National Merit Scholar Corinne Ramsey values service as new IU Southeast student

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(New Albany, Ind.) – Service is an important part of incoming freshman Corinne Ramsey’s life and has strongly affected her decision to study at IU Southeast. A Charlestown High School graduate and National Merit Scholar, Ramsey will be entering IU Southeast in the Fall 2026 semester, majoring in Environmental Chemistry, under the new bachelor’s degree in Physical Science.

“IU Southeast appeals to me because of its strong science program, engaging faculty, and open invitation to make a lasting difference while still in school,” said Ramsey.

Ramsey was also heavily influenced by her participation in her youth group and on her school Relay for Life Team to choose a career where her mind could best serve others.

“This pathway will challenge me to learn in both an analytical and innovative sense, ultimately preparing me to be an adaptable scientist who serves others by solving problems specific to the local environment.

She was also inspired by her grandfather, who served as an environmental analyst.

“He traveled to various countries and advised their governments on how to institute sustainable habits. I hope to be like him in that my work helps others to reach their full potential by providing a healthy physical environment.”

Ramsey says her family prepared her for college by providing constant encouragement, and that their support is a huge part of her success story. She’s uncertain what job best suits her goal of solving environment-based human problems, but knows she wants to serve others through her career.

Ramsey will be a part of the Honors Program and will be living on campus this fall. She is excited for the opportunity to form strong connections.

“I look forward to college classes for their peer collaboration and professor involvement. I believe that these two things will give academic challenges more meaning and lead to learning that is applicable beyond the course itself. I also plan to spend a lot of time learning about career pathways and life after college by hearing from faculty who have already walked that road.”

Ramsey plans to take part in the vibrant campus culture at IU Southeast, including Christian Student Fellowship.

“To make the most of college, I want to be deeply involved in the organizations I take part in with the intention of leaving a lasting positive impact on the community at IUS.”

The best advice Ramsey has gotten on her student journey so far is to not be afraid of making mistakes.

“I’ve learned a lot from trying things I wasn’t sure I was cut out for. And boy, did I make a lot of mistakes, but now I am more courageous and a better learner.”

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. 

Legal 500’s US City Elite 2026 Honors 11 Stites & Harbison Attorneys in Kentucky

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 17, 2026)—Legal 500 has recognized 11 Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys in its inaugural US City Elite 2026 rankings for Kentucky.

Legal 500 US City Elite is a city-focused ranking series that recognizes exceptional attorneys practicing in local and regional US markets. The rankings focus on regional powerhouse firms that operate at the highest levels in their respective legal markets. Selections for the US City Elite list are based on referee and peer feedback, key matters within the past year and attorney interviews.

Stites & Harbison’s honored Kentucky Members (Partners) include:

Kentucky Elite:

Frederick R. Bentley (Reggie) – Commercial Disputes
Bentley’s practice focuses on complex business and commercial litigation, class action litigation, real estate litigation and appellate advocacy.

Bethany A. Breetz – Commercial Disputes
Breetz’s practice focuses on both state and federal appellate advocacy as well as complex commercial litigation, including financial institution, real estate, and trust and estate litigation.

Michael E. Kleinert – Commercial Disputes
Kleinert represents clients regarding complex commercial litigation, contract negotiations, regulatory matters, insurance coverage matters, civil litigation, business torts and professional liability matters.

Chadwick A. McTighe – Commercial Disputes
McTighe represents clients in a wide range of business and commercial litigation matters, including extensive practice in class action litigation, shareholder and membership disputes, real estate litigation, data breaches and fiduciary duty litigation.

David B. Owsley II – Commercial Disputes
Owsley is an experienced trial and appellate lawyer who has successfully represented clients through bet-the-company litigation in more than 35 jurisdictions in a wide array of high-stakes matters and jury trials spanning from intellectual property and commercial disputes to complex tort cases.

T. Morgan Ward, Jr. – Commercial Disputes
Ward’s practice focuses on business and commercial litigation, including real estate litigation, corporate governance disputes, regulatory and constitutional matters, and trust and estates litigation.

Brian A. Cromer – Corporate and M&A
Cromer is recognized for advising leading U.S. and the international businesses on significant corporate transactions and legal disputes, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital investments, corporate finance matters and corporate governance issues.

Nicholas J. Lococo (Nick) – Corporate and M&A
Lococo focuses his practice on public and municipal finance, including identifying the most efficient means to finance a transaction, analyzing potential transaction risks, and drafting and reviewing legislation, agreements and certificates.

