Ball State students kick off research effort in Kosciusko County
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Ball State University students have begun a two-year research project to assess how the orthopedic industry influences the area economy and recommend ways to improve the Winona Avenue Corridor in Warsaw.
The twofold endeavor kicked off Feb. 26 when economics students visited the community, according to OrthoWorx, a nonprofit that promotes the development of the orthopedic industry in the area.
“Through this project, the Ball State Urban Planning program continues its history of engaging with communities throughout the state of Indiana,” John West, chair of the university’s Department of Urban Planning, said in a news release. “Students have benefited enormously from the generosity of our partners in Kosciusko County. We hope that our students and faculty can provide OrthoWorx and its partners with useful insights to build on the success of the Orthopedic Capital of the World.”
The visit was coordinated by OrthoWorx, the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, the city of Warsaw and the Kosciusko Economic Development Corp. Students heard from a panel of community leaders, toured medical device maker Zimmer Biomet and met business owners along the Winona Avenue Corridor.
Winona Avenue is considered a key corridor connecting the Village at Winona to Warsaw’s downtown. The corridor study aims to make recommendations on how to improve quality-of-place amenities to attract a talented workforce. Students also will examine transportation and housing options.
The other part of the research project is a supply chain study of the local orthopedics industry economy, OrthoWorx said. The students will examine the current state of the health care industry, Kosciusko County’s orthopedic sector, potential changes ahead brought on by technology, and local development strategies.
The research is expected to add insights toward the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative and Grace College Catalyst Corridor initiatives already underway.
The Ball State students involved in the project will intermittently visit the area to conduct research and present their findings.