Give your employees high-quality healthcare at a price your business can afford. AdvantageOne Health helps small businesses access comprehensive medical coverage through Anthem at rates normally reserved for larger organizations.
Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | November 2025
One Southern Indiana would like to thank the following members for renewing their membership during the month of November 2025.
| Quarter Century Club (25 years or more) | Member Since |
| Louisville Business First | 1984 |
| Star Electric | 1984 |
| PNC Bank | 1985 |
| Ten to 24 Years | |
| The Spaghetti Junction | 2014 |
| Seven Development, LLC d/b/a 7D Commercial Real Estate | 2015 |
| Five to Ten Years | |
| Mathes Pharmacy & Homecare | 2016 |
| BJB Inc. | 2017 |
| ActionCoach Bluegrass | 2018 |
| Rapid Industries Inc. | 2018 |
| A Class Act DJ’s | 2018 |
| Hagerman Inc. | 2019 |
| L & N Federal Credit Union | 2019 |
| Kahl’s Body Shop | 2019 |
| Big O Tires – Sellersburg | 2020 |
| Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana | 2020 |
| Two to Four Years | |
| Hyland, Block, & Hyland, Inc. | 2021 |
| Lamar Advertising | 2022 |
| The Elderberry Co. | 2022 |
| Twin Interiors, Inc | 2022 |
| CXE Insurance | 2023 |
| BIG Solutions | 2023 |
| Keller Williams Realty Southern Indiana | 2023 |
| Tommy’s Express | 2023 |
| One Year | |
| Mochi Wren | 2024 |
| University of Louisville – J.B. Speed School of Engineering | 2024 |
| Carroll Media Corp. | 2024 |
| The Barber House | 2024 |
| All Star Trucking, Inc. | 2024 |
| East & Westbrook Construction | 2024 |
Welcome New Members | October 2025
One Southern Indiana welcomes the following members that joined or rejoined during the month of October 2025.
- AFLAC
- Capital Access Corporation-KY
- Different Strokes
- Dryer Vent Superheroes of Louisville
- Indi’s Chicken
- Integrity Sign Solutions, Inc.
- Jared Johnson Contracting, LLC
- Kolkin Coffee Co.
- Lifewise Academy New Albany Floyd County
- Lincoln Heritage Council, Scouting America
- Lulu’s Corner on Market
- Mount Saint Francis Center for Spirituality
- Nationwide Services
- Omnibuild
- Primerica
- Schaefer General Contracting
- Shield Edge Technologies
- Tip Top Car Wash
- voestalpine Roll Forming Corporation
- Yvonna Gibbs Professional Consulting LLC
- Ziglift Material Handling
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Facilitates Aircraft Emergency Training Exercise
Louisville, KY (October 21, 2025) – Today the Louisville Muhammad Ali
International Airport (SDF) will hold a full-scale, aircraft emergency disaster
drill on the airfield. The airport’s Public Safety Department with support from
a variety of emergency response agencies in the community will utilize a
portion of the airfield as part of a simulated aircraft incident. It will include a
period of fire, smoke and approximately 100 volunteers who will act as
passengers on the aircraft. There will also be activities in the terminal related
to this training exercise. All activities surrounding the drill will begin midmorning and conclude by late afternoon.
Motorists traveling on I-65 and I-264/Watterson Expressway as well as those
in areas along the airport’s perimeter including Preston Highway, Standiford
Lane, Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road can expect to see or hear the exercise
in progress. This may include flames, smokes and a heavy presence of
emergency response vehicles.
“Even as aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, it’s
crucial that our Public Safety and entire airport team are always prepared and
ready to respond to an emergency situation,” said Dan Mann, Executive
Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “Exercises like this one
today gives our team and community partners the opportunity to practice
their skills, putting their trainings to the test and going through our response
processes in a simulated live environment.”
The full-scale training exercise will be held on a portion of the airfield that will
not impact normal airport operations. Communications in the airport’s
terminal, on FlyLouisville.com and its social media channels will be shared so
the public is aware of the simulated drill should they see any of its activities.
