Nonprofit Spotlight | Kaiser Home Support Services

by with No Comment Nonprofit Spotlight

Kaiser Home Support Services
2633 Grant Line Rd.
New Albany, IN  47150
Phone:  812-945-6868
www.kaisersupport.org
Contact Person:  Tonya Hollins, Director of Operations

Agency Mission Statement or Description:

Year established: 1981

Counties/regions serviced: Floyd, Clark, Harrison, Scott, Washington

Focus areas: KHSS provides in-home and community services that help each of our clients get the most out of life every day.  We perform those services at a consistently high level so clients can be assured that they will be in good hands.

Our services are personalized for the needs of each client and his or her family.  We always begin with an in-home assessment to help us understand the specific needs of each client.

Impact in community: KHSS is proud to offer caregiving services in many surrounding counties of Southern Indiana.  KHSS is available to our clients every day of the year any time of day they feel they need.  Coverage is available through multiple Indiana Medicaid Programs. 

How 1si members can help your organization:  Any advertising is so helpful! As you know, staffing continues to be an issue but getting our name out in the community would be a great help! We appreciate all you do at 1si.

Additional information:

We pride ourselves in the care we provide to each and every client we serve. They are and will always be our utmost importance. We also believe in equipping our staff with as much training as necessary for them to become a successful caregiver to our clients.

Empowering Southern Indiana: Caesars Foundation of Floyd County Supports Three Businesses with Loans

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press Release

The loan recipients are all local to Southern Indiana and range from custom perfumes to activity and entertainment  

[NEW ALBANY, IN.] One Southern Indiana (1si) and Caesars Foundation of Floyd County are thrilled to announce three new Caesars Foundation of Floyd County Small Business Revolving Loan Fund recipients. The loan assists private businesses in expanding operations and increasing or retaining employees. Businesses must be located or plan to locate in Floyd County. The recipients include Sukhino Express Wellness, The Slice Pizza and Golf, and Vetiver Aromatics. 

Sukhino Express Wellness is Southern Indiana’s first float center and halotherapy center. They are delighted to offer additional wellness services to the New Albany and Southern Indiana communities! With the help of the Caesars Foundation, they are looking forward to expanding their services with a new satellite location at 137 E. Market St., New Albany, IN. The expansion includes infrared sauna, red light therapy, massage chairs, and vibroacoustic sound therapy. They hope that their second location will be a peaceful oasis in the heart of downtown New Albany.  

The Slice Pizza and Golf, with the help of the Caesar Foundation, is able to make their dream of opening a family business in Georgetown possible. Their location off exit 118 on I-64 in Georgetown, IN, will feature approximately 100 indoor seats and 30 outdoor seats, including a full bar and golf suite in a party room. The business is co-owned by Levi Donaldson and Michael Wrege, who both currently work at the Union Restaurant and Game Yard. Levi is involved with the Union Restaurant and Game Yard, and Michael is the General Manager. The Slice is excited to bring pizza, golf, and entertainment to friends, family, and neighbors.  

Vetiver Aromatics has been operational since 2013, specializes in supplies for artisan perfume-making. The company is planning to expand by opening a physical retail space to enhance its service offerings, including custom perfume design and educational workshops. Vetiver Aromatics provides the ingredients, supplies, and information needed to make your own perfume. They sell the highest quality perfume ingredients and supplies and are one of the few U.S. retailers of perfumer’s alcohol. 

“The Caesars Foundation is thrilled to offer loans from the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund to three local businesses,” said Executive Director, Tyler Bliss. “The Caesars Foundation encourages economic development in Floyd County, and small businesses are the heart of our community. We look forward to watching these businesses grow.” 

“One Southern Indiana is excited to see additional growth in the community,” said President and CEO, Lance Allison. “Rachael, our Small Business Navigator, is an excellent resource for small businesses looking to grow and succeed in Floyd County. We thank the Caesar’s Foundation for their continued support of entrepreneurial endeavors in our region.” 

Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000 with a maximum interest rate less than the prime rate of interest. Maximum terms of loans are 10 years for land and building loans, five years for equipment loans, and two years for working capital loans. For more information, contact Rachael Armstrong at One Southern Indiana at (812) 206-9021 or RachaelA@1si.org. 

