Is it too early to be looking ahead to the 2025 Pioneer Event?

Nah!

The 2024 Pioneer Event was successful in a lot of ways. It gained popularity and prominence in our region and in the state.

In preparation for the event, we received more nominations for the Pioneer of the Year award and expanded our award categories to honor more pioneers. This is where you come in.

Do you know someone who has made an impact in our 11-county region? Have they done so through community engagement, entrepreneurship, social advocacy or creativity? Then, click here to nominate the best of the best.

For examples of the type of individuals we are looking for, check out our Pioneer Starts Here video series.

As the Pioneer Starts Here (PSH) movement grows, we want to continue to make the event larger in scale and more engaging with our community.

We were able to attract a larger audience at this past year’s event, resulting in an increase in live votes for our 2024 Pioneer of the Year, James Khan.

The Pioneer Event is an evening celebrating our region and recognizing a few great individuals who made a name for themselves here in Northeast Indiana.

The impact of our awards can be felt with just simple acknowledgment. Ariana McGee, CEO and Founder of Navigate Maternity and the 2023 Pioneer of the Year, said before presenting this year’s award that winning last year’s award was the “spark” for her and her company.

After winning the award in 2023, she gained quite a bit of press and has partnered with two hospitals in the Midwest, including one in Fort Wayne. Additionally, it allowed her to get the stamp of approval from other business leaders and get her foot in the door with key decision-makers here in our region.

The 2025 Pioneer Event looks to be even bigger and better than in years past. We look forward to celebrating and promoting the pioneering spirit that drives Northeast Indiana.

-SACKETT!!!