St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities to Hold Annual Giving Hope ~ Changing Lives Gala
New Albany, IN- St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities is gearing up for their biggest night in fundraising; their Annual Giving Hope ~ Changing Lives Gala. The Gala will be held on the evening of Thursday April 18th at the Galt House Grand Ballroom in Louisville, KY.
The St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities’ Giving Hope ~ Changing Lives Gala, is an elegant event that features a silent auction and an exciting live auction which help raise funds to run their community programs. A delicious meal will be prepared and served by Galt House’s in house restaurant chefs from Walker’s Exchange. Online bidding opens on April 2nd and can be access at bidpal.net/stegala2024.
The doors open at 5:30 pm for social hour. During the night, St. Elizabeth will celebrate its mission and many blessings as the agency raises funds to support their social services programs. Attendees will also have a chance to hear inspirational testimonies from 3 individuals directly impacted by the programs of St. Elizabeth and how their lives have been forever changed.
Last year St. Elizabeth assisted 346 women faced with homelessness and were able to help 189 women and children in the form of shelter and support. The agency also assisted 33 birth parent inquiries with their professional adoption services, provided over 7,130 hours of support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and assisted 1,045 families with essential mother/baby and household items free of charge and more.
-###-
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.
Economic Update | Fewer Interest Rate Cuts This Year
Coming into 2024, stock market investors were expecting 6 interest rate reductions by the Fed throughout the year. Year-over-year inflation had fallen, and Federal Reserve officials had signaled that cuts would likely begin this year. Inspired by lower interest rates, the stock market surged. In late October 2023, the S&P 500 Index was at 4,117. Fast forward to early April 2023, and the S&P was over 5,200, representing a 26% gain since the October low. While the market was expecting six rate cuts, the Fed had signaled only three for 2024. Market expectations and sentiment dominated the Fed view, and markets continued climbing.
The impetus behind lower rates was tied to inflation. At the start of 2023, the Consumer Price Index registered a year-over-year change of 6.6%. In October, when the market began its surge, the CPI had declined to 4.0%. In three quarters, inflation was trimmed by 2.6%. Since then, the progress on inflation has slowed considerably. From October 2023, when the market began its upward trajectory, the CPI is only lower by a magnitude of only .08. Basically, the CPI has been stuck just above 3%, not quite at the level of the Federal Reserve target of 2%.
Since disinflation has basically come to a halt, the market is now pushing the first rate cut back to July, with mixed probabilities for additional cuts beyond July. The last Fed Reserve meeting in March continued to point to three cuts for this year, but that was by a very slim majority. In that meeting, the Fed upped growth estimates of the economy and its inflation projections yet maintained an estimate of three cuts for 2024. Some suggested that this was counter-intuitive; higher inflation estimates, but no change in rate reductions. Since the Federal Reserve March meeting, some Fed officials are on record calling for fewer than 3 cuts: one recently calling for none, and a historically dovish one calling for only one cut. The yield on the 10-year Treasury is knocking on the door of 4.5%, up from 3.9% at the start of the year. This will keep interest rates on credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages higher for longer.
By the time you may be reading this, the latest CPI report will have been released (release is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10th). If we get a hot CPI number, meaning it comes in higher than expected, this will push interest rate reductions back even further. Markets will likely reduce rate reductions from 2 to perhaps one, or none. The stock market will likely be volatile. If the CPI comes in less than expected, markets will likely surge. One of the reasons for this surge started with last Friday’s U.S. payrolls report. The U.S. employment report was indeed a Goldilocks report. Jobs created surpassed all expectations, with the economy adding 303,000 jobs in March. Both the labor force and labor force participation rate increased by sizeable margins. Household employment also surged, reversing previous declines. Average hourly earnings slowed from the previous month, a key ingredient for the softer inflation story. The average workweek also increased, which when combined with the number of jobs and average wages, points to more fuel for the spending consumer.
Locally, Louisville Metro is seeing the slowest job growth since early 2020. Preliminary estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that Louisville Metro gained 3,500 jobs from February 2023 to February 2024. As a comparison, the metro area added approximately 15,000 jobs on an annual basis in early 2023. On a percentage basis, this puts Louisville Metro last among the Kentucky metro areas. In Indiana, three metro areas (Bloomington, Columbus, and Elkhart-Goshen) are observing negative changes in payrolls from the prior year. As we have discussed in previous columns, both states continue to face labor force growth challenges. The latest BLS metropolitan employment report showed that Louisville Metro also saw a decline in the labor force from the prior year. To be sure, these data are subject to revision, but the early data does show a slowing of job growth in the metro region.
