11-03-2025
Hanselmans receive Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – The Dubois County Visitors Center (DCVC) shared in February that back in October 2024 the Hanselman family, owners of Hanselmans Incorporated, Schnitzelbank Restaurant and Catering, Hampton Inn and Klubhaus61, were recipients of the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award.
Officials with the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC) explain 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 and Splashin' Safari.
Remarkable Women: Jennifer Parker
The IDDC explains Betty and Larry Hanselman started out with a tavern and a dance hall in 1960 and 'laid the foundation' for a tourism hub in Jasper. 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 and Catering as the centerpiece. Officials with the IDDC say 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.'
New pilot program at VHS serving veterans
'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.
The IDDC says 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.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
