Louisville-based manufacturer to expand into Southern Indiana

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

Conco, Inc. opening a new facility and investing over $54 million in Scottsburg.

Scottsburg, IN. (August 14, 2023)

Southern Indiana is celebrating the growth of another manufacturing company in the region. Conco, a full-time, full-service supplier of ammunition containers and related services, plans to invest $54.5 million to establish a second facility in the region, this one located in Scottsburg, Indiana. The company’s investment includes over $36 million in new equipment, furnishings, fixtures, hardware, and software; $11.5 million to purchase the former Tokusen USA space; and $6.9 million in improvements to the existing spaces. 

This investment will result in up to 175 new full-time positions at the Scottsburg location, including Production Team Members, Quality Technicians, Welders, Paint Technicians, Process Technicians, Controls Technicians, Tool & Die, Industrial Maintenance, Electricians, Engineering and Administration at an average wage of $28 per hour.

Conco has served the United States Armed Forces as a supplier since 1967. With a strong reputation for high-quality products, on-time delivery, and tech support, they continue to meet military needs and develop innovative products to adapt to ever-changing requirements. Conco is also a designated “return site” equipped to store, de-militarize, and prepare container models for reuse and resale. Their specialized products include insensitive munitions, rectangular containers, square bell containers, and round bell containers, in addition to their refurbished container options.

“We are excited to join the Southern Indiana region with our new facility in Scottsburg,” said Karen Paschal, President and CEO of Conco, “When looking at locations, the former Tokusen USA space was a perfect fit for what we needed to expand, and we look forward to working with the State of Indiana, the City of Scottsburg, and its residents to create additional growth for the region.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has committed to an investment in Conco of up to $1.925 million 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. In addition, the City of Scottsburg is offering the company personal and real property tax abatement, phasing in over five and ten years, respectively.

“Indiana’s defense sector continues to grow, and we’re excited to welcome Conco to our network of advanced manufacturers that are contributing to and supporting our nation’s armed forces,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “Conco’s decision to locate in Scott County is a testament to the region’s skilled workforce and vibrant communities, and the company’s presence in southern Indiana will further advance new patriotic career opportunities for families for years to come.” 

“The City of Scottsburg is thrilled to be working with Conco and helping them establish a home in Scottsburg,” said Terry Amick, Mayor of the City of Scottsburg. “We are proud to support their efforts as they expand their services for the United States Armed Forces and are excited to see the local community growth they will bring to the area.”

“Southern Indiana has seen major manufacturer growth over the last several years with projects expanding or new locations opening in the region,” said Wendy Dant Chesser, President and CEO of One Southern Indiana. “Conco’s decision to expand and open a new location in Scottsburg shows that our region remains a prime location for manufacturers – big and small, current and new. 1si is excited to see what Conco will bring to the manufacturing region and look forward to continuing this partnership and assisting them in any way we can.”

About Conco, Inc.
Conco is a designated “small business” with 50 years of experience dedicated to the ammunition container market and is ISO 9001:2015 certified. Conco is centrally located in Louisville, KY, and is currently the prime contract container supplier for several U.S. Army ammunition programs. For more information, visit concocontainers.com. If interested in a position at Conco, email resumes to resumes@concocontainers.com.

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:

Conco, Inc.

Karen Paschal, President & CEO

kpaschal@concocontainers.com

502-962-2121

 

One Southern Indiana
Brittany Schmidt, Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager

BrittanyS@1si.org
812-945-0266

 

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One Southern Indiana Board of Directors Announces Transition Plan for CEO and President

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press Release

Wendy Dant Chesser, current CEO and President, announced her resignation last month.

New Albany, IN. (August 10, 2023) – The One Southern Indiana (1si) Board of Directors has approved a CEO transition and search plan to guide the organization during the next several months.  Wendy Dant Chesser, current CEO and President, is resigning her position as of October 26, 2023, and this transition plan includes hiring a search firm for 1si’s next president and CEO and ensuring all duties and projects currently performed by the President are completed or transitioned to other staff members by this date.

The search committee, comprised of stakeholders, Board of Directors, business members, and investors, will be led by Bryan Wickens, the current Chair of the Board of Directors. The search committee issued a Request for Proposals and will analyze and hire a search firm to facilitate the candidate identification and interview process.

