The Owners of the Davis Mercantile Receive the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award; Indiana State Festivals Association Coordinator Receives Visit Indiana Leadership Award

Chelsey has gone above and beyond, taking on dual roles in both operations and sales. Balancing two demanding departments, Chelsey leads by example. Filling staffing gaps, resolving guest concerns, and supporting the team with confidence and clarity. Her calm, solutions-focused approach makes her a trusted leader among peers. Simultaneously, she’s been a driving force in sales, managing key accounts, building strong client relationships, and contributing to new business wins. Despite the heavy workload, Chelsey remains organized and focused, consistently exceeding expectations. Her leadership and commitment have had a meaningful impact across the hotel.

Chelsey implemented a weekly Social Hour every Tuesday to create a more welcoming and engaging environment for guests. This thoughtful initiative encourages guest interaction, builds community, and enhances the overall guest experience. By offering light refreshments and creating a relaxed atmosphere, Chelsey has turned an ordinary evening into a memorable touchpoint that boosts guest satisfaction and loyalty. This creative program not only reflects her commitment to hospitality but also sets her hotel apart in a competitive market.

Connor is a member of the Brownstown Ewing Main Street Leadership Team and Event Organizer of Rock the Rind.  On his nomination form, it was noted that “Connor is the kind of person people want to get behind and support, no matter what he is up to. He adores his community and strives to make it better for all. He works harder than anyone on any given project, and excellence is always the end result.”

In 2019, he had the vision of remaking an old community festival and took off with it. 2020 postponed the initial festival plan but allowed Conner and other community leaders to set out on an adventure to not only reinvent the original Watermelon fest but also to reinvent Brownstown Main Street and what it means. They pulled in a team of people who were younger with small children and encouraged them to create an event for everyone, community and visitors alike. As a seasoned leader, it has been fun for his nominator to watch Connor and his team bring this new community tradition to fruition and keep it going. 

Bobby embodies Hoosier Hospitality through his work ethic, drive for excellence, and genuine care for every guest. Since The Bradley opened in 2021, Bobby has had a hand in every part of the hotel—from valet and housekeeping to events and even stepping in as Acting Director of Food & Beverage and General Manager during a leadership gap. His friendly, welcoming nature makes him the face of this wonderful hotel and often the first interaction guests experience. He takes time to get to know our regular guests, greeting them by name and ensuring they always leave with a smile.  Bobby’s nominator shared the following story regarding his outstanding contributions to welcoming visitors.  

The outsourced laundry service often returned linens below hotel standards. Rather than compromising on quality, Bobby personally ensured guests had the best experience possible. After working a full day to make sure guest needs were met, Bobby would catch a few hours of sleep, then meet up with some dedicated team members at the laundromat at 2 am. There were times when they would spend all night washing, drying, steaming, and folding linen for guests the next day. Watching the sun come up and knowing they had to get these sheets to housekeepers so guest rooms would be ready on time.

These exhausting nights highlighted his dedication and refusal to let service standards slip.  During one busy week, a shipment of linens never arrived. Without hesitation, Bobby drove from Fort Wayne to Indianapolis and back to pick up the missing sheets. He returned to the hotel, rolled up his sleeves, and worked side-by-side with the team making beds to ensure every guest had a room ready upon arrival. It is these behind-the-scenes efforts that showcase Hoosier Hospitality.
And why John Bobby Bonus is an award winner today.

Barb and Brooks Fetters are the owners of Purviance House Bed and Breakfast in Huntington County.

Barb and Brooks Fetters are champions of their community. With their deep knowledge of the county, locations, and people, they can make meaningful connections that bring people together. “On one occasion, two brothers who grew up in a nearby community were visiting the area from out of state. Through their conversations with the Fetters, the gentlemen discovered that there were some remaining family members living in Huntington County. Brooks and Barb went the extra mile, reached out to the local family, and offered up the breakfast room at their Bed and Breakfast for an impromptu family reunion.” This act of kindness and generosity shows that Barb and Brooke care for their community, and it displays their willingness to invest in their community. 

For visitors, the Fetters go above and beyond to make each visit memorable, truly embodying Hoosier Hospitality outlined here is one recent guest review - "The absolute stars of this B and B has to be the amazing couple that runs the house "B" & "B"! Barb and Brooks were the ultimate hosts; warm, charming, personable, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Having breakfast in the fabulous dining room was the best part of every day. Barb is a fantastic cook!!! When she offers you sour cream coffee cake, say "Yes!" 

Natalie Garza is the General Manager at Bellaboo’s Play and Discovery Center in Lake County.

The person who nominated Natalie had this to say. Natalie consistently embodies the spirit of Hoosier Hospitality through her whimsical enthusiasm, infectious positivity, illuminating engagement, and welcoming kindness!  She acts like an ambassador for both Bellaboo’s and the state of Indiana. Often referring to herself as an 'Indi-animal,' she not only explores but also actively shares recommendations for other local attractions, restaurants, and events—encouraging guests to discover more of what the region has to offer. 

She doesn’t view other attractions as competition but rather understands that tourism doesn’t stop at Bellaboo’s doors—it extends to the community and across the entire state. She insists on sending people away with the "Indiana Festival Guide," "Along the South Shore" booklet, and the "Lake County Parks Pathfinder" so they have limitless opportunities at their fingertips. She feels that tourism thrives when we all work together. 

