The Southern Indiana Visitor Center is Moving to New Location

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The Southern Indiana Visitor Center is Moving to New Location

“SoIN” Visitor Center and offices moving to Spring Street in downtown Jeffersonville in early 2024

Jeffersonville, Ind. (Nov. 28, 2023) – SoIN Tourism, the convention and tourism bureau for Clark and Floyd counties in Indiana, is moving to a high-traffic location to serve visitors in early 2024. After more than 25 years at their Southern Indiana Avenue location, the SoIN Tourism office, as well as its neighboring visitor center, are moving to 228 Spring St., Ste. 106 in Jeffersonville, Ind. The visitor center and tourism offices will be combined into one space in a prime location at the corner of Spring and Market streets. The new location will increase visibility and foot traffic for the organization.

“Our current visitor center location has seen changes in access from the interstate since it opened over 25 years ago, and our traffic has declined as a result,” said SoIN Tourism Executive Director Jim Epperson. “Successful visitor centers today require foot traffic, and the new location, a block from the river and a block from Big Four Station Park, certainly has that. We hope this is the first of more visitor centers located in bustling downtowns.”

The central location of the new visitor center gives visitors and locals an opportunity to engage with SoIN Tourism travel counselors, as well as new self-service touch screens to learn more about attractions and businesses in Clark and Floyd counties. Being in the heart of downtown Jeffersonville, it also provides SoIN Tourism staff with an opportunity to enhance relationships with neighboring businesses.

“We want the Visitor Center to be the first place you stop to get the best info, so you can have the best experience,” said SoIN Tourism Visitor Services Coordinator Seth Lieber. “For locals, we want people to visit their own city and rediscover the area.”

Arc, the “innovation company” who designed and is constructing the new visitor center, is creating a unique guest experience.

“The visitor center will boast bright vibrant colors and provide an interactive environment that allows visitors to learn about the area’s exciting attractions,” said arc Founder and Chief Creative Officer Alan Muncy. “The interior components of the space include an elevated stage, video wall, sound system and overhead garage door.”

During favorable weather, the garage door can be left open for foot traffic to flow in and out of the visitor center. Features throughout the center are part of SoIN Tourism’s vision to provide a premier experience for visitors and residents by offering an inviting layout, enhanced technology, local expertise and, eventually, community gatherings and performances that support existing events and neighboring businesses.

The Future of SoIN

Unique features of the new Visitor Center create opportunities for increased community engagement.

  • A center stage in the main area provides a platform for local groups to host conversations and talent to perform.
  • True Omni touch screen displays and software will be implemented to offer visitors a self-service option to create a custom itinerary on-site.
  • Updated merchandise, including a display showcasing local attractions and businesses.

An official move date has yet to be set, but the organization anticipates moving into its new space in January of 2024. The existing Southern Indiana Visitor Center and SoIN Tourism offices are currently up for auction. Find more information at HarrittGroup.com.

For more details or to interview someone about the move, please contact Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com or 812-282-6692.

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

 

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Southern Indiana Works Hosting Apprenticeship and Trades Fair for National Apprenticeship Week

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For Further Information Contact:                                                                                        11/14/2023
Carrie Baylor
Registered Apprenticeship Coordinator
carrie@soinworks.com
812.941.6436
www.soinworks.com

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Southern Indiana Works Hosting Apprenticeship and Trades Fair for National Apprenticeship Week

New Albany, IN – Southern Indiana Works (SIW) today announced its recognition and celebration of the U.S Department of Labor’s 9th Annual National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) with an Apprenticeship and Trades Fair taking place at Prosser Career Education Center, 4202 Charlestown Road, New Albany, IN on Thursday, November 16th from 3pm – 6pm.

Those considering a career in skilled trades are encouraged to attend and meet with industry experts, training providers, and top local employers to explore the opportunities and benefits of a career in the trades. Event exhibitors include Amatrol, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Boyd CAT, Built to Succeed IN Careers in Construction, IBEW Local 369, IKORCC Carpenters Union, Indiana University Southeast, IUOE Local 181 JATP, Ivy Tech Community College, Jim O’Neal Ford, Meeks Hardwood Flooring, Mister “P” Express, Southeast PHCC, and TARC. High school students, college students, career changers, and licensed tradespersons are all welcome to attend!

