E-REP January 2022 Newsletter

#StrongerTogether

JANUARY 2022 NEWSLETTER

CEO LETTER | NEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS
NEWSMAKERS | MILESTONES | & MORE
www.evansvilleregion.com

WE ARER ADI
INSIDE: REGIONAL WINS | 2022 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES | DEI
COWORK EVANSVILLE | EDWARD JONES | BERRY GLOBAL
GROW SW INDIANA WORKFORCE

NEW MEMBER Pictured (L-R): Tara Barney, Candace Chapman, WESTERN KENTUCKY
PROFILES: Gov. Eric J. Holcomb, Mayor Lloyd Winnecke,
Leah Curry, Jim Ryan and Jenna Richardt TORNADO RELIEF
FUND
THE GOOD LANCASTER LIFE WITHOUT
SAMARITAN INSURANCE LIMITS
HOME AGENCY
PHYSICAL THERAPY

1 EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

CEO Letter

A New Year to Target Talent

The Evansville Region is rich in talent, in A new Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
unique assets, and in a culture – a vibe – that website will soon launch that will allow us to
energizes the way we do business, support share how the region looks good on talent. Our
each other, and choose to live. A remarkable Regional Marketing Strategy will use social
transformation has taken place in the past decade, media to tell our best story – highlighting our
and it is marked by a shift in mindset that we strengths and unique assets.
must leverage: our regional population has been
basically unchanged for years. Sure, people move As part of our overall regional marketing strategy,
around within our community, but facts are facts;
the Evansville Region is not much larger than we I’d like to share with you one of E-REP’s early
were 20 years ago. We need more people to fill our
13,000 vacant jobs and fuel our future. wins; a Newcomers’ Guide to show talent

With talent availability becoming the most new to the Region, why they will love living
important competitive issue for economic
development, we need a plan. And we’ve got one. here – everything they want to know about life
Specifically, we need to put ourselves in front of
the talent that is making a choice of where to live. in the Evansville Region and settling into our TARA BARNEY
We will be ready to welcome talent to our region community. The guide is available digitally at
though population growth strategies – digital evansvilleregion.com/newcomers-guide. For your CEO, E-REP
marketing – targeted at early career workers who
can build a career, connections, and families here. convenience, a print-ready version of the guide is
And we need to be the region where citizens fit in
because of talent and are not left behind because also available.
of difference.
Happy New Year! #StrongerTogether

@evvregion

TARA BARNEY
CEO, E-REP

The Newcomers'
Guide is free!

Please share it with those who will
benefit from learning more about
the Evansville Region.
Download now at
evansvilleregion.com/newcomers-guide

2 EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

SigCniractulere

The Signature Investors
are the voice of business
in the Evansville Region.
This select group of
Evansville Regional
Economic Partnership
(E-REP) Stakeholders
guides E-REP’s mission
and priorities, its affiliates
and its lines of work. It
drives the region’s greatest
opportunities for progress
and addresses significant
community challenges.

Above all, this leadership
investment affords E-REP
the capacity to employ
and retain a high-quality
staff to execute the work
of the organization and to
ensure that it has sufficient
resources to provide
leadership for the region’s
greatest opportunities.

THANK YOU!

EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 3

BUSINESS

R ADIWE ARE
MANY SIGNIFICANT “WINS” FOR THE
EVANSVILLE REGION IN DECEMBER

READI Investment - $50 million awarded and long-term projects to support the region in fully achieving its
for transformational projects in the vision. The week of November 29, the Evansville Region was the
Evansville Region first of 17 Indiana regions to formally present its development plan
before the state’s review committee.
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb made a formal recommendation for the The READI plan is called "e looks good on you" and incorporates
distribution of $500 million in Regional Economic Acceleration the goals and strategies of prior work through both a community-
and Development Initiative (READI) funds to regions throughout wide branding campaign and multi-year planning initiative called
the state of Indiana, with $50 million allocated to the Evansville Talent 2025, which focused on population growth and talent.
Region. All of the potential projects highlighted in the READI plan are
In May, Indiana launched READI, dedicating $500 million in conceptual at this point as no project has been approved for funding.
state appropriations to promote strategic investments for quality On January 11, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation
of place and talent attraction. On September 23, the Evansville will outline the compliance steps to receive the funding. The next
Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) and Southwest Indiana steps will be for the SWIRDA, which will be the recipient of
Regional Development Authority (SWIRDA) submitted the the funding, to begin the process of determining which projects
Evansville Region’s READI plan. best achieve the region’s population and talent goals. As more
At its core, the plan is focused on population growth and information becomes available, E-REP will distribute READI
highlights near-term opportunities to be enabled by READI funding information via our website at evansvilleregion.com.

Pictured: Pamela Whitten, Bill Stone and Mary O'Daniel Stone “Investment by the Stone Family builds upon the significant
clinical research assets located in the Evansville region and adds
IU School of Medicine announced Child to our ability to attract new life science opportunities leveraging
and Adolescent Psychiatry Center the world-class research being performed here,” said Greg Wathen,
president of the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership.
A pair of Evansville natives announced their continued support of “Through our region’s gameplan, Talent 2025, we have a deliberate
health sciences in Southwestern Indiana with a major gift to Indiana focus on attracting and strengthening employment opportunities
University School of Medicine. William C. and Mary R. (O’Daniel) offering higher than average wages, and this investment and the
Stone announced a $34.2 million gift to establish the Mary O’Daniel opportunity it presents is an important step forward.”
Stone and Bill Stone Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at The announcement is also a prescient reminder of the work
IU School of Medicine - Evansville. previously done in securing a new Indiana University medical
campus in downtown Evansville, the clinical research underwriting
4 EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP made from the Regional Cities initiative, as well as what new
horizons will be reached from the READI announcement. Attracting
world-class medical researchers and clinicians along with a first of
its kind real-world evidence data lake to Southwest Indiana has long
been the goal for the Evansville region, and solidifies our community
as a place where people want to work and live. Quite simply, this
announcement furthers that aspiration.

