IU Southeast Computer Science Team places 2nd in Midwest Regional CCDC State Qualifier Round

by with No Comment Member News

New Albany, Ind – A team of eight Indiana University Southeast students placed 2nd in the state qualifier round of the recent Midwest Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. The team competed against 16 other teams from Indiana and Minnesota on January 31, 2026,  and will now advance to the Wild Card qualifier round. 

The CCDC is an online cyber defense challenge that focuses on the efforts needed to manage, maintain, and protect a virtual commercial network from a very hostile team comprised of professional attackers.

In the Wild Card round, IU Southeast will face the 2nd and 3rd place finishers from the other state competitions in the region. The competition will be similar to the past two rounds in November and January, but more challenging.

Associate Computer Science Professor John Doyle coaches the team and is the advisor for the Computer Science Group. Doyle said there were a lot of strong, well-qualified teams in the competition.

“The 2nd place finish reflects the dedication and hard work that helped this team have one of the best performances since IU Southeast began competing in CCDC in 2012. The students on this team are some of the best students in the Computer Science department. Their hard work in their classes and participation in the Computer Science Group meetings really paid off at this year’s State qualifier.”

Most of the team members are pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science with the Cybersecurity Track or are earning IU Southeast’s Cybersecurity Certificate in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. 

Team members included:

Jonah Facer (captain), Georgetown, Ind.

John Aaron, Charlestown, Ind.

Jacob Braswell, Charlestown, Ind.

Anastasia McDaniel, Lexington, Ind.

Andrew Nale, Corydon, Ind.

Andon Payton, Sellersburg, Ind.

Andrew Swartz Depauw, Ind.

Jessica Ward, Scottsburg, Ind.

The Wild Card Qualifier Round will take place on February 21, 2026.

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 ten counties in the Louisville region, including Bullitt, Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Trimble, and Spencer counties and discounted tuition for remaining Kentucky residents through the Indiana Partner Program. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.

1si Invests in Excellence: Director of Membership Completes First Year of National Chamber Professional Development Program 

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press Release

One Southern Indiana (1SI) is proud to announce that Matt Zicher, Director of Membership, has successfully completed Year One of the Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, at its Winter Institute at the University of Arizona. 

Institute for Organization Management is a nationally recognized four-year program designed to enhance individual performance, elevate professional standards, and recognize association and chamber of commerce professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of chamber management. Upon completion of the program’s four-week-long sessions, participants earn the IOM Graduate Recognition, signifying 96 hours of course instruction in chamber management. 

“Investing in professional development is an investment in our members and region,” said President & CEO Lance Allison, CCE, IOM. “Matt’s commitment to completing the Institute program reflects our organization’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and delivering exceptional value to the businesses we serve.” 

The Institute’s curriculum is comprised of four separate week-long sessions, each five days in length, and offered annually at four locations across the country. This flexible structure allows participants to select the site and timing that best fits their professional schedule. While on-site, attendees complete 24 hours of course instruction per session and engage in in-depth discussions on issues impacting chambers and associations nationwide. 

Courses cover a broad range of critical topics, including advocacy, media training, membership growth and retention, finance, legal issues, human resources, and nonprofit governance. The curriculum is taught by university professors, industry experts, and leading practitioners in the chamber and association industries, ensuring participants receive both academic insight and real-world application. 

Zicher will continue his coursework over the next three years to earn the IOM designation. One Southern Indiana congratulates him on this important milestone and looks forward to the continued impact his advanced training will have on strengthening membership engagement and organizational performance. 

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. 

One Southern Indiana
Ellinor Smith
ESmith@1si.org 
Phone: 812-206-9030

Advocacy Update

by with No Comment 1si NewsAdvocacy

Our Advocacy initiatives give Southern Indiana businesses a unified voice. We stay informed on emerging policies, highlight opportunities, and are open to the concerns that matter most to our regional economy. 

If you are interested in learning more about the topics that matter most to our region, attend our 2026 Regional Leadership Luncheon held March 18th, at IU Southeast from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Register here. 