Rachel Owsley – Corporate and M&A
Rachel Owsley is an experienced transactional attorney focusing on employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) matters, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and compliance matters, conservation easement matters and other strategic commercial transactions.

Walter S. Robertson – Corporate and M&A
Robertson represents clients in all matters of business including commercial lending, mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, securities regulation and equine law.

Alison M. Zeitlin – Corporate and M&A
Zeitlin is a transactional lawyer who focuses on equine law, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate governance matters.

About Stites & Harbison

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With 12 offices in eight states — Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia — the firm represents clients across the United States and internationally. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is known as a preeminent firm managing sophisticated transactions, challenging litigation, and complex regulatory matters on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.stites.com.

Contact:
Kimberly G. Schmittel
502-681-0463
502-799-6029 FAX
kschmittel@sites.com

IU Southeast receives Community Collaboration Fund grant for ETA and Business Transition Initiative

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Indiana University Southeast has received a $40,000 Community Collaboration Fund grant for the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) and Business Transition Initiative. 

The grant, in partnership with regional organizations, including the Jeffersonville Township Public Library, Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Southeast and the Chamber of Commerce of Harrison County, will enable IU Southeast and IU Innovates to expand entrepreneurship education and outreach across the region by increasing awareness of ETA as a viable pathway to business ownership. Through educational programming, regional events, and partnerships with community organizations, the initiative will connect aspiring entrepreneurs with business owners planning for succession, helping preserve locally owned businesses, retain jobs, and strengthen the regional economy. 

The grant will also provide students, faculty, and community members with opportunities to engage directly with industry experts, business buyers, and sellers while developing knowledge and skills related to business acquisition and transition.

As part of the grant-funded programming, IU Southeast will host a full-day event introducing main concepts to both prospective buyers and sellers. The event will take place in November 2026, ahead of Global Entrepreneurship Week activities. Another set of educational sessions will take place between January and May 2027 and will cover topics tailored specifically to buyers and, separately, to sellers. In May 2027, another one-day event will take place to continue the conversation on Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition and Business Transition and to promote the retention of economic power within the community.

The grant is funded by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and marks the first time IU Southeast has applied for and received this award. It will be overseen by program manager Dr. Aycan Kara, IU Southeast Professor of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship, who wrote the grant proposal with ongoing input and support from IU Innovates and IU Southeast. Kara also hopes to work with OneSI and Main Street organizations to broaden the impact of the initiative. 

“At IU Southeast, as in many entrepreneurship programs throughout the region, the focus is often on startups,” said Kara.  “Our students and other attendees will learn about various aspects of Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition, connect with individuals who have bought or sold businesses, and engage with experts in the field.”

The Indiana Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s March 2026 report indicates that 51.7% of Indiana business owners—approximately 44,000 businesses—are age 55 or older, representing $205.5 billion in annual business revenue. Kara is excited to bring this educational programming to the local community and throughout our service region.

“It is only natural that many Baby Boomer business owners will seek to retire over the next decade. The challenge before us is to retain these businesses in our communities by ensuring that these owners have viable succession and transition plans.” 

National research indicates that 92% of small businesses close rather than finding buyers or transferring to new ownership. In Indiana, an estimated $57.26 billion in revenue from 55+ owned businesses statewide could be transferred to the next generation of entrepreneurs through acquisition, particularly among businesses in the $1 million to $15 million acquisition-target tier.

“This grant will allow us to educate the next generation of potential entrepreneurs to see Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition as a viable career path,” said Kara. “It will also allow us to educate current business owners on how transitioning their businesses to family members, key operators, or aspiring owner-operators can help the community thrive, allow the owner to retire with dignity, and preserve the jobs, services, and economic value these businesses provide to our region.”

Chancellor Debbie Ford said the grant represents an investment in the future of the Kentuckiana region by helping aspiring entrepreneurs to recognize opportunities they may never have considered.

“By connecting education with real-world opportunity through the Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition and Business Transition Initiative, we’re strengthening our regional economy, supporting job creation, and ensuring that valuable businesses and the knowledge behind them remain part of our communities for generations to come.”

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. 

