forecast, this provision was removed in Senate Appropriations, and the House concurred on the changes.
 
HEA 1007, Energy generation resources, (Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso) focuses on Indiana’s growing energy needs by providing a state tax credit for the manufacturing of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) and creating a process for utilities to add new generation capacity to meet major customer load growth. It will also strengthen oversight on utility plans to retire or refuel large electric generating facilities by requiring detailed reporting, mandatory investigation by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). If reliability is at risk, then there may be orders to delay these retirements or require replacement capacity. Additionally, there is a cost recovery process for certain acquisition costs or projects costs incurred by energy utilities.
 
HEA 1008, Indiana-Illinois boundary adjustment commission, (Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers) which drew national attention at the beginning of session, will establish the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission. The duty of this commission is to evaluate the possibility and make a recommendation regarding an adjustment to the shared border. For the border to shift Illinois would need to pass similar legislation, and while a bill had been filed in Illinois General Assembly this session, that bill died at the committee deadline.
 
Senate Priority Bills
 
SEA 2, Medicaid matters, (Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka) strengthens oversight and tightens rules around the state’s Medicaid program. It requires the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) to regularly report important Medicaid data to lawmakers and explain how the five-year look-back rule (used to prevent fraud) is being enforced. It bans unauthorized marketing or advertising of Medicaid services, although certain exceptions are made for official partners who have contracts with the state. The bill also lets the state pay medical providers for certified claims that meet certain conditions, even if the patient’s Medicaid benefits hadn’t officially started yet. It mandates regular checks of Medicaid recipients’ eligibility by using data from federal and state agencies. Hospitals that make quick Medicaid eligibility decisions (presumptive eligibility) will now have to meet clear performance standards or face penalties if they don’t and will have a way to appeal decisions they disagree with. The bill also clarifies how the Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP), the state's Medicaid expansion program, must operate, including its requirements and limits.
 
SEA 3, Fiduciary duty in health plan administration, (Sen. Justin Busch, R-Fort Wayne) seeks to lower healthcare costs by stipulating that health insurance third-party administrators (TPAs) and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have to act in the best financial interest of the health plan sponsors with whom they work.
 
SEA 4, Water matters, (Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford) puts new restrictions on building and transferring long-distance water pipelines in Indiana. Water utilities must now get approval, called a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) before they can build a large water pipeline. It also allows utilities to recover certain costs through their rates if they relied on an approved CPCN. If a pipeline is sold, transferred, or leased, the seller must notify the IURC within 60 days. Additionally, anyone planning to transfer large amounts of water out of a water basin – or from a restricted area – must first get a transfer permit from the Department of Natural Resources. The Department will only approve permits if the transfer won’t harm water supplies and is in the public interest. Permits won’t expire, but they can be modified, suspended, or revoked if necessary. Finally, the Department can issue fines for violations of these new rules.
 
SEA 5, State fiscal and contracting matters, (Sen. Scott Baldwin, R-Noblesville) focuses on improving how Indiana state agencies manage their budgets, contracts, and federal funding. It allows agencies to use artificial intelligence to help prepare financial information and projections for the state budget. Agencies must now report every three months to the budget committee about any requests for new federal funds or to join new federal programs. Agencies must also submit copies of new contracts to the state transparency website within 30 days and review any full-time job positions that have been vacant for 90 days to decide whether to keep or eliminate them. Contracts valued at $500,000 or more will need special language developed by the Department of Administration, and any major contract changes must be reported to the budget committee. State agencies are banned from making private contracts; all contract opportunities must be posted online at least 30 days before a contract is awarded. Finally, the Family and Social Services Administration and Medicaid offices must regularly review service and financial reports for the Medicaid program, post detailed monthly updates online for the public, and submit quarterly reports to the budget committee.
 
Education Legislation
 
SEA 146, Teacher compensation, (Sen. Linda Rogers, R-Granger) raises the teacher minimum salary to $45,000 and requires schools to spend at least 65% of their state funding on teacher pay (up from the current 62%). Other provisions include requiring the Department of Education to submit a report to the General Assembly, analyzing how practical and costly it would be to offer more health insurance options for school employees. It also creates a new Indiana teacher recruitment program and removes a rule that banned the ranking or comparison of teacher preparation programs based on a rating system. Legislators were also hoping to include a provision requiring school districts to offer paid parental leave policies to their teachers, but that provision was eliminated from the bill due to the fiscal forecast.
 
SEA 287, School board matters, (Sen. Gary Byrne, R-Byrneville) creates partisan school board races and lays out the rules and new requirements for the races. It also changes the process of how filling of school board vacancies occurs and updates the school board member pay – instead of being capped at $2,000 per year, it will now be capped at 10% of the school district’s lowest starting teacher salary. This bill narrowly passed both chambers, with a final concurrence vote in the Senate of just 26-24.
 
SEA 442, Instruction on human sexuality, (Sen. Gary Byrne, R-Byrneville) requires schools that provide instruction on human sexuality or sexually transmitted infections to also include education on consent to sexual activity and information about human growth and development during pregnancy. They also must provide written consent forms to parents or eligible students before they receive this instruction. Furthermore, schools are also now required to publish a list of materials used in human sexuality instruction on their website and include a link to this list on the consent forms and can only use curricular materials on human sexuality that have been approved by the governing body of the school corporation.
 
HEA 1041, Student eligibility in interscholastic sports, (Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland) requires universities to clearly label each sports team as either a male (men’s or boys’) team, a female (women’s or girls’) team, or a coed (mixed) team. It bans males — based on their biological sex at birth — from playing on female-designated teams. This is an expansion on a law passed in 2022 banning transgender participation in K-12 sports.
 
HEA 1515, Education and higher education matters, (Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis) is a large various education matters bill. The bill has a large number of provisions including the ability of accredited nonpublic schools to form their own police departments, implementing grants for hiring and retaining STEM teachers, makes changes to virtual charter schools, changes zoning laws about the construction of new charter schools, language authorizing charter school bussing, and various changes to help local school corporations, as well as changes to comply with the new high school diploma requirements. Lastly, the bill contains language from 2 other bills that did not pass, including bullying notification requirement from HB 1539 Education matters (Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary). The bill also adds in language that would require an action plan for AED’s at school sporting events in case of cardiac arrest.
 
Utilities Legislation
 
SEA 424, Small modular nuclear reactor development costs, (Sen. Eric Koch-Bedford) updates Indiana law related to small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) by allowing public utilities to seek approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to incur project development costs before receiving a certificate of public convenience and necessity. It also outlines the factors that IURC must consider when reviewing the petition and requires a decision within 180 days (unless an extension is agreed upon). Once approved, the utility would be allowed to recover 80% of their approved costs immediately through rate adjustments. The bill restricts the recovery of costs that exceed the initial estimates unless they are determined to be reasonable and necessary. Costs from canceled or incomplete projects can be recovered without a return unless the IURC finds otherwise. If a utility chooses to not use the new approval process IURC can still allow the deferral and the recovery of costs over a certain period under existing procedures.
 
