Alvin and Elsie Miller, owners of Shipshewana-based Davis Mercantile, are this year's recipients of the Will Koch Indiana Tourism Leadership Award.
Announced annually by the Indiana Destination Development Corp., the award is named for Will Koch. Koch was the longtime owner and president of Holiday World & Splashin' Safari.
“Like Will, Alvin and Elsie Miller are true entrepreneurs who strengthen and enrich the tourism industry,” said Amy Howell, IDDC interim CEO, in a press release. “They have helped shape the Shipshewana community with an asset like the Davis Mercantile.”
With a vision for a multi-complex retail space, Alvin and Elsie Miller purchased the Old Davis Hotel in the 1980s. Construction began on what is now called the Davis Mercantile. On Feb. 28, 2004, a fire broke out and burned down the Davis Mercantile along with a block of several businesses in Shipshewana.
With history and investment lost, the Millers were unsure what to do. Letters of support poured in from around the world, and the Millers decided to rebuild. With the help of the local Amish community, the Millers were able to rebuild and expand, even adding an indoor carousel on the third floor.
Today, the Davis Mercantile houses over 20 stores ranging from quilt makers to toy stores, along with food and entertainment. Shipshewana and the Davis Mercantile welcome over 2 million visitors annually.
“It’s an incredible honor to receive this prestigious award,” the Millers said. “We are truly humbled and grateful to everyone who has supported us along the way.”
Sonya Nash, Shipshewana/LaGrange County Convention & Visitors Bureau executive director, praised the Millers and Davis Mercantile.
“The Miller family has been instrumental in making the Davis Mercantile and Shipshewana a place for everyone to come and be treated like family,” Nash said.
