Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | August 2025

by with No Comment 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 2025.

Quarter Century Club (25 Years or More)Member Since
AT&T Indiana1976
Geo. Pfau’s Sons Company, Inc.1976
Bachman Auto Group1976
AAA Hoosier Motor Club1984
MAC Construction & Excavating, Inc.1992
Nimlok Kentucky1994
Monroe Shine & Co., Inc., CPA’s1994
Community Foundation of Southern Indiana1995
Renaissance Design Build, Inc.1999
  
Ten to 24 Years 
Heartland, A Global Payments Company2004
Youth Link Southern Indiana2004
Highlander Point Center2006
Impact Sales Systems2007
Bowles Mattress Co., Inc.2007
Talis Group, Inc.2007
Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana2008
Prosser Career Education Center2009
Stoll Keenon Ogden PLLC (aka SKO)2009
C3 Tech2009
American Beverage Marketers, Inc.2009
Jimmy John’s2011
Stumler’s Catering2011
The Center for Women & Families2011
Heritage Engineering, LLC2012
Lotus Sign & Design2012
LifeSpan Resources, Inc.2012
ProMedia Group, LLC2013
Culver’s of Jeffersonville2014
Estes Waste Solutions, LLC2014
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kentuckiana2015
  
Five to Nine Years 
Cornell Harbison Excavating, Inc.2016
Infinite Solutions, LLC2016
H & H Metal Products, Inc.2016
South Central Regional Airport Authority2016
Trinity Dynamics, Inc.2016
KFC2017
Louisville Water Co.2017
Volunteers of America Mid-States2017
PMC Regional Hospital2017
ARC Janitorial Supply2018
Shepherd Insurance – New Albany2018
KY-IN Paralyzed Veterans of America2018
Franklin Pest Solutions2018
Hanover College2018
KCC Manufacturing2019
Hollenbach-Oakley2019
Martin’s Body Shop2020
Conrad Brothers Moving & Storage2020
  
Two to Four Years 
Benchmark Family Services2021
Stein Law2021
Harry’s Taphouse and Kitchen2021
Kentuckiana Mortgage Group Inc.2022
Unbreakable Bonds Catering LLC2023
Spectrum Reach2023
Clarksville Little Theatre2023
AJ Business Consulting2023
Premier Homes of Southern Indiana, Inc.2023
Classic Truss and Wood Components, Inc.2023
Spherion Staffing & Recruiting2023
ATTC Manufacturing, Inc.2023
Alee Solutions 2023
  
One Year 
P.U.S.H. Transportation Company LLC2024
Legacy Commercial Property2024
Foundation Home Loans Inc2024
Connect-Abilities2024
American Roofing & Metal Co.2024
Hitchcock Design Group2024
Airtech Heating and Cooling Services2024
University of Louisville Athletic Department 2024
Schiller2024
Town of Utica2025

Indiana’s Economy and the Manufacturing Cycle

by with No Comment 1si NewsEconomic Development

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

Indiana’s economic health continues to move in tandem with national manufacturing trends. As one of the top five states for manufacturing job concentration, Indiana gains when manufacturing booms — and feels the sting when it stalls. Today, high interest rates and inflation pressures are weighing on durable goods output, leading to a slowdown in manufacturing activity. With payrolls shrinking across the U.S. and right here in Indiana, and key indicators such as the ISM Index and industrial production flashing caution, the Federal Reserve’s expected rate cuts can’t come soon enough for this vital sector.

Because of this close connection, national manufacturing performance directly influences job creation in Indiana. When national manufacturing is on the upswing, so are jobs here. And when manufacturing slows, the impact is felt with a reduction in jobs added.

One persistent drag on manufacturing over the past two years has been the higher interest rate environment — prompted by elevated post-pandemic inflation and a Federal Reserve that responded late. Longer-lasting manufactured durable goods are interest rate sensitive, and higher rates curb production, while lower rates provide a boost. The sector should receive a lift due to a September interest rate cut now more likely.

The national manufacturing slowdown shows up in different indicators. For example, since October 2022, the ISM Manufacturing Index has indicated contraction — hovering below the 50 threshold with a brief exception in February this year. That makes it nearly three years (excluding February) of sub-50 readings, the longest stretch since the early 1990s — around the time of the 1990 recession. The downturn during the Great Recession and the sharp fall during the COVID shutdown were notable but relatively brief. The New Orders component of the index has been declining since January 2025.