The exercise scenario will include the following elements to add realism to the
simulated incident:
- Numerous emergency vehicles and first responders from the airport’s
Public Safety Department and mutual aid support from surrounding
communities’ emergency response agencies - A period of fire and smoke
- Conversations between dispatchers and responders on emergency
radio frequencies - About 100 volunteer role players including moulage to simulate injuries
sustained from the incident - Support helicopters staged and responding to the exercise site
New for this year is the addition of a mock trauma response area in
partnership with the University of Louisville Hospital to train for mass casualty
incidents. This will allow trauma physicians and nurses to be on-site, and
simulate their response to those immediate medical needs.
Since 2023, the Airport Authority has invested more than $2 million in
emergency response equipment. This includes two new Rosenbauer Panther
6×6 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Crash Trucks, a new UTV miniambulance, 15 military-grade litters and various triage tools.
In addition to the full-scale training exercise on Tuesday, additional Public
Safety trainings will be held on the airfield during the day on Monday, October
20 and Wednesday, October 22. On all three days, periods of flames and
smoke with a heavy emergency vehicle presence may also be visible from the
terminal and surrounding roadways and areas.
For more information about the airport, visit FlyLouisville.com.
About Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF)
Owned and operated by the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, the Louisville
Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is the state’s premier airport, serving more
Kentuckians annually than any other airport in the Commonwealth. Eight commercial
passenger airlines offer nonstop service to more than 35 nonstop destinations from
Louisville. SDF is home to UPS Worldport, moving millions of tons of product each year,
making it the 3rd busiest cargo airport in North America and 5th in the world. Aviation is
an economic powerhouse for the region that generates $12.8 billion in economic impact
every year. One in 8 jobs is generated by SDF and Bowman Field and their aviation
partners. Visit www.FlyLouisville.com to learn more.
Contact: Natalie Chaudoin
(502) 363-8507 office
(502) 475-8084 cell
Natalie.Chaudoin@FlyLouisville.com
ONCE Awards Opens Today!
Voting for ONCE Awards is open until Thursday October 9th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Vote for your favorite company or business professional and help them a 2025 ONCE Award! Online voting counts for 10% of their final score, and has determined winners in the past.
Finalists
Duke Energy Kevin Hammersmith Community Leader
Adrian Brown, German American Bank
Ann Carruthers, Clark/Floyd System of Care
Kenton Wooden, Meta
Axiom Financial Strategies Group James W. Robinson Young Professional of the Year
Brandi Pirtle, Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana
Chris Smith, C&M Smith Restaurants Inc.
Krista Yockey, Cornerstone Group
Kightlinger & Gray, LLP Sam Day Professional of the Year
Allen Howie, Idealogy Marketing + Design
Amy Rudy, Impact Sales System
Lyn Longmeyer, America Place
Meta Business of the Year (50 or fewer employees)
America Place
Board and You
Sukhino Float & Wellness
German American Bank Business of the Year (51 employees or more)
Clark County REMC
Indiana University Southeast
Mister “P” Express
Centra Credit Union Nonprofit Program of the Year
Center for Lay Ministries, Food Pantry
Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana, The Housing Stability Program
THRIVE, Integrated Reentry and Correctional Support (IRACS) Program
Ivy Tech Community College Miles Legacy Community Impact Award
First Savings Bank
Paul Ogle Foundation
NWSB
First Harrison Bank Rising Star Award (incorporated in past 1-5 years)
Distillery 64
ENCON Equipment
Small Talk Pediatric Therapy
Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C. Manufacturer of the Year
Cimtech
KCC Manufacturing
W.M. Kelley
1si Non-Profit Spotlight: Camp Quality Kentuckiana
Camp Quality Kentuckiana stands out as a camp providing a place where kids with cancer can be kids again. They are a dedicated non-profit that offers year-round programs and experiences designed to bring joy, support, and a sense of community to families navigating the challenges of pediatric cancer—the companionship they offer sets them apart and helps families build friendship and emotional support networks.
Although the name suggests a summer camp, Camp Quality’s impact reaches far beyond the summer months. From delivering meals to families at hospitals all year round to trunk-or-treats and sporting events to family meet-ups, they offer activities that provide connection.
