Evansville Business October/November 2022

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nmbungeinc.com

812-424-2704

troy@nmbungeinc.com

PUBLISHER

Todd A. Tucker

EDITORIAL

Kristen K. Tucker Editor

Jodi Keen Managing Editor

Riley Guerzini Senior Writer

Maggie Valenti Staff Writer

DESIGN

Laura Mathis Creative Director

Kevin Goodbar Art 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

Christine Beyer, Evansville Aerial, Michelle Mastro, Meghan Stratton, Audra Straw, Zach Straw

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 © 2022 Tucker Publishing Group. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from Tucker Publishing Group.

MASONRY • TUCKPOINTING • CLEANING CAULKING • CHIMNEY REPAIR

Troy Schreiber and Tammy Evans, Owners Third Generation Family-Owned Business

Drake’s

Rapp Granary

Engelbrecht Carousel

Deaconess Aquatic Center

Reflections From the Shallow End

Of all the strange things that drive me crazy (and there are many), one that I fail to understand is the reluctance of Downtown Main Street business owners to remove the rusted, deteriorated, bird-nested metal awnings that cut the facades of many buildings in half. (I am being kind in my description.)

As far back as the 1990s, I completed a University of Evansville capstone project about Main Street that questioned why the awnings had not been removed. And as recently as 2019, the City of Evansville’s Historic Commercial Facade Grant Program even offered a funding mechanism to building owners to do so. Ugly awning removal = free funds.

It has warmed my cold and tiny heart to see some of them come down for the restoration at Second and Main streets for the new Parlor Doughnuts, and good for Parlor. ... C’mon now, we can do better. Take a look for yourself. How is this still acceptable?

If there is ever a “man about town,” surely Brian Buxton qualifies. A longtime client of Tucker Publishing Group with his exotic car dealership, Buxton Motorsports, I tend to see him everywhere. A true “foodie” who blogs a great deal — follow Fingers, Fork, Knife & Spoon by Brain Buxton on Facebook — he is well known in town.

It saddened me, and I know many others, that his beloved Yorkie, Brando, died at 17 years old last month. Brando had to be the best-known dog in town. He went everywhere every day with Brian and lived a charmed life. Thanks to Brando, Brian never needed an alarm or door chime to announce a visitor’s arrival. I know Brian misses his buddy and many others, including me, are sad about his passing. Brian is now raising $10,000 for local rescues with a campaign called “Brando’s Giving Paws.”

“Your favorite aunt,” as she always says to me (she is my only aunt), turned 90 last month. My Aunt Joyce is a one-of-a-kind lady, loved and admired by all who know her. A true Renaissance woman, among her many talents are pottery, gardening, making stained glass, gourmet cooking, and still dancing and entertaining with her troupe in Dalton, Georgia. This is the tip of the iceberg.

Originally from Evansville and a proud 1950 Bosse grad, my aunt never formally went to college but amassed more than 200 credit hours from the University of Central Florida and Dalton State University. Aunt Joyce even lived in Germany in the 1980s with my Uncle Jerry, who worked for a defense contractor. They’ve been married now for only 69 years.

As my mother’s only (and older!) sibling, they look alike and are as close as sisters possibly can be. In the hilly crossstate area of Dalton and Chattanooga, Tennessee, Aunt Joyce can still walk most people into exhaustion. Did I mention her birthday party? A very(!) good time was had by all. And I may be 60 years old, but you better believe she is still “Aunt Joyce!”

In March 2021, several sad conversations in our office centered on Emge’s Deli on Main Street leaving Downtown and moving to North Park. Unless you were a fairly regular patron, it is hard to understand that beyond being an awesome deli (that is what’s known as a painful admission), it was a bit of a social club, as it was frequented by the widest circle of people you can imagine. And the smack talk from Jan, Tracie, and Shelly working behind the counter was great fun. With the building owner changing plans for its Downtown location, Emge’s moved into more spacious digs in North Park, but COVID-19 and food prices took a toll, and it closed last month. Local restaurants make up the fabric of a community, and many people already miss Emge’s. I must already be waxing nostalgic when I remember jeweler Brian Turley’s jokes being funny.

