Purdue Opens 2024 Digital Ready Businesses Program

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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A Purdue Extension workshop series that seeks to help Indiana small businesses build or enhance their online presence will return in communities throughout the state this spring.

“Digital Ready Businesses” was launched in 2017. The program has been updated and new workshops added to reflect current trends. Participants can attend all 11 (1 hour) sessions or only those that meet their needs. The hands-on training, led by county Extension educators, covers a variety of topics, from website basics to podcasting, blogging, the ins and outs of social media, and email analytics and marketing. 

The series is being offered virtually starting in January from 2pm-3pm EST:

  1. Claim Your Online Turf – Tuesday, April 2
  2. Website Basics – Thursday, April 4
  3. Grow Your Virtual Customers – Tuesday, April 9
  4. Search Engine Optimization – Thursday, April 11
  5. Email Analytics & Marketing – Tuesday, April 16
  6. Podcasting 101 – Thursday, April 18
  7. How to Blog Successfully – Tuesday April 23
  8. Introduction to Social Media Platforms – Thursday, April 25
  9. Social Media Plan & Content – Tuesday, April 30
  10. Social Media Analytics & Marketing – Thursday, May 2
  11. Digital Storefront – Tuesday April 7

Sessions are $25 each or you can register for the complete series for $250.

“These workshops are designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners or employees who might not have an online presence, or have one that is outdated,” says Roberto Gallardo, director of the Purdue Center for Regional Development and Community and a regional economic specialist for Purdue Extension.

In follow-up surveys, participants have reported significant increases in sales, customer base and customer engagement, and nearly 9 in 10 recommended the series to others.

“We have a long way to go,” one participant responded, “but at least we now have a plan. Since our workshop I started concentrating on Facebook and Instagram with the help of my daughter. She started to post daily even though our content/backdrop was not exactly how we wanted it. We grew Facebook from 1,547 to 2,079 and Instagram from 676 to 2,013.”

For more information, email Daniel Walker at walke422@purdue.edu

Click the link for an informational flyer: Digital Ready Businesses 2.0 flyer March

Writer: Charles Wineland, 765-494-6946, cwinelan@purdue.edu

Source: Daniel Walker, 765-215-1534 walke422@purdue.edu

Norton Healthcare expands access to care in east Jeffersonville

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New facility extends Norton Clark Hospital emergency and diagnostic care

JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. (Feb. 22, 2024) – Norton Healthcare continues its focus of expanding access to health care in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Additional emergency and diagnostic services soon will be available when Norton Medical Center opens on Monday, March 4, in the Jeffersonville Commons shopping center, 2023 Mercy Way.

The new center, a $17 million investment, will house a full-service emergency department and diagnostic center in approximately 15,000 square feet of space.

“Norton Healthcare is committed to increasing access to care for the residents of Jeffersonville and the surrounding communities,” said Russell F. Cox, president and CEO, Norton Healthcare. “The ability to access care close to home is especially important when emergency services are needed, and we are pleased that this facility includes a 24-hour emergency department.”  

The emergency department will have eight exam rooms — with the capability of converting one to a trauma bay if needed — a lab and access to adjoining diagnostic imaging. It will be open 24 hours per day, seven days a week, with no appointment necessary.

The diagnostic center will include X-ray, CT, ultrasound, screening 3D mammography and MRI capabilities. The center will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Patients can schedule an outpatient diagnostic imaging appointment by calling (812) 283-2405.

“Norton Medical Center will provide convenient access, close parking and state-of-the-art equipment for patients who wish to receive emergency or imaging services outside of the traditional hospital setting,” said Kathleen Exline, interim chief administrative officer, Norton Clark Hospital.

The center currently houses a primary care office that also provides occupational medicine services for employers.

Soon, an outpatient behavioral health office will open at this location to help reach those in need of less acute mental health care, including individual and group therapy.

Norton Medical Center was designed by Stengel Hill Architecture Inc. and constructed by Nicklies Development.

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About Norton Healthcare

Norton Healthcare is a leader in serving adult and pediatric patients from throughout Greater Louisville, Southern Indiana, the commonwealth of Kentucky and beyond. The not-for-profit hospital and health care system has five Louisville-based hospitals, three hospitals in Southern Indiana and one under construction in West Louisville that is scheduled to open in late 2024.

