Heritage Federal Credit Union Grand Opening of New Location

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Jeffersonville, IN – November 19th, 2025— Heritage Federal Credit Union is proud to announce the grand opening of its newest branch, located at 2013 Jeffersonville Commons, Jeffersonville, IN. The new Jeffersonville branch marks an important step in Heritage Federal Credit Union’s ongoing mission to Improve Lives; Simplify Banking. We are excited to announce Todd Lancaster, as our Jeffersonville Market President. Todd brings nearly 30 years of banking experience and a passion for helping our members and the community.  Since 1965, Heritage has been serving members by offering a full range of financial services in personal, business, and wealth services. As a credit union, we value our pillars of philanthropy and proudly support Youth Empowerment, Economic Sustainability, and Community Health through our dedicated work with local nonprofit organizations, supporting 120 of them within the past year.

Ribbon Cutting on November 19th, 2025

The community is invited to join in celebrating this exciting milestone as Heritage continues to expand its presence and commitment to Southern Indiana. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 12:00 EST with Fistful of Tacos food truck, giveaways and raffles. Community members, local officials, and business leaders are encouraged to attend and meet the new Heritage team.

For more information, visit https://www.heritagefederal.org

About Heritage Federal Credit Union

Heritage Federal Credit Union is a Federally Insured Credit Union which offers financial products and services to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, participates in programs to alleviate poverty or distress, or participates in associations headquartered in; and businesses and other legal entities, incorporated and unincorporated organizations located in; or maintaining a facility located in Gibson, Posey, Warrick, Vanderburgh, Daviess, Knox, Spencer, Pike, Perry, Crawford, Clark, Floyd, and Harrison Counties in Indiana; Henderson, Daviess, Hopkins, Hancock, Ohio, McLean, Webster, Union, and Crittenden Counties in Kentucky; and Lawrence, Wabash, White, Gallatin, and Hardin Counties in Illinois.

 

Media Contact: Date: October 27, 2025
Sami Etienne For Immediate Release
Director of Marketing
Heritage Federal Credit Union
812-253-6928 community@heritagefederal.org

River Ridge Development Authority Helps Grow Chapel Lake Park

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RRDA donates equipment and personnel for community tree planting at park built on land it originally gifted to the city

Jeffersonville, IN (October 27, 2025) – The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) joined community members and city officials on Friday for a tree planting event at Chapel Lake Park, reaffirming its commitment to supporting environmental sustainability and community development throughout the region.

As part of the effort, RRDA donated the equipment needed to plant 15 trees near the disc golf course. The event brought together city staff, volunteers, and partners to enhance one of Jeffersonville’s most scenic public spaces.

Chapel Lake Park sits on land originally donated by the River Ridge Development Authority, making this latest contribution a meaningful continuation of RRDA’s long-standing investment in the community.

“This project represents what River Ridge is all about—building for the future while strengthening our communities,” said Marc Hildenbrand, Executive Director of the River Ridge Development Authority. “We’re proud to continue supporting Chapel Lake Park and to help create spaces where families and neighbors can come together.”

“The trees planted were paid for through an ongoing program that allows developers the option to omit a portion of their required landscaping by paying a fee to the City,” said Chad Reischl, AICP, Jeffersonville’s Director of Planning and Zoning. “We then use this money to plant trees in our parks and public spaces where they are most wanted.”

“The City of Jeffersonville past investments in quality-of-life amenities attract residents and visitors to our parks.  Opening the disc golf course last year was one of our latest commitments to Chapel Lake Park, and the addition of trees in the parking area creates a more serene setting for the area.”

The new trees planted last week will add beauty, shade, and long-term environmental benefits to the park, ensuring that Chapel Lake remains a vibrant and welcoming destination for the community.

