YOUTH LINK SOUTHERN INDIANA RECEIVES $20,800 COMMUNITY GRANT FROM TACO BELL FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT LOCAL YOUTH  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 4, 2025 

YOUTH LINK SOUTHERN INDIANA RECEIVES $20,800 COMMUNITY GRANT FROM TACO BELL FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT LOCAL YOUTH  

The Taco Bell Foundation is awarding a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants in 2025 – marking the first year that Youth Link Southern Indiana has been selected as a grant recipient.  

JEFFERSONVILLE, IN, (August 4, 2025) – Youth Link Southern Indiana is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a 2025 Community Grant from the Taco Bell Foundation. The funding will support career exploration, leadership development, and mentorship activities, helping youth in Southern Indiana access essential resources to achieve their goals 

“This grant opens doors for students who are ready to step into their potential,” said Tricia Wall, Executive Director of Youth Link Southern Indiana. “We’re so thankful to the Taco Bell Foundation and C&M Smith Restaurants, Inc. for fueling our mission and helping local youth gain the tools they need to lead, grow, and thrive.” 

The Taco Bell Foundation awarded a record-breaking $28 million in Community Grants this year to nearly 500 nonprofit organizations nationwide. The Community Grants program uplifts youth in the communities that matter most to Taco Bell – those of its fans and Team Members. True to the brand’s spirit, the Taco Bell Foundation supports nonprofits that think differently and take bold approaches to creating new opportunities for young people.  

Youth Link Southern Indiana was nominated for the grant by local Taco Bell franchisee Chris Smith at C&M Smith Restaurants, Inc, whose continued commitment to uplifting youth has helped expand access to education, mentorship, and career readiness programs across the community.  

“We believe that empowering young people is one of the most meaningful ways we can invest in the future,” said Lisa Lane Cardin, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation. “This record investment is a testament to the power of community-driven change and the limitless potential that exists when we remove barriers and open doors.”  

Through this grant, Youth Link Southern Indiana will launch the Real-World Readiness program, a new leadership initiative at Jeffersonville High School that will serve a group of  teacher-referred students. The program integrates hands-on learning, mentorship, and career exploration to build confidence, leadership skills, and future planning. Students will participate in workshops, meet local professionals, and end the year with a trip to Kings Island and Great Wolf Lodge in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

To learn more about Youth Link Southern Indiana, please visit youthlinksi.org. To learn more about the Taco Bell Foundation and the Community Grants program, please visit https://www.tacobellfoundation.org/who-we-support/.  

About Youth Link Southern Indiana 
Youth Link Southern Indiana is a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers to student success across Clark and Floyd Counties. Through in-school services, after-school programs, and community partnerships, Youth Link supports students academically, emotionally, and physically. From basic needs assistance to mentoring and mental health services, Youth Link ensures that every child has the resources and support they need to thrive. 

About Taco Bell Foundation 
Taco Bell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity that empowers the next generation to pursue their passions by breaking down barriers to education and providing resources to help young people chase their boldest ambitions. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached nearly 9 million young people across the country and has awarded more than $203 million in grants and scholarships, focused on education and career readiness. For more information about the Taco Bell Foundation, visit www.tacobellfoundation.org 

Media Contact 

Christina Gutowski – Development and Marketing Manager, Youth Link Southern Indiana 
cgutowski@youthlinksi.org 
812-280-0028 

Stites & Harbison Welcomes Cyrus Gilmore Dutton IV to the Louisville Office

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 14, 2025)—Stites & Harbison, PLLC welcomes attorney Cyrus Gilmore Dutton IV to the firm’s Louisville, Ky., office. He joins the Torts & Insurance Practice Group.

Dutton’s practice focuses primarily on complex commercial litigation. He also represents companies with a vast array of needs from business litigation to corporate compliance.

Prior to joining Stites & Harbison, Dutton was an associate with a large national law firm. In law school, he clerked for the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs where he participated in financial services reform. He earned his J.D. from The George Washington University Law School in 2022, with a concentration in International Business Law.

Outside of the firm, Dutton is active in a variety of professional and community organizations. He is a member of the 53rd Judicial District, Kentucky, Indiana, and Louisville Bar Associations. He serves as the Shelby County Area Chair of Ducks Unlimited. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Epsilon Alumni Association of Beta Theta Pi. Dutton is admitted to practice in Kentucky and Indiana.

About Stites & Harbison

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With 12 offices across seven states — Kentucky, Connecticut, 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.