You will hear from: 

  • Kevin Baity, Clarksville Town Manager 
  • Bob Courtney, Mayor of Madison 
  • Dr. Treva Hodges, Mayor of Charlestown 
  • Terry Amick, Mayor of Scottsburg 
  • Justin Green, Mayor of Salem 
  • Reny Kenner, Georgetown Town Manager 

 

Bills we are monitoring: 

SB 4 Various Fiscal Matters 

Status: 

  • 2/24/2026: Third reading: passed; Roll Call 335: Yeas: 95, Nays: 1 
  • 2/23/2026: Representative O’Brien added as cosponsor 
  • 2/23/2026: Amendment #10 (Pryor) failed; Roll Call 319: Yeas: 29, Nays: 65 
  • 2/23/2026: Amendment #5 (Hamilton) failed; Roll Call 318: Yeas 29, Nays: 66 
  • 2/23/2026: Amendment #12 (DeLaney) failed; Roll Call 317: Yeas: 29, Nays: 66 

 

SB 76 Immigration matters  

Status: 

  • 2/27/2026: Senator Byrne added as coauthor 
  • 2/16/2026: Motion to concur filed 
  • 2/13/2026: Returned to the Senate with amendments 
  • 2/12/2026: Third reading: passed; Roll Call 240: Yeas: 6, Nays: 28 

 

SB 256 Foreign agent registration, foreign terrorist organizations, and foreign adversaries 

Status: 

  • 2/24/2026: House advisors appointed: Judy, Jeter, Ireland, Burton 
  • 2/24/2026: House conferees appointed: Commons, Garcia Wilburn 
  • 2/24/2026: Senate dissented from House amendments 
  • 2/24/2026: Motion to dissent filed 

 

SB 281 Income tax credits 

Status: 

  • 2/12/2026: Committee report: amend do pass, adopted 
  • 2/05/2026: Representative Snow added as cosponsor 
  • 2/05/2026: Representative Lopez added as sponsor 
  • 2/05/2026: Representative Snow removed as sponsor 
  • 2/2/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 

 

SB 283 Regional Development Tax Credit 

Status: 

  • Did not advance; Inactive. 
  • 1/12/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy 
  • 1/12/2026: Authored by Senators Mishler, Niezgodski 

 

HB 1101 Regional Economic Development 

Status: 

  • Did not advance; Inactive. 
  • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
  • 1/05/2026: Coauthored by Representatives Snow, Lehman 
  • 1/05/202: Authored by Representative Heine 

 

HB 1164 Tax Increment Financing Districts 

Status: 

  • Did not advance; Inactive. 
  • 1/05/2026: First Reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
  • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Rowray 

 

HB 1333 Land use and development 

Status: 

  • Did not advance; Inactive. 
  • 2/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Utilities 
  • 2/03/2026: Referred to the Senate 
  • 2/02/2026: Senate sponsors: Senators Koch Doriot 
  • 2/02/2026: Third reading: passed; Roll Call 195 
  • Yeas: 54 
  • Nays: 45 

 

Bills we support: 

HB 1018 School age childcare 

Status: 

  • 2/23/2026: Signed by the President of the Senate 
  • 2/19/2026: Signed by the President Pro Tempore 
  • 2/19/2026: Signed by the Speaker 
  • 2/18/2026: Returned to the House without amendments 
  • 2/17/2026: Third reading: passed; Roll Call 172: Yeas: 45, Nays: 0 

 

HB 1177 Child care assistance 

Status: 

  • 2/24/2026: Third reading: passed; Roll Call 237: Yeas: 48, Nays: 0 
  • 2/19/2026: Senator Randolph added as cosponsor 
  • 2/19/2026: Second reading: ordered engrossed 

 

Bills we oppose: 

HB 1104 Nondisclosure Agreements in Economic Development 

Status: 

  • Did not advance; Inactive. 
  • 1/12/2026: Representative Commons added as coauthor 
  • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform 
  • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Greene 

 

You can find a copy of the 1si 2026 Advocacy Agenda by visiting https://1si.org/advocacy/ or downloading a PDF copy here.   

