October 2025 Newsletter

513 W Central Avenue

LaGrange, IN 46761

260-499-4994

LaGrange, Ind. – [09/26/2025] – The Don Wood Foundation has awarded a $592,000 grant to the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation to support the creation of The Hub, a flexible, multi-purpose space within the LaGrange County Innovation Center. This award represents the final piece of funding needed to fully support the $4.6 million project.

The Hub is designed to spark leadership, collaboration, and entrepreneurship by providing resources for small business support, professional development, and community programming. The space will feature a state-of-the-art coworking area, offering entrepreneurs, remote workers, and start-ups access to modern office amenities in a collaborative environment.

“The establishment of the LaGrange County Innovation Center is an excellent example of effective community collaboration,” said Laura Macknick, President and CEO, Don Wood Foundation. “By investing in spaces like ‘The Hub,’ communities are strengthened because it fosters entrepreneurship, new partnerships, and real-world experience for high school students.”

The LaGrange County Innovation Center, located in a renovated medical facility, will serve as a hub for education, workforce training, and business growth. In addition to The Hub, the facility will host workshops, leadership classes, and programs designed to inspire entrepreneurship and prepare the next generation of community leaders.

“We are deeply grateful to the Don Wood Foundation for this transformational support,” said Sherri Johnston, President and CEO of LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation. “Not only does this grant make The Hub possible, but it also completes the capital funding for the $4.6 million Innovation Center project. This space will provide a collaborative environment for individuals and businesses to grow, connect, and lead—directly impacting the long-term vitality of our community.”

Final construction plans for the LaGrange County Innovation Center are nearly complete, with demolition scheduled to begin in the coming months. Full construction will follow in late 2025, bringing this long-anticipated project one step closer to reality.

About LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation:

Founded in 2008, LCEDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing economic growth, supporting existing businesses, and fostering collaborative community development throughout LaGrange County, Indiana.

About the Don Wood Foundation:

The Don Wood Foundation is a private foundation established in 2018 by Don Wood, founder of 80/20, Inc., that serves and supports leadership development, an entrepreneurial mindset, and skilled workers with the potential to create and sustain opportunities in the manufacturing sector. The Foundation provides investments to grant partners from nonprofits and educational institutions, in addition to offering

guidance through community research and intentional convenings. This guidance fosters a diverse workforce through exposure, education, training, and the development of strong communities that promote the advancement of the manufacturing sector. Visit the website donwoodfoundation.org for more

information.

Made in LaGrange

Made in LaGrange - J.O Mory

What began in 1892 as E.E. Mory and Sons General Store has grown into the thriving company we know today — J.O. Mory. They began as a small general store offering groceries, clothing, and everyday essentials on the corner of State Road 3 and 750 South. In 1955, John Olin Mory renamed the business J.O. Mory Stores, Incorporated as the company expanded into hardware supplies. During the 1960s, they began offering HVAC and plumbing contracting services, followed by the addition of electrical work in the 1970s. Continued growth led to the opening of a Fort Wayne office in 1982 and the launch of their fabrication shop in 1989 on 700 South, just west of State Road 3.

J.O. Mory serves the Tri-State area, focusing primarily on northeast Indiana’s commercial, industrial, and residential markets. The company employs 115 people across its locations, with much of its work centered around HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. In LaGrange County, some of their valued customers include LaGwana Media, LaGrange County REMC, and numerous residential homeowners.

At their fabrication shop, J.O. Mory specializes in heavy industrial and metal fabrication, including cutting, bending, forming, welding, and assembling metal structures. The division serves major clients such as ETA Engineering, Iron Dynamics, and Shust in Noble and DeKalb Counties. With a team of about 15 employees, the fabrication division generates $3.5 million in annual sales.

