CTDI Announces Third Facility at River Ridge Commerce Center

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$44 Million Investment to bring an initial 400 New Jobs; Adding to Current CTDI Operations Which Support 1,600 Positions

Charlestown, IN (April 23, 2026) – Communications Test Design, Inc. (CTDI), a global engineering, repair, and logistics leader serving the communications industry, announced today that it will establish a new facility on the Charlestown side of the River Ridge Commerce Center (RRCC) making it their second facility in Charlestown, and its third facility at the Commerce Center.

The company plans to invest approximately $44 million in a new building initially scoped at approximately 400,000 square feet with the plan for a future expansion up to 660,000 square feet. The project is expected to create 400 new jobs in the initial phase, further expanding CTDI’s footprint within the RRCC and Southern Indiana.

The company currently operates two major facilities within the Commerce Center, which together support approximately 1,600 jobs. This new facility will be located on Penny Martin Lane directly across from the company’s existing Charlestown facility. The addition of a third facility reflects the company’s continued commitment to the region.

“This announcement represents a significant milestone for both CTDI and River Ridge,” said Marc Hildenbrand, Executive Director of the River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA). “When a global company continues to expand its footprint within River Ridge, it proves we are doing something right. It demonstrates the strength of our workforce, infrastructure, and longterm planning. We are proud of CTDI’s latest expansion in Southern Indiana and look forward to growing our partnership.”

Dr. Treva Hodges, Mayor of Charlestown and President of the RRDA Board of Directors, added, “CTDI has been an outstanding corporate partner, and we appreciate their continued investment in Southern Indiana. Their commitment reflects strong confidence in our regional workforce, infrastructure, and business environment. CTDI’s presence supports hundreds of quality jobs while contributing to the overall economic strength and long-term momentum across our region.”

About Communications Test Design, Inc.
Founded in 1975, CTDI is a full-service, global engineering, repair, and logistics company that provides best-cost solutions to the communications industry. Headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania, CTDI operates a dynamic business model comprised of five divisions: STB / CPE Division, Mobile & Consumer Electronics, Mobility Product Solutions, Network Services, and Product / Supply.

CTDI serves major telecom carriers, cable service providers, and leading OEMs worldwide. With more than 20,000 employees across 100 facilities globally, CTDI supports an expanding international customer base through innovative and efficient operational solutions.

About the River Ridge Development Authority
The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) manages the River Ridge Commerce Center,
a 6,000-acre business and office park established in 1998 to replace lost economic activity from
the closure of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant. Today, River Ridge is home to more than
70 companies such as Amazon, Meta, CS PowerTech, Collins Aerospace, Medline, and
Valeris. Onsite employment totaled over 13,000 in 2025, and the Commerce Center produced
nearly $3.6 billion in economic output for the region.

Media Contact: 
Wendy Dant Chesser
Chief Director – Corporate Strategy & External Affairs
(812) 285-897

Two formal headshots: left is IUS-Chancellor Ford in a black blazer with a red top and pearls; right is Dr. Uric Dufrene in a navy suit and glasses, library background.

OpEd: “The Strategic Value of College-and IU Southeast-to Our Region”

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Two formal headshots: left is IUS-Chancellor Ford in a black blazer with a red top and pearls; right is Dr. Uric Dufrene in a navy suit and glasses, library background.

The Strategic Value of College—and IU Southeast—to Our Region

Across Southern Indiana, families, employers, and students are asking a pressing question: Is college still worth it? The answer matters for the long-term vitality of our region.

The evidence is clear. Since the turn of this century, employment growth for workers with bachelor’s degrees has far outpaced that of workers without degrees. Degree holders experience lower unemployment and higher lifetime earnings, even through economic downturns. At the regional level, communities with higher educational attainment consistently outperform on measures such as wage growth, innovation, and business attraction. Recent research by IU Southeast economists confirms this connection here at home. Indiana counties with higher shares of bachelor’s-degree holders also show higher per-capita GDP and higher average wages. Educational attainment is a proven driver of regional prosperity.

