Advocacy-Update-Email-Header2

Advocacy Update | 01.15.25

by with No Comment 1si NewsAdvocacy

Advocacy-Update-Email-Header2

It is the second week of the Indiana General Assembly. Here are some deadlines to keep in mind as the session moves forward. 

  • Thursday, January 16, 2025: Last day Senate bills may be assigned to Senate committees. 
  • Monday, January 20, 2025: Latest day session must reconvene (IC 2-2.1-1-2) 

This week, the Advocacy Leadership team met and discussed several bills that they will be watching throughout the General Assembly. They will continue to watch the progression of these bills and others as the legislative session continues. 

The following bills have been discussed, but there is no stance taken at the time of this release. 

Senate Bills: 

SB-20: Economic development and foreign trade 

SB-93: Common Construction wage 

SB-347: Indiana economic development corporation 

SB-392: Property tax relief for seniors and veterans 

SB-443: Business personal property tax 

SB-488: Skills training pilot program 

House Bills: 

HB-1021: Training in human trafficking 

HB-1151: Advanced practice registered nurses 

HB-1154: Behavioral health preceptorship tax credit 

HB-1172: Office of entrepreneurship and innovation 

HB-1180: Mental health care for veterans with PTSD 

HB-1214: Worker’s compensation 

HB-1223: Tourism development projects 

HB-1226: Medicare supplement insurance 

HB-1247: Prohibited food ingredients 

HB-1248: Child Care and Development Fund 

HB-1296: Artificial intelligence and policies 

HB-1347: Real estate matters 

HB-1402: Local government finance 

HB-1408: Regional innovation development 

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

Packaging Progress: Genpak Invests $6.69M in Southern Indiana

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

Scottsburg, IN. (Jan. 13, 2025)

Genpak LLC, a leading food service packaging manufacturer, will undergo a $6.69 million capital expenditure expansion at its Scottsburg facility as it builds polystyrene operations. The expansion will result in 45 new jobs by 2028, with opportunities for employees to earn an hourly wage above the current county average. The new jobs will add to the company’s 138 existing employees.

Genpak’s total training expenditure will be $173,000 for new business activities. Beyond employee investment, Genpak will also expand its existing infrastructure through multiple equipment upgrades that will bolster manufacturing operations.

Anyone interested in applying for a position with Genpak, located at 845 South Elm Street in Scottsburg, Indiana, can visit the company’s careers webpage by clicking here.

“Genpak is proud to invest in our Scottsburg location, a strategic imperative that strengthens our operations and fosters our talented workforce,” said Jeff Hebert, president of Genpak. “We greatly appreciate the strong support from the city, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, and One Southern Indiana.  A packaging leader for over 50 years, we are committed to delivering outstanding products to the foodservice industry now and well into the future.”

Based on the company’s Indiana job creation plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation   committed an investment in Genpak of up to $425,000 in the form of incentive-based tax credits. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired. 

 “Indiana’s small businesses are lifting up the state’s economy and our Hoosier communities,” said Ann Lathrop, chief strategy officer at the IEDC. “Thanks to the ingenuity and commitment of companies like Genpak, our entrepreneurs and small businesses are paving the way forward, developing new solutions, supporting quality career opportunities and investing in our workforce, adding to the vibrancy of our communities across the state.” 

“We are elated about the expansion of Genpak here in our community,” said Scottsburg Mayor Terry Amick. “Their decision to make continued investments in their Scottsburg facility and add 45 new jobs emphasizes the attractiveness of Scottsburg’s business environment. We look forward to supporting their continued growth and success.”

“We are thrilled to see Genpak’s continued growth and investment in southern Indiana,” said Lance Allison, President of One Southern Indiana. “Genpak’s dedication to expanding operations and creating high-quality jobs highlights southern Indiana’s reputation as a center for innovation and manufacturing excellence. This expansion continues Genpak’s leadership in food service packaging and underscores their strong partnership and commitment to our community.”

About Genpak

Founded in 1969, Genpak is a leading manufacturer and innovator of foodservice packaging. From compostable containers and premium tableware to versatile hinged packaging, Genpak serves a multitude of restaurant operators and retail establishments across North America.  The company’s dedication to innovation, versatile food packaging solutions, and commitment to maintaining excellent customer relationships efficiently serve the ever-evolving demands of the foodservice 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.

