Evansville Business February/March 2023

48 Hours

Aurora’s cause sheds light on homelessness

Don Mattingly is loyal to his hometown

PLUS + COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

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PUBLISHER

Todd A. Tucker

EDITORIAL

Kristen K. Tucker Editor

Jodi Keen Managing Editor

John Martin Senior Writer

Maggie Valenti Staff Writer

DESIGN

Laura Mathis Creative Director

Morgan Dean Graphic Designer and Advertising Administrator

ADVERTISING

Jessica Hoffman Senior Account Executive

Jennifer Rhoades Senior Account Executive

Logen Sitzman Sales and Marketing Coordinator

CIRCULATION

Gregg Martin Distribution and Circulation Manager

CONTRIBUTORS

Catherine Anderson, Gordon Engelhardt, Evansville Aerial, Paul Green, Alex Morgan, Noah Stubbs, Zach Straw, Kim Wren

TUCKER PUBLISHING GROUP

Todd A. Tucker President

Kristen K. Tucker Vice President

Tucker Publishing Group

25 N.W. Riverside Drive, Ste. 200 Evansville, IN 47708 812-426-2115 evansvillebusiness.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

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IN THE NEWS

Evansville Business welcomes submissions for our business social page and corporate news. Please mail or email these items eight weeks in advance of the magazine cover date to the address above or events@ evansvilleliving.com.

LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER

Letters to the publisher may be sent to the address above or to ttucker@ evansvilleliving.com.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Take advantage of Evansville Business’ prime advertising space. Please call us at 812-426-2115 or visit evansvilleliving.com.

Evansville Business is published bimonthly by Tucker Publishing Group, 25 N.W. Riverside Drive, Ste. 200, Evansville, IN 47708, and printed at LSC Communications, Lebanon Junction, KY. Any views expressed in any advertisement, signed letter, article, or photograph are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Evansville Business.

Copyright © 2023 Tucker Publishing Group. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from Tucker Publishing Group.

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One Big Errand

f it is true that a characteristic of an adventurous person is the habit of not taking the same route to an often-traveled destination, I must be fairly adventurous. My 4.3-mile commute to work Downtown can involve the Lloyd Expressway, Walnut Street, Lincoln Avenue, and Interstate 69.  And that doesn’t figure in the shortcuts and side streets. (Note: After writing this in the morning, I was afforded a nice chat in the afternoon with a fine gentleman from the Indiana State Police on I-69. Wrong route, wrong day.)

And is it just me, or does your day sometimes seem like one long continuous errand involving kids, coffee, food, Walgreens, banking, and occasionally work-related items? (I try to keep that last item to a minimum.) I see a lot of our city … daily.

I recently have found myself increasingly using Walnut Street going home, as so many nice road improvements have been made Downtown and by the Stone Family Center for Health Sciences and then again across Highway 41 and east to the University of Evansville campus. The new brickwork creating a plaza effect on Walnut Street — along with the university’s yet-unnamed new residence hall, Ridgway Center, and the Fifth Third Basketball Practice Facility, and the recent removal of the abandoned tennis courts that had become an eyesore but now are pleasant green space — makes this route more appealing.

This winter, I regularly have passed by two large campus lots that are being readied for their next chapter at the university. I was curious about this and thought both of you might be as well. Located at the busy corner of Lincoln and Weinbach avenues will be what I am sure is an excellent addition to the campus and community. Lincoln Commons is a mix of multi-bedroom apartments with 3,500 square feet of retail space and an outdoor patio, which will likely become a popular university gathering spot. Several buildings, none with any redeeming history or architectural significance, were torn down to make room.

Adjacent to Lincoln Commons on the south side of Lincoln Avenue are older buildings being razed to make space for around

I100 parking spaces to support the new residences. Construction is due to start in late February, and students are expected to move in for the fall 2024 semester.

Also catching the attention of many passersby farther up South Weinbach Avenue is the preparation of the property at the corner of Walnut Street where Hughes Hall formerly sat. The two-story, 70,000-square-foot, impressively “rendered” wellness center slated for this space will turn the adjacent Carson Center over to student athletes with the exception of the pool, which is available to everyone. It will be privately funded through donations and proceeds from a land sale of university property at the Lloyd Expressway and Stockwell Road. Built in 1962, Carson Center in turn will receive a much-needed renovation.

“The wellness center will be built entirely through the support of our alumni and friends, and we are making progress. We are excited about our continued growth and the impact our university of the future has for our students and campus community – and the entire Evansville community.”

— University of Evansville president Christopher Pietruszkiewicz

Well, Mr. Excitement here decided to leave the friendly confines of my residence a few weeks ago and go to a Friday night high school basketball game, Memorial vs. Harrison at the Warriors’ gym. There are so many good things at a high school game, if you just look: families cheering for athletes and cheerleaders, alumni showing up to support their school, student sections packed and the kids having fun with back-and-forth smack talk. The excitement of the players, students, and the raucous crowd made for a terrific evening and a great game. I might just have to go crazy and leave the house again.

It really is the simple things that are the best. A high school basketball game.

As always, I look forward to hearing from most of you.

Todd A.

President

Tucker,

Lincoln Commons

Wellness Center

From here, we fuel your dreams and goals through innovation and collaboration. We spark your passion and imagination for learning through life-changing experiences and opportunities. Ignite your future now at the University of Southern Indiana.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

COMMUNITY MINDED

Praise for “A Warrior for Warrick County,” December 2022/ January 2023 Evansville Business

I wanted to thank you for publishing the wonderful article on my late husband, Howard Nevins. It was very well done and showed how much my wonderful husband did for our community.

Cindy Nevins, Newburgh

Nice article about a true community leader. What a tremendous asset Howard Nevins was for our area. Howard quite literally willed Warrick Trails into existence. I was fortunate to have known him.

Dan Robinson via Facebook

Thank you, Evansville Business, for a wonderful article this month on Howard. He really was the best, a true “warrior for Warrick County.” Success Warrick County via Facebook

A wonderful article in Evansville Business about Howard Nevins and his impact on our community in so many ways. Warrick Trails via Facebook

COVER GIRL

What a fun thing to be a cover girl in my 60s! I can’t tell you how many people have commented about the wonderful article and great photos (“Leaders for Life,” December 2022/January 2023). And what an honor to be included in a story that showcased four

other people I know and admire for their solid careers, values and love, and exciting, hardworking retirements.

Lucy Himstedt, Evansville

‘LEADING’ LADY

I have received many favorable comments from family and friends about being shown on the front cover and inside Evansville Business magazine (“Leaders for Life,” December 2022/January 2023). I also enjoyed reading what my retired friends are doing with their lives. I’m sending the magazine to my out-of-town relatives and friends.

Tess Grimm, Evansville

GLORY DAYS

I read your publisher’s letter from the February/March 2022 issue (“Always a Newburgh Wildcat”). Accompanying my letter, you’ll find my eighth-grade basketball photo from Wheeler Grade School in 1962-63. Can you pick me out?

I’m No. 2!

Dave Painter, Evansville

COMPETITIVE COMPANY

Other schools are in trouble if Austin Nolan coaches like he runs (“Racing Ahead,” December 2022/January 2023).

Nathan Hall via Facebook

(FUL-)FILLING FUEL

Thanks for the feature (“Coffee for a Cause,” October/November 2022)! We love Mission Grounds! Evansville Rescue Mission via Instagram

FRIENDLY SUPPORT

Check out this great article in Evansville Business about our friends at Shepherd Insurance (“Blended Family,” October/November 2022). Keep up the great work! Carousel Property Management via Facebook

GORDON ENGELHARDT

A semipro baseball player years ago, Gordon Engelhardt found even more success in the pressbox than on the mound. He covered everything from two NCAA basketball Final Fours to the American and National League Championship Series, several Indy 500s and state championship high school games, plus more than 20 Thunder on the Ohio unlimited hydroplane races. One of his most favorite and memorable endeavors was covering the University of Southern Indiana men’s basketball team’s drive to the NCAA Division II championship in 1995. He also dabbled in features, interviewing everyone from Carlos Santana to Bo Diddley to Joan Jett. Gordon’s interview with local baseball legend Don Mattingly begins on page 24.

The Southern Illinois University graduate spent more than four decades in daily journalism, the last 37 writing for three incarnations of Evansville newspapers. Named to the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame in 2019, Engelhardt won several other awards in his career, including the 1991 Unlimited Racing Commission Reporter of the Year and the 2008 American Boat Racing Association Sportswriter of the Year, and is a member of the Greater Evansville Hall of Fame in baseball, basketball, and football.

CATHERINE ANDERSON

“I’ve written professionally for more than 30 years. Since I’m strongly tied to the Evansville area, writing for the Tuckers is a pleasure for nostalgic reasons and because I’m greatly impressed by so much of the change that has occurred since I moved away in 1999.”

Catherine Anderson was born and raised a block from the Ohio River in Newburgh, Indiana, when it was still a typical Midwestern small town. She now lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee.

A Strong Foundation

When it comes to building a successful business, having a strong foundation is essential. For McCaslin Concrete Contractors, that partnership was built over many years with Nick McCaslin and Jared Voellinger, SVP of Business Banking at Heritage.

With Jared’s support and financing options, McCaslin Concrete Contractors was able to purchase the equipment they needed and hire the skilled workers to take their business to the next level. Nick has built his business over the years and is now in the process of building their own office. Jared is proud to be a part of their foundation and is still supporting their growth many years later.

Contact Jared today to learn more about Heritage’s Business Banking options and how they can help you build a strong foundation for your business.

Nick McCaslin, McCaslin Concrete Contractors partners with Jared Voellinger, SVP of Business Banking at Heritage.

In Focus

The Rumjahns continue reaching for new heights

BY CATHERINE ANDERSON

We choose the art we place in our homes for many reasons, but universally, it’s what we want to see every day. With that in mind, Tina Rumjahn and her husband, Howie, purchased the long-established Riverwind Gallery in 2016, rebranded it in their name, and moved its custom frame services and art gallery from Newburgh, Indiana, to the Meridian Building on Main Street in Downtown Evansville.

Adding canvas and paper photo printing and digital restoration to their services, Rumjahn Gallery and Framery steadily built its success in Evansville. A certified picture framer, Tina’s philosophy guides the business based on her high standards and client focus demonstrated through personalized service. Tina spearheads the business, while Howie works as an anesthesiologist.

“Quality is one of our highest concerns. We’re a small staff, but we need to be certain we’re all really enjoying our job,” Tina says.

Within three years, the Rumjahns knew expansion was required. They custom built a 6,500-square-foot shop at 5901 Vogel Road and installed state-of-the-art air systems, equipment, and amenities that meet the needs of preservation, production, restoration, and inventory. The frame and art galleries and boutique fill out 2,000 square feet. The relocated business opened before the end of 2021.

Tina is joined by two employees — both painters — Leah Diekhoff and Lisa DeLucio. Plans for 2023 include eight events that will feature primarily area artists in exhibitions of photography, painting, and sculpture.

“This year, we’re looking to continue growth within the commercial market. We’re

introducing a new program for interior designers,” Tina says.

She notes the printing end of the business thrives, reaching as far as California, Florida, and Connecticut, and there are plans to expand existing printing capabilities.

THERUMJAHNGALLERY.COM

The Rumjahn Gallery & Framery enjoys a custom 6,500-square-foot facility for its fine art business. The space offers plenty of room for high-quality framing and an impressive art gallery, both of which owners Tina and Howie Rumjahn have become known for.

Lisa DeLucio, Leah Diekhoff, Tina Rumjahn, and Howie Rumjahn

Just Breasha’

It’s easy to see why Breasha Pruitt is among the 25 people honored with the Positive Coaching Alliance’s 2022 National Double-Goal Coach Award. As the owner of and instructor at Breasha Pruitt Elite Gymnastics on 2949 N. St. Joseph Ave., she is passionate about creating a safe, caring, and fun environment.

Pruitt was nominated by the grandmother of one of her women’s competitive team members. After being selected as a Double-Goal winner, she was named 2022 Coach of the Year.

“I felt amazing,” Pruitt says. “I’ve been this person all my life. ‘That’s just Breasha.’ I’ve had some great opportunities. I’m just so grateful that everyone can see what we do.”

The Henderson, Kentucky, native started gymnastics at age six and by 11 was living with host families as she trained at programs in Texas and Pennsylvania. She became a two-time U.S.A. Elite national team member and a gymnastics level 10 champion — the most competitive level — in Indiana and the Junior Olympics bar event.

After studying at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, and graduating from the University of Southern Indiana, Pruitt worked as the women’s head coach at two Evansville gyms before opening her namesake center in August 2018.

Pruitt’s goal is to allow her students to reach their full potential as athletes, whatever that means to them, while still being kids.

“I strive to create a fun and safe environment for all my athletes,” she says. “The goal is to help each athlete reach their full potential while still being themselves. Once athlet-

BY MAGGIE VALENTI

Swimming for Success

Dive into doggy therapy at the Canine Aquatic Center

BY CATHERINE ANDERSON

ics is over, they will have gained life skills and tools to be positive role models in the world.”

That certainly was the experience for Ariana Halbig, 17, a former student and current beginner gymnastics coach at Pruitt’s gym. Halbig, a Central High School student, studied gymnastics for 11 years and competed at level 7 with Pruitt as her coach.

“I like her teaching methods, how she thinks about and cares about us. The higher level you are, the more you have to think about mentally, and she helps us,” Halbig says.

We’ve seen the videos. An enthusiastic dog jumps into the lake and happily swims about to everyone’s delight. In reality, that’s not often a natural occurrence. Janice Stamps, the founder of Canine Aquatic Center, explains how people mistakenly think their retriever will immediately know how to swim.