Kristen and I just attended our third University of Louisville parents’ weekend. For a noon football game, my younger son Jackson was emphatic that we needed to “be there” by 9 a.m. for the fraternity tailgate. Upon arrival, I immediately said “no thanks” to the Rube Goldberg-inspired beer bong. Parents brought the obligatory food, Bloody Marys, mimosas, and Jell-O shots. My old Peavey professional audio speakers, now the property of the fraternity, did everyone loud and proud. Jackson boasted that the playlist was carefully cultivated as to “what the parents like.” Sure, son. And the verdict? I am really old now.

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

Todd A. Tucker, President

Future Downtown location of Parlor Doughnuts

Brando

Todd’s mother Janice Tucker and her sister Joyce Hudson

Emge’s Deli exterior and Tracie CaseyJones and Jan Howell in 2014

Jackson and Todd Tucker

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

FLYING HIGH

I just wanted to send you a quick note of thanks for the excellent article (“Taking Flight,” August/September 2022). I hope you are as happy as I am. I also hope your readership finds it insightful and worth their time.

Evansville Business. Give this article (“Water Ways,” August/ September 2022) a read. Thank you Evansville Business Hydration Station via Facebook

Ready For Takeoff

Nate Hahn, Evansville Regional Airport

MAKING AN IMPACT

That was such a good article (“Water Ways,” August/September 2022).

Congratulations to Jack for making an impact on the city!

Kim Kapps via Instagram

SIP OF SUSTENANCE

Our CEO and Founder Jack Deig sat down to speak with

GRATEFUL TRIBUTE

I cannot thank you enough for the wonderful article you had in your magazine about my daughter (“Top of Mind,” August/ September 2022). For me to try to help fight a disease I had never heard of — glioblastoma — is my one salvation. Thank you for putting an article in the magazine so others will help also.

Kris Proctor, Evansville

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Hafer Senior Associate Jennifer Kissel was featured in the latest issue of Evansville Business! The

story (“Changing the Narrative,” August/September 2022) profiles four local women who are “changing the narrative” in historically male-dominated fields. Jennifer truly leads by example and is a great asset to our team and community. Hafer via Facebook

MODEL CITIZEN

BBBS Board member Sgt. Anna Gray was featured in the latest issue of Evansville Business (“Changing the Narrative,” August/September 2022). Thank you, Anna, for all you do in our community!

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana via Facebook

CRAZY PANTS PRIDE

The best part of being back at the dealership is joining my dad in his marketing tradition of crazy pants. Thank you Evansville Business magazine for the feature this month (“Fresh Prints,” August/September 2022).

Kate Faupel Grealish via LinkedIn

HOMETOWN LOYALTY

We were delighted to see Tracy and Tourcy, LLC highlighted (“Taking Flight,” August/ September 2022) in Evansville Business and appreciate the home airport loyalty.

Evansville Regional Airport via Facebook

SELFLESS DEDICATION

Beautiful article (“Top of Mind,” August/September 2022) on the love paid forward. THAT was Katie’s heart. Never about her, but always trying to help others. Rhanda Stewart-Carlile via Facebook

AWESOME EMPLOYEES

Another pic of my favorite UE employee and some others I think are pretty awesome, too. Great feature on the women leading the UE alumni and development efforts in Evansville Business magazine (“Leading Women in Business,” August/ September 2022). Love this!

Sally Rideout via Facebook

MESKER PARK ZOO’S PENGUINS OF PATAGONIA EXHIBIT

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY SHIRCLIFF HUMANITIES CENTER

REITZ HIGH SCHOOL TURF

DEEP BLUE INDOOR PLAY

DEACONESS MIDTOWN FENCING

CRITTENDEN COUNTY PRESCHOOL

76 Years Young

The Traylors add Evansville company to their family

BY JODI KEEN

“Our family’s nature is to keep our heads down and focus on the future,” Chris Traylor, copresident of Traylor Construction Group, Inc., told Evansville Business magazine during the company’s 75th anniversary in 2021. One year later, the Traylors continue to deliver on that statement.