“Wendy has done an excellent job for nearly 11 years, and we appreciate all that she has done in guiding the organization,” noted Wickens.  “We know that change can be challenging, but we truly have an incredible opportunity in front of us to build on her work and the wonderful foundation of 1si’s past accomplishments.  We are committed to finding the leader we need today to take our organization and region to the next level.”

The committee plans to engage board members, business members, and stakeholders during the search process. If a candidate is not found or hired by Wendy’s last day, an Interim CEO will be considered until a permanent replacement is found. Chesser will continue her current projects and duties until her resignation date but will have a secondary lead for ongoing projects and duties.

“I am pleased with the transition plan that the Executive Committee has developed for the remainder of my time at 1si,” said Chesser, “1si is in good hands with the current team of leadership and staff and will continue the mission to help businesses thrive and innovate in Southern Indiana and Louisville metro area.”

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:
Brittany Schmidt, Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager

BrittanyS@1si.org | 812-945-0266

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One Southern Indiana Celebrates Accomplishments at Annual Meeting

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press Release

The Organization Announced Several Award Winners and Welcomed New Board of Directors

New Albany, IN. (August 8, 2023) – One Southern Indiana, the chamber of commerce and economic development organization for Clark and Floyd counties (1si), hosted their Annual Meeting today, August 8, 2023, at Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards. The theme of this year’s program was “New Perspectives.” The event hosted approximately 380 members and guests.

1si is pleased to present three awards during this event to members and individuals who embodied the characteristics of the award categories:

  • Economic Development Impact Project of the Year – HealthTrackRX, sponsored by DMLO CPAs and Advisors
  • Ambassador of the Year – Danny Berry, Prudential Financial, sponsored by MCM CPAs & Advisors
  • Volunteer of the Year – Kim Martin-Dawkins, PNC Bank, sponsored by First Harrison Bank

HealthTrackRx is the nation’s premier PCR-based infectious disease laboratory, providing clinical testing services throughout the U.S., and has a long-term vision to grow its regional presence. 

Members enthusiastically approved a slate of new officers and directors to the 1si Board.  Officers for the 2023-2024 year include: 

  • Chair – Bryan Wickens, MAC Construction & Excavating, Inc.
  • Chair-Elect / Economic Development Chair – Cathy Scrivner, Louisville Water Co.
  • Secretary / Governance Chair – Brad Blackburn, Samtec, Inc.
  • Treasurer / Finance Chair – Tommy Wallace, Old National Bank
  • Past Chair – Laurie Goetz-Kemp, Momentum Title Agency, LLC
  • Business Resources Council Chair – Jessica Carroll, First Harrison Bank
  • Board Development Chair – Ann Carruthers, Clark/Floyd System of CARE & Prevent Child Abuse
  • Advocacy Chair – Jim Epperson, SoIN Tourism
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council Chair – Raymond Smith, Jr., Park Community Credit Union
  • Investor Relations Chair – Afton Yaeger, Mariner Wealth Advisors

“I am thrilled to be the chair for the 2023-2024 year at One Southern Indiana,” said Bryan Wickens, “It’s an honor to lead the executive team and board of directors, and I am excited to work with the staff of 1si during this time of transition.”

New directors elected to the board for a three-year term include:

  • Morgan Bauer Brown, Schuler Bauer Real Estate Services
  • Jason Clemmons, Clark County REMC
  • Deborah Ford, IU Southeast
  • Christopher Jackson, Dan Cristiani Excavating Co., Inc.
  • Matt Neely, MCM CPAs & Advisors
  • Joseph Scott, Joash Construction
  • Andrea Strange, Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C.

Once again, 1si partnered with the News & Tribune to publish our annual report to the community for the preceding 12 months.  The supplement will be available in the August 8 edition.

Samtec provided the keynote for today’s meeting.  Locally headquartered and privately held, Samtec is the service leader in the electronic interconnect industry with 40+ global locations.  Mark Bobo, Executive Vice President of Global Compliance, Sustainability, and Government Affairs tied the “New Perspectives” theme of the event to the ever-changing world of electronics manufacturing.   He highlighted how Samtec’s core philosophies around providing Sudden Service® to its customers have evolved while remaining true to the values upon which the company was founded.