SEA 425, Energy production zones, (Sen. Eric Koch, R-Bedford) streamlines the permitting process for certain electric generating facilities. It exempts project owners from needing local zoning permits if the IURC grants a certificate of public convenience and necessity, declines jurisdiction, or if the facility is built on land with an existing electric generation facility (80+ MW) or a former mine site as of January 1, 2025, and specified notice and hearing requirements are met. The bill clarifies how development agreements and land use rights are handled, ensuring legal protections for approved projects. Additionally, it allows local authorities to impose a one-time, one-year moratorium on new electricity generation projects, but prohibits any extensions. Finally, it requires that the local legislative bodies take final action without returning proposals to advisory plan commissions.
 
SEA 502, Attachments to utility poles, (Sen. Andy Zay, R-Huntington) streamlines the process for installing communications equipment on electric poles when funded by state or federal broadband expansion programs. It defines "attachment requests" and "process management agreements" between broadband providers and pole owners. Additionally, the Indiana Broadband Office may also set up a rapid mediation process for disputes. The bill has a sunset of July 1, 2030.
 
HEA 1601, Quantum research tax incentives, (Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso) expands Indiana’s sales and use tax exemptions for data centers to include projects focused on quantum computing research, advanced computing, and defense infrastructure. To qualify for this exemption, the project must result in a minimum investment of $50 million within five years.
 
Other Notable Legislation
 
SEA 10, Voter registration, (Sen. Blake Doriot, R-Goshen) tightens voter ID rules by excluding documents that were issued from educational institutions and affirms that a voter’s consular report of birth abroad (CRBA) is proof of citizenship. It also strengthens voter list maintenance by requiring counties to act within 48 hours to review their voter lists when prompted. Furthermore, there are additional clarifications for who can and cannot be removed from voter rolls. Finally, it allows for cooperation with other states to share voter data.
 
SEA 43, Study of location of gambling operations, (Sen. Andy Zay, R-Huntington) requires the Indiana gaming commission to contract with an independent, qualified gaming industry research firm to conduct a study to identify the top two regions in the state where an owner’s license for a riverboat could locate gaming operations. This bill was introduced after a bill that would have allowed the Rising Star Casino in Rising Sun, Indiana to relocate their operations to the Fort Wayne area did not receive a final committee vote.
 
SEA 306, Film and media production tax credit, (Sen. Andy Zay, R-Huntington) is one of the very few tax credit bills to make it through the General Assembly this year. As the name suggests, this legislation hopes to spark film and media production in the State by allowing for a transferable $250,000 tax credit that may total up to $2,000,000.
 
SEA 480, Prior authorization, (Sen. Tyler Johnson, R-Leo) changes rules around health insurance prior authorization and reimbursement. It sets new requirements for companies that review and approve services before they are provided, making the process clearer and more consistent. It also bans insurances companies from requiring prior authorization for the first 12 physical therapy or chiropractic visits for each new treatment episode. This bill also protects patients by preventing insurance companies from denying payment just because the doctor who referred them was out-of-network.
 
HEA 1144, Courts, (Rep. Chris Jeter, R-Fishers) reallocates the judges and magistrates throughout the state to make sure that courts that have overutilized staff may receive additional judges or magistrates, meanwhile counties who have underworked court systems will lose judges or magistrates. Late in session, the Senate added language to eliminate judges in 11 counties, but the final version of the bill only eliminated 3 courts.
 
HEA 1390, Bureau of motor vehicles, (Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie) updates and modernizes various Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and transportation laws. This bill was particularly notable because controversial language both prohibiting the advertisement of marijuana and the strengthening of towing regulations (setting fee limits and consumer protections) made it into the final passed version of the bill.
 
HEA 1393, Immigration notice, (Rep. Garrett Bascom, R-Lawrenceburg) states that in a circumstance when a law enforcement officer that arrests an individual for a felony or a misdemeanor and finds that there is probable cause to believe that the individual is not lawfully present in the United States, the jail or detention facility will notify the county Sherriff, and the sheriff will notify the proper authority.
 
HEA 1461, Road funding, (Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie) makes significant updates to Indiana’s road and transportation laws. Starting next year, local governments could have more flexibility in using highway funds if their roads meet certain standards. Indiana can also request federal approval to toll interstate highway lanes without needing new state legislation. There are also clarifications for maintaining certain bridges and making it easier for local road boards to address low water crossing projects. Every township in the state must create a yearly capital improvement plan, and provided they have cash reserves, they must allocate part of that money to be spent on roads and infrastructure. The bill also creates a new state income tax credit for certain railroad expenses and rail infrastructure projects but limits the total amount of credit each year and sunsets the credit. It raises the maximum county wheel and vehicle excise taxes in Marion County and provides an extra $50 million in state funds to the county if a matching $50 million from their fund is appropriated. Additionally, these funds must be used to take care of the roads they currently maintain and must not be used for reducing lanes, transit, or new roads. Finally – with much appreciation from members from Indianapolis - the speed limit on I-465 was increased to 65 mph.
 
Dead Bills
 
SB 346, Rural business growth, (Sen. Brian Buchanan, R-Lebanon) did not receive a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee in the second half of session. SB 346 would have created a new state tax credit for specific capital investments made in rural funds. The procedure for the funds included an application for Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) for certification of eligible investments, and an application fee. The initiative would have leveraged $60 million in tax credits over a six-year period to create a pool of $100 million to invest in growing business in rural areas. Additional provisions included recapture specifications and required that the entities that receive the fund submit annual reports to the IEDC.
 
SB 478, Craft hemp flower and THC products, (Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle) sought to impose rules on the largely unregulated THC and Hemp business within Indiana. Even after the bill’s extensive journey, passing through two Senate Committees and three separate House Committees, neither the Senate nor the House were happy with where the bill landed. Caucus members were not able to concur on the changes, and while expected to pass regulation at the very least making the products 21+, nothing was adopted. As a result, the products will remain unregulated for at least the next year.
 
HB 1389, Local regulation, (Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie) had its fair share of troubles after passing into the Senate. Initially on third reading, the bill was brought back to second reading due to controversy about certain provisions. When passed, the bill went back to conference committee and while the House was able to pass the conference committee report, the motion failed in the Senate 17-33 in the final hours on Sine Die. The author was able to get a concurrence filed after this, but it was too late, and while managing to make its way onto the House calendar, it was not called down for a final vote.
 
HB 1662, State and local policies on homelessness, (Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland) would have criminalized homeless individuals from sleeping on public sidewalks. HB 1662 was originally defeated in the first half of session, but there were multiple attempts in the second half to insert the language in another bill. However, the language was not able to find a permanent home and was ultimately defeated this session.
 
Governor’s Office
 
Aside from the legislature, Indiana kicked off the year by inaugurating a new governor to lead our state. Governor Mike Braun (R-Jasper) was inaugurated as Indiana’s 52nd Governor on January 13th. In his inaugural address, Governor Braun honored the state’s history of hardworking pioneers and entrepreneurs and emphasized the need to continue that legacy through bold leadership and innovation. Braun called for reducing government inefficiencies, lowering healthcare costs, empowering education, and fostering small business growth. Braun’s tone was optimistic, and the Governor was determined to lead boldly to ensure Indiana remains a land of opportunity and prosperity.
 