Traylor-owned Sterling Industrial, LLC, recently acquired Industrial Contractors Skanska Inc., an Evansville-based heavy construction contractor. Upon the transaction’s Sept. 4 closing, Skanska became a wholly owned subsidiary and, early next year, will merge into Sterling, a multi-craft industrial contractor in the Midwest.

Founded in 1946 as Traylor Bros., Inc. by brothers William and Ferris Traylor, and expanded by son Thomas and grandsons Mike, Chris, Tom, and Dan Traylor, the company then grew into

parent company TCG. Under its umbrella are multiple sister companies providing turnkey services in the heavy civil, mechanical, industrial, marine, underground, and fabrication markets. Sterling’s core markets include power generation, metals, pulp/

paper, plastics, and chemical sectors.

Locally, Traylor participated in the initial construction of the Lloyd Expressway and Interstate 69. Its portfolio includes major infrastructure builds such as the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit North-South line and more than $3 billion of improvements to repair damage from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Louisiana, back in 2005.

“The Traylor family is excited to continue growing our presence in the industrial market space,” Traylor said when Sterling announced its purchase of Skanska on Aug. 24. “The acquisition creates significant opportunities for our team and will add to TCG’s diverse capabilities.”

TRAYLORCONSTRUCTIONGROUP.COM

We take data quality and data security seriously.

PHOTO BY ZACH STRAW

Sterling Industrial has added Industrial Contractors Skanska Inc. to the Traylor family’s Evansville-based company portfolio.

Down to the Stitch

Katelyn Watson’s alterations business takes detailed tailoring to the next level

BY RILEY GUERZINI

For Katelyn Watson, every stitch sewn into a dress that leaves Katelyn’s Alterations & Design must be flawless. First, Watson and her team must carefully remove each bead, lace, and piece of fabric. Then, they correct the dress and hand-stitch each piece back on.

“It’s that perfectionistic drive in me that makes me want to give customers the best service possible,” says Watson, who opened her business on Evansville’s North Side at 12500 U.S Hwy 41 Ste. 5 in 2014. “I have brides who come to me for my specialty because I obsess over every single detail.”

Watson’s passion for sewing began at a young age. By middle school, her father noticed her sewing prowess and took her to private lessons. She also took design courses throughout middle school and high school.

“I have been sewing for most of my life,” she says. “I’ve always had a passion for sewing and creating and designing, even as a kid growing up.”

Florence Ebenkamp, owner of the former Evansville alterations shop Sew It Seams, hired Watson for her first job in professional alterations at 16 years old.

“I really got to see some of the positives of how she ran her business,” Watson says. “When she closed, I saw the need and had a lot of people reaching out to me specifically for alterations.”

Watson and her three staff members specialize in wedding and formal gown alterations, gown customizations, and corrective alterations. She also offers a complimentary weight check fitting closer to the wedding day for brides worried about gaining or losing weight between their purchase and their wedding day.

“Alterations should not make things harder for the day of the wedding and more stressful,” Watson believes. “It should make things easier.”

Watson’s most famous work came in 2009 when she was hired to alter the wardrobe for Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” concert tour through the mother of a Miss USA pageant contestant whom she altered a dress for.

They were so impressed with the alterations that the mother, who worked for the management group for Roberts Stadium at the time, connected her with Swift’s team when the tour opened in Evansville that April. The tour invited her to stay on for the next four months, but Watson declined.

“It was a really awesome experience just because I was a big T-Swift fan,” she says. “I was singing along with every single

lyric that I heard going down the hallway. I knew the lyrics to all of her songs.”

Today, customers visit her Evansville shop from faraway places like Boston, Massachusetts; Washington D.C.; and Dallas, Texas, for Watson’s personal touch and expertise. To reach a wider audience, Watson even films short video tutorials for brides on how to fasten each button, zip the zipper, and secure the bustle.

