By David Slone
Times-Union

WARSAW — Tourism in Kosciusko County brings in millions of dollars to the local economy.

Monday, May 6, Cori Humes, executive director of the Kosciusko County Convention and Visitors Bureau, updated the county commissioners on what the KCCVB has been doing to increase travel to the county.

“As you may know, we are the destination marketing organization responsible for promoting Kosciusko County as an attractive destination. We also work hard to enhance Kosciusko’s public image as a dynamic place to live, work and play,” she said.

That’s important because visitors boost the county’s economy and assist in sustaining jobs in the hospitality industry, she said. “That economic impact of travel in Kosciusko County is significant.” The study conducted last year found visitors spent $272 million in Kosciusko communities and supported about 2,548 jobs in hospitality.

“So economic impact is major for our travel and tourism here in Kosciusko County.”

The report also found travel generated about $64.1 million in cash revenues in 2022, which Humes said was a significant bounce back from post-pandemic.

Tourism is invaluable because it enhances quality of life and attracts and retains talent as well, she stated.

The Visitors Center serves as a county resource for the variety of visitors for a variety of reasons.

“We provide outdoor recreation, arts and culture, shopping and dining and so much more to those who are visiting our Visitors Center,” Humes said.

In 2023, visitor traffic increased by about 27%. “So we’re seeing more and more people visit inside the Visitors Center located off U.S. 30,” she continued.

Humes talked about their local, regional and state collaborations to promote the county and their digital and print advertising. Annually, they print their Kosciusko County Visitors Guide, with 50,000 of those distributed across the county and state of Indiana. Several projects have been completed in the past year, including the bureau’s digital sign which partially was funded by county American Rescue Plan Act dollars. They also rebranded to “Clearly Kosciusko.”

“Lastly, we just wanted to say that tourism is an economic driver to Kosciusko, as many of you know,” Humes stated.

In other business, the commissioners approved:

• Kosciusko Area Bus Service’s request to apply for the 2025 Indiana Department of Transportation operating grant, as requested by Marcie Arndt, Cardinal Services vice president of programs.

She said they are requesting $507,836 in federal funds and $253,918 in state funds, subject to change based on INDOT’s approval. KABS will cover the other 25%, which is $253,918.

Arndt also introduced Kristin Rude, KABS’ new general manager.

• Emergency Management Agency Director Kip Shuter’s request to update and revise the public safety communication plan.

They also approved for Shuter to apply for a $149,481 State Homeland Security Grant for exterior courthouse security cameras. He said they requested the grant last year but it was denied.

• A memorandum of understanding between the county and Wawasee Community School Corporation, as presented by county attorney Ed Ormsby.

The MOU will allow Wawasee to install and maintain an antennae and radio repeater on a county tower that is in Milford at the intersection of CR 400E and CR 1000N. Wawasee will pay $200 per month, which is $1 per square foot.

The next commissioners meeting is at 9 a.m. May 21.