First Merchants CEO Mark Hardwick Named to IBJ Media’s Indiana 250

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First Merchants Bank CEO Mark Hardwick was recently named to IBJ Media’s Indiana 250.

Each year, IBJ Media’s Indiana 250 recognizes the most influential leaders across the state in business, government, education, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, arts and entertainment, and more. Hardwick was recognized in the financial & business services category.

Hardwick joined First Merchants Corp. in November 1997 as corporate controller and worked his way up from chief financial officer (2002); leadership responsibilities related to operations, technology and risk management for the corporation (2007); chief operating officer (2016); and, finally, CEO (2021).

First Merchants has been headquartered in Indiana for more than 130 years and serves the Midwest across communities in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. First Merchants serves the Southern Indiana community businesses and residents, as well as expanding its investment through a new Floyds Knobs branch.

Indiana University Southeast Appoints Dr. Patricia Spurr as Nursing Program Director

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NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Indiana University Southeast has announced the appointment of Dr. Patricia Spurr, Ed.D., MSN, CNE, FRE, RN as the new Nursing Program Director, bringing to the university an accomplished leader in nursing education, accreditation, curriculum development, and student success.

Spurr joins IU Southeast following a distinguished career spanning nursing practice, higher education leadership, and regulatory service. Most recently, she served as Chair of Health Sciences at Spalding University, a position she held from 2017 to 2025. Her experience also includes leadership roles as Chair of a School of Nursing, BSN Program Director, Associate Dean, and RN-to-BSN Program Director. She has served as a Nursing Education Consultant for the Kentucky Board of Nursing and as both a Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACS-COC) accreditation site visitor. Spurr will begin her new position at IU Southeast on Aug. 1.

“Dr. Spurr brings an exceptional combination of leadership, academic expertise, and deep knowledge of nursing accreditation and regulatory compliance,” said Dr. Michelle Williams, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at IU Southeast. “Her extensive experience supporting curriculum innovation, student achievement, faculty development, and program quality makes her uniquely qualified to lead our nursing program into its next chapter.”

As Nursing Program Director, Spurr will provide leadership for curriculum development and assessment, accreditation and state board compliance, faculty coordination, student support initiatives, clinical partnerships, strategic planning, and continuous program improvement. Her role will help ensure that IU Southeast’s nursing graduates are prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Southern Indiana and the broader region.

Throughout her career, Spurr has been recognized as a champion for student success and nursing excellence. She has presented nationally on student retention, National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) preparation, nursing regulation, academic integrity, and innovative approaches to nursing education. Her work has focused on creating learning environments that support student persistence, achievement, and professional readiness.

“Dr. Spurr’s steadfast commitment and dedication to student success reinforces the Nursing Program’s record of excellence in preparing highly qualified graduates,” noted Dr. Quinn Dauer, Interim Dean of the College of Health, Nursing, and Sciences. “Through her leadership, the Nursing Program will continue to equip nurses with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce and enhance the well-being of our communities.”

A Certified Nurse Educator and Fellow in the National Council of State Boards of Nursing’s Institute of Regulatory Excellence, Spurr has contributed to nursing education and accreditation efforts at institutions across the country. Her experience evaluating nursing programs and guiding continuous improvement initiatives has established her as a respected voice in the profession.

“I am honored to join Indiana University Southeast and to work alongside the talented nursing faculty, staff, students, and healthcare partners who contribute to the program’s success,” said Dr. Spurr. “Nursing education is at a pivotal moment, and I look forward to supporting student success, maintaining excellence in accreditation and regulatory compliance, and preparing graduates to meet the healthcare needs of our communities.”

IU Southeast’s Nursing Program has a long history of preparing highly skilled and compassionate healthcare professionals who serve the region’s hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations. The addition of Spurr reflects the university’s continued investment in academic quality, student achievement, and workforce development.

 

About IU Southeast: Indiana University Southeast is a regional campus of Indiana University located in New Albany, Indiana, just six miles from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. With more than 3,750 students, IU Southeast offers high-quality, nationally accredited, academic programs in business, communication and technology; health, nursing and sciences; education; arts and human services; and other fields aligned with regional workforce needs. Through partnerships with employers and community organizations, IU Southeast prepares graduates with the knowledge, skills and experiences to succeed in a changing workforce and contribute to the economic vitality of the Kentuckiana region. Students from 10 Kentucky counties are eligible for in-state tuition through an Indiana-Kentucky reciprocity agreement, while other Kentucky residents may qualify for reduced tuition through the Indiana Partner Program. For more information, visit southeast.iu.edu.

Governor Braun Visits IU Southeast, Praises Workforce-Focused Partnerships

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New Albany, Ind. — Indiana Governor Mike Braun visited Indiana University Southeast on Monday, July 27, to recognize the university’s growing partnerships with regional employers and healthcare providers that are preparing students for high-demand careers while strengthening Indiana’s workforce.

Braun met with university leaders and toured the new facilities for IU Southeast’s Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) program. Launched in January 2025 through a partnership with Norton Healthcare, Baptist Health Floyd, and UofL Health, the program is helping address the growing demand for medical laboratory professionals who perform the diagnostic testing critical to detecting, diagnosing, and treating disease.

Interim College of Health, Nursing, and Science Dean Dr. Quinn Dauer introduced Dr. Karen Golemboski, director of the MLS program, who shared the value the program offers the community.