That reality places a responsibility on institutions like IU Southeast. Our mission is practical and urgent: to increase the number of graduates, strengthen the local talent pipeline, and ensure that opportunity remains accessible to the people of this region.

Making the Value of College Clear

If Indiana is to reverse declining college-going rates, the value proposition must be tangible.

At IU Southeast, nearly all graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation. On average, our alumni earn nearly $10,000 more annually than local peers without a degree, a gap that compounds significantly over a lifetime. Enhancing the ROI of an IU Southeast degree, about one half of our graduates leave with no debt. Importantly, about 80 percent of our graduates stay in the region, contributing more than $219 million in economic activity each year.

Nationally, IU Southeast is also recognized for advancing social mobility. In Third Way’s Economic Mobility Index, we rank in the top 10 percent of U.S. institutions, reflecting our success in helping students from lower-income and first-generation backgrounds move into stronger economic futures.

Our student population reflects the region we serve. More than 85 percent of students come from our service area. Nearly one-third are first-generation college students; more than one-quarter are Pell-eligible; and almost 60 percent receive scholarships or grants. Investing in IU Southeast yields measurable returns for students and for the community.

From Degrees to Workforce Value

A degree alone is not enough. What matters to employers and to regional growth is what graduates can do.

That is why IU Southeast places strong emphasis on skills and applied learning. Our programs integrate communication, critical thinking, leadership, data literacy, and problem-solving, competencies employers consistently rank as essential. Through internships, clinical placements, project-based learning, and employer partnerships, students graduate prepared to contribute on day one.

This alignment with workforce needs is not incidental. It is central to our role as a regional university. As competition for talent intensifies, regions that can grow and retain skilled workers will thrive. IU Southeast is committed to being both a generator and guarantor of that talent pipeline.

Adapting to a Changing Education Landscape

We also recognize that higher education must evolve. The traditional four-year, full-time pathway does not serve many adult learners, career-changers, or working students.

To meet learners where they are, IU Southeast offers prior learning assessment, allowing students to earn academic credit for military training, professional certifications, and work experience. We maintain strong transfer pathways with our high school and two-year college partners at Ivy Tech, Jefferson Community and Technical College, and Elizabethtown Community and Technical College that reduces duplication, time, and cost.

To be more responsive to stakeholders and market forces, we are adding meta majors that support greater alignment between workforce skills and competencies and academic programming. Meta majors allow for discipline-specific depth and interdisciplinary breadth, producing more competitive graduates for the region.

A Call to the Region

The challenges facing higher education are real: demographic shifts, skepticism about college value, and rapidly changing workforce needs. But the path forward is equally clear. Regions that invest in education and institutions that deliver results will be better positioned to compete and prosper.

IU Southeast is committed to expanding attainment, aligning education with employer needs, and serving as a durable economic asset for Southern Indiana.

To regional leaders, employers, educators, philanthropists, and policymakers: we invite your partnership. When students earn degrees and build careers locally, the entire region

benefits. Together, we can ensure that college remains worthwhile for our shared future and Southern Indiana thrives as an economic engine for the region.

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is No. 1 inNorth America, No. 3 in the World for Cargo Operations

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Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport is No. 1 in North America, No. 3 in the World for Cargo Operations

Louisville's airport is a global powerhouse, set new record for cargo

Louisville, KY (April 21, 2026) – The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) continues to remain a global powerhouse for cargo operations according to Airports Council International (ACI) World. In 2025, SDF is the no. 1 busiest airport in North America and top three in the world for total loaded and unloaded cargo that excludes transit freight as shown in ACI World’s preliminary World Airport Traffic Report. Louisville’s airport saw a record-setting 7.49 billion pounds of cargo land and takeoff from its runways last year.