The Glassworks Event Space Offers a New Kind of Event Experience in Downtown Louisville

Live Glassblowing Demos Add Artistic Edge to Weddings, Celebrations, and Corporate Events

 

LOUISVILLE, KY — The Loft at Glassworks, located in the historic Glassworks building in
downtown Louisville, is redefining what an event space can be. With over 11,000 square
feet of exposed brick, tall windows, and a flexible layout, the venue has become a sought-after
location for weddings, private celebrations, brand activations, and community gatherings.
What makes The Loft stand out isn’t just its industrial character — it’s the integration of live
art into the guest experience. Event hosts have the option to include live glassblowing
demonstrations. Guests can watch artists transform molten glass into one-of-a-kind pieces
in real time, creating a memorable and immersive element unique to the venue.
In recent years, The Loft has hosted nonprofit galas, styled shoots, micro-weddings, and
creative pop-ups — all benefiting from the venue’s open vendor policy and adaptable
design.

“The energy of the space changes depending on what’s happening inside it,” said Nicole
Thomas of Weyland Ventures. “It’s rare to find a venue where you can hold a beautiful
reception and also offer guests a truly hands-on, artistic experience.”
The Loft at Glassworks is currently booking events through 2026.

For booking inquiries or to schedule a site visit, contact:
Nicole Thomas
nicole@weylandventures.com

Go West, Young Silverback!

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (July 3, 2025) – The Louisville Zoo and the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens are proud to announce the upcoming move of 27-year-old male western lowland gorilla Cecil to California. Louisville Zoo staff are very excited to see Cecil have an opportunity to begin a new social chapter and lead his own gorilla group at the San Francisco Zoo.

Cecil was born on Nov. 3, 1998, at the Cincinnati Zoo. Since arriving at the Louisville Zoo in January 2004, Cecil has been a part of a young bachelor group comprised of Bengati, Kicho and Jelani. A common and enriching arrangement modeled after wild gorilla behavior, these groups allow maturing silverbacks to develop socially, physically and hormonally.

Recently, Cecil was identified by the Gorilla Species Survival Plan (SSP) as a promising candidate for the eventual leadership of his own family group. His lineage offers a strong match for the female gorillas at San Francisco Zoo, although no breeding will be recommended until after his phased social introductions.

Special Celebration

Louisville Zoo guests can visit with Cecil at a special celebration on Saturday, July 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Gorilla Forest. There will be special keeper talks, docent interpretation with biofacts and children and families can sign a card to wish Cecil well on his new adventure in San Francisco.

“Moving a gorilla isn’t just about logistics — it’s about heart, science and timing,” said Louisville Zoo General Curator, Ron Evans, who will personally accompany Cecil during transport in August. “We’ve observed Cecil distancing from his bachelor companion Kicho, which aligns perfectly with this next stage of his life.”

Cecil’s new home will be The Jones Family Gorilla Preserve at San Francisco Zoo, a lush, nearly one-acre habitat. With both outdoor and specialized indoor facilities, the space has supported generations of gorillas since 1980 as part of San Francisco Zoo’s longstanding and successful breeding program.

“We are excited to welcome Cecil to lead our gorilla troop,” said Eric Krussman, San Francisco Zoo’s Executive Vice President of Animal Care. “Cecil will enjoy a peaceful, serene grassy habitat with rocky structures and a cypress tree to climb and, of course, a new family group. We thank Louisville Zoo for giving Cecil a rousing send-off, as we know he is a fan favorite there.”

The female gorillas at San Francisco Zoo, Kimani, Monifa and Bawang — who are affectionately called the “three bachelorettes”— will be gradually introduced to Cecil over several months to allow social bonds to form before any consideration is given to breeding. Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoos emphasize patience and stability during transitions like these to ensure the animals’ wellbeing.

About Gorilla Management in Zoos

Through managed breeding and deep understanding of natural behavior, the Gorilla SSP aims to maintain a genetically healthy gorilla population for the next century — while raising public awareness about gorilla conservation and the threats faced by wild populations.

Bachelor groups mimic the way young silverbacks naturally leave their natal troops in the wild and bond with peers. Some gorillas eventually lead families; others remain lifelong bachelors — both are valid and enriching life paths.

