Catch a free live performance by Taylor Thomas at the Visitor Center prior to Jammin in Jeff
Southern Indiana (June 4, 2026) – SoIN Soundcheck is bringing even more live music and energy to Jammin in Jeff nights this summer in downtown Jeffersonville, Indiana. The new, free live music series from SoIN Tourism kicks off from 5 – 7 p.m. this Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Southern Indiana Visitor Center, 228 Spring Street, Suite 106 in Jeffersonville.
Taylor Thomas, a Louisville-based singer-songwriter, actor, dancer and theater professional, is slated to perform at the inaugural SoIN Soundcheck on June 5. Guests can enjoy a pre-batched cocktail bar from The Alcove while taking in live music at the Visitor Center.
SoIN Soundcheck Schedule:
June 5 – Taylor Thomas
June 19 – Taylor Thomas
July 4 – NO PERFORMANCE (Catch SoIN on Riverside Drive for “From 1776 to Tomorrow” Independence Day Celebration.)
August 15 – Taylor Thomas
August 29 – Ray Keys
September 5 – Ray Keys
September 19 – Taylor Thomas
Each SoIN Soundcheck showcases a local act in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere just steps away from Jammin in Jeff and the Night Market, plus within walking distance of several Jeffersonville restaurants and shops. The Night Market theme on Friday, June 5 is Color Carnival, and the Juice Box Heroes and The Mad Taxpayers are headlining Jammin in Jeff.
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, Henryville, Memphis, New Washington, Sellersburg, and Starlight. Visitors who would like more information can visit the destination’s website, GoSoIN.com.
Jordan Mitchell of ENCON Equipment Named Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 East Central Finalist by EY US
EY US recognizes business leaders driving innovation, growth, and lasting impact
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 1, 2026) – Jordan Mitchell, President and Co-Owner of ENCON Equipment, has been named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 East Central Award by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US).
Now in its 41st year, Entrepreneur Of The Year is one of the nation’s most prestigious business awards programs, recognizing ambitious entrepreneurs and leaders whose innovation, vision, and execution drive economic growth and create long-term value.
An independent panel of judges selected Mitchell among 32 finalists representing 28 companies across Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Candidates were evaluated on entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and lasting business impact.
“This recognition is truly an honor, but it’s really a reflection of the people behind ENCON,” said Mitchell. “Our success has always been driven by a team that cares deeply about our customers and our mission of helping keep people safe. I’m grateful to our employees for their dedication and to our customers for the trust they place in us every day. This recognition belongs to all of them.”
Under Mitchell’s leadership, ENCON Equipment has become one of the fastest-growing equipment rental companies in North America. The Kentucky-based company has achieved more than 500% growth over the past three years, expanded to three locations, and earned national recognition as the American Rental Association’s #1 Market Mover for two consecutive years.
Serving contractors, industrial facilities, municipalities, and infrastructure projects throughout the region, ENCON has built its reputation on responsive service, dependable equipment, and a commitment to helping customers keep their people safe and operations running efficiently.
The company has also been recognized by Louisville Business First’s Fast 50, Rental Equipment Register’s list of the largest rental companies in North America, and Rental Management magazine’s “12 to Watch Under 40.”
With continued investments in people, technology, AI, robotics, and operational excellence, ENCON is positioning itself as one of the industry’s most innovative and fastest-growing organizations.
Entrepreneur Of The Year honors business leaders for their ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit. The program celebrates founders, transformational CEOs, and multigenerational family business leaders who are redefining industries and shaping the future of business.
This year’s East Central finalists represent companies across technology, manufacturing, consumer products, finance, and other industries throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Regional award winners will be announced June 25 during a special celebration in Pittsburgh. Winners will advance for consideration at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, which will be presented in November during the Strategic Growth Forum®, one of the nation’s premier gatherings of high-growth business leaders, investors, and executives.
Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards include presenting sponsors PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA, SAP, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. In East Central,sponsors also include regional Platinum sponsor VRC (Valuation Research Corporation) and regional Silver sponsor ADP.