 

1si’s sponsors for the event included:

  • Presenting Sponsor – First Harrison Bank
  • Video Sponsor – MCM CPAs & Advisors
  • Economic Development Impact Project Award Sponsor – DMLO CPAs & Advisors
  • Venue Sponsor – Huber’s Plantation Hall, Huber’s Orchard, Winery & Vineyards
  • Platinum Sponsors – ClearPath Mutual, German American Bank, ProMedia Group, and River Ridge Development Authority
  • Gold Sponsors – First Savings Bank, Ivy Tech Community College, Mister “P” Express, Inc., Shepherd Insurance, and SoIN Tourism
  • Silver Sponsors – Centra Credit Union, Clark Memorial Health, Greater Clark County Schools, L&D Mail Masters, Inc., PayFWDs, River City Bank of Kentucky, Schuler Bauer Real Estate Services

“1si is a robust organization that shows continuous growth each year. We could not be the organization we are without the support of our board of directors, investors, business members, and the community,” noted Chesser. “I am proud to have been a part of this team for the past eleven years and can’t wait to see where the organization goes in the future.”

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:
Brittany Schmidt, Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager

BrittanyS@1si.org | 812-945-0266

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: One Southern Indiana’s President to Resign in the Fall

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press Release

After 10+ years, Wendy Dant Chesser is leaving 1si for a position at River Ridge.

NEW ALBANY, IN – One Southern Indiana (1si) officially announced today that Wendy Dant Chesser, President and CEO, will resign from her position in October 2023.  Chesser has worked with 1si since 2012, coming in as the organization’s third President and the first female to hold this position.   

Laurie Kemp, Immediate Past Chair of the 1si Board of Directors, stated, “Wendy has led the organization through many economic development successes, including securing a $50 million READI grant.  She helped 1si and many businesses weather the COVID storm and helped expand services and resources to our business members. 1si and this community are the better for her service, and while we will miss her leadership within 1si, we are thrilled that she will continue to use her talents to the benefit of Southern Indiana.”

She added that the 1si Board of Directors has met and will outline a transition plan in the coming weeks, which will include a search for a new President.

“For the last decade, I have thoroughly enjoyed serving the businesses, organizations, and residents of our communities in my role at One Southern Indiana,” Chesser said.  “The team of professionals that I have been able to work for and with is truly second-to-none in serving our businesses and communities with passion and foresight.   These business professionals are dedicated, eager, and smart – the future of 1si and those we serve is certainly bright and shiny!”

In late October, Chesser will start her new position with the River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) as the Chief Director of Corporate Strategy and External Affairs.   Jerry Acy, Executive Director of the RRDA, said, “Wendy will bring her passion for development as well as her extensive contact list to this new position.  She will help us plan and implement the next decade of growth by continuing to serve Southern Indiana.”

“River Ridge has been a great partner of 1si for many years, and this new challenge will allow me to delve deeper into the economic development strategies which will grow and sustain this regional asset,” said Chesser. 

“While I am excited about my new position, I remain committed to the mission of 1si and I am extremely grateful to those who have allowed me the opportunity to lead this organization,” Chesser added.  “I am so very proud of the work we have accomplished, and I look forward to supporting 1si as a committed partner.” 

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.

About River Ridge Development Authority:

The River Ridge Development Authority 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 a former government installation at the site. The Authority has invested more than $150 million to redevelop about 35 percent of the Center. River Ridge is home to more than 70 companies and investments and growth at River Ridge recently earned the RRDA the International Economic Development Council’s Gold Award for Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse. For more information, visit RiverRidgecc.com.

For Additional Media Inquiries: 

Brittany Schmidt, Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager
One Southern Indiana
8122.945.0266

Jerry Acy, Executive Director
River Ridge Development Authority
812.285.8979
 

One Southern Indiana and Ivy Tech Sellersburg Recipients of Childcare Grant.

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press Release

The grant will focus on enhancing childcare in the Southern Indiana region.

[NEW ALBANY, IN.] – June 29, 2023 – One Southern Indiana (1si) and Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg (Ivy Tech Sellersburg) have been awarded a grant from the Indiana Economic Development Association (IEDA) Foundation and Duke Energy Foundation aimed at addressing childcare challenges in Southern Indiana. This grant will fuel an initiative to identify innovative solutions and develop a comprehensive plan to enhance childcare availability in the region.

“Duke Energy is proud to support this initiative,” says Lisa Huber, Duke Energy’s government and community relations manager. “A lack of affordable childcare can have a big impact on the region’s workforce, and the grant awarded to 1si and Ivy Tech Sellersburg will allow them to work on confronting these challenges and supporting working parents.”

The joint proposal, a collaboration between 1si and Ivy Tech Sellersburg, received funds to conduct research on understanding the gaps in the current childcare system and formulating a plan to overcome these challenges.

