Whitley County: Development Destination
Whitley County: Development Destination
Whitley County, Indiana, ranks as the state’s 49th most populous county in the State, with approximately 36,825 residents. Nestled within its borders are the charming cities and towns of Columbia City, Churubusco, South Whitley, and Larwill. Established in 1835, the county proudly carries the name of Colonel William Whitley, honoring his legacy as a pioneer and military leader during the War of 1812. Whitley County is also the birthplace of Native American leader Chief Little Turtle.
Economic Development
Located between Fort Wayne and Warsaw, Whitley County is an economic powerhouse, with a medium household income of over $76,000 a year. At that income level, Whitley County ranks among the top 20% of counties nationwide in median household earnings.
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is a bold, forward-thinking organization that has fostered economic growth and enhanced the quality of life in Whitley County. Since 1992, the EDC has worked to retain and expand employment opportunities for residents, attract investment, and promote community well-being. The EDC serves a diverse range of clients – from local startups to established international businesses – offering tailored support to help each one succeed. Its team is committed to understanding individual needs and driving ambitious visions forward. Now, let’s explore the key economic development projects currently underway in Whitley County.
Leadership Whitley County
To drive meaningful change in the county, strong leadership is essential. Leadership Whitley County (LWC) is a six-month experiential program designed to develop and empower leaders in the community. Since its founding, LWC has trained over 400 individuals, fostering servant leadership that drives innovation, business growth, and community engagement.
Participants meet monthly from October to March, beginning with a full-day retreat, followed by half-day sessions covering leadership principles, communication styles, economic development, public services, and more. The program also includes site tours and concludes with a graduation celebration.
Applications open May 1 and close July 30, with tuition assistance available. Since 2015, LWC has been part of the Whitley EDC, leveraging alumni expertise through advisory and engagement councils. Learn more about LWC here.
Whitley County Chamber of Commerce
The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center serves as a vital advocate and resource for businesses and nonprofit organizations in Whitley County. Located in Columbia City, the Chamber is dedicated to fostering economic development, supporting local enterprises, and enhancing community engagement. Through unique programming and personalized services, they work to strengthen the business landscape, promote growth, and make Whitley County an exceptional place to live and work. The Chamber also plays a key role in tourism, helping visitors discover the county’s attractions and opportunities. Learn more about the Chamber here.
Region 3-A:
Region 3-A added Kellie Knauer to their team as the Community Development Planner, where she connects communities with vital funding for infrastructure and behavioral health initiatives. A graduate of Indiana University with a degree in Criminal Justice, Kellie has led zoning and planning efforts for the City of Auburn and was the founding Executive Director of DeKalb County Community Corrections, overseeing the completion of its Community Corrections Center in 2020. She resides in Steuben County and enjoys spending time outdoors, walking her dogs, and sharing moments with her adult children. Kellie can be reached at kknauer@region3a.org.
