River Ridge Development Authority Completes Roadway Completing North-South Link through Commerce Center

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 John Launius Named One of 2025 North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers

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  

1si Non-Profit Spotlight: Childplace

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.

Heritage Federal Credit Union Grand Opening of New Location

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

About Heritage Federal Credit Union

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

River Ridge Development Authority Helps Grow Chapel Lake Park

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 Muhammad Ali International Airport Facilitates Aircraft Emergency Training Exercise

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:

    • Numerous emergency vehicles and first responders from the airport’s
      Public Safety Department and mutual aid support from surrounding
      communities’ emergency response agencies

    • A period of fire and smoke

    • Conversations between dispatchers and responders on emergency
      radio frequencies

    • About 100 volunteer role players including moulage to simulate injuries
      sustained from the incident

    • Support helicopters staged and responding to the exercise site
      New for this year is the addition of a mock trauma response area in
      partnership with the University of Louisville Hospital to train for mass casualty
      incidents. This will allow trauma physicians and nurses to be on-site, and
      simulate their response to those immediate medical needs.
      Since 2023, the Airport Authority has invested more than $2 million in
      emergency response equipment. This includes two new Rosenbauer Panther
      6×6 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Crash Trucks, a new UTV miniambulance, 15 military-grade litters and various triage tools.
      In addition to the full-scale training exercise on Tuesday, additional Public
      Safety trainings will be held on the airfield during the day on Monday, October
      20 and Wednesday, October 22. On all three days, periods of flames and
      smoke with a heavy emergency vehicle presence may also be visible from the
      terminal and surrounding roadways and areas.

      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

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Facilitates Aircraft Emergency Training Exercise

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 midmorning 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:

  • Numerous emergency vehicles and first responders from the airport’s
    Public Safety Department and mutual aid support from surrounding
    communities’ emergency response agencies
  • A period of fire and smoke
  • Conversations between dispatchers and responders on emergency
    radio frequencies
  • About 100 volunteer role players including moulage to simulate injuries
    sustained from the incident
  • Support helicopters staged and responding to the exercise site
    New for this year is the addition of a mock trauma response area in
    partnership with the University of Louisville Hospital to train for mass casualty
    incidents. This will allow trauma physicians and nurses to be on-site, and
    simulate their response to those immediate medical needs.
    Since 2023, the Airport Authority has invested more than $2 million in
    emergency response equipment. This includes two new Rosenbauer Panther
    6×6 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Crash Trucks, a new UTV miniambulance, 15 military-grade litters and various triage tools.

    In addition to the full-scale training exercise on Tuesday, additional Public
    Safety trainings will be held on the airfield during the day on Monday, October
    20 and Wednesday, October 22. On all three days, periods of flames and
    smoke with a heavy emergency vehicle presence may also be visible from the
    terminal and surrounding roadways and areas.
    For more information about the airport, visit FlyLouisville.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.

Contact: Natalie Chaudoin
(502) 363-8507 office
(502) 475-8084 cell
Natalie.Chaudoin@FlyLouisville.com

 

Official Swearing-In Ceremony for Jeffersonville Police Chief and Assistant Chief 

Chief Michael “Scott” McVoy
Assistant Chief Joshua Lynch

Jeffersonville, IN — The City of Jeffersonville invites members of the media to attend the official swearing-in ceremony for Chief Michael “Scott” McVoy and Assistant Chief Joshua Lynch. The ceremony will take place during the Board of Public Works Meeting on Wednesday, October 1, at 9:30 a.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room at Jeffersonville City Hall. 

Chief Michael Scott McVoy: 

Michael “Scott” McVoy is a 17-year law enforcement veteran, currently serving as Interim Chief of Police for the City of Jeffersonville. He has previously served as the Jeffersonville Assistant Chief of Police since 2015. McVoy is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 281 and the Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Command Session 136. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia Southern University in Criminal Justice and is on track to complete his master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration in February 2026. 

Chief McVoy has dedicated his career to building strong relationships between law enforcement and the community while focusing on officer wellness, training, and modern policing strategies. He is recognized for advancing programs that improve the health, safety, and professional development of officers, while also implementing fiscally responsible initiatives that strengthen departmental efficiency. 

Beyond his police leadership, McVoy currently serves as an elected official in the Town of Sellersburg, as District 1 Councilman since 2019. He is also very active in community youth sports, coaching youth baseball and mentoring young athletes for the last 12 years at various levels. He is married to his best friend, Kelly McVoy for 18 years, has four children—Kelsey, Michael, James, and Nate—and one grandson, Mateo. 

Respected by peers and community leaders alike, McVoy is committed to fostering trust, transparency, and collaboration to ensure both public safety and the well-being of those who serve the community. 

Assistant Chief Joshua Lynch Bio: 

Assistant Chief Joshua Lynch graduated from Jeffersonville High School in 1998 and has raised his two sons in his hometown with his high school sweetheart and wife, Kristi. He has proudly served the people of Jeffersonville as a police officer since 2003. 

In 2017, Lynch graduated from the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course, and in 2021, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Purdue University Global. 

During his nearly 23 years of service, Lynch has held a variety of roles, including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Bike Patrol Officer, Training Instructor, and Crisis Negotiator. In 2012, he was appointed Division Commander, overseeing the Training Division as well as the SWAT Team, and in 2019, he was appointed to command the Uniform Patrol Division. 

