Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | December 2020

by 1si NewsThank Your for Renewing Your Membership

One Southern Indiana would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership during the month of December 2020.

Quarter Century Club (25 Years or More) Member Since
Indiana-American Water Company 1967
Ivy Tech Community College 1970
PC Home Center 1978
Libs Paving Co., Inc. 1990
L & D Mail Masters, Inc. 1992
USI Insurance Services, LLC 1994
Ten to 24 Years
Hope Southern Indiana, Inc. 1998
Wiggam Lumber, Inc. 1999
Kentucky Financial Group 2002
One Vision Credit Union 2002
Silver Creek Leather Co., LLC 2003
LL&A Interior Design 2005
Storage Express 2007
CASI Community Action of Southern Indiana, Inc. 2007
Peyton’s Barricade & Sign Co. 2008
Clark and Riggs 2011
Five to Nine Years
Weatherall Co., Inc. 2012
Schimpff’s Confectionery 2014
Personalized Merchant Services, LLC. 2014
Expedia Cruises, New Albany 2015
Winston Industries 2016
Two to Four Years
King’s-Quality Restoration Services LLC 2017
The Breakwater 2017
Tree of Life Family Birth Center 2018
Red Roof Inn – Georgetown 2018
A Class Act DJ’s 2018
Heine Brothers’ Coffee 2019
The Refinery 2019
American Health Network 2019
Blacksmith Iron Works 2019
Sprechers Automotive 2019
Chicken Salad Chick 2019
One Year
Fibrenew Southern Indiana 2020
Excel Excavating, Incorporated 2020

Survey Results: Employers Expand Efforts to Attract, Retain Talent; Update on COVID-19 Impacts

by 1si NewsEconomic Development

Employers are aggressively taking proactive steps to try and solve some of the workforce challenges that have been prevalent in recent years. The findings are illustrated in the 13th annual employer workforce survey from the Indiana Chamber and its Institute for Workforce Excellence®.

Skillful Indiana was the lead sponsor of the survey, with support from Amatrol and WGU Indiana. There were 937 responses (during a two-week period in mid-September) across a broad range of industries.

“For years, we have heard leaders in the business community lament the lack of skilled employees to meet their workforce needs,” says Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar. “It appears they are now tackling the issue head-on, offering additional opportunities to attract talent for today and tomorrow.”

To view a summary of the survey, click here.

Economic Update: Transportation and Warehousing Job Gains

by 1si NewsEconomic Development

The pandemic-induced recession is the greatest shock to the economy since the Great Depression. National unemployment rates did not quite approach numbers observed during the Depression, but the sudden rise in job losses is unparallel. Regionally, similar patterns were observed.

Employment losses for the five-county region were just above 30,000, far exceeding losses in the Great Recession. Employment, as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, does not consider county residence. For example, a resident of Floyd County may be working in Jefferson County, KY, and that person will show up as employed and as a member of the Floyd County labor force. When we refer to the 30,000 employment losses across the five-county region in Southern Indiana, some of the associated job losses occurred in Kentucky. Given that more than 35,000 Hoosiers commute to Kentucky daily for work, that is a reasonable conclusion.

Up until now, the only payroll data available for Southern Indiana was for the first quarter of 2020, just before the shutdown of the economy. The first quarter showed slightly positive job gains, but the largest increase occurred in transportation and warehousing, adding 900 jobs. Removing the job gains from public administration, which were linked to the Census, transportation and warehousing jobs easily exceeded all industries combined.

We now have county payrolls data from the 2nd quarter, and the results were expected. Keep in mind that April will go down as the bottom of the current recession. Job losses were severe and abrupt. During the Great Recession, it took a year for unemployment claims to peak. In 2020 recession, unemployment claims peaked in two weeks. The five-county Southern Indiana region saw total job losses of approximately 11,500, about double the losses that occurred during the Great Recession. Like the first quarter, transportation and warehousing saw significant gains, adding 1,776 jobs. The three industries with the highest job losses: manufacturing, accommodation and food services, and health care and social services. Third quarter data will be out around February 2021, and we will see a complete reversal of the job losses that occurred in the second quarter.