A passionate seamstress for 26 years, Katelyn Watson tailored her dreams into her own North Side storefront in 2014. Her self-described perfectionist reputation for wedding dress alterations has summoned brides from across the country seeking her personal touch.

‘A Dream Come True’

Venue 812 fulfills restaurant couple’s longtime wishes

BY MICHELLE MASTRO

Venue 812, a new event space in the former location of Western Ribeye steakhouse at 1401 N. Boeke Road, fulfills the culinary dreams of owners Ellada and Doros Hadjisavva.

“We have been catering since 2008,” says Ellada. “Catering grew from one event a month to multiple events per week.”

The couple owned the Greek restaurant Acropolis from 2000 to 2021 and opened the restaurant Riverwalk at 6 Walnut St. last year. Still, they always desired their own venue to host events and meet the growing demand for their popular catering services, called Acropolis Catering.

“We have become exclusive caterers in several locations around the Tri-State,” Ellada says. “Venue 812 is a dream come true for us.”

This change from restaurant to event venue was part of the couple’s five-year plan, but Ellada says it transitioned from plan to reality in just three years. Having

Blended Family

Shepherd Insurance settles into its new office space

everything in one place was worth the expedited effort.

“Venue 812 is our one-stop shop,” she says. “It is efficient to have all of our catering gadgets in one location and be able to host events of all sizes from 20 guests to 200.”

Even though they have a new venue, the couple wants to keep some things the same.

“We will still be catering anywhere our customers request,” Ellada says. “Evansville needed another option to host events. We believe we are adding a great choice for another events center that can accommodate any celebration.”

VENUE812.COM

Shepherd Insurance has been a fixture on Evansville’s Eagle Crest Boulevard since it purchased the former Volkman Agency in 2003.  When talks began on partnering with the nearly 90-year-old Heston Insurance, office constraints quickly came to light.

BY JODI KEEN

“We always had designs to have an office together, but the existing Shepherd office wasn’t large enough,” says David Abbott, insurance advisor and Heston’s former owner.

Woodward Realty helped guide the merging insurance companies to space available in Accuride’s building at 7140 Office Circle Drive.

“The Shepherd organization worked hard to bring us in and make us part of the family,” Abbott says. “Ironically, it helped a little bit not immediately getting together because we had almost a year and a half getting used to being part of Shepherd.”

Since completing the move in March, 32 employees now work in the new Evansville office near Oak Grove Road and Interstate 69. The expanded space can accommodate the regional meetings which include team members from its locations in Ferdinand, Indiana, and Carmi and Mount Carmel, Illinois.

Shepherd employees can spread throughout private offices, open cubicles, and a conference room. They also share a cafeteria and fitness center with Accuride employees, whose offices are in the same building.

“We have things to make it fun, like a potluck or we bring in pizza for lunch,” Abbott says. “We try to do things of that nature every month or so.” SHEPHERDINS.COM/EVANSVILLE

PORTRAIT BY ZACH STRAW; VENUE PHOTO PROVIDED BY VENUE 812

Doros and Ellada Hadjisavva have fulfilled a long-held dream to have their own catering and event space with Venue 812, a one-stop shop for any occasion.

David Abbott and Chris Maynard joined their businesses in 2020 and, this March, moved their employees into Shepherd Insurance’s new office on Evansville’s East Side.

Birds of a Feather

Gray family encourages a personalized shopping experience at East Side store

BY MEGHAN STRATTON

At Rare Bird Uncommon Gifts, rows of jewelry sit near leather goods and wind chimes sourced from women-owned businesses, fair trade vendors, and independent makers. Customers can shop for unique gifts and Evansvillethemed items, browse for something special, pick up locally roasted coffee, or just chat with the owners.

