Southern Indiana to Host Tour Operators from Across the U.S. at 2024 Conference

by with No Comment Member News

Travel Alliance Partners Meet in SoIN for TAP Dance Travel Conference June 9-11, 2024

Southern Indiana (July 19, 2023) – Travel Alliance Partners (TAP) has announced Southern Indiana as the host destination for its 2024 TAP Dance Travel Conference taking place June 9-11, 2024. Held annually since 2001, TAP Dance brings together premier North American Tour Operators offering tour products from around the world.

“TAP is thrilled to be bringing our unique travel conference, TAP Dance, to SoIN in 2024,” said Lisa Doerner, TAP Executive Director. “This site was selected because of the demonstrated collaboration by the regional partners. Todd Read, Trade & Consumer Sales Manager for SoIN Tourism, engaged area hospitality partners to build a conference that reflects the high-quality transportation, accommodations, entertainment, food and attractions that TAP Dance attendees expect. We look forward to showing off this beautiful region to travel industry professionals.”

During the conference, preferred professional travel providers, including SoIN Tourism’s Todd Read, will have the opportunity to meet with tour operators to showcase their destinations and products.

“The daytime appointments are a great starting point and introduction, but it’s the moments in between when you really get to know the operators, get to know what they are looking for and build relationships,” Read said. “Hosting this conference will put Southern Indiana, its restaurants, attractions and other businesses in front of the country’s top tour providers, making a case for inclusion in tour products and planting a seed for future visits.”

TAP Dance 2024 will take place at the Sheraton Louisville Riverside Hotel in Jeffersonville, Ind. TAP 2023 attendees booked approximately 500 room nights in host city Rochester, NY. In addition to an uptick in overnight stays, TAP 2024 attendees will shop, dine and explore Southern Indiana during their stay.

“Studies we’ve commissioned in the past show that people who visit SoIN have a more favorable impression of our destination than those who haven’t been here before,” said SoIN Tourism Executive Director Jim Epperson. “Conference attendees will get to see, firsthand, what makes Southern Indiana a great standalone trip, as well as a great part of a lengthier, multi-destination vacation.”

The 2024 TAP Dance Travel Conference location was shared with industry professionals at the 2023 conference in June. During the conference, TAP officials also named Todd Read the winner of the annual “Spirit of TAP” award.

The Spirit of TAP Award was established in 2012 after the loss of one of TAP’s tour operators, Ann Thomas of Western Discovery. Each year TAP recognizes a preferred professional travel provider who truly has the vision and embodies the true spirit of collaboration that is TAP. This honor is given to someone who has participated in TAP on multiple levels, recognizes the value of collaboration and represents TAP as an ambassador to other industry professionals.

If you are interested in interviewing someone about the 2024 TAP Dance Travel Conference or if you would like more details, 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.

 

###

Town of Clarksville Selects New Economic Development Director

by with No Comment Member News

Tammi Gibson comes to Clarksville from Washington County, Indiana.

CLARKSVILLE, IN (July 26, 2023) – Clarksville administrators have selected a new Economic Development Director to continue building on the success and momentum currently underway in the growing southern Indiana community.  Clarksville Town Manager Kevin Baity announced that Tammi Gibson will be joining the Town staff beginning August 7th.

“Clarksville is exploding with new development, so it is no surprise that we had a great amount of interest in the position,” said Kevin Baity, Clarksville Town Manager.  “We are very happy Tammi will be joining our team and hit the ground running with her vast business experience and knowledge of Southern Indiana.”

Gibson comes to Clarksville after spending the last two years as Executive Director of the Washington County Economic Growth Partnership in Salem, Indiana.  Her background includes a wealth of experience in sales territory management, real estate, marketing, website management, and more.  Gibson holds a degree in Communications Management from Robert Morris University.

“I am flattered that the Town of Clarksville selected me as the new Economic Development Director, said Gibson.  “Our region has such a strong pool of worthy candidates, and I am thrilled to be chosen to lead Clarksville into the future.”