While Governor Braun has only been in office for 4 months, that has not stopped him from working closely with the legislature. The governor expressed interest in multiple bills throughout this session and heavily promoted the passage of his version of SEA 1 throughout session, targeting rising property taxes as his key priority. Additionally, the new governor has begun to reshape government through executive orders.
 
At the time of writing, Governor Braun has signed a grand total of 64 executive orders. Some of his key initiatives include reorganizing state government (into the new vertical integration system), reducing red tape by eliminating degree requirements and licensing barriers, and increasing oversight of state spending and benefits on programs like SNAP and Medicaid. On health, the orders focus on improving nutrition, prevention of chronic diseases and healthcare transparency. Indiana’s energy reliability has also been an important issue for the Governor. He has promoted the use of coal, natural gas, and nuclear as means to fulfill the growing energy demand in the state, whilst also cutting regulations. State security has also been addressed through the Governor’s cyber initiatives and foreign adversary restrictions. Finally, the Governor has also addressed many social policy issues such as emphasizing traditional gender definitions, pro-life laws, workforce participation in addition to student safety and prison reform. In short, Governor Braun’s orders are targeted at streamlining government, protecting Hoosier values and ensuring long term resilience.
 
Following Sine Die from the legislature last Friday, many of the bills that we detailed above will be swiftly signed into law. While the Governor has already signed several bills, you can follow the status of all legislation sent to his desk by accessing the Governor’s Bill Watch Page, which updates in real time. Once a bill reaches his desk, the governor will have 7 days to review it. In that time, he can sign the bill, veto it, or if he does not act within the 7-day window, the bill automatically becomes law on the 8th day.
 
Thank You!
 
Catalyst Public Affairs Group has been honored to advocate for you throughout this year’s legislative session. We would like to thank the many elected officials who fought for your issues throughout all stages of the legislative process. On behalf of our team, we would also like to thank you for your close partnership with us during this session as we worked enthusiastically to pursue your priorities!

Coffee with the County - Remember the Roots

By Sara Patrick • April 8, 2026
Want to know something about me that you might not already know? I LOVE a good auction. I think it’s because of the adrenaline rush and the search for the best deal of the day. Give me a good auction, and I’ll camp out until my luck comes through.  If you’ve read my column for a while, you probably know that my husband and I built our house about five years ago on a plot of pasture and old corn field. When you build a new homestead in a space like that, it rises up pretty bare, and I’m a girl who loves some good shade trees. So away I went to the best of both worlds: my very first tree auction. I attended, and I was hooked! Year after year, I’ve trekked to the tree nursery to find more mighty maples to line our driveway, our fenceline, and well, just about anywhere else I could find a place to plant another. The unfortunate halt to my tree auction addiction was the year when we had no access to a backhoe. So here I came, gleefully driving home with a trailer of burlapped trees, trying to figure out how I was going to get these root balls into the ground. Luckily, we had access to a skidloader (that might’ve taken an adult or two on the back to balance out the weight), but the hole-digging was all done by pure muscle…very, very sore, pure muscle. I’ve enjoyed watching my auction purchases take root and blossom. Every year, especially about this time of the season, I begin to see the buds turn into glistening baby leaves, ready for another year to offer shade to its inhabitants. In 2025, though, we discovered that one of my prized plants was less-than-beautiful. It began to take a leaned shape, and the buds were few and far between. “Water it!” my husband would say. Week after week, I’d park a four-wheeler trailer with a water basin dumping its contents, to no avail. No matter what we did, we just couldn’t seem to bring back any life into the once lively tree. And now, starting the 2026 spring season, we’ve decided it’s time to rip this one out, with no hope in sight. By the time you read this column, you’ll be in the middle of National Small Business Development Week. In LaGrange County, we are built on the foundation of small business entrepreneurship which innately understands and embraces the “get up and go” that it takes to develop small businesses. Business owner after business owner has rolled up his sleeves to open shop, produce the products, craft the craft, and grow the business. And as small businesses develop, year over year, they deepen their roots and firm up their foundation. They grow, they expand, they provide broader impact to our communities. That’s the beauty of development. However, there’s one piece we often forget when we talk about growth and development. It’s very easy to see the fruit of development, because in business, it often equates to an increase in product output, a growth of the staff, or an expanded workplace–the things we can see. But when true development happens, the roots of the business trench deeper and deeper into the ground in which it started. The business is taken care of, and the products or services blossom, but the unseen work is what happens behind the scenes and underneath the tangible outcomes. Small business development is so much more about the roots than it is about the fruit. Business success happens when the small business owner puts in the overtime to water, fertilize, and support the business, so to speak, when no one else is watching. It takes decisions that evaluate the soil quality (where we do business, how much of it we do, and which employees we start with). It requires an evaluation of the root support (what training to invest in, what processes to implement, and what financing to ensure sustainability). And it takes an intentional, ongoing effort to care for and maintain the roots (who we bring on, when we invest, and when to double down). While my tree-mothering qualities have enabled all others to grow prosperously on our new homestead, this one tree was destined to fail. It was planted in rocky, sandy soil, and its trunk was positioned in the windiest part of our land. And I’ll be the first one to admit that my watering skills for this particular young sapling were less than par. It definitely could have used more fertilizer and attention, too. Fortunately, our local small business owners tend to their shops much more intentionally than I do my tree, and our eyes have the privilege of being witness to that work. Take my tree as this week’s metaphorical example, and pause to reflect on the multitude of small businesses in our communities. Without their blood, sweat, and tears–and I assure you, small businesses don’t develop without a few of each–we wouldn’t have the LaGrange County as we know it. Remember the tree-caring process it takes to develop a small business, and choose to support that effort by shopping local this week. Happy National Small Business Development Week, LaGrange County!