NEWS RELEASE
Indiana University Southeast
Contact:  Nancy Jo Trafton
812-941-2676
ntrafton@iu.edu

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First Merchants Recognized by TIME Magazine as One of “America’s Best Companies 2026”

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MUNCIE, Ind. — July 9, 2026 — First Merchants Bank (NASDAQ: FRME), a $21 billion asset[1] financial institution serving communities across Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, was included in TIME Magazine’s “America’s Best Companies 2026” list. There were 1,000 companies recognized with this distinction, and First Merchants was one of 141 banks on the national list, highlighting the bank’s scalability and personalization in supporting local clients and the community.

This ranking identifies top-performing U.S. companies using a data-driven evaluation across employee satisfaction, which was based on employee survey data accessing employer ratings across working conditions, salary, culture and more; financial performance showing revenue growth, profitability and asset performance using multi-year financial data; and sustainability transparency, which evaluates environmental impact, social responsibility and governance practices.

“We’re honored to be recognized by TIME as one of America’s Best Companies,” said Mike Stewart, President of First Merchants Bank. “Our success is rooted in the strength of the local communities we serve and the commitment of our employees to helping clients achieve their financial goals. This recognition reinforces our purpose of helping families, businesses and neighborhoods prosper.”

TIME and research partner Statista used the following methodology to develop the list of America’s Best Companies. The 1,000 highest-scoring companies were recognized.

  • Employee Satisfaction – Based on survey data from approximately 217,000 verified employees at U.S. companies over the past three years, covering company recommendations and employer ratings across image, atmosphere, working conditions, salary, workplace and equality.
  • Financial Performance – Drawn from Statista’s revenue database over the last five years. Companies needed at least $100 million in revenue in 2025. Performance was assessed on multiple metrics: short-term (2023–2025) and long-term (2021–2025) revenue growth (relative and absolute), changes in net income, asset growth and the evolution of return on assets (ROA), all for 2023–2025.
  • Sustainability Transparency – Based on an ESG index from Statista’s ESG database and additional research, covering:
    • Environmental: 2024 carbon emissions intensity, reduction rate vs. 2022 and CDP score.
    • Social: Share of women on the board of directors and existence of a human rights policy.
    • Governance: Presence of a GRI-aligned CSR report and a compliance/anti-corruption policy.

The prestigious TIME honor is one of many accolades for First Merchants, including recently being recognized on Forbes’ World’s Best Banks 2026 List. For more information on First Merchants and to find a local branch, visit https://www.firstmerchants.com/. 

About First Merchants Corporation  
With approximately $21 billion in assets1, First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME) is a registered bank holding company offering a full line of commercial and consumer banking services and wealth management services through First Merchants Bank and First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. With more than 130 years of enhancing the financial wellness of the diverse communities it serves, First Merchants makes meaningful contributions through employee empowerment, philanthropy, charitable giving, financial wellness, and community home and business lending. The company has been honored for its attentive and knowledgeable service and culture by Forbes, Time Magazine, American Banker, and S&P Global Intelligence “Best Banks” awards. First Merchants attributes this recognition to a mission-driven team that is passionate about “helping you prosper” through attentiveness as its genuine and unique approach to customer service. To see how First Merchants is making a difference, go to https://www.firstmerchants.com/. 

Media Contacts 

Jaime Faulkner 
Director of Corporate Communications 
765-747-1336 
jfaulkner@firstmerchants.com 

Colleen Settle
Borshoff
317-242-8907
Colleen.Settle@borshoff.biz

1 Includes the assets from the acquisition of First Saving Financial Group on February 1, 2026. 

 

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Paige Riley Elected to VIPS Board of Directors 

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 9, 2026)—Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS) recently elected Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney Paige E. Riley to its Board of Directors. She will serve a three-year term. 

Founded in 1985, VIPS is a nonprofit that provides early intervention services to Kentucky and Indiana’s youngest children with blindness and low vision. Services include evaluations, in-home visits, and access to resources that help parents and caregivers better understand and support their child.  

Riley is an attorney based in Stites & Harbison’s Louisville, Ky., office. As a member of the Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group, she handles a wide variety of litigation matters.  

She routinely represents health care providers in complex medical malpractice cases and represents nurses, nursing homes, long-term care facilities and a variety of allied health professionals in actions alleging significant personal injury or death. Her practice also includes product liability, professional liability, premises liability and motor carrier litigation.  

Outside of the firm, Riley is active in a variety of professional and community organizations. She is a member of the American Bar Association’s Health Law Section and the Kentucky Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. She serves as a student mentor for both the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and the Leadership Council on Legal Diversity. Additionally, Riley is a past member of the Brandeis School of Law’s Alumni Council. 