The Ogle Center Presents CELTIC ANGELS: IRELAND

by with No Comment Uncategorized

Theatrical Celebration of Irish Music, Dance & Culture — March 6, 2026

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (January 13, 2025) — The Ogle Center at Indiana University Southeast is delighted to present Celtic Angels: Ireland, an exhilarating performance of traditional and contemporary Irish music, song, and dance, on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. in the Richard K. Stem Concert Hall.

This internationally acclaimed show invites audiences on a spirited journey through the heart of Ireland with more than 30 timeless tunes performed live by the Trinity Ensemble, the Celtic Angels, and the award-winning Celtic Knight Dancers. Viewers will be swept away from the misty green valleys to the vibrant cities of the Emerald Isle in an immersive evening of Craic (fun), Ceol (music), and Traidisiún (tradition).

Celtic Angels: Ireland is directed and choreographed by Louise Barry of Dublin, with musical arrangements by Peter Sheridan from County Cavan and Irish Step Dance direction by Sarah Costello of Belfast.

“We’re thrilled to bring the passion and cultural richness of Celtic Angels: Ireland to Southern Indiana,” said Kirk Randolph, Director of the Ogle Center. “This performance isn’t just a concert — it’s a celebration of heritage and heart that resonates with audiences of all ages. We expect the lively rhythms, soulful voices, and dynamic choreography to create an unforgettable evening for our community.””

The performance is part of The Ogle Center Presents series, a curated lineup of world-class touring artists and productions. The 2025-2026 Ogle Center Presents season is underwritten by Patty Cress with support for Celtic Angels: Ireland from performance underwriters Janie and Roger Whaley, and additional supporters including the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County and the Ogle Foundation.

Tickets are on sale now at oglecenter.com.

EVENT DETAILS

The Ogle Center Presents
CELTIC ANGELS: IRELAND
with the CELTIC KNIGHT DANCERS
ant the TRINITY ENSEMBLE
Friday, March 6, 2026, 7:30 p.m.

OGLE CENTER | Stem Concert Hall
Indiana University Southeast
4201 Grant Line Road
New Albany, IN 47150
(812) 941-2525

$40* adults | MAIN FLOOR
$30* adults | UPPER TERRACE
$25* IU Southeast students**

Tickets are available online at oglecenter.com
*Includes processing fees
Any student with a valid ID. One ticket per ID.

PARKING
Free parking is available in the Dogwood lot directly in front of the Ogle Center and the Hickory lot directly behind the Ogle Center from one hour prior to the start of a performance until one hour following the conclusion of the event.

2025–2026 Season Underwritten by: Patty Cress
Performance Underwriters: Janie and Roger Whaley
Season Supporters: Caesars Foundation of Floyd County and the Ogle Foundation

Advocacy Update 2.18.2026

by with No Comment 1si NewsAdvocacy

We are continuing to learn and monitor policies that may impact our local region. The goal of our Advocacy Agenda is to articulate the opportunities and concerns of Southern Indiana businesses and to speak for them as one voice. 

We encourage everyone to see upcoming deadlines. 

If you are interested in understanding local priorities, you can also register for our upcoming 5 O’clock Network at Indiana-American Water Company for our annual, “Meet Your Local Elected Officials.” You can register here.   

Likewise, our 2026 Regional Leadership Luncheon registration is now open. Join us at IU Southeast to hear from local mayors and town managers. Save your seat to this event here. 