“That’s not necessarily the case. There’s a lot of misconception about how many dogs really can swim,” she says.

In 2007 Stamps, a physical therapist for more than 40 years, opened Rehab for Life, an outpatient physical and occupational therapy clinic at 6215 E. Florida St. Twelve years later, she expanded the clinic’s services to include the Canine Aquatic Center. Stamps became a Certified Canine Aquatic Therapist in 2017 and is authorized to certify others. Human patients enter through one entrance, and dogs, with their escorts, through another. A glass wall separates the two pool areas, so curious humans and canines may observe each other’s aquatic sessions.

Many pet owners bring in their dogs for swim lessons to ensure safety when they’re near water. Stamps and her staff of three trained therapists also treat canine clients for a myriad of health issues, such as with hips and joints. An initial appointment in the pool — about 60 minutes — is to evaluate furry visitors for a therapy or teaching plan. Animal clients include service dogs and police K-9s as well as older dogs who often find improved quality of life through aquatic therapy.

“We have a lot of vets that refer a dog to us for aquatic therapy following an injury, illness, or surgery, and also for weight loss,” Stamps says.

‘That’s

Breasha Pruitt’s positive coaching style has garnered national attention

When Breasha Pruitt won the Positive Coaching Alliance’s 2022 National Double-Goal Coach of the Year, she also was the first gymnastics coach to earn that honor.

Certified Canine Aquatic Therapist Laura Noback treats Roxie, a German shepherd with spinal stenosis, during a January therapy session at the Canine Aquatic Center.

Janice Stamps

A Fresh Start

Shannon Aleksandr’s Salon & Spa celebrates its renovated space

After 13 years in business, the creative minds behind Shannon Aleksandr’s Salon & Spa wanted to change up the salon’s look. Inspiration sparked at January 2019’s Redken Symposium in Las Vegas, Nevada, and turned a dream into reality.

While in Nevada, the salon’s business partners chatted with Millard Kwon, a L’Oreal-endorsed firm that designs salons. The Millard Kwon team plans every detail, down to paint colors, wallpaper, millwork, and architecture, and knew just how to refresh Shannon Aleksandr’s space.

Space was highly prized for a luxe look, salon director and shareholder Chad Butler says, so the salon’s layout was reconfigured to allow more room between stations and for elegant accents.

The barbershop’s square footage also has been doubled and finished in a gray

woodgrain. Ceiling panels now feature recessed detailing. Coating the walls are fresh layers of black and white paint. A “Night Forest” color was chosen for styling stations, with “Golden Satinwood” popping on the cabinets. The nail area sports a delicate rose color under the glow of fixtures from Illuminating Expressions and the gaze of art from The Rumjahn Gallery & Framery. Seizing on a fresh start, Shannon Aleksandr’s commissioned Rachel Wambach of Sprout Design to create a sleek new logo that Alvey Signs then turned into a marquee.

Business partners Shannon Woolsey, JD Opel, Carrie Caver, Logan Eastman, and Butler hoped renovations would be complete in time for the salon’s 15th anniversary in February 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted those plans. Supply chain issues delayed construction two years.

BY JODI KEEN

Renovations finally kicked off in June 2022, and through October the salon was closed on Mondays to allow Happe & Sons Construction to perform the heavy renovation work. All the while, guests and employees navigated the construction zone for months.

“Our guests were great. They were excited for us. We want our guests and team to have the best,” Butler says.

Nearly 40 employees — nail technicians, barbers, stylists, guest service representatives, and aestheticians — and guests now move about comfortably within the salon and spa’s 7,000 square feet, nearly unrecognizable from its previous look.

“It’s a huge weight lifted because it went on forever,” Butler says. “When I leave, I go ‘Wow. It’s done. It’s gorgeous. We did it!’”

Business partners Shannon Woolsey, Carrie Caver, Logan Eastman, Chad Butler, and JD Opel began envisioning a refreshed Shannon Aleksandr’s Salon & Spa in 2019. In October 2022, their vision became a reality. Through a partnership with the Millard Kwon design firm, the salon at 5600 E. Virginia St. shines with new paint, elegant light fixtures, refined millwork, and a new, roomier floor plan. “We want our guests and team to have the best,” Butler says.

Water Works

Here’s the reason you’re playing Tetris trying to drive Downtown

BY JOHN MARTIN

Downtown Evansville drivers for weeks have been diverted by a series of road closures stemming from the same project.

Its full name is a mouthful: Toyota Trinity Stormwater Park Combined Sewer System Separation Project. It’s one piece of Evansville’s consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, requiring the city to end, or in some cases greatly reduce, combined stormwater and sanitary sewer overflows.

The Trinity project involves installing 4,500 linear feet of storm sewer lines, 29 storm sewer manholes and inlets, and a 1-milliongallon subsurface detention basin at the site of the former Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

The church at Northwest Third and Vine streets was razed a few years ago.

The construction area is massive, and sporadic road closures are likely through at least September 2023, says Matt Montgomery, capital projects manager with the Evansville Water & Sewer Utility. Closures are updated weekly on the project’s website.

The good news is, the final product is viewed as an attractive Downtown addition, with walking paths, a pergola, trees, and shrubs surrounding the detention basin. The park will incorporate granite and stained glass from the demolished Trinity church.

Montgomery says EWSU only is involved in constructing the stormwater infrastructure, not the park features. Private fundraising will dictate how soon those are built. The park concept is spearheaded by the University of Evansville’s Changemaker Challenge through Robert Lopez, a senior student who started working with EWSU on the project when he attended Benjamin Bosse High School. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana is a $350,000 donor.

Up in Smoke A second Evansville warehouse is destroyed by fire

BY MAGGIE VALENTI AND JODI KEEN

In the span of less than three months, Evansville has experienced two large warehouse fires that sent smoke into the sky. But that is where the similarities between the pair of fires end. Evansville Fire Department Division Chief Mike Larson has estimated the Dec. 31, 2022, fire at a warehouse in the 1400 and 1500 blocks of North Garvin Street burned approximately 260,000 square feet. While large, this fire is about 30 percent the size

of October 2022’s blaze at the more than 1 million-square-foot former Servel warehouse on North Morton Avenue, which Evansville Living wrote about in the November/December 2022 issue, titled “Lost History.” Burning plastic pellets present at the Garvin Street fire produced dark smoke, but EFD was able to move more than a dozen tractor-trailers filled with 40,000 pounds of pellets away from the flames.

An investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, EFD, Evansville Police Department, and Indiana State Fire Marshal

determined the fire’s cause was an electrical accident. There were no injuries, but multiple residences were left without power and a METS bus route and regular street traffic were interrupted. The ATF has estimated damage to be around $20 million.

Fire engines tended to the Garvin Street blaze for at least three days. Fourteen other fire agencies from Vanderburgh, Gibson, Warrick, and Posey counties in Indiana and Henderson County in Kentucky responded, bringing tanker trucks of badly needed water to fight the blaze.

PHOTO BY EVANSVILLE AERIAL

PHOTO BY LAURA MATHIS

Are your employees

Breathing Radon Gas?

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that seeps from the ground into homes and buildings.

When breathing in radon gas, radioactive particles attach to lungs and damage cells.

Lung damage increases complications from COVID and its variants.

On average, employees spend nearly 2,000 hours a year working indoors in an office where they may be exposed to radon gas.

VISIT EVANSVILLE CELEBRATES

OUR FACES OF HOSPITALITY!

Evansville was recently selected by the National Park Service as an American World War II Heritage City, the only community in Indiana to be honored for its historical importance to the United States’ WWII effort. Evansville is home to unique attractions that commemorate the stories of the men, women, and children whose bravery and sacrifice shaped our WWII Homefront.

Meet our ‘Heritage’ heroes who continue to preserve our rich history!

Chris Donahue Director at USS LST Memorial, Inc.

Thomas Lonnberg Chief Curator & Curator of History at Evansville Museum

Mike Tiemann Evansville Wartime Museum

Walking a Mile in Their Shoes

Community members experience homelessness in Aurora’s “48 Hours in the Life” project

An estimated 350 people — men, women, seniors, and children — experience homelessness in Evansville annually. While that number may seem small to some, it takes a significant number of resources to attend to the city’s homeless population. Those experiencing homelessness need shelter, meals, transportation, and health care, and stepping into permanent housing often requires things that homeless Evansvillians don’t have, such as extra funds or a government-issued I.D.

Aurora, Inc. — which provides long-term housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness — sponsors an annual experience project to put community members in the homeless population’s shoes. The inaugural “48 Hours in the Life” homeless experience project in November 2021 set a dozen people on the hunt for shelter, food, and vital services needed for residential life in Evansville.

The second installment of Aurora, Inc.’s “48 Hours in the Life” homeless experience project took place Nov. 17-19, 2022, coincidentally when the Tri-State

was experiencing frigid, below-normal temperatures. If last year’s participants wanted a real experience, the weather certainly obliged.

Thirteen participants from multiple business and community sectors took part, volunteering to traverse the streets of Evansville in search of vital services, just as the city’s homeless population does. In the process, participants help Aurora meet three main goals for the project: to raise awareness (many participants livestreamed parts of their experiences); raise funds for Aurora’s housing programs; and support the workers who provide these crucial services to those in need.

When the group met to debrief on the morning of Nov. 19, two things were clear: being homeless is hard, and Evansville does not have enough services to meet current needs, but it’s on the right track. Part of Aurora’s mission with the project is to drum up support for more resources for the local homeless population, so we went straight to the source. We asked participants to share their “48 Hours in the Life” experience with us. Here are a few of their stories.

— Jodi Keen

Participants in Aurora, Inc.’s “48 Hours in the Life” homeless experience project in November 2022 included (front row) Thomas Stratton, ECHO Community Healthcare; Rachelle Chrisman, Fifth Third Bank; Kim Wren, Baird Wealth Advisors; Kaitlin Moore, City Council Member, City of Evansville; (back row) Paul Green, Aurora board treasurer and retired from IBEW Local 16; Kayla McGrew, Spreading Kindness with Sophie; Taylor Merriss, Evansville Police Department; Noah Stubbs, City of Evansville; Brian Miller, WEVV/44 News; Noah Robinson, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office; Bobbie Ann McGrew, Spreading Kindness with Sophie; James Porter, Deaconess Health System; and Chadd Huffman, Homes by Huffman and Aurora board president.

LENDING A HELPING HAND

Organizations come through for Evansville’s homeless community

BY KIM WREN

Participating in Aurora, Inc.’s 2022 “48 Hours in the Life” homeless experience project was one of the most eyeopening experiences of my life.

In our brief time, we experienced the hamster wheel of surviving day to day without reliable shelter, transportation, food, and financial resources. My partner in the homeless experience, Bobbie Ann McGrew, and I ended each day exhausted from walking across the city of Evansville seeking agency resources, getting to meal services on time, and securing a place to sleep each night. It was challenging, to say the least, and raised awareness of my own everyday privileges, such as having an I.D. card, cell phone, and car to get around town.

One of the most important lessons I learned is there are many paths to experiencing housing and food inse -

curity. From victims of elaborate dating app scams to those with mental health crises, the people experiencing homelessness who we interacted with firsthand came from diverse and often unexpected backgrounds. I walked away with a deepened sense of compassion, empathy, and a commitment to suspend all judgment.

Though we recognized the many needs going unmet in our region, I also was moved by the vast resources available here in Evansville to support those trying to secure safe housing, food, and employment. To name a few organizations, we were helped immensely by the staff at the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library Central branch. They provided free access to an array of resources in a judgment-free space. I was thankful for the services offered by Feed Evansville, United Caring Services, Evansville Rescue Mission, Albion Fellows Bacon Center, and, of course, Aurora.

A persistent challenge we faced was simply getting around town without a car. Apart from walking, we mostly traveled by METS bus. We found bus timetables sometimes were unreliable and the routes unclear. Once, we accidentally boarded a bus headed the opposite direction we needed to go, parting with precious bus tokens in the process. Daily service doesn’t begin until after 6 a.m., which could make us late for our first meal of the day.

From the “48 Hours in the Life” homeless experience, I am convinced there is a great opportunity for our METS bus system to better meet the needs of those who rely on public transportation for education, employment, and medical services. Improving

the reliability and efficiency of public transportation in Evansville will only raise the quality of life attainable in this city we call home.

Kim Wren taught music at Thompkins Middle School before joining Baird Private Wealth Management in 2021 as a financial advisor. The Atlanta, Georgia, native has called Evansville home since 2014.

FINDING PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL SHELTER

Permanent supportive housing helps families step up and out of homelessness

BY NOAH STUBBS

“Society expects you to immediately pick yourself up and out of homelessness,” Katie said as I walked into her office. “Nobody has the strength to do that alone.”

I was 27 hours into Aurora’s “48 Hours in the Life” homeless experience project when I met Katie. She’s an Aurora, Inc. case manager at a permanent supportive housing (PSH) facility here in Evansville.

When I sat down with her to inquire about affordable housing solutions, I was tired, hungry, and cold. I had been on my feet for 15 miles.

PHOTO OF KIM WREN AND BOBBIE ANN MCGREW PROVIDED BY KIM WREN. PHOTO OF NOAH STUBBS PROVIDED BY NOAH STUBBS

Noah Stubbs

Kim Wren and Bobbie Ann McGrew

“It was challenging, to say the least, and raised awareness of my own everyday privileges, such as having an I.D. card, cell phone, and car to get around town.”

— Kim Wren

I skipped out on lunch to make our appointment on time. My right hand was frozen, chapped, and bloodied from trekking around in 20-degree temperatures.

“We’re here to help families,” Katie continued. “We advocate for them.”