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) was established by the U.S. Department of Labor to showcase and promote high-quality, inclusive, in-demand career pathway opportunities through Registered Apprenticeship. NAW gives employers, including sponsors and providers, the opportunity to showcase their programs, facilities, and apprentices so that career seekers can learn more about the benefits of Registered Apprenticeship and the programs that are available in their communities. During NAW events, apprentices have a platform to share their apprenticeship experience and how it has transformed their lives. For more information, visit apprenticeship.gov/NAW.

The theme for NAW 2023 is “Registered Apprenticeship: Superhighway to Good Jobs.” This theme reflects the prominence that Registered Apprenticeship has received as a proven and industry- driven training model for overcoming a variety of workforce and education challenges and addressing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in the workplace.

Registered Apprenticeship is recognized as a key strategy to improving job quality and creating access to good-paying jobs for all, including populations historically underrepresented – women, people of color, and individuals with a disability – and underserved populations, such as youth and young adults. It addresses some of our nation’s pressing workforce shortages in teaching, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, cybersecurity, and other high-priority sectors.

Carrie Baylor, Registered Apprenticeship Coordinator for Southern Indiana Works states “Empowering our workforce through registered apprenticeships is the cornerstone of innovation and economic growth. By fostering hands-on learning and mentorship, we not only cultivate highly skilled professionals but also build a solid foundation which is inclusive of the next generation of talent allowing our region to be competitive in the global economy. We are proud to support National Apprenticeship Week and to showcase the impact apprenticeships have on building the workforce in Indiana.”

The hope is to connect individuals with opportunities in the skilled trades, providing a platform for exploration, interaction with professionals, and insights into diverse career paths. By showcasing apprenticeship programs and trade schools, the fair will promote the importance of practical skills in the workforce, fostering a direct pathway for individuals to enter the dynamic world of skilled trades.

To learn more about Registered Apprenticeship Programs, visit soinworks.com/get-started to be contacted by a Southern Indiana Works Business Consultant.

About Southern Indiana Works

Southern Indiana Works (SIW) is the Local Workforce Development Board and a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that leads the Talent Development System in Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott, Washington, and Crawford Counties. SIW connects jobseekers to local employers; services include skilling up talent though pre- employment training, work-based learning, career services, and incumbent worker training.

Southern Indiana Works mission is to lead a robust talent development system and cultivate a skilled workforce that advances our community, economy, and quality of life.

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Entrepreneurs to Pitch Ideas at IU Southeast’s Next Big Thing

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NEW ALBANY, Ind. (Nov. 13, 2023) – Budding entrepreneur finalists will have a chance to pitch their ideas and take home seed money and other prizes as part of The Next Big Thing Pitch Contest, sponsored by the IU Southeast School of Business, Maker 13, Indiana Small Business Development Center, NovaParke Innovation & Technology Campus, and the New Albany Floyd County Library. The live pitch event will be held on Saturday, November 18th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Hoosier Room, located in the University Center North Conference Center on the IU Southeast campus. The public is invited to attend to hear the ideas and cheer on their favorite entrepreneur.

“We’re thrilled to be organizing a pitch contest that not only celebrates entrepreneurs and the spirit of entrepreneurship but is also an official event of Global Entrepreneurship Week,” said Dr. Aycan Kara, associate professor of strategic management and entrepreneurship at IU Southeast. “We’ve received submissions from both established and aspiring entrepreneurs. The submissions have truly impressed us, not just in terms of quality, but also in the wide range of concepts they cover, from high-tech solutions to mental health initiatives and services for pet owners.”

Finalists participating in the competition, similar to the popular television series, Shark Tank, will have the chance to present their ideas to a panel of experts, entrepreneurs, and mentors, who will provide valuable feedback and guidance on projects. Registrants will also compete with other talented individuals/teams from around southern Indiana and the best pitches will receive cash awards, mentorship, and exposure. Additionally, there will be insights from Fail Forward speakers and opportunities for networking.

There are two categories in Saturday’s pitch competition including Community Fast Pitch, and Community Pitch Tank.

