healthcare provider who listens is critical ensuring you receive the care you need. That’s listen first, before offering solutions tailored This is just one of the differences you’ll experience with Goshen Health. experience the difference, call (574) 537-5000
Experience the difference
Experience the difference
Experience the difference
Finding a healthcare provider who listens is critical to ensuring you receive the care you need. That’s why we listen first, before offering solutions tailored for you. This is just one of the differences you’ll experience with Goshen Health.
Finding a healthcare provider who listens is critical to ensuring you receive the care you need. That’s why we listen first, before offering solutions tailored for you. This is just one of the differences you’ll experience with Goshen Health.
To experience the difference, call (574) 537-5000 At Goshen Health, we listen first.
Experience the difference
At Goshen Health, we listen first. At Goshen Health, we listen first.
Finding a healthcare provider who listens is critical to ensuring you receive the care you need. That’s why we listen first, before offering solutions tailored for you. This is just one of the differences you’ll experience with Goshen Health.
To experience the difference, call (574) 537-5000.
Finding a healthcare provider who listens is critical to ensuring you receive the care you need. That’s why we listen first, before offering solutions tailored for you. This is just one of the differences you’ll experience with Goshen Health.
To experience the difference, call (574) 537-5000. At Goshen Health, we listen first.
To experience the difference, call (574) 537-5000. At Goshen Health, we listen first.
Finding a healthcare provider who listens to ensuring you receive the care you why we listen first, before offering solutions for you. This is just one of the differences experience with Goshen Health.
To experience the difference, call (574)
WELCOME
Dear Members of the Community,
Middlebury Chamber & Visitors Center
Website: www.middleburyinchamber.com
201 S. Main, Middlebury, IN 46540
Phone: (574) 825-4300
Carmen Carpenter, Executive Directorcarmencarpenter@middleburyinchamber.com
I am thrilled to extend my warmest greetings and introduce myself as your new Executive Director of the Middlebury Chamber of Commerce. My name is Carmen Carpenter, and I am honored to serve as a bridge between our vibrant community and the incredible network of local businesses that form the backbone of our town.
As a firm believer in the power of collaboration and collective action, I am eager to embark on this journey alongside every one of you. Together, we can foster a sense of unity and camaraderie that transcends individual interests and propels us toward shared prosperity.
One of the cornerstone principles of our Chamber of Commerce is the belief that thriving businesses are the cornerstone of a thriving community that holds traditional values. I am committed to facilitating meaningful connections between local entrepreneurs, encouraging innovation and promoting economic growth that benefits us all.
I am optimistic and excited as we embark on this collective endeavor. Together, let us harness the power of community and unleash our potential to create positive change that resonates far beyond the confines of our town. Thank you for entrusting me with this important responsibility and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to work hand in hand with each of you in the days and months ahead.
With warm regards,
Carmen Carpenter Executive Director, Middlebury Chamber of Commerce
2024 CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS & OFFICERS
JIM HANSEN, President
CALVIN HELMUTH, Vice President
JIM NEFF, Past President
KENT YODER, Treasurer
JASON BONTRAGER, Member
JEREMY MILLER, Member
JON SCHLABACH, Member
AMANDA SCHUTZ, Member
JAYSON SNYDER, Member
Carmen Carpenter Executive Director Middlebury Chamber of Commerce
Howland Past Executive Director
Scrogham Membership Coordinator Middlebury Chamber of Commerce
Sheri
Amanda
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 LEGACY SPONSORS
Bronze
BND Trailers
Bright Star Auctions
Bright Star Real Estate Services
Dutch Country Organics
Edward Jones of Middlebury
Elkhart General Hospital
Everence Financial
Forks County Line Stores
Goshen Health Systems
Hawkins Water Tech
Jimbo & Company
Legacy Home Furniture
Living in Yellow
Royal Auto Center
Royal RV Center
Legacy members are committed businesses and organizations that take a leadership role in our efforts to accelerate business growth and prosperity in the community. Legacy members represent a higher level of membership and include those companies with the desire to be among the top leaders in the business community. Gold, Silver and Bronze levels are available.
Legacy members receive additional benefits and recognition beyond standard membership, as well as place themselves with leading decision makers.
