Youth Link Southern Indiana Brings Readers with Leaders to Pike Elementary with Help from City Council Members

by with No Comment Member News

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (October 14, 2026) — Youth Link Southern Indiana brought its Readers with Leaders program to Pike Elementary School on Tuesday, October 13, with special guest volunteers Donna Reed and Bill Burns, members of the City Council, spending the afternoon connecting with students through reading and conversation.

During the event, Reed and Burns talked with students about the role of the City Council and how local government serves the community. They then split into two groups, where each council member read a book aloud to their group of students. The students took their turn reading a book back to the volunteers, giving them an opportunity to practice their reading skills.

To wrap up the experience, each student received a book of their own to take home, encouraging them to keep reading long after the event ended.

Readers with Leaders invites community leaders and local businesses to engage with students through a one-time, after-school reading experience. By bringing adults and students together around books, the program helps build connections, encourage literacy, and foster a lifelong love of learning.

Through programs like Readers with Leaders, Youth Link Southern Indiana continues its mission to remove the barriers to student success by connecting students with the resources, relationships, and experiences they need to thrive.

Youth Link welcomes local businesses interested in sponsoring future Readers with Leaders events. Businesses can contact Youth Link Southern Indiana to learn more about bringing this experience to students in their community.

About Youth Link Southern Indiana

Youth Link Southern Indiana works to remove the barriers to student success by partnering with schools, families, and community organizations. Through academic support, mental health services, basic needs assistance, and enrichment opportunities, Youth Link helps students access the resources they need to succeed in school and beyond.

 

Media Contact:

Christina Gutowski

Development and Marketing Manager

cgutowski@youthlinksi.org

812-280-0028

Youth Link Southern Indiana Receives $500,000 to Sustain Youth Programs and Build Organizational Capacity

by with No Comment Member News

Jeffersonville, Ind. – Indiana Youth Institute (IYI) has awarded Youth Link Southern Indiana a grant totaling $500,000. The funding will help Youth Link strengthen programs serving young people in southern Indiana and build the organizational capacity needed to deepen its impact over the next several years.

IYI made the grants in connection with Strengthening Youth Programs in Indiana (SYPI), an initiative Lilly Endowment Inc. launched in 2023. The initiative seeks to help youth-serving organizations working throughout the state improve their abilities to promote the academic, physical, and social well-being of young people, ages five through 18.  

With this support, Youth Link will be able to sustain program expenses for resource coordinators, Centerstone Mental Health services, and Extended Day Learning scholarships. It will also support capacity building expenses including fundraising efforts and data collection. The work is expected to help Youth Link continue to provide programming that breaks down barriers to student success.

“We are grateful for this investment in our organization and in the young people we serve,” said Tricia Wall, Executive Director of Youth Link. “This grant will allow us to strengthen the systems, programs, and partnerships that help youth thrive.”

Youth Link Southern Indiana is one of 168 youth-serving organizations awarded SYPI grants totaling more than $40 million. A full list of grant recipients is available here.

 

About Youth Link Southern Indiana
Youth Link Southern Indiana works within schools to remove barriers to student success by connecting young people and their families to essential resources, caring relationships, and enrichment opportunities. Through its programs, Youth Link helps ensure every student has the support they need to thrive.

youthlinksi.org

About Indiana Youth Institute
Indiana Youth Institute’s mission is to improve the lives of all Indiana children by strengthening and connecting the people, organizations, and communities that are focused on kids and youth. IYI is Indiana’s premier source for high-quality data on child well-being and data-informed action to address challenges Hoosier children face. It leads the FIVE by 50 vision as a connector and convenor to ensure that every child will have a network of five caring, supportive adults in their life by the year 2050. Visit iyi.org to learn more.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and sons Eli and J.K. Jr.  through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. Although the Endowment maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana, it funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion.

 

Contact:

Christina Gutowski

812-280-0028

cgutowski@youthlinksi.org

Nonprofit Spotlight: Down Syndrome of Louisville

by with No Comment 1si NewsNonprofit Spotlight

Founded in 1977, Down Syndrome of Louisville (DSL) has been a trusted resource for individuals with Down syndrome and their families for nearly five decades. In 2011, DSL merged with Down Syndrome Support Association of Southern Indiana, expanding its reach across Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Today, the organization serves approximately 300 individuals annually.

