Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Members of the Kosciusko Leadership Academy (KLA) recently gathered at the Warsaw Municipal Airport for a session focused on regional infrastructure, planning and economic development in Kosciusko County.
Nick King, airport manager for the Warsaw Municipal Airport, opened the session by sharing how the airport serves as a critical gateway connecting Kosciusko County to national and global markets. King highlighted the airport’s role in supporting local industry, aviation services and regional economic activity, noting that the airport facilitates approximately 14,500 operations annually and supports dozens of aircraft, hangars and local jobs. He also discussed future infrastructure improvements and long-term goals designed to strengthen the airport’s role as an asset for both the City of Warsaw and Kosciusko County, according to a news release from KLA.
Following King’s presentation, Matt Sandy, director of the Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission, provided an overview of how thoughtful planning helps guide responsible growth throughout the county. Sandy discussed the importance of planning tools such as comprehensive planning, zoning, and land-use policies that help balance agricultural, residential, commercial and environmental priorities while supporting long-term community development.
The final presentation was given by Peggy Simmons, CEO of the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO), who shared insights into the role economic development plays in shaping the future of the community. Simmons emphasized that economic development extends beyond attracting new companies — it also includes workforce development, housing availability, talent retention and creating a strong quality of place for residents and businesses.
Simmons highlighted the importance of supporting existing employers, noting that much of job growth comes from businesses already located within the community. She also discussed the importance of strengthening workforce pipelines, encouraging entrepreneurship and collaborating regionally to ensure Kosciusko County remains competitive and resilient, stated the release.
Looking ahead, Simmons outlined several focus areas for the county’s continued growth, including talent attraction and retention, advanced manufacturing innovation, housing development, leadership development and infrastructure readiness.
Through sessions like this, KLA provides participants with a deeper understanding of the systems, partnerships and strategic decisions that influence community growth, the release states. The program continues to equip emerging leaders with the knowledge and connections needed to help shape the future of Kosciusko County.
The next KLA session will be the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Barn and Business Breakfast. That program is scheduled for March 10 from 7 to 9 a.m. and will be held at Rodeheaver Auditorium, 901 Park Ave., Winona Lake.
The Kosciusko Leadership Academy is now in its 44th year of service to the county. As an independent 501(c)(3) organization, KLA conducts biweekly morning sessions across Kosciusko County, exposing emerging leaders to a wide variety of local topics and experts. The program’s annual White Paper projects have provided meaningful benefits to citizens and communities throughout the county, the release states. For more information, visit www.kosciuskoleadership.org