About the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County 

The Caesars Foundation of Floyd County is a private foundation created to benefit the Floyd County community. The Foundation’s philanthropic focus traditionally falls into the categories of grant-making to charitable non-profit organizations, educational scholarships, and program-related investments that encourage economic development. For more, visit www.caesarsfoundationfc.org.  

About One Southern Indiana

One Southern Indiana was formed in July of 2006 as the economic development organization and chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd counties. 1si’s mission is to provide the connections, resources, and services that help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area. For more, visit 1si.org.

For Additional Information:
Tyler Bliss | Executive Director 
Caesars Foundation of Floyd County | 812-945-4332  
Tyler@ceasarsfoundationfc.org  

Rachael Armstrong | Small Business Navigator 
ISBDC | (812) 206-9021|  RachaelA@1si.org 

Ellinor Smith | Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager 
|One Southern Indiana | (812) 945-0266 | ellinors@1si.org 

-###-

PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital Acquires Southern Indiana Rehab Hospital

by with One Comment Member News

ENOLA, Pa., Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — National healthcare leader PAM Health is pleased to announce its acquisition of Southern Indiana Rehabilitation Hospital, effective December 3, 2024. The hospital will now operate as PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Greater Indiana North.

Conveniently located at 3104 Blackiston Boulevard in New Albany, Indiana, this hospital becomes PAM Health’s second location in the state, joining PAM Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Greater Indiana South in nearby Clarksville.

“We are excited to partner with the exceptional team already in place at this hospital,” said Anthony Misitano, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of PAM Health. “Together, we aim to build on their strong foundation by enhancing patient care and fostering a culture of innovation and healing. Patients remain our top priority, and we know the key to delivering exceptional care lies in a dedicated, extraordinary team focused on optimizing outcomes.”

The New Albany Hospital  will continue providing specialized care for patients recovering from debilitating illnesses and injuries, such as traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes, amputations, orthopedic conditions, and post-surgical recovery. Advanced technologies, including an aquatic therapy pool, will support patients in their recovery journeys.

PAM Health, PAM Health, based in Enola, Pennsylvania, provides post-acute healthcare services through more than 100 long-term acute care hospitals, medical rehabilitation hospitals, behavioral health hospitals, as well as wound care clinics and outpatient physical therapy locations, in 23 states. PAM Health is committed to providing high-quality patient care and outstanding customer service, coupled with loyal, dedicated, and highly trained staff, to be the most trusted and impactful source for healthcare services in every community it serves. 

Learn more at PAMHealth.com.

RRDA Opening Jim Lewis Avenue at State Road 62 with New Traffic Pattern

by with No Comment Member News
Intersection Improvements Expected to be Fully Completed in the First Quarter of 2025
 
Charlestown, IN (December 5, 2024) – River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) announced today it is preparing to open the Jim Lewis Avenue intersection at State Road 62 in the coming months with a new traffic pattern on SR62. This project marks an important milestone in infrastructure improvements to serve new businesses and their employees within the River Ridge Commerce Center (RRCC).
 
As part of ongoing development, the “Green T” intersection project is expected to be fully completed in the first quarter of 2025. In the interim, the intersection will open to allow traffic flow, but without signalization. Drivers will have the ability to turn right into and out of Jim Lewis Avenue at the intersection at SR62, but left turns will be temporarily restricted until the project is finalized.
 
Additionally, upgrades are underway at Miami Trail with installation of a four-way, signalized intersection. This critical improvement aims to enhance connectivity and streamline traffic flow into Dan Cristiani Excavating’s Shadow Lake development and into the RRCC. This project will also complement the additional infrastructure enhancements at Jim Lewis Avenue.
 
“The opening of the Jim Lewis Avenue intersection demonstrates our commitment to improving transportation infrastructure for our businesses while prioritizing public safety for their employees and residents in the area,” said Jerry Acy, Executive Director. “We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to deliver these upgrades.”
 
The “Green T” intersection is designed to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion, improving access and safety for all road users. Once complete, the project will include new signalization, lane configurations, and enhanced signage to support smooth navigation.
 
For more information about the design and functionality of the planned “Green T” intersection, visit the Indiana Department of Transportation website at https://www.in.gov/indot/traffic-engineering/green-t-intersection/.
 