Coffee with the County - East or West: Momentum is Claimed in the Action

By Sara Patrick • April 1, 2026
All throughout childhood, my parents intentionally planned a one-week family vacation. In the heat of the moments, we often experienced familial frustration, things breaking unexpectedly, and plans having to be changed on a dime. It was the true picture of family vacations.  But one such vacation, we were packed into the family van, driving down the highway. The year before, I had received my driver’s license (I was a teenager at this time), and I begged my dad to let me drive on the freeway. After I wouldn’t let up on the asking, he finally caved, and we switched seats. He told me where to go, which sign to look for, and said he was going to get some shut-eye. He laid his seat back, covered his face with his ballcap (classic dad-move), and dozed off. I felt like a million bucks! I had the freedom of the driver’s seat, and I was pointing our noses in the direction of our vacation. Time went on, and I drove for 45 minutes to an hour before my dad awoke to check in. “Where are we?” he asked. “I don’t know,” I answered quickly. (Wrong answer, by the way.) Dad started looking around, trying to ascertain where we were and how far we had traveled since he handed over the reins. All of a sudden, he exclaimed, “Sara! We’re driving west. We’re supposed to be going east! How long have you been driving this way?” I panicked a bit inside, not wanting to show that my newfound confidence behind the wheel was quickly crumbling at my amateur mistake. Because while I had big plans for myself as the family captain, the truth was, I didn’t know where I was headed or how I was actually going to get there. Today marks the beginning of a brand new month, and if you are a business or numbers person, you’ll also know it’s the beginning of the second quarter of the year. Oftentimes in business or leadership, this is a checkpoint to review quarter one, and plan for quarter two. It’s a refresher on the goals for the year, and a chance to pivot or adjust where needed. In January, I shared about the value of setting goals, and why fully knowing and embracing your mission and vision matter. (Because without vision, people perish. Without direction, people get lost.) So, here’s a reality check-in: How are things going? When you began the new year, what did you envision for 2026? What things did you hope to accomplish? What changes did you commit to making to reach that vision? And maybe a more honest question is: What haven’t you done yet that you told yourself you were going to do? If you’ve felt off track–or haven’t looked at your goals since January–you’re not alone. Quarter 2 is a second-chance at revisiting goals, and adjusting to get there by December 31. I challenge you to find your 2026 goal list–these can be personal goals, professional goals, or business goals. And if you never set goals this year, what better time than now to do it! Before you push harder and officially start your second quarter, take an hour and walk through this quick audit. Step 1: Start With the End in Mind (Re-anchor Your Vision) Before we look at the details of your goals, take a moment to zoom out and examine the big picture. Ask yourself: ● What does a “win” look like by December 31, 2026? ● If this year is successful, what’s different in my life or business? A lot of goals drift because they were never clearly tied to a bigger outcome. Step 2: Reality Check This is where the rubber hits the road. The success of this audit is entirely dependent upon your willingness to be honest with yourself. Ask: ● What progress have I actually made? ● What’s stalled? ● What have I avoided, and why? (Ouch - that one hurts) Don’t be afraid to look at the data. If you’re a business person, examine your sales, your hires, and your outreach. Look at your cash flow and bottom line. What’s working, and better yet, what’s not? The goal here is to be honest, not (overly) optimistic. You can’t adjust your direction if you won’t acknowledge where you really are. Step 3: Cut or Keep – Simplify Your Focus This is where we stop trying to do everything, and figure out was is top-priority for success to be accomplished. For each of your goals, decide: ● Do I keep this? It’s a yes if it’s working and it still matters. ● Do I adjust this? It’s a yes if it still matters, but the approach isn’t working. ● Do I cut this? It’s a yes if it’s no longer relevant, realistic, or appropriate. The key here? Carrying dead goals is one of the biggest productivity killers. Don’t be afraid to cut a once-great-idea for the sake of ensuring achievement and vision fulfillment in the end. Step 4: Choose Q2 Priorities Don’t be tempted to fix everything at once. (If you are, it’s okay. I’m guilty of this too.) Here is where we identify the absolute top priorities, and set sub-goals to reach that end. What are one or two (yes, 1 or 2!) goals that would make the biggest impact if you actually followed through? Then, define for yourself: ● What does progress look like by the end of June? ● What needs to happen weekly to move it forward? Step 5: Take the Next Right Step (Immediately) This is where thinking is separated from doing. What is one action that you can take this week to move forward? This is not a plan. It’s not a strategy. It’s a step. Examples could include: ● Make the call ● Schedule the meeting ● Test the idea ● Have the conversation Momentum doesn’t come from clarity–it comes from action. Read that again. Momentum doesn’t come from clarity–it comes from action . As you launch your April and quarter two, let it not be a Fool’s Day joke. Breathe deep, and let it be the real deal. Check your signs (make sure you’re actually headed east instead of west), get the right people in the right seats, and make it happen. You don’t need to start over–you just need to make sure you’re still headed in the right direction.

Coffee with the County - Uncharted Territory and the Next Right Step

By Sara Patrick • March 25, 2026
The first time my son brought home a less-than-great report card, I experienced all sorts of emotions. I, of course, was displeased (as a self-diagnosed perfectionist) that I didn’t see all As on the white piece of paper. I also felt sorrow for him, that perhaps, there was some sort of struggle occurring in the walls of school. I experienced curiosity, and a sudden drive to uncover the real happenings behind my boy, who oftentimes, doesn’t love school. As a mom, I experienced an entire array of mixed emotions.  But in these moments, I am reminded of the truth that I’ve had to absorb time and time again for the last nine years as a mom. It’s this: I’m new at this. I’ve never parented a child before, let alone a very energetic, intelligent, different-than-me son. And, the flip side of that truth is this: he’s never been a nine-year-old boy before in 2026. Let that land for a sec. It hits hard every time I swallow it. This is uncharted territory as a mom, as a son, and as a family. You may know that I’ve had the true privilege of taking part in the Business Leads Fellowship program with the United States Chamber of Commerce. I’ve had the honor of meeting and learning from peers from all across the country–literally, from California to New York, and everywhere in between. Our last virtual “homeroom” session happened recently, and I felt myself feeling stuck as we wrapped up our seven-month conversation around workforce development and everything that falls under that umbrella. In that discussion, I confessed that it seems like workforce development is just one roadblock after the other. Here’s what I meant by that: When we finally gain some traction in systems-level solutions, another hurdle comes up. If it isn’t compensation for entry-level workers, it’s insurance and liability, or transportation, or delivering expansive value to the student on very limited school schedules. The list goes on and on. And then it hit me as I listened to my peers on that last homeroom call: I’ve never been in this position, on this day, in this year, tackling these exact roadblocks. It’s uncharted territory. And all it takes is a willingness to take the next right step. It seems elementary, sure, but the saying goes that an elephant can only be eaten one bite at a time. So as I close out a full month of columns about work-based learning, workforce development, and the next generation of LaGrange County laborers, consider it joyful and honest work to engage in the process. It takes all of us taking the next right step to pull off an empowered, prepared, and work-ready generation of students. Here are a few key tips to get involved: For Students: ● Be curious about work, not just jobs. Ask questions when you meet someone in a career field. Commit to understanding the reality of work, because knowing the reality of work is often more valuable than just knowing the job titles. ● Try something–even if you’re not sure it’s “the one.” A job shadow, internship, or part-time job isn’t a lifetime decision. It’s an experiment. Every experience teaches you something about what you enjoy, and what you don’t. ● Show up like a professional. Be on time. Ask good questions. Follow through. All of these things will set you apart quickly. For Parents: ● Help your student explore, not just decide. Many parents feel pressure to guide their child to the “right” career path. Instead, encourage exploration–job shadows, part-time work, conversations with local professionals. ● Use your network. You likely know someone in a field your student is curious about. A simple introduction or workplace visit can unlock the world for your child. ● Value experiences as much as academics. (Can I say this one louder to myself??) Grades matter, sure, but so do work habits, communication, and real-world exposure. Work-based learning builds those skills in ways a classroom alone cannot. For Business Owners: ● Start small. You don’t need a formal internship program to get involved. A one-day job shadow, facility tour, or short-term project can make a meaningful impact for a student. ● Show the “why” behind your work. Students connect when they see the purpose behind what your company does–how your work serves customers, build community, or solves problems. ● Invest in your future workforce. Today’s students are tomorrow’s employees. A small investment of time now can build awareness, interest, and relationships that benefit your business for years to come. The simple truth is this: It takes one person to make a difference. When one person is willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved, even in the smallest way, a ripple begins to play out. It’s the multiplication effect–when you impact one person, they impact another, and another, and soon, you’ll have touched an entire community of students by taking the right next step. We’re here, today, in 2026, living a life we’ve never lived before. Every day is a new opportunity to navigate uncharted territory in order to impact the future of our communities. Are you in? Take the plunge, because the future of LaGrange County is counting on it.