 

Bills we are monitoring: 

 

SB 76 Immigration matters  

Status: 

  • 2/13/2026: Returned to the Senate with amendments 
  • 2/12/2026: Third reading: passed; Roll Call 240; Yeas: 61; Nays: 28 
      • 2/10/2026: Representative Davis added as cosponsor 
      • 2/10/2026: Amendment #21 (DeLaney) failed; Roll Call 228; Yeas: 32; Nays: 62 

           

          SB 281 Income tax credits 

          Status: 

          • 2/12/2026: Committee report: amend do pass, adopted 
          • 2/05/2026: Representative Snow added as cosponsor 
          • 2/05/2026: Representative Lopez added as sponsor 
          • 2/05/2026: Representative Snow removed as sponsor 
          • 2/2/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 

           

          SB 283 Regional Development Tax Credit 

          Status: 

          • 1/12/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy 
          • 1/12/2026: Authored by Senators Mishler, Niezgodski 
          • Did not advance; Inactive. 

           

          HB 1101 Regional Economic Development 

          Status: 

          • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
          • 1/05/2026: Coauthored by Representatives Snow, Lehman 
          • 1/05/202: Authored by Representative Heine 
          • Did not advance; Inactive. 

           

          HB 1164 Tax Increment Financing Districts 

          Status: 

          • 1/05/2026: First Reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
          • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Rowray 
          • Did not advance; Inactive. 

           

          HB 1333 Land use and development 

          Status: 

          • 2/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Utilities 
          • 2/03/2026: Referred to the Senate 
          • 2/02/2026: Senate sponsors: Senators Koch Doriot 
          • 2/02/2026: Third reading: passed; Roll Call 195; Yeas: 54; Nays: 45 

               

              Bills we support: 

               

              HB 1018 School age childcare 

              Status: 

              • 2/12/2026: Second reading: ordered engrossed 
              • 2/09/2026: Committee report: do pass, adopted 
              • 1/26/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Family and Children Services 
              • 1/23/2026: Referred to the Senate 

               

              HB 1177 Child care assistance 

              Status: 

              • 2/12/2026: Senator Becker added as cosponsor 
              • 2/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Tx and Fiscal Policy 
              • 2/03/2026: Referred to the Senate 
              • 2/02/2026: Cosponsor: Senator Charbonneau 

               

              Bills we oppose: 

               

              HB 1104 Nondisclosure Agreements in Economic Development 

              Status: 

              • 1/12/2026: Representative Commons added as coauthor 
              • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform 
              • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Greene 
              • Did not advance; Inactive. 

               

              You can find a copy of the 1si 2026 Advocacy Agenda by visiting https://1si.org/advocacy/ or downloading a PDF copy here.   

              1si Non-Profit Spotlight: Family Scholar House

              by with No Comment 1si NewsNonprofit Spotlight

              The mission of Family Scholar House is to end the cycle of poverty and transform their community by empowering families and youth to succeed in education and achieve life-long self-sufficiency.

              Each year, they serve residential and nonresidential student parents and their children with a comprehensive, holistic continuum of care that meets them where they are and empowers them to achieve their educational and family goals. Learn more about their latest developments, goals, and how that will impact the southern Indiana region. See more about who they are and what they do here.

              Advocacy Update 2.11.2026

              by with No Comment 1si NewsAdvocacy

              Our Advocacy Committee visited the statehouse!  

              Last week, our Advocacy Committee visited the statehouse and state officials to advocate for the priorities that impact our region. The visit to the statehouse is an opportunity for our Advocacy Committee to advocate and learn about bills that are currently under review and how that influences our region. 

              If you are interested in understanding local priorities, you can also register for our upcoming 5 O’clock Network at Indiana-American Water Company for our annual “Meet Your Local Elected Officials.” You can register here.  

               

              We are continuing to learn and monitor policies that may impact our local region. The goal of our Advocacy Agenda is to articulate the opportunities and concerns of Southern Indiana businesses and to speak for them as one voice. 

              We encourage everyone to see upcoming deadlines. 

