Pictured from left are panel moderator, Pat Miler, political analyst, WOWO; Chris Murphy, CEO, 1st Source Bank; David Bazzoni, president, IDNA Brands; Dr. Pam Plouhar, worldwide vice president of clinical research, DePuy Synthes; Dr. Bill Katip, president, Grace College; Cindy Riemersma, COO, 80/20 Inc.; Dr. Mark Klaassen, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center; and Doug Rassi, president, Polywood. (Photo by Amanda McFarland)

WINONA LAKE — Approximately 200 guests gathered this morning, Tuesday, Nov. 17, in the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center, Grace College, to hear area business leaders give their thoughts on innovation and what it means for the business world.

Correct Craft CEO Bill Yeargin was this year’s executive forum keynote speaker.

The panel included 1st Source Bank CEO Chris Murphy, DePuy Synthes Worldwide Vice President of Clinical Research Dr. Pam Plouhar, IDNA Brands President David Bazzoni, 80/20 Inc. COO Cindy Riemersma, Grace College President Dr. Bill Katip, Polywood President Doug Rassi and Dr. Mark Klaassen, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Center.

Keynote speaker Bill Yeargin, CEO of Correct Craft, talked about how his business has achieved success, including dealing with naysayers and obstacles. When it comes to innovation, Yeargin outlined five key points to keep in mind, including connection, collaboration, control and completeness.

Yeargin expressed a belief that, because the world is changing quickly, innovation is no longer a matter of “getting ahead,” but of survival.

With WOWO Political Analyst Pat Miller moderating, the panelists shared their thoughts on what innovation means to them, how an innovative mindset has affected their particular areas of work and how they have implemented various types of innovation to keep their businesses moving forward.

“It’s about seeing things and making change,” Murphy said. “Taking what you see that’s a problem, whatever doesn’t meet a need and finding a way to meet that need.”

Bazzoni, known locally for his concept of “Sportulas,” emphasized talent and creativity.

“Innovation is, a lot of times, recognizing people and how darn creative they are and how to maximize that creativity,” Bazzoni said.

In the world of clinical research, Plouhar said, key points to examine include what needs to continue, what needs to change and what needs to stop. Innovation, she said, goes beyond the product to the procedure.

Katip talked about how, while introducing a new program, Grace College was able to find advantage in the recession of several years ago, even while other places were seeing it as an obstacle.

Panelists also shared about innovation in workplace atmosphere and employee relations. He reminded those gathered to keep in mind that employees are observing their leaders and how they behave and react.

“It’s really in your day-to-day attitude,” Rassi said. “Are you approachable? Are you engaging?”

The event concluded at 11:50 a.m. following a question-and-answer session between audience members and the panel.