“Year after year, SDF continues to showcase the crucial link it plays in global commerce as billions of pounds of product and life-saving cargo move through our airport each day,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates Louisville’s airport. “As the proud home of UPS Worldport, we understand the importance that our airfield and airport play in the global supply chain. We celebrate our strong partnership with UPS and are proud of the continued success we are experiencing at SDF.”


As a global leader for cargo, according to ACI World SDF is busier than airports in Incheon (Seoul), Korea; Doha, Quatar; Taipei, Taiwan and Guangzhou, China. For the first time ever, SDF surpassed Memphis International Airport (MEM) when compared among its North American peer cargo airports and continues to hold steady above Miami International Airport (MIA).


ACI World’s annual World Airport Traffic Report follows a recent study by DePaul University’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development that celebrated UPS Worldport at SDF as the world’s no. 1 “superhub” and the largest express air cargo hub when considering daily flight activity, tonnage and volume capacity.


Biggest Year Yet for Cargo Handled
The 7.49 billion pounds of cargo handled at SDF last year marks its biggest year yet for cargo with a 13% increase compared to 2024, its previous record year. Among the world’s Top 10 Cargo Airports, SDF and Miami were the two fastest growing airports for freight and mail last year, both with more than 13%. Globally, air cargo traffic growth was steady at nearly 3% and continues to be driven by strong e-commerce demand and on-going supply chain adjustments.


Crucial Infrastructure Investment
To ensure SDF’s airfield is always ready for its cargo and passenger airline partners including future growth, the Louisville Regional Airport Authority has invested nearly $150 million in its airfield since 2019, with an additional $115 million-plus planned between now and 2028. This infrastructure investment is aimed at ensuring the airfield’s integrity for the safe operation of all aircraft while also improving efficiencies and upgrading safety enhancements. Upcoming airfield projects include the reconstruction of Taxiways B and D, extension of Taxiway A, the addition of an Engineering Arresting Materials System (EMAS) to the East Runway, safety area grading improvements on the West Runway as well as various electrical and pavement upgrades.


Louisville’s airports serve as a significant economic driver for the region and the state with $12.8 billion generated in annual economic impact from airport operations. Airport operations are responsible for nearly 90,000 direct and indirect jobs, or 1 in 8 jobs in Metro Louisville, as well as $551.1 million in state and local tax revenue. In Metro Louisville, this accounts for $1 of every $6 in local tax revenue.


Airports Council International is a worldwide trade association that formed in 1991 by airport operators to represent common interests and foster cooperation in the air transport industry. ACI World releases their preliminary World Airport Traffic Report each spring, followed by the final report in the summer. This annual report includes detailed information from more than 2,700 airports worldwide. Click here to read more about the ACI World’s Preliminary 2025 World Airport Traffic Report including the list of the Top 10 airports for passenger traffic, cargo operations and aircraft movements.

Contact: Natalie Chaudoin For Immediate Release
(502) 363-8507 office
(502) 475-8084 cell
Natalie.Chaudoin@FlyLouisville.com

 

River Ridge Development Authority logo with teal curved underline beneath the name

River Ridge Continues to be a Powerhouse for Southern Indiana

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River Ridge Development Authority logo with teal curved underline beneath the name

2025 annual analysis shows nearly $3.6 billion in economic impact as onsite employment surpasses 13,300 jobs and new private investment $162.4 million

 

Jeffersonville, IN (April 20, 2026) – The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) released its economic analysis for 2025, highlighting another landmark year of growth, infrastructure improvements, and regional impact. Policy Analytics, LLC, an Indiana-based company specializing in economic research, public finance, and policy examination, has been providing an annual analysis for RRDA since 2013.


River Ridge Commerce Center continued its strong momentum throughout 2025 as a key regional economic driver, generating $3.6 billion in total economic impact and supporting 21,094 jobs across the region, including the 13,304 jobs onsite at the Commerce Center. The report underscores River Ridge’s ongoing role in attracting investment, fostering business development, and strengthening the local economy.