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, Canadian Solar, Collins Aerospace, Medline, and PharmaCord.  Onsite employment totaled more than 12,675 in 2024, and the Commerce Center produced a record-breaking economic impact 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 Contacts:
Wendy Dant Chesser, Chief Director
wendy@riverridgecc.com, (812) 285-8979

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Facilitates Aircraft Emergency Training Exercise

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Louisville, KY (October 21, 2025) – Today the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) will hold a full-scale, aircraft emergency disaster drill on the airfield. The airport’s Public Safety Department with support from a variety of emergency response agencies in the community will utilize a portion of the airfield as part of a simulated aircraft incident. It will include a period of fire, smoke and approximately 100 volunteers who will act as passengers on the aircraft. There will also be activities in the terminal related to this training exercise. All activities surrounding the drill will begin mid-morning and conclude by late afternoon.

Motorists traveling on I-65 and I-264/Watterson Expressway as well as those in areas along the airport’s perimeter including Preston Highway, Standiford Lane, Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road can expect to see or hear the exercise in progress. This may include flames, smokes and a heavy presence of emergency response vehicles.

“Even as aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, it’s
crucial that our Public Safety and entire airport team are always prepared and ready to respond to an emergency situation,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority.

“Exercises like this one today gives our team and community partners the opportunity to practice their skills, putting their trainings to the test and going through our response processes in a simulated live environment.”

The full-scale training exercise will be held on a portion of the airfield that will not impact normal airport operations. Communications in the airport’s terminal, on FlyLouisville.com and its social media channels will be shared so the public is aware of the simulated drill should they see any of its activities. The exercise scenario will include the following elements to add realism to the simulated incident:

    • Numerous emergency vehicles and first responders from the airport’s
      Public Safety Department and mutual aid support from surrounding
      communities’ emergency response agencies

    • A period of fire and smoke

    • Conversations between dispatchers and responders on emergency
      radio frequencies

    • About 100 volunteer role players including moulage to simulate injuries
      sustained from the incident

    • Support helicopters staged and responding to the exercise site
      New for this year is the addition of a mock trauma response area in
      partnership with the University of Louisville Hospital to train for mass casualty
      incidents. This will allow trauma physicians and nurses to be on-site, and
      simulate their response to those immediate medical needs.
      Since 2023, the Airport Authority has invested more than $2 million in
      emergency response equipment. This includes two new Rosenbauer Panther
      6×6 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Crash Trucks, a new UTV miniambulance, 15 military-grade litters and various triage tools.
      In addition to the full-scale training exercise on Tuesday, additional Public
      Safety trainings will be held on the airfield during the day on Monday, October
      20 and Wednesday, October 22. On all three days, periods of flames and
      smoke with a heavy emergency vehicle presence may also be visible from the
      terminal and surrounding roadways and areas.

      For more information about the airport, visit FlyLouisville.com.

      MEDIA ASSETS
      Click here to view photos from the aircraft emergency training exercise at
      SDF on October 21, 2025.

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 35 nonstop destinations from Louisville. SDF is home to UPS Worldport, moving millions of tons of product each year, making it the 3rd busiest cargo airport in North America and 5th 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

Official Swearing-In Ceremony for Jeffersonville Police Chief and Assistant Chief 

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Chief Michael “Scott” McVoy
Assistant Chief Joshua Lynch

Jeffersonville, IN — The City of Jeffersonville invites members of the media to attend the official swearing-in ceremony for Chief Michael “Scott” McVoy and Assistant Chief Joshua Lynch. The ceremony will take place during the Board of Public Works Meeting on Wednesday, October 1, at 9:30 a.m. in the Mayor’s Conference Room at Jeffersonville City Hall. 

Chief Michael Scott McVoy: 

Michael “Scott” McVoy is a 17-year law enforcement veteran, currently serving as Interim Chief of Police for the City of Jeffersonville. He has previously served as the Jeffersonville Assistant Chief of Police since 2015. McVoy is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 281 and the Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Command Session 136. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Columbia Southern University in Criminal Justice and is on track to complete his master’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration in February 2026. 

Chief McVoy has dedicated his career to building strong relationships between law enforcement and the community while focusing on officer wellness, training, and modern policing strategies. He is recognized for advancing programs that improve the health, safety, and professional development of officers, while also implementing fiscally responsible initiatives that strengthen departmental efficiency. 