Gibson joins the Town of Clarksville at an exciting time with tremendous growth currently underway in South Clarksville, a new 3C Master Plan for the future of the Lewis and Clark Parkway corridor, and increased opportunities for redevelopment of vacant retail.

“Clarksville has such a great mix of history and new development,” said Gibson.  “It is apparent that everyone associated with the town is passionate for future growth, while maintaining the history and charming aspects. I am excited to work with such a proactive and motivated team.”

Gibson resides in Salem with her husband Mark and her daughter Maggie.  Her son Jimmy is currently a student at the University of Louisville.

 

 

###

Discover The Root’s Private Offices

by with No Comment Member News

Our Private Offices offer a perfect blend of comfort, flexibility, and community. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or a small business owner, our thoughtfully designed offices provide a conducive environment to foster productivity and networking opportunities.

What We Offer:

  • 24/7 secure access to your private office.
  • All utilities.
  • Mailbox & mailing address.
  • Free use of conference rooms.
  • Free admission to events at The Root.
  • 50% discount to rent our event space and
  • The Nest recording and post-production studio.
  • High-speed Wi-Fi and access to modern amenities like printing, monthly yoga classes with Element Yoga and Āyurvedic Wellness, Legacy Pizza & Bakery on Fridays, and Starlight Coffee always.
  • Engage with like-minded professionals.
    Convenient locations with ample parking facilities.

Schedule a Tour: Would you like a tour of our Private Offices to see firsthand how The Root can elevate your work experience? Click here to schedule.

At The Root, we believe in creating a vibrant community where collaboration thrives, ideas flourish, and success is celebrated together. Join us today and take your business to new heights in our Private Offices!

Phoenix Theatres Entertainment to Operate New Albany 16 Theatre, New Albany, IN

by with No Comment Member News

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., July 19, 2023 — Phoenix Theatres Entertainment, LLC will be the new operator of the New Albany 16 Theatre in New Albany, IN. The former Regal Cinema will close early next week and will be closed for only a few days as the operational changes take place. The theatre’s re-opening will be on Thursday, August 3rd with such films as “Barbie,” “Oppenheimer,” “Mission Impossible,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem,” “Haunted Mansion,” and “Meg 2: The Trench.” Admission prices will be at or below the previous levels.

Most features of the theatre will remain the same with all the previous managers and employees staying with the theatre. Concession offerings will include a selection of candy, Orville Redenbacher popcorn, sodas, nachos, hot dogs, pretzels, and Icee products. The future may bring freshly cooked small-plate food items and possibly alcoholic offerings. Concession pricing will be comparable with previous levels.

Advanced reserved seating will be available for all auditoriums. With online reservations at phoenixtheatres.com, individuals, couples, families, or groups will be able to ensure great pre-assigned, reserved seating for any movie at any time. Advanced ticketing is highly recommended for this theatre. Phoenix Theatres will offer a loyalty program to reward regular customers with free movies and food items based on their purchases. Free membership will be available at the box office or concession stand.

The theatre is completely accessible for people with disabilities, and special equipment is available to assist moviegoers who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or have low vision.

“Phoenix Theatres is proud to keep the New Albany 16 Theatre open for its past patrons who have been loyal customers for several decades. Too many theatres have closed in the past few years and left towns without a movie theatre for their community,” said Phil Zacheretti, President & CEO of Phoenix Theatres Entertainment. “We will re-open on Thursday, August 3rd and continue to serve the greater New Albany area for years to come.”

About Phoenix Theatres Entertainment

Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, Phoenix Theatres Entertainment is the world’s largest movie theatre management company. They focus on great customer service and the highest quality film presentation. They currently manage or own 117 screens at 11 locations in ten states. They are privately owned and were founded in 2001.

####

Develop New Albany Hosts Annual Meeting at The Grand

by with No Comment Member News

New Albany, Ind. (July 11, 2023) – Develop New Albany, a Main Street Organization celebrated its Annual Meeting on Thursday June 22, 2023 at The Grand in Historic Downtown New Albany. The program included a welcome from Mayor Jeff Gahan, presentation of the annual Pillar Awards, Volunteer Appreciation and induction of the Board of Directors Officers.