While a retired schoolteacher, Betty Ann is not one to sit still. She remains dedicated to two different jobs in the tourism industry: first as a volunteer tour guide at Beasley’s Orchard and also as a part-time hospitality assistant for Visit Hendricks County.

She embodies Hoosier Hospitality through her warmth, humility, and willingness to tackle any task with a smile. Whether it’s preparing signs, greeting visitors, or double-checking every word and link in every blog, she ensures the details are handled with care.  As a tour guide at Beasley’s, she displays a wonderful, upbeat personality and cheerfulness that uplifts everyone she meets.  The ability to wear multiple hats and to serve your community, however it may be, is a great example of what the Hoosier Hospitality award means.

Caitlyn was nominated by eight different people for her dedication, ability, and high level of hospitality. There were many great stories shared about Caitlyn and her positive attitude and contribution to the tourism industry in Indiana. Here is one of those stories shared by a nominator. 

One instance that stands out is when a client was traveling in from out of state for an important event. Their flight was delayed, and they arrived late in the evening, worried about missing out on arrangements. Instead of leaving it to chance, Caitlyn personally waited after hours to greet them, walked them through every detail, and even provided recommendations for dining and entertainment so they would feel welcome in Indiana. The client later shared that this personal touch made them feel at home despite being far away, and it turned a stressful situation into a memorable, positive experience.  

According to her nominator, Tiffany is the perfect blend of Hoosier Hospitality with a touch of Southern charm. She is originally from Kentucky but is a Hoosier by choice.  

Tiffany not only owns and operates the very popular Wild Geese Bookstore, but she also regularly hosts authors at a variety of locations, big and small, to support those venues. On occasion, she has filled the Historic Artcraft Theatre for author events.  In order to ensure a great experience, she assigns attendees a group number and time to meet the author. If they are in a later group, she directs them to nearby restaurants to eat, then gets their group back on time to meet the author. Her extra efforts benefit venues, restaurants, and all of downtown Franklin. 

Cyndi Schlemmer is the Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator at the Ligonier Visitor Center and Heritage Station Museum in Noble County.

Cyndi is an active member of the tourism industry in Noble County and cares deeply about sharing the story of her hometown of Ligonier with visitors and residents. In her retirement, she volunteers her time with multiple community organizations such as the Ligonier Visitor Center and Heritage Station Museum, the Lincoln Highway Association, and the Ligonier Main Street Association. She welcomes visitors from around the country to share the history of Ligonier and Noble County. 

As a Board Member for the Noble County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Cyndi is actively involved in promoting tourism and supporting growth and development in our county. 
 

Ronnie is always prepared to assist, help, and inform visitors about this great area who are unfamiliar with things to do and places to go. She is friendly, detailed, and kind. Ronnie has been working at the Holiday Inn Express Howe for over a decade and is always there. Her dedication to her team, her property management company, and her destination is always top-notch and recognized. She exhibits a passion for what she does daily.  

During routine housekeeping services, an attentive hotel service worker heard cries for help coming from a local guest room and called for back-up from management. An elderly guest, traveling alone, had slipped from the shower and was injured, in severe pain, but also humiliated. Manager Ronnie went into warp-speed action, quickly assessed the situation, and immediately called 911. Ronnie gave assurances that help was on the way, did whatever else they could safely do to comfort and console the guest--all while discreetly covering the person with fresh sheets until the EMT arrived. Because of her attention and rapid response, the guest eventually recovered from the medical incident. Later, the guest and their family sent gratitude for the outrageously excellent hospitality, and quick action--but most of all the dignity and soothing comfort the guest had received from the staff.

With 35+ years in the hospitality industry, Atilla has proven to be a rare treasure. His kindness, positive energy, dedication, and compassion are not only admired by our staff but anyone he comes into contact with. He treats staff and guests with the same warmth and respect as family.

Atilla is a man of many hats and is happy to wear them when duty calls. Even through struggles, Atilla has voluntarily stepped up and turned situations into positive outcomes. His calm demeanor and compassion for people have motivated staff and touched the hearts of guests. His knowledge in the hotel industry is impeccable. From white glove hotels to bougie resorts, being a chef for a past US president, or even a select service hotel in Evansville, he has shown the same respect to every individual he comes in contact with. He isn’t just a night auditor; he’s a breakfast attendant, he’s a housekeeper, he’s an interim GM, he’s sales, he’s a maintenance man, he’s a friend to a stranger, and he’s a hero to the staff. He’s sacrificed many long hours to not only help the success of the hotel, but also each employee and guest. He is our family, and we could not be more grateful to have him.

With 35+ years in the hospitality industry, Atilla has incredible knowledge of how important it is to make sure each guest leaves with a memorable experience. He has worked in several departments over his career in diamond resorts around the world, and yet gives the same amazing service and respect to the guests staying at a select service hotel in a small town in Indiana. His dedication to serving and his caring nature keep our guests coming back.  

As the executive director of Ripley County Tourism Bureau, Terri Trowbridge is a one-woman office. Not only does she handle the day-to-day operations of a tourism director, but she also helps her other partner organizations within Ripley County increase tourism.

She writes grants to support the arts in Ripley County, while also donating her time to her Main Street organization and others. Terri has been proactive with the Southeastern Indiana Coffee Trail, creating, ordering, and delivering rack cards and trail "swag" that helps bring several counties together in a project that benefits all. Terri not only serves the tourism industry through her Ripley County work, but she is also dedicated to seeing that the South Central area of the state gets the attention that it deserves.