The 2022 “Best of Evansville” awardwinning gift shop, located at 2605 Lincoln Avenue, is a mom-and-pop (and daughter) boutique. Olivia Wright, daughter of owners Cary and Michael Gray, says she wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Having a family business has brought us closer together,” she says. “It’s great to work alongside them. I like having him (Michael) as my dad and my coworker — he’s like a ‘dad boss.’”

Michael has owned the East Side building for his photography studio for more than 20 years. About seven years ago, the family wanted to branch out and turned part of the studio into a gift shop. They started with fun small things, like soaps and socks, and now, the shop supports hundreds of makers. Michael still does some photography, primarily headshots, commercial, and family portraits.

The physical space evolved to become open and colorful, inviting more customers and connecting local dollars with the community. Besides stocking unique products, helping customers find the perfect gift, and offering free wrapping, Rare Bird’s goal is to make people happy.

“People often come in to cheer themselves up and recharge, often by looking at funny greeting cards,” Olivia says. “People are welcome whenever; even if you’re just having a bad day, we’ll get you a cup of coffee.”

Rare Bird Uncommon Gifts is a creative outlet for Cary and Michael Gray and their daughter Olivia Wright. Their engaging business model is working: Evansville Living readers voted Rare Bird the “Best Boutique/Gift Shop” in 2022.

Sign-sations

Signarama Evansville celebrates 65 years

BY MEGHAN STRATTON

When Casey Valiant walks into work each day, he follows in the footsteps of two generations of sign makers. Known as Signarama since 1997 but in business since 1957, this sign company runs on family.

Arthur and Benita Valiant opened their rubber stamp company, Valiant Marking Products, 65 years ago. When the Valiant’s son, Walter, and his wife, Debbie, took over the family business in the mid-1980s, they computerized the system and added engraving, banners, and vehicle graphics to the company’s offerings. Twenty-five years ago, the Valiants joined Signarama, a franchise with nearly 800 stores globally.

Walter and Debbie’s son, Casey, grew up in a home where stamps and engraving were common dinner table conversations. Signage was a part of his everyday life. On vacations to other cities, Valiant would touch the signs and artwork in hotels to see how others crafted them.

“It’s incredibly humbling and gratifying to be part of the third generation of a business that has continued to serve customers and support employees,” Casey says. “I’m proud to play a role, and I’m excited to plan for the next five, 10, 65 years.”

Casey says one of the reasons Signarama’s customers keep coming back is the company’s desire to see them succeed. Whether it’s a medical facility rebranding, a university expansion, or a manufacturing facility that wants to show its company’s growth in a history wall project, Signarama’s team can get the job done.

Signarama also backs the community through its “Signs of Support” program. So far, the company has provided more than $300,000 in grants for low-cost or free signage to local nonprofits.

“With organizations that may not have the money for marketing or signs, as a community we want them to spend their money on their mission,” Casey says. “If we can help with signage, they can direct more funds toward their mission.”

Casey Valiant is leading Evansville’s Signarama store in its 65th year, but the business he took over from his parents Debbie and Walter was started in 1957 as Valiant Marking Products by his grandparents, Arthur and Benita Valiant.

1957: Arthur and Benita Valiant open Valiant Marking Products.

1962: The Valiants change the company’s name to Arben Stamp Company to incorporate their first names.

1985: Walter and Debbie Valiant take over the business.

1986: Signarama opens its first store in Farmingdale, New York.

1993: The Marking Device Institute, the industry’s leading trade organization, nominates Arben Stamp Company for Heavy Weight Dealer of the Year for its investment in timely, efficient customer service.

1994: Arben Stamp Company changes its name again to AmeriStamp to promote a nationwide mindset. In 1997, AmeriStamp collaborates with Signarama, the largest sign franchise in the world.

2014: The Valiants are inducted into the Signarama Hall of Fame in recognition of their marketing and record sales volume.