With more than 21,000 employees, over 1,750 employed medical providers and more than 3,000 total providers on its medical staff, Norton Healthcare is Louisville’s second largest employer. It provides care at more than 430 locations throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The five Louisville hospitals have a total of 1,907 licensed beds, and the Southern Indiana hospitals have a total of 347 licensed beds. The hospitals provide inpatient and outpatient general care as well as specialty care, including heart, neuroscience, cancer, orthopedic, women’s and pediatric services. The system also includes 14 outpatient centers, 17 Norton Immediate Care Centers, nine Norton Prompt Care clinics and an expanded telehealth program. A strong research program provides access to clinical trials in a multitude of areas.

Norton Healthcare’s five Louisville hospitals and Norton Cancer Institute are LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leaders. Our facilities first received this designation from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) in 2018 and have received it in all subsequent years that the designation has been awarded. (HRC did not announce health equality designations in 2021 or 2023.) Norton Healthcare also was recognized in 2022 and 2023 on the Disability Equality Index’s list of Best Places to Work for Disability Inclusion. More information is available at NortonHealthcare.com.

Summit Construction/LDG Development partnership acquires 20 acres within River Ridge Commerce Center

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The Louisville-based companies purchase two tracts for planned developments

Jeffersonville, IN (February 8, 2024) – In January, the River Ridge Development Authority finalized two land sales with the LDG Group and Summit Construction LLC partnership, totaling 20.4 acres. 

Summit Construction LLC, based out of Louisville, KY, is a leader in Commercial and industrial construction projects. The company will develop industrial buildings on each of the sites for a total of approximately 300,000-square feet of industrial space.

Summit will begin site work by mid-year. Both buildings should be completed in 2025.

“Summit Construction is excited to continue our relationship with the River Ridge team as we construct two new industrial buildings within the Commerce Center,” said Jeff Robinson, President.  “Providing excellent service to our customers is a proud tradition here at Summit, and our facilities in River Ridge will allow us to continue this performance in a growing location.”   

“It’s great to have such an experienced developer continue making a major impact at River Ridge and reinforcing what we already know – this is a great place to do business,” said Jerry Acy, Executive Director of the River Ridge Development Authority.  “Summit Construction has a track record of success and recognizes the value we offer here in Southern Indiana. We are pleased with their continued investment in River Ridge.”

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 70 companies such as Amazon, Bose, Collins Aerospace, Medline, Optum and PharmaCord.  Onsite employment totaled more than 11,800 in 2022, and the Center produced a total of over $2.7 billion in economic output and supported an additional 6,300 jobs. The investments and growth at River Ridge earned the RRDA the International Economic Development Council’s 2020 Gold Award for Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse.

About Summit Construction

Summit Construction, LLC has built over 31 million square feet of warehousing for some of the world’s most well-known brands.  Our team of highly trained professional architects, engineers, construction managers, superintendents and support staff efficiently manage all aspects of the design and construction process to deliver the optimal solution for our business partners.

Our level of commitment, service and performance has made us an industry leader and a long-term business partner for some of America’s most powerful brands, including UPS, Dr. Pepper, Best Buy, GE and Johnson & Johnson.

Contacts:
Andy Vetter
Summit Construction LLC
avetter@summit-construction.com
502-897-1044

Wendy Dant Chesser
Chief Director, Corporate Strategy & External Affairs
Wendy@RiverRidgeCC.com
812-285-8979

Brinly-Hardy Company Celebrates 185 Years

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Since 1839, Brinly-Hardy Company has been a leader in innovative lawn and garden products, and in 2024, they are celebrating their 185th year!

The history of Brinly-Hardy is an interesting one, tracing all the way back to “Little John Brinly,” a blacksmith from Simpsonville, Kentucky. He first crafted the “Brinly” plow with a wooden moldboard, cast iron front, point and heel bolt around 1805. From there the family tradition continued, as his son, Mr. T.E.C. Brinly, created a one-piece steel plow from a saw blade. This was considered the first manufactured steel plow in this region of the country. The popularity of his innovative plows spread through farms across Kentucky and beyond. The story goes that he even entered his plow into hundreds of fairs and contests, and it never lost a competition. In 1859, Mr. Brinly moved his plow factory to Louisville, Kentucky, and in 1863, Mr. James Edward Hardy joined the firm. By 1900, the company name was incorporated as Brinly-Hardy Company.