What sets J.O. Mory apart from other contractors in Northern Indiana is its comprehensive, all-in-one expertise. The company offers a full range of mechanical services—including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and geothermal. As certified partners with leading brands like WaterFurnace and Lennox, J.O. Mory provides customers with high-quality, energy-efficient systems built to last. With a proven track record across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, the company is trusted for its precision, professionalism, and reliability. From preventative maintenance to emergency support and code-compliant installations, J.O. Mory consistently delivers dependable service that keeps customers’ systems running smoothly and efficiently.

J.O. Mory, Inc. is deeply rooted in its community, taking pride in being more than just a contractor—it’s a trusted neighbor and partner in northeast Indiana. The company supports local events, organizations, and workforce initiatives that strengthen the region and improve the quality of life. Guided by honesty, reliability, and its commitment to “doing it right the first time,” J.O. Mory continues to help its community thrive.

The company’s biggest challenge is finding skilled and dedicated individuals to join the trades. To meet this need, they aggressively recruit new talent, encourage employee referrals, and invest in comprehensive in-house training programs.

A fun fact — Coffee and Cream in South Milford now operates out of J.O. Mory’s original building, and the company is proud to have helped make that opportunity possible for the community.

“We are very happy to be part of this community!” said John Mory, President/CFO.

To contact J.O. Mory, visit their website at jomory.com or call (260) 351-2221

LaGrange County REMC – Removing Overgrown Trees & Brush

The LaGrange County REMC line crew generously volunteered their time to remove overgrown trees and brush from the LaGrange County Innovation Center. Their efforts helped improve the appearance and accessibility of the property, demonstrating their continued commitment to supporting community projects and local development. On behalf of the community, we extend our sincere thanks and appreciation for their hard work and support.

Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase

Overview

The Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase (MCMS) returns on October 22–23, bringing together the region’s leading contract manufacturers. Now in its second year, the MCMS was created to foster meaningful connections between community-focused, family-owned manufacturers and the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) driving demand for domestic production.

The event will once again be held at Shipshewana’s Michiana Event Center, with some familiar and new faces coming together to showcase what the Midwest has to offer. Highlighting the very best of Midwest manufacturing across a wide array of disciplines, such as:

• High-mix/low-volume and low-mix/high-volume

• Wood, metal, plastic, and mixed manufacturing

• Precision machining and fabrication services

• Industrial finishing and luxury components

• Full-service solutions and specialty contractors.

What Makes MCMS Unique

The Midwest Contract Manufacturing Showcase offers purposeful networking in a space designed for genuine connections—not just foot traffic. Attendees will experience a curated lineup of skilled and passionate contract manufacturers known for their quality craftsmanship and proven capabilities. Live demonstrations and product displays bring the process to life, showing how things are built rather than simply described.

The event fosters a culture rooted in shared values, collaboration, and mutual respect. Registration is free online or $20 at the door, and a home-cooked steak and potato lunch will be available for purchase.

Current Registered Exhibitors

Platinum Exhibitor Sponsors

Slabaugh Metal Fab

D.A. Hochstetler & Sons

Rock Run Industries

Stellar Industries

Farmers State Bank

Gold Exhibitor Sponsors

Heritage Unlimited

Skyecon MFG

A&R Machine Shop

Northern Indiana Axle

Purdue MEP

Koble Systems

Exhibitors

Epco Sales

Arrow Industrial Sales

Clearspring Manufacturing

Etchwood

Helmuth Quality Coatings

Master Roll Manufacturing

Beechy's Molding Plus

Zook Ink & Toner

EOS

Spruce Lawn Industries

Stateline Woodturnings

Silvercraft

Jet Technologies

Sunrise Wood Products

Quality Plastics

Del's Poly

TrainView Manufacturing

L And J Companies

Wellspring Components

Indiana Oxygen Co

Nighthawk 3D

SK Precision Grinding

Ideal Welding

Sunrise Metal Shop

Fantastech Energy Solution

Hilltop Machine Shop

Hoosier Crane Service Company

FiberTec

Gold Star Printing

EC Woods

L&W Engineering

RingTele

The Pittsburgh Paints Co

2025 Indiana on Top FAM Tour

From September 19–21, 2025, the Indiana On Top Tour brought site consultants from across the country on a three-day journey across northern Indiana. Participants had the chance to explore the region’s diverse economic opportunities, strong infrastructure, and outstanding quality of life.