Pillar Award winners include: Board and You Bistro brand for Pillar Horizon; Legacy Pizza and Bakery for Pillar Horizon; Mickey’s Bookstore and Coffee Shop for Pillar Horizon; The Grand for Pillar Foundation; Schmitt Furniture and Ronaldo Jewelry for Pillar Renaissance and Michelle Wells for Pillar Achievement.

“Congratulations to all of the Pillar Award winners for 2023. Their investment of time, talent and treasure into our community is appreciated and a large part of what makes our community unique”. Heather Trueblood, Program Coordinator for Develop New Albany.

Lifetime Membership designation was awarded to Debbie Farmer and Larry Ricke for their many years of service to our organization and community.

The Board of Directors Officer Slate for the remainder of 2023 is as follows: Teresa Baxter, President; Britni Knable, Vice President; Cameron Borne, Treasurer; Evan Harder, Secretary, and Derrick Wilson, Past President.

“As President of Develop New Albany, for the last year, I continue to watch exciting changes in our city. I see new businesses, new city improvements, and a sense of excitement about our town which is contagious. Over the last year, I can easily say that my favorite part of this job was not attending board meetings and committee meetings, but it was the stories that each of you tell about your businesses. I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many new entrepreneurs and I love the passion they have for their business. Part of our job is to spread that enthusiasm and show people what an exciting place this is to work, shop, and play.” Derrick Wilson, DNA Outgoing Board President.

Invitees enjoyed a catered lunch by the Grand and heard about some of Develop New Albany’s achievements in the past year as well as some insight into the future goals of the organization.

If you are interested in getting involved with Develop New Albany as a volunteer, please reach out to developnainfo@gmail.com or complete a form at https://forms.gle/ZdvSuLQB2jGMd8t76

–END—

Develop New Albany is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit, Main Street Organization, founded in 1990 with a mission to serve our local businesses, facilitate community partnerships, and promote historic Downtown, Midtown and Uptown as vibrant destinations.

Media Contact:

Heather Trueblood (812) 941-0018

info@developnewalbany.org

Weather Forces Salvation Army to Cancel Shredding Event

by with No Comment Member News

Erring on the side of caution and safety, the shredding event slated for this Thursday at the Salvation Army of Southern Indiana in New Albany must be cancelled because of predicted rains and storms throughout the day.

 Youth in the summer camp had worked hard to organize and publicize the event, according to Shelby Rayls, program director, yet their safety, as well as that of A Plus Paper Shredding employees operating the massive shredding machine and people coming to have their items pulverized, drove the decision.

Proceeds from free-will donations were to support the Salvation Army’s youth programming. That benefit will still exist once a new date can be determined and publicized. The new date will be next summer since the teens’ activities already have been scheduled for the remainder of this year’s camp. Their involvement in the planning and management of the event is part of the camp’s youth leadership development focus.

Rayls appreciates the public’s understanding of this difficult decision and urges people to help spread the word about the cancellation. 

Kentucky Bourbon Festival Announces The Koetter Group as Presenting Sponsor for 2023 

by with No Comment Member News

Key supporters for 32nd festival also include meetNKY

 

Bardstown, Ky. (June 23, 2023) – – – The Kentucky Bourbon Festival announced several key sponsors for 2023 including The Koetter Group as presenting sponsor and meetNKY as the media tent sponsor. 

“The Koetter Group has been a long-time partner of the Kentucky Bourbon Festival,” said Randy Prasse, KBF president and COO. “We are thrilled to continue that relationship and elevate their presence here just as we continue to elevate the festival.”

Founded in 1954, The Koetter Group is a third-generation owned family business specializing in construction, real estate, building services and K-Rax premium spirits barrel storage systems. 

“The Koetter Group is proud to continue our partnership with The Kentucky Bourbon Festival,” said Todd Magner, president of Koetter Construction. “We look forward to helping many of our distillery partners in the industry showcase their Kentucky distilled bourbon. The KBF team continues to raise the bar every year and we look forward to seeing what they have planned for this year. The festival is a world-class event that educates and excites bourbon enthusiasts from everywhere, while showcasing the talents of Kentuckians and the native spirit they produce.”