About San Francisco Zoo & Gardens

Established in 1929, San Francisco Zoo & Gardens connects all people with wildlife, inspires caring for nature and advances conservation action. The 100-acre park is home to over 1,500 exotic, endangered and rescued animals representing nearly 200 species, and seven distinct gardens full of native and unusual plants. The Jones Family Gorilla Preserve, opened in 1980, continues the Zoo’s decades-long legacy of gorilla care and breeding excellence. Visit www.sfzoo.org for more information.

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) and is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), a global alliance of zoos and aquariums.

Posters, Passports and Play: Earn Prizes & Enter to Win at SoIN’s Summer Passport Party on July 1

Southern Indiana (June 26, 2025) – Enjoy free family-friendly activities, a poster reveal, artist meet and greet and more at the SoIN Summer Passport Party from 3 – 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1 at Recbar 812, 336 Pearl Street, New Albany, IN. During the party, SoIN Tourism is unveiling three new poster designs for their year-round passport programs. Each print was created by local artist Carrie Johns as an exclusive prize for passholders.

Celebrate the poster reveal with family-friendly fun at Recbar 812!

  • Free face painting by Bohemian Monkey
  • Free balloon animals by Fossi Lou Balloons
  • Ticket giveaways for Holiday World and New Albany Wicked Walk
  • Self-guided mural walking tour

Summer Passport Party Limited Time Offer

The year-round Scenic SoIN, Inspired SoIN and Stranger Things of SoIN passports allow visitors, and residents, to explore Southern Indiana’s best sights, creative scenes and peculiar spots with ease.  During the party, passholders can check in at just three locations on any of the year-round passports to claim one of Johns’ new posters! Offer is only available during the SoIN Summer Passport Party. Poster must be claimed by 7 p.m. on July 1, 2025, at Recbar 812.

Games & Grub at Recbar 812

Kids 12 and under eat free every Tuesday at Recbar 812 with the purchase of an adult entrée! The restaurant’s kid-friendly menu features chicken tenders, burgers, mac and cheese, and Totchos – tater tots loaded with a variety of toppings. Stick around to enjoy Recbar’s 100+ arcade games and 70+ pinball machines. Attendees can claim 10 free tokens when they sign up for the SoIN Fun Trail, Southern Indiana’s summertime guide to the best family-friendly experiences in SoIN. SoIN Fun Trail prizes will also be available for pick up at Recbar 812 during the SoIN Summer Passport Party.

Signing Up for Passports

Sign up for one or more of SoIN Tourism’s free passports at GoSoIN.com/Passports. Once registered, participants receive an email and text prompting them to add the passport to their smartphone home screen for convenient access. Passholders can use the passports to check in and earn points for prizes. Points can also be used for entries into grand prize drawings.

If you are planning to attend, or if you would like to set up an interview in advance, please contact Communications Manager Anna Rosales-Crone at Anna@GoSoIN.com or 812-282-6692.

About Carrie Johns

Carrie Johns is an accomplished professional artist who has been painting murals throughout the region for 25 years. She has worked with clients such as Kroger, Rabbit Hole Distillery, Falls City Beer and the City of New Albany. In addition to fine art and signage, Johns has painted several colorful murals throughout Southern Indiana and Louisville, including six featured on the Inspired SoIN digital passport.

About SoIN Tourism

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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Recent IU Southeast grads attain record outcomes and increased income levels in the first year post-graduation

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (June 26, 2025) – A new Indiana University survey of graduate outcomes shows that IU Southeast once again leads all IU campuses in graduates’ full-time job placement and graduates employed in their field of study. Additionally, graduates of IU Southeast, on average, saw a 17 percent increase in first-year salaries as compared to the study completed in 2022-23.

The IU First Destination Survey explores the outcomes of IU undergraduate students in their first year following graduation. The survey focuses on the outcome of IU graduates who earned undergraduate degrees during the 2023-2024 academic year.

The survey, conducted by Indiana University’s Office of Student Success in collaboration with campus career services and Institutional Analytics, drew data from over 78 percent of IU Southeast graduates. Data collected from primary and secondary sources, including student questionnaires, departmental reports, and social media profiles, were used to assemble the outcomes profile.

Of these graduates, 97 percent were either employed (86.5%) or enrolled in an educational program such as graduate or professional school (10.6%). There were no reported outcomes of graduates entering military service. The survey identified less than three percent of graduates who were still seeking employment (2.7%).

Of nearly 87 percent who had accepted offers of employment, 98 percent were working full-time with an average salary of $58,311, an increase of 17 percent from the class of 2022-23.