Contact Amanda Scrogham at 574.825.4300, amanda@middleburyinchamber.com for more information and benefits.
You were made to make a difference!
If you are interested in volunteering at the Middlebury Chamber & Visitors Center, please stop by, email us or call Amanda today.
201 S. Main Street; 574.825.4300; amanda@middleburyinchamber.com
AFFILIATED PARTNERS
Community Foundation of Elkhart County
Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County
Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Friends of the Library -
Middlebury Community Public Library
Friends of the Middlebury Parks
Friends of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail
Indiana Chamber of Commerce
LaGrange County CVB.org
Middlebury Art Council
Middlebury Fall Festival
Middlebury Summer Festival
Middlebury Town Center
Northern Indiana Coalition of Chambers
Northridge Dollars for Scholars
Town of Middlebury
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
HOW THE CHAMBER HELPS YOU
BUILD A NETWORK of people who think of and recommend you first. Membership gives you access to connect and engage with hundreds of business and community leaders with a shared vision that supports, recommends and does business with each other.
DEMONSTRATE CREDIBILITY to potential partners, vendors and customers. Consumers and business decision makers are significantly more likely to think positively of a company’s reputation and do business with them when they are a chamber member.
FIND QUALIFIED EMPLOYEES
for your business through networking and the Chamber’s online jobs board.
GENERATE VISIBILITY for your business in the community and with potential customers. Local chambers are the number one place consumers and business owners go to when looking for information in a community. Membership provides tremendous exposure, along with a multitude of opportunities to market your business and showcase your products and services to potential customers.
GROW YOUR BUSINESS by connecting with the right people at the right time. Access
business resources, including market data, economic profile and demographic information.
HAVE A VOICE. The Middlebury Chamber provides a vocal, unified voice for local business monitoring legislation, evaluating elected officials and political candidates, setting priorities and advocating on important issues affecting your business and the local business community.
MAKE AN IMPACT on the community. Your support allows the Middlebury Chamber to address critical business and community priorities and move the community forward. The Middlebury Chamber is vital in creating a climate where businesses can grow and thrive, a skilled workforce is available and where people want to live, worship, work and play.
SAVE MONEY with member discounts and services. Member businesses can save 20-25% on Constant Contact emarketing tools.
WORK SMARTER.
The Middlebury Chamber provides educational programming, training, communications and resources focused on timely business topics offering strategies, solutions and best practices, in addition to a multitude of marketing and economic resources and publications.
MEMBERSHIP LEVELS & INVESTMENT SCHEDULE
Number of Employees Annual (full time equivalents) Dues
3 or less
4 - 10
11 - 25
26 - 50
51 - 100
101 - 200
201 - 500
501 - 1000
1001 and above
$255
$335
$400
$480
$635
$765
$1135
$1495
$2210
Annual Investment Calculation
Artist
Associate
Banks
Banks (additional branch)
County Government
Health Care Institution
Non Business Member
Nonprofit
Seasonal Business
Senior Citizen
Town Government
Utilities (i.e. electric, gas, internet, phone)
$200
$110
$765
$135
$1035
$535
$75
Half of regular dues
Half of regular dues
$60
$135
$860
Annual investment for general chamber membership is determined by the number of active full-time employees working in the business. Businesses which employ substantial percentages of part-time employees should count one employee for each 40 hours worked in a week by part-time employees.
Note: Dues will renew 1 year from the month of initial dues payment. Chamber dues are tax deductible up to 97% as a necessary business expense.
Dutch Country Organics
Riivald Family - Knight of Destruction
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
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City State Zip
Telephone ( )
Fax ( )
Website
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Primary contact
Email address
Alternate contact
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Date company established locally
Business classification (i.e. restaurant, retail, manufacturing, etc.)
