When people think about community partnerships, they often think about logos on signs or advertisements around a facility.
But the best partnerships go much deeper than that.
They create connections, support local organizations, and bring people together in ways that benefit everyone involved.
That’s exactly what has happened between PSM Icehouse and Cookie Cottage. What began as a sponsorship has grown into a partnership built on shared values, local pride, and a commitment to strengthening the Fort Wayne community.
From custom cookies and game-day promotions to welcoming Spacemen players behind the counter, the relationship has become an example of what can happen when two community-focused organizations come together.
A Fort Wayne Tradition
Since 1989, Cookie Cottage has been delighting Fort Wayne with homemade cookies, family recipes, and a commitment to quality.
Founded by sisters Theresa and Maureen, the bakery began in a small storefront with little more than family recipes, encouragement from friends, and a passion for creating something special. Over the years, Cookie Cottage has grown into one of Fort Wayne’s most recognizable local businesses. Today, customers recognize the bakery by its signature cookie box and its high-quality cookies, especially its customer favorite, the Iced Sugar Cookie.
While the business has grown, its commitment to the community has remained the same.
“Cookie Cottage has built its business on strong family values and a lasting commitment to its customers and the Fort Wayne community,” says Maricela Madden, Office Manager at Cookie Cottage. “As a locally rooted company, Cookie Cottage is proud to support the organizations and events that contribute to the strength and character of the community it calls home.”
That community-first mindset made partnering with PSM Icehouse a natural fit.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
When PSM Icehouse began looking for opportunities to collaborate with more local businesses, Guest Services Coordinator Joe Kotarba reached out to Cookie Cottage with an idea.
The partnership started with Cookie Cottage coupons featured on the back of every Fort Wayne Spacemen home game ticket, creating an opportunity for hockey families to discover one of Fort Wayne’s favorite local bakeries.
From there, the relationship continued to grow.
Cookie Cottage created custom cookies celebrating the Fort Wayne Spacemen, baked cookies for the Space Showcase, partnered on social media, and became a visible part of the PSM Icehouse community.
For Cookie Cottage, the decision to partner wasn’t just about marketing. It was about connecting with local families.
“We carefully evaluate partnership opportunities and the potential benefits they may provide,” says Madden. “One reason we chose to move forward is that PSM Icehouse welcomes many families from a wide range of communities, giving us an opportunity to introduce Cookie Cottage to both those who are familiar with our business and those who have not yet discovered us.”
More Than Hockey.
More Than Cookies.
One of the partnership’s most memorable moments didn’t happen at the rink.
Instead, it happened inside Cookie Cottage.
Spacemen Head Coach Kaleigh Schrock and several players traded hockey sticks for cookie trays as they stepped behind the counter to decorate cookies, help customers, and spend time with the Cookie Cottage team.
The experience gave customers an opportunity to meet the players in a completely different setting while allowing the players to connect with a local business that actively supports them throughout the season.
“One of the most meaningful aspects of the partnership has been the opportunity to build relationships with the players and staff,” says Madden. “We have welcomed players into our shop, where they briefly became part of the Cookie Cottage team and engaged directly with our customers, something our customers don’t see every day.”
“The players participated enthusiastically and interacted with customers in a professional and approachable manner.”
“Community partnerships like this help our players understand they’re part of something bigger than hockey. Spending time with the Cookie Cottage team and meeting customers was a great experience, and we’re grateful for businesses that genuinely support our players and our community.”
– Kaleigh Schrock, Fort Wayne Spacemen Head Coach & PSM Icehouse General Manager
Growing Together
For Joe Kotarba, the partnership has become one of his favorite collaborations.
“It has been one of my favorite partnerships,” says Kotarba. “They’ve been fun, open-minded, and incredibly supportive. You can tell they genuinely care about the Spacemen and want our players to succeed. It’s been exciting to see the relationship continue to grow.”
Cookie Cottage has also seen customers visit the bakery after receiving coupons at Spacemen games, making the partnership beneficial for both organizations.
“It has also been rewarding to see our efforts make an impact, with customers visiting Cookie Cottage using coupons from an event held at the Icehouse,” says Madden.
Just as importantly, both organizations have built something that goes beyond promotions. They’ve built relationships.
Strengthening the Fort Wayne Community
For Cookie Cottage, supporting local sports is another way of giving back to the community that has supported the bakery for more than three decades.
“Supporting local sports and organizations is an important way for Cookie Cottage to invest in the community that has supported us,” says Madden. “As Fort Wayne continues to grow, we want to grow alongside it by strengthening local partnerships and showing families that Cookie Cottage is committed to making a positive impact.”
It’s a philosophy shared by PSM Icehouse.
Every day, the facility brings together athletes, families, coaches, volunteers, and local businesses. Partnerships like this help create experiences that extend beyond the ice while strengthening connections throughout the community.
For businesses considering partnering with PSM Icehouse, Madden offers simple advice.
“Partnering with PSM Icehouse is a meaningful way to support the community while increasing your business’s visibility. The Icehouse brings together families, athletes, coaches, and fans from across the area, creating valuable opportunities to connect with both new and returning customers.”
At PSM Icehouse, we believe the strongest partnerships aren’t measured by signage or sponsorship packages alone.
They’re measured by the relationships they create, the communities they strengthen, and the opportunities they provide for local organizations to grow together.
Interested in Partnering with PSM Icehouse?
Whether you’re looking to connect with local families, support youth sports, or increase your visibility within the Fort Wayne community, we’d love to start the conversation.
Craving something sweet?
Visit Cookie Cottage to learn more about their delicious cookies, custom treats, and Fort Wayne tradition.