Impressively, nearly 97 percent of working graduates reported that their employment was directly related to their field of study, with top employers including Norton Healthcare, UPS, Humana, Baptist Health, Greater Clark County Schools, and New Albany Floyd County Schools. Additionally, 95 percent of employed graduates reported working in Indiana or Kentucky, reinforcing the university’s critical role in educating regional talent.

Chancellor Debbie Ford praised the results as a testament to the university’s mission:

“At IU Southeast, student success is not just a goal—it’s a promise we deliver on year after year. Our graduates are entering the workforce prepared, confident, and career-ready, and they’re finding well-paying careers in their chosen fields right here in our region,” said Chancellor Ford. “These outcomes speak to the power of hands-on learning, strong faculty mentorship, and our deep connection with local employers. We remain committed to fueling both opportunity for our students and growth for our community.”

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About IU Southeast: IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality and nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from ten counties in the Louisville region, including Bullitt, Hardin, Henry, Jefferson, Meade, Nelson, Oldham, Shelby, Trimble, and Spencer counties and discounted tuition for remaining Kentucky residents through the Indiana Partner Program. For more information, visit . IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus.

ENCON Repeats as Fastest-Growing Rental Team in the United States

Jeffersonville, IN — June 23, 2025 —  For the second year in a row, ENCON Equipment has been named the fastest-growing equipment rental company in the United States, topping Rental Management’s 2025 Market Movers list with an extraordinary 535% revenue-producing growth. This back-to-back honor cements ENCON’s reputation as a standout in the rental industry.
 
Breakout Year Continues with Debut on RER 100 List
Adding to its impressive momentum, ENCON has also earned a spot on the Rental Equipment Register’s (RER) prestigious 2025 Top 100 list—making its debut at No. 99 among the largest equipment rental firms in North America, with total annual sales of $12.7 million.
 
While the Market Movers list recognizes the fastest-growing companies based on percentage growth in rental revenue, the RER 100 highlights the largest rental companies in North America, ranked by total annual rental volume. ENCON’s inclusion on both lists underscores a rare combination of rapid growth and expanding market presence—proof that the company is scaling up while maintaining speed.
 
ENCON serves contractors across Kentucky, metro Louisville, and Southern Indiana through three regional hubs located in Nicholasville, KY; Somerset, KY; and Jeffersonville, IN. The company’s focus on compact and mid-sized machinery has made it a trusted rental partner across the region.
 
“Our team is driven by the belief that the right equipment can make a powerful impact,” said Jordan Mitchell, president of ENCON. “These awards say a lot about how hard our people work and how much our customers believe in us.”
 
Published annually, the Market Movers list tracks year-over-year growth, while the RER 100 captures the overall industry footprint. To make both lists in just two years—following a change in ownership—is a major milestone in ENCON’s journey to becoming a national leader in equipment rental.
 
To learn more, visit www.enconequipment.com.
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Media Contact:
Angie Gimmel
(502) 648-9283

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate: “The SIP” Returns to Downtown New Albany on June 21, 2025

Award-winning tasting event brings back crowd-favorite cocktail showdown, live entertainment, and the best of Southern Indiana’s food and drink scene

NEW ALBANY, IN – One of Southern Indiana’s most anticipated summer events is back. The SIP returns to downtown New Albany on Saturday, June 21, 2025, offering a spirited celebration of local wineries, distilleries, breweries, and culinary creativity—plus the return of the show-stopping SIP Cocktail Showdown.

Named the 2024 recipient of the SoIN Tourism Award for Collaboration, The SIP is produced by New Albany Main Street, a nonprofit organization focused on revitalizing and reimagining New Albany’s historic downtown, midtown & uptown districts.

“This event is all about spotlighting local flavor and the incredible talent in our food and beverage scene,” said Robin Nance, Executive Director of New Albany Main Street. “It’s a chance to sip something new, support our local businesses, and soak in a day of energy, flavor, and community.”

Event-goers can expect:

  • Tastings from regional wineries, breweries, and distilleries

  • Dishes from local restaurants

  • Artists & Merchants selling unique goods

  • 50/50 Raffle plus other raffle prizes

  • Live entertainment and hourly demos throughout the day

  • And of course, the SIP Cocktail Showdown, sponsored by Heaven’s Door Ascension (KY Bourbon) & Heaven’s Door Revelation (Double Barrel Whiskey), where bartenders compete across two exciting phases:

    • Main Street Mix Off: Competitors serve their favorite cocktails to The SIP attendees for voting.

    • The SIP Showdown: A live mix-off, at the event, between the top two competitors judged by local experts and last year’s winner.

