Indiana American Water Completes Acquisition of Silver Creek Water Corporation

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Adds Nearly 8,000 New Customers and Welcomes New Employees

GREENWOOD, IN (November 6, 2024) – Indiana American Water completed its $45 million acquisition of the Silver Creek Water Corporation (SCWC), as of November 6, 2024. The membership-owned water utility serves approximately 8,000 water customers from Silver Creek and Carr Townships in Clark County, and New Albany Township in Floyd County in southern Indiana.

“Silver Creek Water Corporation has been a highly valued wholesale water customer, and we are thrilled to welcome their customers and employees to Indiana American Water,” said Matthew Prine, president of Indiana American Water. “We look forward to providing our new customers with high-quality water service and a wide range of benefits, including water usage tools, flexible payment options, and the ability to report concerns and receive alerts through the MyWater customer service portal.”

The acquisition follows a member referendum in November 2023, where over 74 percent approved the sale to Indiana American Water. Former SCWC members will benefit from the sale proceeds distribution, which will be managed by the Silver Creek Water Corporation board of directors.

On September 4, 2024, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) approved the sale, allowing Indiana American Water to serve SCWC customers immediately after the closing of the transaction.

“Selling the water system to Indiana American Water was not a decision that we took lightly. But it was not a decision that we could make alone. The members ultimately voted and determined that it was the right decision for our community,” said Doug Chumbler, board president of SCWC. “This professional company has the size and expertise to stay at the forefront of water quality and safety technologies, ensuring our systems remain modernized. This is crucial for providing safe, reliable, and affordable water services to residents.”

Customers will receive more information via mail soon. They can also watch a welcome video on YouTube by clicking here.

For more information, billing inquiries or account questions, customers can visit Indiana American Water’s website, under Customer Service & Billing.

Indiana American Water has completed seven acquisitions in the last five years. Selling to Indiana American Water is considered by some municipalities, private, or member-owned water and wastewater systems as advantageous due to factors such as long-term rate stability, access to capital, efficient operations, and the ability to leverage size and buying power to procure goods and services cost-effectively.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

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


About Indiana American Water

Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.4 million people.

 

Media Contacts

Joel Reuter

External Affairs Manager

(317) 441-7783

joel.reuter@amwater.com

IU Southeast to Host Annual Futurecast: Economic Outlook 2025

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NEW ALBANY, Ind. (Nov. 4, 2024) – IU Southeast will host this year’s Indiana Business Outlook Panel on Wednesday, Nov. 13.  

This event will take place in the IU Southeast Hoosier Room. Breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. and panel presentations will begin at 9 a.m., following a short welcome from moderator, Dr. David Eplion, dean of the IU Southeast School of Business. The event will end with a public question-and-answer session.   

Esteemed IU faculty panelists, among the leading economic leaders in the state, will share their economic predictions for the upcoming year including global, national, state, city, and agricultural impacts.  

The following speakers will sit on the panel in New Albany:   

  • Phil T Powell, Executive Director – Indiana Business Research Center, Clinical Associate Professor of Business Economics and Public Policy  
  • Russel Rhoads, Clinical Associate Professor of Financial Management, IU Kelley School of Business Indianapolis  
  • Jennifer Rice, Senior Lecturer, IU Kelley School of Business  
  • Uric Dufrene, Sanders Chair in Business, IU Southeast (regional outlook)  
  • David Eplion, Dean, IU Southeast School of Business (moderator)  

The tour began October 30, in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the Indianapolis Artsgarden, and will then travel to ten communities across the state. Uniquely, in each community, an expert on the regional economy joins the panel, offering attendees the fullest perspective on economic affairs possible.  

Tickets to the Indiana Business Outlook Panel cost $25 per person or $175 for a table of eight. Register for this event online by Friday, Nov. 8. For more information, contact Nicole Driscoll at driscoll@iu.edu   

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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 eight counties in the Louisville region. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus. 