As the only Gold Accredited Down Syndrome Association in the country, DSL provides specialized development and educational services through every stage of life, from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood. Through education, advocacy, and support, DSL empowers individuals with Down syndrome to reach their full potential while advocating for their rights and inclusion in education and everyday life.


To learn more about Down Syndrome of Louisville or find ways to get involved, visit dsoflou.org.

A Weak Start to 2026, but Signs of Improvement Ahead

by with No Comment 1si NewsEconomic Development
Submitted by Uric Dufrene, Ph.D., Sanders Chair in Business, Indiana University Southeast
 

As we enter the fourth quarter of 2026, the year is shaping up to be one of the weakest for payroll growth, nationally, in the past 20 years, not counting recessionary-related years. However, the first quarter of this year looks like it may have been a trough in this rough patch. Since then, year-over-year changes in quarterly averages have been on a slightly upward trajectory, but still under growth from prior years.

There are several factors that might explain the weaker job growth, but one could be the degree of uncertainty in the economy. One measure of uncertainty, the Economic Policy Uncertainty Index, spiked in early 2025 and has remained elevated since. Uncertainty introduces risk into the investment equation, potentially curbing the business appetite for more investment. At least for investment in structures, much of the growth has been driven by data centers. According to data from BofA Global Research, if you remove the impact of data centers, investment in structures would be just about flat, at least from 2020 through 2025.

The national slowdown in payroll growth also showed up in Southern Indiana, where the latest employment numbers pointed to similar weakness. First-quarter data for Southern Indiana (Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott and Washington) are now available, and we can also take a longer view at first-quarter performance over the past 20 years. It turns out that the first quarter for Southern Indiana was also among the weakest first quarters in the past 20 years, outside recessionary-related years.

For the first quarter of 2026, Southern Indiana gained 700 jobs, representing a 0.65% change from the prior year. In the first quarter of 2025, the region added more than 900 jobs, or a 0.88% change. There were two other first quarters when job growth was weaker than in the first quarter of 2026, and those were 2017 and 2018.

The region had four consecutive first quarters of negative growth from 2009 to 2012. This was during the Great Recession, which ended in 2009, and the fallout after the recession, as the economy took several years to regain payrolls lost in the greatest contraction of the economy since the Great Depression.

The strongest first quarters came in 2015 and 2016, with growth exceeding 3%. On an absolute basis, the region gained almost 4,000 jobs over the year during the first quarter of 2016, the highest in the 20-year period. The second leading first quarter was in 2022, adding more than 3,000 jobs. We were still seeing recovery from Covid, and this level was partially influenced by a lower base in 2021.

Dragging down the first-quarter numbers for this year was manufacturing, losing 594 jobs from the previous year. For five of the past seven quarters, manufacturers have shed jobs, down about 3,000 since 2020. Healthcare continued adding jobs, gaining more than 600, almost equaling the total added for the entire region. Since 2020, health care has added almost 4,000 jobs.

The second largest increase was in professional, scientific, and technical services, adding almost 400 knowledge-based jobs, a positive sign for the overall region.

Since the first quarter, national payrolls have picked up, although still quite volatile from month to month. It is likely that the 700 jobs gained during the first quarter represent the near-term trough for Southern Indiana, and we’ll see stronger growth for the rest of the year once the data are released.

Technical Resource Council Spotlight: Anthony Nicks

by with No Comment 1si NewsMetro Manufacturing Alliance

What does your work inside a company look like?

I lead weekly sales meetings, set priorities, establish performance expectations, and follow up on commitments. I work directly with the owner, leadership team, and salespeople. My role isn’t simply to recommend what should happen; it’s to take responsibility for the sales-management work and help the team execute.

 

Can you share an example of a measurable result?

In one client engagement, I helped put a pipeline strategy and qualification framework in place. Within approximately 90 days, the client’s sales close rate increased by 18% over its previous rate. The work centered on improving how the team qualified opportunities and managed its pipeline.

 

How do you coach individual salespeople?