Method of Payment
Visa
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Expiration Date
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Dues based on chart provided $
No. of employees
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2024-2025 CHAMBER EVENTS
22nd Annual Member Dinner & Business Expo
June 10, 2025
56th Annual Summer Festival
Entertainment - Bluegrass & Country Gospel June 27 & 28, 2025
Teachers Appreciation Day August 8, 2025
Michael Jon DeHays/Imphormal
2024-2025 CHAMBER EVENTS
23rd Annual Golf Classic
August 8, 2025
24th Annual Fall Festival September 12 & 13, 2025
6th Annual Small Business Saturday November 22, 2025
Photo credit: Caitlyn Miller
Photo credit: Rob Scrogram
ABOUT MIDDLEBURY
Geography & History
Middlebury is a quiet and charming small town that sits on the banks of the Little Elkhart River in the middle of a mix of rolling hills and rural farmland. Here you will find a plethora of locally-owned stores that have been in the same families for generations along with pictureperfect Queen Anne and Gothic Revival homes.
Before the Europeans came to the region, the Miami and later the Potawatomi ruled the area. That changed in 1832, when the first settlers came from Middlebury, Vt. They chose this specific area because the rolling hills reminded them of Vermont.
Later, in 1841, the first Amish families came from Somerset County, Pa., and settled in the
countryside surrounding the town. The Town of Middlebury was chartered in 1834, and was finally incorporated in 1868. In 1888, the railroad came to Middlebury and began to diversify the town’s economy to include manufacturing as well as farming.
Today Middlebury is a town of 3,605 located in Elkhart County approximately 35 miles east of South Bend, 130 miles east of Chicago and 165 miles north of Indianapolis. Middlebury is nestled in Indiana’s Amish Country.
Conveniently close to major highways, railways and airports, where residents can have access to nearby urban centers of culture, entertainment and higher education without giving up the sense of belonging and the ability to unwind in a peaceful setting.
The Spruce House
Photo credit: Monica Yoder
Meadows Inn Bed & Breakfast
Essenhaus Inn & Conference Center
Photo credit: Gloria Salavarria
EDUCATION
Middlebury offers two private preschools and a full-service, year-round Boys & Girls Club, alongside the community school district which serves three townships in northeastern Elkhart County, covering 100 square miles.
Little Saints Child Care & Preschool Ministry
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 708 Wayne Avenue 825-2280
www.stpaulsmiddlebury.org
Joyful Journey
First United Methodist Church of Middlebury
720 S. Main Street 825-2585
www.fumcmiddlebury.org
Little Lites Daycare Ministry
Middlebury Church of the Brethren 507 Bristol Avenue (CR 8) 312-5369
Boys & Girls Club of Middlebury 56805 Northridge Drive 825-0873
www.bgcmiddlebury.org
Middlebury Community Schools
Administration Center 56853 Northridge Drive 825-9425
www.mcsin-k12.org
Enrollment: 4,367
The Middlebury Community School Corporation (MCS) serves three townships in northeastern Elkhart County, Indiana, covering 100 square miles in a beautiful semi-rural environment. The landscape ranges from hilly to gently rolling to flat plains, including woods, rivers, and a couple of small lakes. Quality housing developments and a thriving manufacturing economy have been major factors in the steady growth of the Middlebury school system over the past decades.
MCS thrives in a progressive, yet conservative environment. The influence of the large Amish and Mennonite settlement in the area makes MCS attractive to those seeking to raise a family in a place where traditional values and a sense of community remain very strong. Even though this small community is out of the fast track, it is still conveniently close to major highways, railways, and airports, where residents can have access to nearby urban centers of culture, entertainment, and higher education.
In terms of academics, we have exceptional teaching and learning taking place in all of our classrooms every day. Our Academic, Co-Curricular, and Athletic programs are some of the best in the state of Indiana. Our students spend enormous amounts of hours working in sports, music, science and math to compete with honors across the state. For a school district of our size, we have formidable students when it comes to competition. Because of our staff, programs, students, parents, school community and facilities, our schools draw over 400 students from surrounding school districts.
For academic success, we offer AP, ACP and Dual Credit Courses. We have a cohort of Early College students who will have enough college credits to receive an Associates Degree along with their high school diplomas. We have over 100 Career Center students who are also receiving certifications in the fields of welding, graphic design, computer technicians and CNA’s. We are changing the way we deliver an education that has to prepare students for future jobs that have not yet been created.
What an outstanding school year for Northridge High School Raider Athletics!
