Since 1990, New Albany Main Street, a nonprofit organization, has been dedicated to revitalizing and preserving the heart of their city. From historic downtown to bustling midtown and uptown, they are committed to creating a vibrant community where residents and visitors can shop, live, play, and explore.
Watch the video to learn more about their services, or visit their website.
New Albany, IN — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has awarded One Southern Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development (1si) the prestigious Accreditation designation in recognition of its sound policies, effective organizational procedures, and significant positive impact on the community it serves.
“Achieving the Accreditation designation is a significant accomplishment that underscores the chamber’s steadfast dedication to its community and its commitment to organizational excellence,” said Raymond P. Towle, U.S. Chamber Vice President, Federation Relations and IOM. “This prestigious recognition places the chamber among the top in the industry, showcasing its exceptional leadership, meaningful contributions, and critical role in driving growth, innovation, and opportunity within the business community.”
Lance Allison, President and CEO of 1si, shares, “This accreditation is more than an organizational milestone, it’s a reflection of the businesses, partners, and leaders who power our region. Our team shows up every day committed to serving this community with excellence, and this reflection affirms that effort. We’re proud of the work behind us and excited for the opportunities still ahead.”
The U.S. Chamber’s Accreditation Program sets the standard for excellence in the chamber industry, fostering a pro-business environment across the nation. To achieve Accreditation, chambers must meet high standards in areas such as governance, government affairs, communications, and technology. This comprehensive self-review process typically takes 6-9 months to complete and reflects a chamber’s dedication to continuous improvement and measurable progress.
Local chambers are rated as Accredited, 3-Stars, 4-Stars, or 5-Stars, while state chambers are recognized as either Accredited State Chamber or Accredited State Chamber with Distinction. The final determination is made by the Accrediting Board, a committee of U.S. Chamber board members and chamber CEOs from across the country.
This designation underscores 1si’s commitment to excellence and its role as a vital resource for the business community, fostering growth, innovation, and opportunity for its members and the region it serves.
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:
One Southern Indiana
Ellinor Smith | Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager
EllinorS@1si.org | 217-320-4832
Service launches in late May 2026, just in time for summer travel
Louisville, KY (November 18, 2025) – Today Allegiant Air announced new, nonstop service to Gulf Shores (GUF) from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), providing even more options to a top vacation destination for the region. The new, seasonal flights will begin on Thursday, May 22, 2026 – just in time for the busy summer travel season.
“This is great news for our community and region as we continue expanding options for travelers and we appreciate Allegiant’s on-going support of our market,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority.“ Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are popular beach destinations and thanks to Allegiant’s new, nonstop flight, it makes it even easier as well as more affordable and convenient to experience Alabama’s coast.”
It is estimated that approximately 40,000 overnight trips from the Louisville area
to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach are taken every year.
The new flights will be offered twice weekly on an Airbus A319 with 156 seats. With the addition of Gulf Shores, Allegiant provides nonstop service to nine cities from Louisville including Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Myrtle Beach, Orlando Sanford, Punta Gorda, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, Sarasota and Savannah.
Travelers can purchase their tickets today at AllegiantAir.com.
About Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
Owned and operated by the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, the Louisville Muhammad
Ali International Airport (SDF) is the state’s premier airport, serving more Kentuckians annually
than any other airport in the Commonwealth. Eight commercial passenger airlines offer
nonstop service to more than 35 nonstop destinations from Louisville. SDF is home to UPS
Worldport, moving millions of tons of product each year, making it the 3rd busiest cargo
airport in North America and 5th in the world. Aviation is an economic powerhouse for the
region that generates $12.8 billion in economic impact every year. One in 8 jobs is generated
by SDF and Bowman Field and their aviation partners. Visit www.FlyLouisville.com to learn
more.
New Albany, Ind. —Maker13, the Indiana Small Business Development Center, IU Southeast School of Business, along with a number of local sponsors will be celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week November 17-21, 2025 with a week full of events and activities.
Events for Global Entrepreneurship Week include:
The Creative Economy Summit – Tuesday, November 18, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
This inaugural event celebrates the vibrant spirit of the creative entrepreneur – the talented artists, authors, makers, and hobbyists. Witness the magic as talented artists, authors, makers, and hobbyists showcase how they’ve transformed their passions into thriving ventures. Explore a diverse array of captivating displays, network with fellow creatives, and enjoy some delicious food.
The Next BIG Thing Pitch Competition 2025 – Wednesday, November 19, 5:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
In its third year, The Next Big Thing Pitch Competition 2025 welcomes everyone with a passion for innovation. Local entrepreneurs have submitted proposals with their groundbreaking ideas, and this event will showcase 10 finalists with their new business idea or growing operation. $10,000 will be awarded as non-dilutive prize money, determined by a judging panel of local entrepreneurs and industry experts.
Student Entrepreneur Resource Fair – Thursday, November 20, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
This event connects high school students (grades 9 – 12) with 14 local entrepreneurs and support organizations. As a booth-style event, over 250 students will receive a “passport” booklet that guides them through the fair. As they move along the booths asking questions, they’ll receive a logo sticker of the organization they visited. By the end, they’ll have a completed resource book to help them launch, grow, and scale their business! Registration is currently closed.
