One Southern Indiana Announces Webpage to Assist Office of the Governor

by 1si News1si Press Release

Clark and Floyd County Citizens Encouraged to Apply for a Gubernatorial Appointed Boards

New Albany, Ind. – (December 10, 2020) – One Southern Indiana (1si), the chamber of commerce and economic development organization for Clark and Floyd counties, announced today the launch of a webpage which will allow all citizens of those two Southern Indiana counties to apply for open positions on state boards and commission. The website, www.1si.org/ibc, was created in consultation with the Office of the Governor as a way to geographically diversify the approximately 230 boards and commissions in the state of Indiana.

During a 1si member luncheon with the Indiana Governor in September, Governor Holcomb encouraged President and CEO Wendy Dant Chesser to provide his office with qualified and viable candidates residing or working in Clark and Floyd counties for consideration on gubernatorially appointed state boards, commissions, committees, councils and task forces.

The organization responded, and after discussions with the governor’s staff, volunteered to act as an information hub and intermediary between interested Southern Indiana citizens and the Office of the Governor. The organization will collect resumes and required forms from interested citizens as well as provide Southern Indiana residents with a list of openings from the Governor’s office.

Michael Nossett, deputy general counsel for Governor Eric Holcomb said, “On behalf of the Governor, we are grateful for and excited about 1si’s efforts to help Hoosiers in Clark and Floyd counties learn more about engaging in public service with the state’s boards and commissions.  We look forward to connecting with those willing to be considered.”

The webpage, www.1si.org/ibc, contains the state form, which is also available via email from suzanner@1si.org.  This form is the single intake document used by the governor’s office for serving on a state board or commission. Those interested must also submit his or her professional resume. Due to the nature of disclosures required, both documents will be kept strictly private. Clark and Floyd county citizens may request their name be put forth for consideration for as few as one and as many as five positions.

A confidential database of interested individuals will be kept by the 1si communications department and be transferred to the office of the governor at least four times annually. Should a request come from the governor’s office for recommendations to fill an immediate opening, 1si will transfer the name and information of every person who has expressed an interest serving that capacity.

Chesser said, “We are happy to provide this service both to the citizens of Southern Indiana and the governor’s office.  It is a great opportunity for those who live in our communities to help 1si carry the message of Southern Indiana to Indianapolis while also providing an opportunity to serve our state. I anticipate there will be a lot of traffic on the webpage as we welcome all citizens, 18 or older, to volunteer for a position that suits their interest and talent.”

Individuals do not need to be associated with 1si, or a member of 1si, in order to submit or be considered. In addition, every Clark and Floyd County citizen who has submitted the required paperwork, regardless of age, race, gender, orientation, disability, nation of origin, or religious or political affiliation, will be presented to the Office of the Governor, which is completely responsible for the final decision.

About One Southern Indiana:

One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization 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. 

Since its inception, the organization has evolved to include a three-prong approach to serve its members and investors.  Business Resources, as the chamber side of the organization, encompasses membership, signature events and programs which support and encourage business growth; Economic Development works to grow the regional economy through the attraction of new commerce and assists with retention and expansion of existing businesses; Advocacy supports businesses at the government level by engaging in initiatives to preserve, protect and promote a business friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development of commerce. 

 

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Finalists Announced for the 2020 One Southern Indiana ONCE Awards

by 1si News1si Press Release

One Southern Indiana announced the finalists for the 2020 “ONCE” Awards today. The ONCE Awards is a combination of the ONE Awards, which was postponed due to the Corona Virus outbreak, and the ACE Awards, held annually in the fall.  This year’s event is scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Caesars Southern Indiana in Elizabeth Ind.

This year’s event will honor winners in 10 categories.  The first three categories are individual ACE awards and include:

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

  • Zack Flanagan, Board and You Bistro
  • Joshua Kornberg, Ivy Tech Community College
  • Beau Zoeller, Frost Brown Todd, LLC

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

  • Kimberly Martin Dawkins, PNC Bank
  • Todd Read, SoIN Tourism
  • Eric Yazel, Clark County Health Department

Duke Energy Kevin Hammersmith Community Leader of the Year ACE Award

  • Jerry Finn, Caesars Foundation of Floyd County
  • Allen Howie, Idealogy Marketing + Design
  • Laurie Kemp, Momentum Title Agency
  • Cathy Scrivner, LegalShield / IDShield

Online voting for these three categories will take place on Friday, October 16 and will continue until noon on Friday, October 23rd.  You may vote for your favorite by visiting the 1si.org website or Facebook page.

Also, the winners of the ONE awards, which was originally scheduled for April but postponed, will be announced.  Both judging and online voting is complete in the following categories:

The Centra Credit Union WorkHub Innovation in Culture ONE Award

  • arc
  • Harding, Shymanski, & Company, P.S.C.
  • Kentuckiana Wood Products, Inc.