The Koetter Group has grown into one of the largest full service, design-build general contractors and commercial developers of Southern Indiana and the Greater Louisville Kentucky area. The K-RAX division has developed a new patented solution for rickhouses as well as a portable racking system for distilleries of all sizes. From land acquisition to a finished project and everything in between, The Koetter Group can seamlessly walk you through every step of the process. 

A new major sponsor for 2023, the meetNKY Northern Kentucky Convention and Visitors Bureau provides outstanding meeting and convention services, and comprehensive travel information for business and leisure visitors to Northern Kentucky and the Cincinnati region. Home of the B-Line, visitors can begin or extend their trips to bourbon country with stops at distilleries as well as bourbon-centric bars and restaurants throughout Northern Kentucky. MeetNKY is the Presenting Sponsor of the new Media Hospitality Tent, where writers, editors, podcasters, broadcast journalists and influencers can conduct interviews, grab a bite and enjoy a pour from B-Line establishments. 

“The B-Line is celebrating its fifth anniversary and we are proud to partner with the Kentucky Bourbon Festival as this year’s Media Hospitality Tent Sponsor,” said Northern Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO Julie Kirkpatrick. “We look forward to showcasing Northern Kentucky’s rich bourbon culture during the three-day festival and highlighting our community as the Gateway to Bourbon Country and perfect place to start a Kentucky bourbon adventure.”

Other key sponsors of this year’s festival include: Team Kentucky Tourism, Cask X, Buzick Construction, Great Western Malting, KPFF Engineers, Joseph & Joseph Architects, and Vendome, among others.

 

About the Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Bardstown, Ky.):

The Kentucky Bourbon Festival (Sept. 15-17, 2023) is a celebration of Kentucky Bourbon and the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown, Kentucky. What began as a Bourbon tasting dinner has grown into a truly authentic experience that brings together bourbon enthusiasts from all over the world. In its 32nd year, the Kentucky Bourbon Festival is one of the Commonwealth’s leading cultural festivals. For more information, For more information, visit kybourbonfestival.com.

 

###

The Louisville Orchestra and Jasteka Cultural Center Announce “Play America!”

by with No Comment Member News

A Free Concert with Family Activities at America Place in Jeffersonville, Indiana on July 6th

Jasteka Cultural Center has enlisted the Louisville Orchestra as the entertainment for an outdoor festival on the grounds of America Place’s corporate headquarters at 101 Logistics Avenue in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The concert on Thursday, July 6. Family activities will take place from 5:30 – 7:30 pm with the Louisville Orchestra concert commencing at 8:00 pm. A blanket or lawn chairs are recommended to fully enjoy the twilight concert experience.


The concert will contain familiar light classics and pops musical selections, always a crowd-pleaser for outdoor summer concerts. But this is the Louisville Orchestra and in keeping with the mission of Jasteka Cultural Center, audiences can also expect to discover some delightfully innovative new music on the program – two pieces by LO Creators Corps composers, Tyler Taylor and TJ Cole.


The family atmosphere and fun will be complete with bouncy castles, obstacle courses, games, walkabout performers, face painters, balloon sculptors, a fun photo area, snow cones, cotton candy, and food trucks where attendees can purchase some of the area’s most delicious cuisine and drinks, including alcoholic beverages. The event will also feature Louisville City FC, which will have a station that includes interactive games, juggling, and an inflatable human foosball game.


Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore says of the plans for such events, “I’m thankful to America Place and the Jasteka Cultural Center for their proactive support to our community. Their employee engagement and emphasis on improving the quality of life for all of us is very much appreciated.”

Jasteka was founded by Jim and Irene Karp, who have maintained a strong dedication to arts, education, and the underserved through a lifetime of supporting cultural institutions. Their philanthropic activities include active service on numerous boards and civic communities that reinforce their commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all.