Contact:
Genpak
Jeffrey Hebert | Genpak
Jhebert@genpak.com | 980-256-7729

One Southern Indiana
Ellinor Smith | Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager
Ellinors@1si.org | 812-945-0266

Advocacy-Update-Email-Header2

Advocacy Update | 01.08.25

by with No Comment 1si NewsAdvocacy

Advocacy-Update-Email-Header2

We are ready to dive back into advocacy in the new year! The 2025 Session of the Indiana General Assembly has officially begun. Here are some upcoming deadlines to keep in mind as the session moves forward. 

  • Thursday, January 9 – Deadline for filing Senate bills (no later than 4:00 p.m.) 
  • Tuesday, January 14 – Deadline for filing House bills. 
  • Thursday, January 16 – Last day Senate bills may be assigned to Senate committees. 

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

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

The following senators and representatives were in attendance: 

  • Senator Gary Byrne, Dist. 47 
  • Representative Ed Clere, Dist. 72 
  • Representative Wendy Dant Chesser, Dist. 71 

Background and Priorities 

At the 2025 State Leadership Advocacy Breakfast, local officials kicked off the event sharing their legislative priorities. Senator Gary Byrne emphasized addressing utilities and energy costs. Then, Representative Wendy Dant Chesser outlined priorities including road funding, ethics in governance, childcare affordability, and senior care. Finally, Representative Ed Clere, voiced his focus on navigating the first budget without COVID funds since 2020, Medicaid reform, and property tax concerns. 

Workforce Development and Heathcare 

The discussion also explored workforce barriers and solutions. Representative Dant Chesser stressed aligning school systems with economic needs and addressing transportation challenges. Senator Byrne touched on education and advocated for school schedule adjustments to enhance job readiness. Expanding on the theme of workforce development, Representative Clere called for inclusive workforce policies, emphasizing support for underrepresented groups. Representative Clere also explored how Medicaid will impact the current workforce and highlighted the need to fix it as a systemic issue. 

Infrastructure and Community Engagement 

Stressing the importance of road infrastructure, Representative Dant Chesser proposed solutions while also acknowledging long-term challenges. The officials also shared broader goals: Senator Byrne introduced a workforce-focused bill, Representative Dant Chesser emphasized engaging with local communities and ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed, and Representative Clere pushed for property tax reforms and increased transparency in local government agreements. 

You can find a copy of the 1si 2025 Advocacy Agenda by visiting www.1si.org/advocacy or downloading a PDF copy here. 

 

Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | December 2024

by with No Comment 1si NewsThank Your for Renewing Your Membership

One Southern Indiana wishes to thank the following members for renewing their membership in December 2024.

Quarter Century Club (25 Years or More)Member Since
Indiana-American Water Company1967
DMLO CPAs & Advisors – New Albany1972
PC Home Center1978
Hope Southern Indiana, Inc.1998
First Harrison Bank1999
Wiggam Lumber, Inc.1999
  
Ten to 24 Years 
Smith Creek, Inc.2001
Silver Creek Leather Co., LLC2003
Bottles Unlimited2007
Mediaura2008
Alpha Energy Solutions2011
Schimpff’s Confectionery2014
Clarksville Strike & Spare Family Fun Center2015
  
Five to Nine Years 
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana2016
Down Syndrome of Louisville Indiana Campus2016
Hampton Inn by Hilton New Albany Louisville West2016
Mathes Pharmacy & Homecare2016
The Breakwater2017
Tree of Life Family Birth Center2018
L & N Federal Credit Union2019
  
Two to Four Years 
CTDI2021
ImmunoTek Bio Centers, LLC2021
Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA)2021
CyberdomeUSA2022
Medline Industries2022
Pet Wants Clarksville2022
Redemption Solar and Roofing2022
Clark Station Shopping Center2023
M & M Office Solutions, Inc.2023
Southern Homes Realty2023
Spherion Staffing & Recruiting2023
stayAPT Suites Louisville North-Clarksville2023
Tommy’s Express2023
  
One Year 
Arbor Homes2024
Clark County Youth Shelter and Family Services, Inc.2024
Primavera & Associates2024
WorK Architecture + Design2024

Economic Update | Interest Rates and Indiana Manufacturing

by with No Comment 1si NewsEconomic Development

submitted by
Uric Dufrene, Ph.D., Sanders Chair in Business, Indiana University Southeast