The Indiana Members Credit Union Rising Star ONE Award

  • ActionCOACH Bluegrass
  • Naked by Sunday
  • Taylor’s Cajun Meat Company

The MCM CPAs & Advisors Business of the Year ONE Award for companies with 50 or fewer employees

  • Extol Magazine
  • LL&A Interior Design
  • Voluforms

The Nu-Yale Nonprofit PROGRAM of the Year ONE Award

  • Carnegie Center for Art & History: Youth Education Program
  • Hosparus Health Southern Indiana & Grief Counseling Center: Heart Connection Program
  • LifeSpan Resources, Inc.: Social Transportation program

The German American Bank Business of the Year ONE Award for companies with 51 or more employees

  • Libs Paving Co., Inc.
  • SIHO Insurance Services
  • The New Washington State Bank

1si will also be awarding the DMLO Economic Development Impact Project of the Year ONE Award, which is given to the expansion or attraction project having the greatest impact on our community in the past year and the AML Construction Economic Development Partner of the Year to the business which has had the most positive effect on Economic Development in Clark and Floyd Counties over the past year.

Finalists in the first eight categories were chosen by a panel of judges based on criteria including business history, community involvement, response to adversity, newly created opportunities and innovation in products or services.  The Economic Development Impact Project Award and Partner of the Year Award were chosen based on information submitted at the launch of a project with regard to the impact of the project on the community at large.

At the event, attendees will enjoy socially distanced networking, cash bar, a plated dinner and a full production awards ceremony.    Due to Indiana social distancing guidelines, the ballroom will accommodate 294 guests and 1si anticipates it will be sold out.  In order to accommodate those unable to purchase in-person seating, the event will be offered to members virtually.

Currently, only virtual reservations are being taken.  The cost for a member to attend the event virtually is $30 and a non-member is $45.  Once in-person reservations are open, pricing for individual 1si members is $60 each in-person and $85 for in-person guests.  Reservations may be made by visiting www.1si.org or by calling (812) 945-0266.


Sponsors for the 2020 ONCE Awards are:

Platinum

AML Contruction, Axiom Financial Strategies Group, Centra Credit Union, DMLO, Duke Energy, German American Bank, Indiana Members Credit Union, Kightlinger & Gray, LLP, MCM CPAs & Advisors and Nu-Yale;

Gold

Business First, Extol Magazine, Fuzzy Zoeller’s Covered Bridge Golf Course, Lloyd’s Florist, MCM CPAs & Advisors, Mister “P” Express, Inc., Mightily and Sounds Unlimited Productions; and

Silver

1Source HCMS, Clark Memorial Health, iHeart Media, L&D Mail Masters, PNC Bank and The Refinery.

 

Kenco-logo

Kenco Logistics Opens E-Commerce Fulfillment and Distribution Center in Jeffersonville, Ind.

by 1si News1si Press ReleaseEconomic Development

Kenco logoJEFFERSONVILLE, IND. (July 21, 2020) Kenco Logistic Services, LLC, a Tennessee-based logistics company, has announced plans to open a new fulfillment and distribution center in the River Ridge Commerce Center. The 250,000-square-foot leased facility will operate at 201 River Ridge Parkway in Jeffersonville, Ind.

Kenco Logistics is the largest woman-owned, third-party, logistics company in the United States. The company provides integrated logistics solutions, including distribution and fulfillment, comprehensive transportation management and material handling services, as well as real estate management and information technology.

Over the past 70 years, the company has grown to include more than 50 warehouse locations throughout the United State and has been honored with a number of awards, including Inbound Logistics’ Top Ten 3PL Inbound Logistics Excellence Awards (2012-2019) and Top Green Supply Chain Partner Inbound Logistics (2011-2019).

“With this new facility, our customers will be able to access more of their growing customer base with increased ease,” said Dan Coll, vice president of e-commerce fulfilment at Kenco. “We are excited to present these advantages to businesses as they look to adjust to the ever-changing e-commerce environment.”

The new facility will help serve the increasing demand for transportation of e-commerce products.  According to Forbes magazine, U.S. retailers’ online year-over-year revenue growth is up 68 percent as of mid-April, and there’s been a 129 percent year-over-year growth in U.S. and Canadian e-commerce orders as of April 21, 2020, with 146-percent growth in all online retail orders.

“Jeffersonville is ideally situated for a company like Kenco Logistics to continue to grow and succeed,” said Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore. “Not only do we have a great community with hard-working citizens, but we are also located in a perfect spot, within a day’s drive to 75 percent of the country’s markets, with three major interstates and two new bridges.  The city is pleased with Kenco’s decision to locate here and stands ready to assist them any way we can.”