I conduct one-to-one coaching around actual opportunities and selling behaviors. We prepare for customer conversations, review what happened afterward, practice better questions, and work through stalled deals. We agree on specific actions and review follow-through at the next meeting.

 

What do you do with the sales process and CRM?

I work with the team to document the sales process, define qualification standards, and establish what must happen before an opportunity advances. In pipeline reviews, I challenge unsupported close dates, identify aging quotes, and have salespeople update records and establish clear next steps with customers.

 

How do you help with hiring and development?

I help define sales roles, evaluate candidates using sales and behavioral assessments, conduct interviews, and develop onboarding plans. For existing salespeople, I use assessments and coaching observations to identify development needs and build individual improvement plans.

 

How do you connect sales activity to company goals?

I help leadership translate growth goals into sales priorities and measurable expectations. I build scorecards, review new opportunities, proposals, and wins, and report where business is moving or stalling. I also work through sales-to-operations handoff issues, so responsibilities and customer requirements are clear. When commitments slip, we address the cause and agree on corrective action.

From Basement Beginnings to Modern Packaging Solutions: Kyana Celebrates 50 Years

by with No Comment Member News

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — August 2026 — Kyana Packaging Solutions is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of serving businesses throughout Kentucky, Southern Indiana and beyond.

Dave and Inez White founded Kyana in 1976 from the basement of their home. Since then, the company has grown into a third-generation, family-owned and women-owned provider of packaging materials, custom solutions, equipment and automation.

“Reaching 50 years is a meaningful milestone for our family and everyone at Kyana,” said David White, President of Kyana Packaging Solutions. “We are grateful for the employees, customers and supplier partners who have supported us and helped shape the company we are today.”

Kyana works with manufacturers, distributors, warehouses, fulfillment operations and businesses across a wide range of industries. Its team helps customers address packaging challenges involving product protection, shipping, labor, material usage and productivity.

While Kyana continues to provide everyday packaging supplies, its capabilities have expanded significantly over the years. The company now offers packaging equipment, automation, custom packaging and converting services designed around each customer’s operation.

Through Bethlehem Die Cutting and ASR Solutions, Kyana also provides services including custom die-cut packaging, kitting, fulfillment, third-party logistics and light assembly.

The company has continued to invest in technology, employee expertise and online ordering while maintaining the personal service and strong relationships on which it was built.

Kyana marked its anniversary with a customer appreciation event at Churchill Downs attended by customers, employees and supplier partners. The celebration recognized the relationships that have contributed to the company’s growth over the past five decades.

As Kyana enters its next chapter, the company remains focused on helping businesses protect their products, reduce packaging costs, add capacity and prepare for future growth.

Businesses interested in packaging supplies, custom solutions, equipment or automation can learn more at www.kyanaind.com.


ABOUT KYANA PACKAGING SOLUTIONS

Founded in 1976, Kyana Packaging Solutions is a family-owned and women-owned packaging solutions provider headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Kyana provides packaging materials, equipment, automation and custom services to businesses throughout Kentucky, Southern Indiana and surrounding regions.

Welcome New Members | September 2026

by with No Comment 1si NewsWelcome New Members

One Southern Indiana welcomes the following members that joined or rejoined during the month of September 2026.

Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | September 2026

by with No Comment 1si NewsThank Your for Renewing Your Membership

One Southern Indiana would like to thank the following members for renewing their membership during the month of September 2026.

Quarter Century Club (25 years or more)Member Since
Ivy Tech Community College1970
TowerPinkster1988
River Hills Econ. Dev. Dist. & Regional Planning Commission1989
Jesse Ballew Enterprises1990
Fifth Third Bank2000
  
10-24 Years 
Kentucky Truck Sales2002
Cimtech, Inc.2007
Talis Group, Inc.2007
Patriot Engineering and Environmental2008
Prosser Career Education Center2009
Security Pros, LLC2009
Lindsey Wilson University2010
Edward Jones – Kevin Boehnlein2010
Unified Technologies2010
Kentuckiana Wood Products, Inc.2011
The Center for Women & Families2011
Crown Staffing2012
ERL, Inc.2014
Angel Hands Therapeutic Massage, Inc.2014
HWC Engineering2014
Chester Pool Systems, Inc.2014
The Spaghetti Junction2014
Pegasus Industries and Packaging2014
Fund for the Arts2014
Ronald McDonald House Louisville2015
Trinity Dynamics, Inc.2016
  
