New Hope’s New VP/CFO

by with No Comment Member News

Jeffersonville, Ind. – January 11, 2024 – With the new year, New Hope is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeffery Fortwengler as its new Vice President/Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Mr. Fortwengler brings a wealth of experience to his role, previously serving as the Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for the Waterfront Botanical Gardens. With a career spanning over 30 years, he has demonstrated expertise in financial management, planning and analysis, business leadership, and corporate strategy.

In addition to his extensive professional experience, Fortwengler is well-educated, holding an Advanced Accounting certification from Bellarmine University, where he achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA in 1998. He also earned a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with High Honors, specializing in Finance & Accounting, in 1990.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jeff to the New Hope team as our Chief Financial Officer,” said Jody Heazlitt, President/CEO at New Hope. “His wealth of experience, strategic financial acumen, and commitment to our mission make him an invaluable addition to our leadership. We look forward to achieving new heights under his guidance.”

About New Hope Services:

New Hope is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering communities through accessible and supportive services. With a mission to enhance the well-being of individuals and families, New Hope’s focus is based on three primary divisions: Ability Services, Family Services, and Affordable Housing. With about 150 employees, the organization serves more than 16,000 individuals and families each year. To learn more, visit newhopeservices.org.

Media contact:
Elizabeth Boyd | COO New Hope
elizabeth_boyd@newhopeservices.org
812-288-8248

Advocacy-Update-Email-Header2

Advocacy Update | 01.10.24

by with No Comment 1si NewsAdvocacy
Advocacy-Update-Email-Header2

Welcome back! The 2024 Session of the Indiana General Assembly has officially begun. Here are some upcoming deadlines to keep in mind as the session moves forward.

  • Thursday, January 11 – Deadline for filing House bills (no later than 2:00 p.m.)
  • Tuesday, January 16 – Last day Senate bills may be assigned to Senate committees.

Governor Eric Holcomb also released his 2024 Next Level Agenda, focusing on administrative and legislative items related to childcare, education, and the workforce. 

One Southern Indiana (1si) kicked off January with the Advocacy State Leadership Breakfast, sponsored by the following organizations:

  • Presenting Sponsor: MAC Construction
  • Platinum Sponsors: AT&T, Baptist Health, and Duke Energy
  • Gold Sponsor: Mister “P” Express, Inc.
  • Silver Sponsor: Frost Brown Todd, LLP

The following senators and representatives were in attendance:

  • Senator Gary Byrne, Dist. 47
  • Senator Chris Garten, Dist. 45
  • Representative Rita Fleming, Dist. 71
  • Representative Karen Engleman, Dist. 70
  • Representative Ed Clere, Dist. 72

Each person reviewed what they had planned for the upcoming session and discussed details of the bills they were working on. Education, workforce, and healthcare were all major topics mentioned by the senators and representatives.

The discussion ended with a question-and-answer session, with questions provided by the audience. The Q&A raised questions about education, affordable housing, economic investments and development, and childcare.

The next advocacy event will be on March 15, 2024, at IU Southeast and will feature regional leaders in Southern Indiana. More details to come.

You can find a copy of the 1si 2024 Advocacy Agenda by visiting www.1si.org/advocacy or download a PDF copy here.

Thanks for Renewing Your Membership | December 2023

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 in December 2023.

Quarter Century Club (25 Years or More)Member Since
Indiana-American Water Company1967
Graceland Baptist Church1970
PC Home Center1978
Libs Paving Co., Inc.1990
American Red Cross Louisville Area Chapter1991
Hope Southern Indiana, Inc.1998
Rock Creek Community Academy1998
Wiggam Lumber, Inc.1999
  
Ten to 24 Years 
Smith Creek, Inc.2001
Business Health Plus, Inc.2003
LL&A Interior Design2005
R. H. Clarkson Insurance Agency2007
Peyton’s Barricade & Sign Co.2008
Industrial Air Centers, Inc.2008
  
Five to Nine Years 
Tree of Life Family Birth Center2018
  
Two to Four Years 
Excel Excavating, Incorporated2020
Cluckers2020
The Exchange Pub + Kitchen2021
Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA)2021
Pet Wants Clarksville2022
National Material Handling2022
  
One Year 
Dock Seafood Inc2023
Clark Station Shopping Center2023

 

Building Up: Local Structural Component Manufacturer Plans for Increased Production

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

GHK Truss, LLC will expand its current operations due to growing customer demands.

Clarksville, IN. (December 19, 2023)

GHK Truss, LLC, a thriving structural component manufacturer located in Clarksville, IN, is expanding. The company has grown since its establishment in 2008, creating a need to expand its current production level. GHK Truss will invest around $1 million in state-of-the-art equipment, including $838,050 in new machinery and equipment, $170,000 in building improvements, and $5,000 in new furniture, fixtures, and IT/hardware. The company will also add up to 15 new jobs to accommodate the increased demand.

GHK Truss started with small roots in 2008 and a focus on excellence, purpose, and team. The team has grown from eight original employees to over 43 in the last fifteen years. GHK Truss is committed to innovation, value, and service for customers, and remains primarily involved in residential, commercial, agriculture, and multi-family building projects.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to grow,” says Mike Gilley, one of the co-founders of GHK Truss. “Our business has become a trusted brand, and adding the new machinery and employees over the next few years will allow us to continue that trust for our current and future clients.”