Beyond his police leadership, McVoy currently serves as an elected official in the Town of Sellersburg, as District 1 Councilman since 2019. He is also very active in community youth sports, coaching youth baseball and mentoring young athletes for the last 12 years at various levels. He is married to his best friend, Kelly McVoy for 18 years, has four children—Kelsey, Michael, James, and Nate—and one grandson, Mateo. 

Respected by peers and community leaders alike, McVoy is committed to fostering trust, transparency, and collaboration to ensure both public safety and the well-being of those who serve the community. 

Assistant Chief Joshua Lynch Bio: 

Assistant Chief Joshua Lynch graduated from Jeffersonville High School in 1998 and has raised his two sons in his hometown with his high school sweetheart and wife, Kristi. He has proudly served the people of Jeffersonville as a police officer since 2003. 

In 2017, Lynch graduated from the University of Louisville’s Southern Police Institute Administrative Officers Course, and in 2021, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Purdue University Global. 

During his nearly 23 years of service, Lynch has held a variety of roles, including Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Bike Patrol Officer, Training Instructor, and Crisis Negotiator. In 2012, he was appointed Division Commander, overseeing the Training Division as well as the SWAT Team, and in 2019, he was appointed to command the Uniform Patrol Division. 

For more information: (502) 295-3738 

David Ratterman Inducted into University of Kentucky  2025 Hall of Distinguished Alumni 

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 6, 2025)—The University of Kentucky (UK) Alumni Association recently inducted Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney David B. Ratterman into the 2025 Hall of Distinguished Alumni. He is one of 20 inductees this year.  

“It is an extraordinary honor to see David inducted into the University of Kentucky’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni,” stated Marjorie A. Farris, Chair of Stites & Harbison. “Those of us who have had the privilege of working alongside him know the depth of his dedication — not only to the legal and construction industries, but also to the University of Kentucky, education, mentorship, and public service. David’s career has been defined by tireless advocacy, visionary leadership, and a genuine commitment to bettering the professions and institutions he serves. This recognition by the University is richly deserved, and we couldn’t be more proud of him.” 

The UK Alumni Association recognizes a select group of outstanding alumni and honors them by induction into the prestigious Hall of Distinguished Alumni every five years. The Hall pays tribute to those UK alumni who have distinguished themselves and their alma mater through their contribution to the welfare of the commonwealth and nation in arts, sciences, business, industry, engineering, journalism, politics, military science, religion, agriculture, labor or other fields of endeavor. A total of 353 alumni have been inducted since 1963. 

Ratterman is a Senior Member (Partner) and consultant to the firm’s Construction Service Group on matters involving the fabricated structural steel industry in the U.S. and internationally. He has earned numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He is a Fellow and former Governor of the American College of Construction Lawyers. In 2014, Ratterman was presented the American College’s Past Presidents’ Award for exemplary service to the College over a period spanning nearly the entire 25-year history of its existence. He also was the Co-Founder and first Chair of the Kentucky Bar Association Section on Construction and Public Contract Law.  

Ratterman has been an officer or advisor to 12 industry trade organizations and professional societies involved in the international fabricated structural steel industry. He served as Secretary and General Counsel of the American Institute of Steel Construction and as counsel to its National Steel Bridge Alliance for 30 years. In 2012, AISC named an annual college scholarship for him focused on helping children of the steel industry’s blue- and white-collar families. AISC also awarded Ratterman the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring those who have provided outstanding service to AISC and the structural steel design/construction/academic community. 

Lastly, he is a longtime supporter of the University of Kentucky. He is a past President of the UK Alumni Association. He received the Distinguished Service Award from UK Alumni Association (2012), was inducted into the UK College of Engineering Hall of Distinguished Alumni (2016), and was awarded the Department of Civil Engineering’s Construction Management Founders Society Lifetime Achievement Award (2018). 

About Stites & Harbison 
Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With multiple 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. 

GARDENS AGLIMMER RETURNS TOWATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS FOR THE SIXTH YEAR

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Holiday magic will once again be on every branch,
with new attractions and amenities.