Coffee with the County - Sowing Today for a Harvest Tomorrow

By Sara Patrick • March 18, 2026
I recently had the privilege of assisting in the funeral of a community and church member I’ve known for many years. What made it sweet was that, not only did I know him and his wife, I also have known his daughter and his granddaughter for many years. It was a sweet time of reflection that the end of a life brings.  As I sat and listened to the numerous (and quite comical) stories about his life, a theme began to emerge for me. My friend was a decades-long farmer in our community, and he was known for his farm suspenders and his ag-centric adages. The pattern that was so intricately woven throughout every story was this firm belief and behavior in him that said: “When you’ve got a job to do, you just get up, and you do it.” That was his way of life–he inherently knew how to work hard and get the job done. And it was equally quite clear that he instilled that work ethic in his children, his grandchildren, and even his great-grandchildren who spoke about his life. As does any funeral service for most folks, this one caught me hanging on these shared words most of the weekend that followed. I found myself pulling many nuggets of wisdom. They included: 1) We are fortunate for the farming community found in our midst. 2) We are fortunate to have an integral work ethic here that is, at times, hard to find in other communities. 3) We are fortunate to have men and women who understand and live out community–caring for those both within and outside of their families. 4) We are fortunate to have people here who teach the next generation, both through their words and their actions. If you’ve read my column long, you’ve probably read a few articles around the idea of career readiness and career awareness, particularly for our next generation of workforce (i.e., our youth). As I often do (perhaps because of my line of work), I tie many life experiences back into this strategy, because our work is not linear or done singularly. Agriculture is the undercurrent of our way of life here. From gardening to thousand-acre corn fields, we know how to sow and harvest our land. But where career preparedness meets the farming industry is in the people. It’s the “ole farmers” who carry the wisdom of sunbeat life and hundreds of hours of tractor-driving that trickle down into the next generation. While they may not realize it in the process, their actions, their responses, their words, and their gestures are teaching the young farmers and agriculturalists coming behind them in more ways than one. This concept trickles right into every aspect of life, especially for those of us who have a younger generation following us (i.e., kids, grandkids, students, neighbors, nieces and nephews, or children of friends). Everything we do and say is teaching a lesson. So, how will we leave our legacy, and how will we choose to intentionally water the next generation? The truth of the matter is, everyone’s a teacher, whether we own it or not. Everyone has a lesson to give, a life experience to share, or some words to depart. How can you invest by giving what you have? Here are a few tips to consider: ● Slow down . I bet if you take a few minutes every day to intentionally stop, breath deeply, and look around, you’ll find an opportunity to talk to someone you wouldn’t normally have time for. Who is that person (or persons)? ● Be willing to be the conversation-starter . The best way is to ask a genuine question. Enough of this shallow “How are you?” conversation. Ask a question that pulls back a layer, and be honestly willing to listen (and ask more questions!). ● Lend your experience. It won’t cost you a thing to share a story from your past. What happened, and what did you learn? Your experiences carry value. Share them before you get to the end of your life! ● Walk in relationships . I am who I am today because of people who saw something in me that I didn’t yet see in myself. They took me for car rides, they bought me coffee, they took me to lunch. All because they wanted to speak into and develop me. Find those around you who need someone to do the same, and then do it for them! Take them for a walk, have them over for dinner, or sit on the porch with them. Invest your time into another. I will miss my friend. But what I will remember is how he encouraged, and he was willing to stop what he was doing to say hello and check in. When I left a conversation with this old farmer friend of mine, I felt empowered to take on the task at hand. Who can we give the gift of encouragement and development to today? Be like our farmers, and be willing to sow today for a harvest of next-generation workers and community members tomorrow.

Coffee with the County - The Lamb and the Lift

By Sara Patrick • March 11, 2026
My kids go to school in Shipshewana, so I get the advantage of a 15-minute drive of solitude every morning. This time is a great space for me to prepare my mind for the work laid out for the day, and I do a lot of my thinking during that drive into the office. One day a couple weeks ago, I was driving on the old Mishler’s Packing road–because if you’re a local, you know we name our roads by establishments, not by numbers–and I drove by a sight to see. The weather was one of those first spring-like days we experienced. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and you could tell in the local livestock that it just felt different. It felt fresh and uplifting. As I drove by a flock of sheep, I caught a peculiar glimpse of the smallest lamb I’d ever seen. The lamb wasn’t what was comical. No, it was where the lamb was. The babe had to have been no more than a few days old, and it was confidently standing on new legs–on top of its mom lying in the sun! I chuckled to myself, because that mama sheep cultivated some validation within me. I said out loud in a quiet car, “Yep, I’ve been there too, mama.” You know the feeling? Kids pulling on your arm, jumping on your back, at your side. It’s a blessed feeling like none other, but sometimes, the mom just wants a moment without the lamb on its back! It was a pure picture of motherhood on my way to work. My brain translated this into a metaphor real quick. I thought, “Boy, what a great glimpse into the work we do in workforce development.” Because sometimes, getting involved in this work–even if it's for the greater good–feels like a heavy lift. Let’s be real…volunteering your business or your team takes time, it costs money, and it sometimes can take precedence over your own company’s productivity and performance. And it’d be really easy for me to sit here and tell you just how great it is to get involved, but ultimately–you're a business owner or a leader or someone with other responsibilities. Right? I’ve heard it all–the reasons why businesses hesitate to get involved. These include: ● It’s expensive. “You mean I have to pay a kid to come into my workplace?” (Answer: No, you don’t have to pay, but sure, it does have the possibility of additional cost.) ● It’s a time-sucker. “You mean I have to pay one of my employees to babysit a student in my workplace?” (Answer: It’s not babysitting. It’s not even supervising. It’s mentoring and investing in a possible future worker who will stay for the long-haul. And who might even bring better ideas or processes to your business you hadn’t previously considered.) ● It’s a liability. “I can’t afford the possibility of what this added liability will bring.” (Answer: Yep. I can empathize with this one too. It’s actually something our state legislature is working on actively. More to come on this.) Listen, I get it. You should always keep your business at the front of mind and make decisions that better your operations. It’s good business! It takes me back to that mama sheep. Sometimes, we just want our space. We just want to stay in our lane. We don’t have time or energy to add to our already-heavy lift we’re trying to manage every single day. Yet…that mama sheep still did it. And moms everywhere still do it. How? Because while the days are long, the years are short, and our work today isn’t about today. It’s about tomorrow. It’s about the next generation. We’ve had the privilege to work alongside some highly-qualified organizations recently who are leading the charge in identifying easy “on-ramps” for businesses and employers to get involved in workforce development, especially with today’s youth. Those organizations, including our LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce, include the Horizon Education Alliance, the Northern Indiana Educational Service Center, the Region 8 Education Service Center, the Indiana School Counselor Association, and the South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce. The output of that work is a Northern Indiana Work-Based Learning Toolkit. What is the Northern Indiana WBL Toolkit? It is a regional resource which makes the case for financial and strategic business advantages found in WBL partnerships, while also providing actionable opportunities for businesses to get involved. Consider some very easy steps that take minimal time, money, or energy which support local workforce development and future employability that come directly from that Toolkit: ● Volunteer to speak in a local classroom. (Translation: Tell kids about your business, how you started, what you do every day, and answer questions. Talk about yourself!) ● Offer to help with mock interviews. Students need the skills to interview well, and land the job that fits. You want better, more-prepared workers, and this is an easy way to grease that pipeline. ● Register for our Field of Dreams Career Expo happening on March 25 at the Michiana Event Center in Shipshewana. Students need to know about the careers available here locally, or they’ll go elsewhere. They don’t know what they don’t know. Your involvement in this type of event ensures that they know they can find work here. ● Open your doors to a job shadow, a workplace tour, or a teacher externship. (Teacher externship = allow a local teacher to “intern” at your place of employment for a couple weeks this summer to learn more about local industry and employment opportunities.) ● Want to dive deep? Consider hosting an intern, an apprentice, or partnering with schools to establish long-term programs and career pathways. (Reach out to us to learn more.) Workforce development in rural LaGrange County is a work in progress, and it’s a big lift. But, the hope in the hustle is that, if all of us get involved, the lift doesn’t seem quite so heavy. So, you sheep out doing your thing, day in and day out…consider the lamb. Let’s lift together and get those legs confidently under our future workforce, today.

