New Albany (May 11, 2026)- One Southern Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development’s (1si) Economic Development Specialist and MMA Liaison, Jack Harrison, has been named to Conexus Indiana’s Rising 30 Class of 2026 for his work in advanced manufacturing and logistics.
Presented by Katz, Sapper & Miller (KSM), the Rising 30 program spotlights Hoosiers 30 years old and younger whose early-career contributions demonstrate the depth of talent driving Indiana’s largest industry sector forward. Each honoree was nominated by an employer or industry representative and selected based on professional accomplishments and demonstrated impact.
While Jack Harrison’s work with the economic development organization One Southern Indiana puts him in contact with a wide range of businesses in an effort to bring more jobs to southern Indiana, his greatest impact might be on the region’s manufacturing sector. Assuming leadership of the regional organization’s Metro Manufacturing Alliance two years ago, Jack breathed new life into the group of 80 manufacturers by reprogramming its content, creating sold-out trainings on topics from exporting and foreign trade zones to lean manufacturing and sparking renewed interest in the Women in Manufacturing group. With a bachelor’s from Centre College and an MPA from Georgia State University, Jack seeks long-term impact as a community leader.
“In two years leading the Metro Manufacturing Alliance, Jack has meaningfully strengthened how our region’s manufacturers connect and grow,” Says SVP and Chief Economic Development Officer, John Launius, at 1si. “He shows up, takes ownership, and is constantly thinking of new ways to support local manufacturing across our region. His recognition is a reflection of the measurable impact on our manufacturing sector.”
The 2026 cohort reflects the true breadth of Indiana’s AML sector. Honorees hold roles spanning quality engineering and controls, supply chain and logistics, finance and business development, materials science and R&D, operations leadership and IT and systems infrastructure. The honorees work for organizations of every size and type—from global automotive manufacturers and life sciences companies to homegrown startups and regional economic development organizations—and they are based in communities across the state. Nine Indiana colleges and universities are represented among this year’s honorees, a reflection of the depth of the state’s talent pipeline.
“Young talent is one of Indiana’s greatest competitive advantages in advanced manufacturing and logistics,” said Jay Wirts, President and CEO of Conexus Indiana. “What makes this class so exciting is what they reflect about the industries themselves. They’re high-tech, sophisticated and constantly evolving. These 30 individuals aren’t waiting to shape the future of Indiana manufacturing. They’re already doing it.”
AML is the backbone of Indiana’s economy, accounting for more than a third of the state’s GDP and employing hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers. Recognizing and developing young talent in the sector through the Rising 30 program is one way Conexus helps to keep that foundation strong.
In the year ahead, Rising 30 honorees will engage with Conexus Indiana’s programming as thought leaders, lending their perspectives on technology adoption, workforce development and the future of Indiana’s manufacturing and logistics industries.
To view bios of each honoree, visit www.conexusindiana.com/rising-30. Nominations will open for the 2027 class in November.
About Conexus Indiana
Conexus Indiana, a branded initiative of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), is dedicated to advancing the Hoosier State’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Working closely with industry, academia, and government partners, Conexus Indiana drives workforce development, economic growth, and innovation across the state. For more information, please visit ConexusIndiana.com.
About One Southern Indiana
One Southern Indiana (1si) was formed in July of 2006 as the chamber of commerce and the local economic development organization serving Clark, Floyd, and Scott counties. 1si’s mission is to help businesses innovate and thrive in the southern Indiana/Louisville metro area via the four pillars of business resources, economic development, small business services, and advocacy. For more information on One Southern Indiana, visit www.1si.org.
Media Contact:
One Southern Indiana
Ellinor Smith
ellinors@1si.org
812-945-0266
Add a Comment