Bass Group Commercial Facilitates Lease for Holy Burger’s New Jeffersonville Location

by with No Comment Member News

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — Bass Group Commercial is pleased to announce the successful lease of a new restaurant location for Holy Burger at 1487 E. 10th Street, Jeffersonville, Indiana.


The transaction was brokered by Rod Juarez of Bass Group Commercial, who represented Holy Burger in securing its newest location in this region. Matt Hill of Legacy Commercial Properties represented the property ownership in the lease transaction.


Holy Burger’s expansion to Jeffersonville brings another exciting dining option to one of the area’s up and coming commercial corridors. The new location will provide residents and visitors with convenient access to the restaurant’s popular menu while contributing to the continued growth and vibrancy of the East 10th Street business district.


“We’re excited to help Holy Burger establish its presence in Jeffersonville,” said Rod Juarez, Commercial Real Estate Broker with Bass Group Commercial. “This location offers excellent visibility and accessibility, making it a great fit for the restaurant’s continued growth. We appreciate the opportunity to work with Matt Hill and Legacy Commercial Properties to bring this transaction to a successful close.”


Bass Group Commercial continues to connect businesses with strategic locations throughout Southern Indiana and the Louisville metropolitan area, helping clients achieve their expansion and investment goals.


For more information about this project or other commercial real estate opportunities, please contact Bass Group Commercial at 502-552-1296.

Welcome New Members | July 2026

by with No Comment 1si NewsWelcome New Members

One Southern Indiana welcomes the following members that joined or rejoined during the month of July 2026.

Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | July 2026

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 during the month of July 2026.

 

Quarter Century Club (25 Years or More)Member Since
Clark County REMC1976
Geo. Pfau’s Sons Company, Inc.1976
Bachman Auto Group1976
Water Tower Square1977
Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, Inc.1982
The Marketing Company1985
Southern Indiana Works1988
Hosparus Health of Southern Indiana1990
MAC Construction & Excavating, Inc.1992
Nimlok Kentucky1994
Taco Bell1994
Kentucky Derby Festival, Inc.1997
The Stemler Corporation2001
  
10-24 Years 
Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau2007
Sounds Unlimited Productions2009
Timmel Richards Stengel Law2009
Heritage Engineering, LLC2012
ProMedia Group, LLC2013
Estes Waste Solutions, LLC2014
Clark Dietz, Inc.2014
Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group2015
Church, Langdon, Lopp, Banet Law2016
Habitat for Humanity Clark & Floyd Indiana2016
J & C Technologies2016
Kaiser Home Support Services, Inc.2016
  
5-9 Years 
ProRehab Physical Therapy2017
Signature Countertops, Inc.2017
Johnson-Witkemper, Inc.2019
Post-Acute Medical (PAM) of Greater Indiana2020
Board and You Bistro2020
Clark/Floyd System of CARE & Prevent Child Abuse2021
Guerin Woods2021
  
2-4 Years 
The Dermatology Center – New Albany2022
Louisville Low Voltage LLC2022
Geoghegan Roofing2023
Ramada Inn2023
Bone Dry Roofing 2024
  
One Year 
MAS Consulting, LLC2025
Indiana Business Empowerment2025
Jacob’s Well2025
Flooring Concepts2025
WNS Security2025

First Merchants CEO Mark Hardwick Named to IBJ Media’s Indiana 250

by with No Comment Member News

First Merchants Bank CEO Mark Hardwick was recently named to IBJ Media’s Indiana 250.

Each year, IBJ Media’s Indiana 250 recognizes the most influential leaders across the state in business, government, education, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, arts and entertainment, and more. Hardwick was recognized in the financial & business services category.

Hardwick joined First Merchants Corp. in November 1997 as corporate controller and worked his way up from chief financial officer (2002); leadership responsibilities related to operations, technology and risk management for the corporation (2007); chief operating officer (2016); and, finally, CEO (2021).

First Merchants has been headquartered in Indiana for more than 130 years and serves the Midwest across communities in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. First Merchants serves the Southern Indiana community businesses and residents, as well as expanding its investment through a new Floyds Knobs branch.

Indiana University Southeast Appoints Dr. Patricia Spurr as Nursing Program Director

by with No Comment Member News

NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Indiana University Southeast has announced the appointment of Dr. Patricia Spurr, Ed.D., MSN, CNE, FRE, RN as the new Nursing Program Director, bringing to the university an accomplished leader in nursing education, accreditation, curriculum development, and student success.