About Entrepreneur Of The Year®
Founded in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year® has celebrated more than 11,000 ambitious visionaries who are leading successful, dynamic businesses in the US, and it has since expanded to nearly 80 countries and territories globally.
The US program consists of 17 regional programs whose panels of independent judges select the regional award winners every June. Those winners compete for national recognition at the Strategic Growth Forum® in November where national finalists and award winners are announced. The national overall winner represents the US at the World Entrepreneur Of The Year® competition. Visit ey.com/us/eoy.
About EY
EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.
Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.
EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.
All in to shape the future with confidence.
EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Information about how EY collects and uses personal data and a description of the rights individuals have under data protection legislation are available via ey.com/privacy. EY member firms do not practice law where prohibited by local laws. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.
Third new route on Breeze along with Los Angeles, Pittsburgh
Louisville, KY (May 29, 2026) – Breeze Airways today launched new, nonstop service between Hartford, CT (BDL) and the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), providing even more travel options for passengers and expanded connectivity to the Northeast.
The new route links Louisville directly with the Hartford region, a key gateway to New England known for its historic attractions, vibrant communities and outdoor recreation opportunities. Conveniently located between Boston and New York City, the Hartford metropolitan area is home to more than three million residents, making it the largest population center in the eastern United States previously without nonstop service from Louisville. The new service also creates a more convenient connection for New England travelers looking to take advantage of the region’s signature Southern hospitality as well as experience Louisville’s renowned bourbon culture, celebrated local dining scene and worldclass attractions.
“Today’s flight marks the third time in recent weeks we are celebrating a new route on Breeze at SDF following the start of service to Los Angeles and Pittsburgh,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates Louisville’s airport. “This new nonstop connection to Hartford gives our region’s travelers easier access to New England while demonstrating Breeze’s continued investment and confidence in the Louisville market. Breeze has been a great partner in expanding options for the community.”
Breeze has quickly become known for offering affordable, premium leisure travel with a focus on underserved routes and convenient nonstop service between secondary markets. The airline’s modern fleet of Airbus A220-300 coupled with its flexible fare options and Nice, Nicer and Nicest fare bundles continue to make air travel more accessible for travelers across the country. The new Hartford service further strengthens Breeze’s growing presence at SDF while enhancing Louisville’s connectivity to major population centers throughout the country. In addition to Hartford, Breeze now offers nonstop service to nine cities from SDF including Charleston, Fort Myers, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Pittsburgh, Raleigh/Durham, San Francisco and Tampa.
To learn more about Breeze or to book a flight, visit flybreeze.com, or download the Breeze Airways app.
Louisville, KY (May 28, 2026) – Summer travel season is underway at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), where travelers now have more nonstop flight options than ever before. The airport is entering what is expected to be another busy summer with a record 41 nonstop destinations now available from Louisville, including four new routes launched in recent weeks.
“We are confident this will be another strong and busy year, much like what we experienced in 2025,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates Louisville’s airport. “Flight volume is near identical to last year’s levels, driven by additional nonstop service and increased frequencies to many of our most popular destinations. Heading into the summer, SDF is well-positioned to offer travelers more choices and greater convenience than ever before.”
The four new markets at SDF include the launch of Allegiant Air’s service to Gulf Shores (GUF) and Breeze Airways’ service to Los Angeles (LAX), Pittsburgh (PIT) and Hartford, CT (BDL). Breeze’s new Hartford service takes off this week on Friday, May 29.
I-65 Central Corridor Project
“With the busy summer travel season ahead, we want to remind passengers departing from SDF to plan ahead for the upcoming I-65 closure,” added Mann. “While the airport’s main access ramps will remain open throughout the project, travelers should expect heavier-than-normal traffic in and around the airport. We encourage passengers to closely monitor traffic conditions and allow extra travel time to ensure a smooth trip to the airport.”
Ramps providing access to SDF will remain open and available to travelers and visitors during the I-65 central corridor closure project in June and July 2026. While no impacts are anticipated to the day-to-day operations of the airport, those on departing flights are strongly encouraged to closely monitor traffic conditions the day of their travel and plan their route to SDF accordingly.