The Community Fast Pitch is for individuals/teams who have identified a problem to solve/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. Participants 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 pledge to start the submitted business idea within the state of Indiana to receive financial prizes.

The Community Pitch Tank is for individuals/teams who have a completed business plan and have identified a specific minimum viable product or service to offer. Participants must be an Indiana resident and have an existing established business in Indiana or pledge to start the submitted business plan/idea in Indiana.

“This year’s contest will serve as a stepping stone for future competitions, fostering increased cooperation among community partners and cultivating a truly nurturing environment for our startups,” said Kara. “For next year’s competition, our goal is to have a larger prize money pool, attract more submissions, and harness the innovative thinking of the upcoming generation. To create a vibrant local community and economy, we believe that we must attract and retain innovative ideas and talent, address the needs of our local community, and integrate high school entrepreneurs into the local entrepreneurship ecosystem,” she said.

The 2023 list of prizes total $16,750 in cash, workspace at the NovaParke Innovation & Technology Campus, and membership at Maker 13.

COMMUNITY FAST PITCH PRIZES

1st Place:  $2,000
2nd Place: $1,000  
3rd Place:  $750
4th Place:  $500

COMMUNITY PITCH TANK PRIZES

1st Place:  $5,000 + 1 year office space at Novaparke Innovation & Technology Campus ($10,000 value)
2nd Place: $3,500 + 1-year membership at Maker 13 ($4,800 value)
3rd Place:  $2,500
4th Place:  $1,500

The Next Big Thing Pitch Contest is sponsored by Indiana University Southeast and the IU Southeast School of Business and community partners including the Indiana Small Business Development Center, NovaParke Innovation & Technology Campus, Maker 13, The Main Street organizations, and Floyd County Library.

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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 an enrollment of more than 3,750 students and employs more than 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 www.ius.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.

 

Silver Creek High School Embarks on an Exciting Journey with FIRST Robotics Competition

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Sellersburg, Indiana – November 13, 2023 – Silver Creek High School is proud to announce the launch of its FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Team, marking a historic moment in the southeastern Indiana region. As the first school in the area to establish an FRC team, Silver Creek High School is taking an innovative step toward inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders and problem-solvers.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a global organization dedicated to promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through exciting, mentor-based robotics programs. The FIRST Robotics Competition, known as FRC, is a thrilling, high-intensity competition that challenges students to design, build, and program robots to complete complex tasks on the field. FRC provides students with hands-on experiences in engineering, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving, helping them develop invaluable skills for the future.

Heading this exciting new endeavor at Silver Creek High School is Jeff Harrell, the dedicated head coach of the FRC Team. Jeff brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for STEM education, making him the perfect leader for this inspiring journey. Under his guidance, students can unleash their creativity and technical skills while participating in the FRC program.

To ensure the success of this initiative, Silver Creek High School is actively seeking mentors and sponsors who share the school’s vision of fostering STEM education in the community. Mentors play a crucial role in guiding students through the design and construction of their robots. At the same time, sponsors provide essential support to help the team participate in district and national FRC events.

If you’re interested in becoming a mentor or sponsor for Silver Creek High School’s FRC Team, or if you would like to learn more about starting your own FRC team, please contact Chris Osborne at cosborne@indianafirst.org. Your support will make a significant difference in the lives of these young, aspiring engineers.

In addition to this exciting news, it’s essential to highlight FIRST Indiana Robotics, the state-level organization dedicated to advancing STEM education through robotics competitions and educational programs. FIRST Indiana Robotics empowers students, educators, and mentors across Indiana, and they play a pivotal role in the success of FRC teams like the one being established at Silver Creek High School.

Silver Creek High School is thrilled to embark on this educational adventure with FIRST Robotics Competition. Together, they are committed to fostering innovation, teamwork, and a passion for STEM education in the community. Join them on this remarkable journey as they aim to make a lasting impact on the future of education and technology in southeastern Indiana.