              Bills we are monitoring: 

               

              SB 76 Immigration matters  

              Status: 

              • 2/03/2026: Committee report: amend do pass, adopted 
              • 1/28/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Judiciary 
              • 1/27/2026: Referred to the House 
              • 1/27/2026: Representative Bascom added as cosponsor 
              • 1/26/2026: Senator Koch added as coauthor 

               

              SB 281 Income tax credits 

              Status: 

              • 2/05/2026: Representative Snow added as cosponsor 
              • 2/05/2026: Representative Lopez added as sponsor 
              • 2/05/2026: Representative Snow removed as sponsor 
              • 2/2/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 

               

              SB 283 Regional Development Tax Credit 

              Status: 

              • 1/12/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy 
              • 1/12/2026: Authored by Senators Mishler, Niezgodski 
              • Did not advance; Inactive. 

               

              HB 1101 Regional Economic Development 

              Status: 

              • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
              • 1/05/2026: Coauthored by Representatives Snow, Lehman 
              • 1/05/202: Authored by Representative Heine 
              • Did not advance; Inactive. 

               

              HB 1164 Tax Increment Financing Districts 

              Status: 

              • 1/05/2026: First Reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means 
              • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Rowray 
              • Did not advance; Inactive. 

               

              HB 1333 Land use and development 

              Status: 

              • 2/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Utilities 
              • 2/03/2026: Referred to the Senate 
              • 2/02/2026: Senate sponsors: Senators Koch Doriot 
              • 2/02/2026: Third reading: passed; Roll Call 195 
              • Yeas: 54 
              • Nays: 45 

               

              Bills we support: 

               

              HB 1018 School age childcare 

              Status: 

              • 1/26/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Family and Children Services 
              • 1/23/2026: Referred to the Senate 
              • 1/22/2026: Senate sponsors: Senators Donato, Walker G 
              • 1/22/2026: Third reading: passed; Roll Call 65 
              • Yeas: 93 
              • Nays: 0 

               

              HB 1177 Child care assistance 

              Status: 

              • 2/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Tx and Fiscal Policy 
              • 2/03/2026: Referred to the Senate 
              • 2/02/2026: Cosponsor: Senator Charbonneau 
              • 2/02/2026: Senate Sponsors: Senators Buchanan, Clark, Goode 
              • 2/02/2026: Third reading: passed; Roll Call 172: 
              • Yeas: 80 
              • Nays:0 

               

              Bills we oppose: 

               

              HB 1104 Nondisclosure Agreements in Economic Development 

              Status: 

              • 1/12/2026: Representative Commons added as coauthor 
              • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform 
              • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Greene 
              • Did not advance; Inactive. 

               

              You can find a copy of the 1si 2026 Advocacy Agenda by visiting https://1si.org/advocacy/ or downloading a PDF copy here.   

              Louisville Muhammad Ali International AirportCelebrates Another Year of Success

              by with No Comment Member News

              Airport experienced Top 3 busiest year ever, remained a global leader in cargo operations and investment progressed on SDF Next Program

              Louisville, KY (February 5, 2026) – The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport(SDF) marked another year of success in 2025 including celebrating its third busiest year for passenger traffic following its top two record years in 2023 and 2024. Last year, 4.59 million total passengers flew in or out of SDF with Sunday, May 4, 2025 (the day after the Kentucky Derby) serving as the airport’s busiest day yet with 18,500 departing seats.


              In 2025, a total of 19 nonstop routes increased their capacity throughout the year while eight of these were by double-digits. Eight airlines continue providing service to more than 40 nonstop destinations from Louisville, including last year’s launch of service to Nashville (BNA) on Southwest Airlines that provides convenient connections to more than 75 cities across the country.


              “Passenger figures remained consistently strong throughout last year,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates SDF. “To experience three consecutive years of record-setting growth, all of which mark the highest passenger totals in SDF’s history is a testament to the community’s support and the robust air service options available to travelers at our airport.”


              SDF Next Program Investment
              Progress continues on the SDF Next Program, a comprehensive capital improvement initiative that will see more than $1 billion invested in the airfield and Jerry E. Abramson Terminal. To date, more than $364 million in projects have been completed with more than $565 million in additional investment expected between now and 2028.


