Gov. Holcomb to speak at Chamber dinner in January

First-term Gov. Eric Holcomb will be the featured speaker at the 2018 Chamber Awards Dinner in Winona Lake.

The 106th annual Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce awards dinner will be 6 p.m. Jan. 18 at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center, 610 Wooster Road, Winona Lake.

Networking begins at 5 p.m.

The event serves as a review of the past year. Numerous awards are presented to businesses and individuals who have made a significant impact on the community.

While Holcomb has visited Warsaw several times, this will be his first speech to the community and comes as the General Assembly begins a new session of work.

The Republican from Vincennes is in his first year as governor after a quick rise to political prominence.

Holcomb, 49, became lieutenant governor when Sue Ellspermann stepped down in March 2, 2016, and then ran for governor months later after then-Gov. Mike Pence was chosen by Donald Trump to serve as his vice president.

He served in the United States Navy for six years as an intelligence officer.

He served as an advisor to former Gov. Mitch Daniels in 2003. He became chairman of the Indiana Republican Party in 2010.

Dinner will be prepared by local chefs from Cerulean, Noa Noa, One Ten and Rua.

Event sponsors include Grace College and Seminary, 1st Source Bank, Wildman Business Group, Lutheran Health Network KCH, Warsaw Buick and Parkview Warsaw.