“We are thrilled about this grant, which enables us to explore our community’s childcare needs deeply,” said Dr. Travis Haire, chancellor at Ivy Tech Sellersburg. “Through this project, we will be able to analyze data, identify gaps, and propose recommendations to enhance accessibility and quality of childcare in Southern Indiana.”

This project aims to transform the childcare landscape in Southern Indiana by addressing the pressing need for childcare options and how it affects not only families but the local workforce and economy.

“A lack of affordable, high-quality childcare options can limit parents’ ability to work and participate in the workforce, which can negatively impact the economic development of our region, “said Wendy Dant Chesser, president, and CEO of One Southern Indiana. “One Southern Indiana and Ivy Tech Sellersburg believe this project will help us better understand our region’s childcare gaps and develop a plan to address them.” 

1si, Ivy Tech Sellersburg, and experienced consultants will oversee the project through three phases: planning and strategy development, stakeholder engagement and innovation assessment, and reporting findings and community engagement. Regular updates and progress reports will ensure transparency and collaboration.

About One Southern Indiana 

One Southern Indiana was formed in July 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 information, visit 1si.org. 

About Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg

Ivy Tech is the largest, singly-accredited community college in the country.  Our two-year college has over 70 academic programs and classes in over 75 communities in Indiana and online.  Ivy Tech offers students a better way to reach their goals— whether that goal is to get a good-paying career fast, or to get a better, more affordable start to a bachelor’s degree by transferring credits on to a four-year school.  For more information, go to https://www.ivytech.edu.

For Additional Information: 

Brittany Schmidt
Content Marketing and Media Relations Manager
Phone: (812) 206-9024 
Email: brittanys@1si.org

Andrea Bush
Education Department Chair
Phone: (812) 246-3301, ext. 4587
Email: Abush22@ivytech.edu

 

 

 

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One Southern Indiana’s ONE Fund Program Approves New Loan for Chapman Funeral Home.

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press Release

One Southern Indiana’s Microloan Program Facilitates Change in Ownership of Chapman Funeral Home.

[Clarksville, Indiana] May 31, 2023- One Southern Indiana (1si) is pleased to announce the successful approval of a new loan through The ONE Fund Loan Program. This loan will support the purchase of Chapman Funeral Home, the only funeral home in Clarksville.

Established in 1951, Chapman Funeral Home has shown dedication to providing compassionate services, offering families a personalized and enduring tribute for their loved ones. Todd Watts, the new owner, expressed his gratitude for the loan, stating, “This additional working capital has empowered me to expand my business and better serve our community.”

Town of Clarksville officials express their strong support for The ONE Fund Loan Program and its contribution to the local business community. Clarksville Town Manager Kevin Baity stated, “We are proud to partner with 1si in their efforts to bolster small businesses in our area. Funding for The ONE Fund comes from partnerships with local municipalities committed to the growth and success of our local small businesses, and to help them thrive in Clarksville.  We believe in the power of entrepreneurship and the positive impact it has on our community’s economic development.”

Rachael Armstrong, Small Business Navigator at 1si and the Indiana Small Business Development Center, also shared her enthusiasm for Chapman Funeral Home’s growth and the positive impact of The ONE Fund Loan Program on local businesses. She stated, “We are thrilled to witness Chapman Funeral Home’s commitment to expanding its services for the community. At 1si, our objective is to continue supporting local business start-ups and growth opportunities. The loan extended to Chapman Funeral Home exemplifies the program’s success in helping small businesses achieve their goals.”

About The One Fund
The ONE Fund was created by One Southern Indiana in 2022 to provide small business owners in the Indiana counties of Clark, Floyd, Jefferson, Scott, and Washington with the capital required for start-up and growth initiatives.  The Fund provides microloans to small businesses as their “lender of last resort” in order to support small businesses as they work toward stability and bankability. For more, visit www.1si.org/funding.

About Chapman Funeral Home
The caring and experienced professionals at Chapman Funeral Home are here to support you through this difficult time.  We offer a range of personalized services to suit your family’s wishes and requirements.  You can count on us to help you plan a personal, lasting tribute to your loved one. And we’ll carefully guide you through the many decisions that must be made during this challenging time.