“This level of economic activity means more jobs, stronger communities, and greater opportunities for families across our region,” said Dr. Treva Hodges, Mayor of Charlestown and Chair of the RRDA Board of Directors. “River Ridge’s success is a direct investment in Southern Indiana’s future.”


RRDA also remains focused on modernizing critical infrastructure to support ongoing growth. In 2025, the Authority invested $29.8 million in new roads and utility improvements, along with an additional $1.2 million dedicated to demolition of former military structures and site preparation.

As the public sector makes investments, so does the private sector. Private construction investment at River Ridge totaled $162.4 million in 2025, underscoring strong business confidence and continued expansion within the Commerce Center. Highlighting this growth is continued construction on the Meta data center, which supports approximately 1,200 contractors as the facility reached 50 percent completion during the year.


“The momentum at River Ridge continues to benefit our region and our state. With private investment advancing our companies’ growth and hiring capabilities, along with the RRDA investment in infrastructure, we are well-positioned to support future growth and expand our impact across the region,” said Marc Hildenbrand, Executive Director of the RRDA.

Beyond direct investment, River Ridge’s economic activity generated significant public benefits, including $57.5 million in state and local income and sales tax revenue. Additionally, operations at the site contributed $1.0 billion in total labor income.

A summary of the 2025 economic impact analysis conducted by Policy Analytics, LLC includes the following highlights:

  • River Ridge Commerce Center produced $3.6 billion in total economic output across
    Southern Indiana.
  • Business activity generated $57.5 million in total state and local tax revenue.
  • Employment supported by River Ridge reached 21,094 jobs, including:
    o 13,304 onsite employees
    o 7,790 additional regional jobs supported
  • RRDA invested $29.8 million in infrastructure improvements, including roads and
    utilities.
  • Private construction investment totaled $162.4 million in 2025.
  • River Ridge surpassed 20 million square feet of developed building space.
  • Significant progress was made to prepare the 630-acre north Megasite, including
    infrastructure installation and ongoing maintenance to support more than 13,000 onsite
    employees.

The full 2025 RRDA Annual Report can be accessed at www.riverridgecc.com/annual-report.


About the River Ridge Development Authority
The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) manages the River Ridge Commerce Center, a
6,000-acre business and office park established in 1998 to replace lost economic activity from
the closure of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant. Today, River Ridge is home to more than 70
companies such as Amazon, Meta, CS PowerTech, Collins Aerospace, Medline, and Valeris.
Onsite employment totaled over 13,000 in 2025, and the Commerce Center produced nearly $3.6
billion in economic output for the region.

Media Contact:
River Ridge Development Authority
Wendy Dant Chesser, Chief Director
Phone: 812-285-8979
Email: wendy@riverridgecc.com

 

Indiana American Water and the American Water Charitable Foundation Provided Nearly $700,000 in Statewide Support to Communities in 2025

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GREENWOOD, IND – (April 13, 2026) – Indiana American Water announced its charitable giving for 2025. Last year, the company provided nearly $216,00 through grants, general charitable contributions and programming support to over 100 organizations across the Hoosier State. When combined with the $460,000 provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation, and volunteer hours of service the total amount of support increases to $697,000.

“At Indiana American Water, our work extends beyond providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to our customers,’ said Indiana American Water President Barry Suits. “Together with the American Water Charitable Foundation, we’re committed to supporting organizations that make our communities a better place to live and operate.”

As part of our community support, Indiana American Water employees engaged in philanthropy, raising over $64,000 and volunteered to serve local nonprofit organizations through the Foundation’s Employee Volunteer and Matching Gift Program.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to partner with eligible nonprofit partners to support impactful initiatives and projects across Indiana,” said Carrie Williams, President, American Water Charitable Foundation. “Our charitable focus to Keep Communities Flowing empowers our employees to get involved and our communities to learn how every drop counts.”