Camp Quality is always looking for committee members, volunteers, and businesses to partner in their mission to give kids experiences of a lifetime. See their listing in our Member Directory to contact them and learn how you can get involved.
Thank You for Renewing Your Membership | July 2025
One Southern Indiana would like to thank the following members for renewing their membership during the month of July 2025.
| Quarter Century Club (25 Years or More) | Member Since |
| Lee Building Products | 1976 |
| Clark County REMC | 1976 |
| paco manufacturing | 1976 |
| First Savings Bank | 1976 |
| Water Tower Square | 1977 |
| Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana, Inc. | 1982 |
| The Marketing Company | 1985 |
| Chase | 1988 |
| Southern Indiana Works | 1988 |
| Commercial Kentucky, Inc. | 1988 |
| Rasmussen Chiropractic LLC | 1990 |
| AssuredPartners – Jeffersonville | 1993 |
| Taco Bell | 1994 |
| Pro Laminators | 1995 |
| Kentucky Derby Festival, Inc. | 1997 |
| Ten to 24 Years | |
| The Stemler Corporation | 2001 |
| Radiology Associates, Inc. | 2002 |
| LMH Architecture | 2002 |
| Health Insurance by Design | 2003 |
| Harrison County Convention & Visitors Bureau | 2007 |
| Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis | 2007 |
| Timmel Associates, LLC | 2009 |
| Security Pros, LLC | 2009 |
| Fox Insurance & Investments, LLC | 2012 |
| AccessiCare Elder Home Care | 2012 |
| Crown Staffing | 2012 |
| First Financial Bank | 2014 |
| Elite Printing Resources, LLC | 2014 |
| HWC Engineering | 2014 |
| Clark Dietz, Inc. | 2014 |
| Shoe Sensation #973 | 2015 |
| Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group | 2015 |
| Five to Nine Years | |
| Church, Langdon, Lopp, Banet Law | 2016 |
| Bubba’s 33 | 2016 |
| River Valley Resources | 2016 |
| Habitat for Humanity Clark & Floyd Indiana | 2016 |
| J & C Technologies | 2016 |
| Kaiser Home Support Services, Inc. | 2016 |
| River Heritage Conservancy, Inc. | 2017 |
| Spencer Machine & Tool Co., Inc. | 2019 |
| Board and You Bistro | 2020 |
| Two to Four Years | |
| Avant-Garde Turnstiles | 2021 |
| Silver Creek School Corporation | 2021 |
| Clark/Floyd System of CARE & Prevent Child Abuse | 2021 |
| Louisville Bats Baseball Club | 2021 |
| Guerin Woods | 2021 |
| HRS Global LLC | 2022 |
| Riverbend Financial Group LLC | 2022 |
| Shrewsberry & Associates, LLC | 2022 |
| EightTwenty | 2022 |
| Louisville Low Voltage LLC | 2022 |
| CertaPro Painters of Kentuckiana | 2022 |
| Ramada Inn | 2023 |
| University of Louisville Shelby Campus Conference Center | 2023 |
| Henry Rose Consulting | 2023 |
| Phoenix Theatres Entertainment | 2023 |
| Lilys SoftWash LLC | 2023 |
| Black Diamond Pest Control | 2023 |
| One Year | |
| Incipio Workforce Solutions | 2024 |
| ennu | 2024 |
| PuroClean of Southern Indiana | 2024 |
| Ernstberger Orthodontics | 2024 |
| IEC – Independent Electrical Contractors | 2024 |
| Lewellyn’s Sealcoating | 2024 |
Past ONCE Awards Winners
Since 1989, One Southern Indiana, and the Southern Indiana Chamber of Commerce before it, has been honoring the best in Southern Indiana and metro Louisville.