“Partnerships between education and the workforce make good sense,” said Golemboski. “Our students benefit from learning alongside healthcare partners and graduate prepared to work in every area of the clinical laboratory.”

The facility features modern instructional classrooms and teaching laboratories, including collaborative microscope and specimen preparation areas where students gain hands-on experience before completing clinical rotations. Nearly every IU Southeast MLS student is expected to graduate with at least one job offer, with starting salaries around $70,000.

Bailey Beck, an IU Southeast graduate who returned to campus to pursue the MLS program, said the opportunities in Southern Indiana made the decision an easy one.

“The opportunities happening here [in southern Indiana] in healthcare mean this is exactly where I want to be,” said Beck.

Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Michelle Williams also highlighted IU Southeast’s transition from six schools to three colleges, a reorganization designed to create stronger academic pathways and better align programs with regional workforce needs.

“In this day and age, for our students, the expectation is not just that we graduate them with a degree, but that we graduate them with meaningful experiences and the competencies they need to succeed in the workforce,” said Williams.

Braun said IU Southeast’s emphasis on employer partnerships reflects Indiana’s focus on connecting higher education to workforce needs.

“IU Southeast is working directly with employers to give Hoosier students the experience they need to move into in-demand careers with great wages,” Braun said. “These partnerships help employers fill valuable jobs and give graduates a strong reason to build their careers and lives here in Indiana.”

Chancellor Debbie Ford noted that 97% of IU Southeast graduates surveyed were employed or continuing their education within one year of graduation, and 95% of employed graduates were working in their chosen field.

“Those outcomes demonstrate the strength of our partnerships with employers and the opportunities available to our graduates throughout the region,” Ford said.

Ford also noted that IU Southeast remains one of the region’s most affordable universities, with 59% of graduates earning their degree without student loan debt.

IU Vice President for Regional Campuses and Online Education Ken Iwama, Vice President for Government and Community Relations Shannon Kiely Heider, and District 3 Floyd County Commissioner Jason Sharp were also on hand to share the impact partnerships between IU Southeast and area employers have on the regional workforce.

The Medical Laboratory Science facility will welcome students for classes in August, with a ribbon-cutting celebration planned for September. The program represents one of several initiatives through which IU Southeast is expanding partnerships with employers to prepare graduates for the region’s fastest-growing industries while helping meet critical workforce needs across Southern Indiana.

 

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.

First Merchants Bank Expanding Investment in Southern Indiana

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MUNCIE, Ind. — July 29, 2026 — First Merchants Bank (NASDAQ: FRME) is expanding its investment in the Southern Indiana market with a new Floyds Knobs banking branch and expanded local leadership, reinforcing its commitment to helping local businesses, families and communities prosper.

New Floyds Knobs Branch Opens August 13

First Merchants recently opened a new branch in Floyds Knobs, Indiana, located at 4909 Old Vincennes Road. This new banking center is committed to customer convenience through a team that values relationships and understanding the customer’s needs in the Southern Indiana market. The branch will host a grand opening event Thursday, August 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate with Southern Indiana residents, businesses and community leaders.

“We are excited to become part of the Southern Indiana community and build on the relationships our team has established throughout the region,” said Mike Stewart, President of First Merchants Bank. “As a community-focused bank, First Merchants is committed to providing the convenience of neighborhood banking, local expertise and comprehensive financial solutions. This new banking center strengthens our ability to support homeownership, economic development and the long-term financial success of the communities we serve.”

The opening of the Floyds Knobs branch is part of First Merchants’ broader $6 million investment in Southern Indiana. Built by Floyds Knobs-based AML Construction and designed by Indianapolis architecture firm Schmidt Associates, the new branch reflects First Merchants’ ongoing commitment to strengthening its presence in the region while providing modern, welcoming spaces for clients and the communities it serves.

In addition to the new $2.5 million, 2,500-square-foot Floyds Knobs location, the bank has invested $3.5 million to refresh its 14 Southern Indiana branches with updated interiors, new furniture, signage, paint and other facility enhancements.

Expanded Southern Indiana Leadership

As part of First Merchants’ commitment to growth in southern Indiana, the bank recently appointed Paul Fultz, retired Audit and Business Unit Professional Practice Partner for KPMG LLP, to its Boards of Directors. Fultz brings more than 30 years of experience working at KPMG’s Louisville office, advising public company boards through complex financial and regulatory matters – expertise that aligns with First Merchants’ focus on supporting sustainable growth in the region.

Fultz joins First Merchants’ Southern Indiana leaders Eric Howard, Market President; Jamie Matthews, Managing Director, Corporate Banking; Tony Schoen, CPA, President of Specialty Lending; Derrick Jackson, Executive Vice President & Chief Credit Officer and Larry Myers, Board Member.

Together, these leaders combined have 140 years of experience in the industry, were raised in the Kentuckiana community and are passionate about serving local businesses and residents. Beyond being active with several national and local banking trade associations, they also serve their local communities in leadership positions with Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana, Boy Scouts of America, Fund for the Arts – Louisville, One Southern Indiana and the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana.

“Southern Indiana isn’t just a market we serve — it’s our home,” said Eric Howard, Market President, First Merchants Bank. “Our leadership team has spent decades building relationships with local businesses, families and community organizations, and we’re committed to helping this region continue to grow and thrive. By combining deep local knowledge with the resources of a strong Indiana-based bank, we’re able to deliver thoughtful financial solutions while remaining actively invested in the community where we live and work.”

For more information on First Merchants and to find a local Southern Indiana 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/.

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

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