Coffee with the County - Shoes On or Off? The Legacy We’re Leaving Behind

By Sara Patrick • March 4, 2026
When you’re invited to a person’s home for a business or more formal meeting, do you take your shoes off at the door, or do you keep them on?  The psychology of this amuses me, because you typically get a mixed bag. Some are super casual–kicking off their shoes and displaying their socks with pride. Others are more reserved, keeping shoes tied, zipped, and firmly on. Either way, it was a great introduction to our Chamber board’s annual retreat a couple of weeks ago, and it set the stage for a diverse mosaic of conversation. Every year, we host this gathering to achieve several goals: (1) introduce new board members to the leadership team, (2) allow for non-business time together to build positive team culture, and (3) intentionally and strategically discuss our mission and vision while developing our path forward for the coming year. I love this time, because it leaves me feeling energized and interconnected with those who lead alongside me and our Chamber. (If you’re curious who these bold leaders are, head to our website to meet the faces of our board!) This year, we honed in on our three strategic pillars: Next-Level Workforce, Advocacy & Policy, and Local Commerce. The one that left me reeling–even after the retreat concluded–was the first. The discussions were broad yet real. Visionary, yet rooted in our current moment. Questions like the following were brought up: How does our community show young people there is a meaningful place for them here? How do we invite post-secondary students and professionals back home into our workforce? Where can the Chamber play a catalytic role – supporting Young Professionals, housing conversations, and pathways that make staying (or returning) an easy “yes”? Perhaps these questions pricked me a bit because of the stage of life I’m in. I’m a YP (young professional) – one who is leading while also building her career, skills, and experiences. I understand the tension of earning a living while balancing the costs of “adulthood” – housing, childcare, living expenses, you name it. It’s the very balance that leaves many YPs hanging in the wind, trying to keep it from tipping upside down. I’m also a hometown girl who innately understands what it means to love this community–and the value of sharing that message with others. And finally, I’m a mom with young children, and I aspire to create a place where they, too, will one day desire to live here, work here, and enjoy our communities. But here’s the hard truth: my heartbeat in this space has to beat louder than my own season of life. Because this conversation isn’t about me. It’s about multiplication. How does this vision expand beyond one person, one board, one organization? That’s the pinnacle of the conversation. It’s not a solo effort–it’s an “all of us” movement. We collectively decide to build today the workforce we need tomorrow. It’s celebrating things like National Careers Week (which is this week, by the way). It’s about opening your business doors to internships, job shadows, workplace tours, and guest speaking opportunities. Because when the rubber hits the road, and students are making career decisions that will impact the next 10, 20, or 30 years of their lives, it’s a non-negotiable for us to be at the table with them. Here’s how we can do that, together: ● Parents: It starts with you. Commit to open dialogue. Explore interests that might fall outside of the careers found within your home. Be willing to connect your children to jobs, industries, and career pathways that are different from your own, so their passions can align with their future. ● Community Leaders: Collaboration is king. If we try to do this alone, we’ll silo ourselves into oblivion. Before launching a new program, pathway, or opportunity, ask questions. Pull stakeholders together. Choose collaboration over isolation. ● Business Owners and Local Employers: Share your voice. Let us know about your workforce needs and employment challenges. Connect with local schools and partners. Consider hosting an internship, apprenticeship, or workplace tour. Step into a classroom and tell your story. (It matters!) We cannot build tomorrow’s workforce without all of the pieces of the puzzle. Without all of the voices at the table together. Our upcoming Field of Dreams Career Expo is the perfect start (or continue) of that conversation. It pulls together employers of all industries, military branches, and colleges and universities under one roof–conecting directly with students as they begin to shape their futures. We’re actively looking for more employers willing to build tomorrow’s workforce. If that’s you, reach out to us. So let’s build it–together. Let’s be the generation that didn’t just hope young people would stay–but showed them why they should. Let’s create clear pathways, real opportunities, and visible support. Let’s choose collaboration over competition and action over conversation. Because one day, our children–and their children–will inherit the workforce culture we’re shaping right now. The question is simple: what will we leave them?