ACE AWARDS COMMUNITY LEADER
2021 Linda Speed, Community Foundation of Southern Indiana
2020 Jerry Finn, Caesars Foundation of Floyd County
2019 Dana Huber, Huber’s Orchard
2018 Dr. Travis Haire, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
2017 Leslie Lewis-Sheets, LL&A Interior Design
2016 Robert Campbell, Jacobi, Toombs, & Lanz, Inc.
2015 Stefanie Griffith, Strandz Salon & Threadz Boutique
2015 Robert Kleehamer, River Valley Financial Bank
2014 Susie Stewart, Women’s Foundation of Southern Indiana/Voluforms
2013 Miguel Hampton, F5 Enterprises, LLC
2012 Vern Eswine, The Marketing Company
ACE AWARDS PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
2021 Scott Olinger, Harding, Shymanski & Company, P.S.C.
2020 Dr. Eric Yazel, Clark County Health Department
2019 Lisa Huber, Duke Energy
2018 Stephen Lukinovich, MCM CPA’s & Advisors
2017 Doug York, Rodefer Moss
2016 Larry Myers, First Savings Bank
2015 Dr. Daniel Eichenberger, Baptist Health
2015 Blayr Barnard, ISBDC
2014 Dr. Rita Hudson Shourds, Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
2013 Kent Lanum, Paul Ogle Foundation, Inc.
2012 Jerry Finn, Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County
2011 Kevin Cecil, Your Community Bank
2010 Robert E. Kleehamer, River Valley Financial Bank
2009 John A. Hawkins, Kovert Hawkins Architects
2008 Doug Drake, Personal Counseling Service, Inc.
2007 Jerri Quillman, Floyd Memorial Hospital & Health Services
2006 Ron Barnes, McCauley Nicolas, CPAs & Advisors
2005 Houston Thompson, Interfaith Community Council
2004 Dr. Dennis McClain, Norton Occupational Medicine
2003 Sister Barbara Ann Zeller, Providence Self-Sufficiency Ministries
2002 Betty Dunham, Rauch Industries
2001 Joan Smith, Noah’s Ark Children’s Village
2000 Dr. Daniel Akin, Advanced ENT & Allergy
1999 J. Patrick Byrne, MCM CPA’s & Advisors
1998 Dale Gettelfinger, Dale Gettelfinger
1997 Caren Marshal, Bridgepointe & Goodwill
1996 Dr. Maurice John, John-Kenyon American Eye Institute
1995 Bryant Hanson, Floyd Memorial Hospital & Health Services
1994 Dr. Bradley C. Black, Eye Associates of Southern Indiana
1993 Robert Lanum, Stites & Harbison, PLLC
1992 Larry Ricke, Ricke & Associates, Insurance and Financial Solutions
1991 Charles Reisert, Century 21 Realty Group
ACE AWARDS YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
2021 Zack Flanagan, Board and You Bistro
2020 Dr. Joshua Kornberg, Ivy Tech Community College
2019 Josh Staten, City of New Albany
2018 Jessica Carroll, The New Washington State Bank
2017 Chris Garten, Signature Countertops
2016 Jill Peden, L&D Mail Masters, Inc.
2015 Teressa Jackson, Rauch, Inc.
2015 Jillian Cantu, Ivy Tech Community College
2014 Andrew Takami, Purdue Polytechnic New Albany, Purdue University
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNER OF THE YEAR ONE AWARD
2020 Processer Career Education Center
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IMPACT PROJECT ONE AWARD
2021 IQpack – now given away at Annual Meeting
2020 Pharmacord
2019 Sazerac
2018 Mister “P” Express, Inc.
2017 POSCO AAPC
2016 J. Knipper and Company, Inc.
2015 Autoneum North America
2014 Catamaran Corp.
2013 Project of the Year: Amazon Fulfillment Center, Honorable Mention: Advanced Metal Technologies and Keystone Automotive Industries
2012 Joey Rivera, Rivera Consulting Group
2011 John Gladden, Accent Marketing Services
2010 Marti Moretti, Heartland Payment Systems
2009 Jerry Acy, River Ridge Development Authority
2008 Shirley Ohta, Chuck Moore, Rita Moore
& Hank Taylor; Eagle Steel Products, Inc.