More recently, we see that job postings in the Transportation and Material Moving Occupation Family far exceed other occupation families. In the past 30 days, job postings in the transportation and material moving family were almost at 700, and healthcare practitioners were almost 450. Heavy and Tractor Trailer Truck Driver was the dominant position in the transportation family, and registered nurse for the healthcare family of occupations.

The 2020 recession accelerated some trends that have been in development for several years. One of the more noticeable perhaps has been in online shopping. While this trend could both favorably and adversely impact some local retailers, the region stands to benefit primarily through the agglomeration of transportation and warehousing companies. This has been evident in 2020 with transportation and warehousing being the big job generator for the entire region.

Note: Job postings data source: Burning Glass; County payrolls data source: STATS Indiana Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages; County employment data source: FactSet

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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Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | November 2020

by 1si NewsThank Your for Renewing Your Membership

One Southern Indiana would like to thank the following businesses for renewing their membership during the month of November 2020.

Quarter Century Club (25 Years or More) Member Since
paco manufacturing 1976
Westminster Village Kentuckiana & Health Care Center 1976
John-Kenyon Eye Center 1983
Star Electric 1984
Ten to 24 Years
Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency (KIPDA) 1997
Combs Heating & Air Conditioning LLC 1998
Heartland, A Global Payments Company 2004
PuroClean of Southern Indiana 2009
Sapp Tax and Financial Services 2008
Suburban Extended Stay Hotel 2008
Five to Nine Years
Gotta Go Surplus 2013
Schuler Bauer Real Estate Services – Cory Williams 2014
SK Sign & Banner 2014
Form G Companies, LLC 2015
Two to Four Years
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana 2016
Bluegrass Technologies Corp. 2016
Charles Schwab – Michael E. Johnson 2016
Civilcon, Inc. 2016
Down Syndrome of Louisville Indiana Campus 2016
Ford Motor Company 2016
Integrity Sign Solutions, Inc. 2016
Kaiser Home Support Services, Inc. 2016
Mathes Pharmacy & Homecare 2016
BJB Inc. 2017
American Shooters Indoor Gun Range 2018
Gaylor Electric 2018
GoBo’s 2018
Louisville Regional Airport Authority 2018
Park National Bank 2018
Rapid Industries Inc. 2018
TFS The Foundation Specialists 2018
One Year
Bill Cline Allstate Agency 2019
Creation Creek 2019
Guardian Inspections 2019
Hagerman Inc. 2019
Heritage Ford 2019
Jubilee of Wellness 2019
New Albany Broadcasting WMYO-TV and WKYI-TV 2019
Spencer Machine & Tool Co., Inc. 2019
The Refinery 2019

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.

 

Gird_Blue

Parker HVAC Filtration Division Announces Multi-Year Investment to Increase Production

by 1si NewsEconomic Development

JEFFERSONVILLE, IND. (October 1, 2020) – With the assistance of One Southern Indiana (1si), the chamber of commerce and local economic development organization for Clark and Floyd counties, Ind., the HVAC Filtration Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation announced today a significant multi-year investment in its Jeffersonville location, in the River Ridge Commerce Center.

The investment will support increased demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has expanded the need for air filtration products for industrial and work environments. This project will allow the company to ramp up manufacturing capacity, and associated job growth, to produce HEPA filter products as well as filters used in medical and lab settings.

“Parker is excited to announce this investment in the future of our Jeffersonville facility. By adding new state-of-the-art equipment and manufacturing technologies, this project will enable us to expand our production capacity and continue providing our customers with advanced filtration solutions, including critical products that are currently supporting the front-line effort to combat the spread of COVID-19,” said Jon Gallisdorfer, General Manager, Parker HVAC Filtration Division. “We greatly appreciate the support of our partners at the River Ridge Development Authority and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation for their help in making this initiative possible.”

Formerly known as CLARCOR Air Filtration Products, Inc., the Jeffersonville facility was purchased by Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, as part of the company’s acquisition of CLARCOR Inc. in February 2017.  The HVAC Filtration Division provides filters that are critical in saving lives in the healthcare sector, while also providing important daily living protection in the consumer arena and ongoing livestock virus protection in the agriculture and farming sectors.