5-9 Years 
Visiting Angels of New Albany2018
The Mustard Seed, Thrift On Mission, Inc.2019
Progressive Material s2019
Our Place Drug & Alcohol Education Services, Inc.2019
Hilton Garden Inn Jeffersonville Louisville North2020
VACA, Inc.2020
Cluckers2020
Avant-Garde Turnstiles2021
Louisville Bats Baseball Club2021
Zoeller Pump Company2021
Family Scholar House, Inc.2021
Norse Tactical LLC2021
  
2-4 Years 
Kentucky Science Center2022
Dare to Care Food Bank2023
Statewide Mortgage2023
ATTC Manufacturing, Inc.2023
Merrick Printing Co., Inc.2023
Traditions at Bridgepointe Gardens2023
BIG Solutions Insurance2023
E-Z Construction2023
TownePlace Suites-Louisville North2023
ennu2024
Rotary Club of New Albany2024
Unrivaled Solutions2024
Sam’s Food & Spirits2024
University of Louisville Athletic Department 2024
North Harrison Community Schools2024
Marco Company2024
Porta Kleen2024
  
One Year 
Marcus Paint Company2025
Bricker Graydon Wyatt2025
Morgan Foods, Inc. 2025
Bristol Hospice New Albany2025
Southern Indiana Health Foundation2025
The Park Place Lodge2025
Capital Access Corporation-KY2025
Omnibuild2025
Shield Edge Technologies2025

Investment, Productivity, and the Changing Jobs Picture

by with No Comment 1si NewsEconomic Development
Submitted by Uric Dufrene, Ph.D., Sanders Chair in Business, Indiana University Southeast
 

The Federal Reserve increased the Fed Funds rate by a quarter point last week. Markets had fully anticipated the increase, and the Fed delivered. Markets surged a day after the increase, showing approval of the Fed’s commitment to fighting inflation.

Eye on the Economy surely thought the Fed would hold in September, for several reasons. The core rate of inflation is not out of control, with a gradual downward trend. The labor market had a good report last month, but prior to that, payroll growth had been soft. And despite above target headline inflation, long run inflation expectations are largely anchored. Implied inflation five years out is just above 2%. We also expected a resolution to the Iran War by this time, with oil declining along with it. We were certainly not anticipating diesel at $6.50 a gallon, the price last week.

The increase in the Fed Funds rate is secondary to what is happening with longer rates. The 10-year Treasury yield surpassed the 5% threshold and now may remain around or above 5% until we see further progress on energy prices and inflation. The last time the 10-year yield was this high was 2007, just before the start of the Great Recession. A 5% Treasury yield is certainly not what the Treasury Secretary had in mind, promising stronger growth, but a federal deficit moving toward 3% of GDP. Growth in the supply side of the economy was going to reduce inflation, therefore putting downward pressure on the 10-year yield, while stronger GDP growth would help bring the deficit down as a percent of GDP. Tariffs, the Iran War and deficits and debt have interfered with those projections.

The implications of a 5% Treasury yield are far reaching, but perhaps the biggest is the impact on interest rates for consumers and businesses. Mortgage rates have gone up and are now over 7%. This will not bring any help to the ailing housing sector. Higher mortgage rates will impact the supply of new homes, putting further pressure on home prices, but also curtail demand for home sales. Significant price erosions are not likely. And higher rates will also impact mortgage payments, adding to the affordability problem. A 5% return might also be tempting to investors, adding volatility to the stock market, as investors move from stocks to bonds.

The 5% yield is not just an inflation and oil price story. Growth is also contributing to higher rates. The 10-year rate surged last week as economic indicators pointed to strong growth in both the services and manufacturing sides of the economy. The GDPNow tracker of the Atlanta Fed has GDP growing at 5%. And last week, retail sales came in much more strongly than expected.

