STATEHOUSE (Nov. 13, 2025) – State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) recently joined the Indiana Destination Development Corporation at a ceremony to honor Alvin and Elsie Miller of Shipshewana with this year's Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award.
Alvin and Elsie Miller own the Davis Mercantile, a multi-complex retail space in Shipshewana that was originally the Old Davis Hotel. In 2004, a fire broke out and burned down the Davis Mercantile. King said with the help of the local Amish community, the Millers were able to rebuild and the building is now the home to over 20 unique stores ranging from quilt makers to toy stores along with food and entertainment. Shipshewana and the Davis Mercantile welcomes over 2 million visitors annually.
"Tourism is such a big part of not only Shipshewana, but also Indiana as a whole," King said. "Davis Mercantile brings together and spotlights many local artisans and vendors within our community. The Millers have created and sustained a special place where everyone feels welcome and they can come to eat, shop and support Hoosier small businesses."
Nominations for the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award are submitted by community leaders and members of Indiana's travel, tourism and hospitality industry. The award is presented annually and is the highest tourism honor given by the state. It's 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 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.
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State Rep. Joanna King (R-Middlebury) represents House District 49,
which includes a portion of Elkhart County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: Elsie Miller (left) and her husband Alvin Miller (right) hold the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award after receiving it from the Indiana Destination Development Corporation during a ceremony on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at the Indianapolis Zoo. The Millers own the Davis Mercantile in Shipshewana, which houses over 20 stores along with food and entertainment.