PSH combines affordable housing and support services. Katie is a social worker, and her office is inside an apartment complex. She provides direct support to families who rent. This type of housing solution is often the first step up and out for families experiencing homelessness.

“It provides fundamental shelter in a physical space,” Katie said. “But for people who rent here, it provides emotional shelter, as well.”

She said many families entering PSH are in the process of reorganizing and bettering their lives: finding stable jobs, seeking physical and mental health solutions, and looking for affordable childcare.

“(PSH) gives families time and flexibility to figure things out,” Katie said.

And she’s there to help fill dayto-day gaps in families’ lives. Katie helps them complete paperwork and job applications. She makes trips to the

“I walked away from our meeting with an understanding that as a community, we — in turn — should be compassionate and supportive of all who advocate and fight for people experiencing homelessness.”

— Noah Stubbs

drugstore. She’s also in touch with the site coordinator at a nearby school to make sure parents are aware of during and after school activities.

Katie isn’t alone. Throughout my “48 Hours” experience, I met an army of caseworkers and volunteers who — like Katie — are compassionate and supportive of our community’s most vulnerable population.

And I walked away from our meeting with an understanding that as a community, we — in turn — should be compassionate and supportive of all who advocate and fight for people experiencing homelessness.

Noah Stubbs is the director of communications for the City of Evansville. He is an Evansville native and a graduate of North High School.

First, there have to be homes available. Then there are other factors, some of which I knew, that hamper the process. Some are acquiring an address and a state-issued I.D., which is necessary to gain employment.

I was impressed by how most of the people were helpful to each other, especially to us. I’m sure they could tell we were clueless. An elderly gentleman sat at the table with us and observed us looking around in an effort to figure out what we needed to do to receive our evening meal.

and sisters experiencing homelessness. They do a wonderful job, but unfortunately, there are not enough resources. To a large degree, our community — that includes individuals, unions, businesses, and other organizations — is sympathetic to the less fortunate.

BY

I have been involved with organizations dedicated to helping those in our community experiencing homelessness for several years. Having said that, I assumed that I would not be surprised a great deal by the experience.

The thing I did not realize was how lengthy of a process it is sometimes to go from experiencing homelessness to actually acquiring a home.

Without asking, he began to explain to us not only what to do, but where we could get snacks for a later time. As heartbreaking as the experience was, it was extremely comforting to know, and witness, the compassion they have for others. With these folks, every meal and access to shelter are part of survival.

At the time of Aurora, Inc.’s “48 Hours in the Life” homeless experience project, we were experiencing some of the coldest weather we had had in 2022. We were fortunate to find shelter each of the two nights, and United Caring Services had its white flag out, enabling non-residents to come in from the elements. It is very difficult for me to imagine how miserable it would be to have to spend the night out on the street in this kind of weather. This is in large part why I felt compelled to participate in the process, knowing that a portion of the funds we raised would enable UCS to continue displaying the white flag for those experiencing homelessness.

I was happy to learn more about the organizations that work diligently every day to support our brothers

Unfortunately, there are those who believe it’s an easy life not having to work and getting free food and shelter. These are the people I challenge to get involved and learn, but most of all, experience “48 hours in the life.” I guarantee it will change your entire outlook on life.

Paul Green is a Somerville, Indiana, native who moved from Oakland City, Indiana, to Evansville in 1997. He retired in 2020 as IBEW Local 16’s business manager and serves as vice president on Aurora’s board of directors.

HOMELESSNESS IN EVANSVILLE

Evansville completed its 2023 point-intime count in late January. Mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the count provides a snapshot of the number and characteristics of people experiencing homelessness in Evansville on a single night. HUD then aggregates the local data as a snapshot of homelessness nationally and uses PIT data in its strategic planning for future programs to address homelessness. This year’s aggregated local data results are expected back from HUD this summer. For more information, visit Aurora’s website at auroraevansville.org or the Commission on Homelessness at evansvillehomeless.org.

‘IT WILL CHANGE YOUR ENTIRE OUTLOOK’ Project is eye opening, even for those who assist Aurora

PAUL GREEN

“As heartbreaking as the experience was, it was extremely comforting to know, and witness, the compassion they have for others. With these folks, every meal and access to shelter are part of survival.”

— Paul Green

Paul Green and (sitting) Thomas Stratton

AURORAEVANSVILLE.ORG

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PRINT BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS

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A New ‘LYFE’

Zero-carb pizza crusts are just the foundation for this business venture

BY JOHN MARTIN

Adiabetes diagnosis in 2006 hit Mohamed Aly hard. The self-described “foodie” mourned the tastes he thought he could no longer enjoy, with pizza topping the list.

Eventually, though, Aly turned sadness into action. Using no-carbohydrate ingredients, he took a stab at creating pizza he and other diabetics could safely eat and something that, as he explains, “didn’t taste like cardboard.”

Mission accomplished. Today, ZeroCarb LYFE is a burgeoning national business, based in Evansville, that surpassed $2 million in sales in 2022, with an eye toward expanding beyond pizza to other tasty, healthy items.

It didn’t happen overnight.

Initially teamed with his business partner cousin, Aly concocted multiple iterations of pizzas, tweaking the recipe a little each time. Finally satisfied with the result, in 2012 Aly quit his job as an accountant and opened a pizza restaurant in Chicago, Illinois, selling the no-carb, no-sugar pizza crust.

The magic crust formula comes from four ingredients: chicken breast, olive oil, salt, and a spice blend. No flour. No eggs. No butter. No cheese.

“It was really thick (at first),” Aly says. “When I eat (pizza), I don’t want the chicken flavor to impact the taste of it. I wanted to get the experience of eating a pizza. I worked on it until I got a very good version, holding the slice, and the chicken is not overwhelming the taste.”

The high-protein product, Aly felt, struck the right

Mohamed Aly created his carb-free pizza crust in Chicago, Illinois, and his collaboration with Evansville business partner Omar Atia helped push it to new heights. ZeroCarb LYFE hit $2 million in sales for 2022.

Mohamed Aly and Omar Atia

The company then expanded into ready-made, frozen pizzas and launched into retail grocery chains in April 2022, starting with Schnucks.

The ZeroCarb LYFE crust and frozen pizzas now are available in more than 250 restaurant loca tions across the U.S. The company delivers straight to customers’ doors across 48 states through online sales and via the retail channel.

Each approximately eight-inch crust has 37 grams of protein and is free of carbs, gluten, dairy, and sugars.

“When people go to Schnucks to a sampling kiosk, they’ll say, no way, this can’t be chicken,” Atia says. “It folds and crunches like a typical thin crust.”

Kipplee’s, another Evansville pizza restaurant, recently added it to its menu.

ZeroCarb LYFE’s grocery reach now includes 80 stores in the St. Louis, Missouri-based Schnucks chain, and in April it is launching with 385 locations of Sprouts Farmers Market, a chain based in Phoenix, Arizona. Meetings are planned with other grocery companies, Atia and Aly say.

Direct-to-customer sales offered online are growing the company even more. They allow the purchase of packages of pizzas (either beef and cheese or buffalo chicken) as well as plain crusts.

A 15-person team manages

ZeroCarb LYFE operations from the company’s headquarters at 318

Main St. in Downtown Evansville and manufactures its products out of a facility in Elkhart County, Indiana. That’s where the crusts and readymade pizzas are shipped to retail and restaurant locations.

ZeroCarb LYFE is an Evansville success story that makes local business leaders proud.

“It’s a great innovation, and it fits right in with the health and wellness lifestyle we’re so supportive of,” says Tara Barney, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership’s CEO. “It shows entrepreneurial efforts can come together in our community. And it tastes good! The fact that it’s carb-free and gluten-free really makes it a home run. We’re really interested in how they can continue to build their brand and model.”

Those next steps, according to Atia and Aly, involve branching out into a line of snack chips, launching in the first quarter of 2023, and eventually adding items such as taco shells, pasta, and breadcrumbs.

Atia, who is from the Evansville area but now lives in Fishers, Indiana,

co-founded Thoughtfire, a consulting firm for businesses. Atia was convinced Aly had a great business concept, and it could reach new heights with the right plan.

“People are used to something that is healthy but sacrificing the taste,” Atia says. “You’re having to convince yourself psychologically that it’s good for me. But the reaction to this has been that people are just shocked that this isn’t a carbloaded product.”

Aly says it goes back to his vision for the product in Chicago more than a decade ago — that taste would drive its success. A graduate of Cairo University in Egypt with a degree in accounting, he says the mission of ZeroCarb LYFE today is still the same: producing foods that are healthy, tasty, and filling.

“You get the same experience (as more traditional varieties), and it’s very nutritious to your body,” Aly said.

“When people go to Schnucks to a sampling kiosk, they’ll say, no way, this can’t be chicken. It folds and crunches like a typical thin crust.”

— Omar Atia, partner, ZeroCarb LYFE

ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH THE LATEST LOCAL NEWS AND EVENTS?

For more than 20 years, Evansville Living magazine has brought you the BEST in local personalities, events, places to visit, beautiful homes, and gardens throughout the Tri-State.

Business Team (l-r): Carl Powers, Travis Genet, Geoff Gentil, Danny Garness, Kyle Fuller

PHOTO BY ZACH STRAW

Home BAse

As his Major League Baseball career takes him from Miami, Florida, to Toronto, Canada, Don Mattingly stays engaged with his hometown through family, friends, and philanthropy

By Gordon Engelhardt

While many accomplished athletes and celebrities flee their hometowns for greener pastures, retired Major League Baseball player Don Mattingly’s love affair with Evansville continues unabated.

“There are a number of reasons,” says Mattingly, who soon will begin his first season as bench coach for the Toronto Blue Jays. “I had a chance to live in the New York area and out in L.A., both on the beach, and in Miami. But home is always home, and it has always been a fit for my family. I never felt the need to leave.”

He says he gets the best of both worlds in Evansville.

“You can’t say it’s not enough,” Mattingly says. “It was different in L.A. But you get back home, and it gives you a chance to slow down.”

Although he doesn’t get the opportunity to enjoy local functions in the spring and summer, he “gets a chance to see things day to day in the winter and create memories,” he says.

Family friend and Evansville optometrist Ben Garland says Mattingly, a 1979 Reitz Memorial High School graduate, likes the fact that he can go to a ballgame, a restaurant, or his youngest son Louie’s swim meet, and, for the most part, people leave him be.

“I remember a Thanksgiving years ago when Preston (Mattingly’s second-eldest son) was still playing basketball, and after a workout, Don and Preston went down to the Evansville Rescue Mission and helped serve the food,” Garland says. “No publicity, no social media yet, just Don and his son helping out.”

Through Mattingly Charities (see sidebar on page 27), the major leaguer gives back to his hometown — for example, by partnering with community organizer Courtney Johnson to assist those who are underserved.

“Some kids don’t have the same opportunities,” Mattingly says. “It’s tough not being successful. We stress education and social development.”

Since 2015, Mattingly Charities has partnered with many Evansville-based organizations to award grants for programs and projects helping less fortunate youth in education, social development, and athletics. Grant recipients include the Highland Challenger Baseball League for young athletes in the Tri-State and the upcoming Granddaddy’s Garden Spot in Evansville’s Glenwood neighborhood, which will feature a market, chicken coop, beehive, and greenhouse.

Through Granddaddy’s, Johnson will help provide fresh food to South Side residents on a plot of land owned by three generations of his family. He has been collaborating with Mattingly and his wife, Lori, whose charity donated $16,000.

“They reached out to us when they heard what we were doing for the community,” says Johnson, the founder and executive director of community organization Young & Established, Inc. “It’s something they wanted to get behind. We reached out to a lot of local farmers if they were selling produce. Not only is it Don; Lori is doing great work. Both are great individuals. They did not even want recognition. They’ve made a huge impact. We already had the ball rolling. But it definitely takes funding for the garden.”

After issuing grants to more than two dozen local recipients, Mattingly isn’t concerned with his charity organization becoming too large.

“Most charities are attached to big money,” he says. “We do what we can do. I’m not worried about being too big. One of the things we want to do is help people be happy. Courtney is a good dude. He’s just one of the guys who helps.”

“I remember a Thanksgiving years ago when Preston was still playing basketball, and after a workout, Don and Preston went down to the Evansville Rescue Mission and helped serve the food. No publicity, no social media yet, just Don and his son helping out.”

Family friend and Evansville optometrist

Ben Garland

 No matter where his career takes him, Don Mattingly, sitting with his wife Lori and dog Bo, always considers Evansville home.

Coaching Louie, playing with the dog, flying to Toronto

Mattingly, who turns 62 in April, envisioned a future coaching Louie, 8, in a youth baseball league, and playing with Bo, the family’s Golden Doodle puppy.

In October, he left the Miami Marlins after seven years as manager and didn’t necessarily plan to get back into Major League Baseball this upcoming season. Relaxing back home again on Evansville’s North Side, Mattingly received a pivotal phone call.

“All of a sudden, I’m going to Toronto,” he says. “I was excited about what they want to do. They have good, young talent, but they’re in a tough division with the Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays. They have some really good young pitchers. I’m excited to be a part of it.”

John Schneider, a bench coach who became the Blue Jays’ interim manager on July 13, 2022, guided them to a 46-28 record and a second-place finish in the American League East. He was hired as permanent manager following the season. However, some Toronto fans grumbled on social media that Mattingly will lend an air of class to the Blue Jays and should be the manager, while Schneider should be his bench coach.

“If John wasn’t comfortable with me, I wouldn’t have taken that position,” says Mattingly, named National League Manager of the Year in 2020 for guiding the Marlins to their first postseason berth since 2003.

He also led the Los Angeles Dodgers to three successive National League West Division titles from 2013 to 2015.