 

SoIN Tourism Collecting Community Input for Resident Sentiment Survey 

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Adult residents of Clark & Floyd counties can complete the survey November 4 – 18 

Southern Indiana (November 4, 2024) – SoIN Tourism, the Clark-Floyd Counties Convention & Tourism Bureau located in Southern Indiana, is seeking community input to help ensure tourism’s benefit to the region’s economy and local quality of life. From November 4 – 18, 2024, residents of Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana are invited to complete a Resident Sentiment Survey conducted by Longwoods International. 

The survey will measure how residents feel about tourism, including new businesses and developments and the overall impact of visitors on Clark and Floyd counties. Survey participants must be at least 18 years old and live in Clark or Floyd County, Indiana. All responses to the survey are completely confidential. 

To complete the survey and have your voice heard, click here. 

The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete. Those who complete the survey will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. 

SoIN Tourism last conducted a resident sentiment survey in 2021 just as the tourism industry was beginning to recover from the pandemic. Collecting regular feedback from residents allows SoIN Tourism to identify areas of opportunity and address community concerns. 

For more information on the survey or to interview a SoIN Tourism representative, please contact Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com or 812-282-6692. 

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

 

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Melvin and Vickie Jensen Nature Preserve and Trails to Be Dedicated November 12

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Name for the 200-Acre Regional Park to Be Announced at the Same Event

NEW ALBANY, IN — The Floyd County Commissioners and Floyd County Parks & Recreation will jointly hold a formal dedication and ribbon cutting of the new Melvin and Vickie Jensen Nature Preserve and Trails at noon on Tuesday, November 12, at the site on 1430 N Tucker Road in Georgetown, Indiana. Members of the Jensen family will be on hand. The 75-acre preserve includes several miles of trails, all of which will be open to the public.

At the same ceremony, the official name will be unveiled for the new 200-acre regional park which will be adjacent to Novaparke Innovation & Technology Campus in Georgetown and which will encompass both the Melvin and Vickie Jensen Nature Preserve and Trails (formerly the Jensen farm) and the former site of the 156-acre Mitsch farm. Upon completion, the park will be the largest in Floyd County, and will also include sports fields, agricultural activities and more. The park will be adjacent to Novaparke on one end, allowing employees of the

companies who locate there to access its trails and other resources, and to the Brookstone subdivision on the other, and will lie just across State Road 64 from the Knob Hill subdivision.

“Melvin Jensen was known for the love he had for his property,” Floyd County Director of Operations Don Lopp noted. “He reached out to us before his passing in 2022, and his family has been very supportive of what he wanted to do in terms of maintaining his dream of a park and a trail system.”

Added Floyd County Commissioner Al Knable, “Both the Melvin and Vickie Jensen Nature Preserve and Trails and the regional park as a whole will add greatly to the quality of life in Floyd County, and will serve as a destination for residents as well as visitors from outside the county.”

Matt Denison, Superintendent of Floyd County Parks and Recreation, said, “One of the qualities that draws people to an area is the presence of parks and other outdoor attractions. As part of our Master Plan, these two additions will greatly enhance the already vibrant park system in Floyd County.”

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Don Lopp
Floyd County Director of Operations & Planning
(812) 981-7611                                                         
dlopp@floydcounty.in.gov                                      

Matt Denison
Superintendent, Floyd County Parks and Recreation
(812) 948-5360
mdenison@floydcounty.in.gov

IU Southeast’s Michelle Williams Selected for National Academic Leadership Academy

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NEW ALBANY, Ind. (Nov. 1, 2024) – The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) has selected Dr. Michelle Williams, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at Indiana University Southeast as one of 25 outstanding higher education leaders to participate in its 2024 Academy for New Provosts (ANP).

The leadership development program is designed for the specific needs of new provosts at state colleges and universities. The program, which is in its fifth year, gives cohort members the opportunity to connect with their peers as they learn strategies for tackling the distinctive challenges they will face in their role.

“My excitement in participating in the Academy for New Provosts is the opportunity to join other chief academic officers from across the country in an environment that fosters collaboration and synergy,” said Williams. “Universities foster curiosity, creativity, and innovation dynamically. This yearlong academy will provide networking opportunities to share ideas and best practices, so all participants learn from each other’s experiences.”