About Stites & Harbison 

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With 12 offices in eight states — Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia — the firm represents clients across the United States and internationally. Tracing its origins to 1832, Stites & Harbison is known as a preeminent firm managing sophisticated transactions, challenging litigation and complex regulatory matters on a daily basis. For more information, visit www.stites.com. 

400 West Market Street
Suite 1800
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 587-3400
(502) 587-6391 FAX
www.sites.com

Contact:
Kimberly G. Schmittel
(502) 681-0463
(502) 779-6029 FAX
kschmittel@sites.com

River Ridge Development Authority Reserves Land for Future Clark County 911 Emergency Response Facility

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JEFFERSONVILLE, IN (July 8, 2026) – At a special meeting of its Board of Directors, the River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) approved a resolution reserving approximately 3.4 acres of land at the River Ridge Commerce Center for the future expansion of Clark County 911’s emergency response operations.


The property, located immediately west of the existing Clark County 911 Call Center, will be held in reserve for up to three years while Clark County 911 pursues state and federal funding and finalizes development plans.


Clark County 911 plans to develop the site into a logistics and emergency response facility that will support public safety operations by providing secure, accessible space for critical equipment and resources used during emergencies, natural disasters, and other community response efforts.


“Approval of this resolution reflects RRDA’s continued commitment to supporting essential public safety infrastructure and ensuring that land is available for projects that benefit Clark County residents,” said Marc Hildenbrand, RRDA Executive Director. “This is exactly the kind of public purpose partnership envisioned in the reuse of this former military property.”


Under Indiana law, RRDA may transfer property acquired through the military base reuse program to governmental agencies for public purposes on mutually agreed-upon terms.


“We are grateful to River Ridge for recognizing the importance of long-term planning for emergency response and for taking this meaningful step to support Clark County 911,” said Brad Meixell, Executive Director for Clark County 911. “Reserving this land gives us the opportunity to plan for future needs and strengthen the resources available to serve residents, first responders, and communities across Clark County.”


The action builds on previous RRDA support for Clark County 911, including the land donation for the county’s primary public safety answering point, which currently serves residents throughout Clark County.


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 80 companies such as Amazon, Meta, CSPowerTech, 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 Contacts:
River Ridge Development Authority
Wendy Dant Chesser, Chief Director
Phone: 812-285-8979
Email: wendy@riverridgecc.com

IU Southeast Graduates Lead IU Regional Campuses in Career Success and Employment in Their Field

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NEW ALBANY, Ind. (July 1, 2027) – A new survey from Indiana University shows that graduates of Indiana University Southeast continue to achieve exceptional career outcomes, leading all IU regional campuses in both job placement rates and graduates employed in their field of study.

According to the IU First Destination Survey, 97 percent of IU Southeast graduates from the 2024-25 academic year were either employed or enrolled in graduate or professional school within one year of graduation.

The survey, conducted by Indiana University’s Office of Student Success in collaboration with campus career services and Institutional Analytics, collected data from more than 78 percent of IU Southeast graduates through student questionnaires, departmental reports, and publicly available sources.

Among graduates, 74.9 percent were employed, and 22.1 percent were continuing their education through graduate or professional programs. Nearly one-third (29.2 percent) of those pursuing advanced education enrolled in health professions programs. Fewer than one percent entered military service, while only 2.3 percent of graduates reported still seeking employment.

Among graduates who accepted employment offers, 86 percent were working full time and reported an average salary of $56,480.

Nearly 95 percent of employed graduates indicated that their jobs were directly related to their field of study. Top employers included Norton Healthcare, UPS, Samtec, Baptist Health, Deming, Malone, Livesay & Ostroff CPA, and ADP Payroll Solutions. Additionally, 95 percent of employed graduates were working in Indiana or Kentucky, underscoring IU Southeast’s role in developing and retaining talent throughout the region.

“This year’s results affirm what our students and alumni experience every day — an IU Southeast education creates opportunity,” said Chancellor Debbie Ford. “Our graduates are not only finding jobs; they are building meaningful careers in the professions they set out to pursue. Through personalized support, experiential learning, and strong partnerships with employers across our region, IU Southeast continues to prepare graduates who are ready to lead, contribute, and make an immediate impact in their communities and workplaces.”