“We are excited to see the positive impact this project will have for residents, commuters and businesses in the area,” said Chris Jackson, President of Dan Cristiani Excavating Co, Inc. “These changes will serve the community well for years to come, setting a foundation for future investment.”
 
Charlestown city officials also highlighted the importance of these improvements for the community. “These upgrades represent significant progress in making Charlestown more accessible and safer for our residents and visitors,” said Charlestown Mayor Treva Hodges. “We’re proud to see investments like this taking shape, proving once again there has never been a better time to choose Charlestown.”
Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay updated on the project by visiting RiverRidgeCC.com for announcements and real-time updates.
About the River Ridge Development Authority 
The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) manages the River Ridge Commerce Center, a 6,000-acre business and office park established in 1998 to replace lost economic activity from the closure of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant.  
 
Today, River Ridge is home to approximately 80 companies such as Amazon, Bose, Collins Aerospace, Medline, Optum and PharmaCord.  Onsite employment totaled more than 12,002 in 2023, and the Center produced a total of over $2.9 billion in economic output and supported an additional 6,555 jobs. The investments and growth at River Ridge earned the RRDA the International Economic Development Council’s 2020 Gold Award for Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse. 

Joshua G. Wolford Joins Stites & Harbison’s  Louisville Office 

by with No Comment Member News

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Dec. 5, 2024)—Stites & Harbison, PLLC welcomes attorney Joshua G. Wolford to the firm based in the Louisville, Ky., office. He joins the Creditors’ Rights & Bankruptcy Service Group.  

Wolford’s practice focuses on creditors’ rights, bankruptcy, and commercial finance matters. Before joining Stites & Harbison, he worked as a law clerk for Judge Danny J. Boggs, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (2023-24). Prior to that he was a law clerk for Judge Karen K. Caldwell, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky (2022-23). Wolford earned his J.D. from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, valedictorian, summa cum laude, and Order of the Coif, in 2022. He is admitted to practice in Kentucky. 

About Stites & Harbison 

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With 11 offices across six states — Kentucky, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia — the firm represents clients across the United States and internationally. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is known as a preeminent firm managing sophisticated transactions, challenging litigation and complex regulatory matters on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.stites.com. 

Tourism Businesses and Workers Honored in Inaugural SoIN Awards 

by with No Comment Member News

Awards for collaboration and dedication to hospitality were presented at Dec. 3 gathering 

Southern Indiana (December 3, 2024) – SoIN Tourism honored winners of the first SoIN Awards on Tuesday, December 3. Three awards were given to recognize individuals and businesses in Clark and Floyd counties during the industry’s Team SoIN holiday gathering at 300 Spring in downtown Jeffersonville, Indiana. Winners exemplify what the tourism and hospitality industry is all about. 

“The positive and unique experiences that our partners provide keep visitors coming back to SoIN,” said Luanne Mattson, chief marketing officer for SoIN Tourism. “Our partners are the backbone of the tourism industry, and we created this awards program to honor their hard work.” 

SoIN Tourism presented awards to the following recipients:  

Spirit of SoIN 

Lise Kruer, Director of Marketing, Huber’s Orchard & Winery and Starlight Distillery 

To the tourism partner who welcomes all and provides a hospitable experience to visitors.  

SoIN to Collaboration 

New Albany Main Street for The Sip 

To two or more tourism partners who work together to create a memorable and meaningful experience for visitors. 

New in SoIN 

The Wildflower 

To a new business that opened between December 2023 and August of 2024, providing a new experience for visitors. 

For more information or to interview a SoIN Tourism representative, please contact Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com or 812-282-6692. 

Full Group L-R: Jim Epperson, SoIN Tourism; Lise Kruer, Huber’s Orchard & Winery and Starlight Distillery; Courtney Lewis, Miranda Zimmerman, Teresa Baxter, Robin Nance, New Albany Main Street; Lauren VanCleave, Wine Shop; Amelia Seaman, The Wildflower; Luanne Mattson, SoIN Tourism 

SoIN Tourism is the official destination marketing organization for Clark and Floyd Counties in Southern Indiana, just north of Louisville, Ky. Offering authentic experiences in the Kentuckiana region, SoIN includes historic downtowns in Jeffersonville and New Albany, Clarksville’s retail corridor, as well as the communities of Charlestown, Floyds Knobs, Henryville, Memphis, New Washington, Sellersburg, and Starlight. Visitors who would like more information can visit the destination’s website, GoSoIN.com. 