Brian Butler Elected Fellow of American Board of Criminal Lawyers
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (April 1, 2024)—The American Board of Criminal Lawyers (ABCL) recently elected Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney Brian Butler as a Fellow. He is one of only five Fellows in Kentucky.
ABCL is an invitation-only legal honorary society founded in 1978 for outstanding criminal trial lawyers in the U.S., Canada and Europe. To be considered for fellowship, nominees must have at least 10 years of criminal trial experience and have tried at least 50 trials, of which 35 were felony jury trials. Nominees must also receive exceptional recommendations from current Fellows and honored jurists.
Butler is a Member (Partner) based in Stites & Harbison’s Louisville, Ky., office. He is a member of the Torts & Insurance Practice Group and the Business Litigation Service Group. His practice focuses on a wide variety of litigation matters, including but not limited to white collar criminal defense, criminal defense, product liability and general tort defense. He has tried more than 100 jury trials and is intimately familiar with complex federal investigations including those involving corporations and their employees. Butler routinely serves as a legal analyst for Louisville television stations and the Louisville Courier-Journal. Butler received his Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1995.
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.
Henriott Group and Harpenau Insurance Announce Strategic Partnership
Troy, Indiana and West Lafayette, Indiana – March 2024 – Henriott Group, a leading insurance and risk management agency with offices in West Lafayette and Indianapolis, Indiana, announces a strategic partnership with Harpenau Insurance, a specialist insurance advisory firm, with locations in Troy and Evansville, Indiana, serving clients nationwide for close to six decades.
Founded in 1965 in Troy, Indiana, Harpenau Insurance has earned a reputation for delivering exceptional insurance solutions and services, with core competencies in trucking, UAV/drones, lumber/furniture, and wood products, in addition to broad manufacturing industries. Harpenau Insurance also has a tremendous reputation for providing personalized solutions for home and auto insurance needs.
With a focus on improving client outcomes, this strategic partnership will broaden the collective reach of both organizations and provide additional services and solutions to the combined client base. This partnership enables clients to access a wider range of carriers and receive personalized risk management consulting, employee benefits, and Medicare coverage.
“We are excited to have Harpenau Insurance join Henriott Group,” said Kelley Henriott and Andrew Ball, CEOs of Henriott Group. “This collaboration represents a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering exceptional service and comprehensive insurance solutions to our clients. With our combined team and expanded geographic footprint we can leverage our expertise and resources to better meet the evolving needs of our clients.”
“Our focus is always on expanding opportunities to support our clients. This acquisition expands our insurance partner portfolio and adds significant expertise to the team,” said Kelley Henriott, Co-CEO, adding “maintaining the existing teams, respecting existing client relationships, and servicing locally are core tenants for our group. Our focus is always on improving client outcomes.” Andrew Ball, Co-CEO added “We are proud of our history in Indiana and the addition of Harpenau Insurance to our company reaffirms our support to the great Hoosier state, enhancing our ability to serve our clients nationwide. We are so pleased to have Rick and the rest of the Harpenau team join and know that we will continue to do amazing work for our clients.”
Rick Harpenau, owner of Harpenau Insurance, echoed this sentiment, affirming, “This business bares my name, and holds six decades of collective, blood, sweat, tears, memories, and friendships. Finding the right strategic partner to continue our legacy has been a primary focus of mine over the last several years. Maintaining our team, along with our Troy and Evansville locations was important in this decision. This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to further support our clients and enhance the value we bring to their insurance needs, while continuing to remain independently owned and free from external influences.”
Through this partnership, Henriott Group and Harpenau Insurance will continue to be innovators in the insurance distribution industry, leveraging their combined expertise and resources to deliver unparalleled support and innovative solutions to clients across the nation.
About Henriott Group: Founded in 1963 in Lafayette, Indiana, Henriott Group is a leading insurance and risk management agency dedicated to providing innovative solutions and exceptional service to clients across various industries. With a focus on client satisfaction and comprehensive coverage, Henriott Group is committed to delivering peace of mind to its clients.
For more information about Henriott Group, visit www.henriott.com. For more information about Harpenau Insurance, visit www.harpenauinsurance.com.