“We are pleased that another national leader in logistics has recognized the value of locating at the River Ridge Commerce Center,” said Jerry Acy, executive director of the River Ridge Development Authority. “We look forward to welcoming Kenco to the River Ridge family and supporting the company’s growth in Southern Indiana. Our central location and world-class amenities have made River Ridge a preferred location for numerous logistics, manufacturing, and supply-chain management companies. These firms see that we have all the components to make them successful: location, access to major interstates, waterways and rail, modern infrastructure and a competitive tax environment.”

Wendy Dant Chesser, president and CEO of One Southern Indiana, said, “As we all work together to restart our economy, we’re pleased to welcome a well-established and respected company like Kenco Logistics to our community!  By attracting companies that pay wages above the county average, families in Southern Indiana can start to manage their household recovery and financial stabilization, as well.  This is a great win for the River Ridge Commerce Center, the City of Jeffersonville and everyone who assisted in the project, and we look forward to partnering with Kenco Logistics in the future.”  

About Kenco Logistic Services, LLC:

Kenco provides integrated logistics solutions that include distribution and fulfillment, comprehensive transportation management, material handling services, real estate management, and information technology—all engineered for Operational Excellence. Woman-owned and financially strong, Kenco has built lasting customer relationships for more than 60 years. Kenco’s focus is on common sense solutions that drive uncommon value. Also, connect with Kenco on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and the Kenco Blog.

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 provide the connections, resources and services that help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area.

Since its inception, the organization has evolved to include a three-prong approach to serve its members and investors. Business Resources, as the chamber side of the organization, encompasses membership, signature events and programs which support and encourage business growth; Economic Development works to grow the regional economy through the attraction of new commerce and assists with retention and expansion of existing businesses; Advocacy supports businesses at the government level by engaging in the initiatives to preserve, protect and promote a business-friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development of commerce. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.

Contact:     

Debra Phillips
Kenco Logistics
Debra.Phillips@kencogroup.com
Office: 423-643-3473
Cell: 904-955-1008

Suzanne Ruark
One Southern Indiana
suzanner@1si.org
812-206-9050

ICEA-logo

One Southern Indiana Honored As 2020 Statewide Chamber of Commerce of the Year

by 1si News1si Press Release

One Southern Indiana (1si) received statewide recognition as the 2020 Indiana Chamber of the Year today at the annual meeting of the Indiana Chamber Executives Association (ICEA)
“One Southern Indiana continues to perform at an exceptional level, even in the midst of 2020 national challenges,” said ICEA President Shelli Williams. “The 2020 ICEA Chamber of the Year continues to be bold in their leadership through a powerful strategic plan resulting in outstanding successes for the communities that they serve.”

1si President and CEO Wendy Dant Chesser said, “I have never been prouder of our team. Being recognized by ICEA as the Chamber of the Year is a great honor which is entirely due to the professionalism, dedication and enthusiasm of the entire staff. Appreciation for their hard work, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, is well deserved and I want to thank them for all they do.”

By the end of 2019, the 1si team had taken the lead in reaching 80 percent of their goal of $50 million in capital investment. The staff celebrated an impressive 584 jobs created with new job wages of $32.26 per hour, well-above their goal of $21 per hour new job recruitment. In 2019, the staff successfully relaunched an insurance program for members, launched a YP mentorship program and reformatted roundtable groups to better serve member needs. For the first eight months of the fiscal year, this chamber was on-track. Then came COVID-19.

The organization immediately launched 1si Cares, a three-prong approach to assist businesses in navigating the current health crisis. The first prong, 1si Connects, provides businesses the resources needed to continue business during this disruption to normalcy. The second prong, 1si Collaborates, was accomplished by staff members stepping up to work with local elected officials and foundations. This resulted in the successful funding of 123 business loan requests, totaling more than $1.2 million directly awarded to businesses in need. The final prong, 1si Calls, offers daily Facebook Live events called “Ask an Expert,” allowing businesses to have real time conversation for assistance during the pandemic. These videos posted to their website have been viewed more than 18,400 times since the pandemic began.

The Chamber of the Year award is given annually by ICEA to recognize excellence in the chamber of commerce leadership profession. The chamber of the year application process focuses on four core areas including leadership/governance, finance, advocacy and programming/membership. Award finalists were reviewed by a panel of industry professionals from Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky and Oklahoma.

In addition to the top award, 1si received two 2020 Communication Excellence Awards for the 2019 Annual Meeting “Mission SoIN Possible” marketing campaign and the 2020 Business Resource Guide, which is a new publication for 1si. Expanded details with links to all award submissions can be found on the ICEA website.

About the Indiana Chamber Executives Association:
The Indiana Chamber Executives Association is comprised of more than 300 professionals leading local chamber of commerce organizations throughout the state. The organization targets the leadership development for local chambers so that staff members are well equipped to lead their 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 provide the connections, resources and services that help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area.