              Terminal highlights from 2025 include progress on the new security checkpoint expansion, a 30,000 square feet addition with 10 passenger screening lanes that will house the latest technology is scheduled to be operational by early 2027. On the airfield, the first phase of Taxiway B reconstruction was completed along with various electrical upgrades and pavement rehabilitation to areas of SDF’s runways and taxiways.


              Looking ahead to 2026 in the terminal, nearly $70 million in significant improvements to the post-security area along Concourses A and B just recently kicked off that include mechanical upgrades, skylight replacement and an overhaul of all gate waiting areas. On the airfield, reconstruction of both Taxiways B and D are expected, totaling $40 million in investment to improve operational efficiencies for aircraft.


              Global Leader in Cargo
              Cargo operations at SDF remained strong last year as home of UPS Worldport, the center point of their global air network. The airport also set another record for its busiest year for cargo operations with nearly 7.5 billion pounds of cargo handled in 2025, besting the previous year by more than 13%. With this record, it’s believed that SDF will likely be the no. 1 busiest airport for cargo operations in North America and remain within the Top 5 in the world. Airports Council International World is expected to release its preliminary World Airport Traffic Report in the Spring with updated rankings for 2025.


              An Economic Engine for the State
              The Airport Authority including SDF and Bowman Field, the crucial general aviation reliever airport for the community, continue to be the no. 1 economic powerhouse for aviation in the state. Each year, airport and airport-related activities generate $12.8 billion in economic impact and $550 million in state and local tax revenue, or $1 in every $6 in Louisville Metro tax revenue. Plus, nearly 90,000 jobs – or 1 in 8 jobs in Louisville Metro – can be attributed to airport operations.


              “SDF is leading the way for our community, our region and the state,” added Mann. “We continue to be a major economic driver, global leader in cargo operations and set new passenger records. We are well positioned to continue this momentum into 2026 for another successful year.”


              | Media Materials |
              Defying Expectation Presentation from Executive Director Dan Mann during his annual Year-End Briefing.


              SDF Fact Sheet 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 40 nonstop destinations from Louisville. SDF is home to UPS Worldport, moving millions of tons of products each year, making it the no. 1 busiest cargo airport in North America and Top 5 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
              (502) 363-8507 office
              (502) 475-8084 cell
              Natalie.Chaudoin@FlyLouisville.com

               

              Advocacy Update 2.4.2026

              by with No Comment 1si NewsAdvocacy

              We are continuing to learn and monitor policies that may impact our local region. The goal of our Advocacy Agenda is to articulate the opportunities and concerns of Southern Indiana businesses and to speak for them as one voice.

              Due to the weather, the Advocacy Committee has postponed their trip to the statehouse, but looks forward to meeting with officials today, Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

              If you are interested in understanding local priorities, you can also register for our upcoming 5 O’clock Network at Indiana-American Water Company for our annual “Meet Your Local Elected Officials.” You can register here.

              We encourage everyone to see upcoming deadlines.

              Bills we are monitoring:

              SB 281 Income tax credits

              Status:

              • 2/2/2026 First reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means
              • 1/29/2026 Referred to the House
              • 1/29/2026 House sponsor: Representative Snow

              SB 283 Regional Development Tax Credit

              Status:

              • 1/12/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy
              • 1/12/2026: Authored by Senators Mishler, Niezgodski
              • Did not advance; Inactive.

              HB 1101 Regional Economic Development

              Status:

              • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means
              • 1/05/2026: Coauthored by Representatives Snow, Lehman
              • 1/05/202: Authored by Representative Heine
              • Did not advance; Inactive.

              HB 1018 School age childcare

              Status:

              • 1/26/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Family and Children Services
              • 1/23/2026: Referred to the Senate
              • 1/22/2026: Senate sponsors: Senators Donato, Walker G
              • 1/22/2026: Third reading: passed; Roll Call 65: yeas 93, nays 0

              HB 1164 Tax Increment Financing Districts

              Status:

              • 1/05/2026: First Reading: referred to Committee on Ways and Means
              • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Rowray
              • Did not advance; Inactive.

