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

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  

ETS-Jet-Engine-Stands logo

ETS Jet Engine Stands Inc. Brings 30 New Jobs to New Albany

by 1si NewsEconomic Development

NEW ALBANY, IND. (May 15, 2020)– ETS Jet Engine Stands Inc., with the assistance of One Southern Indiana, the chamber of commerce and economic development organization for Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana, will appear virtually before the New Albany City Council on Thursday, May 21st to discuss the possible purchase of an existing facility and request incentives. The $1.3 million project calls for the purchase of a 7,500-square-foot facility to house fabrication of engine stands for GE, Pratt Whitney, Rolls Royce and CFM International, among others. In the future, the company intends to add a new 10,000-square-foot building onsite to accommodate the growing business.

“ETS Jet Engine Stands Inc. is excited about the possibility of setting up shop in New Albany,” said owner Todd Berger. “Having owned a similar business in Louisville, I recognize the skill, loyalty and work ethic of the Southern Indiana workforce as I’ve hired many of your residents along the way. They are your greatest resource. With quality employees, our management team’s knowledge of the industry, and the continued assistance and support of the IEDC, 1si and the City of New Albany, we anticipate the company will grow quickly.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered ETS Jet Engine Stands up to $250,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.

“As the home of top research universities and global giants in the aerospace industry, Indiana has the right location and resources for aerospace companies like ETS Jet Engine Stands to grow and thrive,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “We’re excited to welcome ETS Jet Engine Stands to Indiana and are confident the state’s high-quality workforce will contribute to the company’s success in the Hoosier state.”

Members of the New Albany City Council will have the opportunity to vote on local incentives to secure the project. The company will submit a request for real property and personal property tax abatement with total estimated savings of $79,723 over 10 years. If approved, the tax abatements will allow ETS to phase in its property taxes over time for the project’s qualifying investment.

“This is another example of how continued public investments in New Albany attracts new, high paying jobs to our city. New Albany is working to improve and invest in our schools, parks, riverfront, and infrastructure. Major companies understand that their employees want to work in areas with modern amenities, said New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan. “I’m thrilled that ETS Jet Engine Stands, Inc. is considering adding 30 new jobs to New Albany and we are excited to assist them.”

Upon the council’s approval, ETS Jet Engine Stands, Inc., plans to relocate to the facility in the next three months. Approximately 30 new jobs will be created by the expansion and the salary for these positions is estimated to be higher than the Floyd County average.

1si and President Wendy Dant Chesser said, “As a result of a referral from our partners at Louisville Forward, 1si was able to assist ETS with this great project which will help our local economy as well as add to the portfolio of businesses in the industrial parks of New Albany. 1si will continue to offer assistance to the company as they open and grow.”

About the ETS Jet Engine Stands Inc.:

ETS Jet Engine Stands Inc. is an aerospace engineering and fabrication company which primarily focuses on building jet engine stands for large commercial and military aircraft. Customers use the stands to transport, store and maintain jet engines. Between the company’s design engineer, the production manager, another former employee committed to join the Company and the owner, they have more than 100 years of experience in designing, fabricating, purchasing and/or selling these stands. For more information, visit www.jetenginestands.com.

Northwest-Ordinance logo

Northwest Ordinance Distilling Announces Nearly $40 Million Expansion Plan

by 1si NewsEconomic Development

Expansion projected to bring up to 50 new jobs to area

NEW ALBANY, IND. (May 27, 2020) Northwest Ordinance Distilling, a distilled spirits bottling facility, announced its intention to expand its production facility in New Albany, Ind.  The facility, located at 707 Pillsbury Lane, was purchased in June of 2018 and is the former General Mills Pillsbury plant, which closed in 2016.

The $39.5 million expansion will include $7.5 million in building improvements and $32 million in new processing and bottling lines.  The expansion will allow the company to add many new products to its bottling  line and will result in the addition of 50 full time employees.

“We’re excited to be able to grow our Northwest Ordinance Distilling again,” said Jeff Conder, vice president of manufacturing. “The State of Indiana, the City of New Albany, and One Southern Indiana have all been great partners to us and created a very business friendly environment.  We look forward to expanding both our manufacturing footprint and our workforce with steady, good paying jobs.”

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) offered Sazerac of Indiana LLC (Northwest Ordinance Distilling) up to $500,000 in conditional tax credits 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.

“Today’s announcement is another encouraging sign of positive economic momentum in Indiana,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “As we work to get our state’s economy back on track in the midst of so much uncertainty, we are encouraged by the growth that continues across the state, and we are so grateful for Northwest Ordinance Distilling’s commitment to providing quality job opportunities to Hoosiers in southern Indiana.”

The company will be seeking real and property tax abatements, which allow the company to phase in its increased property taxes over time.  The tax abatements offer the company an estimated savings of $2.26 million over the next ten years. The New Albany City Council is scheduled to vote on final approval of the company’s local incentives next week, with the project contingent upon the council’s approval.

“The Northwest Ordinance Distilling has been a tremendous partner for the City of New Albany since their reopening of the General Mills facility in 2018.  Not only do they employ more than 100 workers at a pay averaging nearly 20 percent above the Floyd County average, they have also invested approximately $2 million to reactivate the CSX rail line that originally served the plant,” said New Albany Mayor Jeff Gahan, “I am excited about the possibility of the expansion and look forward to the Council’s decision on June 1st.”

Northwest Ordinance Distilling has stepped up in the fight against COCIV-19, producing hand sanitizer for some of the world’s largest organizations in the healthcare, government, military, retail, distribution, airline, pharmacy and banking industries.  In addition, the company played a part in the donation of nearly 15,000 N95 respirator masks to the health care industry last month.

Wendy Dant Chesser, president and CEO of One Southern Indiana said, “Northwest Ordinance Distilling choosing to locate its new facility in New Albany was the biggest business news story in 2018. Now, after only two years, the company is again exhibiting confidence in our workforce, government and community, by choosing to expand here. This is a great sign for the recovery of Southern Indiana from the current economic crisis and the company’s prestige and continued success is a boon to the portfolio of industries in the area.  As always, 1si is ready to assist them in any way we can.”

About Northwest Ordinance Distilling

Northwest Ordinance Distilling is part of the Sazerac family, one of America’s oldest family owned, privately held distillers with operations in the United States in Louisiana, Kentucky, Indiana, Virginia, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Maryland, California, and global operations in the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, India, Australia and Canada.