Based on the company’s job creation plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment in GHK Truss of up to $175,000 in the form of incentive-based tax credits. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.

“Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has a significant impact on the state’s economy and our local communities,” said Ann Lathrop, chief strategy officer of the IEDC. “The continued success and growth of Indiana-founded small businesses like GHK Truss is critical to our future and to creating more quality job opportunities for Hoosiers.”

“The Town of Clarksville enthusiastically supports GHK Truss’s plans to expand their current operations,” says Kevin Baity, town manager. “Their growing presence will continue to add value to our community and local economy. We congratulate GHK Truss on their continued success.”

“We’re thrilled to see GHK Truss expand its reach,” says John Launius, vice president and director of economic development at One Southern Indiana (1si). “GHK Truss’s expansion underscores the great business environment of Clarksville and the entire region. 1si will continue to work with GHK Truss as they operationalize this investment and serve their customers.”


About GHK Truss, LLC
Since GHK Truss’ founding in 2008 by three friends, the company has been on a path of growth. GHK Truss serves three states, Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio, in various projects, including residential, multifamily, commercial, and agricultural. GHK Truss is committed to continuous innovation, value, and service for our customers needing structural building components. For more information, visit www.ghktruss.com.

About One Southern Indiana
One Southern Indiana (1si) 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 help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area via the three pillars of Business Resources, Economic Development and Advocacy. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.

Contact:

GHK Truss
Michael Harlowe, Partner
Mharlowe@ghktruss.com
812-282-6600

One Southern Indiana
Brittany Schmidt, Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager
BrittanyS@1si.org
812-945-0266

 

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New Microbrewery Headed to Historic Georgetown

by with One Comment 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

Off the Rails, LLC is opening a new upscale microbrewery and restaurant, Rails and Ales Brew House, adjacent to Georgetown Park.  

Georgetown, Ind. (December 18, 2023)

Georgetown keeps on growing. Off the Rails, LLC has chosen a location on State Road 64 in Georgetown’s downtown, adjacent to Georgetown Park. This new venture, Rails and Ales Brew House, will be a welcomed amenity to support continued residential growth in the region.

Rails and Ales Brew House will be an upscale microbrewery and restaurant, with its design and theme coming from the railroad tracks that travel through the historic portion of Georgetown. The two-story building will house two bars and a self-service restaurant.  Customers will also be able to order food to go using their drive-through.

“We can’t wait to bring this microbrewery and restaurant to Georgetown,” said Justin Juhasz, one of the owners of Rails and Ales Brew House. “Our hope is to create an atmosphere new to the Georgetown area and showcase our beautiful town by having a dining option close to the Georgetown Park.”

In addition to brewing their own craft beer, Rails and Ales Brew House will carry a selection of craft beers from other breweries, as well as wine options. They will also have TVs and other amenities to make it the local spot to relax and spend time with friends and family.

Off the Rails, LLC estimates over $1,000,000 will go into the building for improvements, new equipment, and more. The location also plans to hire at least eight individuals for full-time roles.  To support this growth, the Town of Georgetown is offering the company personal and real property tax abatement, phasing in its new property taxes over four and six years, respectively.

“The Town Council is thrilled to see this investment in our downtown,” noted Chris Loop, Town Council President. “Residents have been asking for a concept just like this, and our redevelopment plan calls for it. Our tax incentives should signal that the Town of Georgetown is open for business investment.”

“One Southern Indiana (1si) has seen a lot of growth in Georgetown over the last few years,” said John Launius, Vice President and Director of Economic Development with One Southern Indiana. “Off the Rails, LLC is bringing an exciting new opportunity for residents of Georgetown with Rails and Ales Brew House, and we will continue to partner with them to position them for long-term success in the region.”  

About Off the Rails, LLC

Off the Rails, LLC is a local company in Georgetown, Ind. The owners also own Floyd Farm & Feed, a local farm, feed, and pet/livestock supply store that also offers pet grooming. The owners of Off the Rails, LLC are community-oriented and host several events each year, including an Easter egg hunt and scarecrow competition through Floyd Farm & Feed.

About One Southern Indiana
One Southern Indiana (1si) 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 help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area via the three pillars of Business Resources, Economic Development and Advocacy. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.