Industrial production tells a similar story. Year-on-year growth has trended downward since October 2022, and has generally hovered near or below zero since late 2023 — a meaningful warning sign given that recessions often follow when industrial production slips into negative territory. Although, historically, there are rare exceptions (e.g., 2015, 1956, 1952) where production dipped without triggering a recession, those are the exception — not the rule.

The national manufacturing slowdown is mirrored in regional payroll data. U.S. manufacturing job growth has been negative year-over-year since October 2023. In Louisville Metro, manufacturing payrolls have declined since early 2024; statewide, Indiana’s manufacturing payrolls have been declining since early 2023.

On the inflation front, recently released Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) came in on the hot side, with core rates showing significant increases from the prior month. Core rates (inflation minus food and energy) for both CPI and PPI exceed 3%.

Despite elevated inflation, labor market concerns are likely to gain more attention over the next several months, prompting a September cut by the Fed and likely two additional cuts the rest of the year. As we look ahead, interest rate cuts could offer needed momentum.

1si Non-Profit Spotlight: Camp Quality Kentuckiana

by with No Comment 1si NewsNonprofit SpotlightUncategorized

Camp Quality Kentuckiana stands out as a camp providing a place where kids with cancer can be kids again. They are a dedicated non-profit that offers year-round programs and experiences designed to bring joy, support, and a sense of community to families navigating the challenges of pediatric cancer—the companionship they offer sets them apart and helps families build friendship and emotional support networks.

Although the name suggests a summer camp, Camp Quality’s impact reaches far beyond the summer months. From delivering meals to families at hospitals all year round to trunk-or-treats and sporting events to family meet-ups, they offer activities that provide connection.

Camp Quality is always looking for committee members, volunteers, and businesses to partner in their mission to give kids experiences of a lifetime. See their listing in our Member Directory to contact them and learn how you can get involved.

Beneath the Headlines: A Softer U.S. Economy Emerges

by with No Comment 1si NewsEconomic Development

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

The Super Bowl of economic indicators – the national jobs report – came out last week, and it was hard to find much to cheer about.

Over the past three months, U.S. payroll growth has averaged just 35,000 jobs per month. That average includes the 73,000 jobs added in July, but even this figure may be revised lower, as May and June saw steep downward revisions totaling more than 250,000 jobs. Excluding the losses during the COVID recession, we have to go back to the Great Recession (2007–2009) to find job growth as weak.

Following the latest employment report, expectations for a Fed rate cut in September surged. Markets are now pricing in three cuts before year’s end — September, October, and December. As noted previously, the Fed should have cut in July. Two Fed Governors, Waller and Bowman, dissented at that meeting, but the majority kept rates unchanged.

The household survey, which gives us labor force data, offered no relief. It showed employment down by 260,000 and the number of unemployed up by 221,000. The unemployment rate ticked up from 4.1% to 4.2%, and the labor force participation rate slipped from 62.2% to 62.1%. That decline is the opposite of what’s needed to expand the supply side of the economy — a key part of the administration’s growth strategy, especially to offset the drag from higher tariffs.

The promised boost to manufacturing from the highest tariffs in decades hasn’t appeared in the data. In fact, the numbers suggest the opposite. Manufacturing payrolls fell by 11,000 in July, the third straight monthly decline. Since February, the number of unemployed in manufacturing has climbed from 459,000 to 641,000. Year-over-year manufacturing job growth has been negative since October 2023, and the pace of decline has accelerated this year. This will have implications for Indiana and Kentucky.

The ISM Manufacturing Index, considered to be soft data based on a survey, fell to 48.0 in July, below the expected 49.5 and marking the fifth consecutive month in contraction territory. An ISM reading below 50 signals contraction; above 50 signals expansion. The index briefly topped 50 in January and February — the first time since 2022 — but has been stuck in contraction since. New orders, a component of the overall index, have shown some recovery since March but remain below 50. The latest factory orders report showed a decline of nearly 5% last month.

At first glance, the latest GDP report seems like a bright spot, with Q2 growth at 3.0%. But looking under the hood reveals a different story. Most of the gain came from a sharp drop in imports, which mechanically boosts GDP. This followed a Q1 surge in imports as businesses tried to get ahead of new tariffs. Real final sales to domestic purchasers — a better measure of consumer and business demand — rose just 1.2%, down from 1.9% in Q1 and the weakest since late 2022.

