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

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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.

 

 

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

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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 

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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. 

Family Business Award Nominations Now Open!

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Recognize the Exceptional Family Businesses and Leaders in Our Community

May 1, 2025 – Nominate your favorite family businesses and leaders today for The Legacy Continues: 2025 Family Business Awards presented by the University of Louisville Family Business Center and Commonwealth Credit Union. These awards recognize excellence in family business operations, building continuity, community and philanthropy, education, and continuing the rich legacy of family businesses in our community.

Categories for Recognition

  • Generations of Excellence – this individual has been leading their family business for at least 15 years and has made efforts to increase governance within the family business and is working to prepare the next generation for leadership. They are invested in continuing the legacy of their family business and have been actively involved in working with future generations to ensure knowledge from previous generations is passed down and they are an encouragement to ongoing innovation and growth in generations to come.
  • Emerging Family Business Innovator – as a prominent leader in this family business, this individual has exhibited efforts to embrace the legacy of the current business and is taking up the torch to lead future Their desire to grow and advance the business in new and innovative ways is evident in their daily contributions to the organization. Nominees should be future leaders who have dedicated at least 10 consecutive years full time in the family business and who currently hold a leadership role.
  • Legacy Builder – this individual is instrumental to working on the family business and ensuring its success for generations to come. Through building governance and setting expectations, their efforts have helped the business plan for the future and prepare in advance for the unexpected challenges that may arise in an effort to maintain family harmony and successfully move the business forward.
  • Round Table Luminary – this award is designated specifically for a UofL Family Business Center Round Table Participant. This individual consistently attends and offers meaningful contributions to their groups round table By doing this, they have exhibited growth in their own business and inspired others. Their efforts to share their growing knowledge in family business has been beneficial to their round table community as a whole. This nominee must be a current member of the UofL Family Business Center in good standing.

 

Criteria and Nominations

For the purpose of these awards, “family businesses” are identified as a business owned by a family and with multiple members of the family currently working for the business in some capacity. Membership with the UofL Family Business Center is not required for most categories.

The deadline to submit nominations is June 16, 2025. You can find the nomination form here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecYydA_1liP3E3JMWDfyECQtxg0tAdN4c9_qkLlvtsVoD- QA/viewform?usp=header

About the University of Louisville Family Business Center

The UofL Family Business Center (FBC) provides a vital community where business-owning families can exchange strategies and experiences, safely explore unique challenges, and learn from leading family business experts. Our goal is to sustain Kentuckiana family businesses through connections, support, education, and advocacy, increasing family harmony while committing to business continuity. We leverage local and best-in-class resources from the University of Louisville by:

  • Creating a community of business owners and their advisors that strengthens both the family and the business.
  • Providing educational resources to business-owning families, family enterprises, and family business partners for multi-generational success.
  • Generating, translating, and disseminating research about business-owning families and family enterprises in our region.

The Family Business Center boasts a membership of over 150 businesses and business-owning families, ranging from small, local, first-generation businesses to multi-generational international enterprises exceeding $100M+. Our membership maintains a 70/30 split of family businesses and professional advisors, including attorneys, banks, CPAs, business valuation experts, strategic advisors, and more.

Learn more by contacting us at FBC@Louisville.edu or visiting us online: Memberships | Family Business Center at University of Louisville on Glue Up.

For Additional Information:
Candace Bensel
UofL Family Business Center Executive Director
Email: Candace.Bensel@Louisville.edu

Kristen Frarey
UofL Family Business Center Member Services Coordinator
Email: Kristen.Frarey@Louisville.edu

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Duke Energy awards grants to local economic development organizations to boost growth, job creation in southern Indiana

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PLAINFIELD, Ind. – Duke Energy has selected four economic development organizations in southern Indiana for inclusion in its 2025 Partnership Program, which funds marketing and strategic efforts to attract new jobs and investment to Indiana.

“This program gives our local economic development partners the tools they need to showcase the strengths of their communities – both at home and on the national stage,” said Erin Schneider, managing director of economic development at Duke Energy. “It’s just one of the many ways we’re helping influence growth in the state to build competitive, thriving communities.”