2007 Martin Padgett, Clark Memorial Hospital business retention & expansion project of the year one award
2018 Smartbox, LLC
2017 AssuredPartners
2016 Beach Mold & Tool, Inc.
NONPROFIT PROGRAM OF THE YEAR ONE AWARD
2021 Impact100 Southern Indiana
2020 Hosparus Health
2019 Metro United Way
2018 Communities in Schools of Clark County -CIS Model of Integrated Student Supports
WORKHUB INNOVATION IN CULTURE ONE AWARD
2020 Kentuckiana Wood Products, Inc.
WORKHUB INNOVATION OF THE YEAR ONE AWARD
2019 Park Community Credit Union University of Park Employee Development Program
2018 Heartland, A Global Payment Company
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR, 51 OR MORE EMPLOYEES ONE AWARD
2021 DMLO
2020 The New Washington State Bank
2019 MCM CPAs & Advisors
2018 John Waggoner, HMS Global Maritime
2017 Jennifer Copper, First Harrison Bank
2016 Chris Bottorff, Centra Credit Union
2015 Jim Spradlin, Park Community Credit Union
2014 Kevin Cecil, Your Community Bank
2013 Chad and Travis Unruh, MAC Construction & Excavating Inc.
2012 Candice Barksdale, Goodwill of Southern Indiana
2011 Gary Maloney, Nu Yale
2010 Lisa Brooking, True Colors Tanning, LLC
2009 Tom Weber & Donny Weber, The Weber Group, Inc.
2008 Wayne Estopinal, The Estopinal Group, LLC
2007 Diane Fischer, L&D Mail Masters, Inc.
2006 A. Thomas Hardy, Key Electronics, Inc.
2005 Tom Lumley, The Travel Authority
2004 Dana & Ted and Jan & Greg Huber, Huber Orchard & Winery
2003 Randy Napier, Southern Indiana Rehab
2002 Bob Sr., Gladys, Phil, Jack, Bob Jr., and Wayne Koetter, Koetter Construction, Inc.
2001 Mark Deuser & John Vellinger, Space Hardware Optimization Technology, Inc. (SHOT, Inc.)
2000 Alberta, Don, Paul and Todd Perkins, Amatrol, Inc.
1999 Carolyn Thomas & Bekki Jo Schneider, Derby Dinner Playhouse
1998 Sam Anderson, Sam’s Food & Spirits
1997 Fred Conway, Discount Labels
1996 Joe Huber Sr., Huber’s Farm & Restaurant
1995 Les Albro, Bales Motor Co.
1994 Mike Sodrel, Sodrel Truck Lines Inc. & Free Enterprise System, Inc.
1993 Jay Brodsky, Ran-Paige Co., Inc.
1992 George Hughes, Sr., Hughes Group, Inc.
1991 Bill Beach, Beach Mold & Tool
1990 Van Carlisle, Fireking International
1989 Charles Garmon, Key Communications
BUSINESS OF THE YEAR, 50 OR FEWER EMPLOYEES ONE AWARD
2021 Starlight Coffee Co. and Roastery
2020 Extol Magazine
2019 Orange Clover, Rachel Smallwood
2018 Andrew Aebersold, Mediaura
2017 Ian Hall, The Exchange
2016 Bill Hanson, News & Tribune
2015 Warren & Jill Schimpff, Schimpff’s Confectionery
2014 Sounds Unlimited Productions, Brent Rogers and Chris Hughes
2013 Hawkeye Security & Electronics, Matt and Sarah Drexler & Charles Porter
2012 Sarah & Michael Rowe, Denzinger Family Dentistry
2011 Allen Howie, Idealogy Marketing + Design
2010 Bruce & Julie Morris, Morris Images
2009 Lana & David Aebersold, Aebersold Florist
2008 Michael Becht, Audiacom
2007 Terri Lynn Doyle, Terri Lynn’s Catering by Design, Inc.
2006 Amy & Carl Romines, ACR Computer Resources, Inc.
2005 Glenn Spencer, Spencer Machine & Tool Co., Inc.
2004 Stefanie Griffith, Stacy Tunnell and Julie Young, Strandz & Threadz Boutique
2003 Phil Jones & Tahnya Jones, ServPro
2002 Rod Richardson, David Durik & Philip Hawkins, Planet Telecom