 

### 

2024 ONCE Awards Winners

by with No Comment 1si News

Congratulations to the following winners of the One Southern Indiana 2024 ONCE Awards.

One Southern Indiana (1si), the chamber of commerce and state recognized local economic development organization for Clark, Floyd, and Scott counties, Ind., is proud to celebrate the winners of the 2024 ONCE Awards. This event honors excellent businesses and business professionals from Southern Indiana and the Louisville Metro area.

Finalists for the ONCE Awards are chosen by a panel of judges on a variety of metrics. In addition, 1si members vote online for their favorite, which accounts for 10 percent of the score. Ten of Southern Indiana’s and metro Louisville’s ‘best and brightest’ companies and individuals were honored on Thursday, November 14, at Caesars Southern Indiana in Elizabeth, Ind.

German American Bank Business of the Year Award ( 51 or more employees )

C & M Smith Restaurants dba Taco Bell

C&M Smith Restaurants Inc. was founded in 1988 by Clinton Smith, Sr after working for Taco Bell Corporate from 1980-1987. Clinton started the company with capital provided by a small business loan and a partner in his brother Mike Smith, who is in the car service business. They were partners up until Clinton, Sr. bought out Mike in 2000. The restaurant company is now owned by partners Clinton Smith, Jr. and Chris Smith, who run the day-to-day operations of the company. The company currently operates 27 locations in Southern Indiana and Kentucky, employing 900 people. Their corporate office is in New Albany, Indiana.

Cherry Bekaert Business of the Year Award ( 50 or Fewer Employees )

LL&A Interior Design

 

LLL&A Interior Design is a premier, full-service interior design firm known for its comprehensive expertise in transforming spaces across various sectors. Specializing in everything from residential to commercial projects, LL&A Interior Design offers a wide array of services including corporate environments, healthcare facilities, hospitality spaces, outdoor areas, certified commercial and real estate staging, online design, and AirBnB design, among others.

Ivy Tech Community College Jerrol Miles DE&I Initiative Award

Global Payments, Inc.

Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN) is a leading payments technology company delivering innovative software and services to customers globally. Their technologies, services and team member expertise allow them to provide a broad range of solutions that enable their customers (from small and midsize merchants to large financial institutions) to operate their businesses more efficiently across a variety of channels around the world. Headquartered in Georgia with approximately 27,000 team members worldwide, Global Payments is a Fortune 500® company and a member of the S&P 500 with worldwide reach spanning North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.

Harding Shymanski & Company, P.S.C. Manufacturer of the Year

ERL, Inc.

Since 1970, ERL has been guided by a devotion to timeless principles and the relentless pursuit of leading-edge technology. Their continued commitment to keeping our nation’s waterways safe by manufacturing quality products, tireless service, and exceptional customer relations have made them the leader in the marine equipment industry in America.

ERL not only prioritizes exceptional products and solutions, but they also understand the importance of recruiting and retaining skilled employees. Their emphasis on their company culture demonstrates that employees are the key to ERL’s 54 years of success.

Centra Credit Union Nonprofit Program Award

Personal Counseling Services, Inc. Azari Program

Personal Counseling Services, (PCS) Inc, an outpatient, non-profit, 501 (c) 3, mental health organization, established in 1959.

Over the past sixty-five (65) years, the PCS multi-disciplinary, professional counseling staff has provided over 629,000 hours of individual, couple, family and intensive outpatient group therapy, served 520,000 children, youths and adults, music therapy, in addition to medication management, addiction therapy and psychological testing services. Today, they serve seventeen counties in Indiana and four counties in Kentucky. This impressive record of service ranks PCS as one of the region’s leading providers of mental health and faith-based services.

The Azari Program is a therapy program that works with first responders, dispatchers, their family members and veterans to process the stressors and trauma that has invaded their day-to-day life.

SoIN Tourism Rising Star Award

Poppin’ Flavors Gourmet Popcorn

Born and bred in the bustling hub of Jeffersonville, Indiana in 2020, Poppin’ Flavors Gourmet Popcorn is not your average popcorn peeps – they’re on a mission to blow your mind and your taste buds! As a proud black family-owned and operated business, they’re all about taking your taste buds on a wild ride.