For Contact:
Grace Pritchett, gpritchett@henriott.com
Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | March 2024
One Southern Indiana would like to thank the following members for renewing their membership during the month of March 2024.
| Quarter Century Club (25 Years or More) | Member Since |
| H&H Design-Build | 1976 |
| City of Charlestown | 1985 |
| Schuler Bauer Real Estate Services | 1985 |
| LifeSpring Health Systems | 1986 |
| WAVE 3 News | 1988 |
| The Salvation Army | 1996 |
| Ten to 24 Years | |
| River Ridge Development Authority | 2001 |
| Nicholson Insurance Agency | 2003 |
| Budget Services & Supplies, LLC | 2004 |
| Old National Bank | 2004 |
| Cherry Bekaert (MCM CPAs & Advisors) | 2006 |
| Nu-Yale | 2008 |
| Delaco Kasle Processing Indiana | 2008 |
| Scot Mailing and Shipping Systems | 2008 |
| Delta Services LLC | 2009 |
| Arctic Minerals | 2011 |
| Rauch Industries | 2011 |
| Frost Brown Todd, LLP | 2012 |
| Air Hydro Power | 2013 |
| Community Montessori Charter Public School | 2013 |
| Nugent Sand Company | 2013 |
| Five to Nine Years | |
| C2 Strategic Communications LLC | 2015 |
| HMC Service Co. | 2015 |
| Red7e | 2015 |
| Cardinal Pointe Financial Group | 2016 |
| W.M. Kelley Company, Inc. | 2017 |
| A1 Porta Potty | 2019 |
| Naked By Sunday | 2019 |
| PayFWDs | 2019 |
| Two to Four Years | |
| Makarios Consulting, LLC | 2020 |
| CRG Automation | 2021 |
| Miranda Construction | 2021 |
| Videobred, Inc. | 2021 |
| Brookstone Financial LLC | 2022 |
| Carpet Specialist, Inc. | 2022 |
| HRS Global LLC | 2022 |
| Lead Well Strategic Consulting | 2022 |
| One Year | |
| AG Master Tile & More | 2023 |
| Chanel Nicole Co. | 2023 |
| Ellis & Badenhausen Orthopaedics | 2023 |
| Innovators Inurance Group LLC | 2023 |
| Kaczmarek Contracting LLC | 2023 |
| Louisville Painting Company LLC | 2023 |
| Patriot Mobile Wash | 2023 |
| Patriot Mobile Wash | 2023 |
| Prosser Alumni Association Inc. | 2023 |
| Pylons | 2023 |
| Rise Foundation, Inc. | 2023 |
| Rural 1st | 2023 |
Welcome New Members | March 2024
One Southern Indiana would like to welcome the following businesses that joined or rejoined during the month of March 2024.
- Andes Roofing
- Ansert Foot & Ankle Center, PSC
- Bone Dry Roofing
- City Wide Facility Solutions
- Floor Coverings International Louisville East
- Floyd County Brewing Company
- Floyd County Sheriff’s Office
- Henriott Group, Inc.
- HMC Service Company Inc
- In The Now LLC dba Indiana Hot Yoga
- Michener Mullins & Arrington PLLC
- New York Life – Dan Heiskell
- Pro Edge Pest Control
- Small Talk Pediatric Therapy
- Southern Indiana Football Club
- Southern Indiana Pride, Inc.
- Speed Art Museum
- This is SoIN
- Unisource Roofing
- Zachary Adams Home Services
Republic Bank Named one of the Best-Performing Large Community Banks in the U.S. by S&P Global Market Intelligence
Republic ranked highest among banks headquartered in Kentucky
Louisville, Ky. (Mar. 27, 2024) – Republic Bank today announced it has been named a top-50 best-performing bank in the S&P Global Market Intelligence Top 50 Community Banks with assets of $3 -10 billion, with the highest ranking of any bank headquartered in Kentucky. The rankings assess the performance of banking institutions based on returns, growth and funding, while placing a premium on the strength and risk profile of balance sheets.
Republic Bank Executive Chair Steve Trager said, “This notable designation is a testament to the strength and stability we’ve built over more than 40 years, which fosters peace of mind and confidence among our clients, associates and all those we serve.”