“Our longevity is attributable to our storied 185-year history of innovation and customer focus.” says Chief Operating Officer, Judy Splan-Larin. “We definitely are a team here at Brinly and we have a real sense of pride in knowing we are a part of Brinly’s continuing story as we help shape its future success.” Jordan White, VP of Sales and Marketing, agrees that innovation has been key. “We are always looking for ways to make our products easier to use for our customers,” says White. “Brinly is famous for inventing combination products like the Dethatcher-Sweeper and the Aerator-Spreader that do two tasks at the same time. That gives us an advantage. Combining our quality history with creative designs is a can’t-miss strategy.”

Since 1900, the Brinly-Hardy family line has continued to run the company, all the way down to Jane W. Hardy, who became President in 1994 and is still at the helm today. In 1998, Brinly-Hardy Company moved across the river from their original location in downtown Louisville (which is now the Slugger Field Baseball stadium) and settled into their current home. Since then, Brinly-Hardy has been providing great products, parts, and service from their headquarters in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

“If I had to pick one thing that has kept us successful – I’d say great people. That includes great customers and team members, and also supplier partners. And it has a lot to do with ethics – doing the right thing when it isn’t easy, quick, or even maybe as profitable. We’ve literally been here through several wars, depressions, booms, recessions, and pandemics. If we make the right, people-focused decisions, we win together,” says Hardy.

Brinly-Hardy Company continues to be a leading manufacturer and designer of lawn and garden products; including spreaders, dethatchers, carts, aerators, and more. They design and provide outdoor products for both residential and commercial use, and for the top brands in outdoor equipment including Brinly, Spyker, Lesco, and John Deere. When asked about where she sees the company heading, Hardy says, “There is significant industry shift to bigger machines and electric power equipment; we are working hard to make sure we stay on top of that and remain relevant to our 200th birthday and beyond.”

To learn more about Brinly-Hardy Company and its 185-year journey, please visit Brinly.com or contact Kaitlyn Garcia at Kgarcia@brinly.com.

Forty-seven women leaders selected for the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program, the Leadership Louisville Center’s program for women leaders.

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Louisville, Kentucky (February 16, 2024) – Forty-seven women leaders have been selected for the second cohort of the Leadership Louisville Center’s Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program, presented by HJI Supply Chain Solutions. This half-year cohort experience was established in 2023 to help mid-level women leaders master the dual role of leading others and managing up. The curriculum – designed by women and taught by women – is centered around the Center’s Women’s Elevated Leadership Learning (WELL) Model. This model ensures participants come away Well-Grounded, Well- Voiced, Well-Connected, Well-Accomplished, and Well-Fueled. The Leadership Louisville Center is also proud to partner with PNC Bank, Humana Inc., Farm Credit Mid-America, and Republic Bank to present the program’s exclusive WELL curriculum. The program is named for esteemed female executive and community trustee, Alice Houston, co- founder/owner and former CEO of HJI Supply Chain Solutions.

Also being announced are the new members of the 2024 Elevate: A Women’s Leadership Council, a strategic advisory council of top-level women leaders who are guiding the Leadership Louisville Center as it continues to invest in women’s advancement. The participants of the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program will benefit from mentorship with these influential women leaders during the six-month program.

“We know that there is still work to be done in bridging the gender gap, but we believe that it starts with providing women with skills, confidence, and connections so they can be promoted into positions of power,” said Cynthia Knapek, president and CEO of Leadership Louisville Center. “After a successful inaugural class in 2023, we’re excited to expand the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program to forty-seven talented women leaders from our community, furthering their strengths and abilities alongside a blend of diverse peers.”