“They looked at me and how I would fit with their organization, how important I would be to them,” Mattingly says. “I wasn’t worried about being manager. I want to win. It was a good fit. Everything fit.”

He says you have to adapt and adjust in the ever-changing game of baseball.

“You learn early on that you have to keep going forward,” Mattingly says. “You have to learn, good or bad, that it’s another experience.”

He received an opportunity in Toronto that he just couldn’t pass up. Baseball is implementing changes in hopes of speeding up the game and generating more inter-

est, especially among younger people.

“I like the pitch clock,” Mattingly says. “It should help the pace.”

A six-time American League All-Star and nine-time Gold Glove first baseman for the New York Yankees, Mattingly fell short of election in December to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, gaining eight votes in balloting by the 16-member Contemporary Baseball Era committee.

Twelve votes were necessary for induction. Former Atlanta Braves first baseman Fred McGriff was the only player elected.

“The No. 1 thing is I’m happy for Fred,” says Mattingly, the 1984 American League batting champion and the AL’s 1985 Most Valuable Player. “We grew up (in the majors) at the same time and had the same

Don Mattingly is selected by the New York Yankees in the 19th round of the MLB draft.

Mattingly plays for Minor League Baseball teams in New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Ohio.

Making his Major League Baseball debut with the Yankees, Mattingly spends his entire 13-season playing career in New York.

Mattingly officially ends his MLB playing career. The Yankees retire his number, 23, and dedicate a plaque in his honor at Yankee Stadium.

Staying with his former team, Mattingly serves as a special instructor at Yankees’ spring training.

Mattingly is inducted into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame.

Don Mattingly’s son Louie and wife Lori join him at a Miami Marlins game. Mattingly managed the Marlins for seven seasons.

DON MATTINGLY’S MLB CAREER

agent (Jim Krivacs). Look at his numbers” — 493 career home runs, five-time All-Star.

Mattingly had been nominated for the Hall so many times, he didn’t want to get too excited about the latest balloting. But he couldn’t help himself. After getting pumped up for the first 24 hours, it settled into a familiar pattern.

“Everything was exactly the same,” Mattingly says. “I don’t think it changed either way.”

Instead, he focuses on the achievements of others. He’s proud of his son Preston, who at 35 years old is the Philadelphia Phillies’ director of player development.

“I’m happy for Preston,” his father said. “He works hard.”

After spending the previous five years with the San Diego Padres organization, Preston — a Central High School graduate — played a role last season in the Phillies reaching the World Series in his first year.

“The hardest thing for Preston was going back to school at 26,” Mattingly says about Preston’s choice, after six seasons in minor league baseball, to go to college and play basketball. Preston played for Pat Knight at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.

“That was a tough decision,” Mattingly says. “He worked his way up to a job with the Padres.”

Mattingly says there is a word-ofmouth network around MLB about who’s talented. Phillies President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski heard good things about Preston and grabbed him.

In August 2022, news broke that Evansville officials and MLB are exploring hosting a regular-season game at Bosse Field in 2024

or thereafter. But there is nothing definitive, except Mattingly’s enthusiasm for the idea.

“It would be awesome, it really would,” he says.

Hosting a regular-season major league game would be a fitting tribute to the country’s third-oldest professional baseball stadium in continuous operation, says Bill Bussing, who owns the Evansville Otters, a Frontier League team that plays at Bosse Field.

“More than a hundred Hall of Famers have visited Bosse Field in some capacity since it opened in 1915,” Bussing says. “What better place for MLB to salute baseball’s heritage? I believe it would be the first major league (regular season) game ever played in Indiana.”

Mattingly saw the Cincinnati Reds come to Bosse Field and play the Evansville Triplets in an exhibition game on June 7, 1973. However, Bosse Field doesn’t meet current MLB specifications, and renovations would need to be funded by private donors in order for the game to take place.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Mattingly says. “I don’t have any say in it.”

But he will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the Toronto Blue Jays’ drive for another playoff berth when spring training begins in late February in Bradenton, Florida. And he still making moves: Jan. 9, it was announced that Mattingly concurrently will serve as an adviser to the Nashville Stars baseball team in support of its efforts to be MLB’s next expansion franchise.

An enthusiast for community involvement, in 2007, Don Mattingly created Mattingly Charities, a nonprofit that funds baseball and softball equipment and youth development services for underserved children. Originally founded in North Haven, Connecticut, in 2015, Mattingly and his wife, Lori, moved the organization’s headquarters back to their hometown so it could focus on helping Evansville youth.

Since then, grants from Mattingly Charities have benefited Evansville-area organizations such as the United Methodist Youth Home, YWCA, the University of Evansville’s AceBuddies program, Healing Reins of Kentucky, Granted, Youth First, YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, the Southside Stars Youth Zone, Mickey’s Kingdom, Delaware Elementary School, the Boys & Girls Club of Evansville, Glenwood Leadership Academy, Easterseals Rehabilitation Center, Fairlawn Elementary School, Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana, the Dream Center, and the COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund of the Greater Evansville Region. — Jodi Keen

Mattingly serves first as the Yankees’ hitting coach and then bench coach.

Switching coasts, Mattingly works for the Los Angeles Dodgers, moving up to manager in 2010. Mattingly manages the Miami Marlins.

It’s announced that Mattingly and the Marlins will part ways when the season ends.

The Toronto Blue Jays announce they have hired Mattingly to serve as their bench coach starting with the 2023 season.

Mattingly confirms that he will serve as an adviser to the Nashville Stars in addition to his duties with the Blue Jays.

MLB.COM/BLUEJAYS

Don and Lori Mattingly present a check to Young & Established.

ARC Construction

For more than 53 years, ARC has been providing quality building solutions to its clients, built strong relationships by treating clients like partners, taking pride in quality, and turning your vision into reality. ARC, a great company with great employees, 53 years strong….and building.

ARC has been involved in numerous projects throughout the area, including Chapel Hill Head Start Preschool, a 17,360-square-foot space including a 1,500-square-foot cafeteria/ storm shelter that can sustain winds up to 200 mph; a complete renovation, including an updated HVAC system, for the University of Evansville Wheeler Concert Hall; Deep Blue in Evansville, a design/build indoor recreational facility and one-of-a-kind space in the Evansville area; a new permanent fence containing masonry brick piers and ornamental fencing with access control for a parking area at Deaconess Midtown Hospital; the University of Evansville softball field with new drainage system and AstroTurf, which was completed before fall camp; and repairs and upgrades to the 126 step long concrete bleachers and entrance at Mt. Carmel Riverview Stadium.

Currently ARC is working on the Bell Road Apartments as a construction manager. This project will consist of six new three-story apartment buildings. ARC is also working on Romain-Subaru as a construction manager for a new facility including a car wash; Echo Promise Home, a 27-unit facility to house the homeless; a fourth Dunkin’, located in Henderson, Kentucky, which will include an outdoor patio and a large indoor dining space; a new 28,850-square-foot facility that will replace the existing location of Diamond Equipment; renovation of the Vincennes University Welch Building; renovation and an addition to Henderson Water Utility; an interior renovation for a specialized security company; structural repairs to Refresco; a new sugar room and miscellaneous interior improvements to Zevia; and a new network facility for Henderson Municipal Power and Light. ARC recently was awarded contracts for the Henderson Sports Complex in Henderson, Kentucky, which includes four

200-foot baseball/softball fields, a multipurpose field, concession stand, maintenance building, irrigation, and parking areas; and for Liberty Federal Credit Union in Evansville, a new 62,776-square-foot three-story office building.

With ARC’s quality craftsmen and experienced construction team, you can trust ARC to make the difference in building your future.

For more project photos, go to our website at www.arc-construction.com.

Bell Road Apartments

Deaconess Midtown Hospital Fencing Dunkin’

Aquatic Control

Aquatic Control provides an array of lake and pond management services including vegetation management, aeration/fountain installation and service, fish population management, in-water nutrient reduction, and lake mapping services, as well as do-it-yourself advice and product sales for those ambitious enough to tackle their own aquatic management issues.

Why is it important to manage your water resources?

As lakes and ponds mature, they become shallower and gradually accumulate nutrients, which can lead to excessive growth of nuisance aquatic vegetation like algae or submersed weeds. This unwanted vegetation may eventually dominate a pond’s ecosystem and prevent both aesthetic and recreational use of the water body. As a pond’s ecosystem becomes unbalanced, it may lead to issues concerning all aspects of the waterbody as a whole: fish growth and reproduction, aesthetic qualities, recreation, and your property value.

Aquatic Control offers free on-site consultations to help you determine which management option works best. Once on site, trained staff can discuss any options available for your particular concern. In many cases, a bi-weekly or monthly lake maintenance program may be in order. Both programs typically begin in April and run through September. They include regularly scheduled visits to monitor and control unwanted weeds and algae growth throughout the most active growing season.

How can Aquatic Control help businesses keep their water resources healthy?

Aquatic Control offers a wide array of aeration and fountain equipment. Whether you have a brilliant fountain display in mind to improve your property’s overall landscape appeal or you are more concerned with your pond’s overall fish health, Aquatic Control is the company you’ve been searching for.

It’s important to regularly circulate and aerate waterbodies to support dissolved oxygen levels and to prevent thermal stratification. When a pond stratifies, the water is no longer able to fill the demand for oxygen needed at

all levels within the water column, which can render certain areas unusable by fish and other aquatic organisms, thus limiting the available habitat. Aquatic Control deals in a full list of top of the line equipment available from reputable manufacturers such as AquaMaster, Kasco Marine, and Otterbine — Barebo, Inc. Choose between a large selection of aesthetically pleasing fountains, dual purpose surface aerators, or submersed aeration systems and circulators to achieve your aesthetic and/or aeration goal.

What can Aquatic Control do to support the fish life in ponds?

Fish populations can become unbalan ced due to predator-prey imbalances, lack of sufficient habitat, or over-infestation of undesirable aquatic plants. Aquatic Control’s fishery biologists will evaluate your waterbody to see what it may be missing. Water chemistry sampling and fish surveys of various levels (basic to comprehensive) can be completed to show where an important adjustment may be needed. The company’s experts will evaluate the data and provide a custom report to you concerning how to improve the overall quality of the fishery. Contour mapping or vegetation density surveys also can aid in giving you the full picture of what is occurring under the water’s surface. Add these maps to your survey so you know the exact contours of your lake and gain insight to where fish will hold most regularly. In no time, you will be catching the big one!

Danco Construction, Inc. Headquarters • Evansville, IN

County Middle School • Owensboro, KY Ohio Township Fire Department #2 Offices • Newburgh, IN Warrick Pathways & Career Center • Boonville, IN

Digestive Care Center • Newburgh, IN

Danco Construction, Inc.

Celebrating 40 Years! Danco Construction, Inc. has continually grown; we are now in our 40th year of building and remodeling the Tri-State. Danco’s headquarters is based in Evansville, IN, with an office in Owensboro, KY. We provide service to customers in Southern Indiana, Western Kentucky, and Southern Illinois.

What services does your business provide?

Construction

Danco Construction, Inc. provides complete “turn-key” commercial construction packages for new constru ction and renovation projects. We self-perform all carpentry, drywall, acoustics, plastering, concrete, and masonry which typically constitute a significant percentage of the overall project.

Design Services

Danco offers stand-alone a rchitectural and engineering services. Our broadly experienced licensed professionals can provide a variety of consultation services completely separate from construction services offered by Danco.

Design/Build

Danco also offers “desi gn build” services. Design build is a project delivery method wherein the architect and engineer (design) and contractor (build) are a single business entity. This collaborative delivery method provides a host of cost and time saving synergies.

Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings

Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEMB s) are steel structures that can be an alternative to conventional structural steel bu ildings. PEMBs are a fast track, customizable and cost-effective building solution!

Award Winning Projects

We are proud to be the general contractor on an award-winning project by Three I Design. The Pa tricia Browning

Stone Sensory Playground has been awarded the “Merit Design Award” from the Association of Licensed Architects and will be featured in their upcoming publication.

What makes your business stand out?

Danco consistently employs approximately 200 people. We pride ourselves on the highest levels of performance, quality and safety to complete a wide range of commercial projects. We are continuously upgrading with the latest technologies to provide the best, fastest and safest construction methods to complete our projects. We also are continually looking for young people seeking a career in the construction industry! Visit our website for multiple photos and jobs in progress: dancoconstructiononline.com

F.C. Tucker Commercial

Founded in 1910 under the name Huber Realty, we are part of the oldest continuous full-service real estate company in Evansville. With nine offices and more than 190 real estate professionals, we have established ourselves as the real estate leader in Southwest Indiana. Working with F.C. Tucker Commercial gives you the advantage of having a dedicated real estate partner with not only national exposure, but also strong ties to the community. We focus on your real estate needs so you can focus on your business.

What services do you offer?

At F.C. Tucker Commercial, we offer a wide range of real estate services and can assist with everything from commercial/ industrial sales and leasing to property management and land development.  Our 100-plus years of combined experience and industry knowledge gives our clients the advantage they need to be successful in starting and growing their businesses. F.C. Tucker Commercial is powerful enough to handle your largest projects with the biggest companies, but also provides you with the local, personal touch that you deserve. Aside from commercial real estate offerings, we are also directly aligned with F.C. Tucker Emge, the market leader in residential real estate. We have the leadership and knowledge to assist you in every facet of real estate. Let F.C. Tucker Commercial be the dedicated real estate partner you choose to focus on your real estate needs so you can focus on your business.

Is now a good time or a bad time for business development in our area?