Tickets include a tasting glass and access to all on-site samples and activities. 

Proceeds from The SIP directly support New Albany Main Street programs, from small business support to community events that keep our districts thriving year-round.

For press inquiries, sponsorship details, or vendor applications, contact robin@newalbanymainstreet.org or visit www.newalbanymainstreet.org.

 


 

Follow Along

Party with a Purpose: Republic Bank hosts fifth annual Juneteenth Event to improve health outcomes in West Louisville

Since 2020, Republic and community partners have offered free life-saving screenings and educational resources to celebration attendees
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Jun. 7, 2025) – Today, Republic Bank & Trust Company (“Republic” or “the Bank”) hosted the fifth annual Juneteenth Event at the Republic Bank Foundation YMCA. Republic partnered with Kentucky African Americans Against Cancer (KAAAC) and other community organizations to offer free screenings and educational resources to improve the health of West Louisville residents.
“Republic Bank welcomes the opportunity to host this important community event each year in celebration of Juneteenth,” Republic Bank President and CEO Logan Pichel said. “We are committed to investing in West Louisville, improving the quality of life and enabling the communities we serve to thrive. Not only are we able to help Louisvillians access life-saving health screenings and resources, but today’s event offered everyone an opportunity to celebrate with the community.”
According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, with the risk for Black men being significantly higher. Moreover, a recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) study concluded that Black men have a higher prevalence of prostate cancer because of lower prostate exam screening rates.
Additionally, the average dental screening costs about $130, and according to the Kentucky Oral Health Coalition, poor oral health is linked to a number of health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the highest prevalence of fatal oral cancers is among Black Americans, and they are three times more likely to have untreated cavities.
In addition to free prostate screenings provided by KAAAC, KARE Mobile offered complementary dental screenings for all attendees. Attendees also enjoyed activities, food and vendors operated by Black- and women-owned businesses.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate Juneteenth in West Louisville for the fifth year in a row,” Republic Bank Vice President, Inclusion and Diversity Ashley Duncan said. “We’re grateful for our community partners like KAAAC and Kare Mobile that are helping us reach underserved communities and save lives.”
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About Republic Bank
Republic Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is the parent company of Republic Bank & Trust Company (the “Bank”). The Bank currently has 47 banking centers in communities within five metropolitan statistical areas (“MSAs”) across five states: 22 banking centers located within the Louisville MSA in Louisville, Prospect, Shelbyville, and Shepherdsville in Kentucky, and Floyds Knobs, Jeffersonville, and New Albany in Indiana; six banking centers within the Lexington MSA in Georgetown and Lexington in Kentucky; eight banking centers within the Cincinnati MSA in Cincinnati and West Chester in Ohio, and Bellevue, Covington, Crestview Hills, and Florence in Kentucky; seven banking centers within the Tampa MSA in Largo, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, Seminole, and Tampa in Florida; and four banking centers within the Nashville MSA in Franklin, Murfreesboro, Nashville and Spring Hill, Tennessee. In addition, Republic Bank Finance has one loan production office in St. Louis, Missouri. The Bank offers online banking at www.republicbank.com. The Company is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, and as of March 31, 2025, had approximately $7.1 billion in total assets. The Company’s Class A Common Stock is listed under the symbol “RBCAA” on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. 
Source: Republic Bancorp, Inc.

Media Contact
Courtney Eder, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer
(502) 584-3600

Stites & Harbison Ranks in Top 10 on 2025  “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” List 

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 2, 2025)—Stites & Harbison, PLLC ranks in the Top 10 “Best Places to Work in Kentucky” for 2025 in the medium company category. The firm has made the list 19 times — 11 of those in the Top 10. 

“With so many exceptional employers in the Commonwealth, we are deeply honored to be ranked again in the Top 10,” stated Marjorie A. Farris, Chair of Stites & Harbison. “It’s gratifying to know that as our firm has grown, we are still maintaining the positive and collegial environment that encourages our attorneys and staff to succeed.” 

“Best Places to Work in Kentucky” is hosted by the Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management in conjunction with The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Winners are selected from three categories: large company (more than 500 employees), medium company (150-499 employees) and small company (15-149 employees).  

Stites & Harbison’s Kentucky offices include Covington, Frankfort, Lexington and Louisville. 

About Stites & Harbison 

Stites & Harbison, PLLC is a nationally recognized, full-service law firm. With 12 offices across seven states — Kentucky, Connecticut, 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.