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. 

 

Pizzuti Announces New 236,324 Square Foot Speculative Building in River Ridge

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SPECULATIVE BUILDING IN RIVER RIDGE

LOUISVILLE, KY – The Pizzuti Companies have broken ground on a 236,324 square foot speculative warehouse in the heart of River Ridge Commerce Center in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The warehouse will be developed on a 14-acre site conveniently located off Highway-62 with excellent interstate access and highway visibility. 
Located less than 15 miles north of Louisville, the strength of the market has driven large build-to-suit projects in this area, including developments for notable companies such as Amazon, Facebook, T-Mobile, Niagara, and Ryder. 
Designed for both single and multi-tenant users, the state-of-the-art building provides great flexibility to modern logistics users; featuring 36-foot clear heights, up to 40 dock doors, 57 trailer spaces, 211 car parking spaces, and LED lighting throughout. 
“Our company has focused on industrial development for the last 40 years, having developed more than 60 million square feet across the country,” said Joel Pizzuti, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Pizzuti Companies. “We are excited to take on another project in Louisville market and provide new speculative space to answer the area’s growing demand.” 
Pizzuti’s developments span the United States as far west as Phoenix, across the Midwest, and throughout the southeast, with offices in Columbus, Chicago, and Nashville. Their client list includes a variety of industry leaders, such as Whirlpool Corporation, PetSmart, Home Depot, DHL, Walmart, Goodyear, Nationwide and Caterpillar. 
“Attracting investment from a powerhouse like Pizzuti is a huge win for the community and shows great momentum for 2024,” said Jerry Acy, Executive Director of the River Ridge Development Authority. “The growth and current success of our Commerce Center sends signals to other interested businesses that Southern Indiana is the right location for high-wage, high-skilled operations. We congratulate Pizzuti on this fantastic news and thank them for considering River Ridge for this investment.” 
CBRE will provide leasing services for the new development. For leasing information, contact Kevin A. Grove (502.412.7615, kevin.grove@cbre.com), or Alex P. Grove (502.412.7655, alex.grove@cbre.com).   
The General Contractor will be AML Construction, who has vast experience in the park. Architectural services will be provided by Ware Malcomb, and Civil Engineering will be provided by American Structurepoint. Protective Life Insurance Company will provide construction financing. Pizzuti would also like to extend special thanks to the River Ridge development team for their tireless work throughout the project, specifically Josh Staten, Marc Hildenbrand, Tom Vittitow, and Jerry Acy.   
About Pizzuti  
Founded in 1976 by Ron Pizzuti, The Pizzuti Companies has set the standard for performance, quality, and client relations for nearly five decades in the development, marketing, and management of real estate. Guided by President, CEO, and second-generation leader Joel Pizzuti, the company has developed more than 60 million square feet of multi-family/mixed-use, hospitality and industrial real estate throughout the United States. Based in Columbus, OH with offices in Chicago, IL and Nashville, TN, Pizzuti’s reputation stems from long-standing values, deep understanding of project location and purpose, and the ability to deliver solutions that stand the test of time.   
Pizzuti Solutions LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, presents a staff with public-sector expertise focusing on public and cultural facilities, sports and recreation, correctional and public safety, and strategic planning. The team brings nearly 100 years of combined experience to leverage private-sector experience to public sector work.  
For more information, visit https://www.pizzuti.com/.  
 

New Albany Housing Authority Honored with National Award for Youth Engagement Program

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Executive Director David Duggins and YEP Coordinator Tim Langford accept the award at the annual conference

New Albany, IN October 9, 2024 — The New Albany Housing Authority is proud to announce that its Youth Engagement Program has received the Award of Merit from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Professionals (NAHRO) and has also been nominated for the prestigious Award of Excellence. This recognition highlights the program’s significant impact on combating generational poverty among local elementary and middle school students.

The Youth Engagement Program, which has been serving the NAHA neighborhoods for over five years, focuses on equipping children in grades K-8 with essential life skills, healthy habits, and a supportive mentor-based environment. Through partnerships with local non-profit organizations, the program provides homework help, skills building, physical activity, and engaging activities after school and during school breaks.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from NAHRO,” said David Duggins, Executive

Director of the New Albany Housing Authority. “This award reflects the dedication of our staff, community partners, and volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure our youth have the tools they need to succeed. Together, we are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our children and our community.”

The Award of Merit is presented to programs demonstrating outstanding accomplishments in housing and redevelopment, while the Award of Excellence recognizes exceptional practices that inspire others in the field. The New Albany Housing Authority is proud to stand among the

nation’s leaders in promoting effective and impactful community programs.

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**About New Albany Housing Authority**

The New Albany Housing Authority is dedicated to providing safe, affordable housing and supportive services to residents in the community. Through innovative programs and partnerships, we aim to create pathways to success and improve the quality of life for all our residents.

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Benchmark Litigation 2025 Honors 14 Stites & Harbison Attorneys 

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 9, 2024)—The 2025 edition of Benchmark Litigation names 11 Stites & Harbison, PLLC attorneys as “Litigation Stars” and three as “Future Stars” in Kentucky. The guide honors the firms and attorneys who have demonstrated the ability to consistently handle complex, high-stakes cases in multiple jurisdictions. Stites & Harbison’s honorees include the following from Kentucky: 

Litigation Stars 

Future Stars 

Since 2008, Benchmark Litigation has been the definitive guide to America’s leading litigation firms and attorneys. The guide is exclusively focused on the U.S. litigation market. Recognition is based on extensive interviews with litigators and their clients over a six-month period to identify the leading litigators and firms. Honorees at both the national and state levels are based on these interviews.   

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.