Pratt Paper - $500 million investment, The Long-awaited I-69 Bridge is
320 new jobs, $2 million in community aid underway as Kentucky Transportation
Cabinet announces contractor for
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced construction for a new Section 1 of new I-69 Ohio River Crossing
650,000 square-foot Pratt Paper mill will begin early next year in
Henderson. The company will be investing $500 million to construct Transformational project moves forward with groundbreaking
the new Henderson complex, $100 million more than first announced in early 2022
last July. Once operational in 2023, Pratt Paper will employ 120
people. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced that
More than recycled paper, Pratt also announced plans to construct
a 500,000-square-foot expansion to produce corrugated sheet and Ragle, Inc./Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. is the contractor for
boxes for major distributors and big box stores. Boxes will be made the initial construction of the new I-69 Ohio River Crossing (I-69
using paper prepared in the new paper mill. Construction of this ORX). Section 1 focuses on the initial alignment and corridor
plant will be completed by 2023 and employ 200 people. improvements in Henderson and extends from KY 425 to US 60.
In addition to Pratt’s investments in a new 100% recycled paper The I-69 Ohio River Crossing is divided into two sections for
plant in Henderson, Anthony Pratt, global executive chairman of construction. I-69 ORX Section 2 is a bistate project between
parent company Pratt Industries/Visy announced the company would Kentucky and Indiana that will complete the I-69 connection
also be donating $1 million to the state’s Team Western Kentucky from US 60 in Henderson to I-69 in Evansville. It includes the
Tornado Relief Fund and $1 million to the Tri-State Food Bank. new river crossing. Design is expected to begin in 2025 with
construction anticipated to begin in 2027 and continue through
City of Princeton awarded $50,000 in 2031. Both states continue to look for opportunities to accelerate
OCRA Comprehensive Planning Grants that timeline.
“We celebrate this major milestone for our bistate community
Princeton’s Comprehensive Planning process will seek to identify and look forward to hosting Gov. Beshear for a groundbreaking
issues residents are facing and develop strategies to resolve them. in early 2022,” said Bob Koch, chair of BridgeLink. BridgeLink
Issues can include: addressing lack of housing, access to specialized is a nonprofit advocacy group formed to promote the construction
health care, parks, trails, roads, traffic safety, and infrastructure of a bridge across the Ohio River connecting Evansville and
needs. The comprehensive planning document produced from this Henderson. “Momentum is in the air and though there is much
process will serve a blueprint for increasing the quality of life for work ahead, we celebrate this connection to I-69’s North terminus
Princeton’s residents for the next 20 years. The Evansville Regional at the US-Canada border with the Mississippi River ports and
Economic’s Community Development team served as grant global markets beyond."
administrator and submitted the application to the Indiana Office of The announcement comes on the heels of the Evansville
Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) for the City of Princeton. Region’s $50 million READI funding announcement to drive
The Planning Grant program strives to encourage communities to quality of place projects leading to population growth and Pratt
plan for long-term community development with the aid of subject Industries' $500 million project breaking ground last week in
matter experts and community input. The applications being funded Henderson. The I-69 ORX is one of many projects in the region’s
this quarter are aiming to address broadband, water infrastructure development plan to become the talent and economic region of
and comprehensive community planning. choice in the Midwest.
Planning Grant applications are accepted on a quarterly basis. For “The ORX project not only addresses a solution to long-term
more information, visit in.gov/ocra/cdbg. cross-river mobility, but it plays to the Region’s strengths of being
in the logistical center of the United States,” said Brad Schneider,
judge-executive of Henderson, KY and a long-time BridgeLink
board member. “Completion of the I-69 highway expansion is
an opportunity to capture significant development opportunities
as this critical north-south freight corridor is activated with new
access and capacity.”
Next steps as announced by the Kentucky Transportation
Cabinet announcement today: I-69 ORX Section 1 focuses on
improvements in Henderson and extends from KY 425 to US
60. Construction is expected to begin in early 2022 and continue
through 2025. It will extend I-69 by more than six miles and
includes interchanges with KY 351, US 41 near Kimsey Lane and
at US 60.

EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 5

COMMUNITY

HELP KENTUCKY SMALL BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY THE TORNADO

The Kentucky Chamber Foundation has partnered with KY Sports Radio (KSR) to spearhead a fundraising effort, KSR Tornado
Relief, focused on small businesses, local chambers, economic and job recovery aid with immediate crisis relief in mind.
Here is a link to the website where you or your business can contribute online or download the contribution form
to send a check by mail. https://www.kychamber.com/ksrtornadorelief?_zs=XACFQ1&_zl=Fu0X6

FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE contact a local cooperative extension office. http://extension.ca.uky.edu/
county
• Visit the page for Kentucky Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds,
Flooding and Tornadoes: • The IRS is offering Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for
https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4630#local-resources Individuals and Businesses. https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-
businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-
• Find a Disaster Recovery Center: individuals-and-businesses
https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator
• For Kentucky tornado victims, the IRS has extended 2021 tax-filing
• Find and Apply for Disaster Assistance: deadline, other deadlines to May 16. https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/for-
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ kentucky-tornado-victims-irs-extends-2021-tax-filing-deadline-other-
deadlines-to-may-16
• Check the status of a Disaster Assistance Application:
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/DAC/govBenefitReceiver. • IRS has announced tax relief for Kentucky victims of severe storms,
do?langcode=EN&action=LOGIN straight-line winds, flooding and tornadoes. https://www.irs.gov/
newsroom/irs-announces-tax-relief-for-kentucky-victims-of-severe-
RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES AND storms-straight-line-winds-flooding-and-tornadoes
INDIVIDUALS
DONATIONS
• Individuals who became unemployed or those who are self-employed Monetary
and had work interrupted in 14 Kentucky counties are eligible to apply
for Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits through the Kentucky • Donate to the Team Kentucky tornado relief fund at:
Office of Unemployment Insurance. https://kcc.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx teamwkyrelieffund.ky.gov

• Businesses and chambers can call 1-888-My-Biz-Help (888-692- • Donate to the Kentucky Sports Radio – Kentucky Chamber
4943) for direct support from disaster recovery experts provided by the Foundation Tornado Relief Fund at KSRtornadorelief.com
U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
• Donate to the Red Cross at redcross.org/donate/donation
• The Small Business Administration has opened a Business Recovery
Center in Marshall County, Hopkins County and Warren County. Blood
https://www.kychamber.com/sites/default/files/pdfs/FOCE_COM_
KY17286_22-107_SBA_Opens_Third_Center_2021_12_21.pdf • Kentucky Red Cross: Find your local blood bank here:
https://www.redcrossblood.org/
• The Small Business Administration is offering assistance to
businesses and residents affected in western Kentucky. https://www. • Kentucky Blood Center: Find a drive here:
sba.gov/article/2021/dec/15/sba-offers-disaster-assistance-businesses- https://kybloodcenter.org/find-a-drive/
residents-kentucky-affected-severe-storms-straight-line
VOLUNTEER
• Read the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s recommendations
for reporting an agricultural loss. https://www.kyagr.com/tornado/ • Kentucky’s Secretary of State has waived the Certificate of Authority
documents/Ky-Ag-Disaster-Tips-Producers.pdf requirement for any out-of-state businesses assisting Western Kentucky
with disaster relief and cleanup efforts. Read more: https://kentucky.
• To identify the needs and supplies for individual farming operations gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=SOS&prId=409
in the impacted area, individuals in impacted areas should contact
their county extension office, which will collect a list of needs from • If you would like to volunteer to help those affected by the tornadoes
producers to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Click here to in Kentucky, please dial 211. Any out-of-state offers please contact the
American Red Cross.

6 EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

New Member Profile

Let's welcome Good Samaritan Home, Inc.
as a new member of the Evansville Regional
Economic Partnership. Good Samaritan Home is
located at 601 N. Boeke Road in Evansville and
can be reached by calling 812-759-0442. Visit
them online at www.goodsamhome.org. Read
on as director of admissions/marketing Laura
Tate tell us about Good Samaritan Home.

Tell us about Good Samaritan Home and the
services you offer.
The Good Samaritan Home, Inc. is a not-for-profit,
long-term care facility in Evansville. We provide skilled
short-term rehab with onsite rehabilitation, memory care,
long-term nursing care, and independent living apartments.
We are affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

What inspired you to invest your time and
resources in this business?
Helping the elderly. The Good Samaritan Home was a
vision of Dr. Henry Weiss and several UCC members who
were looking for a place that could care for their elderly
parents when they needed care. The Good Samaritan Home
opened 59 years ago on Jan. 15, 1962.

What career advice would you give the younger
generation interested in this type of work?
Working with the Senior population is very rewarding.
We meet people from all different backgrounds. Not only
are we caregivers, we are also family and friends to our
Residents.

In your opinion, what are three ingredients for
success?
1) Team work; 2) Providing the highest quality care to
our residents; 3) Being true to our mission statement:
Our mission is to provide a caring community through an
atmosphere of Christian love and concern.

What has been one of your toughest challenges?
As all other businesses we also struggle with staffing issues.

Why is the Evansville region a great place to operate a
business?
Evansville and Tri-State residents are very supportive of independent,
locally owned and not-for-profit businesses.