Airport access will continue as normal from I-264/Watterson Expressway via Exit 11 for both east and westbound traffic. From I-65 northbound, the airport will remain accessible via Exit 131A and following July 1, it will be accessible via Exit 131B for southbound traffic. Prior to July 1, southbound traffic should follow the detour signs.
An alternative option for airport access is the West Entrance located directly off Crittenden Drive, near the I-264/Watterson Expressway entrance and exit ramp and USPS Air Mail Facility and Post Office (4440 Crittenden Drive).
Travel Tips
Below are several helpful tips for SDF travelers to make their journey a smooth experience when traveling this summer.
Arrive 2 hours in advance of the flight’s departure. This allows plenty of time to park, check-in and go through the security checkpoint before boarding begins. Remember, most airlines begin boarding 30 minutes before the flight’s scheduled departure time.
Temporary parking closures are possible as parking areas become full, especially in the Garage and Surface Lot. Travelers are encouraged to take advantage of convenient parking in the Premier East or Premier West Lots as well as the Express Shuttle Lot. Detailed information is available at SDFPark.com, including real-time status updates for each parking area.
Save on parking with SDF’s Express Shuttle Lot. The Express Shuttle Lot is only $5 a day with advanced registration at least four hours prior to arrival at SDFPark.com ($8 without advanced registration). Shuttle Lot users can now take advantage of real-time tracking to see the exact location of the shuttles by simply scanning the QR code at the designated pick-up areas.
Travelers can also save $5 on their rideshare to SDF through Uber or Lyft. Visit FlyLouisville.com/Save5 for details and promo code information.
Check-in before leaving home and closely monitor the flight’s status through the airline’s website or mobile app.
Remember the 3-1-1 rule when packing – no more than 3.4 oz of liquids, gels, creams and aerosols are allowed per container and all must be placed in one, clear 1-quart size bag in a carryon. Anything larger than 3.4 oz must go in a checked bag.
If traveling with any food items or beverages – including alcohol – travelers should visit TSA.gov for more information on how to secure their goods in your checked bags.
Media Contact: Natalie Chaudoin For Immediate Release (502) 363-8507 office (502) 475-8084 cell Natalie.Chaudoin@FlyLouisville.com
Earn prizes for visiting top attractions in Southern Indiana with free digital passport
Southern Indiana (May 22, 2026) – The SoIN Fun Trail is back for its 6th year in Southern Indiana! Now through September 7, 2026, the free, digital passport gives visitors and locals a chance to score points and prizes by visiting top attractions in Southern Indiana’s Clark and Floyd counties. Participants can redeem points for exclusive rewards or use them for entries into a grand prize drawing for a Nintendo Switch 2™.
The annual summertime passport features quiz check-ins, special deals from participating businesses and new prizes! Participants can redeem points for rewards like a SoIN viewfinder or a set of building blocks to build your own Billie the Bison! Points can also be used for entries into the grand prize drawing for a Nintendo Switch 2™.
The passport features a curated list of 30+ must-visit spots for an engaging experience the whole family can enjoy. Along the trail, passholders can:
Watch a free candy-making demonstration at 135-year-old Schimpff’s Confectionery
Play more than 100 arcade games and 70+ pinball machines at Recbar 812
Catch a performance at Derby Dinner Playhouse
Pick fresh fruit and vegetables and play at the Family Fun Park at Huber’s Orchard & Winery
Hike atop 390-million-year-old fossil beds at Falls of the Ohio State Park
And much more!
Getting Started
Visit GoSoIN.com/FunTrail26 to sign up for the SoIN Fun Trail for free. The passport can be conveniently accessed through a smartphone and runs from May 22 through Labor Day.
Visitors to Clark and Floyd counties can explore more of Southern Indiana’s history, public art and scenic places with SoIN’s free digital passports – Historic SoIN, Inspired SoIN, Scenic SoIN and Stranger Things of SoIN. Learn more at GoSoIN.com/Passports. If you are interested in interviewing someone about the SoIN Fun Trail or if you would like more details, please contact Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com or 812-282-6692.