For more information about Silver Creek High School’s FRC Team and their journey with FIRST Robotics Competition, please contact Jeff Harrell at Silver Creek – jharrell@scsc.school

About FIRST Indiana Robotics:

FIRST Indiana Robotics is a nonprofit organization committed to promoting STEM education through robotics programs and competitions. They provide valuable opportunities for students, educators, and mentors to engage in hands-on learning experiences that inspire innovation and a lifelong love for science and technology.

About FIRST

FIRST, an acronym meaning “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology,” is an international not-for-profit organization founded by accomplished inventor Dean Kamen in 1989. The organization has a proven impact on STEM learning, interest, and skill-building well beyond high school. It is one of the world’s leading organizations providing experiential workforce development skills for STEM industries. Participants and alumni of FIRST programs gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life.

Contact:
Chris Osborne
Vice President of Programs
FIRST Indiana Robotics
cosborne@indianafirst.org
317-748-6427

Louisville Zoo Offers Free Admission for Active and Retired Military on Veterans Day Thanks to Kroger

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To celebrate and show appreciation to our military heroes, the Louisville Zoo, in partnership with Kroger, will provide active, discharged and retired members of the military and their immediate household families the opportunity to enjoy free Zoo admission on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023.

Those wishing to participate must simply have proof of military service. This includes but is not limited to: U.S Uniformed Services ID Card, U.S. Uniformed Services Retired ID Card, current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), veterans organization card (i.e., American Legion, VFW), a photograph in uniform, in-person wearing a uniform, DD214 and citation or commendation and present it at the Zoo’s admission windows.

“This is just one way we can thank veterans for their service,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “We hope to see many of our veterans and other military folks enjoy a day with their families and the animals.”

“Kroger is honored to support veterans with a promotion in conjunction with the Louisville Zoo,” said Kroger Spokesperson Jessica Sharp. “We are always looking for ways to directly support our veterans and thank them for their service.”

In addition to free admission on Nov. 11, 2023, active and retired military, and their dependents (with a military identification card) will receive 10% off Zoo gift shop purchases and 50% off food and drink concessions at the Zoo.

Active military receive free admission year-round to the Zoo. The dependents of active military personnel receive 10% off general admission at the Zoo’s ticket windows and must be accompanied by active military personnel with a valid ID. Military personnel are encouraged to check with the leisure travel offices at their bases in advance of their visit for other available discounts.

Zoo Hours

The Zoo is open daily year-round. Fall/winter hours are 10 a.m. ─ 4 p.m. (stay until 5 p.m.). The Zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Visit louisvillezoo.org for more info.

 

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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).

 

Ashley McKay appointed IU Southeast Vice Chancellor for Administration & Finance

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NEW ALBANY (November 6, 2023) – Ashley McKay has been named Vice Chancellor for Administration & Finance at Indiana University Southeast. McKay has held the position of acting/interim vice chancellor of administration & finance at Indiana University Southeast since October 2022.

“Ashley is a progressive administrator and her previous leadership roles have prepared her well to serve as the Vice Chancellor for Administration & Finance,” said Dr. Debbie Ford, Chancellor of IU Southeast.  “Ashley has championed initiatives that have proven beneficial to our students and lead the campus through challenging financial times, helping us to right-size and stabilize our financial situation.  She is well respected by her peers locally and throughout the Indiana University system. Ashley will serve her alma mater well, assuring the financial success of our campus in the coming years.”

In her role, McKay will oversee accounting services, facility operations, and human resources. She will also maintain financial oversight of all auxiliary units including housing, dining services, bookstore, athletics, and the Paul W Ogle Cultural & Community Center. Additionally, McKay will provide campus support to the IUPD-Southeast, Emergency Management Services, and other offices that report directly to IU University Administration in Bloomington, with staff working on the IU Southeast campus.

Previously, McKay served as Executive Director of Accounting Services at IU Southeast. She began as an accounting intern while she completed her Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the IU Southeast School of Business. She held positions of increasing responsibility in the Accounting Services Department over the past 19 years, while attaining her MBA at IU Southeast and becoming a Certified Public Accountant. During her tenure at IU Southeast, McKay has led many campus initiatives and was recognized in 2012 with the Outstanding Professional Staff Award.

McKay is an adjunct faculty member at the IU Southeast School of Business in accounting and serves as a mentor to IU Southeast students. She also volunteers at her children’s school.