The American Water Charitable Foundation’s 2025 Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water.  

To learn more about Indiana American Water’s community involvement, read the company’s 2025 Community Impact Report.

About Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people.

For more information, visit amwater.com/inaw and join Indiana American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About the American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested more than $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

Photo (attached) Cutline:

The Friends of Charlestown State Park celebrate the announcement of a $50,000 STEM grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation last July, which will be used to create an educational exhibit with a large, former deep water well along the Ohio River.  The new exhibit is expected to open later this year.  Photo Credit: Alan Petersime Photography

Media Contact:
Joel Reuter
External Affairs Manager
Indiana American Water
joel.reuter@amwater.com
(317) 885-2434 

Significant Flight Additions at Louisville Muhammad AliInternational Airport for Derby 152

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More flights, record-setting crowds expected for airport’s busiest time

Louisville, KY (April 13, 2026) – The airlines are ramping up service at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) ahead of this year’s Kentucky Derby, adding more flights to accommodate the surge of race fans expected for the fastest two minutes in sports. This year will see the addition of service from 24 routes at SDF spanning from the West Coast to the East Coast and including more flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York City. Plus, nonstop service to six new markets
were added just for Derby such as Salt Lake City, Kansas City, Austin and Santa Ana.


“Derby is consistently the busiest time of year at SDF, and preparations are underway for what we expect will be another strong influx of visitors,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates Louisville’s airport. “With five of our eight airline partners adding significant service, we anticipate record-setting passenger volumes passing through our terminal while the SDF team remains focused on delivering a smooth and positive travel experience for
our guests.”


American Airlines added the most flights for Derby 152 with 13 markets they do not currently fly at SDF including New York City-JFK, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville and West Palm Beach. Delta Air Lines expanded their presence with five markets including Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Austin and Raleigh-Durham. Service from Los Angeles was also added by both Southwest and United Airlines as part of their increased airlift. Southwest will also be flying to Kansas City and Austin while United will also offer
flights to San Francisco.


From Wednesday, April 29 through Friday, May 1, upwards of 35,000 arriving passengers are expected to make their way to Louisville for the 152nd running of the roses. Thursday, April 30 will be the busiest day for arrivals with nearly 16,500 seats scheduled by the airlines.


Sunday, May 3 will once again be SDF’s single busiest day of the year – more than doubling its daily average as nearly 20,000 people are expected to depart Louisville, bidding farewell to the city following their Kentucky Derby experience. Overall, this year is up 13% in total number of departures compared to 2025.


“We know it’s going to be a very busy several days at the airport as we roll out the redcarpet for visitors,” added Mann. “I’m confident this year’s Derby will be another win for our airport thanks to the strong team at SDF who work closely with our airline partners, TSA, the FAA’s air traffic control tower, our in-terminal concessionaires and many others to make this significant increase a seamless experience for travelers.”


Markets added to SDF in 2026 for the Kentucky Derby include:

American Airlines
Austin (AUS)
New York-LaGuardia (LGA)
Houston-George Bush (IAH)
Santa Ana, CA (SNA)
Jacksonville (JAX)
Phoenix (PHX)
Las Vegas (LAS)
Pittsburgh (PIT)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
New Orleans (MSY)
West Palm Beach (PBI)
New York-JFK (JFK)

Delta Air Lines
Austin (AUS)
Raleigh/Durham (RDU)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Salt Lake City (SLC)
New York-JFK (JFK)

Southwest Airlines
Austin (AUS)
Los Angeles (LAX)
Kansas City (MCI)

Spirit Airlines
Newark (EWR)

United Airlines
Los Angeles (LAX)
San Francisco (SFO)

 

About Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
Owned and operated by the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, the Louisville Muhammad Ali
International Airport (SDF) is the state’s premier airport, serving more Kentuckians annually than
any other airport in the Commonwealth. Eight commercial passenger airlines offer nonstop service
to more than 40 nonstop destinations from Louisville. SDF is home to UPS Worldport, moving
millions of tons of products each year, making it the no. 1 busiest cargo airport in North America and
Top 5 in the world. Aviation is an economic powerhouse for the region that generates $12.8 billion in
economic impact every year. One in 8 jobs is generated by SDF and Bowman Field and their
aviation partners. Visit www.FlyLouisville.com to learn more.