Members of the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program are (click here to learn more):

  • Emily Brandon, Founder, Honing LLC
  • Tanée Brewer, Controller, HJI Supply Chain Solutions
  • Cynthia Brown, Director Center for Entrepreneurship, Louisville Urban League
  • Hillary Bullock, Principal, Hillary Bullock Consulting
  • Deidra L Collins, Contract Plant Specialist, Chevron USA Incorporated
  • Nannie Grace Croney, Program Lead, The Hope Buss, Inc
  • Andrea Davis, General Manager of Museum Operations, Louisville Slugger Museum
  • Samantha Davis, Director of Behavioral Health Services, Family Health Centers,
  • Ina de Mattos Miller, Executive Director, Louisville Youth Philanthropy Council,
  • Lindsey Fleming, Senior Vice President, Elder Advisers
  • Kristy Flippins Bartlett, Founder/CEO, Option to Success
  • Staci Fountain, Director, Talent Acquisition, Heaven Hill Brands
  • Megan Gardner, Director, Marketing, Norton Healthcare
  • Megan Gibson, Partner, Gray Ice Higdon, PLLC
  • Ashby Green, , Fire Inspector 1, Louisville Metro Government
  • Savannah Gregorchik-Menendez, Development Director, Kentucky Humane Society
  • Mickell Harris, Director, Compensation, GE Appliances, a Haier company
  • Erin Herbert, Senior Director of Education & Curation, Muhammad Ali Center
  • Monchiere’ Holmes-Jones, Chief Brand Curator, Mojo Marketing
  • Diana Jerine Johnson, Senior Engineer, Papa John’s International,
  • Natalie Kelly, Vice President, Strategic and Grant Initiatives, Seven Counties Services Inc.
  • Cynthia Lee, Regional Sales Manager/ Entrepreneur, Diverse Entrepreneurship Summit
  • Cheakita Lee-Webster, Human Resource Business Partner, Walgreens
  • Andrea Lightsy, VP-Commercial Banker, JPMorgan Chase
  • Paula Lockhart, Associate Director, The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts
  • Rachel Mahoney, Capture Management Lead, National Medicaid Operations, Humana
  • Lori Michelle Mangum, Chief Operating Officer, Gilda’s Club Kentuckiana
  • Renesha Martin, Co-Owner, Behavioral Health Professional, Martin and Muir Counseling
  • Elizabeth May, Firm Administrator/HR Manager, Wetterer & Co.
  • Jennifer McMahon, Vice President, Development, Special Olympics Kentucky
  • Amy McStoots Holleman, Regional Area Director, Malone Workforce Solutions
  • Katie Teets O’Connor, Manager of e-Commerce, Yum! Brands, Inc.
  • Katherine Pack, National Account Executive, Aline
  • Karmen Powell, Manager, Distribution Electric Engineering, LG&E and KU Energy
  • Dana Price, Director of Records & Information Governance, Louisville MSD
  • Yolanda Pritchard, Senior Human Resources Director, Brown-Forman Corporation
  • Tiandra Robinson, Lead Educational Talent Search Counselor, KentuckianaWorks College Access Center
  • Katie Rountree, Senior Applications Scientist, Givaudan Sense Colour
  • Tamara Russell, AVP, Office of Belonging and Community Engagement, Jefferson Community and Technical College
  • Becky Schroeder, Director of Sports Nutrition, University of Louisville
  • Lindsay Scott, Partner, Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP
  • Tiffany Smith, Chief Security Officer and Head of IT Operations, Farm Credit Mid-America | Rural 1st
  • Monalisa Tailor, D., President, Norton Healthcare
  • Jessica Burba Turner, Environmental Health & Safety Manager, Angel’s Envy Distilling
  • Mackenzie White, VP/Relationship Manager, PNC Bank
  • Jennifer Williams, Partner, FORVIS
  • Laurie Young, Director of Industry Partnerships, University of Louisville Research and Innovation

ELEVATE: A WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

As the Leadership Louisville Center continues to invest in women’s issues through programming, in 2023 it launched a council comprised of top women leaders to provide counsel and support the up-and-coming participants in the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program. Elevate: A Women’s Leadership Council will unite and engage some of the city’s most generous and influential women to ensure that the generations following them are nurtured, inspired, and positioned for utmost success. Elevate membership will continually revolve, with new and renewing members each year. Their role will be to serve as a compass for the Center, providing meaningful impact for programming already in place and sparking new ideas and innovative recommendations for the future. Their participation supports scholarship funds that allow more women to participate in Leadership Louisville Center advancement opportunities.

