Jill and Warren Schimpff, 4th-generation owners of Schimpff's Confectionery in Jeffersonville, were honored as the 2026 recipients of the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award.
“The Schimpff family’s remarkable longevity in business shows how dedication, craftsmanship, and community commitment can build something that lasts for generations,” said Gov. Braun. "Today we recognize their hard work and their impact on their local community as well as the state of Indiana.”
The Schimpff family came to the United States from Germany in the mid-1800s, bringing candy-making traditions that would shape their future. Schimpff’s Confectionery opened in Jeffersonville in April 1891 and has remained in the same location ever since. Warren and Jill have carried the family legacy forward as fourth-generation stewards of the business. They have continued to grow Schimpff’s, welcoming new generations of visitors.
Warren and Jill Schimpff’s leadership has not only preserved this historic confectionery but propelled it into the national spotlight. Schimpff’s had a feature with Disney and was named Best Candy Store from USA Today.
Warren and Jill Schimpff are now being honored as the recipients of the state’s highest tourism recognition, the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award, reflecting their decades of stewardship and the remarkable 135-year legacy they continue to uphold.
The Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award is the state's highest tourism honor, named for the late Will Koch, long-time owner and president of Holiday World and Splashin' Safari. This award recognizes individuals whose contributions, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to community development have significantly advanced tourism across Indiana.
Nominations for the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award are submitted by community leaders and members of Indiana's travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. A panel reviews submissions.
Sonya Nash, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Shipshewana/LaGrange County, was also recognized with the Visit Indiana Leadership Award today.
For more than 40 years, Sonya Nash has led and advocated for tourism in Indiana. As CEO of the LaGrange County Convention and Visitors Bureau, she guides a rural destination that welcomes more than 3.5 million visitors each year and generates more than $300 million in economic impact, all while preserving the authenticity and cultural heritage that define the region.
Eighteen tourism industry representatives were recognized with a Hoosier Hospitality Award for their high level of service in tourism-related jobs at hotels, restaurants, attractions and other destinations.
The 2026 Hoosier Hospitality winners are:
Terril Beaver, Front Desk and Guest Services, Residence Inn Indianapolis South, Marion County
Anna Cantrell, Assistant Manager, Bally’s Evansville – Cavanaugh’s On the River, Vanderburgh County
Teresa Galley, Executive Director, Wabash County Museum, Wabash County
Joseph Gammage II, Front Drive Operations Agent, South Bend International Airport, St. Joseph County
Whitney Habig, Visitor Services and Community Engagement Specialist, Festival Country Indiana, Johnson County
Olivia Head, Owner, Oinking Acres Farm Rescue and Sanctuary, Hendricks County
Dragana Ilic, General Manager, Holiday Inn Express and Suites Columbus Edinburgh, Bartholomew County
Lori Jessee, Visitor Specialist, Destination Muncie, Delaware County
Micaela Mendel, Assistant General Manager, Pinheads Brownsburg, Hendricks County
Josh Priest, General Manager, Ron Lahody Trust Your Butcher Steakhouse & Butcher's Lounge, Delaware County
Ben Rewers, Lobby Ambassador, Hampton Inn by Hilton Fishers, Hamilton County
Yara Rodriguez, General Manager, Home2Suites Indianapolis South Greenwood, Marion County
Tony Seiler, Executive Director, H.J. Ricks Centre for the Arts, Hancock County
Jerry Simo, Guest Services, Visit Columbus Indiana, Bartholomew County
Heather Steele, Assistant Park Manager, Chain O’Lakes State Park, Noble County
Kimberly Thomas, ADA Coordinator, Indianapolis Airport Authority, Marion County
Ryan Trisler, Team Manager, Deep River Grinders Vintage Baseball, Lake County
Barb Wietfeldt, Team Member and Store Supervisor, Kilwins Chocolates Fudge and Ice Cream Shop, Allen County
“Across Indiana, individuals and businesses are proving how tourism can fuel economic vitality. It starts with a visit—and the experiences, connections and investments that follow can drive local growth, inspire community pride, and strengthen commerce in every corner of our state,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich.
Nominations for the Hoosier Hospitality Awards and the Visit Indiana Leadership Award are submitted by community members and destination partners and are reviewed and selected by IDDC.