Axiom Financial Strategies Group James W. Robinson Young Professional of the Year Award

Christopher Jackson
Dan Cristiani Excavating Co., Inc.

Chris Jackson has over two decades of experience in land development, municipal utility, and infrastructure construction. He is involved in all aspects as well as the planning, permitting, development, and construction of 1,000+ acres of active privately-owned and managed land development projects in Clark, Floyd, Harrison, and Scott Counties in Indiana.

Under Chris’s leadership, Dan Cristiani Excavating has experienced continuous growth, with an annual increase of no less than 10 percent. The company has also expanded its workforce, adding approximately 100 positions since 2014, reflecting both DC’s success and the commitment to creating local jobs.

Duke Energy Kevin Hammersmith Community Leader of the Year Award

Kelley Troutman
Kaiser Home Support Services, and Liberty Place

Kelley Troutman serves as the Executive Director of Kaiser Home Support Services, where she oversees comprehensive support services aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals requiring home-based personal care. She is also a co-founder of Liberty Place which provides support services and a transitional living space for Veterans. In her role, Kelley is responsible for strategic leadership, operational management,and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to clients and residents.

Kightlinger & Gray, LLP Sam Day Professional of the Year Award

Roza Segoviano
Executive Chef/Co-Owner VIVA! Hospitality Group

Roza is the Executive Chef behind a collection of six southern Indiana restaurants which she co-owns with her husband, Juan. VIVA! Hospitality Group encompasses the beloved and popular dining spots Senor Iguanas Restaurantes Mexicanos, La Catrina Mexican Kitchen, La Catrina Tacos & Tequila and Sleepy Rooster Morning Kitchen.

NWSB Chairman’s Legacy Award

Jerry Finn
Retired, Caesars Foundation of Floyd County

Jerry is the former Executive Director of the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County. He holds two undergraduate degrees from Indiana University and a Masters in Theological Studies from the St. Meinrad School of Theology. He is currently involved with the Friends of the Town Clock Church and the Rotary Club of New Albany.

Jerry’s former involvement includes co-chair of the Southern Indiana Mentoring Partnership, the Metro United Way Advisory Council, the Donors Forum of Kentuckiana, The New Albany-Floyd County Education Foundation, Vice President of Keep New Albany Clean and Green, the Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana, the Governor’s Bi-State Bridge Authority for Louisville and Indiana, One Southern Indiana Board of Directors, and a medical corpsman in the Indiana National Guard and captain in the US Army Reserve.

Over the last several years, Jerry has also mentored several students within the New Albany-Floyd County School system.

A father of four and grandfather of seven, Jerry and his wife, Jill, live in Starlight, Indiana in his family’s ancestorial 1839 homeplace.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Axiom Financial Strategies Group
Centra Credit Union
Cherry Bekaert
Duke Energy
Harding Shymanski & Company, P.S.C.
German American Bank
Ivy Tech Community College
Kightlinger & Gray, LLP
NWSB
SoIN Tourism

GOLD SPONSOR

First Harrison Bank

SILVER SPONSORS

L & D Mail Masters, Inc.
Nu-Yale
PayFWDs
Sounds Unlimited Productions

IU Southeast Recognized as 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting  

by with No Comment Member News

NEW ALBANY, IN (December 2, 2024) – Indiana University Southeast has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. The ALL IN Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation. IU Southeast joins a group of 471 colleges and universities recognized by ALL IN for completing four core actions: 

  • Participating in the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge 
  • Sharing 2022 NSLVE Reports with campus voting data with ALL IN 
  • Developing and submitting a 2024 democratic engagement action plan with ALL IN 

“Part of the responsibility of universities is to cultivate good citizens,” said Michelle Williams, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at IU Southeast. “By equipping students with the knowledge and skills to thoughtfully engage in the democratic process—researching issues, registering to vote, casting their ballots, and respecting electoral outcomes—educational institutions help sustain a robust and representative democracy. I am proud of the work done on our campus by our faculty in Political Science to achieve this ranking.” 

“The research is clear: colleges and universities that make intentional efforts to increase nonpartisan democratic engagement have higher campus voter registration and voter turnout rates. This year we saw more colleges than ever before step up their efforts to ensure that their students were registered and ready to make their voices heard at the ballot box,” said Jennifer Domagal-Goldman, Executive Director of the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge. “These Most Engaged Campuses are setting the standard for nonpartisan civic engagement work for colleges and universities across the country.”  