2024 Members of Elevate: A Women’s Leadership Council:

  • Christy Ames, EVP, General Counsel, Republic Bank & Trust Company
  • Jill Bell, Vice President, Marketing and Public Relations, Molina Healthcare
  • Kimberly Bunton, President, TKT & Associates
  • Divya Cantor, Chief Medical Officer UHC KY Medicaid, United Healthcare
  • Tiffany Cardwell, Senior Manager, Cherry Bekaert
  • Debra Clary, Speaker
  • Toni Clem, Executive Coach, TLC Coaching
  • Karen Cost, Chief of Immunology, Norton Healthcare
  • Kim Dickey, Vice President Human Resources – Gaming, Churchill Downs Incorporated
  • Cathe Dykstra, CEO, Family Scholar House
  • Angie Evans, VP and Chief DEI Officer, PPL Corporation
  • Yvette Gentry, Director of Safety, LDG Development
  • Elaine Gravatte, President, Givaudan Sense Colour
  • Kim Halbauer, Regional President – Kentucky, Fifth Third Bank
  • Jennifer Hancock, President & CEO, Volunteers of America Mid-States
  • Maggie Harlow, CEO, Signarama Downtown
  • Schuyler Heuser, Director, Physician Relations, Norton Healthcare
  • Emma Hutchens, Chief People Officer, Impossible Foods
  • Keturah Jenkins, Associate Vice President – Clinical Operations, Humana
  • Christine Koenig, Director, DMLO CPAs
  • Carly Launius, Global Community Relations Manager, Brown-Forman Corporation
  • Virginia Lee, President, Balanced Solutions LLC
  • Gretchen Leiterman, Chief Operating Officer, Baptist Health
  • Annie Likins, Chief People Officer, Bamboo Health
  • Martha Mather, Chief Operating Officer
  • Tammy McClanahan, Chief Administrative Officer, Norton Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Norton Healthcare
  • Paula McCraney, Councilwoman, Louisville Metro Council
  • Tess McNair, Executive Director, E. and S. Foundation, Inc.
  • Lynn Moore, CEO/Owner, HJI Supply Chain Solutions
  • Renee Murphy, Senior VP & Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Norton Healthcare
  • Tawanda Owsley, SVP / Chief Development & Marketing Officer, Hosparus Health
  • Becky Phillips, Partner, Not-For-Profit Services Team Leader (Retired)
  • Von Purdy, VP of Advancement & Community Engagement, Simmons College of Kentucky
  • Theresa Reno-Weber, COO, GoodMaps
  • Mason Rummel, President and CEO, James Graham Brown Foundation
  • Danielle Schaefer, COO, Pappy & Company
  • Evon Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer, OneWest Corporation
  • Pamela Stevenson, Kentucky State Representative
  • Heather Vidourek, Chief Administrative Officer, Farm Credit Mid-America | Rural 1st
  • Tina Walters, Director of Investor Relations, Poe Companies
  • Michelle Wells, VP Finance & Information Technology
  • Mary Gwen Wheeler, former Executive Director of 55,000 Degrees, Chrysalis Ventures
  • Chris Whelan, VP Communications and Corporate Responsibility, LG&E and KU Energy
  • Jill Wilcox, Market Executive, JPMorgan Chase
  • Deborah Williams, SVP, Community Development Market Manager, PNC Bank
  • Marita Willis, President of Community Engagement, Community Ventures Corporation
  • Tammy York Day, President & CEO, Louisville Healthcare CEO Council
  • Cathy Zion, Publisher, Today’s Transitions

Leadership Louisville Center

The Leadership Louisville Center is the region’s most valuable resource for leadership development and civic engagement. With a purpose to inspire and equip leaders to be better and do better, it has graduated over 15,000 through its programs since 1979. The Center is recognized as a national best practice and is known for its dynamic programming and strong community connections. Programming includes five social impact leadership programs (Leadership Louisville, Focus Louisville, Ignite Louisville, Bingham Fellows, and Encore Louisville), the Alice Houston Women’s Leadership Program, leadership skills training courses presented through partner brand LeadingBetter™, and events designed to connect leaders and motivate positive change. Learn more at www.leadershiplouisville.org.

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2024 WTR 1000 Recognizes Stites & Harbison’sTrademark Practice

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Feb. 15, 2024)—World Trademark Review (WTR) has recognized Stites & Harbison, PLLC and four attorneys in the 2024 edition of WTR 1000 – The World’s Leading Trademark Professionals.