Over half of the students at Northridge High School played a sport or were involved in an athletic event at some point in the school year. Nearly 40 percent of the stu-
EDUCATION
dent-athletes achieve a 3.8 GPA or higher during their competition season. NHS continues to operate one of the most successful athletic programs in northern Indiana, with many teams finding success while competing well among some of the best teams in the state.
Northridge’s girls teams collectively won the Northern Lakes Conference all-sports trophy for the 2023-2024 school year. It’s the first time in 4 years and the 11th instance for this accomplishment. The Raider boys teams finished second in this effort.
Our Raider teams were very visible since the end of last school year, volunteering in a variety of ways within our community. Our coaches commit endless hours pursuing the highest possible amount of success. We always have a few new faces each season, but overall a majority of our coaches have spent several years if not many more pouring themselves into our student-athletes. We are so thankful for them.
The cross country boys squad won the NLC championship meet handily, won the Sectional, and advanced to the IHSAA State Finals. They finished 13th in the state of Indiana. The girls cross country team finished in a tie for the NLC season championship and won Sectionals. Girls Soccer started the season without a loss through 14 games and won the NLC, going undefeated. The Raiders won a regional game against Penn to clinch a spot in the Regional championship game for the first time in 10 seasons. Boys Soccer was ranked in the top 10 in the state midseason. They went undefeated in NLC play to win the conference title, going 7-0 for the first time in school history. Girls Volleyball won 19 games this season, continuing a 4-year streak of win total increases. Cheerleading had a very busy fall for first-year head coach, Angie Marshall. She took over the program in late spring, had a very busy summer of getting to know each other, and did an amazing job of getting this team out in the community. The Girls Golf team won all 7 regular season NLC match-
es, won the NLC tournament to clinch the season championship, the first since 2003, and advanced to the IHSAA State Finals as a team for the first time in school history. Boys Tennis, under first-year head coach Judy Pollock, defeated Concord to win the Sectional Championship, the third straight for the Raiders. For the third time in Chad Eppley’s three seasons, the Raider Football appeared in the Sectional Championship, the first such achievement in school history. Northridge tallied two postseason victories, totaling 10 such wins in the last 3 seasons.
The Northridge Girls Basketball team suffered only 3 defeats in the regular season. A thrilling win over conference rival Warsaw kick started a sectional title in the Middlebury Madhouse, giving the Raiders the first back-to-back such championships in school history. Northridge coach Doug Springer earned two outstanding milestones – his 350th career victory and 300th win at NHS. The Raider Wrestling squad had an impressive showing at our annual Northridge Raider Duals and competed well in the Elkhart Sectional. Travis Henke finished sixth in the State Finals, the first state placer under Raider coach Trenton Bixler. Northridge’s Boys Swimming team won the NLC championship meet and a Sectional title this season before placing 19th in the State Finals. Raider junior Sawyer Lehman earned ninth place at State finishes in two events with NLC and Sectional titles in both. The Raider Girls Swimming and Diving team placed second in the NLC and in the Sectional meet. Without any seniors on the roster, the Northridge boys basketball team shared the NLC title with regular season victories over the co-champions Concord and Mishawaka. Scott Radeker became just the third boys basketball coach to achieve 100 wins with the Raiders.
The Spring season extends beyond the end of the school year. Raider Softball tallied 14 wins, nearly double their total from last season under first-year coach Andrew Robinson. The Baseball team tied for
EDUCATION
second in the NLC. The Northridge track and field squads had competitive regular seasons, with the girls team winning the home invitational, Carmon Cripe Relays. Twelve Raiders will compete in the State Finals. The Girls Tennis team won a Sectional championship. Boys Golf placed second in the NLC season standings and are looking to repeat as Sectional Champions and return to the State Finals. Boys Volleyball won a Sectional match for the second straight year, and will join the other Raider teams as an official Indiana
High School Athletic Association sanctioned sport next school year.
The new Middlebury Activity Center on the Northridge High School campus is so close to completion. Students, coaches, school staff, and the community await a wonderful resource that will be used for decades!
Thank you for your support of Raider Athletics!