Across Louisville Metro, similar to the U.S. picture, there is a disconnect between growth in the economy and payrolls. To be sure, Eye on the Economy was expecting faster growth in payrolls by this time of the year, but so far, it has been largely muted. Growth in manufacturing, which is happening, was expected to boost regional payrolls. However, that has yet to occur. Louisville payrolls peaked in mid-2024 at approximately 719,000 but have been moving sideways since. Most recent data have Louisville area jobs at about 710,000. These estimates are subject to measurement errors too.

But “help” was on the way for manufacturing by way of tariffs. Louisville area manufacturing payrolls peaked back in late 2022. Tariffs were supposed to resurrect manufacturing, and more importantly, add “lots of jobs”. While there is now growth in manufacturing nationally, jobs are not necessarily following. Since Liberation Day in early 2025, regional manufacturing payrolls have been largely negative, with the region losing manufacturing jobs since. One of the reasons is the uncertainty around tariffs, and spats with our neighbor to the North do not help.

But another reason is the separation of manufacturing jobs and investment in capital goods. Normally, when manufacturers invest in capital goods, like big equipment used for production, employment follows. This makes sense. As manufacturers buy more equipment for expansion, they need more workers to operate the equipment.

Since the latter part of 2023, this relationship has been moving in separate directions. Manufacturers are investing in capital goods, but the jobs are not following. In fact, the jobs are moving in the opposite direction. One conclusion is that businesses are investing in equipment to increase productivity, but don’t need the people due to advances in technology and automation. That is, we can produce more, but with fewer people.

Productivity is positive for the economy and the companies achieving those productivity gains, and this is where education and skills become increasingly important. Quite simply, as companies strive for productivity gains, employees need the skills and knowledge to compete in a more automated and fast-arriving artificial intelligence environment.

Indiana American Water Proudly Recognizes American Water Charitable Foundation STEM Education Grant to Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana

by with No Comment Member News
Brittany Montgomery, Senior Manager of Indiana American Water’s Southern Operations presents a $25,000 STEM Grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation to leaders and Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana during the recent Free Family Fun at Origin Park event in Clarksville.

Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana receive $25,000 grant to support outdoor STEM education series in Southern Indiana

Jeffersonville, Ind. – September 21, 2026 – The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, and Indiana American Water today recognize the Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana as a recipient of a $25,000 STEM Education Grant, during Free Family Fun at Origin Park, which brought families together for a day of outdoor activities and learning earlier this month. Indiana American Water also supported the event by supplying a mobile water trailer for participants.

The grant will support a three-part outdoor STEM education series for Girl Scouts in Southern Indiana, providing hands-on experiences in scientific research, environmental conservation and pollinator habitat restoration while inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.

“At Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, we are committed to helping girls build courage, confidence and character through experiences that prepare them for a lifetime of leadership,” said Maggie Elder, CEO, Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana. “This grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation will expand opportunities for Girl Scouts throughout our region to explore STEM in meaningful, hands-on ways while learning about environmental conservation and the important role every person can play in protecting our natural resources.”

“Programs like this help young people better understand the connection between science, conservation and the communities where they live,” said Brittany Montgomery, Senior Manager of Southern Indiana Operations, Indiana American Water. “Indiana American Water is proud to recognize Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana for creating opportunities that encourage girls to explore STEM, develop leadership skills and gain a deeper appreciation for protecting our shared environment.”

The STEM Education Grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, which focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. The program provides STEM-focused curricular and extracurricular programs for underserved students.

“Supporting organizations that inspire learning and create opportunities for young people is central to the American Water Charitable Foundation’s mission,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “This grant will help empower students with hands-on STEM experiences that foster curiosity, innovation and a lifelong appreciation for the world around them.”

The grant supports communities served by Indiana American Water and reflects the company’s continued commitment to community engagement, environmental stewardship and educational partnerships.

Learn more about Indiana American Water’s community impact here.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

About Indiana American Water

Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. 

About Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana
Girl Scouts dream big and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges – whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or use their voices for causes they care about, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and take action on the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate visit www.gskentuckiana.org.

(end)

Media Contacts
Joel Reuter

External Affairs Lead

Indiana American Water

joel.reuter@amwater.com

317-885-2434

 

Whit Elam

Director of Marketing and Communications

Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana

welam@gskentuckiana.org

502-276-9734

 

American Water Charitable Foundation Media Contact:
awcfmedia@amwater.com