Note: Photos and graphics of locations and prizes are available for editorial use.
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, Henryville, Memphis, New Washington, Sellersburg, and Starlight. Visitors who would like more information can visit the destination’s website, GoSoIN.com.
Louisville, KY (May 22, 2026) – Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) today begins service from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) to Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF) in Alabama. To celebrate, the company is offering oneway fares on the new route as low as $45.*
“We’re excited to kick off the summer travel season with this new nonstop route between Louisville and Gulf Shores,” said Drew Wells, Allegiant’s chief commercial officer. “Whether you’re attending a special event, planning a dream vacation, or visiting family and friends, our goal is to connect more travelers to their favorite destinations with Allegiant’s award-winning customer service at unbeatable value.”
The new flights will operate up to twice weekly. Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found only at Allegiant.com.
“Today travelers at SDF have even more reason to celebrate with the start of Allegiant’s new, nonstop service from Louisville to Gulf Shores, giving travelers across our region even more convenient and affordable access to one of the South’s most popular beach destinations,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates Louisville’s airport.
“With thousands of travelers from our area visiting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach each year, this new route is a great addition for summer travel and another example of how SDF continues expanding nonstop options for the community. We appreciate Allegiant’s continued investment in the Louisville market and look forward to seeing this new service take flight.”
Allegiant offers a unique option to Louisville-area travelers with low base airfare and savings on rental cars and hotels. Travelers can book their entire vacation with Allegiant for less.
*About the introductory one-way fares: Seats and dates are limited and fares are not available on all flights. Flights must be purchased by May 24, 2026 for travel by July 27, 2026. Price displayed includes taxes, carrier charges & government fees. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Optional baggage charges and additional restrictions may apply. For more details, optional services and baggage fees, please visit Allegiant.com.
Allegiant – Together We FlyTM Las Vegas-based Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is an integrated travel company with an airline at its heart, focused on connecting customers with the people, places and experiences that matter most. Since 1999, Allegiant Air has linked travelers in small-to-medium cities to worldclass vacation destinations with all nonstop flights and industry-low average fares. Today, Allegiant serves communities across the nation, with base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. For more information, visit us at Allegiant.com. Media information, including photos, is available at http://gofly.us/iiFa303wrtF.
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. Seven 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 FlyLouisville.com to learn more
| Media Contacts |
Allegiant Air Phone: 702-800-2020 Email: mediarelations@allegiantair.com
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) Natalie Chaudoin (502) 363-8507 office (502) 475-8084 cell Natalie.Chaudoin@FlyLouisville.com
LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – May 15, 2026 — Rumpke Waste & Recycling was selected as a Platinum 2026 US Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private* and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies.
This is Rumpke’s seventh time winning this distinction and the team couldn’t be prouder. “This achievement belongs to everyone working at Rumpke. Our employees work together as one team, persevere and put compliance, safety and caring for one another and our customers first,” says Rumpke President & CEO Bill Rumpke Jr. “This is what makes our company so strong. Every day, we show up ready to solve problems, support each other and push to innovate and be better for our company and our customers. That’s what makes this award possible.”
The 2026 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people, as well as maintaining financial performance and governance. This year’s class is making bold investments in digital transformation, including AI capabilities, and demonstrates the ability to drive sustainable growth and maintain resilience during times of volatility. Best Managed Companies are built on a foundation of trust and reflect a sense of purpose that fosters connections with their employees, customers and communities.
“The Platinum and Gold honorees exemplify what it takes to excel as a private enterprise,” said Marlow Campos, US Best Managed Companies Program leader, Deloitte. “These organizations reflect long-term strategic planning supported by strong governance and culture that continues to evolve over time.”
Applicants are evaluated and selected by a panel of external judges focused on assessing hallmarks of excellence in four key areas: strategy, ability to execute, corporate culture, and governance/financial performance. They join a global ecosystem of honorees from more than 44 countries recognized by the Best Managed Companies program.