Dr. Jayson Snyder, Superintendent of Middlebury School Corporation
Jefferson Elementary School 18565 C.R. 20, Goshen K-3 Tigers
574-822-5399
Middlebury Elementary School 432 S. Main Street K-3 Middies 574-825-2158
Orchard View Elementary School 56734 Northridge Drive K-3 Eagles 574-825-5405
York Elementary School 13549 S.R. 120, Bristol K-3 Mustangs 574-825-5312
Dutch Country Market
Heritage Intermediate School 56647 Northridge Drive 4-5 Knights 574-822-5396
Northridge High School** 56779 Northridge Drive 9-12 Raiders 574-825-2142
*designated by the Indiana Middle Level Educators Association and The National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform as an official “School to Watch.”
**offers the Advanced Placement program.
INTERESTING FACTS
Middlebury Community Schools serves three townships in northeast Elkhart County, Indiana covering 100 square miles.
Middlebury Boys and Girls Club serves 300 kids every day.
WELCOME NEW RESIDENTS OF MIDDLEBURY
Water and Wastewater Bills:
Water and Wastewater bills are sent out around the 15th of each month and are due on the 10th of the following month. Please choose one of the following five payment options:
1. During business hours from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, pay in person at Town Hall located at 418 North Main St.
2. During and after business hours, Town Hall has a payment dropbox for your convenience.
3. Pay in person at the First State Bank of Middlebury, located at 111 South Main Street.
4. Mail payments to the Town of Middlebury, 418 North Main Street, Middlebury, IN 46540.
5. Online at www.middleburyin.com. If you prefer automatic withdrawal from your bank account, arrangements may be made by contacting 574-825-1499.
Note: If you decide to pay online when registering, you will need your customer number. Please enter the name exactly as it appears on the bill. When entering your address, only enter the street number, do not enter the street name.
There is a $2.95 charge to pay online.
Middlebury Parks and Trails
The Middlebury Parks and Recreation Department endeavors to maintain quality parks, trails and facilities to educate, entertain and encourage the residents of Middlebury to enjoy and support their outdoor resources, historic and cultural treasures and recreational opportunities. The Town has six parks:
• East Park - 108 North Main Street
• Krider World’s Fair Garden Park302 West Bristol Avenue
• Memorial Park - 105 North Main Street
• Olde Mill Park - 500 East Warren Street
• Riverbend Park - 511 East Warren Street
• Troyer Park - 815 Antler Drive
If you enjoy biking, walking, or running, you will find the top-rated trails in Indiana here in Middlebury. The Rails to Trails Conservancy says, “the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail steals the show in Indiana. If you want to experience genuine Midwestern Americana, this is it. Pastoral scenes of Amish life and fields of gold line the path. A must-visit trail!” Maps on pages 25, 30-31.
Fall Leaf Collection
Leaf collection for Town residents begins in Mid- to Late October. Please rake leaves to the curb, not on the roadway. The Town’s equipment cannot pick up sticks, brush, and grass clipping. Residents may drop these items off at the Middlebury Public Works Building located at 125 York Drive from April through December between 6:30am-7:00pm.
Garbage Removal Services and Recycling
The Town of Middlebury contracts with HIMCO Waste-Away Service IN for garbage removal services. One free trash receptacle is provided to each resident. HIMCO Services removes the garbage weekly on either Monday or Tuesday, depending upon where you live. All garbage must be contained to the inside of the trash receptacle and placed curbside by 6:30am. Tax monies pay for garbage removal; therefore, residents do not receive an invoice for the service.
If your trash container is damaged, please contact the Town Office at 574-825-1499 for a replacement.
Spring and Fall Townwide Cleanup
In the Spring and Fall of each year, the Town conducts a townwide cleanup. During this time, the Town accepts large-item disposal at the dumpsters located at 125 York Drive. Please check the Town’s Website, Facebook Page, and your monthly utility bill for the exact dates.