Williams assumed the role of Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (EVCAA) in February 2024, and serves as the chief academic officer, responsible for the management, quality, development, coordination, evaluation, and promotion of all academic programs and courses on or off the IU Southeast campus.

The EVCAA oversees all faculty matters and has overall responsibility for periodic review of academic programs and regular assessment of academic achievement, retention, persistence, and institutional effectiveness for program improvement. The EVCAA also serves in the chancellor’s absence as the institution’s senior institutional officer.

Before her appointment at IU Southeast, Williams served as the vice provost of the University of West Florida.

“Congratulations to Dr. Williams on being selected to participate in the AASCU Academy for new provosts,” said Dr. Debbie Ford, chancellor of IU Southeast. “ASSCU is a trusted partner in preparing and inspiring the next generation of academic leaders who serve as champions of student success.”

ANP will prepare new provosts to build trust through effective communication; strengthen their psychological and physical resilience; navigate between the president’s vision and the expectations of faculty members; integrate academic planning with budget, facility, and IT planning; manage key relationships for success; and understand principles of exemplary academic leadership, change management, and university finance and budget.

The 2024 Academy for New Provosts met in Washington, D.C., Oct. 22-25 for their first in-person gathering. The group will also participate in monthly virtual learning and networking sessions. ANP is made possible, in part, by generous support from AASCU strategic partner Ad Astra.

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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 eight counties in the Louisville region. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.

IU Southeast seeking for entries for The Next Big Thing Pitch Competition

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NEW ALBANY, Ind. (Oct.25, 2024) – The IU Southeast School of Business and The Novaparke Innovation and Technology Campus are taking entries to The Next BIG Thing Pitch Competition. As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the competition is a celebration of all entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurial spirit.

“Global Entrepreneurship Week is celebrated worldwide, and the IU Southeast School of Business is thrilled to be a part of this celebration in Southern Indiana,” said Dr. Aycan Kara, associate professor of strategic management and entrepreneurship at the IU Southeast School of Business. “This year’s theme, ‘Entrepreneurship Is for Everyone,’ perfectly captures our region’s entrepreneurial spirit.”

“Our community boasts a diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. Small startups coexist with large multi-million-dollar companies that maintain an entrepreneurial mindset. Seasoned business owners work alongside first-time entrepreneurs, creating a vibrant mix of experience and fresh ideas,” said Kara.

Entrepreneurs entering the competition will have the chance to present their ideas to a panel of experts, entrepreneurs, and mentors, who will provide valuable feedback and guidance on each project. Registrants will also compete with other individuals/teams from around southern Indiana and the best pitches will receive cash awards, mentorship, and exposure.

There are two categories for entry including the Fast Pitch, and Pitch Tank competitions. A total of $30,000 will be split between the competition categories, along with office space at NovaParke Innovation & Technology Campus, and memberships to Maker13.

Sponsors for The Next Big Thing Pitch Competition include IU Southeast, NovaParke Innovation and Technology Campus, Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC), Republic Bank, Ideology, the Root Co-Working Space, Floyd County Library, and Maker13.

The Fast Pitch competition is for individuals/teams who have identified a problem to solve, have addressed a customer need, have executed market research, and have a rough business plan; however, they have not identified or finalized a minimum viable product or service to offer. Businesses must have operated for six months or fewer. The first-place award for the Fast Pitch competition is $5,000 in non-dilutive grant funding and a one-year membership to Maker 13 in Jeffersonville, IN.

The Pitch Tank is for individuals/teams who have a completed business plan and have identified a specific minimum viable product or service to offer. . The first-place award for the Pitch Tank competition is $25,000 in non-dilutive grant funding and office space for the 2025 calendar year at Novaparke Innovation and Technology Campus in Georgetown, IN.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2024. The application must include a completed application, a three-minute elevator pitch video, and an executive summary, not to exceed 1,000 words. Finalists will be selected, and all applicants will be sent a notification email by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13.

The Live Event will take place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the IU Southeast Hoosier Room. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. for networking.