The Fed reduced the Fed Funds rate by another quarter point, as expected. This marked the 3rd reduction during 2024, but as we suggested some time back, we will now see a slowdown in the number of Fed interest rate reductions for 2025.  We can expect a hold at the next Fed meeting, or no change to the current Fed Funds rate of 4.5%. This means that interest rates will likely be higher for longer. Higher interest rates have had a significant impact on interest-sensitive sectors like real estate and durable goods manufacturing. Manufacturing has had a greater impact on states like Indiana and Kentucky, where it often reigns as one of the largest economic sectors across state locales. Since higher interest rates ensued back in 2022, Indiana manufacturing employment is down by about 22,000. Kentucky fares better, with a gain of about 3,000 manufacturing jobs since that time. Indiana is a manufacturing-intensive state, with the highest percentage of manufacturing employment in the nation. Kentucky is also in the top 10.    

The higher interest rate impact of slower manufacturing on Indiana is lessened through diversification of an economy, and we can point to regional economies in Indiana for examples.  Kokomo, with 41% of its workforce employed in manufacturing, is experiencing an unemployment rate that exceeds 9%, and the region has added fewer than 1,000 payrolls since last year. Other heavy manufacturing metro areas, like Elkhart-Goshen and Columbus, are also seeing slow payroll growth. Elkhart-Goshen is down slightly and Columbus is under 1,000. The metro area with likely the greatest diversification is perhaps Indianapolis. Less than 10% of the Indianapolis workforce is now employed by manufacturing, and the largest sector, healthcare and social services, employs just under 12% of the workforce. Since last year, Indiana added 45,000 jobs, or a 1.4% growth rate. This is down from a couple of years ago, and largely due to the slowdown we are seeing in manufacturing. Indianapolis, on the other hand, added 30,000 jobs, representing a growth rate of 2.5%;  U.S. payroll growth was only 1.4% over that same period. Indianapolis holds about ½ of all payrolls in Indiana, but since last year, is responsible for 2/3rds of the job growth.   

Interestingly, there are two Indiana metro areas with a heavy concentration of manufacturing, and with job growth rates higher than Indiana and the U.S. Why are these two metro areas achieving higher growth rates in jobs, even with manufacturing being the largest sector in both regions? One possible link might be to education. Both regions are home to major research universities, and college attainment rates are higher than the Indiana average.   

The latest report on metropolitan employment shows Louisville Metro is up by 8,500 payrolls since last year, or 1.2% growth, under Kentucky growth of 1.5% and U.S, growth of 1.4%.  While manufacturing growth in Louisville has slowed, it does not explain the overall slower growth of total payrolls. Back in 2022 and 2023, leisure and hospitality were the major drivers of Louisville Metro payrolls, reaching growth rates as high as 16%, and in both years, leisure and hospitality growth exceeded overall payrolls. During this past year, however, leisure and hospitality growth has slowed, now negative year-over-year for the past 6 months. Two sectors, education and health services along with professional business services, explain about 70% of the job growth over the past year.     Manufacturing still maintains a significant position in Louisville Metro but is no longer the largest industry. Louisville Metro is a service town, with education and health services and professional and business services making up the two largest sectors. 

The latest ISM (Institute for Supply Management) report on manufacturing came in just under 50, slightly under expansion.    New orders and production were both expanding, however, showing some green shoots in manufacturing. Despite higher interest rates, this could be early signs of a nascent recovery in manufacturing for 2025. 

 

Anne Keller headshot

Long-Standing One Southern Indiana Employee Wins Inaugural Economic Development Award

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

Anne Keller, Sr. Director of Business Development, won the Excellence in Local Economic Development award. 

New Albany, IN. (December 13, 2024) 

Anne Keller headshotOne Southern Indiana (1si) is proud to share that Anne Keller, Senior Director of Business Development, has received the inaugural Excellence in Local Economic Development award, presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), in honor of her hard work and dedication throughout the state of Indiana.  

Keller, who has been with 1si for over eleven years, works exclusively to provide detailed and critical information to site selectors and vendors to match them with site opportunities in Southern Indiana. Her work has helped bring projects such as Conco, Inc., Meta, and Canadian Solar to the region. In addition to working with site selectors and vendors, Anne is part of several committees and organizations, including the 1si Pearls of Wisdom committee, the 1si Economic Development Council, and serves as the Treasurer for the South Central Indiana Economic Development group. 