About Rumpke Waste & Recycling: Rumpke Waste & Recycling has been keeping homes and businesses clean since 1932. Today, Rumpke employs more than 4,500 environmental experts servicing millions of customers throughout five states. The award-winning family-owned company operates 18 landfills and 16 recycling centers. Other Rumpke divisions include Rumpke Portable Restrooms, Rumpke Haul-it-Away and Rumpke Hydraulics, as well as environmental solutions company The William-Thomas Group. Learn more at www.rumpke.com.
About the Best Managed Companies Program
The Best Managed Companies program is a mark of excellence for private companies. U.S. designees have revenues of at least $250 million. Hundreds of private companies around the world have competed for this designation in their respective countries through a rigorous and independent process that evaluates four key criteria in their management skills and practices — strategy, execution, culture, and governance/financials. U.S. program sponsors are Deloitte Private and TheWall Street Journal. For more information, visit www.usbestmanagedcompanies.com.
Explore historic sites and earn prizes with “Historic SoIN: Red, White and Billie”
Southern Indiana (May 13, 2026) – Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in SoIN by trekking through Clark and Floyd county history with SoIN Tourism mascot Billie the Bison! “Historic SoIN: Red, White and Billie” is SoIN Tourism’s newest digital passport highlighting locations and people in Clark and Floyd counties that played a significant role in American history. Area residents and visitors can now sign up for the free, year-round digital passport, the organization’s first BINGO-style pass. From fossils to fried chicken, those who sign up can discover SoIN’s story one stop at a time.
“Historic SoIN: Red, White and Billie” takes participants to:
Falls of the Ohio State Park, home to Devonian fossil beds, Lewis & Clark lore and the George Rogers Clark home site
Howard Steamboat Museum to learn about the region’s storied steamboat history
Town Clock Church, where congregation members supported the Underground Railroad network
And more!
Earn Exclusive Prizes Passholders who complete a regular BINGO can commemorate their historic adventure with an exclusive “Historic SoIN: Red, White and Billie” pin, patch and sticker pack. Passholders who cover their entire BINGO card score a bonus prize – a retro metal lunchbox filled with mystery SoIN swag! Prizes can be mailed or picked up at the Southern Indiana Visitor Center, 228 Spring St., Ste. 106, Jeffersonville, IN 47130. The visitor center is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Getting Started
Sign up for the passport at GoSoIN.com/HistoricSoIN. Participants can explore, check in and claim prizes using their smartphones. For interviews, please contact Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com or 812-282-6692.
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, Henryville, Memphis, New Washington, Sellersburg, and Starlight. Visitors who would like more information can visit the destination’s website, GoSoIN.com.
Media Contact: Anna Rosales-Crone, (812) 282-6692, Anna@GoSoIN.com
Three new destinations from Louisville all start by late May
Louisville, KY (May 6, 2026) – Officials with the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) celebrated the launch of Breeze Airways new nonstop service to Los Angeles (LAX), with the inaugural flight departing today. This new route offers another convenient and affordable connection to the West Coast for travelers in our region. In addition, Breeze celebrates the beginning of its new, nonstop service to Pittsburgh (PIT), one of the largest markets for visitors to the Louisville region.
“Today’s new flights on Breeze connect Louisville to two of our most requested markets for both business and leisure travel,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates Louisville’s airport. “Breeze’s continued investment in Louisville reflects the strength of our market and growth of our community as a destination. These new nonstops give travelers in our region more convenient options while supporting business and tourism growth.”
The addition of Los Angeles and Pittsburgh builds on Breeze’s expanding presence in Louisville and underscores the importance of even more nonstop connectivity to major markets. Direct access to Los Angeles enhances opportunities for both leisure and business travelers, strengthening ties to one of the nation’s largest economic and cultural hubs. Pittsburgh flights connect Louisville to one of the city’s largest inbound tourism markets, with over 300 people traveling between the two cities daily by road.
Nonstop flights to Los Angeles will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while service to Pittsburgh, which began just in time for the Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, operates on Thursdays and Sundays. Fares are on sale now at FlyBreeze.com.