“I am very excited to be starting this new role at IU Southeast and am very appreciative to Chancellor Ford, campus administration, and the entire administration and finance team for this opportunity,” said McKay. “I have never been more optimistic about the future of the IU Southeast campus and am looking forward to helping the campus achieve its strategic goals. One of the most rewarding benefits of working at a higher education institution is to see our students graduate and make a difference in the community. I am very humbled to be able to play even a small part in helping our students have positive educational experiences.”

McKay was named IU Southeast Outstanding Baccalaureate Degree Graduate in Accounting in 2004 and IU Southeast Outstanding master’s degree in business administration Graduate in 2007. She was also the recipient of the 2002 Chancellor’s Medallion Scholarship, the highest scholarship awarded locally on the IU Southeast campus. In 2008, she was awarded the Indiana University President’s Alumni Award.

McKay and her husband Brian live in Louisville with their children Owen and Abby.

 

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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 an enrollment of more than 3,750 students and employs more than 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 www.ius.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.

 

 

IU Southeast to Host Annual Futurecast: Economic Outlook 2024

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NEWS RELEASE
Indiana University Southeast
Contact:  Nancy Jo Trafton
812-941-2676
ntrafton@ius.edu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

IU Southeast to Host Annual Futurecast: Economic Outlook 2024

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (November 2, 2023) – IU Southeast will host this year’s Indiana Business Outlook Panel on Wednesday, Nov. 15.

This event will take place in the IU Southeast Hoosier Room. Breakfast will be served at 8 a.m. and panel presentations will begin at 9 a.m. Following the presentation, a public question-and-answer session will take place.

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

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

  • Kyle Anderson, assistant dean for academic programs—Indianapolis, clinical assistant professor of business economics, Kelley School of Business (U.S. and International outlook)
  • Kristoph Kleiner, associate professor of finance, Kelley School of Business, (financial market outlook)
  • Phil T Powell, executive director – Indiana Business Research Center, clinical associate professor of business economics and public policy, Daniel C. Smith Faculty Fellow Kelley School of Business, (Indiana market outlook)
  • Uric Dufrene, executive vice chancellor for academic affairs, Sanders Chair in Business, IU Southeast (regional outlook)
  • David Eplion, dean, IU Southeast School of Business (moderator)

The tour begins each year in Bloomington, Indiana, at the Kelley School of Business, then travels across the state, sharing its predictions with multiple Indiana communities. Uniquely, in each community, an expert on the regional economy joins the panel, offering attendees the fullest perspective on economic affairs possible.

Tickets to the Indiana Business Outlook Panel cost $25 per person or $175 for a table of eight. Register for this event online by Friday, Nov. 10. For more information, contact Kris Applegate at (812) 941-2242 or kmappleg@iu.edu.

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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 an enrollment of more than 3,750 students and employs more than 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 www.ius.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.

 

IU Southeast, New Neighbors Education Center offer session on diversity in the workforce

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NEW ALBANY, Ind. (Oct.27, 2023) – The Indiana University Southeast School of Education through its New Neighbors Education Center is offering a workshop on Thursday, November 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. entitled Diversity in the Workforce: Fostering Inclusion. The event is open to people from all sectors of education, business, industry, healthcare and social services.

The seminar features Dr. Monica Lakhwani, a Fulbright-Hays Scholar, a certified National Diversity Council Diversity Professional (NDCCDP), and a trainer for the U.S. Department of State.

The session aims to help participants develop awareness of the need to create a welcoming work environment for all individuals, with a particular focus on inclusivity of culturally and linguistically diverse individuals. The objectives include creating a welcoming work environment, increasing participant knowledge of diversity and inclusion practices.

“Our region is changing demographically, we’re becoming more diverse,” said Dr. Donna Albrecht, Director of Graduate Studies at the IU Southeast School of Education and Director of the New Neighbors Education Center. “As the need for more employees increases, workplaces must find ways to attract and retain individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. This workshop will provide insight and tools to help employers welcome workers from many culturally diverse and linguistically diverse backgrounds and help those employees and businesses thrive.”