The IEDC Excellence in Local Economic Development award, a statewide recognition, is an honor given to an individual who has shown great initiative in business attraction efforts in the state of Indiana. The inaugural award was presented at the Indiana Economic Development Association’s (IEDA) Annual Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.  

“Anne Keller is a vital part of 1si and the Southern Indiana region,” said Lance Allison, president and CEO of 1si. “Anne continues to be instrumental in bringing projects to Clark, Floyd, and Scott County, and her dedication to business attraction is shown with the quality of work and projects. We are excited for Anne and this phenomenal accomplishment!”  

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.   

  
Ellinor Smith, Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager  

EllinorS@1si.org  | 812-945-0266  

Nonprofit Spotlight | Kaiser Home Support Services

by with No Comment Nonprofit Spotlight

Kaiser Home Support Services
2633 Grant Line Rd.
New Albany, IN  47150
Phone:  812-945-6868
www.kaisersupport.org
Contact Person:  Tonya Hollins, Director of Operations

Agency Mission Statement or Description:

Year established: 1981

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

Focus areas: KHSS provides in-home and community services that help each of our clients get the most out of life every day.  We perform those services at a consistently high level so clients can be assured that they will be in good hands.

Our services are personalized for the needs of each client and his or her family.  We always begin with an in-home assessment to help us understand the specific needs of each client.

Impact in community: KHSS is proud to offer caregiving services in many surrounding counties of Southern Indiana.  KHSS is available to our clients every day of the year any time of day they feel they need.  Coverage is available through multiple Indiana Medicaid Programs. 

How 1si members can help your organization:  Any advertising is so helpful! As you know, staffing continues to be an issue but getting our name out in the community would be a great help! We appreciate all you do at 1si.

Additional information:

We pride ourselves in the care we provide to each and every client we serve. They are and will always be our utmost importance. We also believe in equipping our staff with as much training as necessary for them to become a successful caregiver to our clients.

Empowering Southern Indiana: Caesars Foundation of Floyd County Supports Three Businesses with Loans

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press Release

The loan recipients are all local to Southern Indiana and range from custom perfumes to activity and entertainment  

[NEW ALBANY, IN.] One Southern Indiana (1si) and Caesars Foundation of Floyd County are thrilled to announce three new Caesars Foundation of Floyd County Small Business Revolving Loan Fund recipients. The loan assists private businesses in expanding operations and increasing or retaining employees. Businesses must be located or plan to locate in Floyd County. The recipients include Sukhino Express Wellness, The Slice Pizza and Golf, and Vetiver Aromatics. 

Sukhino Express Wellness is Southern Indiana’s first float center and halotherapy center. They are delighted to offer additional wellness services to the New Albany and Southern Indiana communities! With the help of the Caesars Foundation, they are looking forward to expanding their services with a new satellite location at 137 E. Market St., New Albany, IN. The expansion includes infrared sauna, red light therapy, massage chairs, and vibroacoustic sound therapy. They hope that their second location will be a peaceful oasis in the heart of downtown New Albany.  

The Slice Pizza and Golf, with the help of the Caesar Foundation, is able to make their dream of opening a family business in Georgetown possible. Their location off exit 118 on I-64 in Georgetown, IN, will feature approximately 100 indoor seats and 30 outdoor seats, including a full bar and golf suite in a party room. The business is co-owned by Levi Donaldson and Michael Wrege, who both currently work at the Union Restaurant and Game Yard. Levi is involved with the Union Restaurant and Game Yard, and Michael is the General Manager. The Slice is excited to bring pizza, golf, and entertainment to friends, family, and neighbors.  

Vetiver Aromatics has been operational since 2013, specializes in supplies for artisan perfume-making. The company is planning to expand by opening a physical retail space to enhance its service offerings, including custom perfume design and educational workshops. Vetiver Aromatics provides the ingredients, supplies, and information needed to make your own perfume. They sell the highest quality perfume ingredients and supplies and are one of the few U.S. retailers of perfumer’s alcohol. 

“The Caesars Foundation is thrilled to offer loans from the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund to three local businesses,” said Executive Director, Tyler Bliss. “The Caesars Foundation encourages economic development in Floyd County, and small businesses are the heart of our community. We look forward to watching these businesses grow.” 