Spurr joins IU Southeast following a distinguished career spanning nursing practice, higher education leadership, and regulatory service. Most recently, she served as Chair of Health Sciences at Spalding University, a position she held from 2017 to 2025. Her experience also includes leadership roles as Chair of a School of Nursing, BSN Program Director, Associate Dean, and RN-to-BSN Program Director. She has served as a Nursing Education Consultant for the Kentucky Board of Nursing and as both a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) accreditation site visitor. Spurr will begin her new position at IU Southeast on Aug. 1.

“Dr. Spurr brings an exceptional combination of leadership, academic expertise, and deep knowledge of nursing accreditation and regulatory compliance,” said Dr. Michelle Williams, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at IU Southeast. “Her extensive experience supporting curriculum innovation, student achievement, faculty development, and program quality makes her uniquely qualified to lead our nursing program into its next chapter.”

As Nursing Program Director, Spurr will provide leadership for curriculum development and assessment, accreditation and state board compliance, faculty coordination, student support initiatives, clinical partnerships, strategic planning, and continuous program improvement. Her role will help ensure that IU Southeast’s nursing graduates are prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Southern Indiana and the broader region.

Throughout her career, Spurr has been recognized as a champion for student success and nursing excellence. She has presented nationally on student retention, National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) preparation, nursing regulation, academic integrity, and innovative approaches to nursing education. Her work has focused on creating learning environments that support student persistence, achievement, and professional readiness.

“Dr. Spurr’s steadfast commitment and dedication to student success reinforces the Nursing Program’s record of excellence in preparing highly qualified graduates,” noted Dr. Quinn Dauer, Interim Dean of the College of Health, Nursing, and Sciences. “Through her leadership, the Nursing Program will continue to equip nurses with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce and enhance the well-being of our communities.”

A Certified Nurse Educator and Fellow in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s Institute of Regulatory Excellence, Spurr has contributed to nursing education and accreditation efforts at institutions across the country. Her experience evaluating nursing programs and guiding continuous improvement initiatives has established her as a respected voice in the profession.

“I am honored to join Indiana University Southeast and to work alongside the talented nursing faculty, staff, students, and healthcare partners who contribute to the program’s success,” said Dr. Spurr. “Nursing education is at a pivotal moment, and I look forward to supporting student success, maintaining excellence in accreditation and regulatory compliance, and preparing graduates to meet the healthcare needs of our communities.”

IU Southeast’s Nursing Program has a long history of preparing highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who serve the region’s hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations. The addition of Spurr reflects the university’s continued investment in academic quality, student achievement, and workforce development.

 

About IU Southeast: Indiana University Southeast is a regional campus of Indiana University located in New Albany, Indiana, just six miles from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. With more than 3,750 students, IU Southeast offers high-quality, nationally accredited, academic programs in business, communication and technology; health, nursing and sciences; education; arts and human services; and other fields aligned with regional workforce needs. Through partnerships with employers and community organizations, IU Southeast prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills and experiences to succeed in a changing workforce and contribute to the economic vitality of the Kentuckiana region. Students from 10 Kentucky counties are eligible for in-state tuition through an Indiana-Kentucky reciprocity agreement, while other Kentucky residents may qualify for reduced tuition through the Indiana Partner Program. For more information, visit southeast.iu.edu.

Governor Braun Visits IU Southeast, Praises Workforce-Focused Partnerships

by with No Comment Member News

New Albany, Ind. — Indiana Governor Mike Braun visited Indiana University Southeast on Monday, July 27, to recognize the university’s growing partnerships with regional employers and healthcare providers that are preparing students for high-demand careers while strengthening Indiana’s workforce.

Braun met with university leaders and toured the new facilities for IU Southeast’s Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program. Launched in January 2025 through a partnership with Norton Healthcare, Baptist Health Floyd, and UofL Health, the program is helping address the growing demand for medical laboratory professionals who perform the diagnostic testing critical to detecting, diagnosing, and treating disease.

Interim College of Health, Nursing, and Science Dean Dr. Quinn Dauer introduced Dr. Karen Golemboski, director of the MLS program, who shared the value the program offers the community.

“Partnerships between education and the workforce make good sense,” said Golemboski. “Our students benefit from learning alongside healthcare partners and graduate prepared to work in every area of the clinical laboratory.”

The facility features modern instructional classrooms and teaching laboratories, including collaborative microscope and specimen preparation areas where students gain hands-on experience before completing clinical rotations. Nearly every IU Southeast MLS student is expected to graduate with at least one job offer, with starting salaries around $70,000.

Bailey Beck, an IU Southeast graduate who returned to campus to pursue the MLS program, said the opportunities in Southern Indiana made the decision an easy one.

“The opportunities happening here [in southern Indiana] in healthcare mean this is exactly where I want to be,” said Beck.

Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Michelle Williams also highlighted IU Southeast’s transition from six schools to three colleges, a reorganization designed to create stronger academic pathways and better align programs with regional workforce needs.

“In this day and age, for our students, the expectation is not just that we graduate them with a degree, but that we graduate them with meaningful experiences and the competencies they need to succeed in the workforce,” said Williams.

Braun said IU Southeast’s emphasis on employer partnerships reflects Indiana’s focus on connecting higher education to workforce needs.

“IU Southeast is working directly with employers to give Hoosier students the experience they need to move into in-demand careers with great wages,” Braun said. “These partnerships help employers fill valuable jobs and give graduates a strong reason to build their careers and lives here in Indiana.”

Chancellor Debbie Ford noted that 97% of IU Southeast graduates surveyed were employed or continuing their education within one year of graduation, and 95% of employed graduates were working in their chosen field.

“Those outcomes demonstrate the strength of our partnerships with employers and the opportunities available to our graduates throughout the region,” Ford said.

Ford also noted that IU Southeast remains one of the region’s most affordable universities, with 59% of graduates earning their degree without student loan debt.

IU Vice President for Regional Campuses and Online Education Ken Iwama, Vice President for Government and Community Relations Shannon Kiely Heider, and District 3 Floyd County Commissioner Jason Sharp were also on hand to share the impact partnerships between IU Southeast and area employers have on the regional workforce.

The Medical Laboratory Science facility will welcome students for classes in August, with a ribbon-cutting celebration planned for September. The program represents one of several initiatives through which IU Southeast is expanding partnerships with employers to prepare graduates for the region’s fastest-growing industries while helping meet critical workforce needs across Southern Indiana.

 

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.

First Merchants Bank Expanding Investment in Southern Indiana

by with No Comment Member News

MUNCIE, Ind. — July 29, 2026 — First Merchants Bank (NASDAQ: FRME) is expanding its investment in the Southern Indiana market with a new Floyds Knobs banking branch and expanded local leadership, reinforcing its commitment to helping local businesses, families and communities prosper.

New Floyds Knobs Branch Grand Opening August 13

First Merchants recently opened a new branch in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, located at 4909 Old Vincennes Road. This new banking center is committed to customer convenience through a team that values relationships and understanding the customer’s needs in the Southern Indiana market. The branch will host a grand opening event Thursday, August 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate with Southern Indiana residents, businesses and community leaders.

“We are excited to become part of the Southern Indiana community and build on the relationships our team has established throughout the region,” said Mike Stewart, President of First Merchants Bank. “As a community-focused bank, First Merchants is committed to providing the convenience of neighborhood banking, local expertise and comprehensive financial solutions. This new banking center strengthens our ability to support homeownership, economic development and the long-term financial success of the communities we serve.”

The opening of the Floyds Knobs branch is part of First Merchants’ broader $6 million investment in Southern Indiana. Built by Floyds Knobs-based AML Construction and designed by Indianapolis architecture firm Schmidt Associates, the new branch reflects First Merchants’ ongoing commitment to strengthening its presence in the region while providing modern, welcoming spaces for clients and the communities it serves.

In addition to the new $2.5 million, 2,500-square-foot Floyds Knobs location, the bank has invested $3.5 million to refresh its 14 Southern Indiana branches with updated interiors, new furniture, signage, paint and other facility enhancements.

Expanded Southern Indiana Leadership

As part of First Merchants’ commitment to growth in southern Indiana, the bank recently appointed Paul Fultz, retired Audit and Business Unit Professional Practice Partner for KPMG LLP, to its Boards of Directors. Fultz brings more than 30 years of experience working at KPMG’s Louisville office, advising public company boards through complex financial and regulatory matters – expertise that aligns with First Merchants’ focus on supporting sustainable growth in the region.

Fultz joins First Merchants’ Southern Indiana leaders Eric Howard, Market President; Jamie Matthews, Managing Director, Corporate Banking; Tony Schoen, CPA, President of Specialty Lending; Derrick Jackson, Executive Vice President & Chief Credit Officer and Larry Myers, Board Member.

Together, these leaders combined have 140 years of experience in the industry, were raised in the Kentuckiana community and are passionate about serving local businesses and residents. Beyond being active with several national and local banking trade associations, they also serve their local communities in leadership positions with Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana, Boy Scouts of America, Fund for the Arts – Louisville, One Southern Indiana and the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana.

“Southern Indiana isn’t just a market we serve — it’s our home,” said Eric Howard, Market President, First Merchants Bank. “Our leadership team has spent decades building relationships with local businesses, families and community organizations, and we’re committed to helping this region continue to grow and thrive. By combining deep local knowledge with the resources of a strong Indiana-based bank, we’re able to deliver thoughtful financial solutions while remaining actively invested in the community where we live and work.”