As I’ve written before, the outlook comes down to the consumer and the labor market. Right now, neither is strengthening. The U.S. remains a service-driven economy, but service sector growth is showing signs of slowing as well. While inflation remains on their radar, weaker growth will likely take priority, and softer price increases will follow. The September cut seems all but certain — the question is whether it will be soon enough to avoid a recession.

Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | July 2025

by with No Comment Thank Your for Renewing Your MembershipUncategorized

One Southern Indiana would like to thank the following members for renewing their membership during the month of July 2025.

Quarter Century Club (25 Years or More)Member Since
Lee Building Products1976
Clark County REMC1976
paco manufacturing1976
First Savings Bank1976
Water Tower Square1977
Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, Inc.1982
The Marketing Company1985
Chase1988
Southern Indiana Works1988
Commercial Kentucky, Inc.1988
Rasmussen Chiropractic LLC1990
AssuredPartners – Jeffersonville1993
Taco Bell1994
Pro Laminators1995
Kentucky Derby Festival, Inc.1997
  
Ten to 24 Years 
The Stemler Corporation2001
Radiology Associates, Inc.2002
LMH Architecture2002
Health Insurance by Design2003
Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau2007
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis2007
Timmel Associates, LLC2009
Security Pros, LLC2009
Fox Insurance & Investments, LLC2012
AccessiCare Elder Home Care2012
Crown Staffing2012
First Financial Bank2014
Elite Printing Resources, LLC2014
HWC Engineering2014
Clark Dietz, Inc.2014
Shoe Sensation #9732015
Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group2015
  
Five to Nine Years 
Church, Langdon, Lopp, Banet Law2016
Bubba’s 332016
River Valley Resources2016
Habitat for Humanity Clark & Floyd Indiana2016
J & C Technologies2016
Kaiser Home Support Services, Inc.2016
River Heritage Conservancy, Inc.2017
Spencer Machine & Tool Co., Inc.2019
Board and You Bistro2020
  
Two to Four Years 
Avant-Garde Turnstiles2021
Silver Creek School Corporation2021
Clark/Floyd System of CARE & Prevent Child Abuse2021
Louisville Bats Baseball Club2021
Guerin Woods2021
HRS Global LLC2022
Riverbend Financial Group LLC2022
Shrewsberry & Associates, LLC2022
EightTwenty2022
Louisville Low Voltage LLC2022
CertaPro Painters of Kentuckiana2022
Ramada Inn2023
University of Louisville Shelby Campus Conference Center2023
Henry Rose Consulting2023
Phoenix Theatres Entertainment2023
Lilys SoftWash LLC2023
Black Diamond Pest Control2023
  
One Year 
Incipio Workforce Solutions 2024
ennu2024
PuroClean of Southern Indiana2024
Ernstberger Orthodontics2024
IEC – Independent Electrical Contractors2024
Lewellyn’s Sealcoating2024

IBJ MEDIA RELEASES FOURTH ANNUAL INDIANA 250 LIST OF INFLUENTIAL HOOSIERS 

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press Release

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July 23, 2025) — IBJ Media on Wednesday unveiled its fourth annual Indiana 250, a list of the state’s most influential business and community leaders from a wide range of sectors, including both public and private organizations. 

The list, available at Indiana250.com, features more than 60 new names compared to last year who represent cities and counties from across the state. IBJ Media CEO Nate Feltman said the team that chooses the Indiana 250 is always looking for the leaders who are making an impact today. 

“Every year, we see fresh faces stepping up and driving meaningful change across Indiana,” Feltman said. “The Indiana 250 is a snapshot of those bold thinkers and doers who are shaping the future of our state — from innovative entrepreneurs to dedicated community advocates. It’s truly inspiring to witness the depth of talent and passion making Indiana a great place to live and work.” 

The list was compiled by executives, editors and newsroom staff from IBJ Media’s three news brands — Indianapolis Business Journal, Inside INdiana Business and The Indiana Lawyer — following a months-long process of reviewing nominations, researching Indiana organizations and consulting community leaders across the state. 

The Indiana 250 will be celebrated at an exclusive reception on Wednesday evening at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Title sponsors are Aaron Wealth Advisors, CareSource, Ice Miller, and Pacers Sports & Entertainment. The premier sponsor is Lucas Oil, and the host sponsors are the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Penske Entertainment and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. 

IBJ Media launched the Indiana 250 program in 2022 and plans to continue updating the list annually. 