To compile this ranking, S&P Global Market Intelligence calculated scores based on seven metrics: pretax return on average assets; year-over-year change in operating revenue; adjusted tangible common equity to tangible assets; cost of funds; net charge-offs to average loans and leases ratio; nonperforming assets and loans 90 days or more past due as a percentage of total assets and gross loans and leases plus held-to-maturity securities to total deposits.
“We’re honored to be named a Top-50 community bank and to be ranked highest in the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” said Logan Pichel, president and chief executive officer, Republic Bank. “Combining this recognition of our safety and security with recent recognition for our customer service – and a Net Promoter Score nearly 2-1/2 times* the industry average – shows our efforts to meet clients’ needs are working.”
Nathan Stovall, director of financial institutions research at S&P Global Market Intelligence said, “As banks and credit unions weather a higher for longer interest rate environment, we are delighted to see them continue serving their local markets.”
S&P Global Market Intelligence’s announcement can be found at: https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/media-center/press-release/sp-global-market-intelligence-ranks-the-best-performing-us-credit-unions-community-and-public-banks-and-community-banks-by-regio
*Source: Republic Bank Q3 2023 NPS® (Net Promoter Score) compared to Qualtrics XM Institute 2023 U.S. Consumer Benchmark Study banking industry average NPS®. NPS® is a common metric used by organizations to measure how they are perceived by their customers. See https://www.xminstitute.com/data-snippets/xmi-ratings-nps-2023/.
About Republic Bank
Republic Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is the parent company of Republic Bank & Trust Company (the “Bank”). The Bank currently has 47 banking centers in communities within five metropolitan statistical areas (“MSAs”) across five states: 22 banking centers located within the Louisville MSA in Louisville, Prospect, Shelbyville, and Shepherdsville in Kentucky, and Floyds Knobs, Jeffersonville, and New Albany in Indiana; six banking centers within the Lexington MSA in Georgetown and Lexington in Kentucky; eight banking centers within the Cincinnati MSA in Cincinnati and West Chester in Ohio, and Bellevue, Covington, Crestview Hills, and Florence in Kentucky; seven banking centers within the Tampa MSA in Largo, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, Seminole, and Tampa in Florida; and four banking centers within the Nashville MSA in Franklin, Murfreesboro, Nashville and Spring Hill, Tennessee. In addition, Republic Bank Finance has one loan production office in St. Louis, Missouri. The Bank offers internet banking at www.republicbank.com. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $6.6 billion in assets and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. The Company’s Class A Common Stock is listed under the symbol “RBCAA” on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.
Source: Republic Bancorp, Inc.
Republic Bank. It’s just easier here. ®
Media Contact
Jim Ensign, Senior Vice President & Chief Brand Officer
(502) 584-3600
Louisville Zoo Hosts Party for the Planet: A Month-Long Celebration of Earth
New ‘Kids in Action’ program added to annual event
The Louisville Zoo announces the return of its annual celebration, Party for the Planet: A Month-Long Celebration of the Earth powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. Throughout April, the Zoo will host a series of weekend activities and discounted admission opportunities to celebrate the wonder of our planet and promote the need to protect it.
New in 2024, the Zoo introduces the ‘Kids in Action’ program, inviting families and individuals of all ages to participate in environmentally beneficial projects in their own backyards. Participants can choose an activity aligned with conservation efforts and submit photos and explanations of their projects. Submissions will be accepted through April 16 with four winners selected on April 18 through a random drawing. Winners will receive a Zoo prize package and be invited to a special press conference celebrating Earth Month on April 21. A video retrospective of all projects will be shared on April 22.
“We are proud to once again host this month-long celebration of earth’s remarkable ecosystems,” said Dan Maloney, director of the Louisville Zoo. “Wildlife needs everyone to thrive, and Party for the Planet provides the perfect opportunity for people to learn how they can help promote and protect wildlife and wild places. Big thanks to LG&E and KU Foundation for making the entire month of festivities possible.”
The celebration kicks off with Recycling Weekends on April 6, 13, and 20, featuring various conservation organizations offering tips and suggestions to protect the environment. Special activities, including animal presentations and keeper talks, will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each weekend.
In addition, the Zoo will offer unique compost sales with ZooPoopyDoo compost available for purchase on April 6, 13, 20, and 27. Fun Day Mondays on April 8, 15, 22, and 29 will feature $7.25 Zoo admission, powered by LG&E and KU Foundation, with a portion of proceeds supporting conservation projects worldwide.