Useful Information/Links
Website: www.middleburyin.com
Email: info@middleburyin.com
Facebook
Town Hall Phone: 574-825-1499
GOVERNMENT
Administration — Town Hall
418 N Main Street • 825-1499
Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. www.middleburyin.com
The Town of Middlebury has five departments, a Clerk-Treasurer with two Deputy Clerks, a Town Manager and a five-member Town Council. The Town Council members are elected, and they function as the executive and legislative branches of government. The Town Council also authorizes the hiring of staff to implement the operations in our community. Public meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
Town Manager
Mary Cripe townmanager@middleburyin.com
Administrative Assistant admasst@middleburyin.com
Clerk-Treasurer
ChaLi’ Kuiper clerk@middleburyin.com
Deputy Clerk
Chanda Dilks accountspayable@middleburyin.com
GIS Coordinator
Timothy Spradlin locator@middleburyin.com
Town Council Members
Miranda Cripe, President Jeremy Yahwak, Vice President
The Town of Middlebury’s Public Works Department is the caretaker of the cemetery.
Parks & Recreation Department
504 E Warren Street 825-3283
Manager Tom Enright
Endeavors to maintain quality parks, trails, and facilities to educate, entertain, and encourage the citizens of Middlebury to enjoy and support their outdoor resources, historic and cultural treasures, and recreational opportunities while preserving, protecting and promoting natural areas and inhabitants in accordance with serving as good stewards of our environment.
The Park Board is the policy-making authority for the Parks & Recreation Department. The board consists of four Town of Middlebury citizens appointed by the Town Council for a four-year term. Public meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
Park Board Members
John McKee — President Elma Chapman — Vice President Monica Yoder — Secretary Barb Spice — Member
Police Department 418 N Main Street 825-9111
Middlebury Police Department is a full service, 24-hour department with eight full time officers, one administrative assistant and nine reserve officers.
GOVERNMENT
Public Works Department
125 York Drive
825-1493
Superintendent
Robert Miller
The mission of the Public Works Department is to provide the town with the most efficient and effective services possible to keep things flowing smoothly in our community.
The Department consists of five employees that do the following for our community:
• Streets and sidewalk inspection, maintenance and repair.
• Snow removal, leaf pickup and street sweeping.
• Inspection, maintenance and repair of public water lines and sewer pipes.
• Fire hydrant maintenance, repair and flushing.
• Street lamp maintenance and repair.
• Grave openings, closings and cemetery grounds maintenance.
Redevelopment Commission
418 N Main Street
825-1499
Promotes and encourages business growth and expansion, while appropriating land use and improvements within the town. Public meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at Town Hall.
Redevelopment Commission
Chuck Teall — President
Gary Cripe — Vice President
Don Shuler — Secretary
Don Anderson — Member
Scott Miller — Member
John Mansfield — Member
Tree Board
418 N Main Street
825-1499
A volunteer board appointed by the Town Council that participates in the care, preservation, pruning, planting and removal of trees in the public right of way and on Town owned property. Under the guidance of the Tree Board, Middlebury has been certified as a Tree City USA community for over 20 years. Public meeting on the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Tree Board
Doug Yoder – President
Larry Carlson – Member
Jordan Haarer – Member
Eric Risser – Member
Al Spice – Member
Mike Miller – Member
Wastewater Department
121 York Drive
825-1496
Foreman
Cole McClain
Responsible for operating and maintaining the wastewater treatment facility along with 11 wastewater lift stations. Wastewater from homes and businesses in our community flows through more than 28 miles of sewer mains, eventually discharging into the town’s wastewater treatment plant.
Water Department
516 Eugene Drive
825-1497
Water Operator
Steve Cripe
Focused on providing quality water to your tap for worry-free use. Besides operating and maintaining the water treatment plant and four water towers, the department installs and repairs water meters and backflow prevention devices, reads the water meters monthly, inspects for leaks, responds to complaints regarding high water usage and inspects new water connections.
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY
To date, Middlebury’s economy has been largely based on farming and manufacturing. Located within minutes of the I-80/I-90 turnpike connection, Middlebury is an ideal location for any distribution route.
A comprehensive plan for economic development was released in 2020, which took into account infrastructure needs, land use planning and downtown redevelopment while balancing the needs of the large Amish population with that of the broader community.
While maintaining a strong and vibrant manufacturing sector, Middlebury is expanding its public-private partnerships in order to recruit and support three areas of focus: sustainable agriculture and food production, alternative sources of energy and advanced manufacturing automation.