For more information on the event contact Donna Albrecht, Director of the New Neighbors Education Center at (812) 941-2594 or at dalbrec@iu.edu. To register, visit the registration link. The cost for the event is $75 and includes a light breakfast. The sessions will be held in room 122 of University Center North on the IU Southeast campus.

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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 an enrollment of more than 3,750 students and employs more than 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 www.ius.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.

About New Neighbors Education Center: The IU Southeast School of Education, through its New Neighbors Education Center (NNEC), partners with school districts, parents/guardians, community organizations, businesses, and state entities as they respond to the educational needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students/individuals and those learning English as a new language (English Learners, ELs).

TIME Best Inventions Honors CRG Automation for Work Destroying Chemical Weapons

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Robotics system helped military finish ahead of schedule

OCTOBER 24, 2023 — LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — TIME today honored a robotics system developed by CRG Automation among its 2023 Best Inventions. The system, developed in partnership with the Department of Defense, helped safely destroy America’s aging stockpile of chemical weapons ahead of deadlines mandated by international treaties.

In partnership with companies including Amentum and Bechtel, the engineers at CRG Automation devised a system that included more than 2,000 parts to destroy 4.2-inch mortar rounds filled with caustic mustard agent.

“The project was able to safely destroy nearly 47,000 canisters before a convention deadline in September,” noted TIME writer Tara Law in describing the project.

The mustard agent had often caked onto an immovable piece running through the center of the mortar rounds, creating numerous challenges in ensuring the weapons’ safe destruction. The team’s newly designed system, dubbed the Improved Cavity Access Machine, both extracted the liquified mustard agent while also washing the solidified mustard off the immovable piece, all the while making sure that none of it leaked.

“This was a series of complexities we had never dealt with before,” said CRG Automation President James DeSmet, a veteran of the United States Merchant Marines. “We knew this was an opportunity unlike any other, and, even staring down the aggressive deadline, we knew we could do it.”

CRG Automation’s work on the mustard agent-filled rounds followed a similar project the company worked on involving the destruction of VX and sarin rockets at the Blue Grass Chemical Agent-Destruction Pilot Plant near Richmond, Kentucky.

TIME’s recognition is the latest for CRG Automation. Fast Company magazine has honored the company’s work as part of its annual World Changing Ideas contest and also named CRG Automation among the world’s 10 most innovative robotics companies with Robotics Business Review also selecting the company as a recipient of the annual RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award.

Inc. Magazine has honored the company three years running among its Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies, and CRG Automation also has topped Louisville Business First’s Fast 50 list of rapidly growing area businesses.

The company’s 40,000-square-foot headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, features a controls and machine shop, plus the floor space required to build proofs of concept and set up and conduct performance testing for complete packaging and processing lines.

TIME Magazine: The Best Inventions of 2023

About CRG Automation
Whatever you make, CRG Automation helps you make it better. The company’s team of experienced engineers and assemblers understand each problem is unique, so they delve into what’s keeping organizations of all types — everything from beverage bottlers and distillers to the Department of Defense — from becoming more efficient and devise custom solutions. CRG Automation not only develops new systems but also re-engineers and rebuilds existing ones to meet customers’ changing needs.

 

Harrison County Lifelong Learning Upcoming Programs

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Harrison County Lifelong Learning is the local source for adult education, technical training and certification, and connecting employers with job seekers. 

For more information on upcoming programs or to register for a workshop, give us a call at, 812.738.7736.

Upcoming Programs

  • Financial Foundations Workshop
    November 1, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Tickets on sale now!
  • Quickbooks Online Basics
    November 2, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Tickets on sale now!
  • Personal Finance & Budgeting
    November 7 & 14, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Tickets on sale now!
  • Introduction to Mailchimp
    November 8, 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM, Tickets on sale now!
  • Community Job Fair
    November 9, 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM Harrison County Fairgrounds
    Employer Booth Space Available!
  • Emotional Intelligence & Resolving Conflict Workshop
    November 16, 8:30 AM – 10:45 AM
    Offered in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College
  • Industrial Maintenance/Electricity 101
    November 28 – December 7, Tu/Th. 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Offered in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College

On-going Classes & Services