“One Southern Indiana is excited to see additional growth in the community,” said President and CEO, Lance Allison. “Rachael, our Small Business Navigator, is an excellent resource for small businesses looking to grow and succeed in Floyd County. We thank the Caesar’s Foundation for their continued support of entrepreneurial endeavors in our region.” 

Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000 with a maximum interest rate less than the prime rate of interest. Maximum terms of loans are 10 years for land and building loans, five years for equipment loans, and two years for working capital loans. For more information, contact Rachael Armstrong at One Southern Indiana at (812) 206-9021 or RachaelA@1si.org. 

About the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County 

The Caesars Foundation of Floyd County is a private foundation created to benefit the Floyd County community. The Foundation’s philanthropic focus traditionally falls into the categories of grant-making to charitable non-profit organizations, educational scholarships, and program-related investments that encourage economic development. For more, visit www.caesarsfoundationfc.org.  

About One Southern Indiana

One Southern Indiana 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 provide the connections, resources, and services that help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area. For more, visit 1si.org.

For Additional Information:
Tyler Bliss | Executive Director 
Caesars Foundation of Floyd County | 812-945-4332  
Tyler@ceasarsfoundationfc.org  

Rachael Armstrong | Small Business Navigator 
ISBDC | (812) 206-9021|  RachaelA@1si.org 

Ellinor Smith | Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager 
|One Southern Indiana | (812) 945-0266 | ellinors@1si.org 

-###-

2024 ONCE Awards Winners

by with No Comment 1si News

Congratulations to the following winners of the One Southern Indiana 2024 ONCE Awards.

One Southern Indiana (1si), the chamber of commerce and state recognized local economic development organization for Clark, Floyd, and Scott counties, Ind., is proud to celebrate the winners of the 2024 ONCE Awards. This event honors excellent businesses and business professionals from Southern Indiana and the Louisville Metro area.

Finalists for the ONCE Awards are chosen by a panel of judges on a variety of metrics. In addition, 1si members vote online for their favorite, which accounts for 10 percent of the score. Ten of Southern Indiana’s and metro Louisville’s ‘best and brightest’ companies and individuals were honored on Thursday, November 14, at Caesars Southern Indiana in Elizabeth, Ind.

German American Bank Business of the Year Award ( 51 or more employees )

C & M Smith Restaurants dba Taco Bell

C&M Smith Restaurants Inc. was founded in 1988 by Clinton Smith, Sr after working for Taco Bell Corporate from 1980-1987. Clinton started the company with capital provided by a small business loan and a partner in his brother Mike Smith, who is in the car service business. They were partners up until Clinton, Sr. bought out Mike in 2000. The restaurant company is now owned by partners Clinton Smith, Jr. and Chris Smith, who run the day-to-day operations of the company. The company currently operates 27 locations in Southern Indiana and Kentucky, employing 900 people. Their corporate office is in New Albany, Indiana.

Cherry Bekaert Business of the Year Award ( 50 or Fewer Employees )

LL&A Interior Design

 

LLL&A Interior Design is a premier, full-service interior design firm known for its comprehensive expertise in transforming spaces across various sectors. Specializing in everything from residential to commercial projects, LL&A Interior Design offers a wide array of services including corporate environments, healthcare facilities, hospitality spaces, outdoor areas, certified commercial and real estate staging, online design, and AirBnB design, among others.

Ivy Tech Community College Jerrol Miles DE&I Initiative Award

Global Payments, Inc.

Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN) is a leading payments technology company delivering innovative software and services to customers globally. Their technologies, services and team member expertise allow them to provide a broad range of solutions that enable their customers (from small and midsize merchants to large financial institutions) to operate their businesses more efficiently across a variety of channels around the world. Headquartered in Georgia with approximately 27,000 team members worldwide, Global Payments is a Fortune 500® company and a member of the S&P 500 with worldwide reach spanning North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.

Harding Shymanski & Company, P.S.C. Manufacturer of the Year

ERL, Inc.

Since 1970, ERL has been guided by a devotion to timeless principles and the relentless pursuit of leading-edge technology. Their continued commitment to keeping our nation’s waterways safe by manufacturing quality products, tireless service, and exceptional customer relations have made them the leader in the marine equipment industry in America.

ERL not only prioritizes exceptional products and solutions, but they also understand the importance of recruiting and retaining skilled employees. Their emphasis on their company culture demonstrates that employees are the key to ERL’s 54 years of success.