In 2021, the Chamber was awarded a United States Department of Agriculture Grant to incubate rural businesses. The grant provided for the creation of the Middlebury Makers Rural Business Incubator. The effort for a rural business incubator is born out of the need for a unique, specialized, and supportive physical environment and structural and technical assistance to encourage and grow small businesses in the rural context. Five start-up businesses completed the program; three are now opening their small businesses in the Town of Middlebury. Let the Chamber support your vision of being a business owner. The Chamber has affordable space, co-working areas, business 101 workshops, and private business counseling. Also, free access to WIFI, meeting room, shared office equipment, copier, printer, and projector. Contact the Chamber to discuss your business start-up possibilities. Carmen Carpenter at carmencarpenter@middleburyinchamber.com or 574-825-4300.
2024 marks eight years since the launch of the Vibrant Communities Action Agenda for Elkhart County – a development of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County and the Elkhart County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The Vibrant Communities initiative is an opportunity to strengthen Elkhart County’s great communities. Together, citizens continue efforts to implement community Vibrant Communities Action Agenda items to ensure everyone has a great place to live, work and raise a family.
INTERESTING FACTS ECONOMY
Middlebury’s economy is based on farming, manufacturing, and tourism.
INDUSTRY
This small town with only 3,466 residents (2020 Census Bureau) grows to 12,000 to 15,000 people daily through RV manufacturing, schools, and other industries. It has been said, “When it comes to business, this small town can out manufacture cities twice its size.”
much more!
PARKS & TRAILS
Great trails and beautiful parks are the gems you will find in Middlebury. From elaborate and carefully manicured gardens to playgrounds and natural settings, our parks have it all. And our growing trail system connects us with neighboring towns and cities.
Krider World’s Fair Garden
This garden just celebrated 91 years and consists of several individual gardens including the Quilt Garden, the Memorial Garden, and the Rose Garden. There are ponds, a waterfall, two pavilions, pathways, and a glider for relaxing amidst the scenery. The park is a tribute to the Krider Nursery which was the town’s largest business for nearly a century, gaining fame with its patented thornless roses. In 1933 the company provided an elaborate garden for the Chicago’s Century of Progress exhibition, and several of the features of that garden were brought back to Middlebury, including the Dutch windmill and the Giant Toadstools.
Riverbend Park & Olde Mill Park
These parks, located on the banks of the Little Elkhart River, provide a natural setting, a playground, and a system of trails and boardwalks through the riparian landscape. From the Olde Mill trail you can admire the oldest building in Middlebury. In Riverbend there is a fishing platform (catch and release), a picnic pavilion, and the newest feature, Trail Tales, a series of stations, each containing pages of a book. As you walk the trail, you read the book. The stories are changed on a regular basis. Each August Riverfest takes place, a one-day celebration of all things related to the river and our environment. Riverbend is also the site of the Summer Fun program for children.
The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail and Ridge Run Trails
The Pumpkinvine Trail is a 17-mile multipurpose rail-trail that connects Goshen, Middlebury, and Shipshewana. The Ridge Run Trail and the Wayne Street Trail connect to the Pumpkinvine, forming a 5K
loop, as well as providing access to local businesses, parks, and schools. Bikers, hikers, and runners get a workout, children stay active in the great outdoors, and employees commute to their factories and businesses. Birdwatchers search for wildlife and families take leisurely trips to local parks and ice cream shops.
The final section of the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail between county roads 20 and 35 in Middlebury is now open to the public. Walkers, runners and cyclists can now travel easily between Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana without leaving the trail safe. The vision, decades in the making, Is finally complete. It is not easy to fully express gratitude for the decades of dedication and resources offered by so many organizations and individuals. Together, we have created something exceptional.
*Names and locations of all the parks and trails may be found on the Town Map on pages 30-31.
COUNTY MAP
Map courtesy of Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Heritage Trail
Audio Driving Tours Available at Visitors Center in Elkhart
Middlebury Community Schools, where students thrive in exciting and challenging educational atmospheres. MCS offers AP and dual credit classes as well as state ranked athletic teams, state competitive choir and band programs and state competitive engineering programs.
Jefferson Elementary School, K-3 Heritage Intermediate School, 4-5