2001 Kevin Becht, Becht Heating & Cooling, LLC
2000 Doug Julius, Walnut Ridge Pool and Patio, Inc.
1999 Jesse Ballew, Jesse Ballew Enterprises
1998 Wayne & Thresa Estopinal, The Estopinal Group
1997 Dan & Vicki Williamson, the ProMedia Group
1996 Terry & Joe Bivens, LIFETECH
1995 Bill & Mary Lou Heinz, H & H Systems and Design
1994 Diane Fischer, L & D Mail Masters
1993 Robert Libs, Arthur M. Libs & Sons
1992 Mike Pattison, Cardinal Communications
1991 Dick McGinnis, Request-A-Temp Temporaries
1990 Leroy Kellems & Jim Coe, Kellems & Coe
1989 Tom Sander, S & R Truck Tire
RISING STAR ONE AWARD
2021 The Sporting Club at the Farm
2020 Taylor’s Cajun Meats
2019 Safety Net, LC
2018 Laurie Haag, Eventful 203
2017 Rachel Hall, Orange Clover
2016 Jason Applegate, Extol Magazine
2015 Ryan & Stephanie Linnehan, Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt
2014 Chad and Lauren Coulter, Uptown Art
2013 Dr. Michael Kirchner, Kirchner Dental
2012 Matthew Saltzman, Pallas Partners
2011 Angie Bowser, Click Portrait Studios
2010 Danielle Periago, Periago Orthodontics, LLC
2009 David & Slyvia Amos, Sign Makers Etc.
2008 Denise Orwick & Laura Pfaffenberger, Precision Compounding Pharmacy
2007 Chris Kanemitsu, Kerry Kanemitsu, Steven Johnson & William Ross; Energy Tech 21
2006 Patrick Hammer, Wellstone Regional Hospital
2005 Lisa & Rusty Brooking, Jessica Walker and Renee Brooking, True Colors Tanning
2004 Mike Motsinger & Kent Lanum, nFusion Technologies
2003 Joyce & Roy Vallance, The UPS Store – Floyds Knobs
2002 Jeff & Mark Wenning, Wenning Trailer Service, Inc.
2001 Shannon Yeker & Jeff Mathes, Visual Savvy, Inc.
2000 Allen Howie, Brainstorm Design & Advertising
1999 Billy Greenwell & Ronnie Wolfe, Greenwell Plumbing
1998 Judy Hubbuch, ProStaffing
1997 Kye Hoehn, Kye’s at Water Tower Square
1996 Stefanie Griffith, Stacy Tunnell, & Julie Young, Strandz Salon &Threadz Boutique
1995 Carol Shope, Clarksville Amoco Station
1994 Kathy Combs, Combs Cleaning
1992 Mark Zahler, Accu-Care Rehab., Inc.
GROWING HEALTHY LIVES ONE AWARD
2017 University of Louisville
2016 Baptist Health
2015 Floyd Memorial Hospital & Health Services
DIVERSITY CHAMPION ONE AWARD
2017 Indiana University Southeast
2018 City of Jeffersonville, Indiana
ISBDC Launches/ Highlights Programs to Assist Businesses in Need
ISBDC recently announced 5 programs to assist small businesses during this economic slow-down. We encourage you to look the programs over and see if one of them is a good fit for your business.
Project HOPE
Project HOPE is back! Indiana SBDC and Indiana University Kelley School of Business are partnering to support the long-term economic recovery of Hoosier small businesses and entrepreneurs. Eligible companies may apply for no-cost assistance to help establish or increase their online presence through website development, e-commerce support and other digital tools and services.
IU will be starting with 10 projects on January 18th, so if you have anyone that has been eager to participate, this would be a great time to get them submitted. In February IU will ramp back up to completing 40 projects every two weeks. ISBDC will not be publicly promoting the program until mid-February so existing clients can get in the queue early.