2018: Casey Valiant receives the 2018 Small Business of the Year award from the Southwestern Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

Grounds

Coffee for a Cause

Mission Grounds Cafe is the Evansville Rescue Mission’s latest social enterprise

BY RILEY GUERZINI

Opened on July 11, Mission Grounds

Cafe is the latest coffee shop to grind out a location in Evansville. The cafe, owned and operated by the Evansville Rescue Mission, found a home in a space adjacent to the ERM’s new thrift store.

When ERM moved its thrift store into Washington Square Mall in June, the organization began brainstorming ideas for what to do with some extra space.

“A lot of other rescue missions around the country that we’re partners with opened coffee shop social enterprises, and we thought this is a good market to be in,” says Kyle Gorman, ERM’s executive director of advancement.

Mission Grounds features a fullservice coffee menu including lattes, drip coffee, and espressos. The coffee shop also serves Bundt muffin pastries in flavors such as blueberry lemonade, cinnamon crunch, and chocolate baked each morning at ERM’s commercial kitchen at 500 E. Walnut St. Leading the charge is manager Jamie Rudibaugh, who has worked closely with her brother David at his White Swan Coffee Lab business.

All the revenue from both Mission Grounds and the thrift store goes directly back to the Evansville Rescue Mission to fund its programs for the city’s homeless population. Gorman says the coffee shop is a “social enterprise,” not a business, meaning its primary purpose is addressing a social need rather than earning profits.

“Over time, this is going to help us grow what we do,” Gorman says.

SIGNARAMA TIMELINE

Mission

Barista Zac Seif

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ON TRACK

Freight moves modern traffic along Evansville’s railway lines

BY JODI KEEN

HIO STREET NOTWITHSTANDING, WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME you were stopped in Evansville by a train? River City commuters traverse dozens of railroad crossings every day, but only a few see train traffic.

That first question got us thinking: How many miles of tracks run through Evansville? (Spoiler: More than 50.) Who are the companies that use the tracks, and what do they haul? Evansville’s glamour period of passenger travel ended long ago, and only freight trains run along the tracks now. We knew little about them, so we began exploring.

The Industrial Revolution reshaped many industries, one of them being transportation. People and goods began to travel on trains in earnest, and rail companies laid down tracks as quickly as they could build them.

According to Southern Indiana Trails, the earliest interurban railroad in the Tri-State was the Evansville, Suburban & Newburgh Railway (ES&N), incorporated in 1887. Originally, it connected passengers and freight in Evansville to

Newburgh, Indiana, and later to Boonville, Indiana, via Chandler, Indiana. Service to Boonville ended in August 1930; Newburgh’s service ceased that December. The Interstate Commerce Commission granted the ES&N’s request to abandon the line in 1948, and later the tracks were scrapped. The Louisville & Nashville Railroad depot at 300 Fulton Ave., built in 1902 and razed in 1985, served the turn of the century’s growing number of regional travelers and had a frontrow seat to the catastrophic Ohio River flood of 1937. The 1882 Tuscan Revival-style Evansville & Terre Haute Railroad station at Eighth and Main streets was replaced by the grand Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad. The Grecian depot became a USO club in 1943 before being demolished in 1965 to make way for the new Civic Center complex. But a part — four parts, actually — of the C&EI station lives on: Its limestone Ionic-style pillars now make up the Four Freedoms Monument along Riverside Drive.

Long-trip passenger rail travel fell out of fashion with the debut of the U.S. interstate system in 1956. Now, running on almost 140,000 route miles, the U.S. freight rail network is a nearly $80 billion industry, says the U.S. Department of Transportation. It employs more than 167,000 people and operates seven Class I railroads and 22 regional and 584 local/short-line railroads. Unlike roadways, private organizations own U.S. freight railroads and are responsible for their maintenance and any improvements.

According to geographical information system data from the City of Evansville/ Vanderburgh County and the Indiana Department of Transportation, five companies populate the rail lines in Vanderburgh County. CSX Transportation owns the two main arteries through town: The CE&D Subdivision line operates 6.7 miles out of Evansville toward northern Indiana, while the 9.2-mile Henderson Subdivision runs south toward Nashville, Tennessee, and crosses the Ohio River. Another five-plus miles of tracks constitute a northern route bypass.