“The Next Big Thing Pitch Competition, in only its second year, is a great event that helps community innovators, and our students understand that they can be part of a local and university-wide entrepreneurial support system of mentors, peer support, and resources,” said Dr. Seuth Chaleunphonh, regional campus and online education faculty fellow and regional coordinator for IU Innovates.

“The Next BIG Thing Pitch Competition is one way to showcase and celebrate this entrepreneurial spirit. We believe no idea is too small to pitch or build a business around. Entrepreneurship is for everyone, regardless of your background or experience: Whether

you’re a musician, maker, teacher, coder, tech enthusiast, seasoned entrepreneur, serial innovator, or just starting your journey,” said Kara.

For more information or to submit a registration, visit the Next BIG Thing event page, https://events.iu.edu/southeast/event/1659683-the-next-big-thing-pitch-competition.

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About IU Southeast: IU Southeast is one of seven campuses of Indiana University. Offering more than 150 degree programs and concentrations, 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 eight counties in the Louisville region. IU Southeast has three nationally recognized, accredited schools including the School of Business, School of Education, and School of Nursing. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.

Waterfront Botanical Gardens Receives $5 Million in City, State Funding to Advance Its Master Plan

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Celebrates 5th Anniversary of Public Opening

LOUISVILLE, KY (October 24, 2024) — Waterfront Botanical Gardens is excited to announce $5 million in new funding to accelerate the next phase of its Master Plan. The funding includes $4 million from the Kentucky General Assembly and $1 million from Louisville Metro, coming as the Gardens celebrate five years since opening to the public.

“We are deeply grateful for this unprecedented support from both the Kentucky General Assembly and Louisville Metro,” said Philip Koester, President & CEO of Waterfront Botanical Gardens. “This marks a pivotal moment for the Gardens as we embark on Phase 2 of construction, creating even more opportunities for people to connect with nature in this unique urban oasis. We are thankful for their confidence in our vision for a greener, healthier Kentucky.”

Funding Allocation and Project Details

The $5 million will come from both the state and local governments. The Kentucky General Assembly will provide $2 million in 2024 and another $2 million in 2025, while Louisville Metro’s $1 million contribution will be disbursed by the end of this year. Phase 2 includes the Japanese Garden. The $5 million from city and state will focus on infrastructure for Phase 2A—the Graeser Family Bonsai Garden, Tree Allée, and Beargrass Creek Overlook. Phase 2B will see the completion of the remainder of the Japanese Garden designed by Shiro Nakane of Kyoto, Japan.

Senate President Robert Stivers praised the project’s transformative impact, stating, “Waterfront Botanical Gardens stands for what was once a blight on Louisville’s landscape, transforming it into a beacon of possibility, repurposed with vision into something that inspires and uplifts. In addition to creating a uniquely beautiful green space, Waterfront Botanical Gardens provides environmental education and community events, which mean opportunities for economic development. The $4 million investment in this project is an investment in the quality of life for Kentuckians, and we are proud to showcase Kentucky as a vibrant arts and cultural destination for visitors from the region and around the world.”

Construction Timeline

The Gardens plan to break ground on Phase 2A in early 2025. Initial work will focus on “preloading” the site—a process of compacting soil to ensure stability for future structures. This step is especially critical given the Gardens’ location on the former Ohio Street Dump. The preloading process will take approximately six months, during which time design and construction teams will remobilize. Full construction is expected to commence in the fall of 2025.

In addition to government support, the Gardens are actively working with individual donors and foundations to reach their total fundraising goal of $10.2 million for Phase 2A.

Endorsement from Community, Government Leaders

Senate Caucus Chair Julie Raque Adams also expressed her enthusiasm for the project, noting its importance for the community. “Waterfront Botanical Gardens is a true cultural treasure for Kentucky, offering more than just a beautiful space. It is an opportunity to elevate the quality of life for everyone who visits. We are committed to supporting the Gardens’ continued growth because public green spaces foster connection, education, and well-being. Completing Waterfront Botanical Gardens’ Master Plan will be a huge win for the Commonwealth, and we are proud to invest in that vision.”