Partnership Program grant funds can be used to support a wide array of marketing initiatives, including trade show attendance, website redesign, promotional materials, and presentations or tours to introduce prospective companies and site selectors to a community.

To qualify for program consideration, each applicant submitted a plan that would have a direct impact on their community’s economic growth. Grant amounts varied depending on the size and scope of the project.

This year, grants were awarded to the following southern Indiana organizations:

One Southern Indiana – $5,000

Grant funds will support the implementation of a new, state-of-the-art customer relationship management system. This system will serve as a centralized hub for managing community projects, tracking incentive programs and analyzing economic impact. It will provide comprehensive reporting, site selection services, incentive advisory and compliance management tools to streamline operations and drive economic development.

Orange County Economic Development Partnership – $2,000

Grant funds will support marketing efforts for talent attraction as part of French Lick’s Klondike workforce housing development.

Pike County Economic Development Corporation – $5,000

Grant funds will support social media content development and management for the organization, as well as the production of a 90-second promotional video.

Southwest Indiana Development Council – $5,000

Grant funds will support the Southwest Indiana Development Council’s membership with the Transatlantic Business & Investment Council and foreign direct investment marketing efforts.

Duke Energy Indiana

Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,300 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 910,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.

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Tourism Capital Development Fund (TCDF) Call for Applications 

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Up to $1 million available for place-making projects in Indiana’s Clark and Floyd counties 

Southern Indiana (May 15, 2025) – SoIN Tourism, the Clark-Floyd Counties Convention & Tourism Bureau, will award up to $1 million in total to support high-impact, transformative place-making projects spearheaded by Clark and Floyd County non-profits and government entities. Applications for a 2025 round of funding from the Tourism Capital Development Fund (TCDF) managed by SoIN Tourism will be accepted starting June 2, 2025. The deadline to apply is August 31, 2025. 

The program offers a unique partnership designed to enhance visitor experiences and the quality of life for residents. Awards granted will range from $100,000 to $250,000. Applications will be reviewed in the fall, and recipients will be selected by the end of 2025. New this year, SoIN Tourism Executive Director Jim Epperson will host an Information Session for interested parties to learn more and ask questions. 

What: Tourism Capital Development Fund Information Session 

Date: Thursday, June 5 

Time: 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. 

Where: Southern Indiana Visitor Center, 228 Spring Street, Suite 106, Jeffersonville, IN 47130 

The TCDF program has been in place since 1984 when the Indiana General Assembly enacted an additional 1% innkeeper’s tax to support tourism capital development projects in Clark and Floyd counties. That portion increased to 1.5% in 2019 and represents 25% of the Bureau’s total funding.  

For more than 30 years, the program has assisted in the development of signature projects that improve the quality of place enjoyed by visitors and residents of Southern Indiana. Most recently, the program supported: Clarksville Central Green, Falls of the Ohio State Park Education Pavilion, Town of Borden Historic Bank Building Repurpose, and Charlestown Family Activities Park Phase II Expansion. 

Interested applicants can view full details and requirements at GoSoIN.com/business/partner-support/. If you are interested in interviewing someone about the TCDF, 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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IU Southeast Presents Mid-Year Economic Update 

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NEW ALBANY, Ind. (May 9, 2025) – The Indiana University Southeast School of Business offers faculty, business leaders, and community residents an opportunity to learn more about the local economy. 

The Mid-Year Economic Update, sponsored by the IU Southeast School of Business, will be held at 8 a.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025, in the Hoosier Room located in University Center North, on the IU Southeast campus at 4201 Grant Line Rd in New Albany. Breakfast is from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., followed by the presentation. 

Sanders Chair in Business, Dr. Uric Dufrene, will speak about national trends and the implications for the local economy. Dufrene, former IU Southeast Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and the IU Southeast School of Business Dean, will also highlight the most recent data available for the Greater Louisville and Southern Indiana economy. 

Dufrene, along with industry experts from the IU Kelley School of Business, shared economic predictions at the annual Indiana Business Outlook Panel last November. At the Mid-Year Economic Update, Dufrene will provide updates about the predictions made in November, and he will offer predictions for the remainder of the year. 