COVID-19 Response Plan
Under the Governor’s Executive Order 20-50, all businesses or entities continuing or resuming operations in person are required to develop a COVID-19 Response Plan to implement measures and institute safeguards to ensure a safe environment for their employees, customers, clients, and members. This response plan must be made available to employees and posted publicly for customers.
Working with Servant HR, ISBDC has developed a COVID-19 Response Plan template that meets the requirements outlined in the executive order. ISBDC has also compiled additional resources to help businesses meet this requirement.
INTAP
This program can provide some matching funds for small businesses in need of a consultant who offers technical and professional services. This can be technological, legal, financial, marketing and a host of different specialized needs. https://isbdc.org/indiana-technical-assistance-program-intap/
HireUp
This year-round program connects eligible small businesses with Quintegra, a talent connection firm, to identify qualified candidates, provide screening and background checks, facilitate interviews, and establish onboarding process to ensure continued success of the employee. https://isbdc.org/hireup/
Export Indiana Accelerator Program
The Export Indiana Accelerator is a 12-week, no-cost, annual program offering Hoosier small businesses professional export guidance and leading research resources to create an executable, proactive Export Business Plan. https://isbdc.org/export-indiana-accelerator-program/
Strong Growth in Southern Indiana Establishments
By Dr. Uric Dufrene, Sanders Chair in Business and Professor of Finance, Indiana University Southeast
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a proliferation of self-employment and small business formation. In a recent Wall Street Journal article (In the Covid Economy, Laid-Off Employees Become New Entrepreneurs – WSJ), the introductory sentences sum up the situation quite well, “The coronavirus destroyed jobs. It also created entrepreneurs.” The article cites Census Bureau data that applications for businesses with no employees surged 32% in the first 9 months of 2020. While we do not have access to non-employer business data at the county level just yet, we do have establishment and payrolls data at the county level as recently as the second quarter of 2020.
Whenever we are talking about the state of the economy, or the general outlook, the focus is usually on the number of jobs. For example, the monthly employment report released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is probably the most closely watched economic indicator. Equity market reaction can be quite volatile when the report is released on the first Friday of the month.
In reviewing the latest Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages data, I did notice an interesting pattern developing, and one that is positive for Southern Indiana. Rather than focus on the number of jobs, we are going to examine the change in the number of establishments across Southern Indiana. In this case, establishments include firms that have employees. These data do not include self-employed entrepreneurs mentioned in the Wall Street journal article, but we are able to get a pulse of overall economic development. As a region, are we seeing more net business formation, or are business closures outpacing any new business development?
In the second quarter of 2020, the five counties (Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott, and Washington) of Southern Indiana had the second highest, among all Indiana metro areas, in the percentage change in business establishments from the previous year. In absolute terms, Southern Indiana added 135 establishments from the previous year during the second quarter and added 203 in the first quarter. On a percentage basis (this allows us to control for the metro area size), the five counties of Southern Indiana (2.4%) were outpaced only by the Lafayette-West Lafayette (4.8%) metro region.
When we examine all of 2020, both the first and second quarters combined, we see a similar result. The average percentage change from the previous year, in new establishments, for Southern Indiana (2.9%) was the second highest among all Indiana metro areas. Like the 2nd quarter of 2020, Lafayette-West Lafayette (5.7%) had the highest gain for all of 2020.
Going back just a bit further, we see a similar pattern. Over the past 4 quarters, Southern Indiana had the second highest percentage change (2.5%) in establishments from the previous year. Lafayette-West Lafayette had the highest (4.1%). As a comparison, nine other metro areas across Indiana had either negative or flat changes in establishments over the same time-period. So, a gain of 2.5% is no small feat!
What does all this mean for Southern Indiana? In a nutshell, this is good news. A region can only sustain long-term economic development if business formation is outpacing business deaths. New establishments replace old establishments, and investment, both from the outside and within, signal an overall robust economic development environment. In a recent article in the Southern Indiana Business Source (November-December 2020), I documented the strong net migration to Southern Indiana. These data combined with the recent activity on the change in establishments send positive signals about the growth trajectory of Southern Indiana.
Data source: STATS Indiana Quarterly Census on Employment and Wages.