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

NEWS RELEASE

Indiana University Southeast

Contact: Nancy Jo Trafton

812-941-2676

ntrafton@iu.edu

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Busy Independence Day Travel Expected at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

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Louisville, KY (June 30, 2026) – The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is preparing for a busy Fourth of July travel period, with passenger volumes expected to remain strong and overall travel demand comparable to what the airport experienced during the 2025 holiday. From Thursday, July 2, through Sunday, July 5, the airlines have scheduled more than 33,000 departing seats at SDF.

“SDF continues to serve our community by providing travelers with convenient nonstop access to more than 40 destinations across the country while maintaining the efficient, customer-focused experience that passengers expect from our airport,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates Louisville’s airport. “The continued strength of holiday travel demand, combined with new air service options, reflects the growing value SDF provides to both business and leisure travelers throughout our region.”

Travelers heading out for summer vacations also have more destination options this year thanks to several new routes added at SDF last month. Breeze Airways launched new nonstop service to Los Angeles (LAX), Pittsburgh (PIT) and Hartford, CT (BDL), providing enhanced access to Southern California, Western Pennsylvania and the New England region. Additionally, Allegiant Air introduced new nonstop service to Gulf Shores (GUF), offering travelers a convenient option for reaching the Gulf Coast, including Orange Beach.

I-65 Central Corridor Project

As a reminder, the I-65 Central Corridor Project continues and 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 continues 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 ramps, and USPS Air Mail Facility and Post Office (4440 Crittenden Drive).

Travel Tips

With the large volume of passengers expected around Independence Day, below
are several helpful tips for SDF travelers.

  • Arrive 2-hours in advance of the flight’s departure, especially for those
    morning departures prior to 8:30 a.m. 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. All information is available at
    SDFPark.com, including real-time status updates for each parking area.
  • Save on parking with SDF’s Express Shuttle Lot that is only $6 a day with
    advanced registration ($9 without advanced registration) at SDFPark.com.
  • 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.

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. 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 www.FlyLouisville.com to learn more.

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

SoIN Tourism to Unveil New Poster Prizes by Local Artist at Summer Passport Party July 8 

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Southern Indiana (June 24, 2026) – Enjoy free family-friendly activities, an artist meet and greet, and more at the SoIN Summer Passport Party from 3 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, at the Southern Indiana Visitor Center, 228 Spring St., Ste. 106 in Jeffersonville, IN. During the party, SoIN Tourism is unveiling three new poster prizes for their year-round passport programs. Each print was designed by local artist Adam Kleinert as an exclusive prize for passholders. 

The community is invited to celebrate the poster reveal with family-friendly fun at the Visitor Center! 

  • Free balloon animals by Fossi Lou Balloons 
  • Kids’ crafts & activities 
  • Lemonade bar & Parlour pizza 
  • Giveaways for local pools & water parks 

Media Opportunity 

SoIN Tourism will reveal the new set of posters at 3:30 p.m. Artist Adam Kleinert and a representative from SoIN Tourism will be available for interviews following the reveal.  

Summer Passport Party Limited Time Offer 

The year-round Scenic SoIN, Inspired SoIN and Stranger Things of SoIN passports allow visitors, and residents, to explore Southern Indiana’s best sights, creative scenes and peculiar spots with ease.  During the party, passholders can check in at just five locations on any of the three passports to claim one of Kleinert’s new posters! Offer is only available during the SoIN Summer Passport Party. Poster must be claimed by 7 p.m. on July 8, 2026, at the SoIN Visitor Center. 

Visit GoSoIN.com/Passports to sign up for SoIN Tourism’s digital passports. Access using your smartphone and start checking in to earn points for prizes or for entries into grand prize drawings. If you are planning to attend, or if you would like to set up an interview in advance, please contact Senior Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com or 812-282-6692.  

Note: Graphics are available for editorial use. 

About Adam Kleinert 

Adam Kleinert, a resident of Henryville, IN, is a traditional mixed media artist who uses watercolor, gouache, ink, and more to create comic and pop culture art. He specializes in custom artwork for pop culture fans and is breaking into the Indie Comic scene. On Sundays, catch him on Extol’s “This Is Southern Indiana” on WLKY where he travels across Southern Indiana exploring and painting well-known attractions and hidden treasures.  

About SoIN Tourism 

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, O: (812) 282-6692, Anna@GoSoIN.com  

SoIN Tourism Announces New Hire & Leadership Promotions

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Southern Indiana (June 23, 2026) – SoIN Tourism, the destination marketing agency for Clark and Floyd counties in Southern Indiana, announced a new hire and multiple team promotions to support efforts to attract leisure travelers, group tours, meetings and events while enhancing visitor experiences.

