The Owners of the Schnitzelbank Restaurant Receive the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award from Lt. Governor; Visit Indy's Chief Destination Experience Officer Receives Visit Indiana Leadership Award

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) announced today at the Indiana Landmarks Center that the Hanselman family, owners of Hanselmans Incorporated, Schnitzelbank Restaurant & Catering, Hampton Inn and Klubhaus61, are this year's recipients of the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award.

What started as a restaurant, became a destination built on Hoosier Hospitality. Betty and Larry Hanselman began their journey with the simple idea to take over a tavern and dance hall in 1960 and laid the foundation for a tremendously impactful tourism hub in Jasper, Ind. Co-owned by Betty and Larry's children, Hanselmans Incorporated now features the No. 1 Hampton Inn in Indiana and a full service event center in Klubhaus61, with the Schnitzelbank Restaurant & Catering as the centerpiece. The Hanselmans credit the Koch family for sparking tourism in the area and creating an environment that allowed them to build their business and contribute to Indiana's tourism industry to the extent that they do today.

The Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award is presented annually and is the highest tourism honor given by the state. The award is named for the late Will Koch, long-time owner and president of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari.

Visit Indiana and the Koch family established the honor to pay tribute to Will Koch's many meaningful contributions to tourism, business and society, recognize outstanding accomplishments in economic and community development through tourism and showcase the economic importance of Indiana's tourism industry.

"Tourism is an integral part of Indiana’s economy," said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Indiana is fortunate to have so many great opportunities to play and stay like the tourism hub that Hanselmans Incorporated has built in Jasper. Places and spaces are key parts of  'quality of place,' but it is our people that truly make Indiana a premiere destination."

From the various attractions that bring people to Jasper and Dubois County to each and every person involved in their day-to-day operations, the Hanselman family is dedicated to making their community a place where visitors want to come and residents feel like family. The family regularly goes above and beyond, even hand delivering a catering order to the U.S. Capitol Building.

"That's some of our Hoosier Hospitality too, but it's the American thing to do too," said Gail Hettinger, CFO of Hanselmans Incorporated. "You hope when you're in need of something, that people will jump in to help you too."

"The Hanselman family eats, sleeps, and celebrates tourism in all of their different endeavors and it is truly remarkable," said Whitney Lubbers, Executive Director of Visit Dubois County.

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. 

A video of this year's Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award can be found here.

Lt. Gov. Crouch presented Susie Townsend, Chief Destination Experience Officer of Visit Indy with the Visit Indiana Leadership Award (award accepted by Roberta Tisdul on Townsend's behalf).

For over 40 years, Townsend has been deeply dedicated to the tourism community. She began her career as Director of Convention Sales at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis for seven years, then taught at IUPUI. In 1989, she joined Visit Indy as Senior Vice President and was promoted to her current role in January. Susie is a founding board member of Indy's Women in Sports and Events (WISE) chapter and played a crucial role in the tourism recovery task force during the pandemic, helping Central Indiana navigate the economic fallout. She led a coalition of 100 key tourism partners to develop a comprehensive three-year plan to revitalize the industry.

One of Townsend's most defining legacies for Central Indiana tourism is the creation of the Recognition of Service Excellence (ROSE) Awards, which is now approaching its 34th year and has recognized nearly 300 individuals from the region, all under her leadership. She was vital to the resounding success of the 2012 Super Bowl, serving as an executive on loan to the host committee. She launched the “Super Service” program to ensure a unified approach within the hospitality community. This model is used by external partners like the Indianapolis International Airport, the Indiana State Fairgrounds and over 23,000 Indiana hospitality workers have completed the program.

Susie’s impact on tourism extends far beyond her 35 years at Visit Indy. Under her leadership, the city has successfully attracted and retained major annual conventions, benefiting the economic landscape across the Hoosier state. Notable conventions such as the National FFA Organization, Gen Con, Performance Racing Industry and FDIC International generate an annual economic impact of nearly $225 million, with commitments extending to 2033.

Townsend's impact has been immense, her leadership and education are invaluable, and through her efforts, she has set the bar for what it means to be a leader in Indiana's tourism industry. IDDC is pleased to be able to show our appreciation for all of the work she has done.