Louisville, KY– A beloved holiday tradition will return this holiday season when Waterfront
Botanical Gardens hosts Gardens Aglimmer, an enchanting winter wonderland featuring
twinkling lights, whimsical displays, and nostalgic experiences.


Beginning Friday, November 28, guests are invited to stroll the illuminated pathways decorated
with glowing flowers, shimmering snowflakes, twinkling archways, and sparkling deer. Children
can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, write their letter to Santa, and make a holiday keepsake
ornament. Don’t forget to grab a pair of Holiday Specs 3D glasses to enhance the experience!
Warm drinks and sweet treats will be for sale at the outdoor Jingle All the Way Café, and
Frosty’s Tinsel Tavern, a new bar inside the Graeser Family Education Center will offer beer,
wine, and festive signature cocktails for purchase.


“It has been so gratifying to create and enhance Gardens Aglimmer year after year, and watch
so many families embrace it as one of their favorite traditions,” said Megan Bibelhauser, Director
of Marketing and Communications at the Gardens. “We can’t wait to welcome our guests this
season, whether they are regular attendees or experiencing it for the first time.”


Tickets are now on sale here. The event will be open on the dates listed below, and guests may
select admission times of 5:45, 6:15, 6:45, 7:15, or 7:45 p.m.


● Friday, Nov. 28-Saturday, Nov. 29
● Thursday, Dec. 4-Sunday, Dec. 7
● Thursday, Dec. 11-Tuesday, Dec. 23
● Friday, Dec. 26-Tuesday, Dec. 30


In addition, Gardens Aglimmer will host the Thrive School of Dance on Friday, December 12
for performances throughout the evening; a Sensory Friendly Night on Monday, December 15
with reduced capacity and softer lights; and a Date Night (21+) on Wednesday, December 17.

Gardens Aglimmer is presented by Baird Private Wealth Management and sponsored by
Louisville Public Media and Whittenberg Construction.


About Waterfront Botanical Gardens
Waterfront Botanical Gardens is an urban botanical garden just east of Downtown Louisville, built on the site of a former landfill that was closed in the 1970s. The unique and innovative project opened to the public in December 2019, and is a place where nature prospers and people thrive through education, entertainment, community, and tourism. The first phase of a four-phase master plan has been completed, representing the development of approximately five acres of the 23-acre site. Phase 2 will include the addition of the Bonsai House and Display Gardens, which will one day host the Gardens’ signature Bonsai Weekend.


Waterfront Botanical Gardens is free and open to the public, with a suggested admission of $10. For hours of operation, events and programs, and parking/accessibility information, visit waterfrontgardens.org.

SoIN Goes Upside Down October 23 – 25

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October WAVE Country

Anna Rosales-Crone, Communications Manager, SoIN Tourism
Marisa Murphy, Marketing Specialist, SoIN Tourism

Harvest Homecoming
The longtime Southern Indiana tradition, Harvest Homecoming, is back for 2025 and is taking over downtown New Albany starting this weekend. This year’s theme is “Heart of Harvest.” Festivities kick off with a parade at 3 p.m. this Saturday, October 4.

This year’s booth days are Thursday, October 9 through Sunday, October 12. Sample all of your favorite foods, purchase crafts, enjoy live music and support local organizations. Sunday features a sensory inclusion hour from 11 a.m. – Noon, for those with aversion to crowds or with mobility limitations, to enjoy the booths in a less crowded, calmer environment. Weather permitting, this year’s festival will feature a Balloon Glow at 5 p.m. on Friday, October 10. Attendees can take a tethered ride for $20 per person. Rides begin at 5 p.m. and the balloon glow begins at 7:30 p.m. Glow and rides will take place at 500 Scribner Drive (at the former location of Riverview Towers).

This year’s Pumpkin Chunking competition is Tuesday, October 14 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Purdue Polytechnic in New Albany. Teams of high schoolers, college students and adults launch pumpkins up to 100 yards using gravity-powered trebuchets, competing for awards in accuracy, originality, and efficiency. Parking, food trucks and booths featuring kids’ activities open at 4 p.m.