              Bills we oppose:

              HB 1104 Nondisclosure Agreements in Economic Development

              Status:

              • 1/12/2026: Representative Commons added as coauthor
              • 1/05/2026: First reading: referred to Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform
              • 1/05/2026: Authored by Representative Greene
              • Did not advance; Inactive.

              You can find a copy of the 1si 2026 Advocacy Agenda by visiting https://1si.org/advocacy/ or downloading a PDF copy here.  

              For Immediate Release: Global Polymers to Relocate and Expand Operations in Charlestown, Indiana

              by with No Comment 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

              CHARLESTOWN, Ind. (Feb. 2, 2026) — Global Polymers LLC, a Kentucky‑based, industry leader in recycled Polypropylene resins, announced plans to relocate and expand its operations to Charlestown, Indiana. Backed by strong support from the City of Charlestown and regional partners, the company will reactivate an existing facility at 100 Quality Court, strengthening its manufacturing footprint and positioning the business for continued growth.

              The expansion will strengthen Global Polymers’ recycling and manufacturing capabilities and reinforce its commitment to customers. The company also operates Global Freight LLC, a for-hire transportation business supporting its logistics operations.

              “This relocation and expansion mark an important milestone for Global Polymers,” said Barry McRoberts, Founder and Managing Member of Global Polymers LLC. “As demand for our products continues to grow, this investment will enhance our ability to serve customers through expanded capabilities and new product offerings. We appreciate the support of the City of Charlestown, One Southern Indiana, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, whose partnership has been critical to advancing this next phase of growth.”

              The company plans to create up to 30 new jobs by 2030 at the Charlestown location, with an average hourly wage of $31.17—well above the current Clark County average wage. Global Polymers also plans to invest more than $8.5 million in the facility through new machinery and equipment, building improvements, special tooling, and other capital expenditures.

              “We are excited that Global Polymers has chosen Charlestown for this significant investment,” said Mayor Treva Hodges. “The revitalization of this facility reinforces the strength of our workforce, quality of our community, and highlights our commitment to fostering smart growth and high-quality job opportunities in our community.”

              Based on the company’s job creation plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation committed an investment in Global Polymers of up to $290,000 in the form of incentive-based tax credits. These incentives are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim state benefits once jobs are created. 

              “Indiana’s pro-growth business climate and robust small business ecosystem are attracting quality investments that will further support our economy and residents,” said Governor Mike Braun. “We are proud to welcome Global Polymers to our state and to our southern Indiana community, where the company will have the skilled talent needed to grow.”

              “Global Polymers’ decision to stay in the region and grow in southern Indiana demonstrates their confidence in both Charlestown and our regional advantage,” said Lance Allison, President and CEO of One Southern Indiana. “Southern Indiana continues to be a premier hub for advanced manufacturing and logistics, and we’re proud to support this expansion and the quality jobs and products it will create.”

              In addition to state support, Global Polymers has received local support through an estimated tax abatement savings of $65,000 over five years from the City of Charlestown on qualifying personal property.  This allows the company to phase in its new taxes over time as operations expand.

              For more information about Global Polymers, visit www.globalpolymerscorp.com.

              About Global Polymers LLC 

              Global Polymers LLC, founded in 1992 by J. Barry McRoberts, is a 9001:2015 certified manufacturer of recycled Polypropylene resins and a recognized authority in closed-loop recycling and certified destruction. The company specializes in mechanical recycling hard-to-recycle polypropylene (PP) materials, including post-consumer (PCR) and post-industrial (PIR). Global Polymers provides molders with a reliable supply of superior-quality recycled resins. Global Polymers’ mission is to provide sustainable solutions for the plastics industry.

              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. 

              MEDIA CONTACTS

              Global Polymers LLC
              J. Barry McRoberts
              Email: Barry@globalpolymerscorp.com
              Phone: 502-552-2050

              Indiana Economic Development Corporation
              Ashley Gibbons
              Email: comms@iedc.in.gov

              One Southern Indiana
              Ellinor Smith
              ESmith@1si.org 
              Phone: 217-320-4832