For Additional Information:

Wendy Dant Chesser
President and CEO
Phone: (812) 945-0266
Email: wendy@1si.org 

Todd Watts
Owner, Chapman Funeral Home
Phone: (812) 283-7110
Email: chapmanfuneralhome47129@gmail.com

 

 

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Bluegrass Supply Chain Services to Invest Over $16 Million in Jeffersonville. 

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

NEW ALBANY, IN (May 15, 2023) Southern Indiana continues to build on its momentum in the logistics industry, as Bluegrass Supply Chain Services, LLC and Bridgeport Partners REIG, LLC announce plans for a new facility at 1205 Bridgeport Drive in Jeffersonville, Indiana.  The Bowling Green, Kentucky-based companies plan to invest $15,931,000 in the new facility, along with an additional investment of $835,000 in machinery and equipment.  The new facility will add up to 25 new employees at an average hourly wage of $27.22, which is above the average hourly wage for Clark County, Indiana.   

“We’re extremely excited to bring this new, state-of-the-art logistics center to Jeffersonville,” said John Higgins, CEO of Bluegrass Supply Chain Services, LLC and Bridgeport Partners REIG, LLC. “Supply chain management, logistics, and advanced innovation plays a critical role in the economic health and vibrancy of our country.  This new facility positions us to combine the best of breed technology with integrated solutions to continue playing a key part in this vital area.  We appreciate all the efforts made from the State of Indiana, the City of Jeffersonville, and One Southern Indiana to help us expand our footprint and our workforce with job wages at or above the Clark County average.”

The company was approved for over $1.3 million in tax abatements from the City of Jeffersonville, including $1,299,680 in real estate taxes over the next five years, and $11,693 in personal property taxes over the same period, as approved by the Jeffersonville City Council during its May 1 meeting. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) is supporting this project by expanding their existing 2018 incentives to incorporate this additional investment in Indiana. 

“We’re thrilled to partner with Bluegrass Supply Chain Services on this project,” said Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore.  “It’s yet another example of Jeffersonville’s vibrant business climate, and further evidence of our quality resident workforce in the area which supports economic growth across our region.  We look forward to assisting in any way we can to bring this exciting project to fruition.”

Wendy Dant Chesser, President and CEO of One Southern Indiana said, “This is wonderful news for Jeffersonville and Southern Indiana.  We continue to attract dynamic companies at the forefront of their industries, and with their focus on innovation, technology and continuous improvement in logistics, Bluegrass Supply Chain Services is certainly no exception.  1si is delighted to be a part of this process, and we look forward to watching their progress.”   

About Bluegrass Supply Chain Services
Bluegrass Supply Chain Services offers a full suite of value-added warehousing services and transportation management solutions to enhance operational efficiency. By offering expanded capabilities and capacity, reducing time touch and travel, and improving on-time performance, they help companies expand their customer base, venture into new markets, and create positive consumer experiences, so they can focus on core business and becoming more competent, and competitive, in the market. 

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:

Wendy Dant Chesser
President & CEO, One Southern Indiana
Wendy@1si.org
812.945.0266

John Higgins
CEO
Bluegrass Supply Chain Services, LLC
Bridgeport Partners REIG, LLC
jhiggins@bsc3pl.com
270.535.7010

One Southern Indiana Builds a Deeper Bench

by 1si News1si Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

4100 Charlestown Rd.
New Albany, IN 47150
812.945.0266
www.1si.org

One Southern Indiana Builds a Deeper Bench.
Talented professionals committed to serving the region’s business and economic needs

NEW ALBANY, IN. (September 29, 2022)

As One Southern Indiana (1si) continues to extend its reach and influence throughout the region, the chamber of commerce and economic development organization has attracted a number of new team members. 1si’s mission is to help businesses innovate and thrive in the region. Its team of talented professionals serve businesses and the community in building upon the great momentum of economic vitality.

John T. Launius will be transitioning to the role of 1si’s Vice President, Director of Economic Development after serving Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg in both development and career coaching and employer connections positions.

“Ivy Tech Community College is thankful for the incredible impact John has made on our campus. His leadership and knowledge of workforce trends have been extremely helpful in moving our campus forward and he has done a tremendous job working with our donors and community stakeholders,” stated Dr. Travis Haire, Chancellor of Ivy Tech’s Sellersburg campus. “We are very excited to collaborate in his new role at One Southern Indiana as we collectively work to enhance our region’s quality of place and economic competitiveness.”

In his new role, John will direct activities focused on growing the business community, including business attraction, retention and expansion, as well as planning for future economic needs. Prior to serving in higher education, John worked in regional economic development activities for Greater Louisville, Inc.