What do you like most about the community in which
you live?
Evansville is a very tight-knit community. We may be the third-largest
city in Indiana, but we are also “small town.”

Is there anything else you would like to share? If you are interested in information or a tour, please contact our
We are a stand-alone facility located next door to Wesselman Park. admission office at 812-759-0442.

EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 7

STRATEGY

What Are Your Financial Resolutions For 2022?

As you know, 2021 was full of challenges. We were still feeling • Reduce your debt load. The less debt you carry, the more
the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic when supply chains shut money you’ll have available to support your lifestyle today and save
down and inflation heated up. So, if you’re like many people, and invest for tomorrow. So, this year, resolve to cut down on your
you might not be sorry to see the year come to a close. But now it’s existing debts and avoid taking on new ones whenever possible. You
time to look ahead to a brighter 2022. And on a personal level, you can motivate yourself by measuring your progress – at the beginning
may want to set some New Year’s resolutions. You might resolve to of 2022, record your total debts and then compare this figure to your
improve your health and diet, and possibly learn some new skills, but debt load at the start of 2023. If the numbers have dropped, you’ll
why not make some financial resolutions, too? know you were making the right moves.

HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS TO CONSIDER: • Don’t overreact to the headlines. A lot can happen during
a year. Consider inflation – it shot up in 2021, but it may well
• Prepare for the unexpected. If you haven’t already created subside in 2022. If you changed your investment strategy last year to
an emergency fund, now may be a good time to start. Ideally, you’d accommodate the rise in inflation, would you then have to modify it
like to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses in this again when prices fall? And inflation is just one event. What about
fund, with the money kept in a low-risk, liquid account. (If you’re changes in interest rates? How about new legislation coming out
retired, you may want your emergency fund to contain up to a year’s of Washington? And don’t forget extreme weather events, such as
worth of living expenses.) Once you’ve got this fund established, wildfires and floods. Any or all of these occurrences can affect the
you may be able to avoid dipping into long-term investments to pay financial markets in the short term, but it just doesn’t make sense
for short-term needs, such as costly home or auto repairs or large for you to keep changing the way you invest in response to the news
medical bills. of the day. Instead, stick with a strategy that’s appropriate for your
goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. You may need to adjust this
• Boost your retirement savings. The pandemic caused strategy over time, in response to changes in your own life, but don’t
many us to reevaluate our ability to eventually enjoy the retirement let your decisions be dictated by external events.
lifestyles we’ve envisioned. In fact, 33% of those planning to retire
soon said they started to contribute even more to their retirement These aren’t the only financial resolutions you can make – but
savings during the pandemic, according to a study from Age Wave following them may help you develop positive habits that can help
and Edward Jones. This year, if you can afford it, increase your you face the future with confidence.
contributions to your IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-
sponsored retirement plan. This article was written by Edward Jones. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

8 EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

WHY IS DEI DEI: DIVERSITY | EQUITY | INCLUSION
TRAINING
IMPORTANT?
Simply put, reinforcing robust DEI programs helps every
employee to show up each day without fear of being their when also utilizing the quizzes, Harvard Implicit Association Test
true selves. This fosters higher degrees of engagement, and other recommended resources. The series consists primarily of
productivity and innovation that contribute to increased revenue. videos featuring the staff of the Kirwan Institute, and learners can
Training helps employees become more aware of unconscious also download other resources.
bias and other barriers to diversity and inclusion, and motivates
positive behaviors and attitudes – essential for creating and THINK POSITIVELY
maintaining a respectful, inclusive workplace. www.thinkpositionality.org/trainings
The most effective way to incorporate training into your DEI Think Positively provides trainings for all types of employers, and
strategy is to implement it on an ongoing basis. One-time training their How to Reverse Racism Holistic Training specifically focuses
opportunities don’t show the positive impact that business leaders on how organizations can move beyond being “not racist” to “anti-
aim for. Listed below are some available trainings to get your started. racist.” Led by Dr. Bryan K. Hotchkins and Dr. Nedra L. Hotchkins,
this training is data-driven and honed by years of expertise. The
MICROSOFT – UNCONSCIOUS BIAS training looks at all levels of racism, from individual to structural.
www.mslearning.microsoft.com/course/72169/launch
This self-paced training is designed for both managers and THE BIAS-HABIT BREAKING INTERVENTION
employees. It is an overview course, not an advanced or skills- www.breaktheprejudicehabit.com/intervention
focused training. It is focused on beginning to understand Over the past two decades, Dr. Devine and Dr. Cox have researched
unconscious bias and learn how to acknowledge and appreciate and honed successful bias-breaking training strategies. Their
differences in colleagues. It also contains information about the approach is backed by their own longitudinal research, as well as the
return on investment in diverse teams. This training on unconscious body of literature on the subject. This style of training focuses first
bias has one hour of well-developed content and could be enhanced on identifying bias as a habit — a habit that can be changed, and then
by adding small group discussions on the eight scenarios. The groups providing trainees with the tools to combat their individual biases.
could be mixed, including both managers and other employees.
The training starts by exploring bias in general — beyond race — RACE FORWARD
focusing on gender, communication, personal styles, etc. It includes www.raceforward.org/trainings
a mix of videos, self-tests and reflection questions. The content Race Forward assists organizations in developing sustainable and
includes definitions of unconscious bias and affinity bias (preferring equitable workplaces. They offer a two-sequence racial justice
people like ourselves), how biases form, invitation to change through training course. These trainings focus on confronting institutional
active reflection and practice, best practices to reframe one’s thinking racism. The second training focuses on building skills and practices
and recognizing micro-behaviors such as facial expressions, body that go beyond surface knowledge.
language, voice inflections, strong reactions, etc.
To learn more about implementing DEI programs and trainings, go
KIRWAN INSTITUTE – IMPLICIT BIAS MODULE SERIES to the DEI Toolkit found at evansvilleregion.com/deitoolkit. This
www.kirwaninstitute.osu.edu/implicit-bias-training/ toolkit was created to help businesses of all sizes take the first steps
The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity is an in implementing a DEI strategy for their organization or improve
interdisciplinary research institute at The Ohio State University. upon an existing one. DEI is good for business and it is the right
Their research focuses on racially equitable policy and capacity thing to do.
building. This training series is geared toward K-12 educators, but
the education-specific content easily translates to other industries.
Module 1: Understanding Implicit Bias, Module 3: Understanding
Your Own Biases, and Module 4: Mitigating Unwanted Biases are
particularly useful for organizations other than education agencies.
This module series is engaging and good for those beginning
to learn about implicit bias and who are open to learning from
young adults. Each module is about 20 minutes, making the total
time commitment a minimum of 80 minutes or up to several hours

EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 9

BUSINESS THE SPACE

As you drive down Main Street in downtown INNOVATION POINTE &
Evansville, you are sure to notice the tangerine COWORK EVANSVILLE
dream, Innovation Pointe. IN THE HEART OF THE
Innovation Pointe is carefully curated to offer affordable
workspaces, facilitate beneficial collisions and provide EVANSVILLE REGION.
access to small business resources for entrepreneurs to
start and thrive in the Evansville region. You may be wondering “what is
But before that it was… Cowork Evansville” right about
1892 – This site was home to THE ARCADE BUILDING with now… Well let us break it down
first floor shops and second floor offices for you!
1922 – Known later as the ECONOMY STORE Cowork Evansville is a space built
1951 – A fire burns the ECONOMY STORE to the ground for individuals who don’t fit a
1952 – THE EVANSVILLE STORE opens its newly stereotypical 9-to-5 office mold.
constructed doors. Notable from the start as the The space has the look of a modern
first building in Evansville with an ESCALATOR. office with conference rooms, a
1977 – THE EVANSVILLE STORE closes. copy machine, free coffee and
1985 – Roy Ryan begins renovating the building – upper WiFi. But, in reality, there’s nothing
floors to be offices, first floor retail. traditional about Cowork Evansville.
2004 – City of Evansville receives a designation under Remote workers, entrepreneurs,
the State of Indiana’s Certified Technology Park freelancers and students share
(CTP) Program. $5M CTP Funds were used to build the 5k-sq.ft. space while working
a high-tech business incubator in downtown for separate companies, but still
2007 – INNOVATION POINTE Business Incubator OPENS! forming their own little community.
2014 – THE STATION, Evansville’s first CoWork space, Other unique features include:
opens on the second floor standing desks, biking desks,
2018 – COWORK EVANSVILLE opens on the first floor exercise balls, sound-proof phone
booths, portable white board and
designated desks.
Members also have access to the
Southwest Indiana Small Business
Development Center, located on the
fourth floor of Innovation Pointe.
The biggest perk of all is the
collaboration.
The intentional collisions. Members
are working in a room filled with
professionals who have skills to help
in whatever area they need.

EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 10

YOU HAVE BEEN

DREAMING
ABOUT

Professionals wanting to become a Member of Cowork have a few options:
https://coworkevansville.com/en/signup

EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 11

BUSINESS

Berry Named One of America’s
Most Responsible Companies

Berry is honored to be named number 35 out of 2,000 public goals. In addition, Berry has increased its transparency on
companies on America’s Most Responsible Companies relevant ESG topics. With an industry-leading safety record and
presented by Newsweek and global research firm Statista, robust code of ethics, Berry is proud of its achievements thus far
Inc. Berry secured the number four spot on the list within its in the areas of corporate stewardship.
respective industry. The list includes the top 500 most responsible
companies in the United States across 14 industry subcategories. Within this focus on environmental sustainability leadership,
Companies were evaluated on their publicly available Berry has recently announced the following:
performance data for the three areas of ESG (environmental, • Our goal to achieve 30% circular plastics use by 2030,
social and corporate governance). surpassing our previous goal to use 10% post-consumer recycled
(PCR) resin by 2025
Focused on ESG • Agreements to secure over 600 million pounds of recycled
Berry has placed special emphasis on its ESG efforts, leveraging material, including advanced recycled material from top suppliers
its global capabilities to help customers meet their sustainability (PureCycle, LyondellBasell, Borealis and Repsol)

12 EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

• Secured ISCC PLUS New Member Profile
certification for 39 sites
globally Let's welcome Lancaster Insurance be honest. Find a mentor that you respect
• Led through participation Agency as a new member of the and look up to, and ask for help.
in industry organizations like Evansville Regional Economic
the Alliance to End Plastic Partnership. Lancaster Insurance In your opinion, what are three
Waste and The Recycling Agency is located at 658 S. Green ingredients for success?
Partnership’s Polypropylene River Road in Evansville and can be Tenacity, health and wellness, and
Recycling Coalition and the reached by calling 812-477-8883, or community service. In other words, the best
Film & Flexibles Coalition email at molly@lancasterinsurance. way to fill your cup is to work hard, take
net. Read on as president Molly care of yourself, and take care of others.
“I am proud of our people O'Daniel tells us about Lancaster
who contributed to our debut Insurance Agency. What has been one of your
on this list which includes our toughest challenges?
customers and peers,” said Tell us about Lancaster Insurance I wish I would have joined the insurance
Berry Chairman and CEO, Agency and the services you offer. industry sooner, because I now know that
Tom Salmon. “Our focus on I was born and raised in Evansville, and this is what I was always meant to do.
sustainability and corporate after a long stint living in Colorado, I
responsibility are incorporated realized how special Evansville is, and Why is the Evansville region a great
into our day-to-day decisions how much I missed it. I am thrilled to carry place to operate a business?
and are fundamental to who on my great-uncle Mike and my great- Evansville is full of ambitious people. Being
we are. This commitment grandfather, Mile's Lancaster's legacy in such a close community, people want to help
drives us to be better for our purchasing Lancaster Insurance, which others, and many start small businesses for
customers, employees and has been family owned and serving the this reason. We have friendly competition in
communities.” community since 1945. We are dedicated Evansville. Since moving back to Indiana,
to customer service and attention to countless professionals and family friends
About the ranking detail. We find the best policy at the most within the insurance industry have reached
competitive rate for each and every one of out to help me get my start and be a guide
The list of America’s Most our customers. We offer both personal lines for me. I couldn't be more grateful to
Responsible Companies (home, auto, recreational vehicles, etc.) and receive a warm welcome from leaders in our
begins in a pool of the top commercial lines (small business) coverage. community.
2,000 public companies by
revenue based in the U.S. and What inspired you to invest your What do you like most about the
recognizes the holistic view of time and resources in this business? community in which you live?
ESG. For the environmental It's important to me to carry on our family's What I like most about our community is
category, companies were business. Evansville is a special community how kind and friendly people are. It's not
evaluated on key performance with great values and hard-working people. hard to strike up a conversation with anyone
indicators (KPI) in areas We look out for our neighbors. I feel and learn something new or get to know
such as waste, emissions, honored and humbled to be able to know someone new.
energy use, water use, and to serve the great members of our
environmental engagement, community. Is there anything else you would
and long-term performance. like to share?
For the social category, KPIs What career advice would you give Lancaster Insurance's hours are Monday-
spanned the dimensions the younger generation interested Friday 8:00AM-5:00PM, or Saturday by
of leadership diversity, in this type of work? appointment only. We're happy to provide
employees, philanthropy and Everyone starts somewhere, so just start. you with a free quote! Please call us at
engagement and long-term Learn everything you can about everything. (812) 477-8883, email us at contactus@
performance. Lastly, in the Work hard, treat everyone well and always lancasterinsurance.net, or come visit us at
governance category, areas of 658 S. Green River Road.
evaluation included disclosure
and transparency, economic
performance and long-term
performance. In addition,
they conducted a survey,
asking 11,000 U.S. citizens
about their perceptions of the
companies related to corporate
social responsibility. All
elements were weighted to
produce a final score.

EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 13

TALENT

Quality Employment Leads To A Better Life

Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce Board’s vision is “A About the Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce Board
talented and skilled workforce engaged in meaningful work Established in 2006, Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce Board Inc.
that contributes to the prosperity of Southwest Indiana.” You is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves as the administrative
can help this vision become a reality in the nine-county region agency for workforce development programs in the Region 11
of southwest Indiana by contributing to our Barrier Buster Fund. Economic Growth Area (Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey,
We want to help more people find meaningful work that leads to a Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties). Grow Southwest
better life. Indiana Workforce Board serves the current workforce, prepares
Courtney is a single mother who dropped out of high school. She the emerging workforce, provides career awareness and retrains
recently left an abusive relationship and found out she is pregnant. displaced workers for the next career opportunity.
She wants to improve her life and the lives of her children. Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce Board strives to serve
Courtney dreamed of becoming a nurse but didn’t think that was underserved populations, including those who are unemployed,
possible at this point in her life. She came to WorkOne and was underemployed, without a high school education, with disabilities
encouraged to take the High School Equivalency (HSE) exam. and with substance abuse disorders.
Barrier Buster funds were used to pay for the HSE exam, because
Courtney did not have the funds necessary. Courtney was nervous How can you help?
after being out of school for several years. Through encouragement Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce Board has set a goal to raise
from her case manager she took the HSE exam and anxiously $20,000 by the end of March 2022 to reduce barriers to employment.
awaited the results – she passed! “I felt like the sky was the limit We call this our “Barrier Buster” campaign. You can help those
and I was so excited. I took the next step and enrolled right away in clients we serve who strongly desire to improve their lives by
Certified Nursing Assistant classes!” She then passed the State Board donating today.
exam and fulfilled the first step of her dream to become a nurse. Her
life has been much better since. Checks should be payable to:
Together, we can help people like Courtney expand their job skills Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce Board
and find meaningful work that will improve the lives of their families 4600 Washington Avenue Suite 113
and fill much needed jobs. Evansville, IN 47714
Unfortunately, there are too many Courtneys in our region. Last
year, 1,404 individuals came to Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce
Board to receive workforce services. They were provided with
training opportunities and job prospects, but there are often barriers
that prevent them from taking the next step to improving their lives.
Some of these barriers include the ability to pay for work boots,
eyeglasses, legal fees and temporary childcare.
Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce Board exists to ensure
we have a talented and skilled workforce engaged in meaningful
work that contributes to the prosperity of Southwest Indiana. The
Workforce Board receives government funding to provide training
and job placement services. However, these funds are restricted
in their use. As a result, we do not have funds to help with certain
barriers to employment.
Your financial support will help remove barriers that will ensure
people can find permanent employment which will improve their
lives and ultimately our region. In recent years, we have worked with
individuals who want to work and improve their lives but encounter
barriers that prevent them from actively entering the workforce.
They are often one barrier away from self-sufficiency.

EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 14

INDIANA POLICY
LEGISLATIVE
UPDATE

New Year; New Opportunities

As happens each January, legislators from across Indiana have ELEVATE REGIONAL SUCCESS: Support policies and projects
convened in our Statehouse for their “regular session.” Having designed to stimulate and leverage public and private investment as
approved a biennial budget in 2021, this is what is commonly part of a regionally driven plan to make our communities even more
called the “short session,” meaning they must end their work livable and attractive, with the ultimate goal of growing out of the
no later than midnight on Monday, March 14. pandemic with a strong workforce.
As the standard-bearer for the region’s business community, public
policy work remains a priority for E-REP, so we are already actively STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY HEALTH: Support policies and
engaging with policymakers and discussing the issues we know programs designed to improve the physical and mental health and
will impact your business and our community for years to come. overall wellness of our workforce, including: reducing tobacco use;
During the session, legislators meet Monday through Thursdays in addressing the drug epidemic; ensuring access to affordable, high-
the Statehouse and spend their weekends in their home districts. As quality care; supporting walkability initiatives; etc. 
always, E-REP will be actively working in Indianapolis and here at
home with our local legislators to advocate on these issues. EMBRACE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION: Keep the value
We use member feedback and our Government Affairs Committee of diversity, inclusion and equity at the core of all of our efforts,
members to determine our public policy priorities and to consider embracing protections for vulnerable members of our community
specific issues that need to be addressed for economic development and working to eliminate legislation and regulations that have a more
work and setting the long-term strategy for success. significant impact on minority populations.

THESE PRIORITIES INCLUDE: December was a great month for several of our key issues. We
COMPLETE I-69: Support swift completion of Interstate 69 in
Indiana between the Kentucky/Indiana state line on the southern saw 17 new interstate miles opened up to traffic on the north end of
border and Indianapolis on the northern border; completion to I-69, a bid let for construction in KY leading to the new bridge, and
include a new Ohio River bridge. we were granted the maximum amount of $50M for the Regional
Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) grants.
UPGRADE INFRASTRUCTURE: Support regulatory Our Talent 2025 work continues to gain supporters across the region
environment and funding streams that enable the movement of and is the base for our efforts to grow population, employment and
people, products and information around our region and around wages.
the world; from increased broadband accessibility and capacity We will take that momentum and work with our elected and
to expanded services at Evansville Regional Airport (EVV), to appointed leaders locally, in Indianapolis and in Washington, D.C. to
water and sewer piping and all the other investments that make the move forward on these initiatives.
economy flow. We continue to work with Sally Rideout of Rideout Public Affairs,
Inc. to lead our legislative efforts and be our daily voice inside
FORTIFY OUR TALENT: Support local and state efforts the Statehouse. If you have E-REP-related issues to discuss with
designed to grow our talent pool, enhance the skills of our workforce Sally, you can reach her at [email protected]. Watch
and align our state’s talent base with the needs of employers in your email and the E-REP website, www.evansvilleregion.com, for
a system that values the spectrum of educational options from legislative updates and other events to engage with our government
vocational education to professional degrees. affairs activities.

EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 15

NEW MEMBERS MEMBER RENEWALS

NOVEMBER 2021 NOVEMBER 2021
BAR LOUIE
7700 Eagle Crest Blvd., Evansville, IN 47715 • 3P Marketing Solutions • Granted
Chase Oswald (812) 476-7069; [email protected]
www.barlouie.com • Alegria Accessories • Gutwein Law
CHECK OFF YOUR LIST
425 Alberta Dr., Commercial Point, OH 43116 • Alpha Laser and Imaging • Hafer PSC
Jill Tucker (812) 568-4295
[email protected] • Audience Response • Harding, Shymanski &
www.checkoffyourlist.com
GOLDEN CORRAL RESTAURANT Systems, Inc. Company, P.S.C.
130 North Cross Pointe Blvd., Evansville, IN 47715
Rick Riddle (812) 473-1095; [email protected] • BLS Entertainment, Inc. • Industrial Filter
www.goldencorral.com
MO'S HOUSE (dba WEOA Radio) Manufacturers, Inc.
1114 Parrett St., Evansville, IN 47713
Moriah Rose (812) 401-3800 • Breck Logistics, Inc. • Lapekas HR Consulting
[email protected]
www.mos-house.com • Brown Equipment • LIUNA Laborers Local
NEW TUNES PROMOTIONS
Sabrina Newton (812) 664-4020 Company 561
[email protected]
www.newtunespromotions.com • Bucks and Jakes • Magna Motors Mazda
OFFICE PRIDE OF EVANSVILLE TRI-STATE AREA
318 Main Street  Suite 101, Evansville, IN 47708 Outfitters, LLC. Volvo
Mark Worstell (618) 240-0817
[email protected] • BWX Technologies • Matthew 25 AIDS
www.officepride.com/0342
PLANK NUTRITION BAR • Charter Communications Services Inc.
111 S. Green River Rd., Suite H, Evansville, IN 47715
Nicole Burk (812) 228-9146; [email protected] • Clem, Dassel & Co. • Meyer Truck Equipment
www.planknutrition.com
QUARION TECHNOLOGY, INC. • Community Action Prog. • Rexing Companies
700 N. Weinbach Ave., Evansville, IN 47711
Aric Pryor (812) 449-1808 of Evans/Vand. Cty., Inc. • Rick Watkins Financial
[email protected]
www.quariontechnology.com • CountryMark Services
TAYLOR'S 2 STEAKHOUSE
518 E. Morton St., Oakland City, IN 47670 • Dean Dorton Allen Ford, • Sheets, Charles &
Paul Green (812) 749-6345; [email protected]
PLLC Charles, Elder Law
JOIN US FOR
3 ROUNDS OF NETWORKING • Deig Bros. Lumber & Attorneys
1st & 4th FRIDAY OF THE MONTH!
Construction Co., Inc. • State Farm - Kasey Gray
SIGN UP AT: WWW.SWINCHAMBER.COM/EVENTS
• Dream Center Evansville Insurance Agency
16 EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
• Drury Inn & Suites • Ten Adams Corporation

Evansville • TMI Contractors

• Evansville Courier & • Tri-State Better Business

Press Bureau

• Evansville Welding • Trivalence Technologies

Supply, LLC LLC

• Gatti Town • University of Southern

• Get Beyond Indiana

• Goebel Commercial • Vincennes University

Realty, Inc. • Western & Southern Life

• Golf Gives Back/Korn • Window Shopping

Ferry Tour Championship • YWCA

TRI-STATE NEW TSMA
MANUFACTURERS’ MEMBERS:
ALLIANCE
(JUNE - DEC. 2021)
EVANSVILLE REGIONAL
ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

• United Energy • Elite Environmental
• Gribbins Insulation • Schmitt Metalworks
• ProTherm • Morton Solar
• Fit Tight Covers • Partners Personnel

New Member Profile

sometimes you cannot achieve that
balance by working for someone
else.