“The people on this list are not just leaders in their fields; they are champions for their communities and catalysts for progress across Indiana,” Feltman added. “One of our key goals is to foster connections among them, amplifying their collective impact for all Hoosiers.” 

Among those returning to the list are CEOs of some of the state’s largest public and private companies, including David Ricks of Eli Lilly and Co., Gail Boudreaux of Elevance Health, Jennifer Rumsey of Cummins Inc., Dan Starr of Do it Best Corp., Chuck Magro of Corteva Inc., Scott Davison of OneAmerica Financial, Ken Zagzebski of AES, Pete Yonkman of Cook Medical, Jim Ryan of Old National Bank and Brent Yeagy of Wabash. 

IBJ Media added a number of additional executives this year, including Rick Conner of American Structurepoint, Jack Griffin of Atlas World Group, Stan Pinegar of Duke Energy, Brad Bostic of Hc1, J.A. Lacy of LDI Ltd., Mark Music of Ruoff Mortgage, Rachel Leslie of RJL Solutions, and Amy Sink of Interra Credit Union. 

Sports played a bigger role in this year’s Indiana 250. New to the list are University of Notre Dame football coach Marcus Freeman, Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Indy Pro Volleyball co-owner Jim Schumacher, Indiana Sports Corp. President Patrick Talty, NCAA Vice President JoAnn Scott, Catch the Stars foundation founder Tamika Catchings, and Indianapolis Indians President and CEO Randy Lewandowski. 

“This has been a huge year in sports—with Notre Dame playing in the college football national championship game, the Pacers in the NBA Finals, Indianapolis hosting the WNBA All-Star Game and the Indiana Sports Corp. securing the Olympic swimming trials for 2028,” said Lesley Weidenbener, the editor of IBJ and the Indiana 250. “It’s no surprise we ended up with a large number of new people on the list who represent sports.” 

Elected officials are not eligible for the list. 

IBJ Media published profiles of the honorees in a magazine that will be distributed with the July 25 issue of the IBJ. The magazine is available for purchase for $50 at Indiana250.com. The Indiana Lawyer subscribers will receive a discount on the book. All subscribers of IBJ, Inside Indiana Business and The Indiana Lawyer can access the profiles and additional information online at Indiana250.com. 

The Indiana 250 reception is invitation-only and closed to the media.  

No July Surprise: Inflation and Resilience Will Keep the Fed on Hold

by with No Comment Economic Development

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

A few weeks ago, we noted there was an outside chance of a surprise rate cut in July. A softening labor market and early signs of consumer fatigue created a plausible case for such a move. Even Fed Governors like Christopher Waller publicly acknowledged the justification for a cut. If the Fed wanted to ease, the data offered a reasonable foundation.

But a rate cut isn’t coming in July—because it all comes down to inflation.

Yes, inflation has come down, but not far enough. The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed the core inflation rate (which excludes food and energy) ticking up by 0.1 percentage points to 2.9%. While this was slightly better than expected, the monthly increase accelerated from 0.1% to 0.2%.

At first glance, headline inflation appears to be under control, which might suggest room for a Fed cut. But looking beneath the surface tells a different story.

Take a sampling of goods that rely on imports: prices are beginning to climb meaningfully. Appliance prices rose 1.9% in a single month—equivalent to more than 24% annually. Apparel prices overall were up at a 5% annual rate, but subcategories saw steeper increases. Men’s shirts and sweaters jumped 4.3% in just one month, and women’s dresses experienced a similar spike. Audio and video equipment rose 1.1% monthly, or more than 13% on an annual basis. “Other linens” surged 5.5% monthly, a pace exceeding 30% annually. These price pressures—especially in goods typically sourced through imports—are sending warning signals. So, while a case could be made for a Fed rate cut, July is off the table.

What is keeping headline inflation modest? Energy. A large reduction in energy prices is doing the heavy lifting. Energy commodities, including gasoline and fuel oil, dropped nearly 8% on an annual basis. Excluding energy, the headline inflation rate runs below 2.5%.

Meanwhile, the broader economy continues to show resilience. Despite headwinds, retail sales rebounded in May with a 0.6% increase—triple the expected gain of 0.2%. When excluding gasoline stations, sales climbed 0.7%. While there are weak spots, this data doesn’t point to a consumer collapse that would justify a rate cut.