Amber Miller has been promoted to the position of Director of Engagement after serving as 1si’s Manager of Events and Special Programs, where she excelled in expanding the organization’s offerings, including many new virtual options during the global pandemic. In her new position, Amber will be taking the lead on developing, building and maintaining relations with 1si’s investors, members and customers.

Jon Pollock joined the 1si team last month as the Director of Programs, Events and Groups. Jon has extensive experience in managing all aspects of public and private events from his previous positions, most notably with Indiana University Southeast and the Kentucky Derby Festival. Jon earned his Certified Festival and Event Executive credential through the International Festivals and Events Association in 2016.

Melissa Sprigler also came on board in August as the 1si Business Resources Coordinator, where she will interface with 1si members at events, programs and workshops, as well as managing the 1si Ambassador program and coordinating ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings for new businesses. Melissa most recently worked as the Business Manager for Clinique in Clarksville.

Vanessa Braswell joined the 1si team last week as the Operations Coordinator where she will use her customer service skills in addressing the needs of members, vendors and customers. Her teammates – or internal customers – will also benefit from her knowledge with database utilization and communications details. Vanessa comes to us most recently from Millennial Title after several years in the real estate profession.

Matthew Zicher will also join the 1si team as of October 1 as the organization’s Member Relationship Manager. In this role, Matt will focus on growing and retaining 1si’s members by connecting them to resources that will help them with their businesses. Matt most recently worked for Wetterer & Co, and at CSC, where he directed many aspects of event management at some of the region’s biggest events.

Wendy Dant Chesser, President and CEO of One Southern Indiana, enthusiastically noted, “We are excited about the economic opportunities on the horizon in Southern Indiana, and adding this talented group of professionals to our existing team gives us added capacity to maximize the growth we see ahead for our businesses and communities.”

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:

Wendy Dant Chesser
President & CEO, One Southern Indiana
Wendy@1si.org
812-945-0266

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RxLightning to Expand with Headquarters in New Albany

by 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development
Southern Indiana technology company is positioned to transform patient care in the U.S.

NEW ALBANY, IN. (September 27, 2022)

In another sign of Southern Indiana’s growing appeal to the tech industry, RxLightning, an award-winning technology company, is establishing expanded headquarters in downtown New Albany, expecting to add up to 175 new jobs over several years paying nearly twice the average wage in Floyd County.  The company will invest heavily in software, hardware, and more in a three-story historic building at 227 Pearl Street, at the corner of Market and Pearl in New Albany.

RxLightning’s platform streamlines the specialty drug enrollment process for both doctors and patients, reducing paperwork and cutting the enrollment time from weeks to hours. The digitized, single solution, which is free for providers and patients, supports more than 1,200 specialty medications, helping patients get access to the treatments they need even faster. RxLightning has been named one of the fastest growing companies in Louisville by Louisville Business First, and the company received the tech product of the year and startup of the year awards at the 2022 TechPoint Mira Awards earlier this year.
“This is an incredibly exciting move for RxLightning,” said Julia Regan, co-founder and CEO of RxLightning. Our new expanded headquarters will allow us to continue our growth and work collaboratively to accelerate the speed at which patients get access to medicine they need.  The State of Indiana, the City of New Albany and One Southern Indiana have been amazing partners in this endeavor.  We considered other locations, but we’re thrilled to remain here in southern Indiana.”

Pending approval from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) board of directors, the IEDC will commit an investment in RxLightning of up to $4 million in conditional tax credits based on the company’s creation plans. The tax credits are performance-based, meaning RxLightning is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired. In addition, the City of New Albany offered RxLightning training grants totaling $120,000 equally divided over five years.

“This news represents another milestone for the city and the region,” said Jeff Gahan, Mayor of the City of New Albany. “We welcome RxLightning to our downtown as they continue to build on their success and growth.”

“RxLightning is a perfect example of how Indiana innovators are advancing the industries of the future,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Brad Chambers. “The company’s solutions, powered by skilled and hardworking Hoosiers, are helping patients access life-saving treatments. Indiana is a leader in medical devices and pharmaceuticals, and now we’re the ideal destination for growing health tech companies like RxLightning.”