For more information on First Merchants and to find a local Southern Indiana branch, visit https://www.firstmerchants.com/.

About First Merchants Corporation

With approximately $21 billion in assets1, First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME) is a registered bank holding company offering a full line of commercial and consumer banking services and wealth management services through First Merchants Bank and First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. With more than 130 years of enhancing the financial wellness of the diverse communities it serves, First Merchants makes meaningful contributions through employee empowerment, philanthropy, charitable giving, financial wellness, and community home and business lending. The company has been honored for its attentive and knowledgeable service and culture by Forbes, Time Magazine, American Banker, and S&P Global Intelligence “Best Banks” awards. First Merchants attributes this recognition to a mission-driven team that is passionate about “helping you prosper” through attentiveness as its genuine and unique approach to customer service. To see how First Merchants is making a difference, go to https://www.firstmerchants.com/.

1 Includes the assets from the acquisition of First Saving Financial Group on February 1, 2026.

From Tariffs to Tensions: Why Interest Rates Keep Changing

by with No Comment 1si NewsEconomic Development
Submitted by Uric Dufrene, Ph.D., Sanders Chair in Business, Indiana University Southeast
 

One of the beneficiaries of last year’s labor market weakness was a decline in the 10-year Treasury yield. When the economy begins to weaken, investors often shift toward the safety of U.S. Treasury securities. As demand for Treasuries rises, their prices increase and yields decline. Because the 10-year Treasury yield heavily influences mortgage rates and many consumer loans, lower Treasury yields are often followed by lower borrowing costs for households.

At the beginning of 2025, the 10-year Treasury yield had climbed to nearly 4.8%. Investors were pricing in stronger economic growth driven by expectations of deregulation and a more business-friendly policy environment. Thirty-year mortgage rates approached 7%.

Then came Liberation Day on April 2. By that point, the 10-year yield had fallen to roughly 4.0%. However, uncertainty surrounding tariffs and their potential inflationary effects quickly reversed that trend. By July 2025, the 10-year yield had climbed back toward 4.5%.

That uncertainty eventually showed up in the labor market. Hiring slowed dramatically as businesses delayed investment and expansion decisions. By year-end, 2025 had become one of the weakest years for job creation in more than two decades outside of a recession. As labor market conditions softened, the 10-year Treasury yield declined once again, falling back to around 4.0%, and mortgage rates followed. By March 2026, the average 30-year mortgage rate had eased to around 6.2%.

The conflict with Iran, which began in early 2026, quickly altered the outlook. Energy prices moved higher, pushing the Consumer Price Index upward to 4.2%. As inflation expectations increased, the 10-year Treasury yield rose to approximately 4.5% by June, while 30-year mortgage rates increased to about 6.6%.

Markets briefly received some relief following the ceasefire agreement. Treasury yields eased modestly to roughly 4.4%, and mortgage rates declined to approximately 6.4%.

More recently, renewed tensions and the breakdown of the ceasefire have pushed oil prices back toward the $100-per-barrel range. Treasury yields and mortgage rates have reversed course once again, with the 10-year Treasury yield now hitting 4.7% and 30-year mortgage rates climbing back to roughly 6.7%.

The latest inflation report, however, offered some encouraging news. Headline CPI fell 0.4% on a month-over-month basis, largely reflecting the sharp decline in energy prices following the ceasefire memorandum of understanding. The improvement was not limited to energy. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, was flat for the month, while the year-over-year core CPI rate declined from 2.9% to 2.6%.

These shifting conditions have changed expectations for Federal Reserve policy. While some market participants have discussed the possibility of another rate increase, such a move appears unlikely at this point. The first half of 2026 produced stronger hiring than the exceptionally weak pace seen in 2025, but the most recent employment report was disappointing. Job growth came in well below expectations, while both employment and labor force participation declined. One month does not establish a trend, but renewed uncertainty surrounding tariffs could once again weigh on business investment and hiring.

The most recent Fed meeting was a hold, but the bond market reacted quite negatively as perceptions of Fed Chair Warsh’s commitment to fighting inflation worsened.

It is also worth noting that much of the economy’s recent strength has been concentrated in a few areas. Without continued investment in artificial intelligence and steady hiring in healthcare, overall GDP growth would have been considerably weaker, and the national conversation might be centered on job losses rather than job gains. 2nd quarter GDP out last week showed the economy softened.