“We congratulate Todd, Kia and Anna and on their promotions,” said SoIN Tourism Executive Director Jim Epperson. “Southern Indiana is entering an exciting period of growth, with new attractions, sports facilities and destination development projects creating opportunities for our communities and tourism partners. We are fortunate to have a team on whom we can rely to take on new responsibilities as our needs evolve. We also welcome Beth to our talented team and look forward to her contributions.” 

Beth Combs Hired as Destination Services and Events Coordinator

As Destination Services and Events Coordinator, Beth Combs will lead SoIN Tourism’s visitor services operations while overseeing the Southern Indiana Visitor Center, Mobile Visitor Center, and off-site activations, showcasing Southern Indiana’s attractions and experiences. She will also work closely with local tourism partners, attractions and community stakeholders to strengthen the visitor experience and increase destination awareness.

Combs brings an extensive background in delivering superior experiences for visitors and guests. Most recently, she helped plan and execute major events as an Events Coordinator at the Frazier Kentucky History Museum. She has also served as a Tour Guide for the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites and a Docent for the Harrison County Discovery Center in Corydon, Indiana.

Todd Read, CDME, Promoted to Director of Sales & Services

Todd Read was promoted to Director of Sales and Services. In his new role, he will lead the organization’s group travel, meetings, sports tourism and visitor services strategies while cultivating relationships that generate new visitation and economic impact for the destination. His expanded role focuses on capitalizing on emerging opportunities in the sports and meetings markets.

Read joined SoIN Tourism as Visitor Information Coordinator in 2014 before shifting into group sales where he devoted a decade to building key relationships in the industry’s motorcoach and group tour markets. Earlier this year, he earned the Certified Destination Management Executive (CDME) designation from Destinations International, the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement following his completion of the program. Read received Travel Alliance Partnership’s 2023 Spirit of TAP Award, which recognizes professionals who exemplify collaboration and leadership within the travel industry. He was also named a Group Travel All-Star by Leisure Group Travel and is an alum of Louisville Business First’s People to Know in Tourism and Hospitality.

Kia Black Promoted to Senior Business Intelligence Manager

Kia Black was promoted to Senior Business Intelligence Manager. In this expanded role, she will lead destination research, analytics, business intelligence and CRM oversight, providing data-driven insights that help guide organization-wide strategic decisions and community investment in tourism-related development.

Since joining SoIN Tourism as Research and Data Manager in 2023, Black has strengthened the organization’s research and reporting capabilities, helping to better illustrate tourism’s economic impact to residents and community stakeholders. She has also become a trusted voice in tourism analytics, sharing research and industry insights with tourism professionals across the state, country and internationally. She has lent her expertise to multiple conferences, including Indiana Tourism Association’s (ITA) 2025 Marketing Summit and the Travel and Tourism Research Association’s (TTRA) 2025 International Conference in Galway, Ireland. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana University Southeast in 2024.

Anna Rosales-Crone Promoted to Senior Communications Manager

Anna Rosales-Crone was promoted to Senior Communications Manager. In her new role, she will continue elevating Southern Indiana’s evolving tourism product through storytelling and strategic communication, while overseeing destination messaging, media relations, content strategy, stakeholder outreach and community advocacy.

Since joining SoIN Tourism in 2022, Rosales-Crone has worked closely with marketing, sales and community partners to elevate Southern Indiana’s profile among visitors, travel media, local media and tourism stakeholders through digital and traditional channels. She also serves as a spokesperson for the organization and has helped increase awareness of the value of tourism to local businesses, residents and community leaders. In 2024, Rosales-Crone was named one of Louisville Business First’s People to Know in Tourism and Hospitality.

The changes come as Southern Indiana prepares for several transformational community development projects. New assets, like the Jeffersonville High School Natatorium, are expected to expand opportunities in the sports tourism market, while future developments, such as Wildwater at Origin Park and the proposed Clockworks project in Clarksville, have the potential to attract more overnight stays to the region. Combs, Read, Black and Rosales-Crone are part of a larger team of tourism professionals who work collaboratively to market Southern Indiana, support local tourism partners and strengthen the region’s visitor economy through strategic sales, marketing, research and visitor services initiatives.

Headshots are available for editorial use.

To learn more about SoIN Tourism or to schedule an interview with a SoIN representative, please contact Senior Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com.

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.