Coffee with the County - Being “In,” In LaGrange County

By Sara Patrick • February 25, 2026
By nature of my job, I am, at times, approached by businesses looking to enter into the LaGrange County market. Often, they ask me a question like, “How do I get ‘in’ with the local business community?” I always find this an intriguing question because the idea that one would need to be “in” locally is a foreign concept to me. Now, to be a bit candid, it is a foreign concept to me because I’ve never truly had to work at being “in,” by virtue of being a “hometown girl.” It’s a great opportunity for me to learn from another and grow in community! Back to the question…I love this one. It allows me to describe the very nature of our community. It opens the book into LaGrange County, and sets the stage for what makes local business work. My answer? It’s usually reflective of something like: “People here do business with people they know. Let’s make you known, through the Chamber.” You see, many of our local businesses are rooted here — they grew up here, know the people here, and are integrated into our community. It takes true grit, perseverance, and intentionality for business owners not originally from our community to find home here, and one of our recent podcast guests is a great example of that journey. Brett Hahn, owner of Indian Lakes Marketing (along with his wife, Katelynne), joined us to talk about his business, his entrepreneurial spirit, and his journey into LaGrange County. Here’s a snapshot of our conversation. Chamber: Let’s start with you telling us about yourself. What’s your story, and how did marketing become your thing? Brett Hahn: I grew up in southern New Jersey, in the suburbs of Philadelphia. I always wanted to be an architect, and I had a drafting table since I was 8. An architect moved next door when I was in high school, and told me it wasn’t all it was cracked up to me, he completely discouraged me. C: Dream crusher. BH: Yeah, it completely ruined me. So I was like, all right, I guess I’m going to choose something else. And I had a business teacher in high school who said, “Hey, if you like business and you like being creative, you might like marketing.” I said, okay, so that’s the route I went. I went to college in North Carolina, got a marketing degree, and…eventually found a role in Atlantic City at Caesar’s Entertainment. It was the biggest casino in the world at the time, and their parent company—Harrah’s—really wrote the book on loyalty marketing and customer relationship marketing in the 90s. So I had a really good start to my career in a boot camp sort of way. From there, I had an opportunity in Chicago to work, and that’s where I met my wife. She’s from Fort Wayne, but her family had a house on Westler Lake. We’d spend our weekends there, and it was such a breath of fresh air leaving the big city and coming to this little slice of heaven here. I fell in love right away, and always had a place in my heart for LaGrange County. I said, man, you know, someday maybe we’ll end up here. Fast forward, we moved to Colorado where I worked for a ski company. I was leading the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) division for them on their retail side, and they had about 250 retail stores in and around the ski resorts they own. Well, Colorado’s pretty expensive, so we decided to move back east to New Jersey in January 20020. I worked for Comcast building a CRM team for their corporate office, and in the meantime, we had our daughter, my wife stepped back from her career to be a full-time, stay-at-home mom, and I began consulting on the side. [Side note: listen to the full podcast episode for the details of the story here.] I kind of realized that, maybe this consulting thing could be something in the future. In 2024, we moved from New Jersey to Indiana to be close to the in-laws, and then we had an opportunity to build a house on Westler Lake in Wolcottville. In the middle of all of that, we established Indian Lakes Marketing in September 2024, and the vision was that this was going to be a true family business. Even though my wife’s still a full-time mom, and now we have two kids, our long-term goal was always that we’d build a family business, something that can really have an impact on the community in terms of how we lift up local businesses so they can be more efficient, and grow with little tips and tricks along the way. Because if every business is doing better, that means it’s safer for our kids, and it’s better for all of us. C: Wow, full circle! You literally make your circle around the eastern half of the United States. I think, oftentimes, there is an equation of marketing with art or the creative side. And it’s interesting to hear that your marketing business isn’t just creative, but it’s also data through CRM. How does that CRM experience tie into LaGrange County here? BH: So it’s just my wife and I, we’re not trying to be a big agency. The way we position ourselves is a true strategic partner, where we can go to businesses and really build a full marketing plan for them. Marketing is starting with the foundation and then you build upon it. One of the biggest gold mines that businesses are sitting on that they’re not tapping into is customer data. If you do the right things to retain and grow your current customers, you’re going to save so much money. You just have to know how to mine it. So the real question is how can you dig into your customer data, chop it up, get surgical with it, segment it, and then say, “Okay, who’s our new customer? How do we talk to them? How do we get them back in for a second, third, or fourth purchase?” We have a treasure trove of data. The old style of thinking is taking a product or service, then shove it down everybody’s throat. That doesn’t work anymore. The common consumer knows that we have all the data on them, which means that they expect us to give them a personalized, tailored experience. So, my vision for LaGrange County is to help businesses take advantage of that and to give a good experience to the customers, as well as help their businesses grow. There’s a lot that can be said about this podcast conversation, and truthfully, a lot more transcript I could share. The conversation was so good and fun! Brett Hahn, his family, and his business have all become quick and strong champions of our local community. Their heart to invest and develop our small towns and our small businesses is quite evident, and they have approached it headfirst to get “in” on the local front. When we talk about the “in” crowd of LaGrange County, may it be received as an open-arm concept—that our people, our leaders, and our businesses seek to pull another chair to the table, and get to know the new neighbor on the block. And for those eager to be “in,” may you intentionally seek out those ready to pull you in and make you known. To learn more about Brett and what Indian Lakes Marketing can do to bolster your business, visit our Chamber member directory, or their website at www.indianlakesmarketing.com , or call them at (260) 221-9252. 

Coffee with the County - America’s Birthday Gift

By Sara Patrick • February 18, 2026
There’s a movie I used to watch with my siblings during my teenage years. It really had no deep value, other than sheer entertainment. However, the movie still rings relevant in my present-day conversations with my siblings because of one line that we often attempt to mimic. In a nasally, high-pitched tone, one of the main characters is captured saying, “Happy birthday, America!” And on every fourth of July, in the same nasally voice, my siblings and I recite that line at least once. It’s become a tradition. What is ironic about the line is that, while the movie is in no way truly patriotic, the phrase has stuck. Mostly joking, always consistent, it has become our family’s way of marking Independence Day–a reminder that even lighthearted traditions can carry deeper meaning over time. In 2026, that line takes on a much bigger significance. The United States will mark its Semiquincentennial–America’s 250th birthday. Known nationally as America 250, this once-in-a-generation milestone commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the ideals that shaped a new nation. As U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission Chair Rosie Rios notes, “America’s 250th Anniversary is about more than reflecting on our past–it’s about honoring the contributions of individuals who built this country, the innovations that put this country on the map and a man on the moon, and imagining what the next 250 years might look like for our children and the generations to come.” In essence, America 250 is about honoring the past, convening and collaborating in the present, and building for the future. It’s a celebration–but also an invitation. An invitation to reflect on the remarkable gift of freedom we’ve inherited, and the responsibility that comes with it. That invitation feels especially timely as we just commemorated President’s Day this past Monday, February 16, a federal holiday rooted in the legacy of George Washington. Washington didn’t just become our first president; he led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War, helping secure the independence that would later be formalized through the Declaration of Independence. His leadership laid the foundation for a nation built on representative government, civic duty, and shared sacrifice. The freedoms outlined in that Declaration–life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness–were radical ideas in 1776. They remain powerful today. But they were never meant to be passive gifts. They require participation. Stewardship. Engagement. Freedom gives us the ability to be individuals–entrepreneurs, innovators, workers, parents, neighbors. Civic responsibility reminds us that we are also part of something larger: a community, a county, a state, a nation. One body of Americans, bound together not by uniformity, but by shared values and mutual accountability. That’s where this anniversary matters most–right here, at the local level. Policy decisions shape how we live, how we work, how we grow businesses, educate our children, build infrastructure, and care for one another. Civic engagement isn’t reserved for election cycles or distant capitals. It shows up in school board meetings, town councils, county commissioners, chambers of commerce, nonprofit boards, and community conversations. As we look ahead to America’s 250th birthday, my hope is that we don’t just celebrate with fireworks and festivities–though those have their place–but that we recommit to the work of citizenship. That we link arms with neighbors. That we stay informed. That we engage respectfully. That we understand how policy, collaboration, and participation shape the vitality of our communities and our local economy. America 250 isn’t just about looking back. It’s about asking what kind of country–and what kind of communities–we want to help build next. So maybe this year, when we say, “Happy birthday, America,” we say it with a little more intention. With gratitude for the freedoms we’ve been given–and a renewed commitment to use them well. To learn more about the America 250 movement, visit www.america250.org. 