Despite recent geopolitical developments and surge in bond yields, financial markets continue to expect inflation to remain relatively well contained over the longer run. Five-year market-based inflation expectations remain near 2.3%. Assuming geopolitical tensions ease and energy prices stabilize, inflation should continue moving lower, providing the Federal Reserve with additional room to leave interest rates unchanged this year. Continued masking of the economy behind AI and healthcare might even provide the Fed with ammunition for a 4th quarter cut.

IBJ Media Releases Indiana 250 List, Lance Allison Identified as one of the Most Influential Leaders in Indiana

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press Release

Fifth Annual List Recognizes Leaders from Every Region, Key Industries

INDIANAPOLIS (July 21, 2026) — IBJ Media, the locally owned publisher of Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside INdiana Business and The Indiana Lawyer, announced today its fifth annual Indiana 250 list, identifying the state’s most influential business and community leaders.

The list, available at Indiana250.com, includes leaders from both public and private organizations across a wide range of industries and regions.

“The Indiana 250 celebrates and recognizes the contributions of Indiana’s boldest thinkers and doers shaping the future of our state,” said Nate Feltman, CEO and publisher of IBJ Media. “Now in its fifth year, the Indiana 250 has become the premiere celebration of those who are investing their talent and passion to make Indiana a great place to live and work.”

The list was compiled by IBJ Media executives, editors and newsroom staff following a months-long process of reviewing nominations, researching Indiana organizations and consulting community leaders across the state.

IBJ Media launched the Indiana 250 program in 2022, and 84 leaders have appeared on the list all five years.

“The people on this list are not just leaders in their fields, they are champions for their communities and catalysts for growth and innovation across Indiana,” Feltman added. “The Indiana 250 program enables us to foster connections among the honorees and amplify their collective impact for all Hoosiers.”

Among those returning to the list are CEOs of some of the state’s largest public and private companies, including David Ricks of Eli Lilly and Co., Gail Boudreaux of Elevance Health, Jennifer Rumsey of Cummins Inc., Dan Starr of Do it Best Corp., Scott Davison of OneAmerica Financial, Ken Zagzebski of AES, Pete Yonkman of Cook Medical, Jim Ryan of Old National Bank and Brent Yeagy of Wabash.

IBJ Media added nearly 60 new executives this year, including Brian Burdick of Barnes & Thornburg, Kelly Krauskopf of the Indiana Fever, Tina Peterson of Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County and Regional Opportunity Initiatives, and Dr. Cameual Wright of CareSource.

Elected officials are not eligible for the list.

Melissa Sprigler Completes ACCE Next Generation Leadership Program

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press ReleaseUncategorized

NEW ALBANY, Ind. — One Southern Indiana (1si) is proud to announce that Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Melissa Sprigler has successfully completed the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Next Generation Leadership Program, a nationally recognized professional development initiative designed to prepare emerging leaders for executive leadership within the chamber of commerce industry.

The ACCE Next Generation Leadership Program brings together high-potential chamber professionals from across the United States and Canada for an immersive experience focused on leadership development, strategic thinking, industry best practices, and peer collaboration. Through mentorship, executive-level training, and relationship building, participants gain the knowledge and skills needed to strengthen their organizations and communities while preparing for future leadership roles.

Sprigler’s completion of the program reflects both her commitment to professional growth and 1si’s ongoing investment in developing exceptional leaders who can deliver meaningful value to businesses and the Southern Indiana region.

“Melissa has consistently demonstrated a passion for serving our investors, building meaningful partnerships, and advancing the mission of One Southern Indiana,” said Lance Allison, President and CEO of One Southern Indiana. “Her successful completion of the ACCE Next Generation Leadership Program is a testament to her leadership potential and dedication to continuous learning. We are proud of this accomplishment and excited to see the knowledge, ideas, and relationships she has gained translate into even greater impact for our members and our region.”

As Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Sprigler leads investor engagement and strategic relationship development for 1si, working closely with businesses, community leaders, and regional partners to strengthen the organization’s mission of driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life throughout Southern Indiana.

“Professional development is essential to ensuring our organization continues to evolve and meet the changing needs of the business community,” Allison added. “Melissa’s achievement strengthens not only her own leadership journey but also the future leadership capacity of One Southern Indiana.”

One Southern Indiana remains committed to investing in its team through ongoing education, leadership development, and industry engagement, ensuring members benefit from innovative ideas, best practices, and forward-thinking leadership.

 

About One Southern Indiana (1si)

One Southern Indiana (1si) is the chamber of commerce and local economic development organization serving Clark and Floyd counties in Southern Indiana. Through advocacy, economic development, workforce initiatives, and member engagement, 1si works to create a thriving business environment and a vibrant regional economy.