Pre-election lead-up included a voter registration drive, a ballot party for students, faculty, and staff to review their ballot and create a voting plan, a student-led discussion on the importance of voting, and a campus celebration of election day, according to Dr. Margot Morgan, associate professor of Political Science at IU Southeast. “Political engagement is valued at IU Southeast and our students take their civic responsibilities seriously. I am proud to be part of such an engaged campus,” said Morgan. 

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. Campuses that join the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge complete a set of action items, with the support of ALL IN staff, to institutionalize nonpartisan civic learning and voter participation on their campus. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge currently engages 10.8 million students from more than 1,075 institutions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Campuses can join the ALL IN Challenge here.  

### 
 

About IU Southeast:  IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality and nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from eight counties in the Louisville region. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus. 

 

ABOUT ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge:  

ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. Through an intentionally-designed program that provides structure, support, and recognition, ALL IN works to improve civic learning, political engagement, and voter participation on more than 1,075 campuses nationwide. ALL IN believes higher education should play a role in developing an active and informed citizenry by educating students, motivating them to engage in American democracy, and instilling the value of lifelong participation. ALL IN is an initiative of Civic Nation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Learn more here. 

 

ABOUT Civic Nation: 

Civic Nation is a nonprofit ecosystem for high-impact organizing and education initiatives working to build a more inclusive and equitable America. Civic Nation shifts culture, systems, and policy by bringing together individuals, grassroots organizers, industry leaders, and influencers to tackle some of our nation’s most pressing social challenges. Civic Nation is home to seven national initiatives and campaigns: ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, Change Collective, It’s On Us, Save On Clean Energy, SAVE On Student Debt, We The Action, and When We All Vote. Learn more here. 

St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities Announces New Social Services Director 

by with One Comment Member News

New Albany, IN- St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities is pleased to announce their new Social Services Director, Jessica Floyd. She comes to St. Elizabeth’s with over 18 years of experience in the social services field. Most recently, Floyd was with LifeSpring Health Systems, where she was the Homeless and Housing Program manager for 11 years. 

“I am extremely excited to be part of the St. E’s family! I have some pretty big shoes to fill but I am up for the challenge,” Floyd commented on her new position.  

Agency Director Mark Casper remarked about Floyd’s hiring, “St. Elizabeth’s is very excited to have someone with Jessica’s passion for housing the homeless and years of experience within other programs that offer services.  Jessica seems like a natural fit and a huge addition to our team!” 

Floyd will be over St. Elizabeth’s Residential Programs which include a Women and Children’s Emergency Shelter, a Maternity Program, a Domestic Violence Program, and the Affordable Supportive Housing onsite housing program. Additionally, the Supported Living, School Counseling, Marie’s Blessings, and the Adoption Bridges of Kentuckian programs will all be overseen by Floyd.  

Floyd’s passion is evident in the many fields she has worked in including individuals with disabilities, youth in foster care, and people experiencing homelessness.  Floyd resides in Jeffersonville with both her husband and son. In her free time, you can find her at the baseball field or in her craft room making shirts.  Please help welcome Jessica Floyd to the St. Elizabeth’s team! 

           -###- 

About St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities 

St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities has been serving families throughout Southern Indiana and Metro Louisville for 45 years. The agency’s history is rooted in the 1979 opening of Catholic Charities in Southern Indiana. In May of 1989, St. Elizabeth’s opened in New Albany as a crisis pregnancy center. The two organizations merged in 2004 to better serve the community.  Current programs include: Adoption Bridges of Kentuckiana– adoption services licensed in both Kentucky and Indiana, a Women and Children Emergency Shelter, a Domestic Violence Transitional & Rapid Rehousing Program, a Maternity Program for single mothers, Affordable Supportive Housing, Marie’s Blessings Community Distribution Program of mother/baby and household items, a School Counseling Program, and a Supported Living Program serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities is a COA accredited human service agency providing physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the community committed to Providing Help, Creating Hope and Serving All.     