Coffee with the County - Community-Wide Valentine Exchange

By Sara Patrick • February 11, 2026
It’s that time of year. I’m getting the notes from school and the messages being sent by teachers, most of which are dazzled with pretty hues of pink and red. “Valentine’s Day festivities are around the corner, and it’s time for your child to consider bringing in a collection box and Valentine’s grams to distribute to friends!” Truth be told, it’s a fun tradition that I enjoy as a mom just as much as I did as a schoolager myself. There is excitement around crafting the perfect container to collect the cards, and there is a sense of joy that arises in selecting the perfect card or gram to deliver to the friends that mean the most. In our family, my nine year old son is built much like his dad–he likes to craft and build and engineer the best way to collect his beloved grams. In years past, he and his dad have built boxes, crates, and bags to collect the goodies. This year will be no different, with the final product being one built out of anticipated excitement and fulfillment of “the big day.” Even my three year old daughter will have a chance to celebrate Valentine’s Day at her preschool, with the opportunity to hand out goodies to her friends and teachers. It’s a day of celebration, after all! But the real resonation of the festivities lies not in the handcrafted containers or the carefully selected cards. No, what this exchange stands for is so much more than the materialistic distribution. Rather, it quietly, yet very powerfully communicates something to the other classmates. It says: “You belong here.” What’s the easiest way to transcribe this very transaction into our “real world” lives? Consider the cash in your wallet or the card in your hand when you enter a store. The handing over of payment in exchange for product or service–it’s a relationship built on anticipated longevity, one that communicates: “This business is important and needed here in our community. I’m putting my money down on that truth.” That’s the hinge of local commerce. It’s why it is so vital in our communities. And that connection is a choice we make each and every day. As we approach Valentine’s Day, you may choose to patronize a local florist or gift shop to find a gift for your sweetheart. You may choose to visit the downtown boutique to snag the perfect sweater or top to showcase your love. You may stop at yet another business to find the perfect handwritten card to communicate all that you feel but just can’t put the words to. In these moments, intentionality is elevated. When we choose local, we’re not just buying a product–we’re reinforcing a relationship. That’s the true joy I find in our Chamber’s program of work. I get to be a firsthand witness to the genuine connections that unfold in the spaces we create and hold. People who wouldn’t otherwise meet are introduced across the table of a luncheon. Trusted spaces are built for referrals to be unleashed that aren’t accessed in any other way. Conversations are organic, and even more powerfully, they turn quickly into collaborations. With my own eyes, I watch our local businesses operate in a networked community instead of in isolation. There is a unique and treasured belonging that happens here. In many ways, the Chamber is a community-wide Valentine exchange–connecting people, celebrating strengths, and reminding us that we’re stronger together. As you wrap up your work week and celebrate those you hold dear this weekend, remember how special connection and belonging really are in our local communities. And, perhaps when we all open our arms just a little bit wider, we can find one more connection, one more shop-local opportunity, one more business relationship, or one more new conversation. This Valentine’s Day, may we remember that connection–like community–is something we build together, one relationship at a time. To find the best florists and gift shops in our area, pick up one of the 2026 Chamber Member Directories (hot off the press!) or visit our online directory at www.lagrangechamber.org/directory.

Coffee with the County - The LaGrange County Business Way

By Sara Patrick • February 4, 2026
A couple weeks ago, we hosted our annual meeting, which is an event in which we highlight local businesses through our Member Showcase Expo, elect our board of directors, and share a “State of the Chamber” – a year-in-review of sorts. One of the moments of the day that I will cherish for years to come happened during the final portion of the day, our annual awards ceremony. For folks who don’t know, we receive nominations from the public every year to highlight individuals and businesses within six award categories–Large Business, Small Business, Non-Profit, Professional, Young Professional, and Educator of the Year. When we highlighted the three finalists for the Small Business of the Year category, I looked out to see that all three business owners were sitting at two tables right next to each other. When they stood, it was a very clear and visible message: we’re in this together. When I arrived at the part of my speech in which I announced the 2026 winner–Bloomfield Lavender–I invited Marion Wiggins, the owner of the business, to come to the stage as I read aloud some of the comments from her nomination. The comments noted true grit, a collaborative approach to business, and a heart that’s not just in her business but also deeply rooted within her community. Once I completed my reading, I turned to congratulate Marion, only to find that she had brought to the stage with her the other finalists within the category. Admittedly, I was taken aback by the image, and moved deeply. We finished announcing the categories and then ended the day by snapping group photos with all of the winners. I had a brief moment with Marion when we waited for her photo to be taken. I turned to her and said, “It was really special what you did, bringing up the other finalists to the stage with you when you accepted your award.” Without missing a beat, she replied, “Well why wouldn’t I? We’re all in this together, and we support each other.” I had no further response to give, because that statement in and of itself sunk to the depth of my being, and the same sentiment reverberates into every inch of how we do business here locally. So often, I have found myself saying that, in LaGrange County, folks do business with the people they know. It’s not an inward approach, as it could be interpreted. Rather, the culture is that business is still very much relational and collaborative. While there is certainly a competitive market found in our communities in every industry, there is even more so a desire to uplift and support one’s neighbor (and business), because when we do that, everyone wins. Business here isn’t cut-throat. It’s not a quick transaction that sends the next customer on their way. No, business here is relational at its very core. As we continue on through the 2026 Indiana Legislative Session this month, we’re seeing the value and necessity of relationship-based advocacy for LaGrange County. While legislators gather in Indianapolis, folks here locally are continuing to do business, grow, innovate, and expand. But, what is happening at the state capital impacts how we do those very things. A relationship with our legislators is crucial to ensuring that LaGrange County remains relevant, vital, and pro-business. So how does the Chamber exist in this space? As a key convener for business success in LaGrange County, we maintain and hold dear these key relationships with legislators at all levels. While local elected officials are often much more accessible than those at the state and federal level, the Chamber exists to serve as a conduit to legislative influence for and on behalf of our members. Do you need help with a regulatory hurdle? Call the Chamber. Are you experiencing undue business friction because of a legislative burden? Call the Chamber. Do you have a desire to push into another area of business, but need direction or connections to make it successful? Call the Chamber. We’re positioned to connect you with the relationships in which we hold tight–relationships with Indiana Representative Tony Isa and Senator Sue Glick, as well as the offices of U.S. Congressmen Marlin Stutzman, Jim Banks, and Todd Young. While we may not be able to sign, seal, and deliver the legislation, we know the people who can. Let us put your hand into the hand of the right relationship, because that’s how business happens here. So, even if you weren’t at our annual meeting in January, I invite you to imagine the scene I described in my opening. It’s one where businesses are free to compete for market share, all while linking arms to enhance and sustain our local economy. As a business owner or resident–whichever you are–consider how you might step into a new role of influence and collaboration this year. How can you serve as an example for others, and bring other neighbors along with you? In LaGrange County, connecting the dots, supporting others, and doing it together is what makes the secret sauce. Thank you, Marion, for showing us what it means to show up and bring others along the way. That’s the LaGrange County business way.