Contact:

Off the Rails, LLC
Rails and Ales Brew House
Justin Juhasz, Owner
floydfarmfeed@gmail.com
812-219-7699

One Southern Indiana
Brittany Schmidt, Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager
BrittanyS@1si.org
812-945-0266

Nonprofit Spotlight | Hope Southern Indiana

by with No Comment 1si NewsNonprofit Spotlight

Hope Southern Indiana
1200 Bono Rd
New Albany, IN 47150
Business Phone:     812-948-9248
Website:  www.hopesi.org
Contact Person: Angela Graf, Executive Director
Contact Email: agraf@hopesi.org                                                       

Agency Mission Statement or Description:

Year established:1964-Downtown Neighborhood Council-Interfaith Community Council and in 2012 as Hope Southern Indiana

Counties/regions serviced: Hope SI serves primarily Floyd & Clark Counties

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) serves Floyd, Clark, Scott, Washington & Jefferson County

Focus areas: Basic Needs-Human Services

Impact on community: We partner with 57 churches, MUW, Dare To Care and collaborate with similar nonprofits caring for our low-income population needing assistance. In 2022, we provided 17,565 services to the community. We distributed more than $955,000 in food through the pantry. We served 2092 unduplicated households with 88% of services in Floyd County. We helped 701 families with basic utility bills to avoid disconnection, assisted 628 families with rent/mortgage payments to avoid eviction, and with our IDVA grant, we were able to provide $41,000 in services to Veterans.  In 2022, we served 783 households for the first time ever; families that had not had to visit a food pantry or social service organization before.

Volunteer Opportunities: We offer many opportunities for volunteers at Hope Southern Indiana.  Through our RSVP program, we offer volunteer opportunities at 130 other organizations in 5 counties.

How 1si members can help your organization: Donate food, hygiene items, host food drives, participate in programs such as Pack the Bus, Clothe A Teen, and Spirit of the Season. Volunteer at Hope with your church, organization or business. Make a monetary donation through our website. 

 

Nonprofit Spotlight | The Salvation Army

by with No Comment 1si NewsNonprofit Spotlight

The Salvation Army
2300 Greenvalley Rd.
New Albany, IN 47150
Business Phone: 812-206-2652
Website: sanewalbany.org
Contact Person:  Alecha Redmond, Family Support Case Manager
Contact Email:  Alecha.redmond@usc.salvationarmy.org

Please use 300 words or less to describe your agency and your impact on the community.

Year established: 2022

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

Focus areas: Homeownership/ financial independence

Impact on community:  So far we have obtained seven pre-approvals and one purchase

Volunteer Opportunities: 2

How 1si members can help your organization: Partnerships & donations

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Strategic Growth: Regional OEM and Parts Supplier Looks at Southern Indiana Expansion for Increased Capacity 

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

Rush Group Limited LLC is set to strategically expand its regional operations to support growth.

SELLERSBURG, IN. (December 11, 2023) 

Rush Group Limited LLC, established in 2011 as an automotive-industry partner in the Detroit area, looks to expand operations to Sellersburg, IN. As a minority-owned and purpose-driven company, the group fulfills an important need for large clients who have made diversity part of hiring and procurement processes while getting the highest quality products at a fair price. The Rush family of companies has focused on a community and customer-centered approach since their formation in 1984.

Rush Group Limited now plans to invest $15 million to support strategic operational growth, which includes new machinery and equipment, IT/hardware, building improvements, and new furniture and fixtures at the Sellersburg facility. Plans also include leasing 417,270 sq ft. in Silver Creek Logistics Center – Building B, located at 7803 Highway 31 in Sellersburg, IN, which was recently developed by Clarion Partners and represented by NAI Fortis Group. In addition, the Sellersburg-based operation will also add up to 180 new full-time jobs.

“We’re excited for the company’s continued growth as it indicates the confidence and value offered to our customers,” says Lori Lancaster, President of Rush Group Limited. “Our success is built on being a trusted partner to our clients and this investment in the Town of Sellersburg strongly positions us to meet our growing client demand.”

Based on the company’s investment and job creation plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment in Rush Group Limited, LLC of up to $1.8 million in the form of incentive-based tax credits. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired. The Town of Sellersburg has also approved a five-year personal property tax abatement to encourage the company to select this site.
 
I’m thrilled to see Rush Group Limited choose Indiana as the location for their expanded operations,” said Ann Lathrop, Chief Strategy Officer at the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “Rush Group Limited is a natural fit for Indiana—together we’ll play to each other’s strength in manufacturing, logistics and supply chain management. Their commitment to bringing high-quality career opportunities to diverse communities will bring prosperity and growth to Sellersburg. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the company and community will grow together.”

“The Town of Sellersburg enthusiastically welcomes this significant project from the Rush Group Limited to our growing community,” says Brad Amos, Council President for the Town of Sellersburg. “This planned investment, and subsequent hiring of 180 employees, offers a recurring benefit to our community and local economy that will be realized for years to come. Congratulations to Rush Group Limited on the continued growth within the region, and welcome to the Town of Sellersburg!” 

“This announced growth from Rush Group Limited is yet another nod to our region’s unparalleled manufacturing and logistics advantage,” says John Launius, Vice President and Director of Economic Development at One Southern Indiana (1si). “Rush Group Limited and their affiliated companies offer a tremendous and growing value to their customers, and we are honored they have chosen the Town of Sellersburg and our entire region to invest.”

About One Southern Indiana 
One Southern Indiana (1si) 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 help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area via the three pillars of Business Resources, Economic Development, and Advocacy. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.  

 

Contact: 

Rush Group Limited, LLC
Aaron River
Aaron.Rivers@rushgroup-ltd.com
502-710-9970
 

One Southern Indiana 
Brittany Schmidt, Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager 
BrittanyS@1si.org  
812-945-0266