Party for the Planet culminates with Earth Day observed on April 21, with $5 off general admission at the Zoo’s admissions windows and free parking all day, powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. Community eco-partners will be featured throughout the Zoo, providing guests with valuable information on environmental conservation.
“Our earth and its resources are precious, and this event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate them,” said Mary Kate Gray, manager of Corporate Responsibility and Community Affairs at LG&E and KU. “We’re proud to continue this long-standing partnership with the Zoo to help foster this tradition and a love of the environment within our community.”
For more information about Party for the Planet events and scheduling, see below and visit louisvillezoo.org/earth.
Recycling weekends
April 6, 13 and 20
Each weekend in April, the Zoo will host a different conservation organization to offer ways for guests to help our environment! Organizations and programs that help the air, water, land, and, of course, animals will be featured each of these weekends from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can enjoy special animal presentations, keeper talks, as well as tips and suggestions to help protect wildlife and wild places.
April 6 Crayon Recycling
April 13 Shoe Recycling
April 20 Document Shredding
Louisville ZooPoopyDoo Compost Sales
April 6, 13, 20 and 27
The most unique and wildest blend of ZooPoopyDoo compost will be made available for sale each Saturday in April from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m. for $45 per scoop. Products will be loaded into your vehicle in the Zoo’s Bus parking lot. Only open-top truck beds and trailers will be loaded. To purchase online, visit louisvillezoo.org/zoopoopydoo.
Fun Day Mondays
April 8, 15, 22 and 29
Guests can enjoy $7.25 Zoo admission, powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. Parking of $7 is not included and will be charged at the Zoo’s admission windows. Twenty-five cents from every ticket sold supports species survival activities through the Zoo’s conservation work with regional, national and global partners such as Monarch Watch, Kentucky Natural Land Trust, Snow Leopard Trust, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, Polar Bears International and the Black-footed Ferret Recovery Program.
Kids in Action Winners Announced
Sunday, April 21
The Zoo will announce the winners of its new Kids in Action program.
Earth Day Observed at the Zoo
Sunday, April 21
Party for the Planet culminates with $5 off general admission and free parking all day powered by LG&E and KU Foundation. Community eco-partners will be featured throughout the Zoo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission discount cannot be applied to any online ticket purchases and will only be applied during transactions made at the Zoo’s admission windows on April 21.
Plant Sale
Saturday, April 27
Guests can browse a selection of native plant available for purchase at the Zoo from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. or while supplies last.
ZOO HOURS
The Zoo is open daily year-round. Spring/summer hours are 10 a.m. ─ 5 p.m. (stay until 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info.
# # #
The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
Thad Barnes and Michael Denbow Appointed to Lead Stites & Harbison’s Business Litigation Service Group
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 22, 2024)—Stites & Harbison, PLLC is pleased to announce that attorneys Thad M. Barnes and Michael Denbow have been appointed to Co-Chair the firm’s Business Litigation Service Group. Each attorney will continue their diverse legal practices in business litigation.
“Stites & Harbison is fortunate to have so many strong leaders across the firm. I know Thad and Michael will do an excellent job serving as Co-Chairs of the group while helping the team execute on the firm’s strategic goals,” stated Marjorie A. Farris, Chair of Stites & Harbison. “We are grateful to Chad McTighe for his past leadership of the Business Litigation Group and welcome him to the Management Committee where he will be able to make an even greater impact at Stites.”
Barnes is a Member (Partner) of Stites & Harbison in the Louisville office. He is currently Chair of the Pretrial Practice & eDiscovery Group and the Lateral Recruiting Committee. Barnes handles litigation across the nation and his practice is focused on complex commercial litigation, intellectual property and health care litigation. He works closely with flavor and fragrance manufacturers and has extensive trial experience in patent litigation, trade secret cases and product liability matters. Barnes also works with clients to implement defensible approaches to the presentation, collection and production of electronically stored information (ESI) for litigation, government requests and investigations.
Denbow is a Member (Partner) of Stites & Harbison in the Louisville office. He is currently the Chair of the White Collar Practice Group. His practice focuses on white collar criminal defense and other government and regulatory matters. He handles matters in federal and state courts throughout the Southeast and represents clients when dealing with such government entities as the Department of Justice, the FBI, the SEC and the CFPB, among others. Denbow also routinely represents professional athletes and entertainers in contract negotiations, business advice and litigation matters.
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.