In your opinion, what are

three ingredients for success?

You have to be passionate, resilient

and willing to “be built.” Having

passion for the work you’re doing is

going to be what keeps you moving

forward when you feel like there’s

RACHEL PARRISH a rough patch you may be enduring
OWNER/CEO (either in your personal life or within
the world of business). You have to be

resilient because there may be times

Let's welcome Life Without Limits Physical Therapy when you want to quit. “Being built” is a new concept for me,

as a new member of the Evansville Regional but so important because I think a lot of times business owners

Economic Partnership. Life Without Limits Physical (myself included) think that everything falls on our shoulders and

Therapy is located at 1325 E Gum Street in we don’t want to ask for help. But if we can allow others around

Evansville and can be reached by calling 812-773- us to help us on our journey, then we can become more successful

8795, or email [email protected]. Read both as a person and as a business owner.

on as owner/CEO Rachel Parrish tells us about Life What has been one of your toughest challenges?

Without Limits Physical Therapy. I struggle with negative self-talk at times which can be really
detrimental, and I am always wanting things to be “perfect.”
Tell us about Life Without Limits Physical Therapy Negative self-talk is something that can really affect your overall
mindset as a business owner and slow down or even stop your
and the services you offer. momentum. I have to remind myself every day that I can do
Life Without Limits Physical Therapy is a mobile therapy whatever I set my mind to, and that there have been a lot of
company, providing physical, occupational and speech therapy big and small things in my life up until this point that I have
services in the Evansville and Henderson region. We specialize in overcome. As far as wanting everything to be perfect… perfect
working with older adults so that they can achieve and maintain doesn’t exist. A big theme that I have been taught is “imperfect
the independent quality of life they envisioned without fear of action is better than delaying action because you want things to be
falling. The unique part of our business model is that we provide perfect.”
services to our clients in their home environment, and they do not
have to be homebound in order to receive our services. We also Why is the Evansville region a great place to operate
offer wellness services, which is similar to personal training so
that our clients can stay as mobile and as active as possible once a business?
they’ve reached their goals with physical therapy. The Evansville region has so many networking groups in place
to support all kinds of businesses, and it’s a great way to connect
What inspired you to invest your time and resources with other business owners from different backgrounds, age
ranges and experience levels. Finding like-minded people to
in this business? connect with is important because having that support system
I have always wanted to help people and make a meaningful around you is huge for success.
difference in their life; when I was working as a staff clinician
for other jobs, I felt that my time was not able to be well spent What do you like most about the community in
building relationships with my clients. I also felt that most of my
time was spent stuck behind a computer and not focused on the which you live?
person in front of me (due to productivity standards), which made
me feel like an inadequate clinician. I reached a point where I Everyone in this area is so friendly, and so willing to support
really was not happy in my full-time career and contemplated locally owned businesses. One of my favorite things since starting
leaving the physical therapy field altogether. What I realized was my business is getting more engrained into the local community
that I could fill a need in this area with a mobile practice and see through recommendations I have gotten from people who have
fewer patients per day while providing an even higher quality of lived here much longer than me. Although Evansville is a “small
care. city,” it does have a “close-knit” feel.

What career advice would you give the younger Is there anything else you would like to share?

generation interested in this type of work? I never thought I would become a business owner because I
If you feel that there is a specific area you are really passionate thought it was too hard, or that I wouldn’t have enough support to
about and that there’s a need for something in your community, be successful (especially since I’m not from this area originally).
go after it. Worst case scenario, it doesn’t work out and you have That couldn’t be farther from the truth. Although being a business
to try a different approach. I think we are engrained to believe owner is hard, it is so rewarding to see the fruits of your labor and
that we have to work for someone else in order to provide for know the positive impact that you are making in the community.
ourselves and to have a fulfilling career, but that’s not always Surrounding myself with a good support system and being open to
the case. I think a work-life balance is really important, and learning as much as I can has helped me to grow tremendously in
a short amount of time.

EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 17

MILESTONES

FIRST FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK EDWARD JONES, MELISSA NICHOLSON
First Federal Savings Bank celebrated a grand Edward Jones, Melissa Nicholson celebrated a
opening with a ribbon-cutting at 11201 Upper Mt. 5-year anniversary with a ribbon-cutting at 2775
Vernon Rd. in Evansville. First Federal Savings Haley Dr, Suite B in Newburgh. Melissa Nicholson
Bank offers various loans, multiple deposit is now a Certified Financial Planner. Contact
accounts and mobile banking tools to help make her at (812) 853-2775 or email tonya.binney@
banking easy for you! Contact them at (812) 430- edwardjones.com.
6915 or online at www.firstfedevansville.com.

CRAWFORD, MURPHY & TILLY - RX AESTHETICS CLINICAL COSMETIC SPA
ENGINEERS AND CONSULTANTS Rx Aesthetics Clinical Cosmetic Spa celebrated
Crawford, Murphy & Tilly celebrated a 75-year a grand opening with a ribbon-cutting at 8788
anniversary with a ribbon-cutting at 915 Main Ruffian Lane, Suite B in Newburgh. The industry
St., Suite 408 in Evansville. Crawford, Murphy professionals at Rx Aesthetics have decades of
& Tilly (CMT) engineers are driven to help their experience in medical aesthetics for the face and
clients achieve the highest value possible for the body! Rx Aesthetics offers all types of treatments
infrastructure they build and manage. from acne and anti-aging to rejuvenating laser
Contact them at (812) 647-6145 or online at treatments and sexual wellness for men and
www.cmtengr.com. women. Contact them at (812) 490-1099 or online
at www.rxaestheticsnewburgh.com.
18 EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

GOLDEN CORRAL 2ND LANGUAGE
Golden Corral celebrated a grand reopening with 2nd Language celebrated a grand opening with
a ribbon-cutting at 130 N. Cross Pointe Blvd. in a ribbon-tying at 401 NW 2nd St., Suite B in
Evansville. Golden Corral hosted Sen. Jim Tombs Evansville. 2nd Language is where Southeast
and a lot of veteran groups were in attendance to Asian Ramen and street foods meet. All desserts,
enjoy the event! Contact them at (812) 473-1095 or like authentic Japanese Honey Toast, will be
email [email protected]. made in-house at their French Patisserie.
Contact them at (812) 401-2500 or online at
www.taste2ndlanguage.com.
THE ARC OF EVANSVILLE
The Arc of Evansville celebrated the 20th
anniversary of The Really Big Show with a ribbon-
cutting at Old National Events Plaza in Evansville.
The Really Big Show is The Arc of Evansville's
largest annual fundraiser. The event is scheduled
for Saturday, February 12, at 7 p.m. at the
Old National Events Plaza. Contact them at
(812) 428-4500 or visit them online at
www.arcofevansville.org.

EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 19

newsmakers PRESENTED BY:

DR. CONSTANCE SWENTY RACHEL CARPENTER
The University of Southern Indiana named After a national search, Rachel Carpenter was
Dr. Constance Swenty, Associate Professor of selected as the new vice president for student
Nursing, as the Interim Dean of the College of affairs and dean of students at the University
Nursing and Health Professions. She previously of Evansville. She has an anticipated start date
served as Assistant Dean of Nursing for the of June 1, 2022. In her new role, Carpenter
College. Swenty succeeds Dr. Ann White, who will serve the UE student body and help create
will retire at the end of the Fall 2021 Semester a safe, welcoming, and supportive campus
after 32 years of service to USI. A member of community. She will not only work one-on-one
the USI faculty since 2006, Swenty entered academia after serving with students but also student organizations across campus. Carpenter
as a school nurse, staff nurse and childbirth instructor in Missouri, will also oversee areas that support students outside of the classroom,
California and Florida. In 2014, she was the primary investigator including residence life, student engagement, international student
for a $1.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and services, counseling services, career development, the student health
Human Services to build collaborative teamwork into the nursing and center, public safety, and the fitness center. Carpenter brings nearly
health professions curriculum. Swenty holds a Bachelor of Science two decades of experience in student affairs. Currently, she is the
in Nursing degree from Drury University, a Master of Science in interim university dean for students at Pace University, which has two
Nursing degree from Clarkson College, and a Doctor of Nursing campuses in Pleasantville and New York City, NY. Prior to serving in
Practice degree from USI, where she is a member of the inaugural this role, she was interim associate vice president for student affairs
class of graduates from the DNP program. Her primary research areas and dean for students, interim dean, and director of the Center for
are wound care and nursing education, and she has been published Student Development. While at Pace, she has been working toward
in The Indiana Bulletin, International Journal of Human Caring, her Doctor of Professional Studies in business and is expected to
Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice and The Journal graduate this month. The UE campus will be familiar to Carpenter,
for Nurse Practitioners, among others. A national search to fill the who graduated with her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 2003 and
dean position will begin this Spring. 2009, respectively. From 2003-10, she served in various student-
oriented roles on campus. Two of those years were spent as dean of
MATT WEINZAPFEL students at Harlaxton College, the University’s study abroad center
Jasper Engines & Transmissions named Matt located in Grantham, England, and the No. 1-ranked study abroad
Weinzapfel its Executive VP of Manufacturing program in the United States. Carpenter will succeed Dana Clayton,
and Chief Operating Officer. Weinzapfel’s EdD, who is retiring in February 2022 after 32 years of service to
duties will be to oversee all manufacturing the University. Until Carpenter’s arrival, Rob Shelby, PhD, chief
divisions and support services, including diversity officer at UE, will be the interim vice president for student
Sourcing, New Product Development, Quality, affairs. Michael Tessier, assistant vice president of student affairs and
Parts Stores and Conveyance, Production director of residence life, will serve as the interim dean of students.
Control, Distribution, Indiana Tool and Die,
Maintenance, and Logistics. He will also continue to lead the Gas JEFF LASHLEE
and Diesel Engine Divisions. Weinzapfel began his career at JASPER Comonwealth Engineers, Inc. (Commonwealth)
in May of 1994, working in branch auditing and accounting for four announced Jeff Lashlee as the newest member
years. After that, Weinzapfel spent five years as general manager of of the Project Management Team. Lashlee will
JASPER’s Crawford County operations. Weinzapfel later spent three be serving as a project manager with an office
years as general manager of Gas and Diesel Engine operations for the based out of the Commonwealth Bowling
Jasper and Crawford facilities, two years as a member of the JASPER Green, KY, location. He is a 1990 graduate
Production System, and was Diesel Division manager for three years. of Tennessee Technological University in
Civil Engineering. He has worked for the
Bowling Green Engineering Department as the City Engineer and
Director of Public Works. In addition to being a licensed Professional
Engineer, he holds a Master of Business Administration from
Western Kentucky University. He is a life member of the American
Public Works Association and had an active role with accreditation
and subsequent reaccreditation of the Bowling Green Public Works
Department through the American Public Works Association. Among
the many project awards that Jeff has received, he is most proud of
the 2007 Kentucky Society of Professional Engineers Achievement
in Government Award and the 2010 Distinguished Engineer in the
Public Sector Award from the Kentucky Chapter of the American
Society of Civil Engineers.

20 EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

AMELIA MCCLAIN SHEETS, CHARLES & CHARLES
Amelia McClain, assistant professor of Elder Law attorney Steven T. Charles
theatre at the University of Evansville (UE), successfully completed the requirements
is the recipient of the University Resident designated by the National Elder Law
Theatre Association (URTA)’s 2021 Award Foundation (NELF) and is now a Certified
for Excellence in Undergraduate Training in Elder Law Attorney (CELA). NELF is the only
Acting. McClain is currently on leave from UE organization approved by the American Bar
this year as a member of the Broadway cast Association to offer certification in the practice
in Aaron Sorkin’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” at area of Elder Law. Steven practices at Sheets,
Shubert Theatre. McClain has been a faculty member at UE since Charles & Charles - Elder Law Attorneys in Evansville, whose offices
2018. She graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from UE before have moved to 4828 Lincoln Ave.
earning her Master of Fine Arts from the graduate acting program
at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. McClain is a MATTHEW 25 AIDS CLINIC
member of the Actors Equity Association and the Screen Actors Matthew 25 AIDS Clinic made three new hires:
Guild. Before returning to her alma mater, she completed a year-long
run on Broadway as Sandra in the smash-hit production of “The Play ANNIE MARY TOM SPARKS
That Goes Wrong.” Also on Broadway, she worked on “Foor for KEEPING VANOVER
Love,” “Noises Off,” “The Heidi Chronicles,” “The House of Blue
Leaves,” and the Tony Award-winning “Vanya & Sonia & Masha Annie Keeping is the Integrated Care Specialist in the Evansville
& Spike.” McClain has been in over 20 productions off-Broadway Office. She will perform clerical and receptionist duties to assist
and in regional theatres across the country. Founded in 1969, patients in obtaining clinic and ancillary services.
the University Resident Theatre Association works to ensure the
continued renewal of the American theatre by supporting excellence Mary Vanover is a Referral Nurse. She will ensure that patients
in the professional training of new artists. The 2021 Awards for have outside appointments scheduled and are reminded of those
Excellence in Undergraduate Training will be formally presented at appointments.
the URTAs, an audition event attended by over 1,200 candidates who
are pursuing graduate training in theatre.

HAFER
Hafer made three key additions to its team of architects, designers
and engineers:

Tom Sparks is the clinic’s new driver. He will take patients who
need transportation to their appointments.

CLAY DEBBIE DANA W. AMBER ELLIS
ELLERBROOK LINBERG FARMER Cancer Pathways Midwest welcomed Amber
Ellis, a Registered Art Therapist and Licensed
Clay Ellerbrook, AIA is a new architect in the Evansville Office. Mental Health Counselor, to its team. Ellis
He previously was with Morley in Newburgh, where he worked for earned her undergraduate degree from the
seven years. He owns a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from University of Evansville and received her
Ball State University and a Master of Architecture from Ohio State Master’s Degree at Saint Mary-of-the-
University. Woods. As a Program Specialist, she provides
emotional support to individuals and families
Debbie Linberg is the company’s first-ever Human Resources impacted by cancer. Ellis facilitates support groups and leads a
Director. She studied accounting and human resources at the variety of program activities (including the wonders of art therapy)
University of Southern Indiana and has more than 25 years that bring men, women, kids and families the support and resources
of experience in the human resources field. Linberg earned a they need to move from surviving to thriving.  
Professional in Human Resources certification in 2001 and has
been a Certified Professional with the Society of Human Resource KAEDEN RADDE
Management since 2014. Kaeden Radde, of Evansville, is the recipient of the Duell’s
Automotive Group Scholarship at Ivy Tech Community College
Dana W. Farmer is now Company Controller for Hafer. She has a Evansville for 2021-22. Radde will receive a full-ride scholarship for
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Southern tuition, fees, and instructional materials, as well as a complete set of
Indiana and more than 32 years of experience. tools as he attains milestones during the two-year associate degree
program. Radde will also have mentoring opportunities at one of the
Duell’s dealerships.