Since its inception, the organization has evolved to include a three-prong approach to serve its members and investors. Business Resources, as the chamber side of the organization, encompasses membership, signature events and programs which support and encourage business growth; Economic Development works to grow the regional economy through the attraction of new commerce and assists with retention and expansion of existing businesses; Advocacy supports businesses at the government level by engaging in the initiatives to preserve, protect and promote a business-friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development of commerce. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.

Media Contacts:
Shelli Williams, IOM
ICEA President
812-871-3000
shelli@iceaonline.com

Suzanne Ruark
Director, Marketing & Communications, 1si
812-206-9050
suzanner@1si.org

Southern Indiana Community Partners Loan $1,152,552 Million to Businesses in Need

by 1si News1si Press Release
Local Government, Foundations, Private Donors and One Southern Indiana Join Together to Disburse 123 Loans

June 25, 2020 (New Albany, Ind.) – It has been three months since Governor Holcomb announced an executive “Stay at Home” order for the citizens of Indiana.  Since that time, small businesses throughout the state have struggled to stay afloat during the COVID-19 Pandemic and subsequent economic downturn.  Recognizing the need for direct assistance to small businesses, One Southern Indiana (1si), the chamber of commerce and economic development organization for Clark and Floyd counties, along with the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County and the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, joined together to raise funds to assist.

Response was overwhelming, with funding coming from the three initial partners as well as the BlueSky Foundation, Metro United Way, the Clark and Floyd County Commissioners, the Cities of Jeffersonville and New Albany and the Towns of Clarksville and Sellersburg.  Funding was also received from private individuals who wished to remain anonymous. 

There were three loan products offered with the funds raised.  The first, the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Forgivable Loan Fund, approved 44 loans for a total of $419,257, which was dispersed to approved applicants within one week.  Of that amount, $199,000 was loaned to Clark County businesses and $220,257 to businesses in Floyd County. 

Donum Dei Brewery was one of the recipients of this program and owner Richard Otey said, “ Donum Dei would like to thank Jerry Finn and the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County, One Southern Indiana and all of the other organizations that contributed to the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Forgivable Loan.  This loan will allow us to stay open and maintain our staffing at current levels.  It will also give us the opportunity to replenish our raw materials that have been depleted by making hand sanitizer for the community.”

The second loan product, called the Community and Cultural Relief Loan Program, was a zero-interest revolving loan program.  From that fund, a total of 44 businesses received $561,295,  with $175,946 loaned to Clark County businesses and $385,349 loaned to Floyd County businesses.

Ross Wallace, owner of New Albany’s Him Gentleman’s Boutique received a loan from this program.  He commented, “This loan means so much to me! Thank you, Caesars Foundation, for this amazing opportunity. After Him Gentleman’s Boutique being closed for almost two months and Derby being postponed, the business saw a significant loss of revenue.”

The “Jeffersonville Sustains” Forgivable Loan Program was the third loan product providing 35 businesses with $172,000 in direct assistance.  All recipients of this program were located within the city limits of Jeffersonville. Phillip and Stefanie Caldwell, owners of Hoopsters Sports Grill, were recipients of this loan and said, “We are grateful to live in an amazing community, that during this trying time in our country, steps up and helps their small businesses be able to keep their doors open. The money that has been loaned to us will help us pay our utilities, mortgage and keep buying supplies.  We will continue to pay the generosity forward.”

Wendy Dant Chesser, president and CEO of 1si, was pleased with the efficiency and results of the program, and said, “We took on this challenge knowing that every business needed help, and we would not be able to assist them all.  But everyone in Southern Indiana can be proud of this effort in our collective time of need.  Not only did we have a multitude of partners step forward to support the fund, but we also had 1si and Southeast SBDC staff members assisting loan applicants, volunteers reviewing and approving the loans and many others who helped get the word out to the community at large.  This is an incredible accomplishment and its success can be attributed to everyone involved.”

About One Southern Indiana:

One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 from the Economic Development organization serving Clark and Floyd counties and the Chamber of Commerce.  1si’s mission is to provide the connections, resources and services that help businesses innovate and thrive in the Southern Indiana / Louisville metro area.

Since its inception, the organization has evolved to include a three-prong approach to serve its members and investors.  Business Resources, as the chamber side of the organization, encompasses membership, signature events and programs which support and encourage business growth;  Economic Development works to grow the regional economy through the attraction of new commerce and assists with retention and expansion of existing businesses;  Advocacy supports businesses at the government level by engaging in the initiatives to preserve, protect and promote a business friendly environment free of obstacles to growth and development of commerce.  More information on One Southern Indiana is available at www.1si.org.

 

Media Contacts:
Suzanne Ruark
Director, Marketing and Communication
One Southern Indiana
(812) 945-0266
SuzanneR@1si.org