Contact: Natalie Chaudoin For Immediate Release
(502) 363-8507 office
(502) 475-8084 cell
Natalie.Chaudoin@FlyLouisville.com

Expect Near-Record Numbers for Spring Break at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

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Louisville, KY (March 30, 2026) – Spring Break travel is here and near-record numbers are expected at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF). Overall scheduled capacity by the airlines is up 5% compared to last year with more than 35,000 travelers expected from Thursday, April 2 through Sunday, April 5.


“Spring Break is a busy time for SDF,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director for the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates Louisville’s airport. “Our airport is ready to welcome the increase in travelers as they head to their favorite vacation spots. We remain in close coordination with the airlines and our terminal partners, including TSA, to ensure passengers have a smooth experience at SDF.”


The busiest day for Spring Break travel will be Sunday, April 5 with more than 9,300 scheduled departing seats, closely followed by Thursday, April 2 with 9,000-plus outbound seats. Florida leads the region as the most popular destination for Spring Breakers at SDF including growth in flights to Fort Myers, Orlando and St. Petersburg/Clearwater. Travelers heading to Boston, Chicago-O’Hare and Raleigh/Durham have also increased for Spring Break this year.


With the higher-than-normal passenger volume expected for Spring Break, passengers are encouraged to arrive 2 to 2½ hours before their scheduled departure time. For early morning departures before 8:30 a.m., arriving 2½ hours in advance is strongly encouraged. Most flights board the aircraft 30 to 40 minutes before the posted departure time. TSA staffing continues to remain consistent with no impacts on passenger screening.


Parking is only $5 per day in the Express Shuttle Lot with registration at least four hours prior to their arrival. Plus, shuttle lot users can now take advantage of real-time tracking to see the exact location of the pick-up shuttles by simply scanning the QR code at the designated pick-up areas. Other self-park lots range from $8 to $20 per day with valet services at $35 per day. For information on all parking options, visit SDFPark.com.


Travelers are also encouraged to be mindful that temporary intermittent parking lot
closures are possible at SDF during heavy travel periods.


The positive momentum is continuing at SDF as overall passenger traffic is up 5% for the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2025. Mirroring the uptick for Spring Break, there is significant growth for Florida markets including Orlando and Punta Gorda as well as Raleigh/Durham in North Carolina and Arizona’s Phoenix. As previously announced, Breeze Airways will also begin three new routes at SDF in May to Hartford (BDL), Los Angeles (LAX) and Pittsburgh (PIT), marking a record high 41 destinations with nonstop flights from Louisville. This good news follows 2025, which was SDF’s third busiest year to date with 4.6 million total passengers that followed its no. 1 record year in 2024.


“The past three years have all been record-setting for passenger traffic at SDF,” added Mann. “With the new routes on Breeze beginning in a few weeks, plus the strong numbers for Spring Break, we feel good about the year ahead.”

About Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
Owned and operated by the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, the Louisville Muhammad Ali
International Airport (SDF) is the state’s premier airport, serving more Kentuckians annually than
any other airport in the Commonwealth. Eight commercial passenger airlines offer nonstop service
to more than 40 nonstop destinations from Louisville. SDF is home to UPS Worldport, moving
millions of tons of products each year, making it the no. 1 busiest cargo airport in North America and
Top 5 in the world. Aviation is an economic powerhouse for the region that generates $12.8 billion in
economic impact every year. One in 8 jobs is generated by SDF and Bowman Field and their
aviation partners. Visit www.FlyLouisville.com to learn more

River Ridge Board Approves $5.175 Million for Service Agreements with Community Partners

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Authorization granted for negotiation of final agreements with Jeffersonville, Charlestown, Utica, Clark County and Greater Clark County Schools

Jeffersonville, IN (March 12, 2026) – Today at its regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting, the River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) approved five resolutions authorizing 2026 Service Agreements with community partners for the provision of public utilities, safety, and educational expenditures supporting the River Ridge Commerce Center.  Authorization to commence negotiations for agreements with local governments include the City of Jeffersonville, the City of Charlestown, the Town of Utica and Clark County.  Additionally, the RRDA will initiate an educational capital improvement agreement with Greater Clark County Schools. 

“River Ridge and the businesses within the Commerce Center are grateful for our partnerships with all our public entities,” said Marc Hildenbrand, RRDA Executive Director.  “We appreciate the utility, public safety, and educational services provided by these partners that allow our businesses to grow, thereby benefiting the entire Southern Indiana region.”

In 2025, the River Ridge Commerce Center was home to nearly 80 companies, employing a total of 13,054 employees.  

“Our shared commitment to service and partnership exemplifies how a strong, unified region addresses community needs and drives economic prosperity for the benefit of all residents,” Hildenbrand added.

Once agreements are finalized, River Ridge will provide one-time payments designated for the following services:

  • Since annexing the portion of River Ridge within the City limits in 2000, the City of Jeffersonville has provided property owners within the River Ridge Commerce Center with municipal services including public safety and wastewater treatment.  River Ridge plans to continue its support of Jeffersonville services in the amount of $3,500,000 for 2026.  Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore stated, “We appreciate River Ridge’s meaningful investment in our community’s safety and essential infrastructure.  It strengthens our ability to provide quality police and fire services along with wastewater treatment, to better serve all city residents and businesses, while enforcing the partnership that drives our progress.” 
  • Bryan Glover, President of the Clark County Commissioners, expressed appreciation for River Ridge’s contribution of $850,000 to support Clark County Sheriff’s department patrols as well as other emergency support services throughout the Commerce Center.  “A safe, well served Commerce Center is essential to sustaining the economic momentum we’re seeing in Clark County. River Ridge’s contribution strengthens our shared efforts to support both growth and the first responders who make that growth possible,” said Glover.
  • To support educational capital improvements, River Ridge is partnering with the Greater Clark County School Corporation to contribute $500,000 toward projects such as STEM labs in designated schools.  STEM Labs are hands-on, interactive spaces that promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math skills through experimentation and creativity.   Greater Clark Superintendent Mark Laughner said, “We are grateful for River Ridge’s commitment to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving in our schools. These skills will empower students as they continue to strengthen their academic foundation and equip students with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in their future.” 
  • River Ridge development within the limits of the City of Charlestown has certainly accelerated in the past few years.  By today’s action, RRDA will work to contribute $250,000 in 2026 to Charlestown in exchange for sanitary sewer services as well as police services.  Dr. Treva Hodges, Mayor of Charlestown and Chair of the RRDA Board, stated, “The City of Charlestown and River Ridge are committed to not only creating economic opportunities for Southern Indiana, but also to ensuring mutually responsible growth that supports our neighbors and communities.”
  • Through mutual aid agreements, the Town of Utica supports emergency services throughout the River Ridge Commerce Center, as well.   River Ridge has pledged $75,000 to support Utica’s efforts.  Town Council President Steve Long said, “Mutual aid agreements work because partners step up for one another, and River Ridge continues to do exactly that. Their contribution directly enhances our shared ability to deliver high quality emergency services across the region.”

Depending upon its projected funding capacity from financial analyses, the RRDA intends to make additional annual contributions to these entities in 2027 and going forward.