On the labor front, we’re not witnessing a breakdown. Job openings remain roughly balanced with the number of unemployed, indicating a stabilizing labor market. While job growth has moderated compared to last year, it hasn’t contracted. Private payrolls were soft in the last report, but job gains were impressive after adding government payrolls. Manufacturing remains a weak spot, even with the aid of tariffs.

The more concerning labor market indicator is with unemployment claims. New claims remain historically low—well below levels associated with recessions. However, continuing claims are steadily rising and have not reversed since their low point in mid-2022. This suggests that while employers are slow to lay off workers, employment may be more difficult for those who lose their jobs.

In our last Eye on the Economy, we discussed emerging weaknesses beneath the surface of a record-breaking stock market. The warning signs are still present. But for now, the economy continues to chug along—just enough to escape a July rate cut from the Federal Reserve.

One Southern Indiana Director Accepted in Exclusive National Program 

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press Release

One Southern Indiana Director of Investor Relations, Melissa Sprigler, has been accepted to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Next Generation Leadership Program. The exclusive program is a nationally recognized and participatory program that cultivates the next generation of commerce professionals through targeted professional development.  

This year, only 13 applicants nationwide were selected for the Next Generation Leadership program. ACCE is based out of Alexandria, Va. and serves over 9,000 professionals who work with more than 1,300 chambers of commerce across the United States. To deliver an exceptional leadership training experience, ACCE has partnered with BetterCulture, a nationally recognized expert in leadership development and workplace culture.  

“I’m incredibly honored to be selected for ACCE’s Next Generation Leadership Program,” shares Melissa Sprigler. “This is a unique opportunity to grow alongside some of the brightest chamber professionals in the country while learning how to better serve our investors, members, and community. I’m excited to bring back new insights, tools, and strategies that will help strengthen the work we do every day at One Southern Indiana.” 

“Melissa’s selection to this prestigious program is not only a reflection of her dedication and talent but also is a testament to the strength of our team at 1si,” says Lance Allison, One Southern Indiana President & CEO. “Being one of only 13 chamber professionals chosen nationwide is a tremendous honor, and we’re proud to be part of a program that invests in the future of chamber leadership. This is an incredible opportunity to grow, learn, and elevate the impact we have in our region.” 

The mission of ACCE is to support and develop chamber professionals to lead businesses and their communities. ACCE identifies and analyzes trends affecting communities, shares best practices, and develops benchmarking studies, in addition to providing other tools to help chamber leaders manage and improve operations at their organization and achieve the highest impact in their communities. 

LOCAL LEADER ELECTED TO INDUSTRY BOARD

by with No Comment 1si News1si Press Release

Lance Allison elected to board of directors for Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

Alexandria, Va. (July 23, 2025) — Lance Allison, President/CEO has been elected to serve on the board of directors for ACCE, the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, an Alexandria, Va.-based association of over 9,000 professionals who work for and with more than 1,300 chambers of commerce.

Members of ACCE’s board of directors represent more than 50 organizations, including many of the world’s largest and most influential regional chambers of commerce.

“We are pleased to welcome Lance to the ACCE Board of Directors,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE president & CEO. “Lance’s expertise and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to adapt to meet an ever-evolving business environment. Navigating unprecedented dynamics and complexities requires catalytic leadership to ensure momentum and economic vitality within our communities.”

Lance Allison has been President/CEO of One Southern Indiana since March 2024. Lance’s previous chamber of commerce experience includes serving as President/CEO of the Murray-Calloway (KY) Chamber of Commerce and the Panama City Beach (FL) Chamber of Commerce. Lance holds the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation from ACCE and the Institute for Organization Management (IOM) designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, two prestigious certifications highlighting his dedication to the chamber of commerce profession.

The mission of ACCE is to support and develop chamber professionals to lead businesses and their communities. ACCE identifies and analyzes trends affecting communities, shares best practices, and develops benchmarking studies, in addition to providing other tools to help chamber leaders manage and improve operations at their organization and achieve the highest impact in their communities.

About ACCE
Established in 1914, ACCE is an association of over 9,000 chamber professionals from 1,300 chambers of commerce throughout the United States, including 93 of the top 100 U.S. metro areas and a host of international markets. The combined membership of ACCE chambers is close to one million businesses.

Chamber leaders look to ACCE for best practices, networks and new ideas that will help them advance the interests of their communities. ACCE recommends successful programs and strategies, and identifies trends, partners and business models that show promise. For more information, visit www.ACCE.org.