This event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required. For more information or to register by Friday, May 16, contact the School of Business at (812) 941-2362 or business@ius.edu. More information is available at https://go.iu.edu/economic-update.    

 

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About IU Southeast: IU Southeast is one of nine campuses of Indiana University. Offering top-quality and nationally accredited programs in education, nursing, business, social sciences, natural sciences, arts and humanities, the scenic 180-acre campus is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Louisville, Kentucky. It currently has over 3,750 students and employs over 360 faculty members. About 400 students live on campus in five fully furnished, lodge-style residence halls. Through an agreement with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Indiana University Southeast offers in-state tuition to students enrolled from eight counties in the Louisville region. For more information, visit https://southeast.iu.edu. IU Southeast is a tobacco-free campus. 

 

Friends of the Louisville Zoo announces 2025 event season

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Beloved gala Zoofari returns June 13; new adults-only event, Skelebration, debuts this fall

LOUISVILLE, KY. (April 24, 2025) – Friends of the Louisville Zoo (FOZ) is planning a year of fundraising and fun with the return of their annual gala, Zoofari, and a new treat for adults this fall, Skelebration!

Louisville Zoo’s premier gala, Zoofari, coordinated and hosted by the FOZ Board, brings together community leaders and Zoo advocates for an event as unique and special as the Zoo! This year’s “Evening of Elegance” gala will occur on Friday, June 13, and will celebrate the snow leopard. Zoofari guests will be whisked away from the entrance of the Zoo for an exclusive evening of animal encounters, an elevated cocktail hour on the Snow Leopard Pass plaza, live and silent auctions, and an inspired dinner experience and entertainment. The fun continues with an exciting after-party featuring live music by Best Kept Secret, late-night bites and more! Zoofari tickets are available at LouisvilleZoo.org/zoofari.

New this year, FOZ will debut Skelebration on Wednesday, October 8. This exclusive after-hours event for adults 21 and over, will immerse guests in Halloween excitement from the moment they enter the Zoo. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy tasty bites, cocktails, mocktails, treats and perhaps a few haunts as they stroll through the Zoo. 

“The hard work and dedication of our Friends of the Zoo board members who annually create events full of fanciful, whimsical fun and fundraising is inspirational. We are fortunate to have so many in the community join us at these annual events to honor and celebrate the animals and work of our Zoo team. The collective commitment to species conservation is powerful,” said Zoo Director Dan Maloney.

Combined, Zoofari and Skelebration will bring thousands of people together in fun, exciting ways to raise funds for and celebrate the significant work of the Zoo and its role in the community and region. The events directly benefit the Zoo’s capital projects and their superior work to conserve species, care for animals and offer educational programming. To learn more, please visit LouisvilleZoo.org/Friends.

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Established in 1969, the Friends of the Louisville Zoo (FOZ) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a mission of “raising funds to preserve, promote and advance the mission of the Louisville Zoo.” For over 5o years, the FOZ Board has been comprised of individuals who are passionate about animals and committed to the advancement of the Zoo. Proceeds from their past events have supported projects such as Glacier Run, Gorilla Forest, Snow Leopard Pass, the lakeside bridge and the sloth habitat.

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.

Town of Georgetown Acquires Future Town Hall with Support from Caesars Foundation of Floyd County

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GEORGETOWN, INDIANA – (April 24, 2025) – The Town of Georgetown is proud to announce the purchase of a future Town Hall, located at 1618 Canal Lane. This significant acquisition was made possible through the generous support of the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County, which awarded the Town a $500,000 Major Grant toward the purchase of the building.

The future Town Hall marks an exciting milestone for Georgetown, providing an improved space to better serve residents, enhance municipal operations, and accommodate future growth. The move to 1618 Canal Lane allows for increased accessibility, greater efficiency, and expanded capabilities for town administration and public services. The future Town Hall will house the Town’s Police Department, Clerk’s Office, and Town Manager.

The Caesars Foundation of Floyd County’s Major Grant Program is designed to provide substantial funding to projects that create a lasting impact on local communities. The $500,000 grant awarded to Georgetown reflects the foundation’s commitment to supporting critical infrastructure improvements that enhance municipal services and contribute to the well-being of residents. This investment ensures that the Town can continue to grow and serve its community effectively.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County for their generous contribution to our community,” said Chris Loop, Town Council President of the Town of Georgetown. “Without their support, this project could not have happened.”

