How Visit Wabash County Strengthens Community, Economy, and Quality of Life

By: Christine Flohr

As 2025 comes to a close, Visit Wabash County stands as a driving force behind community pride, economic vitality, and countywide storytelling. This year’s accomplishments highlight a simple truth: a strong tourism office is essential, not only for attracting visitors, but for shaping a thriving, resilient community.

From top-notch marketing to meaningful experiences and expanded programs, Visit Wabash County has continued to elevate the county’s image and enrich daily life for residents. It serves as both a community connector and an economic catalyst, ensuring Wabash County remains a place people want to visit, invest in, and ultimately call home.

“The team at Visit Wabash County creates annual operational plans that drive our scope of work,” says Executive Director Christine Flohr. “Every success is the result of strategic programs built to benefit the whole county.”

Visit Wabash County has continued to champion local stories, landscapes, and experiences through strong digital content and compelling design. This year’s marketing efforts expanded the county’s reach, inspired travel, and nurtured a renewed sense of pride among residents who see their home showcased with creativity and heart.

One of the year’s major milestones was the launch of the ThriveIN Wabash County Podcast, which debuted with 31 episodes. With three co-hosts, the conversations celebrated the people shaping the county — from entrepreneurs breaking new ground to leaders redefining what’s possible.

Looking ahead, Visit Wabash County announced The Woodward Chronicles podcast, launching in 2026. This new series, created with Wabash County Historian Emeritus Ronald Woodward, will preserve and share the most memorable and meaningful stories from the county’s past.

“These platforms mark an important shift,” says Flohr, “Wabash County is not just participating in media, it’s creating it.”

The Wabash County Adventure Series continued to engage residents and draw regional visitors through experiences that promote health, exploration, and community connection. Signature programs include free cycling & hiking clubs — Liking for Biking and Miles & Smiles — along with the Dam to Dam Bike Ride and the Wabash Run the River Half Marathon/10K/5K.

These efforts boost tourism, support trail development, and position Wabash County as a destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts.

Under the nonprofit arm Destination Wabash County, Inc., the team led charitable programs that enhanced the county’s appearance and spirit. From beautification efforts to volunteer-driven experiences, these initiatives highlight the powerful role a tourism office can play in strengthening community pride.

Financial contributions made to Destination Wabash County directly support these programs, allowing donors to make a lasting impact on the place they love.

Visit Wabash County played a key role in marketing initiatives that promote workforce and population growth. Efforts included supporting the Wabash County Fellowship Program and collaborating with LiveIN Wabash County, a project that shares the stories of residents who have chosen to return or relocate to the area.

By amplifying these voices, the tourism office helps position Wabash County as an inviting place not only to visit, but to build a life.

Events remain a core component of Visit Wabash County’s mission. This year’s Trolley No.85 tours, Bluegrass at Hopewell music event, community events, and countywide initiatives—such as The Great March Cleanup—bring people together while showcasing the county’s hospitality and charm. These experiences shape first impressions and inspire return visits, while strengthening community bonds among residents.

Tourism’s value extends far beyond travel; it fuels economic development, civic pride, and long-term opportunity.

Visitor spending stimulates restaurants, shops, attractions, and lodging by generating tax revenue and supporting local businesses. These dollars reduce the financial burden on residents and enable ongoing investment in community services, beautification, and infrastructure.

A thriving destination management organization brings together government, nonprofits, chambers, schools, and businesses. This collaboration drives innovation, maximizes resources, and strengthens the community at every level.

The Visit Wabash County team, in addition to Flohr, includes Tourism Manager Jennifer Long-Dillon, Experiences Manager Stephanie Rogers, Content Manager Biz Bishop, and Creative Lead Brittany Riner.

The accomplishments of Visit Wabash County, in partnership with numerous nonprofit and local government agencies, this year, reflect the transformative power of tourism. By strengthening the local economy, elevating the county’s identity, and building meaningful experiences, the organization continues to shape the story of a community on the rise.

With the ongoing work of Visit Wabash County and Destination Wabash County, residents and visitors alike can look forward to a future where connection, creativity, and community pride continue to flourish. Wabash County is growing stronger, and tourism is leading the way.

This story was created in partnership with INPUT Fort Wayne.