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg shared his excitement for what the Gardens have accomplished, and the future ahead. He said, “I know that you all are just getting started, and that’s one of the reasons you have such strong public support. You are already a tremendous asset to our city, to our entire state. The future is so exciting.” He continued, “Taking a landfill and turning it into a botanic garden, it’s also an economic driver for downtown Louisville, and for our entire region, and the Commonwealth.”

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Waterfront Botanical Gardens is developing an urban botanical garden just east of Downtown Louisville by transforming a landfill and creating a place where nature prospers and people thrive through education, entertainment, community, and tourism.

The Gardens opened to the public in October 2019, and have developed approximately five acres of the full 23-acre site. In 2023, the Gardens welcomed over 56,000 visitors. Phase 1 of a 4-Phase Master Plan has been completed. Visit waterfrontgardens.org/news/press-room for the Phase 2 Press Kit.

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. 

Southern Indiana Global Entrepreneurship Week October & November Events

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NEW ALBANY, IN — The 17th annual Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is November 18-24, with the theme “Entrepreneurship is for Everyone,” a week of events with the centerpiece being this year’s “The Next BIG Thing Pitch Competition.” Sponsors include Indiana University Southeast, Indiana Small Business Development Center, Novaparke Innovation & Technology Campus, Republic Bank, Floyd County Library, Maker 13, The Root, Idealogy Marketing + Design.

The scheduled events are as follows:

High School Entrepreneur Resource Fair – Tuesday, November 19. 9 AM – 2 PM

This event, held at Maker13 in Jeffersonville from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., connects high school students with local entrepreneurs to learn about the valuable resources, support, and opportunities to foster growth and innovation that exist within our community. This event is sponsored by Republic Bank. To register a student for this event, please email Kyleigh.Hublar@maker13. com.

IEDC ESO Summit & Yearbook Release Celebration – Thursday, November 21, 9 AM – 6 PM

This statewide summit for entrepreneur support organizations (ESO) will be held at FORUM Events Center, 11313 USA Parkway, Fishers, Indiana. Doors open for registration at 9 a.m., with welcoming remarks at 10:00 a.m. workshops and breakout sessions from 11:00 – 4:00 (with lunch at noon). Panels will present and share the best practices in entrepreneur-led economic development around the state. Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) will host a yearbook release party immediately following the summit from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. All 2024 honorees will be recognized on stage. For additional information about this invitation-only event, please email mfulkerson1@isbdc.org.

The Next BIG Thing Pitch Competition – Wednesday, November 20, 6 – 8:30 PM

Applications open October 16 and close November 6, with finalists presenting for prizes on November 20. This exciting evening of innovation, inspiration, and networking brings some of the brightest minds in local entrepreneurship together to showcase their groundbreaking ideas and compete for up to $25,000 in seed capital. This event, proudly presented by

Novaparke, will be held in the IU Southeast Hoosier Room (inside of University Center North) and is FREE to attend. A food buffet and non-alcoholic beverages are included with your admission.

Founders Beer – Friday, November 22

For adults age 21 and over, meet local founders at Parlour Pizza, located at 131 West Chestnut Street in Jeffersonville, Indiana, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. (EST).

The Next BIG Thing Pitch Competition – Additional Information

Applications will be accepted from October 16 through November 13, 2024, 5:00 p.m. (EST). No late applications will be accepted. The application must be submitted online at https://www.maker13.com/gew/application and include the following items:

Fast Pitch

This category is for individuals/teams who have identified a problem to solve, have addressed a customer need, have executed market research, and have a rough business plan; however, they have not yet identified or finalized a minimum viable product or service to offer. Business must have operated for six months or fewer.

Participants in the Fast Pitch cohort must be an Indiana resident or have an existing business organized within the state of Indiana. If the business is not yet organized, winning submissions must agree to start the submitted business idea within the state of Indiana to receive financial prizes.

Fast Pitch First Place Award: $5,000 in non-dilutive grant funding, and a 1-year membership to Maker13 in Jeffersonville, IN.

Pitch Tank

This category is for individuals/teams who have a completed business plan and have identified a specific minimum viable product or service to offer.