This is a great time for continued business development in our area. While news headlines make it sound like the business and real estate markets are coming to a halt, we are still seeing demand for nearly every sector in the commercial market.  Our economic development teams also see this demand and continue to work to bring new business to the area. We saw this with the announcement last year of a new $100 million investment coming to Mt. Vernon, Indiana, for Avangard

Innovative. The company cited the proximity to market demand and large material generators already located in the Evansville region. Our area is primed to continue to see growth. Business owners in our area are resilient, and we will continue to work every day to assist them in growing, moving, and expanding their business to foster a better Evansville region.

Purchasing or refinancing commercial real estate can be complicated. As you plan for your next big venture, consider these tips:

⁃ Get pre-approved early

positioned to act fast

against volatility

expenditures

expenses against budget

First Bank

Commercial real estate experts Elliott Kavanaugh, Matt Whetstone, and Kyle Anslinger are ready to partner with you and they’ve compiled five great tips to help you save time and money on your next project.

1. Get pre-approved early

A s soon as an opportunity arises, connect with your banker to attain guidance on all information needed for financing. The sooner your bank has what they need to underwrite your loan, the faster they can get a decision back to you.

2. Be positioned to act fast

Continued unpredictability in material prices and availability means your contrac tor’s quote could have a shorter response time. By getting your bank’s approval early in the process, you can act faster to keep your project moving.

3. Test against volatility

By stress testing your cash flow against vari ous economic fluctuations, our team can gauge how your project plan may affect your overall financial goals. While we can never predict the future, many experts are suggesting that inflation and interest rates will continue to increase in 2023 and beyond.

4. Control expenditures

It’s crucial that you reduce project expenses that are unnecessary or of low priority. Monitor and adjust the scope of work to analyze the impact of your loan and cash flow along the way, plus tighten expense ap proval authorities.

5. Track expenses against budget

The most important way to overcome increased material costs is to establish a strict cost management plan. Always keep a close watch on expenses against budget from start to finish. If this isn’t your expertise, our team is here to help.

If you’re looking for a partner and sounding board for your next project, look no further than First Bank. Tap into

volatility that directly impacts our local commercial real estate space. Learn all the ways you can connect with them at MyFirst.Bank/CommercialRealEstate. While you’re there, leverage a variety of business resources and cash flow tools − all organized by business stage to help you start, grow, manage or exit your business.

Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender

Left to right: Elliott Kavanaugh - VP, Relationship Banking Officer; Matt Whetstone - SVP, Senior Relationship Banking Officer; Kyle Anslinger - VP, Relationship Banking Officer

The River Centre Jasper, Indiana

The Jasper River Centre is the hub of downtown activity in Jasper, Indiana. With a new $13.5M Cultural Center across the street, the Jasper Train Depot, the Jasper City Mill, Jasper Riverwalk, and other amenities and activities within walking distance this area will be a destination for families and local residents to spend the day. Jasper River Centre will truly be a place to Work, Live, and Play! Why not be a part of the activity and join our community with your business?

What is The River Centre?

A sprawling state of the art development opened in 2020, and a $40 million redevelopment to restore a historical part of downtown Jasper, Indiana, by Boxer Girl, LLC. The River Centre is a mixed-use space building centrally located in Jasper, IN, and sits along 3rd Avenue, on the north side of the Patoka River.

Who are the other tenants in the building?

The Beauty Bar, FitFuel, Café Pina, Café Pina Bakery, Owsley’s Lounge, Kristen Ruhe Design Studio, St. Benedicts Beer Works, High Pointe Rooftop Venue, The Courtyard Venue, and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott.

Live, Work, and Play?

The first floor of the Jasper River Centre is dedicated to Commercial Property and Mixed-Use Space. The over 10,000 sqft. of space to be finished contains infrastructure to support fine dining, retail and office space. The 2nd and 3rd floors include 76 residential apartments. HighPointe and The Courtyard offer additional venue space for those special gatherings.

What does the future look like at The River Centre?

A thriving downtown community centrally located with three floors of activity. Something for everyone. Join us!

German American Bank

What is the purpose and core values of German American Bank?

German American helps individuals, families and businesses achieve their financial dreams to improve their quality of life and place. We support the communities we serve and believe that when a community thrives, its people prosper.

The German American Bank team is united in our values as we strive to fulfill our purpose each day:

Integrity: We trust each other in words and actions. We value honesty, transparency and diverse perspectives for high ethical standards in all we do.

Relationships: We develop relationships based on integrity, trust and mutual respect to create positive outcomes and experiences for all.

Excellence: Because performance is vital, we are encouraged to take initiative, accept challenges, and be collaborative to achieve performance and operating excellence for our customers, shareholders and communities.

Service: Service to our communities, customers and each other is fun, rewarding and powerful. We develop valuable relationships by providing outstanding service to all.

Inclusion: We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diverse representation, perspectives and experiences foster an atmosphere of empowerment, collaboration and respect.

Where are German American Bank offices located in the Evansville area?

We have nine conveniently located offices in the Evansville area. This includes our downtown Evansville office, our St. Joseph Ave. office, three offices on the east side of the city, one on the north side along Highway 41, two in Newburgh and one in Henderson.

How do you work with commercial construction and real estate developers?

There is no one banking solution for all commercial real estate and commercial construction developers. That’s why our dedicated team is equipped with a variety of financing options to help find the right solution for each individual client, no matter what type of property you’re investing in or where you are in the real estate development or commercial construction phase.

Whether your business needs to purchase property, enhance current facilities or obtain working capital, we’re ready to facilitate the endeavor with a custom financing package.

Our financing options include:

• Commercial construction financing at every phase of the project

• Permanent financing options with competitive rates on commercial and income-producing real estate

• Bridge financing to rehabilitate and reposition your project in order to maximize your return

As a leader in business banking with expertise in commercial construction and real estate development, along with a wide variety of other industries, we are prepared to help our clients achieve success. The German American Bank team takes care of the specialized needs of our clients like no other financial institution.

SMART Local 20

Indiana’s Union Sheet Metal Apprenticeship offers a challenging and rewarding career in the building trades. Earn as you learn by working with local contractors. In addition to getting on-the-job experience, apprentices earn a competitive salary with benefits as they work toward their degree.

What are some good traits to possess if you are thinking about apprenticeship training?

Hand skills, math, and good work ethic.

How is the training structured for apprentices?

All students work for contractors and go to school one day a week. They attend classes 28 days a year and get paid while attending.

How can you apply?

What is the process?

You can apply online at SMW20training.com or in person at 1301 W. Franklin St., Evansville, IN.

How long is the program and is there a typical daily schedule for apprentices?

The program is five years. Students go to school one day a week, from 7 a.m. to  3:30 p.m.

What benefits are offered to apprentices?

Apprentices receive all normal Journeyman benefits and include the following:

1. Earn a good salary while learning your trade — a salary that increases as your skills and knowledge increase.

2. Receive books and other educational material free of charge.

3. Learn from instructors who have hands-on experience in the sheet metal industry.

4. Put everything you learn to work right away — your career begins with your apprenticeship.

5. Graduate with ZERO student loan debt.

What type of degree is received upon completion?

Apprentices receive an associate of applied science (AAS) degree in sheet metal technology from Ivy Tech Community College.

Is ongoing training offered?

Night classes are offered to all. Continuing education credits are available to receive other licenses, such as a Kentucky HVAC license.

What do you enjoy most in your role as a trainer? What is most rewarding to you?

We love to see them grow as Journeymen and see the bond they create as they grow together.

What types of career paths are available to union sheet metal workers?

Building trade works, HVAC service, architectural sheet metal, welding and testing and balancing of HVAC systems.  Our sheet metal apprenticeship program offers a challenging and rewarding career in the building trades. The work is interesting and skilled. You can even pursue a college degree while earning a great living and benefits.

1301 West Franklin St. | 812-424-2283 | SMW20training.com

WOODWARD RECOGNIZES THE FOLLOWING REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

TOP PRODUCER, TOP SALES & TOP LEASING BROKER 2022

Greg J. Folz Commercial Broker/Advisor

Involved in commercial real estate for over 15 years, Greg is an expert advisor in many facets of Industrial and Commercial Real Estate. Whether it’s a large deal that requires national exposure or one that needs local attention, Greg brings an extensive range of expertise, strategy and effort to the table. Focusing on industrial and office properties, buildto-suit projects, real estate investment sales and analysis, and sale/leaseback alternatives, Greg strives to advise his clients in a timely, truthful and economic manner by creating a solution that is in the best interest of the client.

Woodward Commercial Realty

Beyond Commercial Realty

As a leader in the Tr i-State’s commercial real estate development, sales, and leasing markets for more than 30 years, Woodward Commercial Realty, Inc. can help you fulfill your commercial and industrial real estate needs.

Woodward’s team of professionals is known for their attention to detail, topquality service, and a long-term commitment to each and every client they serve. Woodward offers a broad range of commercial services, carefully crafting its approach to meet the specific goals of their clients. Woodward’s expertise includes all types of commercial and industrial sales and leasing, investment properties, business brokerage, build-to-suit/lease, and commercial development.

Clients in the Tri-State may be well aware of Woodward’s work in commercial real estate and business brokerage, as the firm has helped many buy and/or sell business properties all over the region. From finding buyers or sellers and setting a fair market price to understanding market trends and financing requirements, the Woodward team navigates these procedures with knowledge and experience.

Finding a building for your business is a decision that has long-lasting impact; however, a building with the right fit may not be available when you need it. The team at Woodward has the ability to design and construct custom facilities for lease, which sets them apart from others. The company has built a variety of facilities, from manufacturing plants and warehouses to retail centers, corporate headquarters, and Class A office spaces.

Woodward procured a new opportunity with American Bottling Company (Dr. Pepper) in the fall of 2022 to relocate to a

20,000 SF facility requiring significant remodeling and upgrades, both handled by Woodward Development & Construction.

The goal at Woodward is to ensure clients have first-class facilities to be proud of. While the company can work with clients on any land development, Woodward also offers 13 commercial subdivisions ranging from 20 to 140 acres, with a variety of custom facilities available for lease or sale. These spaces are ideal for manufacturing, warehouse, business, or professional healthcare facilities.

Whether you are searching for existing commercial real estate or your business requires a custom facility, the professionals at Woodward can guide you through each step.

Liberty Federal Credit Union

Liberty Federal Credit Union serves 274,000 members from 28 branches, with $3.4 billion in assets. We were named the nation’s Best Credit Union for Checking by Investopedia in 2021 and appeared on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Banks in 2022 and 2023. Helping to grow our member-focused institution is Liberty FCU’s Commercial Lending team, which is available to serve the needs of businesses of all sizes.

Why choose Liberty Federal Credit Union for Construction Financing?

At Liberty FCU, construction financing is our core competency and plays a major role in what we do for our members daily. We are owned by our members — not stockholders — and our focus remains on providing the best lending experience and lowest rates on loans.

Those we work with benefit from our staff’s years of professional experience in commercial lending, and can get fixed-rate financing from the construction phase all the way through permanent financing for up to 7 years.

What types of construction projects have you recently financed?

Our lenders work with businesses of all sizes, with construction needs of all sizes. Our current projects range in scope from $100,000 up to $50 million.

Our recently financed commercial construction projects include:

The District - a 144-unit apartment complex in Princeton, Indiana, that will feature a pool, exercise room, parking garage, and storage rental space.

The Solar Center - a new zero-energy, commercial solar building between North Green River Road and Menards Drive in Evansville that will boast 6,890 square feet with multiple business suites and four electric vehicle charging stations.

Commonwealth Pain and Spine - a new 7,891-square-foot medical office building at 700 Kimber Lane in Evansville.

What local touch do you offer during the process?

Because we are based in Evansville, our loan officers are local. You can work directly with a team member who lives and works in your

community to determine what best fits your needs and to quickly achieve your goals. With our headquarters on Theater Drive just off North Green River Road in Evansville, we don’t have to wait for approval to be handed down from another corporate site.

Liberty FCU gives you the opportunity for one-on-one contact with local commercial lenders, title companies, appraisers, environmental firms, credit analysts, and loan committees.

Our Commercial Banking Group is committed to maintaining the high level of personal service that you expect from your credit union. Give our team a call today to discuss your lending needs at 812-469-9932 or email commercialbankinggroup@libertyfcu.org.

Ground is broken for The District, a 144-unit apartment complex in Princeton, Indiana. Among those helping move the dirt are developer Wayne Kinney, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, and Liberty FCU president and CEO Bill Schirmer.

Adam Green Architect

Our team at Adam Green Architect finds joy in creating buildings and environments that reflect our clients’ goals and aspirations. Our work process fosters a creative exploration of ideas to ensure a unique building design that meets our clients’ needs now and in the future.

What services or products does your business provide?

We provide architecture and interior design services for residential and commercial building projects. Our portfolio includes a wide variety of building types and styles, including new construction, addition, renovation, historic preservation, and adaptive reuse projects.

We also provide services for historic building owners, who face the noble challenges that come along with “old” building ownership. Our range of historic building services includes additions and renovations, ADA improvements, roof replacements, and feasibility studies. Our clients show a dedication to historic authenticity and seek long-term solutions to building preservation.

Why did you open your business in Evansville?

Because Evansville is full of opportunities. Our community is blessed with a bustling downtown, the most impressive historic residential district in the state, and incredible natural beauty. People in the Tri-State are eager to improve the buildings they live and work in and have increas ingly higher expectations for their beauty, efficiency, and quality.

What are some of your recent projects?

Some of our recent commercial projects include historic renovations at New Harmony’s Working Men’s Institute, High Score Saloon’s new 3-story facility on Main Street, and the new Edwards County Health Center. While most of our recent residential projects have been private, we are honored to serve as architect for the upcoming Promise Home, Echo

David Matthews Associates

David Matthews Associates provides appraisal and counseling services in Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. Services include appraisal of real estate for sale/purchase or mortgage financing, consultation in real estate acquisition and disposition, portfolio valuation, market analyses, value trend studies, market sector surveys, corridor studies and right of way acquisition.