Centra Credit Union Nonprofit Program Award

Personal Counseling Services, Inc. Azari Program

Personal Counseling Services, (PCS) Inc, an outpatient, non-profit, 501 (c) 3, mental health organization, established in 1959.

Over the past sixty-five (65) years, the PCS multi-disciplinary, professional counseling staff has provided over 629,000 hours of individual, couple, family and intensive outpatient group therapy, served 520,000 children, youths and adults, music therapy, in addition to medication management, addiction therapy and psychological testing services. Today, they serve seventeen counties in Indiana and four counties in Kentucky. This impressive record of service ranks PCS as one of the region’s leading providers of mental health and faith-based services.

The Azari Program is a therapy program that works with first responders, dispatchers, their family members and veterans to process the stressors and trauma that has invaded their day-to-day life.

SoIN Tourism Rising Star Award

Poppin’ Flavors Gourmet Popcorn

Born and bred in the bustling hub of Jeffersonville, Indiana in 2020, Poppin’ Flavors Gourmet Popcorn is not your average popcorn peeps – they’re on a mission to blow your mind and your taste buds! As a proud black family-owned and operated business, they’re all about taking your taste buds on a wild ride.

Axiom Financial Strategies Group James W. Robinson Young Professional of the Year Award

Christopher Jackson
Dan Cristiani Excavating Co., Inc.

Chris Jackson has over two decades of experience in land development, municipal utility, and infrastructure construction. He is involved in all aspects as well as the planning, permitting, development, and construction of 1,000+ acres of active privately-owned and managed land development projects in Clark, Floyd, Harrison, and Scott Counties in Indiana.

Under Chris’s leadership, Dan Cristiani Excavating has experienced continuous growth, with an annual increase of no less than 10 percent. The company has also expanded its workforce, adding approximately 100 positions since 2014, reflecting both DC’s success and the commitment to creating local jobs.

Duke Energy Kevin Hammersmith Community Leader of the Year Award

Kelley Troutman
Kaiser Home Support Services, and Liberty Place

Kelley Troutman serves as the Executive Director of Kaiser Home Support Services, where she oversees comprehensive support services aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals requiring home-based personal care. She is also a co-founder of Liberty Place which provides support services and a transitional living space for Veterans. In her role, Kelley is responsible for strategic leadership, operational management,and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to clients and residents.

Kightlinger & Gray, LLP Sam Day Professional of the Year Award

Roza Segoviano
Executive Chef/Co-Owner VIVA! Hospitality Group

Roza is the Executive Chef behind a collection of six southern Indiana restaurants which she co-owns with her husband, Juan. VIVA! Hospitality Group encompasses the beloved and popular dining spots Senor Iguanas Restaurantes Mexicanos, La Catrina Mexican Kitchen, La Catrina Tacos & Tequila and Sleepy Rooster Morning Kitchen.

NWSB Chairman’s Legacy Award

Jerry Finn
Retired, Caesars Foundation of Floyd County

Jerry is the former Executive Director of the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County. He holds two undergraduate degrees from Indiana University and a Masters in Theological Studies from the St. Meinrad School of Theology. He is currently involved with the Friends of the Town Clock Church and the Rotary Club of New Albany.

Jerry’s former involvement includes co-chair of the Southern Indiana Mentoring Partnership, the Metro United Way Advisory Council, the Donors Forum of Kentuckiana, The New Albany-Floyd County Education Foundation, Vice President of Keep New Albany Clean and Green, the Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana, the Governor’s Bi-State Bridge Authority for Louisville and Indiana, One Southern Indiana Board of Directors, and a medical corpsman in the Indiana National Guard and captain in the US Army Reserve.

Over the last several years, Jerry has also mentored several students within the New Albany-Floyd County School system.

A father of four and grandfather of seven, Jerry and his wife, Jill, live in Starlight, Indiana in his family’s ancestorial 1839 homeplace.

Thank you to our Sponsors!

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Axiom Financial Strategies Group
Centra Credit Union
Cherry Bekaert
Duke Energy
Harding Shymanski & Company, P.S.C.
German American Bank
Ivy Tech Community College
Kightlinger & Gray, LLP
NWSB
SoIN Tourism

GOLD SPONSOR

First Harrison Bank

SILVER SPONSORS

L & D Mail Masters, Inc.
Nu-Yale
PayFWDs
Sounds Unlimited Productions