The America Place complex at River Ridge is comprised of 1.5 million sq. ft. of building space set across 160 acres. July’s concert will take place adjacent to the award-winning Gallery Building. The Karps worked with world renowned architect Kulapat Yantrasast to design a space that would “allow people, culture, and places to thrive.”


The Jasteka Cultural Center will be offering free public programming throughout the year, utilizing the Gallery for community involvement, education, and outreach. The Louisville Orchestra concert is the first of many programs that will be offered over the next months.


The Louisville Orchestra’s Chief Executive Graham Parker notes, “We are delighted to be a part of this concert event sponsored by the Jasteka Cultural Center. This organization’s mission aligns perfectly with that of the LO – to make the arts and music available, accessible, and inclusive to and for the public. And who doesn’t love an outdoor festival concert in the summer that you can enjoy with the whole family?”


The concert event is free, but registration and tickets are required to attend. Tickets can be obtained at my.louisvilleorchestra.org. Further information can be acquired by calling the orchestra office at (502) 587-8681.


###
About The Louisville Orchestra:
Established in 1937 through the combined efforts of Louisville mayor Charles Farnsley and conductor Robert Whitney, the Louisville Orchestra is a cornerstone of the Louisville arts community. With the launch of First Edition Recordings in 1947, it became the first American orchestra to own a recording label. Six years later it received a Rockefeller grant of $500,000 to commission, record, and premiere music by living composers, thereby earning a place on the international circuit. In 2001, the Louisville Orchestra received the Leonard Bernstein Award for Excellence in Educational Programming, presented annually to a North American orchestra.


Continuing its commitment to new music, the Louisville Orchestra has earned 19 ASCAP awards for Adventurous Programming of Contemporary Music and was also awarded large grants from the Aaron Copland Fund for Music and the National Endowment for the Arts, both for the purpose of producing, manufacturing and marketing its historic First Edition Recordings collections. Over the years, the orchestra has performed for prestigious events at the White House, Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and on tour in Mexico City, and their last two albums for the Decca Gold label, All In (2017) and The Order of Nature (2019) – the latter launched with an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon – both topped the Billboard Classical and Crossover charts. The feature-length, Gramophone Award-winning documentary Music Makes a City (2010) chronicles the Louisville Orchestra’s founding years, and in spring 2018, Teddy Abrams and the orchestra were
profiled on the popular television program CBS Sunday Morning.

‘Korean War Armistice’ Named Theme for Clarksville’s Memorial Day Ceremony

by with No Comment Member News

The event will be held this Sunday at 2:00 pm at the Veterans Place Memorial

CLARKSVILLE, IN (May 23, 2023) – This July will mark 70 years since the Korean War Armistice Agreement was signed ending that major United States conflict in 1953. That will be the theme of this year’s Memorial Day Ceremony sponsored by the Town of Clarksville. The annual event is held each year at the Veterans Place Memorial behind Clarksville’s Town Hall. This year’s event will be held this Sunday, May 28th at 2:00 pm.

The event will feature the Clarksville Police Honor Guard, live patriotic music, vocalists, and the reading of the names of our fallen heroes. As part of this year’s theme, visitors will also hear the story of Chaplain Herman Felhoelter, a military chaplain who was born in Louisville, KY. Felhoelter served with the 19th Infantry Regiment during the Korean War. On July 16, 1950, Felhoelter was north of Taejon helping a group carry 30 wounded Soldiers. They came under attack and when it became apparent they could not endure the enemy assault. Felhoelter convinced the medical officer to lead all able Soldiers to safety while he remained with the wounded and dying. They were soon attacked and killed. Felhoelter, who posthumously received the Distinguished Service Cross, was the first Chaplain Corps casualty in Korea.

This special event is open to the public, and everyone is welcome to attend. Following the Memorial Day ceremony, Clarksville Scout Troop 4010 will be holding a flag retirement ceremony, and residents are encouraged to bring any American flags which need to be honorably retired. Veterans Place Memorial is located behind Clarksville Town Hall at 2000 Broadway Street in Clarksville.

Click here to download the program.