For more information: (502) 295-3738 

David Ratterman Inducted into University of Kentucky  2025 Hall of Distinguished Alumni 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 6, 2025)—The University of Kentucky (UK) Alumni Association recently inducted Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney David B. Ratterman into the 2025 Hall of Distinguished Alumni. He is one of 20 inductees this year.  

“It is an extraordinary honor to see David inducted into the University of Kentucky’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni,” stated Marjorie A. Farris, Chair of Stites & Harbison. “Those of us who have had the privilege of working alongside him know the depth of his dedication — not only to the legal and construction industries, but also to the University of Kentucky, education, mentorship, and public service. David’s career has been defined by tireless advocacy, visionary leadership, and a genuine commitment to bettering the professions and institutions he serves. This recognition by the University is richly deserved, and we couldn’t be more proud of him.” 

The UK Alumni Association recognizes a select group of outstanding alumni and honors them by induction into the prestigious Hall of Distinguished Alumni every five years. The Hall pays tribute to those UK alumni who have distinguished themselves and their alma mater through their contribution to the welfare of the commonwealth and nation in arts, sciences, business, industry, engineering, journalism, politics, military science, religion, agriculture, labor or other fields of endeavor. A total of 353 alumni have been inducted since 1963. 

Ratterman is a Senior Member (Partner) and consultant to the firm’s Construction Service Group on matters involving the fabricated structural steel industry in the U.S. and internationally. He has earned numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He is a Fellow and former Governor of the American College of Construction Lawyers. In 2014, Ratterman was presented the American College’s Past Presidents’ Award for exemplary service to the College over a period spanning nearly the entire 25-year history of its existence. He also was the Co-Founder and first Chair of the Kentucky Bar Association Section on Construction and Public Contract Law.  

Ratterman has been an officer or advisor to 12 industry trade organizations and professional societies involved in the international fabricated structural steel industry. He served as Secretary and General Counsel of the American Institute of Steel Construction and as counsel to its National Steel Bridge Alliance for 30 years. In 2012, AISC named an annual college scholarship for him focused on helping children of the steel industry’s blue- and white-collar families. AISC also awarded Ratterman the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring those who have provided outstanding service to AISC and the structural steel design/construction/academic community. 

Lastly, he is a longtime supporter of the University of Kentucky. He is a past President of the UK Alumni Association. He received the Distinguished Service Award from UK Alumni Association (2012), was inducted into the UK College of Engineering Hall of Distinguished Alumni (2016), and was awarded the Department of Civil Engineering’s Construction Management Founders Society Lifetime Achievement Award (2018). 

About Stites & Harbison 
Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With multiple offices in eight states — Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, 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

GARDENS AGLIMMER RETURNS TOWATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS FOR THE SIXTH YEAR

Holiday magic will once again be on every branch,
with new attractions and amenities.


Louisville, KY– A beloved holiday tradition will return this holiday season when Waterfront
Botanical Gardens hosts Gardens Aglimmer, an enchanting winter wonderland featuring
twinkling lights, whimsical displays, and nostalgic experiences.


Beginning Friday, November 28, guests are invited to stroll the illuminated pathways decorated
with glowing flowers, shimmering snowflakes, twinkling archways, and sparkling deer. Children
can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, write their letter to Santa, and make a holiday keepsake
ornament. Don’t forget to grab a pair of Holiday Specs 3D glasses to enhance the experience!
Warm drinks and sweet treats will be for sale at the outdoor Jingle All the Way Café, and
Frosty’s Tinsel Tavern, a new bar inside the Graeser Family Education Center will offer beer,
wine, and festive signature cocktails for purchase.


“It has been so gratifying to create and enhance Gardens Aglimmer year after year, and watch
so many families embrace it as one of their favorite traditions,” said Megan Bibelhauser, Director
of Marketing and Communications at the Gardens. “We can’t wait to welcome our guests this
season, whether they are regular attendees or experiencing it for the first time.”


Tickets are now on sale here. The event will be open on the dates listed below, and guests may
select admission times of 5:45, 6:15, 6:45, 7:15, or 7:45 p.m.


● Friday, Nov. 28-Saturday, Nov. 29
● Thursday, Dec. 4-Sunday, Dec. 7
● Thursday, Dec. 11-Tuesday, Dec. 23
● Friday, Dec. 26-Tuesday, Dec. 30


In addition, Gardens Aglimmer will host the Thrive School of Dance on Friday, December 12
for performances throughout the evening; a Sensory Friendly Night on Monday, December 15
with reduced capacity and softer lights; and a Date Night (21+) on Wednesday, December 17.

Gardens Aglimmer is presented by Baird Private Wealth Management and sponsored by
Louisville Public Media and Whittenberg Construction.


About Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Waterfront Botanical Gardens is an urban botanical garden just east of Downtown Louisville, built on the site of a former landfill that was closed in the 1970s. The unique and innovative project opened to the public in December 2019, and is a place where nature prospers and people thrive through education, entertainment, community, and tourism. The first phase of a four-phase master plan has been completed, representing the development of approximately five acres of the 23-acre site. Phase 2 will include the addition of the Bonsai House and Display Gardens, which will one day host the Gardens’ signature Bonsai Weekend.


Waterfront Botanical Gardens is free and open to the public, with a suggested admission of $10. For hours of operation, events and programs, and parking/accessibility information, visit waterfrontgardens.org.