“We are pleased to see the companies in the River Ridge Commerce Center continuing to expand,” said Executive Director Jerry Acy. “Our central location and world-class amenities have made River Ridge a preferred location to not only attract new business but allow healthy businesses to grow as well. Companies like Parker HVAC Filtration Division understand we have all the components to make them successful now and in the future: location, access to major interstates, waterways and rail, modern infrastructure and a competitive tax environment.”

HVAC Filtration was offered conditional tax credits from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.

“Parker Hannifin is manufacturing a critical product for both the health care sector and everyday consumers, and as the Crossroads of America, Indiana couldn’t be a more ideal place for them to grow,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “As a state, we’re committed to supporting their long-term growth, and I’m excited to see the impact this expansion has on our state and on the community of Jeffersonville.”

Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore said, “We are excited to support Jeffersonville’s growing business community, and the continuing expansion of manufacturers like Parker helps to ensure the reopening and rebuilding of the Southern Indiana economy will be steady and continue on an upward trajectory.”

1si President and CEO Wendy Dant Chesser said, “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge businesses in all sorts of new ways, some have been able to do exceptionally well considering the circumstances. Parker’s HVAC Filtration Division offers a product in demand for our new reality and we congratulate them for seizing this opportunity to increase manufacturing of products in need by front line workers as well as everyday citizens.”

About Parker Hannifin

Parker Hannifin is a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies. For more than a century the company has been enabling engineering breakthroughs that lead to a better tomorrow. Learn more at www.parker.com or @parkerhannifin.

About Parker HVAC Filtration Division

Parker’s HVAC Filtration Division is a leading manufacturer of HVAC filtration products for commercial, industrial, and institutional applications. Offering the broadest line of filtration products in the industry, Parker’s HVAC products are improving the quality of air around the world. Learn more about Parker’s HVAC Filtration Division at www.parker.com/hvac.

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 help businesses thrive in the Southern Indiana and 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; and 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: www.1si.org

Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | August 2020

by 1si NewsThank Your for Renewing Your Membership

One Southern Indiana would like to thank the following members for renewing their membership during the month of August 2020.

Quarter Century Club (25 Years or More) Member Since Date
Irving Materials, Inc. 1968
Clark Memorial Health 1976
Frank Stemler & Sons dba Stemler Plumbing 1977
AAA Hoosier Motor Club 1984
Commercial Kentucky, Inc. 1988
DMLO CPAs 1993
Ten to 24 Years
Caesars Southern Indiana 1996
Chemtrusion, Inc. 1996
Renaissance Design Build, Inc. 1999
Health Insurance by Design 2003
Caesars Foundation of Floyd County 2005
Highlander Point Center 2006
Bottles Unlimited 2007
Bowles Mattress Co., Inc. 2007
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis 2007
Impact Sales Systems 2007
Talis Group, Inc. 2007
Northern Continental Logistics 2008
Steven Brewer & Company, CPAs, PC 2008
C3 Tech 2009
ID&A, Inc. 2010
Five to Nine Years
Jimmy John’s 2011
AccessiCare Elder Home Care 2012
Elite Home Inspections, LLC 2012
Fox Insurance & Investments, LLC 2012
Dr. Black’s Eye Associates 2013
University of Louisville – College of Business 2013
Chester Pool Systems, Inc. 2014
Elite Printing Resources, LLC 2014
C2 Strategic Communications LLC 2015
Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic 2015
Shoe Sensation #973 2015
Two to Four Years
ADT Security Services 2016
H & H Metal Products, Inc. 2016
J & C Technologies 2016
Trinity Dynamics, Inc. 2016
Welbilt KitchenCare 2016
Force Construction Company Inc. 2017
Groups Recover Together 2017
Little Caesars Pizza 2017
OneAmerica Companies 2017
Farmers Insurance 2018
Hanover College 2018
Hoosier Realty 2018
Logan Lavelle Hunt, a Shepherd Partner 2018
Sonitrol Security 2018
Winnies Decadent Desserts & Deli 2018
One Year
Chick-fil-A Jeffersonville 2019
Insuramax 2019
My Scratch & Dent Appliances and Warehousing 2019
Operations Kick Start 2019
Progressive Material 2019
The Mustard Seed, Thrift On Mission, Inc. 2019
The Perfumery, Inc. 2019
VS Engineering 2019
Workout Anytime Jeffersonville 2019
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