Participants in the Pitch Tank cohort must be an Indiana resident or have an existing business organized within the state of Indiana. If the business is not yet organized, winning submissions must agree to organize the business within the state of Indiana in order to receive the First Place Award. To accept the Pitch Tank First Place Award, the winning individual/team must also agree to work from office space on the Novaparke Innovation and Technology Campus in Floyd County for the full duration of the 2025 calendar year.

Pitch Tank First Place Award: $25,000 in non-dilutive grant funding, and office space for the 2025 calendar year at Novaparke Innovation and Technology Campus in Georgetown, IN.

All determinations as to participant eligibility shall be made at the sole discretion of the Next BIG Thing Pitch Committee reviewing the initial pool of applicants.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Mike Fulkerson, Ecosystems Navigator Indiana SBDC, Southeast Region
303 Scribner Dr. Suite 202 New Albany IN. 47150
Direct: (502) 794-0799
Email: mfulkerson1@isbdc.org https://www.maker13.com/gew

Louisville Zoo Welcomes Binturong to Islands

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (October 17, 2024) – Meet Bianca! The Louisville Zoo is excited to introduce Bianca, a 1-year-old female binturong or “bearcat,” a rare mammal native to Southeast Asia. Bianca, who arrived from Greensboro, North Carolina, is the first of her kind at the Zoo. Visitors can now see Bianca in the Islands pavilion, where she has settled into the habitat once home to prehensile-tailed porcupines.

Since joining the Zoo, Bianca has quickly charmed her care team with her curiosity and agility. Keepers note she is enthusiastic to interact during training sessions and loves climbing the various levels of twisting branches and wooden platforms in her newly redesigned space. Guests will enjoy watching the nearly 30 lb. bearcat explore and showcase her energetic nature in her new environment.

About Binturongs

Also known as bearcats, binturongs live in the rainforest of Southeast Asia. These arboreal mammals are known for a unique scent, which resembles buttery popcorn, and is produced by their scent glands to mark their territory. Their main diet consists of insects, birds and fruit, although they are considered carnivores. Binturongs are primarily nocturnal. They have a prehensile tail (which means it is capable of grasping objects), and the animals often use it like a fifth limb to navigate through the forest. 

Binturongs are listed as vulnerable in some parts of their range and endangered in others. They face threats from habitat destruction, poaching for traditional Asian medicines, and the fur and pet trades. In some areas, they are also considered to be a delicacy and are hunted for food. 

Palm oil production is also a challenge for the rainforests where binturongs reside. To learn more about selecting palm oil free or sustainable palm oil products, visit our website at louisvillezoo.org/palm-oil.

Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Now through March 14, 2025, hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with guests exiting by 5 p.m. The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more information.

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The Louisville Zoo, the State Zoo of Kentucky, is the top, non-profit, paid attraction in the state. The Zoo is dedicated to bettering the bond between people and our planet by providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors, and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. The Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

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Jennifer Henry Jackson Selected for Ignite Louisville  Class of Spring 2025

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 14, 2024)—The Leadership Louisville Center has selected Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorney Jennifer Henry Jackson to participate in the Ignite Louisville Class of Spring 2025. The six-month class teaches the key components of leadership to young professionals between the ages of 25 and 45 years old. 

Based in the Louisville, Ky., office, Jackson is a member of the Torts & Insurance Practice Service Group, White Collar Criminal Defense Practice Group and the Health Care Service Group. She handles a wide variety of litigation matters, including product liability, toxic and mass torts, medical malpractice, professional liability, premises liability and actions alleging serious personal injury or death. Jackson routinely defends clients in state and federal criminal cases. Her experience includes representing health care providers in complex fraud investigations involving the Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Agency, as well as state investigative agencies. 

Created in 1979, the Leadership Louisville Center is the region’s most valuable resource for leadership development and civic engagement. Its mission is to grow and connect a diverse network of leaders who serve as catalysts for a world-class community through dynamic programming and strong community connections. 

About Stites & Harbison 

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With 11 offices across six states — Kentucky, Georgia, Indiana, 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.