Selling a home? Consider a pre-listing Appraisal:

With rising interest rates lessening demand and an improving supply of available homes, the residential market is more competitive than ever. A home listed too high will sit on the market and go stale. And no one wants to sell for a price less than they could receive.

A pre-listing appraisal will give you confidence in what your home is worth. Establishing in your mind what price you will accept will aid you in making your decision.

Estate Planning & Settlement and the Appraisal:

It is vital to know the current value of your real estate as part of the Estate Planning

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process. When establishing a trust or just updating your records, a current appraisal is an important tool for establishing value. David Matthews Associates can provide retrospective appraisals as well to establish the cost basis for dates far in the past. This is necessary when settling an estate.

Business & Corporate Assets; the Appraisal as a Management Tool: Managing corporate real estate assets is a complex task. An important part of managing assets is keeping current on the values involved. A market rent appraisal provides the necessary basis for leasing real estate between related parties. Establishing the current value of the holdings allows a

seamless transition when partners are brought in or retiring. An appraiser is independent of other parties involved in a transaction. The appraisal can be confidently relied upon by all parties involved and provides the assurance of an unbiased opinion of value.

Janice Evans, SRA AI-RRS; Luke Nordine, MAI, Vice-President; John Petkovsek, President; Sarah Land, MAI, Vice-President; Michael Hurley, Appraiser

The Power of 3

Our professionals adhere to a code of excellence that ensures the work is on par with expectations. This program brings customers and owners value for their dollar by aligning priorities. Under this code, electrical professionals look out for the health of the overall project, which aligns with the objectives of customers and owners.

What makes the Power of 3 different from other electrical services?

The Power of 3 puts money and people behind what it promises. Customers and owners have the best electrical product possible. Power of 3 electrical professionals:

• Can troubleshoot and solve problems quickly

• Can help save on energy costs

• Apply the most advanced electrical solutions and systems

• Prioritize the overall outcome of the construction project

• Are on time and on budget

• Are drug free and emphasize safety

• Are the best trained electrical talent in the industry

How does the Power of 3 work so efficiently?

It joins three major industry forces: the area’s electrical contractors’ association (NECA), the area’s top electrical professionals (IBEW Local 16), and the Evansville Electrical Training Center (JATC), the leading curriculum for electrical professionals. The organizations actively work together to bring a better product to customers and owners. They understand customers and owners want reliability, safety, and productivity. Customers and owners benefit directly from these high standards through better service and a better outcome.

When Standards Matter, Demand the Power of 3

Get the electrical professionals who:

• Can troubleshoot and solve problems quickly

• Apply the most advanced solutions and electrical systems

• Are on time and on budget

• Are drug free and prioritize safety

• Prioritize the desired outcome of your project

• Can help save you money on energy costs

• Are the best trained electrical talent in the industry

• Apply the most advanced electrical solutions and systems

First Federal Savings Bank

First Federal Savings Bank is a local and community-driven Bank with over 118 years of financial expertise. Whether you are looking for small equipment financing, large commercial construction, or anything in between, our experienced Relationship Bankers can help. It’s our mission to provide services tailored to fit your business’ needs.

Why finance with First Federal Savings Bank?

You will receive 100% local servicing when financing with our Bank. Our Commercial Lenders remain accessible throughout the entire loan process and strive to build long-lasting relationships with their customers. Our closing turnaround times are prioritized so your loan is closed as quickly as possible. We also offer Treasury Management products that are designed to bring convenience and efficiency to your business.

Here is a testimonial from one of our business customers:

“

The grand opening of our new fa cility has been the fulfillment of a lot of work

and a dream we had years ago. We would not have made it to completion without the help of many on our team, First Federal being at the top of the list. Please accept my sincere appreciation for your bank and the relationships that we have been able to foster along the way to this completion. When we first met on this project, we required a financial partner that could believe in our team and overall business goals, and we found that in your team. We are very happy to have you guys as our financial partners on this project, among others.”

FORVIS delivers accountability, continuity, and responsiveness from a dedicated team of construction and real estate (CRE) specialists. Created by the merger of equals of BKD, LLP and Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP (DHG), FORVIS is driven by the commitment to use our forward vision to deliver an Unmatched Client Experience™. Our FORVIS CRE team combines sound accounting and financial performance with long-range strategic vision to build the asset value and operating income so critical for success.

What services does FORVIS provide to construction and real estate companies?

We help clients navigate challenging issues with the accounting services one would expect from a CPA firm: assurance services of audits and reviews; internal audits and controls; outsourced accounting functions; federal, state, and local tax planning and compliance both for companies and owners; estate planning; and tax credits and incentives. We can also assist clients with technology planning and support; forensics and litigation support; employee stock ownership plans; and corporate restructuring.

Why work with FORVIS?

Our experience is broad, and our knowledge is deep. We work with construction and real estate clients of numerous types and sizes, and we strive to bring a unique mindset and strategy to each situation and client. With the merger of BKD and DHG that created FORVIS last year, our CRE team now has a truly national reach and an even deeper bench of specialists to call upon. Our firm is also very active in many national trade associations, which allows

Trish Neidig, CPA Partner, Assurance Trish.Neidig@forvis.com

Rick Carrier, CPA Partner, Tax Rick.Carrier@forvis.com

our trusted advisors to stay current on market trends and best practices, and to have an impact on the future of these vital industries.

J.E. Shekell, Inc.

J.E. Shekell, Inc. is the Tri-State’s premier residential, commercial/industrial service and construction company for heating and air conditioning (HVAC), mechanical piping, plumbing, electrical systems and controls. Chad Williams, Manager HVAC Controls, and his team are responsible for installing and maintaining the smart technology driving the rapidly growing field of building automation systems.

How can a building automation system (BAS) help businesses save money?

The biggest advantage of building automation is saving energy because that saves money. When engineered properly, a BAS will allow for the largest energy users in the building (HVAC and mechanical systems) to perform optimally, while also making sure no energy is wasted. Saving energy through increased equipment-usage efficiency can deliver a significant reduction in utility costs.

How does an owner or manager remotely monitor the facility?

Being able to monitor and control all facility systems from one interface on a smartphone or computer is a huge advantage. This is especially

important for facility managers who are responsible for issues that may occur in remote locations. Because our systems allow for full access remotely, a technician can see what’s happening in real time and pass along information to correct the problem.

How can BAS deliver continuous improvement? With BAS, you’re able to look through history logs and make constant changes to continuously improve efficiency. The ability to compile and report on data from set periods of time can help facility

managers identify patterns of use and adjust equipment accordingly, reducing downtime and increasing equipment lifespan.

424 W. Tennessee St. | 812-425-9131 | shekell.com

J.E. Shekell’s BUILDING AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

Maintaining control of commercial buildings is challenging. That’s why owners and facility managers in the Tri-State depend on J.E. Shekell’s building automation systems. From small businesses, to large industrial sites, commercial clients utilize our building automation systems (BAS) to improve efficiency and reduce energy costs.

THE BENEFITS OF ANALYTICS FOR BAS

1. Improved energy efficiency. Automation of HVAC and lighting systems alone can reduce energy consumption by as much as 30%.

2. Access to the full picture with simplified custom reports. Prioritized reporting on building conditions and equipment is easily accessed via customer-facing portals.

3. Streamlined internal systems with improved up time and reduced maintenance. Ongoing oversight of asset performance allows greater focus on operational efficiencies, improving productivity, and reducing maintenance costs.

The Curtis Building Landmark Realty & Development, Inc.

Nestled in the heart of Evansville, the Main Street structure known as the Curtis Building has been a Downtown staple since its debut more than a century ago. The 75,900-square-foot building was constructed in 1908 as a wholesale grocery warehouse for Parsons & Scoville Co. The Curtis Building now offers some of the best office space in Downtown at a great value.

What does the Curtis Building offer tenants?

Th e Curtis Building is historic, offering great spaces with a lot of character for professionals and businesses. Located conveniently at 915 Main St., the Curtis Building has easy access to the Lloyd Expressway. The building also is situated only a half a block from the Civic Center. Rent includes

What do tenants have to say about the space?

“I like the history of the building. It has a good, positive energy. My office is centrally located, and when you say, 'I’m in the Curtis Building' people know what you are talking about. I have an all-inclusive lease. I don’t pay utilities, and maintenance handles everything. I’ve got a great view of Downtown Evansville.”

— David Oldham, Owner, Elements Design Studio

over the past 10 years is that she has a vested interest in making Downtown Evansville the best it can be and it shows in the way she runs the building.”

— Brian K. Smith, Attorney at Law

Morley | Architects | Engineers | Surveyors

Located in Southern Indiana, Western Kentucky, and Nashville, Tennessee, Morley is a full-service architecture, engineering, and surveying firm with more than 45 years of experience. Whether you need just one of our services or all three, Morley’s mission is to help you build a better world in the communities we serve. We are a firm enriched by tradition, expertise, and sincere passion. Let’s break ground!

What are some of your more recent projects?

We recently completed BFIT by Bob’s Gym, Fastbreak Newburgh, Midwest Equipment & Supply, and Ten Adams. Construction has started on one of the 1st READI Grant projects, the District Apartments in Princeton.

What challenges have you faced and overcome during projects?

With aggressive inflation in construction costs, we have developed innovative means to keep projects on budget and on schedule.

What makes your business stand out?

We help eliminate the stress from the development process, by offering both site and building design services under one roof paired with an expert understanding of local ordinances, state codes, and the permitting processes. This allows us to help control project timelines, costs, and maintain the high quality services our clients expect.

Bunge,

N.M. Bunge has been a reliable family-owned Evansville business since Norval “Tubby” Bunge started it in 1946. Tubby passed on the business to his daughter Phyllis and her husband Jerry Schreiber. Their son Troy and his sister Tammy Evans continue to carry on the family legacy and reputation through quality craftsmanship on current construction projects.

What kind of projects has N.M. Bunge done in the area?

Chances are you have seen the skilled work of the N.M. Bunge masons around the Evansville area, from the Fresh Thyme building and Costco warehouse to your neighbor’s rebuilt chimney.

In addition to McCutchanville Elementary School, the Romain Stadium at Harrison High School, and the Engelbrecht Carousel building at Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, they also completed the masonry of the Mead Johnson Global Research and Development Building, the restoration of the Rapp Granary in New Harmony, Indiana, and the cleaning of limestone buildings at the University of Evansville, which include Olmsted Administration Hall and the Koch Center for Engineering and Science. N.M. Bunge also is at work on the Deaconess Downtown Clinic project. Without a doubt, you can see the handi work of N.M. Bunge masons throughout the Evansville area.

We are currently working on a restora tion project at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Downtown Evansville and creating new buildings for the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility East Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity Project. We just completed the Oakland City University Clock Tower project and the new Evansville Water and Sewer Utility Sunrise Pump Station Limestone Project.

What services does N.M. Bunge provide?

N.M. Bunge works on both large-scale commercial construction as well as residential masonry. Their work has many facets including brick, block, stone, restoration, caulking, cleaning, and aboveand below-grade waterproofing. For a job guaranteed well done by a local, familyowned business, call N.M. Bunge.

Drake’s

Rapp Granary

Engelbrecht Carousel

Deaconess Aquatic Center

Project Associates

Founded in 1985 in Evansville, Project Associates is a multi-disciplined, full-service consulting engineering company providing effective and efficient design solutions to many companies in the heavy industrial, manufacturing, natural gas, and power industries.

What does Project Associates do differently?

There is more to a successful project than education and experience, which is why Project Associates’ first step is to learn your plant and your culture. This knowledge is used to understand what is happening on your plant floor in order to help you grow and enhance production with each project. The team at Project Associates helps clients improve worker safety and identify and put into place ways to save energy and minimize downtime. Our engineers and programmers provide solutions that work in the control room, on the plant floor, and at the business level.

Why choose Project Associates?

With more than 86 employees offering engineering, design, and associated technical

assistance around the country, the company puts its years of proven success to work by focusing on customers’ needs and identity. Project Associates works to build long-term business relationships based on mutual respect among its employees and clients rooted in a commitment to provide a standard of service that adds value to clients’ business opportunities. After 37 years, Project Associates still provides services to its original three clients, which speaks to its track record of quality, commitment, safety, and innovation. Put the skills of Project Associates to work on your next engineering project.

are a full-service engineering company focused on providing effective solutions for our clients in industry, natural gas transmission and power generation locally and across the country.

We seek long-term business relationships based on mutual respect among our employees and clients. After 37 years, Project Associates still provides services to our original three clients. This speaks to our track record of quality, commitment, safety and innovation.

DESIGN • EXPERIENCE • SOLUTIONS

Red Wing Shoes

What services or products does your business provide?

We are a premium safety footwear brand that offers an array of safety footwear and safety footwear accessories to keep people safe and comfortable in any work environment.

Why choose Red Wing Shoes?

We not only understand the needs of your job but we also have the knowledge to keep you as safe and comfortable as possible so you can tackle your profession without any hindrance from your feet. We’ll even help you take care of your boots for as long as you have them through our Complimentary LifeTime Tune-Up program.

Do you offer discounts off your products?

Yes! Through our Red Wing Business Advantage Account we can set up a partnership with companies who either offer an annual stipend or a payroll deduction program for their employees' footwear needs. We can tailor our programs to fit your needs creating a seamless experience with unparalleled distribution methods including in-store, on-site and online. Email us at customer.relations@ehrlichcorp.com to learn more today!

What is the most important information for readers to know about your business?