IU Southeast Launches Two New Bachelor’s Degree Programs to Support Kentuckiana Workforce Growth in Tourism, Hospitality, and Sports Leadership

by with No Comment Member News

NEW ALBANY, IN (November 18, 2024) – Indiana University Southeast is excited to announce the launch of two new bachelor’s degree programs designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in tourism, hospitality, event planning, and sports leadership. Starting in the fall of 2025, IU Southeast will offer a Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Planning and a Sports Leadership Track within the Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies.

These programs address key economic drivers in the Kentuckiana region, where tourism, hospitality, and sporting events generate a $3.4 billion annual economic impact for the greater Louisville area.

Statewide, tourism is Kentucky’s third-largest industry and in Indiana it is the thirteenth largest industry, contributing $29.6 billion collectively in the two states, each year. Louisville has also earned national recognition, named a Top 50 Tourist Destination for 2024 by The New York Times.

Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Planning

The Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Planning program is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in these high-impact industries. The curriculum emphasizes critical areas such as marketing, sustainable travel practices, and destination planning, while also covering hotel and restaurant management, event design, logistics, contract negotiation, and risk management. Students will gain the skills to plan and manage conferences, weddings, corporate events, and other large-scale gatherings.

Recognizing the importance of networking in these fields, the program provides students with opportunities to connect with industry professionals and alumni. These connections, paired with access to internships, guest speakers, and industry events, will help students secure career placements in hotels, regional tourism bureaus, convention centers, and restaurants.

Program coordinator Greg Roberts says IU Southeast is reaching out to businesses and professionals in the region and is looking forward to having them involved with this degree and the students in the program.

“By fostering strong partnerships with industry professionals, we create opportunities for internships, mentorships, and real-world projects that not only enhance students’ education but also provide direct benefits to local businesses,” said Roberts.

Kentucky Derby Festival President and CEO Matt Gibson sees the impact the new degree program will make on the Kentuckiana region.

“Now in its 70th year, the Kentucky Derby Festival has grown from a single event into a monthlong celebration and tourism driver in Kentuckiana. Programs and partnerships like this generate a skilled talent pool that is key to the future success of both the events and tourism industries in our area,” said Gibson. “With more than 70 events on the Festival’s schedule every spring we can help provide students with hands-on experience and insights into event production to prepare them for careers in an emerging field.”

SoIN Tourism Executive Director Jim Epperson said his organization is “thrilled to have IU Southeast as a partner for us and for the tourism and hospitality businesses we serve. Our sector is hungry for that skilled workforce and I anticipate there will be eager partners willing to provide workplace learning opportunities and to assist where appropriate in the classroom to foster the next wave of welcoming faces backed up by knowledge and skills.”

Sports Leadership Track

The IU Southeast Sports Leadership Track is a unique and immersive program designed to equip students with the skills and expertise needed for a wide range of careers in the sports industry.

The Sports Leadership Track blends coursework in communication, journalism, media, and business to create a comprehensive learning experience. Graduates will earn a degree in Communication Studies with a specialized focus on the sports sector, preparing them for roles such as:

  • Coaching and Athletic Directing
  • Facility Management
  • Sports Journalism and Broadcasting
  • Sports Promotion and Branding
  • Public Relations
  • Event Planning

The Sports Leadership Track also provides personalized learning opportunities, giving students access to internships, industry professionals, and career placement resources. The program emphasizes practical experience, ensuring students are prepared to meet the challenges and demands of this competitive field.

“[Athletics is] central to the lives of our students, many of whom know they want athletics/sports to be part of their careers,” said Dr. Alexandra Sousa, assistant professor of Communication Studies at IU Southeast. “This degree is unlike any comparative programs because of its customizability, interdisciplinary nature, and prioritization on career-readiness that prepares students for a breadth of careers in athletics.”

A Regional Commitment to Workforce Development

“IU Southeast is committed to aligning our academic offerings with the demonstrated need for quality professionals in our region,” said Dr. Michelle Williams, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at IU Southeast. “These programs are not only educational investments in our students but also economic investments in the Kentuckiana region.”

The university is accepting students in the programs now and will begin offering the programs to new students in the Fall 2025 semester.

For more information about these new programs and admissions, please visit southeast.iu.edu or contact Chris Crews in the Office of Admissions at ius.admissions@iu.edu.

###

About IU Southeast: IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality and nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from eight counties in the Louisville region. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.