News Release
SYRACUSE — The Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) hosted its Annual Celebration on Wednesday night at the Oakwood Event Center in Syracuse.
The event brought together about 300 elected officials, business and community leaders, partners and guests to celebrate the people, projects and possibilities shaping the future of Kosciusko County.
KEDCO CEO Peggy Simmons opened the evening with a welcome, followed by an invocation from Dr. Emi Kreklau, executive director of the Catalyst Corridor at Grace College.
“Our Annual Celebration is an opportunity to recognize the people and organizations whose leadership, collaboration and investment continue to move Kosciusko County forward,” said Simmons.
“KEDCO’s work is rooted in connecting people, advancing projects and creating possibilities that grow lasting prosperity throughout our county. The individuals and businesses honored this evening embody that mission through the meaningful contributions they make to our communities.”
The evening began with a “Why Kosciusko?” conversation featuring John Kennedy of Autocam Medical, Will Nicholas of Slate Auto and Mindy Brooks of CTB, Inc. Each shared what attracted their organization to Kosciusko County and why the county’s workforce, communities, and collaborative approach continue to make it an ideal place to invest and grow.
Simmons also shared highlights from KEDCO’s work throughout the past year and introduced the organization’s new mission: “KEDCO connects people, projects and possibilities to grow lasting prosperity for all of Kosciusko County.” She emphasized the partnerships and shared commitment behind KEDCO’s efforts to support business growth, housing, workforce development, entrepreneurship, talent attraction and community development across the county.
Brady Maller, CEO of POLYWOOD, delivered the keynote address. Maller shared his journey from working on the company’s production floor to serving as CEO and reflected on the leadership, people and culture that have helped POLYWOOD grow into a nationally recognized outdoor-furniture manufacturer headquartered in Kosciusko County.
KEDCO concluded the evening by recognizing the 2026 award recipients in several distinguished categories:
- Rising Leader Award: Alex Hall, Maribeth Nelson, Tim Landrigan, Sam Engle and Rusty Martinez
- Business Impact Award: The River Coffee, Brew City Roasting Company and Precision Medical Technologies
- Community Impact Award: Lewis Salvage
- Inspiring Mentor Award: Trisha Musall, Joe’s Kids
- Innovator of the Year Award: Kevin Stone, Orchard Medical Development
- Community Catalyst Award: Sherry Searles, LaunchPad
Guests also participated in a ticket drawing featuring three POLYWOOD furniture sets. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build initiative.
The 2026 Annual Celebration was supported by Gold Sponsors Autocam Medical, Lake City Bank and Zimmer Biomet, along with our Silver Sponsors Aluminum Insights, Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital and POLYWOOD.
Stay connected with KEDCO @kosciuskoedc on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram, and visit www.kosciuskoedc.com to learn more.