Newsmakers, con't. next page
EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 21

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION LILLY SCHOLARSHIP soccer his sophomore, junior and senior years. Kuhn excels in fine
Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community arts and has been in multiple plays and musical productions, including
involvement, academic achievement, character and leadership. Each the Children’s Theater. Academically, he has earned the Rising Star
Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides for full tuition, of Indiana Award and Academic Honors. Outside of school, Kuhn is
required fees and a special allocation of up to $900 per year for actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America, obtaining his Rank
required books and equipment for four years of undergraduate study, of Eagle Scout.
on a full-time basis leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible
Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. The Warrick County Community Foundation announced Jennifer
Donnelly and Logan Ellis as the 2022 recipients of the Warrick County
The Vanderburgh County Community Foundation announced Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship.
Brandon Foster, Aleilah Nisley, and Santosharupa Ponna as the 2022
recipients of the Vanderburgh County Lilly Endowment Community Jennifer Donnelly is the daughter of John and Olga Donnelly of
Scholarships. Newburgh. She is a senior at Castle High School and plans to study
architecture. Donnelly has been involved in a variety of school
Brandon Foster is the son of Robert and Kimberly Foster, of activities including the robotics team, summer musical orchestra, band,
Evansville. He is a senior at Evansville Day School and plans to study and Student Council. Outside of school, she spends much of her time
history and biochemistry. His career goal is to become a physician. pursuing her passion for music. Donnelly is a member of the Evansville
Foster has been involved in a variety of school activities, including Philharmonic Orchestra and the American Guild of Organists.
Student Council, speech, concert band, Venture Club and numerous
sports. Outside of school, Foster spends much of his time giving back Logan Ellis is the son of Matthew and Mindy Ellis, of Boonville.
to the community. He volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Ellis is a senior at Castle High School and plans to study Mathematics
Salvation Army, and Youth Resources. Foster also has a deep passion in college. His career goal is to become a pediatrician. He has been
for Holocaust awareness. He volunteered with CANDLES Holocaust involved in a variety of school activities including wrestling, band, and
Museum and developed a Holocaust awareness curriculum for middle Student Council. Outside of school, he enjoys coaching wrestling. Ellis
school students in Indiana. is also active with Young Life.

Aleilah Nisley is the daughter of Adam and Rebekah Nisley, of Scholarship award alternates were also announced. Mason Phillips
Evansville. She is a senior at Mater Dei High School and plans to study and Lillie Redmon, both of whom attend Boonville High School, will
business management. Nisley’s career goal is to work in international receive $3,000 scholarships from the Friends of Warrick County Fund.
business development. She has been involved in a variety of school
activities including Student Council, marching band, and numerous The Gibson County Community Foundation is pleased to announce
academic bowl teams. Nisley is active with the United Catholic Youth that Madalynn Steckler is the 2022 recipient of the Gibson County
Ministry and volunteers with Vacation Bible School, and SWIRCA Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Madalynn Steckler is
& More. She enjoys learning about other cultures and hopes to study the daughter of Phillip and Jessica Steckler, of Haubstadt. She is a
abroad while in college. senior at Gibson Southern High School and plans to attend University
of Notre Dame or Purdue University, studying Physics, Biology or
Santosharupa Ponna is the daughter of Veera Ponna and Sarita Gogula Biomedical Engineering. In addition to exceling academically, Steckler
of Newburgh. She is a senior at Signature School and plans to study has been involved in a variety of school activities including Fellowship
chemistry to pursue a career in pediatric oncology. Ponna has been of Christian Athletes, Peer Tutoring/Life Skills, Interdisciplinary
involved in a variety of school activities including Student Council, Academic Decathlon Team, along with the English and History
Spanish Club, and Mu Alpha Theta. Her community activities include Academic Decathlon Team. She has obtained numerous accolades
participation in Youth Resources and Kuchipudi dancing. Ponna is also athletically, including PAC Honorable Mention her junior year in soccer
the co-founder of the Kickstart Tennis Foundation and Prevention Youth and served as the Team Captain her senior year. Steckler received
Council in collaboration with Albion Fellows Bacon Center. Through the Mental Toughness Award in swimming her sophomore and junior
her participation with the Prevention Youth Council, she has assisted years, and participates in track and field for the Gibson Southern Titans
with creating a podcast series focusing on creating dialogue around She also plays lacrosse – achieving the ranking as 7th Best Goalie in
healthy relationships and reducing stigmas and misunderstanding Indiana her junior year. Outside of school, Steckler is extremely active
related to sexual and relationship violence. with the Owensville Boys and Girls 4-H Club and volunteers with
many community organizations, including St. Maria Goretti Youth
The Posey County Community Foundation announced that Dalton Group, The House of Bread and Peace Women’s Shelter, Sts. Peter and
Kuhn is the 2022 recipient of the Posey County Lilly Endowment Paul Parish, and the Ronald McDonald House. She has a passion for
Community Scholarship. Dalton Kuhn is the son of Paul and Erin volunteerism and has led multiple fundraisers for homeless shelters.
Kuhn, of Mt. Vernon. He is a senior at Mount Vernon High School During the pandemic, Steckler started “Madalynn’s Take and Bake
and plans to attend Indiana University or the University of Southern
Indiana, studying Pre-Med/ Biology. Kuhn has been involved in a Khoiutcrhseans”sibsutisnignehsesrfgroramndhmerofthamerilwyi’tshkhitecrhbeank. iSnhgebaulssoinspeesnsd.s multiple
variety of school activities including Honor Society, Student Council,
Key Club, Student Government and Thespian Club. He has served Scholarship award alternates were also announced. Maura Kluesner
as the Vice President of the Class of 2022, both his junior and senior was named as first alternate and will receive a scholarship from the
years. Kuhn also earned four varsity letters and was a member of the Friends of Gibson County Fund. Karis Blacklock was named the
Big 8 All-Conference Team for swimming his freshman year. He played second alternate.

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22 EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP

IT PAYS TO
BE FIRST!

A LOOK INTO FLYING EVV FIRST

FlyEVV First is a simple approach to take our region’s
air travel to new heights. The time is right to continue
the growth that the airport has achieved over the past
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region has established. When more people choose to
FlyEVV First, the airport grows and the region benefits.
Increased airport usage encourages our airline partners
to continue investing in EVV, better connecting our region
to the world and the world to our region. FlyEVV First,
over time, will allow for additional airport and economic
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WHEN MORE PEOPLE FLYEVV
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FlyEVVFIRST.com

7801 Bussing Dr., Evansville, IN 47725 • Phone: (812) 421-4401

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EVANSVILLE REGIONAL ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP 23

Join us at Offering affordable
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318 Main Street
Suite 400

Evansville, IN 47708

812-423-2020
evansvilleregion.com

@evvregion

To register, contact Tina Fuhrer at [email protected] or go to www.swinchamber.com/events.