We believe every purchase of Red Wing branded footwear should offer you superior comfort, durability and complete satisfaction. This guarantee will be evident with the care our Fit Specialists give you when visiting our store here in Evansville. We will make completely certain that the footwear you leave with is best for you and your work environment.

Signarama

Signarama helps businesses communicate their message by designing, creating, and installing signs, vehicle graphics, and displays. Safety signs, job site signs, lobby lettering, wayfinding and directional signs, vehicle wraps, and fleet decals are just a few of the products Signarama provides.

Why work with Signarama?

With over 260 5-star reviews on Google, we think our customers say it best!

“[Signarama Evansville] worked with our company to get the final product just right…One of the most professional looking additions to our office foyer we could have made - and one of the most professional experiences we could have asked for in a company to work with.” — Justin LaGrange, On the Spot Utility Resources, LLC

“We are thankful to have such a professional print partner and couldn’t be happier with the quality of their work!” — Old National Events Plaza

How is Signarama involved in the community?

We recently celebrated 65 years in the tri-state! Signarama Evansville has been involved in projects in just about every industry – from healthcare to education to manufacturing and community development. We're proud to have assisted in beautification, directional signage and business growth in every corner of the tri-state. Our Signs of Support Grant Program has lifted up hundreds of local charities with over $300,000 donated in grant contributions since 2010.

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What do I need to get started on a project?

The best time to contact us is at the start of any new construction or new project. Reach out at (812) 477-7763 or SignsOverAmerica.com today! Whether you have a specific design and specifications, or you would like our team to design a concept for your project, our design and production experts are here to help!

Sterling Industrial

Sterling Industrial has a long history of building projects throughout the Midwest and now provides expanded markets and services from our recent acquisition of Industrial Contractors, a respected industry leader with nearly 60 years of construction experience.

Sterling Industrial

Sterling Industrial, a Traylor Construction Group (TCG) company, is a leading industrial contractor in the Midwest U.S. region with civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical capabilities for new construction projects as well as maintenance and service needs. Our team can provide services at every stage of the project’s life cycle from initial concept to construction and maintenance. Our core markets include power generation, metals, pulp/paper, plastics, chemical, and building construction.

Traylor Construction Group

Sterling is a member of the Traylor Construction Group (TCG), which is comprised of multiple sister companies offering a complete solution to our clients. With this partnership, we offer our clients heavy civil, underground/tunneling, precast concrete manufacturing, steel erection, electrical/SCADA, mechanical, and fabrication, in addition to marine and underwater solutions and services.

Superior Concrete Constructors, Inc.

Superior Concrete Constructors, Inc. is one of the most respected commercial and industrial concrete contractors in Southern Indiana. With more than 25 years of experience, Superior Concrete is an industry leader in flat work and heavy commercial/industrial foundations.

Are you offering anything new or unique at this time?

Superior Concrete Constructors, Inc. recently built a patent-pending texture and cure machine to broom and cure large exterior slabs. Using both the texture cure machine and our laser screed allows us to move through large exterior pours quickly and efficiently. This systematic approach provides our customers with a preferable concrete product at a comparable asphalt price.

What is the most important information for readers to know about your business?

Superior Concrete has a wealth of experience working on very diverse commercial and industrial projects over the past two decades. The more difficult the project, the better it suits Superior Concrete. We are excited that most of the material production delays seen last year are starting to normalize and lead times are getting back to normal. Superior Concrete is proud to work on recent projects at Wadesville Waste Water Treatment Plant, Kaiser Aluminum, Alcoa, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, and Pratt Paper Mill, where we are pouring more than 800,000 square feet of exterior paving.

Why choose Superior Concrete Constructors, Inc.?

Superior Concrete has the expertise and proven track record of success in producing high-quality work, meeting difficult schedules, and doing what we say we will do. We are a contractor you can trust and rely on.

Pictured: Pratt Paper Mill

Superior Concrete’s new office at 2319 N. Fulton Ave., Evansville, IN 47710

SVN | The Martin Group

Father and son duo John and Steve Martin began The Martin Group in January 1977 and have been involved in a variety of projects including various responsibilities for more than 12,500 apartment units in 20 states. They currently manage the development of The Promenade, a mixed-use development on Evansville’s East Side. They also own Indiana and Kentucky offices of a national commercial real estate brokerage firm, SVN | The Martin Group.

What are SVN | The Martin Group’s core services?

Commercial Brokerage through SVN | The Martin Group providing sales, leasing, and consulting services for industrial, office, medical office, multi-family, self-storage, retail, land, and all types of investment properties in Indiana, Kentucky, and throughout the United States for various corporate clients. We also have development, acquisition, and property management on a wide variety of property types via The Martin Group. The Martin Group currently manages over 3,000,000 SF of commercial property for our clients.

What is something you wish more people knew about your business?

Without a doubt, we place ethics and integrity above profits or winning the deal or assignment. In Southwest Indiana, we are the only brokerage firm exclusively focusing on commercial real estate with a national brand. This provides us the opportunity to put our client’s listings in front of the widest possible audience while maintaining local expertise.

What does the future of the company look like?

Th ere is a br ight future ahead. As we move closer to our 5th decade in business we see tremendous opportunity in investment real estate. We are entering a

tough economy but we believe there will be opportunities for those that do their homework and are prepared. We are able to service clients’ needs across the country no matter the size of the transaction with local expertise.

4004 E. Morgan Ave., Ste. 101 | 812-471-2500 | svnmartin.com

Commercial real estate needs? We have local offices in:

SVN Commercial Real Estate Advisors

Tri-State Fence Co.

Our company has been part of the Evansville community since 1986. Since then, we have provided the Tri- State with exceptional craftsmanship, reliability, and professionalism. We work exclusively in the commercial and industrial setting.

What type of fencing projects have you been involved in?

We are very fortunate to be involved with many projects throughout the TriState area. We are proud to work hand-in-hand with most all of the general contractors in the area. In addition, we value our working relationships with energy companies such as CenterPoint Energy, Kentucky Utilities, TransCanada Pipelines, Enterprise Products, and Country Mark. Many of our other projects are associated with school corporations, new business construction, airports, security projects, sports complexes and a wide range of automated entry and exit projects.

What types of options does someone have for fencing?

Tri-State Fence can provide and install any type of fence including traditional chain link fence, temporary construction fence, wood fence, PVC, and steel or aluminum ornamental fences. Additionally, we have a designated full service automated gate operator team that can install and service any gate operator system. Our gate operator team covers the entire Tri-State with exceptional products and reliable installation. We stand behind all of our products and installations.

What types of partnerships do you have in the business community? Being in business for 37 years has given us many opportunities to partner with architects, design teams, and project managers throughout southern Indiana, western Kentucky, and southern Illinois. These partnerships and professional relationships allow us to help designers with the conception of ideas to the completion of building projects.

Why choose Tri-State Fence?

Our team together has more than 257 combined years of professional installation. We have always taken pride in standing behind all of our products and expert installations.

Turpen’s Painting

For more than 12 years, Turpen’s Painting has provided the highest quality interior/exterior painting for the Tri-State, raising the standard you expect when hiring professional painters. Turpen’s offers a variety of services such as cabinet refinishing, wood door restoration, deck/fence staining, wallpaper removal and all of your interior and exterior painting needs. More recently customers have hired Turpen’s to have their textured/popcorn ceilings removed/refinished with Turpen’s state of the art machines and process that eliminates the mess made by scraping the surface as done in the past.

Recently, Owner Chad Turpen and Turpen’s Painting was recognized by the APC (American Painting Contractor) a nationwide magazine and the No. 1 source for painting contractors for their estimating process, highlighting the details and painless process used with each customer. Turpen’s is there to help you with any color choices and offers a simple no obligation estimating process you can approve from any computer or mobile device.

Chad is also a member of the PCA (Painting Contractors of America). As a member Chad is able to attend the PAINT EXPO held each year to stay updated on

all the latest colors, trends and tools needed to improve their processes and ultimately the finished product for their customers.

More notable projects include the Evansville Best Buy, the Historic Willard Library and Salem Kirche Church, Newburgh Library, Town Hall and Police Station, 3rd St. Saloon in Boonville, Bud’s, Chaser’s, Franklin St. Tavern and multiple Evansville historic homes.

Chad was born and raised in Evansville and loves giving back to his community. Each year he donates their services to a non-profit, business or person in need. Past projects include the interior painting of Dream Center’s Evansville Facility, updates around his alma mater’s

(Harrison High School) baseball field and commons area and Mickey’s Kingdom. Recently Turpen’s teamed up with the JD Sheth Foundation to paint 3 homes for 3 local veterans and their Home of the Brave Project.

Chad Turpen, Owner

13, 2022, Bally’s Evansville Doug Greenfield, Pete Hillenbrand, Tim Black, Cindy Carwile, Roger Cohen, Stacey Stevens, Santa Claus, Marcia Forston, Philip R. Hooper, Kim Spence, Kari Akin, Judy Rueger, Jerry Rairdon, and Heather Hertel

EVANSVILLE REGIONAL AIRPORT LAUNCHES FOR EVVERYONE Nov. 15, 2022, Evansville Regional Airport 1. Jill Hooper, Erica Mason, Shayna Dixon, Michelle Kirk, Nate Hahn, Leslie Fella, Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, Kelsey Schapker, Amy Hoffman, and Crypto the therapy dog. 2. Crypto the therapy dog

HOLIDAY PARTY Dec. 6, 2022, Hafer 1. Matt Koewler 2. Ally Green, Jill Rawley, and Olivia Ingle 3. Ron Steinhart and Jeff Justice 4. Cameron Gibson, Clay Ellerbrook, and Dempson Haney

HOLIDAY LUNCHEON Dec.

BFIT BY BOB’S GYM NEW FACILITY GRAND OPENING Jan. 4, Cullen Avenue BFit by Bob’s Gym executives, employees, and E-REP ambassadors

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Tucker Publishing Group hired John Martin as a senior writer. Martin joins Tucker Publishing Group after more than two decades covering a variety of beats for the Evansville Courier & Press. He is a Western Kentucky University graduate and previously worked for newspapers in Owensboro and Bowling Green, Kentucky.

The University of Southern Indiana named Brian Crose director of online learning. Crose will implement a strategy to strengthen online programs while also developing new programs. Crose previously served as director of eLearning at Seminole State College of Florida. The university also named Sarah Will, a USI graduate, its executive director of human resources. Will is responsible for faculty recruitment, onboarding, benefits, negotiation and administration compensation, payroll, immigration services, training and development, and legal compliance. She previously was interim director of human resources and has been with USI since 2010. Brandi Neal, another USI graduate, also was named director of the Pathways to College Program. Neal will oversee overall planning, coordination, determination of program needs, formulation of corresponding action plans, engagement with faculty and staff, and daily operations of the program with an emphasis on diverse populations.

The Evansville Otters promoted Nolan Vandergriff to assistant general manager.

The Evansville native will oversee marketing, communications, and community relations. He joined the Otters in 2022 as an account executive. Keith Millikan, a Mason, Ohio, native, was promoted to

director of group sales. Millikan, entering his fifth season with the Otters, will oversee management of all group outings at the ballpark, including picnics. Both will remain on the Otters’ sales team alongside their new roles. The Otters also hired Matthew Will as director of communications. He joined the Otters front office in August. The Wichita, Kansas, native previously served as a broadcasting intern throughout the 2022 season. Will completed his bachelor’s degree in sports management from the University of Southern Indiana in August 2022.

The American Association of State Colleges and Universities appointed University of Southern Indiana President Ron Rochon chair-elect of the AASCU board of directors. He will serve a year-long term as chair-elect before becoming chair in 2024.

Atlas Van Lines announced Ryan McConnell has been promoted to president and chief operating officer. He will be responsible

B

BUSINESS

SUCCESS

for leading the U.S. household goods division, which includes transportation service, corporate marketing, revenue distribution, customer service, agency development, and information technology. The Boonville, Indiana, native previously was vice president of strategic planning and vice president of corporate marketing.

Gutwein Law named Audrey Wessel and Ross Yates partners of the firm. Wessel earned her undergraduate degree from Purdue University, Terre Haute, Indiana, and a Juris Doctorate from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana. Her focus is on assisting energy technology companies and other startups with fundraising. She also works with

Sales Superstar

BY LOGEN SITZMAN AND JODI KEEN

Tucker Publishing Group Senior Account Executive Jessica Hoffman has been named a 2022 “Sales Superstar” by Editor & Publisher magazine. Hoffman will be honored in the January 2023 issue of E&P magazine. Now in its second year, the Sales Superstar award honors more than a dozen of the nation’s top producers in media sales. Sales professionals were nominated by their peers for their outstanding contributions, and Editor & Publisher selected finalists based on individual successes and challenges overcome.

A Posey County native, Hoffman joined Tucker Publishing Group in December 2001 as an advertising coordinator after receiving her bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Southern Indiana. Prior to graduation, Hoffman completed an internship with Tucker Publishing Group, as well as advertising internships with SMG Evansville and WNIN Channel 9.

“Jessica started at Tucker Publishing Group 22 years ago as an intern. She was so impressive that we created a position for her, as we recognized several strong assets she would bring. She continues to bring those every single day,” says Todd Tucker, president of Tucker Publishing Group. “She is the first one in the office. She exudes cheerfulness, honesty, and integrity, and she cultivates relationships with clients that go far beyond any expectation. We all are very proud of Jessica for earning the Editor & Publisher Sales Superstar award. Well deserved.”

JOHN MARTIN

BRIAN CROSE

SARAH WILL

BRANDI NEAL

RYAN MCCONNELL

RON ROCHON

AUDREY WESSEL

ROSS YATES

venture capital funds and other investors. Yates completed his undergraduate students at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia, and earned his Juris Doctorate from Indiana University. He is a corporate attorney focusing on mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, corporate governance, and real estate transactions.