About the River Ridge Development Authority

The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) manages the River Ridge Commerce Center, a 6,000-acre business and office park established in 1998 to replace lost economic activity resulting from the closure of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant.  Today, River Ridge is home to nearly 80 companies such as Amazon, Meta, CTDI, Collins Aerospace, Medline, and Valeris.  Onsite employment totaled more than 13,050 in 2025, and the Commerce Center produced a record economic output for the region. The investments and growth at River Ridge earned the RRDA the International Economic Development Council’s 2020 Gold Award for Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse.

Media Contact:

River Ridge Development Authority

Wendy Dant Chesser, Chief Director

Phone:  812-285-8979

Email:  wendy@riverridgecc.com

Visitor Spending Supports Communities; Generates Sales for Southern Indiana Businesses 

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Southern Indiana (March 10, 2026) – Visitor spending in Clark and Floyd Counties remained steady in 2024, benefiting local businesses and residents. Those visiting the two counties in 2024 generated nearly $559 million in top-line sales, fueling the local economy. This is according to the latest Economic Contribution of Tourism in Clark-Floyd Region report from Rockport Analytics. 

“Each year these reports show us that visitors are spending more than dollars on a hotel stay,” said SoIN Tourism Executive Director Jim Epperson. “This infusion of visitor spending is a boost to longtime mom-and-pop shops and supports the addition of new businesses, keeping our destination’s offerings fresh for tourists and residents.” 

Companies that directly serve travelers, from restaurants and attractions to hotels and retailers, saw $209 million in value-added impact, a 2.9% increase over 2023. Beyond those front-line businesses, tourism’s ripple effect continues throughout the local economy. Supply chain partners, such as vendors and service providers, receive more than $52 million in value-added activity. 

The tourism industry also supported 7,370 jobs in 2024, generating $181.3 million in wages. More than 6,000 jobs in Clark and Floyd counties were directly related to tourism. These jobs range from entry-level positions in the service industry to upper management for hotels, attractions and events.  

Dollars spent by visitors to Clark and Floyd counties also serve as a source of tax revenue for the community. Without tourism, SoIN households would pay $764 more in yearly taxes to sustain current levels of emergency services, schools, and infrastructure. 

All together, these numbers underscore how visitor spending strengthens the business community, creates jobs and fuels continued economic growth across Southern Indiana. 

View Full Report & Graphics 

To schedule an interview with SoIN Tourism Executive Director Jim Epperson, please contact Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com or 812-282-6692. 

About the 2024 Economic Contribution of Tourism in Clark-Floyd Region 

Commissioned by the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC), the 2024 Economic Contribution of Tourism report uses the IMPLAN model (www.implan.com) to measure the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of visitation to the state using data and research collected by nationally recognized tourism research and economic experts. Due to the complexity of the tourism industry, which includes visitor spending in multiple categories, 2024 is the most complete set of data on hand. 

SoIN Tourism is the official destination marketing organization for Clark and Floyd counties in Southern Indiana, just north of Louisville, Ky. Offering authentic experiences in the Kentuckiana region, SoIN includes historic downtowns in Jeffersonville and New Albany, Clarksville’s retail corridor, as well as the communities of Charlestown, Floyds Knobs, Georgetown, Henryville, Memphis, New Washington, Sellersburg, and Starlight. Visitors who would like more information can visit the destination’s website, GoSoIN.com. 

2026 Silver Creek High School to host 2nd College & Career Day

by with No Comment Member News

On April 9th, 2026 Silver Creek High School in Sellersburg, IN will host our 2nd College & Career Day.  Far more than a simple job fair, this event brings the entire student body together to engage with 90+ local businesses, colleges, and business leaders!  All 1000+ students will attend breakout sessions and visit the massive vendor fair.  Indiana education leader and CEO of the STARTedUP Foundation Don Wettrick will be our morning keynote speaker.  Over $20,000 in donations from local businesses will be given to entrepreneurial SCHS Students to help launch their business!

See last year’s award winners here.