Over the course of the tour, participants stopped in South Bend, Michigan City, Shipshewana, and Angola, gaining valuable insights and a deeper appreciation for all that northern Indiana has to offer. Specifically, participants experienced:

• Cheering on the Fighting Irish at a Notre Dame football game
• Exploring Lake Michigan and the Blue Chip Casino
• Relaxing at the charming Blue Gate Inn
• Taking in the natural beauty of Lake James

The goal of the tour was to provide an immersive and informative experience, giving participants firsthand knowledge of the many assets available in our communities.

Monthly Founder's Forum

LCEDC Resources

Apply for the Workplace Preparedness Funds!

The Workplace Preparedness Funds aim to assist recent LaGrange County graduates of a certification, associate's degree, or bachelor's degree to acquire the tools and supplies needed to begin work.

A recent graduate is defined as an individual who has completed a certification or degree in a field related to the areas of study listed below in the last 12 months and has accepted employment in Northeast Indiana.



Areas of Study:

• Industrial Technology
• Machine Tool Technology
• Engineering Technology
• Sales
• Entrepreneurship-Leadership

For more information, please reach out to Sherri Johnston by phone (260-499-4994) or by email (sjohnston@lagrangecountyedc.com).

NIIC - Entrepreneurship Coach Assistance

Northeast Indiana Innovation Center's (NIIC) Angela Harrison will be at the LaGrange County EDC's office on Tuesday, March 11th and 25th for any individuals who would like to meet with Angela.

Angela can assist any entrepreneur with brainstorming business ideas, how to market their product and other marketing plans, succession planning and so much more! She offers a safe, judgement free space for individuals to share their ideas, ask questions, or assist in finding other resources for their business.

The first THREE sessions are FREE!

For questions or more information, please reach out to Angela at aharrison@niic.net or the LCEDC office.

Indiana Small Business Development Center

Nikki Heffelfinger – Business Advisor – litena01@pfw.edu – 260-481-0495

WORK WITH THE INDIANA SBDC TO SET YOUR BUSINESS UP FOR SUCCESS

Helping Hoosier small businesses at every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. The Indiana SBDC offers no-cost business advising, training, referrals, and a library of cultivated tools and resources to help businesses, from startup through sale or retirement, succeed.

2nd Thursday and 3rd Tuesday every month at the LaGrange EDC and Chamber

513 W Central Ave, LaGrange, IN 46761

June Dates: June 12th and June 17th

Purdue MEP Supplier Scouting Opportunities

Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) is the official representative of the MEP National Network in Indiana. Through this network known as the MEP National Network (MEPNN), Purdue MEP is able to leverage the MEPNN's extensive relationships and knowledge of U.S. manufacturing capabilities and capacity to identify manufacturers across the country that can meet supply chain needs of commercial entities and government agencies.

Purdue MEP is able to connect U.S. manufacturers that have relevant production capabilities and capacities with other manufacturers – enabling them to fulfill current market and societal needs. We can then assist those manufacturers in actually delivering needed products.

For a full list of Open Supplier Scouting Opportunities, please visit the link below.

If you have any questions about the information in this newsletter or would like to learn more, please reach out to the LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation at 260-499-4994 or email Sherri Johnston at sjohnston@lagrangecountyedc.com

Focus Areas & Action Items

• Business Retention & Expansion
• Building Upon Assets
• Business Attraction
• Community Development
• Sustainability

LaGrange County Economic Development Corporation

513 W Central Ave

LaGrange, IN 46761

(260) 499-4994

www.LaGrangeCountyEDC.com