Stites & Harbison has been honored for its trademark practice in Kentucky and Tennessee. The firm’s Kentucky honorees include Joel Beres, Scot Duvall and Mari-Elise Paul.

WTR 1000 notes Beres “is a business savvy practitioner” with “a particular affinity for infringement litigation.” Duvall is credited with “25 years of IP wisdom and a nuanced understanding of the prosecution, litigation and transaction processes.” The directory states “Paul excels across the board” and stands out for her “holistic approach.”

The firm’s Tennessee honoree is Alex MacKay. According to WTR 1000, she is a “well-rounded practitioner” who “partners closely with her patrons throughout the trademark lifecycle to dispense carefully tailored advice each step of the way.”

WTR 1000 identifies the leading trademark professionals and firms in more than 80 jurisdictions around the world. Inclusion in the guide is based on extensive research including depth of expertise, market presence, complexity of work and positive peer and client feedback. 

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.

Celebrated Singing Hoosiers Return to FCHS for Concert

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From current pop songs to classics and from toe-tapping routines to sparkling choreography, Indiana University’s famed Singing Hoosiers will return to Southern Indiana for a concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9, at Floyd Central High School, 6575 Old Vincennes Road in Floyds Knobs.

Known as IU’s Ambassadors of Song, the Grammy-nominated Singing Hoosiers will present “Coming of Age,” a 90-minute celebration of popular song and dance spanning multiple decades, including music of Irving Berlin, Hoagy Carmichael, “La La Land,” and “Newsies.”

Tickets to the concert are $10 for adults and $5 for students. They are available by phoning the box office at (812) 542-2284 and leaving a number for a call-back, going to the website (floydcentral.booktix.net), or purchasing them at the door that night.

With roots in the music of The Great American Songbook, the 100 singers and instrumentalists this year represent 25 majors and include three area students: Floyd Central alumni/IU seniors Molly Cavan and Connor Bickel and North Harrison alumna/IU sophomore Emma Griffiths. Notable alumni of the Singing Hoosiers are New Albany residents Kent McCaffrey and Bill Lohmeyer, who were among founding members of the group in 1950 when they were students in Bloomington.

Under the direction of Dr. Chris Albanese, the group has entertained audiences across the United States and in more than 25 countries spanning Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Caribbean. In addition, they have enjoyed collaborations with Duke Ellington, Mel Torme, Sandi Patty, the Indianapolis Symphony, and the Cincinnati Pops. The ensemble also has frequently appeared at regional and national conferences of the American Choral Director Association, most recently in 2021.

Stites & Harbison Welcomes Donovan D. Gibbs II to the Louisville Office

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jan. 24, 2024)—Stites & Harbison, PLLC welcomes attorney Donovan D. Gibbs II to the firm based in the Louisville, Ky., office. He joins the Intellectual Property & Technology Service Group.

Gibbs’s practice focuses on counseling clients in litigation and transactional matters involving intellectual property. He assists clients with the selection, adoption, registration and protection of their trademarks as well as registration of copyrights. He also assists clients with a variety of transactional issues including those related to licensing of copyrights, trade secrets, trademarks and other intellectual property rights. As a former college athlete, Gibbs is passionate about providing counsel to players and protecting their name, image and likeness (NIL) rights with a thoughtful and empathetic perspective, through lived experience.

Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, Gibbs worked at Humana, Inc. as a Compliance Oversight and Program Advancement, Legal & Business Advisor. He also served as an intellectual property attorney for a small firm in Louisville. Gibbs earned his J.D. from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law in 2020. He is admitted to practice in Kentucky.

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.

Jeffersonville Public Art is Celebrating American Painters Day by honoring artist and community muralist, Damon Thompson.

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Jeffersonville Public Art is thrilled to announce an upcoming event to celebrate the exceptional talents and contributions of a community muralist, Damon Thompson. The event will take place on February 3rd at the Art Center in the NoCo Arts and Cultural District.

Damon Thompson, a dedicated artist in and around the community, has transformed public spaces with his vibrant murals that tell stories, evoke emotions, and reflect the unique spirit of local neighborhoods. Known for his expansive murals, his art has become integral to fostering a sense of pride and connection among residents.