Please contact Kyleigh Hublar for any questions/details
(502) 214-0717
Kyleigh.Hublar@Maker13.com
Jeffersonville, IN (November 12, 2025)– The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) announced the completion of a new roadway connection linking Penny Martin Road and Patrol Road within the River Ridge Commerce Center, adjacent to Indiana Highway 62.
The project improves traffic flow, enhances access for existing businesses, and connects the north end of the Commerce Center to the rest of River Ridge. With this new link in place, motorists can now travel throughout the entire Commerce Center without entering Highway 62, easing congestion and improving safety.
“Connecting Penny Martin and Patrol Road has been a key priority for improving circulation within River Ridge,” said Marc Hildenbrand, Executive Director of the River Ridge Development Authority. “This investment strengthens accessibility for our tenants and helps drive future development.”
The new connection also enhances emergency access and overall safety within the Commerce Center.
See map of newly opened roads here: New RRCC Roads Map
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. The RRDA’s mission is to generate a positive regional economic impact by managing and sustaining the River Ridge Commerce Center as America’s premier development location. Today, River Ridge is home to more than 80 companies such as Amazon, Meta, Canadian Solar, Collins Aerospace, Medline, and PharmaCord. Onsite employment totaled more than 12,675 in 2024, and the Commerce Center produced a record-breaking economic impact for the region.
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Media Contacts:
Wendy Dant Chesser, Chief Director – Corporate Strategy & External Affairs
(812) 285-8979
One Southern Indiana’s Launius Named One of 2025 North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers
NEW ALBANY, Indiana – John Launius, Senior Vice President and Chief Economic Development Officer for One Southern Indiana, has been named one of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers by Consultant Connect, a consulting agency dedicated to bridging the gap between economic developers and site location consultants. This annual recognition honors outstanding economic development professionals who are nominated by their peers in both the economic development and site consulting industries. Nominees are selected for their exemplary leadership, innovative strategies, and measurable impact in building thriving communities.
One Southern Indiana is the economic development organization serving Clark, Floyd and Scott Counties and the chamber of commerce serving Clark and Floyd Counties.
“It’s truly an honor to receive this award from my peers—so many of whom I greatly admire,” said Launius. “I’m humbled to be recognized alongside such outstanding professionals and deeply appreciate Consultant Connect for celebrating the work of economic developers.”
Beginning on May 7, Consultant Connect highlighted each of the Top 50 Economic Developers on LinkedIn. These spotlights offer recipients the opportunity to share insights on industry trends, leadership, and career development—creating a platform for peer-to-peer learning and recognition.
The 2025 Top 50 recipients were officially recognized and presented with their awards during the ECONOMIX event, hosted by Consultant Connect on November 12 in Lake Nona, Florida.
“At Consultant Connect, we believe economic development goes beyond infrastructure and investment—it’s about creating opportunities that transform lives,” said a spokesperson from Consultant Connect. “We’re honored to shine a spotlight on these exceptional leaders who are driving meaningful change across North America.”
For more information about the award and to follow the 2025 honorees, connect with Consultant Connect on LinkedIn or visit www.consultantconnect.org.
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.
About Consultant Connect
Consultant Connect works to bridge the gap between leading economic developers and site location consultants through exclusive networking events, educational services and leadership development. Consultant Connect not only gives economic developers an inside look into the world of site selection – it gives them the applicable information necessary to propel their careers and communities forward. For more information, please visit www.consultantconnect.org.
Media Contacts
One Southern Indiana
Ellinor Smith
Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager
812.945.0866
EllinorS@1si.org
Consultant Connect
Carla Sones
President
269.207.4982
carla@consultantconnect.org
Childplace exists to serve children and families at risk by meeting their needs and equipping them for life in a spirit of Christian love. Whether you’re considering opening your heart as a foster parent, seeking guidance through our professional counseling services, exploring the path of adoption, or discovering their residential services, Childplace is ready to guide and support you.
If you are interested in learning more about Childplace and who they are and what they do, visit their website here.
Jeffersonville, IN – November 19th, 2025— Heritage Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest branch, located at 2013 Jeffersonville Commons, Jeffersonville, IN. The new Jeffersonville branch marks an important step in Heritage Federal Credit Union’s ongoing mission to Improve Lives; Simplify Banking. We are excited to announce Todd Lancaster, as our Jeffersonville Market President. Todd brings nearly 30 years of banking experience and a passion for helping our members and the community. Since 1965, Heritage has been serving members by offering a full range of financial services in personal, business, and wealth services. As a credit union, we value our pillars of philanthropy and proudly support Youth Empowerment, Economic Sustainability, and Community Health through our dedicated work with local nonprofit organizations, supporting 120 of them within the past year.
Ribbon Cutting on November 19th, 2025
The community is invited to join in celebrating this exciting milestone as Heritage continues to expand its presence and commitment to Southern Indiana. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 12:00 EST with Fistful of Tacos food truck, giveaways and raffles. Community members, local officials, and business leaders are encouraged to attend and meet the new Heritage team.