The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership welcomed Bob Grewe as director of ecogrow business and create and retain jobs with the goal of place to live.

engagement and economic development initiatives; helped drive the development and implementation of USI’s three strategic plans since 2010; and strengthened the use of data integration and collaboration with a focus on student recruitment and retention.

The Evansville Museum of Arts, History, and Science announced Mitch Luman, the museum’s Dorothy & George Eykamp director of science experiences, will retire June 30. Luman has served as head of the

museum’s science department since 1985 and was intregal in planning, installing, and opening the museum’s Koch Immersive Theater and Planetarium in 2014. Five of his more than 50 science exhibitions toured the U.S., including the first national exhibition on the topic of outdoor lighting and light pollution.

YOUR FULL SERVICE DEALER FOR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT

Foundation and serves as the president of the Evansville Day School board of trustees. Headquartered in Evansville, United Companies is made up of United Leasing & Finance, Professional Transportation Inc., Romain Automotive Group, and — since October 2022 —Tri-State Aero.

DEPARTURES

The University of Southern Indiana announced

Provost Mohammed Khayum will retire Jan. 1, 2024, after 32 years with the university and four as provost. Khayum will take leave with pay from USI this year from July 1 to Dec. 31. USI plans to start looking for a replacement this spring. During his tenure, Khayum helped accelerate online learning opportunities; enhanced USI’s community

If you see this sign...a great place is coming soon.

BOB GREWE

AMY ROMAIN BARRON

RON D. ROMAIN

MOHAMMED KHAYUM

MITCH LUMAN

AWARDS/RECOGNITION

AstraZeneca gave $18,000 to the EVSC Foundation to support the Southern Indiana Career and Technical Center. The pharmaceutical company will also offer $4,000 scholarships each to four EVSC students pursuing STEM-related fields in their undergraduate educations.

Kahn Dees Donovan & Kahn was named “Best Law Firm” and 15 of its attorneys as “Best Lawyers in America” in their fields by U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers. Three attorneys with the firm, Monica Edwards, Mark Samila, and Jeffrey Ahlers, were recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” in their fields. Additional KDDK lawyers recognized as “Best Lawyers in America” were Kent A. “KAB” Brasseale, Maria Bulkley, Allison Comstock, Shannon Frank, Jake Fulcher, Jon Goldman, Jeff Helfrich, Carrie Roelle, Mike Schopmeyer, Steve Theising, and Brian Williams Joshua R. Trockman also was recognized among Best Lawyers’ “Ones to Watch.”

B BUSINESS SUCCESS

McDonald’s recognized North High School teacher Brian Bobbitt as an Outstanding Educator in 2022. Bobbit received a $1,000 Visa gift card, a “Best Teacher Ever” coffee mug, and restaurant coupons from local McDonald’s owners/operators Susan Mann, Ivan Carvajal, and Janet Rodriguez.

the Isaiah 1:17 Project to support children in foster care; and $5,000 to YWCA Evansville for its Yes! Program.

The Higher Learning Commission accredited the University of Evansville for a PsyD in Clinical Psychology program. UE is accepting applications for the five-year doctoral program, which will start in fall 2023 with 15 students.

The Evansville Department of Parks & Recreation received the Indiana Park & Recreation Association’s award for Exceptional Facility Design for the Deaconess Aquatic Center. The center, which opened in October 2021, was designed by Hafer and is owned by the City of Evansville and managed by the YMCA of Southwestern Indiana.

The Women’s Fund of

Warrick

County awarded $28,000 in grants to four organizations. It awarded $6,500 to Holly’s House for its Child Abuse Prevention program “Think First & Stay Safe” in collaboration with Warrick County Schools; $8,000 to Lampion Center for mental health services; $8,500 to

Teeing Off for a Cause

BY JODI KEEN

Of the thousands of people who donate their time at the Korn Ferry Tour, one Evansville resident tops them all.

Mary Eve, a volunteer at September’s Korn Ferry Tour Championship presented by United Leasing & Finance, received the tour’s Volunteer of the Year award at the PGA Tour’s tournament meetings on Dec. 7, 2022, in Phoenix, Arizona. The winner is selected from votes cast by the Korn Ferry Tour’s operations staff, commonly known as “The Truck.”

Owned and operated by the PGA Tour, the Korn Ferry Tour identifies and develops players ready to compete and win on golf’s biggest stage. Since 2019, the tour championship has been played at Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh, Indiana.

“Mary is there from when the first stake is set in the ground to when they clean up,” says Dustin Harris, assistant director of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship. “She’s very passionate about this tournament. She loves what it does for the community. I hope every tournament has a Mary Eve because it makes the week so much better.”

Eve has pitched in at the Korn Ferry Tour Championship for more than 10 years and was selected for the award from more than 15,000 Korn Ferry Tour volunteers.

“Winning this award is so humbling to me. There are so many great people that I work with. From the people at Tour Vision, the amazing PGA people from ‘The Truck,’ and the countless volunteers that work the tournament. The Korn Ferry tournament would not be what it is without the volunteers. I’m just glad to be a part of that. What makes me the proudest is that I get to give back to the community,” Eve says.

The Korn Ferry Tour’s Volunteer of the Year winner receives $5,000 for the charity of their choice. Eve selected Building Blocks of Southern Indiana, the primary beneficiary of the Korn Ferry Tour Championship, as the award donation recipient.

The University of Evansville received an “A” grade from University Business for scholarship transparency, one of just over 100 schools to earn an “A” grade out of 650 that were ranked. Schools are ranked on ease of access to information relating to merit scholarships and whether the schools calculate merit scholarships into their Net Price Calculator projections.

D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln presented $2,500 to the Ted and Clare Ziemer Society as part of the dealership’s “$10 per Test Drive” advertising campaign that supports local charities and causes.

D-Patrick Boonville Ford presented $1,000 to the Warrick County Community Foundation. The donation is a part of a threeyear pledge by the dealership to the Friends of Warrick County Fund.

STEVE SCHAEFER, CITY OF EVANSVILLE AND JENNIFER KISSEL, HAFER

D-PATRICK AND TED AND CLARE ZIEMER SOCIETY

OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR IN 2022 RECOGNITION

The Women’s Hospital received awards in the fourth quarter of 2022. It was named a one of America’s best hospitals for obstetrics and mammogram imaging. These awards signify that The Women’s Hospital is in the top 35 percent of 4,729 U.S. hospitals offer ing obstetrics and one of 541 award winners for mammogram imaging. The Women’s Hospital also was named a national Top Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog Group.

The Friends of Woodmere Dog Park Board of Directors announced received a $100,000 sponsorship from an anonymous donor. Along with $165,000 in recent READI funds, the project now has fulfilled 80 percent of its funding goal.

Association Executives at its annual STAR Awards. The award recognizes outstanding customer service to ISAE member associations and significant contributions toward strengthening the local association industry.

The Indiana Hospital Association presented the Douglas J. Leonard Indiana Caregiver of the Year Award to Deaconess Pulmonary and Critical Care Medical Director Matthew Tucker, M.D. The award recognizes those in health care who make a significant impact on the quality of healthcare in Indiana by going above and beyond. Dr. Tucker also was named Deaconess’ 2022 Physician of the Year for leading the critical care team through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Easterseals Rehabilitation Center received $300,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from Vanderburgh County Commissioners. Easterseals was a qualifying nonprofit — having experienced decreased revenues, increased costs, or a growing need for services because of the COVID-19 pandemic — as part of the U.S. Treasury’s Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program.

MEGAN HERONEMUS

MATTHEW TUCKER, M.D.

The Women’s Fund of Vanderburgh County awarded its 2022 Impact Grants to six nonprofits. EVSC Foundation, Lampion Center, and YWCA Evansville each received a $35,000 grant. Dream Center, Impact Evansville, and Youth First also received a $10,000 grant each.

The Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners announced the county will receive $657,378 in state matching funds for local road projects as a part of Community Crossings, which is one piece of Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s Next Level Roads program. Road projects will include Hogue Road between Peerless Road and the CSX tracks east of Rosenberger Avenue and New Harmony Road between University Parkway and Diamond Avenue.

Lifetime Achievement Award. The award goes to individuals who created a material positive impact on Indiana’s economic development as a major ac complishment throughout their profes sional careers.

economic development official, served as the president and CEO of the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana from 2007 to 2021 and coCEO and then president of the newly formed Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. Wathen retired in fall 2022.

The City of Evansville Endowment Fund awarded charitable organizations for various projects and renovations. Recipients were Community One, Holly’s House, Easterseals Rehabilitation Center, YWCA Evansville, The Ark Inc., Parenting Time Center, EVSC Foundation, Wesselman Nature Society, United Methodist Youth Home, Carver Community Organization, Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, Ozanam Family Shelter, American Red Cross, St. Vincent Early Learning Center, United Caring Center, Fellows Bacon Center.

The Indiana Economic Development Association

JASON STEPHENS MARK AITON

GREG WATHEN

GROWTH/DEVELOPMENT

JR’s Expedited Freight, a Rexing Company, will partner with Ivy Tech Community College’s CDL training program partner, Drive Co. The partnership aims to advance the college’s CDL training program and provide more skilled employees in the workforce.

Feed Evansville partnered with Girl Scout Troop 398 to launch a “Free Little Pantry” program. Similar to neighborhood Little Free Libraries, the pantries will stock nonperishable food that people can access 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Community members also can leave nonperishable food in the pantry. Feed Evansville is working with several Girl Scout Troops and Boy Scout Troops to ensure there is a “Free Little Pantry” box in the 40 percent of Evansville neighborhoods that are deemed a food desert.

Lawman Tactical opened the Guntry Club on Dec. 17 at 4209 U.S. Hwy 41, Ste. 12. The Guntry Club offers a fitness center and cafe and coffee shop in addition to a firing range, gun care, and shop.

Angel Mounds State Historic Site announced it will undergo a $6.5 million renovation over the next two years to better share the story of Native American people. The project is in collaboration with researchers and historians from Native American nations and the Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology. The transformation is thanks to $4 million from the state of Indiana and a $2.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. The interpretive center will be closed until October 2024, but outdoor spaces will remain open.

ADVERTISER INDEX

BUILDING A FREE LITTLE PANTRY

ANGEL MOUNDS INTERPRETIVE CENTER

PHOTO BY ZACH STRAW

Aaron Huff

EDUCATION: William Henry Harrison High School; Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Ball State University; Master of Science, Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services, Indiana State University; Doctor of Education, Superintendency and Educational System Administration, Indiana University

RESUME: Culver Elementary School site coordinator (2003-2008); Cedar Hall Elementary School counselor (2008-2009); North High School assistant principal and dean (2009-2011); North Junior High School assistant principal (2011-2012) and principal (20122018); Benjamin Bosse High School principal (July 2018-present)

HOMETOWN: Evansville, Indiana

Benjamin Bosse High School Principal Aaron Huff’s career has come full circle. He did not expect to follow in the footsteps of his mother, Sheila Huff, the school’s principal from January 2009 till June 2018. However, sometimes life shows people exactly where they need to be, and such was the case for Huff.

“I grew up being around Bosse High School and educators. Quite honestly, I thought I would be an architect or in a nonprofit space,” Huff says. “I knew I wanted to ultimately work with children, but I did not know that it would lead me to where I am today.”

WHAT PUT YOU ON THE PATH TO A CAREER IN EDUCATION?

I worked for the Evansville YMCA in the outreach department teaching urban youth golf. I studied psychology and continued to work for the YMCA in Muncie, Indiana, while at Ball State. As soon as I graduated, I was hired by Lana Burton as Culver Elementary’s afterschool site coordinator: hire people to provide programming, do payroll for the programming, and take attendance. A principal after school, if you will.

YOU’VE SPOKEN OF THE NEED TO REIMAGINE EDUCATION. HOW?

We can rethink how we connect public and private partnerships, industries, and professions to schools so kids can see glimpses into those professions. If we can give them those experiences earlier, they have a more focused direction. I’ve been fortunate to make a partnership with Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana. Toyota combines teaching advanced manufacturing prac-

tices and company practices. We have about 30 juniors and seniors in that class. When they finish, they’ll have an opportunity to go straight to work at Toyota.

Teachers and educators have not received the recognition, appreciation, and support that they should. At some point in a student’s trajectory, there’s a teacher who influenced where they are today. It’s time we honor the work teachers, principals, counselors, support staff, and all the folks who make schools run do by giving them a livable salary and the resources they need to educate our children.

WHAT WAS YOUR JOURNEY TO BECOMING THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS BOARD OF DIRECTORS?

I started as just a board member for the first couple of years, then I was selected to be the advocacy committee chair, then the governance committee chair the year after that.

I got picked to be a part of the executive director search committee. I had a few board

members who came to me and said, “We think you should do it.” I said, “I don’t know that’s what I want to do. I’m torn.” I approached the role humbly. Ultimately, I ended up applying, going through the interview process, and was selected to be president-elect. I’ve been serving in that role for just a few short months.

WHAT ARE YOUR PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT BOSSE? WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

I think we’re in a space where we’ve rethought what our strengths at Bosse are and where we want to go. We’ve rewritten our mission statement. We know the direction we’re going. We have a purpose. Now, it’s about fulfilling what we say we do daily. And our mission statement clearly articulates that, and we want to be successful. I’m proud of this unified direction, vision, and voice. I feel like Bosse was already a family when I got here, but we’ve honed our focus on the direction we want to go and what we want to do.

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Switch to LED bulbs

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Make sure heating and cooling equipment is clean and that the settings are current.

Turn off electronics

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