LaGrance County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sara Patrick, left, and Marketing and Operations Manager Ian Mullen, right, are shown with theirgradduation certificates from the LaGrange County Tourism Academy. Photo provided by the Shipshewana/LaGrange County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

News Release

SHIPSHEWANA — Tourism in LaGrange County generated $65 million to the local economy in 2022 and continues to increase each year. The Shipshewana/LaGrange County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau felt it was imperative to offer support to a group of people that are crucial to this growth industry, as well as to encourage a focus on what visitor’s love about staying here: friendliness, knowledgeable staff, and a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. By establishing this new free resource, the CVB is able to do just that.

The Shipshewana/LaGrange County Tourism Academy is a self-paced certification program comprised of a set of free online courses that has trained and equipped local tourism professionals with the important information, skills, and communication tools necessary to ensure that people as a community are able to speak to visitors with one knowledgeable and welcoming voice.

Visitors are drawn to this area because of its culture, history, arts, entertainment, and its warm and welcoming nature. By fostering exceptional customer service and knowledge of important local information, Shipshewana and LaGrange County are able to insure that pleased and happy guests are the norm and not the exception. Travelers who are thrilled with their experience are going to extend their stays, recommend us to others, and return again and again to their favorite destination.

Sonya Nash, Executive Director of the Shipshewana/Lagrange County CVB says “We could not be more pleased with the response to the Tourism Academy! Already, so many people have invested time to learn information to better assist visitors and gain the tools necessary to welcome the world to our charming small towns. Shipshewana and LaGrange County are already known for their Hoosier Hospitality, and we are so proud to be able to offer a resource to build upon that.”

Those from Lasting Impressions graduating from the course, from left are Kelsey Rich, Tonya Rich and Marge Fetters. Not shown is Tammy Weldon.

The first Tourism Academy graduates began their courses in May and the CVB honored the first class of graduates the week of July 22-26. On Tuesday July 23, Sarah Patrick and Ian Mullen of the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce and the staff of the CVB were the first to receive their Tourism Academy Graduation Certificates and commemorative pins at the Visitor’s Center in Shipshewana.

Other ceremonies followed on Thursday and Friday at the graduate’s places of employment, including Yoder’s Hardware, the Van Buren Hotel, Lasting Impressions, Kid’s Kreations, Schrock’s Shops, Shipshewana Trading Place Flea market & Auctions, and the Farmstead Inn. Celebratory cupcakes from Shawna Rae’s Bakery will also be served at each event.

Graduates were:

LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce — Sara Patrick and Ian Mullen

LaGrange County/Shipshewana Convention & Visitor’s Bureau — Sonya Nash, Judy McConnell, Lupe Troyer, Sandy Mast, Miranda Beverly and Sarah Gletty.

Yoder’s Hardware — Hannah Hodgson, Tina Page, Kathleen Wieczorek, Nate Jones and Esther Miller.

Van Buren Hotel — Kierra Garrett, Jackie Merritt, Kathy Everitts, Joseph Garrett and Julie Rolston.

Graduates from Van Buren Hotel, shown from left are Kierra Garrett, Jackie Merritt, Kathy Everitts and Joseph Garrett. Not shown is Julie Rolston.

Lasting Impressions — Tonya Rich, Marge Fetters, Tammy Weldon and Kelsey Rich.

Kid’s Kreations — Clara Wagler.

Shipshewana Trading Place & Farmstead Inn Group — Hannah Brock, Andrea Boval, Michele Schmidt, Renee Harville, Mary Suseland, Megan Dias, Rachelle Wildman, Karen Bisel, Lora Gates, Patrick Peroz, Benjamin Galbreath, Sheila Needham, Stephanie Rustad and Tamara Pluimer.

Schrock Shops — Eric Jones.

The Tourism Academy is open to all tourism professionals: frontline workers, support staff, event workers, volunteers, managers, and business owners. Those without internet access can be accommodated by the CVB. Sign-ups, courses, and graduation ceremonies will be ongoing. The LaGrange County CVB is incredibly appreciative to everyone who made this new program possible by passing the courses and providing valuable feedback for future courses.

Judy McConnell, Groups Manager of the Shipshewana/LaGrange County CVB adds “We are so happy about the overwhelming response and support of our first customer-service and information training project. It was an honor to help build and develop the Shipshewana/LaGrange County Tourism Academy; and I am beyond thrilled to congratulate the first graduating class!”

For more info about the Tourism Academy, or to inquire about signing up for the free course, email [email protected] or call (260) 768-4008. You can also stop into the Visitor’s Center at 350 S. Van Buren St. in Shipshewana, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

Shown are graduates from Yoder Hardware. From left are Hannah Hodgson, Tina Page, Kathleen Wieczorek and Nate Jones. Not shown is Esther Miller.