These routes are part of Breeze’s broader growth in Louisville, where the airline continues to add service that meets demand for affordable, nonstop travel. Following today’s flights to the West Coast and last week’s addition to Pittsburgh, Breeze also launches nonstop service to Hartford, CT (BDL) on Friday, May 29. Flights to Hartford will operate on Mondays and Fridays.
Since arriving at SDF in 2021, Breeze has steadily grown its footprint, offering travelers more choices and expanding Louisville’s connectivity. The airline’s continued expansion highlights the region’s growing demand and its appeal as both a destination and a place to do business. With these new routes, Breeze offers service to nine destinations from Louisville including Charleston, Fort Myers, New Orleans, Raleigh/Durham, San Francisco and Tampa.
Breeze Airways, founded by David Neeleman, is known for its innovative approach to affordable flying, combining low fares with a premium travel experience. With its modern Airbus A220-300 fleet and customer-friendly policies, Breeze continues to make flying both accessible and enjoyable.
To learn more or to book a flight, visit FlyBreeze.com or download the Breeze Airways app.
Click here to view an online image gallery from the inaugural Breeze Airways flight to Los Angeles (LAX) from SDF on May 6, 2026.
Jeffersonville pilot program will immerse IU Southeast students in Ohio River port’s transportation,logistics, and agribusiness operations with multiple companies
Jonas Powers (pictured above) will be the program's first intern.
JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (May 6, 2026) – Ports of Indiana and Indiana University Southeast have partnered to launch a logistics internship to support local workforce needs and introduce college students to port operations. In May, the program’s first intern, Jonas Powers, will begin a 15-week internship, gaining hands-on experience in transportation, logistics, agribusiness, warehousing, and port operations.
Ports of Indiana operates three ports, which support 50,000 jobs and generate $8.7 billion in annual economic impact for the state. This pilot program will be expanded to offer internships in multiple port locations through university partnerships designed to meet Indiana’s growing logistics workforce needs.
Powers is a second-year student from Corydon, Ind., majoring in Supply Chain Management. During the internship, he will work with Ports of Indiana and four port companies that play a key role in Indiana’s global trade and freight logistics.
“Indiana’s logistics industry depends on a strong workforce, and that starts by helping young people see the exciting career opportunities available in our ports and supply chains,” said Jody Peacock, CEO for Ports of Indiana. “Through our partnership with IU Southeast, we can introduce students to high-demand careers while raising awareness of the vital roles ports play in connecting Indiana businesses to global markets and driving long-term economic growth.”
Indiana University Southeast, located in New Albany, offers top quality and nationally accredited programs and has a track record of strong student outcomes—with 99 percent of graduates going on to employment or graduate school. The partnership reflects the university’s commitment to connecting students with meaningful professional opportunities in the region.
“IU Southeast is excited to partner with Ports of Indiana and offer our students this valuable internship experience,” said Dr. Debbie Ford, Chancellor of Indiana University Southeast. “Partnerships like this create powerful opportunities for our students to connect their classroom learning with real-world experience. By working alongside respected employers, our students gain valuable professional skills while strengthening the talent pipeline that helps our regional economy grow.”
The maritime industry employs 650,000 workers in the U.S., and one out of every five Indiana jobs is related to logistics. In addition, Ports of Indiana is advancing significant job growth initiatives, investing in a $100 million capital program, and developing new multimodal terminals at all three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan.
About IU Southeast: IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality and nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from ten counties in the Louisville region, including Bullitt, Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Trimble, and Spencer counties and discounted tuition for remaining Kentucky residents through the Indiana Partner Program. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.
IU Southeast Media Contact: Nancy Jo Trafton, (812) 941-2676 or ntrafton@iu.edu
About Ports of Indiana: Ports of Indiana is a statewide port authority operating three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan. Established in 1961, Ports of Indiana is a self-funded enterprise dedicated to growing Indiana’s economy by developing and maintaining a world-class port system, and by serving as a statewide resource for maritime issues, international trade, and multimodal logistics.