Wendy Dant Chesser, President and CEO of One Southern Indiana said, “RxLightning CEO Julia Regan was selected last month as an Endeavor Entrepreneur through a unanimous vote at the 94th International Selection Panel (ISP) held in Greece, the first woman in the Midwest to achieve that honor.  Her company’s growth continues to be remarkable,

and her commitment to this region is a testament to the ongoing vitality of southern Indiana. As always, 1si has been delighted to be a part of this process, and looks forward to assisting in any way we can.”

About RxLightning

RxLightning was co-founded by CEO Julia Regan and CTO Brad Allen to create a world where every patient gets accelerated access to the therapies they need, through the creation of a single destination for specialty prescriptions that makes the enrollment process easy, automated and as seamless as possible.  The free-to-provider digital platform streamlines the specialty medication enrollment process in every therapeutic area to reduce paperwork, eliminate mistakes, streamline communication and accelerate the time to life-altering therapies for patients.

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 and Advocacy. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.

Contact:     

Mary Jo Wallin-Orlowski
Director of Business Retention, Expansion and Talent
maryjo@1si.org
812-945-0266

Julia Regan
Founder and CEO, RxLightning
julia@rxlightning.com
1-855-485-0579

HealthTrackRx to Expand with Site in Clarksville

by 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HealthTrackRx to Expand with Site in Clarksville

Texas-based clinical laboratory plans to invest nearly $3.5 million in high-tech testing laboratory

NEW ALBANY, IN. (September 20, 2022)
Southern Indiana continues to expand its presence in the fast-growing medical technology industry as HealthTrackRx, the nation’s leading PCR laboratory, announces plans for a 10,000 sq. ft. facility at 706 East Lewis and Clark Parkway in Clarksville. In this initial facility, the Texas company projects a total capital investment of $3,463,244, which will result in up to 63 new full-time positions paying well above the average wage in Clark County, with additional expansion opportunity.

HealthTrackRx is the nation’s leading molecular PCR-based infectious disease laboratory. In a global environment threatened by growing antimicrobial resistance, rapid diagnoses matter. HealthTrackRx sets the pace for industry-leading laboratory operations through unparalleled turnaround time, yielding insights that mobilize accurate clinical decisions. With over 20 years in the clinical laboratory industry, HealthTrackRx provides services to thousands of clinicians nationwide.

“This is an important strategic investment for HealthTrackRx,” said Martin Price, CEO for the company. “As part of our commitment to delivering next day results to patients anywhere in the country, HealthTrackRx is building this new testing laboratory near UPS Worldport. The State of Indiana, the Town of Clarksville and One Southern Indiana (1si) have been terrific partners in helping us establish our presence in the region.”

Based on the company’s job creation plans, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) committed an investment of up to $725,000 in HealthTrackRx through incentive-based tax credits. The tax credits are performance-based, meaning HealthTrackRx is eligible to claim incentives once Indiana residents are hired. In addition, the Town of Clarksville is offering the company a five-year forgivable loan in the amount of $110,000.

“We couldn’t be more grateful that HealthTrackRx chose to grow their business in Indiana among a world of options,” said Ann Lathrop, IEDC executive vice president of global investment. “Indiana welcomes the company’s industry expertise and looks forward to supporting them as they provide high-tech, high-quality career opportunities for Hoosiers in southern Indiana.”

“This is a major milestone for the Town of Clarksville and for the region,” said Kevin Baity, Town Manager for the Town of Clarksville. “We look forward to working with the team at HealthTrackRx as they build on their success and establish a presence in southern Indiana.”

Wendy Dant Chesser, President and CEO of One Southern Indiana enthusiastically concurred, noting, “Southern Indiana is quickly becoming a hub for manufacturing and technology, including medical technology. The decision by HealthTrackRx to open a facility in Clarksville is added confirmation of the region’s appeal for companies like theirs. HealthTrackRx is a welcome addition to the impressive array of businesses who have chosen to locate or expand here. As always, 1si is delighted to be a part of this process and looks forward to assisting in any way we can.”

About HealthTrackRx
HealthTrackRx is the nation’s leading PCR-based infectious disease laboratory, delivering industry-leading testing turnaround times to healthcare providers nationwide. For more than 20 years, the company has enabled accurate clinical decisions through its testing platform, advancement in pathogen detection and identification, antimicrobial stewardship leadership, and value-based care programs. For more information, visit HealthTrackRx at healthtrackrx.com

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:
Wendy Dant Chesser
President & CEO, One Southern Indiana
Wendy@1si.org
812-945-0266

Ben Favret
HealthTrackRx
ben.favret@healthtrackrx.com

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