Harvest Homecoming
Dates: October 4 – 14
Time: Varies by Activity
Location: Downtown New Albany, IN Cost: FREE Admission

SoIN Goes Upside Down
With the final season of Netflix’s sci-fi thriller Stranger Things dropping this fall, SoIN is going “upside down” to reveal the “stranger things” of Southern Indiana. While Hawkins, Indiana, only exists on screen, SoIN is ready for you to explore its real-life strange side.

Visitors can use the Stranger Things of SoIN digital passport to explore SoIN’s strange, quirky and sometimes scary side, all season long. Fans of the show can start at the Southern Indiana Visitor Center in downtown Jeffersonville, which has recreated scenes from the hit show. Snap a selfie outside of Castle Byers, step inside the Byers’ living room, or test your pinball skills now through the end of November.

SoIN Tourism and partners will be celebrating, “SoIN Goes Upside Down” weekend from October 23 – 25 with special events and activations.

SoIN Goes Upside Down Selfie Station
Dates: Now – November 26
Location: Southern Indiana Visitor Center, 228 Spring Street, Suite 106, Jeffersonville, IN
Website: gosoin.com/soin-goes-upside-down/

Lights on Trick-or-Treating at House of Anguish
Take a not-so-scary trip through House of Anguish! During this family-friendly event, they will keep the lights on, and visitors can trick-or-treat at candy stations throughout the haunted house. Don’t forget to wear your Halloween costume! In celebration of SoIN Goes Upside Down Weekend, come dressed as a Stranger Things™ character and you will receive a special prize.

Lights on Trick-or-Treating at House of Anguish
Date: Thursday, October 23
Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
Location: Culbertson Mansion State Historic Site, 914 E. Main Street, New Albany, IN Cost: Free

Stranger Things Trivia at Recbar 812
Gather your crew for Stranger Things™ trivia and all of your favorite pinball and arcade games! Order up their Demogorgonzola Sandwich or Gorgon Trail Burger, both tributes to the Netflix show.

Stranger Things Trivia Night
Date: Friday, October 24
Time: 7 – 10 p.m.
Location: Recbar 812, 336 Pearl Street, New Albany, IN Cost: Free with purchase of food & drink

The Science of Stranger Things™ with Boo 812
Step into the Upside Down of science with Boo812 at they explore the real research behind the strange and mysterious. In celebration of the final season of Stranger Things™, they’ll dive into the very real experiments that inspired Eleven’s powers. Around the world, universities and government programs have studied extraordinary abilities like remote viewing, ESP, and psychokinesis. They will be testing the limits of the human mind and body. Just like Eleven’s training at Hawkins Lab, these experiments pushed participants into uncharted territory, blurring the line between science and the supernatural. Get a hands-on look at the hidden history of parapsychology and decide for yourself: is it all just fiction, or is something stranger at play?

Science Behind Stranger Things™ with Boo 812
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 11 a.m. & 12 p.m. (Two 30-minute shows)
Location: Southern Indiana Visitor Center, 228 Spring St., Ste. 106, Jeffersonville, IN Cost: Free

More Halloween/Spooky Events:
Fright Fair at NoCo
Fright Fair is now Fright Fair at NoCo! The annual Halloween-themed festival is moving to

Jeffersonville’s NoCo Arts & Cultural District. This year’s festival takes place from 1–7 p.m. on Saturday, October 25.

Fright Fair features a vendor market with 30+ artisans, live music by Missy and the Misfits with DJ Cam, and a kids zone full of inflatables, crafts, and face painting. Watch live art demos, sample Kolkin Coffee’s special Fright Fair roast, and explore more attractions throughout the day.

Fright Fair at NoCo
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 1 – 7 p.m.
Location: NoCo Arts & Cultural District, 628 Michigan Ave., Jeffersonville, IN Cost: Free to Attend

New Albany Wicked Walk Spooky Season Tours
Take a walking tour to explore all things wicked in downtown New Albany and hear the stories of strange and creepy happenings during a New Albany Wicked Walk. This is a historical tour, not a haunted house, where you’ll learn chilling, graphic and shocking details from the history of downtown New Albany, IN! Be prepared to walk about two miles as the tour lasts approximately 2-2.5 hours. Held rain or shine. This year’s “Spooky Season” tours take place every weekend in October and include Halloween night tours.