The event will showcase Damon Thompson’s work, allowing attendees to explore the rich stories woven into several of his pieces. Damon will also share insights into his creative process, the inspiration behind his murals, and his book “Outside Society – the Art of Damon Thompson.”

The celebration is open to the public, welcoming community members, art enthusiasts, and businesses to come together to recognize and appreciate Damon Thompson’s artistic contributions in and around the area. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the artist, ask questions, and hear stories behind his work.

Event Details: Celebrating American Painters Day – Featuring Local Artist Damon Thompson
Date: February 3, 2024
Time:  1:00 PM till 4:00 PM
Venue:  Art Center at NoCo, 628 Michigan Ave, Jeffersonville, IN 47130

For more information about Jeffersonville Public Art: visit www.jeffersonvilleart.com

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/jeffersonvilleart

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About the City of Jeffersonville NoCo Arts and Cultural District

The NoCo Arts and Cultural District – aptly named for its location North of Court Avenue – is Jeffersonville’s newest and most colorful point of interest. Intimate, whimsical, full of color and completely walkable, NoCo is home to artists, makers, historians and inventors who are all working together to transform the area into an inspiring and intriguing place to live, work, and visit. The district epitomizes what Jeffersonville champions as a city on the move: Creativity, community, innovation, and progress. Visit www.jeffersonvilleart.com for more information

River Ridge Announces Key Organizational Leadership Positions

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Board elects new leadership and talented professionals assume key positions

 Jeffersonville, IN (January 22, 2024) – The River Ridge Development Authority (RRDA) is positioned to have yet another successful year in 2024 with its team of talented professionals. 

At the January board meeting, Dr. Treva Hodges, Mayor of Charlestown, was unanimously voted in as the new President of the Board of Directors.  That position had been previously held by J. Mark Robinson since 2006.  Mayor Hodges has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2020.

“It is an honor to have been chosen to serve as President of the Board of Directors for the River Ridge Development Authority.  Southern Indiana has an amazing future, and the success of the River Ridge Commerce Center is key to realizing our region’s potential.  I look forward to supporting the opportunities 2024 brings,” said Mayor Hodges.

Additionally, M. Edward Meyer was elected as Vice Chairman, and Phillip J. McCauley was voted in as Secretary/Treasurer. 

Since 2008, the professional staff at River Ridge has been led by Executive Director, Jerry Acy, CEcD, and he is setting the foundation for the future with the positioning of two new executive team members.

Marc Hildenbrand, P.E. is the organization’s Chief Director, Engineering and Operations.
Marc worked for the RRDA for nine years before joining HWC Engineering in 2018.  His return in June of 2022 brings valuable experience overseeing commercial and industrial site development, design, and construction.  In this role, Hildenbrand manages the day-to-day oversight for the River Ridge water system, and engineering, construction, and maintenance projects.

Wendy Dant Chesser, CEcD is the Chief Director, Corporate Strategy and External Affairs, a newly created position at RRDA.  Prior to joining RRDA in late October 2023, Wendy served as the President and CEO of One Southern Indiana (1si) for nearly 11 years.  In her new role at RRDA, Wendy is responsible for developing and implementing both short- and long-term strategies for sustainability of the RRDA and continuing to build external partnerships.

Mr. Acy enthusiastically noted, “We are excited about the economic opportunities on the horizon at River Ridge, and positioning this talented duo with our existing team gives us added capacity to maximize the growth we see ahead for our businesses and communities.”

About River Ridge Development Authority

The River Ridge Development Authority 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. The Authority has invested more than $175 million to redevelop about 45 percent of the Center. River Ridge is home to more than 70 companies, such as Amazon, Bose, Collins Aerospace, Medline, Optum and PharmaCord. Onsite employment totaled more than 11,800 in 2022, and the Center produced a total of over $2.7 billion in economic output and supported an additional 6,300 regional jobs. The investments and growth at River Ridge earned the RRDA the International Economic Development Council’s 2020 Gold Award for Real Estate Redevelopment and Reuse.

Contact: 
Wendy Dant Chesser
Chief Director, Corporate Strategy & External Affairs
Wendy@RiverRidgeCC.com
812-825-8979