For more information, visit https://www.heritagefederal.org
Heritage Federal Credit Union is a Federally Insured Credit Union which offers financial products and services to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, participates in programs to alleviate poverty or distress, or participates in associations headquartered in; and businesses and other legal entities, incorporated and unincorporated organizations located in; or maintaining a facility located in Gibson, Posey, Warrick, Vanderburgh, Daviess, Knox, Spencer, Pike, Perry, Crawford, Clark, Floyd, and Harrison Counties in Indiana; Henderson, Daviess, Hopkins, Hancock, Ohio, McLean, Webster, Union, and Crittenden Counties in Kentucky; and Lawrence, Wabash, White, Gallatin, and Hardin Counties in Illinois.
Media Contact: Date: October 27, 2025
Sami Etienne For Immediate Release
Director of Marketing
Heritage Federal Credit Union
812-253-6928 community@heritagefederal.org
RRDA donates equipment and personnel for community tree planting at park built on land it originally gifted to the city
Jeffersonville, IN (October 27, 2025) – The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) joined community members and city officials on Friday for a tree planting event at Chapel Lake Park, reaffirming its commitment to supporting environmental sustainability and community development throughout the region.
As part of the effort, RRDA donated the equipment needed to plant 15 trees near the disc golf course. The event brought together city staff, volunteers, and partners to enhance one of Jeffersonville’s most scenic public spaces.
Chapel Lake Park sits on land originally donated by the River Ridge Development Authority, making this latest contribution a meaningful continuation of RRDA’s long-standing investment in the community.
“This project represents what River Ridge is all about—building for the future while strengthening our communities,” said Marc Hildenbrand, Executive Director of the River Ridge Development Authority. “We’re proud to continue supporting Chapel Lake Park and to help create spaces where families and neighbors can come together.”
“The trees planted were paid for through an ongoing program that allows developers the option to omit a portion of their required landscaping by paying a fee to the City,” said Chad Reischl, AICP, Jeffersonville’s Director of Planning and Zoning. “We then use this money to plant trees in our parks and public spaces where they are most wanted.”
“The City of Jeffersonville past investments in quality-of-life amenities attract residents and visitors to our parks. Opening the disc golf course last year was one of our latest commitments to Chapel Lake Park, and the addition of trees in the parking area creates a more serene setting for the area.”
The new trees planted last week will add beauty, shade, and long-term environmental benefits to the park, ensuring that Chapel Lake remains a vibrant and welcoming destination for the community.
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 more than 80 companies such as Amazon, Meta, Canadian Solar, Collins Aerospace, Medline, and PharmaCord. Onsite employment totaled more than 12,675 in 2024, and the Commerce Center produced a record-breaking economic impact for the region. 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.
Media Contacts:
Wendy Dant Chesser, Chief Director
wendy@riverridgecc.com, (812) 285-8979
Louisville, KY (October 21, 2025) – Today the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) will hold a full-scale, aircraft emergency disaster drill on the airfield. The airport’s Public Safety Department with support from a variety of emergency response agencies in the community will utilize a portion of the airfield as part of a simulated aircraft incident. It will include a period of fire, smoke and approximately 100 volunteers who will act as passengers on the aircraft. There will also be activities in the terminal related to this training exercise. All activities surrounding the drill will begin mid-morning and conclude by late afternoon.
Motorists traveling on I-65 and I-264/Watterson Expressway as well as those in areas along the airport’s perimeter including Preston Highway, Standiford Lane, Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road can expect to see or hear the exercise in progress. This may include flames, smokes and a heavy presence of emergency response vehicles.
“Even as aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, it’s
crucial that our Public Safety and entire airport team are always prepared and ready to respond to an emergency situation,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority.
“Exercises like this one today gives our team and community partners the opportunity to practice their skills, putting their trainings to the test and going through our response processes in a simulated live environment.”
The full-scale training exercise will be held on a portion of the airfield that will not impact normal airport operations. Communications in the airport’s terminal, on FlyLouisville.com and its social media channels will be shared so the public is aware of the simulated drill should they see any of its activities. The exercise scenario will include the following elements to add realism to the simulated incident:
For more information about the airport, visit FlyLouisville.com.
MEDIA ASSETS
Click here to view photos from the aircraft emergency training exercise at
SDF on October 21, 2025.
About Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
Owned and operated by the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is the state’s premier airport, serving more Kentuckians annually than any other airport in the Commonwealth. Eight commercial passenger airlines offer nonstop service to more than 35 nonstop destinations from Louisville. SDF is home to UPS Worldport, moving millions of tons of product each year, making it the 3rd busiest cargo airport in North America and 5th in the world. Aviation is an economic powerhouse for the region that generates $12.8 billion in economic impact every year. One in 8 jobs is generated by SDF and Bowman Field and their aviation partners. Visit www.FlyLouisville.com to learn more.
Contact: Natalie Chaudoin For Immediate Release
(502) 363-8507 office
(502) 475-8084 cell
Natalie.Chaudoin@FlyLouisville.com