New Albany Wicked Walk Spooky Season Tours
Dates: Fridays & Saturdays in October & November 1
Time: Varies by Date
Location: 202 E. Market St., New Albany, IN
Cost: $25/person + tax

House of Anguish
House of Anguish, formerly known as “Literally, A Haunted House,” is back this year at New Albany’s historic and legendary Culbertson Mansion. If you dare, take a tour of the Carriage House in the backyard. This year, they’re inviting you to try and escape the “malevolent souls” who inhabit the Carriage House.

House of Anguish
Dates: Fridays & Saturdays, Now – October 25
Time: 7 – 11 p.m.
Location: 914 E. Main St., New Albany, IN
Cost: $18/person

Worth a Mention:
Dial “M” for Murder at Derby Dinner Playhouse
Derby Dinner Playhouse presents Dial “M” for Murder October 1 – November 9. This suspenseful crime thriller unravels a tangled web of blackmail, passion, and revenge with surprising twists that will keep you riveted until the very end! Tickets include dinner, show, tax, and parking.

Dial “M” for Murder
Dates: October 1 – November 9
Time: Evening & Matinee times available
Location: Derby Dinner Playhouse, 525 Marriott Drive, Clarksville, IN Cost: $45 – 51 per person

For more events and things to do in Southern Indiana, visit gosoin.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and TikTok!

Photos: https://sunnysideoflouisville.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/EudMLYPbSaxPl_f9xFBN76IB-ZnSmskxI80Z_GF8opXEPg?e=kp6qf5

 

Welch Packaging Merges with Elite Packaging Expands Presence in Kentuckiana Region Completes 41st Acquisition in 40th Anniversary Year

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L-R Kristy Murphy (Elite), Scott Welch (Welch Packaging), Krista Uhl (Elite)


ELKHART, Indiana, September 29, 2025 – Welch Packaging Group, Inc., a family-owned and operated
manufacturer of custom corrugated products, has announced its merger with Elite Packaging of
Jeffersonville, IN.

Founded in 2015, Elite Packaging has built a solid reputation in a competitive market by being solutions-focused and service-driven. Like Welch, Elite prioritizes relationships—developing customized programs
and packaging through close collaboration.

“We are excited to expand our presence in this region and welcome Krista and Kristy to our
management team, ” stated Scott Welch, President and CEO of Welch Packaging. “I have known them
for many years and am honored they chose us as a partner to continue their journey. I am humbled to
finally be on the same team. They bring fresh expertise in distribution, kitting, and fulfillment and will
return to their roots to drive sales in Kentucky, Indiana and beyond, if you know these ladies.”
“Our combined strengths—Elite’s experience and Welch’s network of sheet plants—will create new
opportunities for customers, vendors, and associates. This partnership perfectly aligns with our
aspiration to join forces with outstanding independent packaging companies led by strong leaders.
We’re proud to welcome Elite into our family of companies while preserving the legacy they’ve built,”
said Welch.

This marks Welch’s 41st acquisition—coinciding with its 40th anniversary year. “Our goal has always
been to provide an umbrella for family businesses who may not have strong succession plans, growth
resources, or exit strategies,” Welch continued. “These companies typically have deep ties to their
associates, customers, and communities. We want these businesses to see Welch Packaging as a
lifeline—an opportunity to protect their legacy while continuing to grow.”

For Elite’s customers and associates, the merger underscores Welch’s commitment to serving the region
with expanded capabilities and a great associate experience. “We are thrilled to join the Welch Packaging family,” said Krista Uhl and Kristy Murphy. “We’ve shared a friendship with Scott and many of
his team members for years. Becoming part of the Welch network allows us to offer enhanced products,
technology, and a broader services footprint to our customers, while providing greater opportunities
and purpose for our team. Our partnership with Welch in the Louisville area is particularly timely for our
customers, given the significant changes we have seen recently in this market. We’re especially excited
to work alongside Lindsay Welch and Emily Welch Stiglitz of the Welch family — both accomplished
women business owners whose leadership and vision are helping to shape the future of Welch
Packaging.”

Specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

About Elite Packaging:
Elite Packaging is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise focused on optimizing the packaging supply
chain. The company identifies opportunities and develops customized strategies to help customers
improve efficiency and reduce costs across packaging and supply chain operations.

About Welch Packaging
Celebrating forty years in business, Welch Packaging is a family-owned and led company. The Company
is a network of custom corrugated box manufacturers specializing in package design, business solutions
and personalized service for local customers. The business units are supported by the Welch sheet
feeder system. Welch associates are passionate about delivering the Ultimate Corrugated Experience to
customers and engaging with the company cause – To Make a Difference! With a purpose-driven family
culture focused on growth, Welch has a history of integrating new business partners while preserving
their legacy. www.welchpkg.com

Sales Contacts at Elite:
Krista Uhl—Krista@elitepackgroup.com–502.649.5208
Kristy Murphy—Kristy@elitepackgroup.com–859.420.5966

Press Contact:
Blair A. (Andy) Rieth
574-575-4275
riethba@welchpkg.com

IU Southeast, Spalding University Create Preferred Admissions Pathway for Graduate Healthcare Programs 

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(L to R) Spalding University Provost, Dr. Melissa Chastain, Spalding President, Dr. Anne Kenworthy, PsyD student, Daniela Reuter, IU Southeast Chancellor, Dr. Debbie Ford and IU Southeast Exective Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Michelle Williams pose following a signing ceremony between the two universities.

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (September 30, 2025) – Indiana University Southeast Chancellor Debbie Ford and Spalding University President Anne Kenworthy have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a Preferred Admissions Pathway between the two institutions. 

This new agreement creates opportunities for IU Southeast students to seamlessly transition into select graduate-level healthcare programs at Spalding University, including the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT), and Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology (PsyD). 

Under the agreement, Spalding will offer IU Southeast graduates an expedited admissions process with priority consideration for these high-demand programs. To qualify, students must complete their undergraduate degree at IU Southeast and meet Spalding University’s admission criteria for each program. 

“We are excited to collaborate with Spalding University to create clear pathways for our students into graduate healthcare programs,” said Debbie Ford, chancellor of IU Southeast. “This partnership not only opens doors for our graduates to pursue advanced degrees, but it also strengthens the pipeline of healthcare professionals who are so critically needed in our region. Many of these graduates will stay in southern Indiana and Louisville, making a lasting impact on the communities we serve.” 

“This partnership with Indiana University Southeast represents a shared commitment to student success and opportunity, said Dr. Anne Kenworthy, president of Spalding University. “By creating clear pathways into graduate programs, we are helping students dream bigger, achieve more, and prepare to meet the needs of the times, in keeping with Spalding University’s mission.” 

Daniela Reuter, a fourth-year student at the Spalding School of Professional Psychology summarized her experience with the two universities, “I have the privilege of being a practicum student here in the IU Southeast Counseling and Psychological Services office,” said Reuter. “I wish I had the mentorship and support future IUS students will now have with this collaboration. I am honored to be here to witness two incredible universities come together to shape the future and I am confident that many students from IUS and Spalding will benefit from this relationship, and the field of psychology will be better for it.” 

The signing ceremony took place September 30 at Indiana University Southeast, celebrating a shared vision of educational excellence, community service, and regional workforce development. 

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. 

About Spalding University 

Founded in 1814 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Spalding University is a co-educational private institution situated in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. Dedicated to academic excellence and service, Spalding empowers students to meet the needs of the times and inspire positive change in the world. For more information about Spalding University, visit www.spalding.edu. 

For more information, contact:
Indiana University Southeast
Nancy Jo Trafton
812-941-2676
ntrafton@iu.edu

Spalding University
Kylyn Schnelle
502-873-4276
kschnelle@spalding.edu