Town Manager Reny Keener added, “This new facility will greatly improve how we serve our residents and provide a much-needed upgrade for our town operations. We look forward to making this a central hub for our growing community.”

“We are proud to be a part of this significant milestone for Georgetown, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact the future Town Hall will have on residents and local governance,” said Tyler Bliss, Executive Director of the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County.

The acquisition of the building aligns with Georgetown’s ongoing commitment to progress and sustainability. The new location will not only house essential town offices but also serve as a hub for civic engagement and community initiatives.

The Town of Georgetown will invite residents to celebrate this exciting development with plans for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony and public open house in early 2026 after an initial remodel has been completed.

About the Caesars Foundation of Floyd County:

Caesars Foundation of Floyd County was established in 1999 for the benefit of Floyd County and has awarded $65 million to local organizations through the annual grant cycles, scholarships, small business revolving loan fund, and major grants because of the $74 million in contributions from Caesars Southern Indiana. For additional information, visit www.CaesarsFoundationFC.org.

About the Town of Georgetown:

The Town of Georgetown prioritizes transparency, communication, leveraging outside funding, and maintaining Town-owned assets to create smart investments for a more vibrant and growing community.

To learn more about the Town, Town Events, and Town Projects please visit Georgetown.in.gov or call Town Hall at 812-951-3012.

Visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TownofGeorgetownIndiana/

 

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Contact
Town of Georgetown
Town Manager Reny Keener
812-951-3012
Reny.Keener@georgetown.in.gov

Caesars Foundation of Floyd County
Tyler Bliss, Executive Director
812-945-4332
Tyler@CaesarsFoundationFC.org

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY WITH LOUISVILLE’S WATERFRONT BOTANICAL GARDENS

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(Louisville, KY)–Waterfront Botanical Gardens (WBG) invites Louisville locals to experience a day of conservation, community, and celebration on Earth Day, April 22, 2025. From educational opportunities for guests of all ages to a neighborhood clean-up that will leave the land and water healthier than we found it, all are welcome to support WBG’s mission to honor and protect the environment, both above and below ground.

The full schedule of events and registration links are available here, and outlined below.

8:30-10:30 a.m.: Members are invited to Member Morning, where they can stroll the gardens before it opens to the public and enjoy complimentary coffee or tea from Heine Brothers, as well as light bites. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own mug to reduce waste.

9:30-10:30 a.m.: Join Christopher Ross, president of Apis Rescue for Coffee & Conservation: Apis Rescue and the Future of Sustainable Beekeeping* for an insightful discussion on the future of sustainable beekeeping and pollinator conservation.

11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Children ages 12 and up and their families are invited to Education Stations in the Gardens* for hands-on learning about nature, sustainability, and conservation.

1 p.m.-3:30 p.m.: Join Rumpke, Beargrass Thunder, and Endless Summer Paddle Company for a Neighborhood Trash Pick-up by both land and water on Frankfort Avenue and Beargrass Creek. Following the pick-up, Rumpke will teach participants how to sort trash from recyclables.

4 p.m.: Enjoy a well-earned drink at Happy Hour with Ten20 Brewery in Butchertown to celebrate a day of environmental action and community connection.

*Though these events are free, a suggested donation of $5 per person would be gratefully accepted.

About Waterfront Botanical Gardens

Waterfront Botanical Gardens is an urban botanical garden just east of Downtown Louisville, built on the site of a former landfill that was closed in the 1970s. The unique and innovative project opened to the public in December 2019, and is a place where nature prospers and people thrive through education, entertainment, community, and tourism. The first phase of a four-phase masterplan has been completed, representing the development of approximately five acres of the 23-acre site. Phase 2 will include the addition of the Bonsai House and Display Gardens, which will one day host the Gardens’ signature Bonsai Weekend.

Waterfront Botanical Gardens is free and open to the public, with a suggested admission of $10. For hours of operation, events and programs, and parking/accessibility information, visit waterfrontgardens.org.