CSX carries the most freight traffic, with a capacity of 31,000 lifts. Genesee & Wyoming, Inc.-owned Indiana Southern Railroad is a short-line partner with CSX and has eight miles of track in Vanderburgh County for carrying freight toward Indianapolis. Indiana Southwestern Railway, another CSX short-line partner owned by Pioneer Lines, operates on 8 miles of track but carries a commodity precious to Evansville: plastic pellets. Evansville Western Railway and Norfolk Southern Railroad (the former is a CSX operating partner based in

A CSX freight train rounds a corner by Hickory Ridge Road as it prepares to cross the Ohio River. CSX Transportation dominates the north and south rail corridors in Evansville, and all cross-town traffic flows through 133-year-old Howell Yard, also owned by CSX.

Mount Vernon, Indiana; the latter does not partner with CSX) run a combined eight miles of freight lines through Evansville. In 2018, Evansville-Vanderburgh County Emergency Management Agency Director Cliff Weaver estimated between 30 and 40 trains rumble through Evansville each day, signaling a daily load of thousands of tons of cargo.

The freight cars driving through town often carry agriculturerelated goods such as grain, chemicals, and fertilizer; lumber; and building materials. Norfolk Southern also ships automobiles, clothing, electronics, furniture, machinery, and coal.

According to CSX, coal remains king in terms of rail freight as well as general electricity sources, particularly in the Midwest. It is common to see a loaded coal train passing through Evansville position a locomotive in the middle to act as a distributed power unit to help move the coal cars’ massive tonnage.

This is not to say Evansville doesn’t see some interesting rail traffic. Just this summer, a Brightline, which offers luxury high-speed travel through Central Florida, was seen parked at Howell Yard.

Howell Yard, erected by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad in 1889 and which helped build up the surrounding namesake town, is the conduit that funnels rail freight through Evansville. Now owned by CSX, it had humble roots with just a roundhouse repair shop, a machine shop, and an engine and boiler house. CSX grants passage through Howell Yard to others such as Canadian Pacific, the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, and even the U.S. Army.

As rail cars move south out of Evansville, they must cross the Ohio River, and lucky for them, they get to skip the oftencongested twin bridges. Rather, rail traffic uses a 12,123-foot-long bridge connecting Evansville to Henderson, Kentucky. Built by L&N Railroad, the original bridge was constructed in 1884 and measured 2.3 miles long, making it — for a time —the longest channel span of that type in the world. The current bridge was constructed for $4 million and opened on New Year’s Eve in 1932.

When a railroad company wishes to deactivate a line, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Surface Transportation

UNUSED TRACKS

CSX CE&D SUBDIVISION

CSX BYPASS

HOWELL YARD

INDIANA SOUTHWESTERN RAILROAD

EVANSVILLE WESTERN RAILWAY

INDIANA SOUTHERN RAILROAD

NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILROAD

UNUSED TRACKS

UNUSED TRACKS

UNUSED SPUR

CSX HENDERSON SUBDIVISION

12,123-foot-long bridge

Board must approve it in a filing process that can take as little as 90 days. They also give other interested parties time to offer their proposal for taking over ownership of the line — an advocacy group may want to convert it to a walking trail, perhaps, or another rail company seeks the tracks for its own right-of-use purposes — but if nothing comes of it, the deactivation completes, and the tracks are formally declared abandoned.

Abandoned tracks are sometimes removed, even paved over. INDOT’s GIS data show others remain as they were, such as the 1.7-mile Indiana Southern tracks across St. George Road directly south of Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery and the 2.5mile tracks that spur off CSX’s northern line, cross Lynch Road, and circle the adjacent industrial park to the east. Along with a 4.3-mile line that ran south along U.S. Highway 41 and a 1.1-mile spur that skimmed Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve and the Evansville State Hospital, unused or abandoned tracks — some with only the occasional railroad tie remaining — cover about nine miles in the city.

Evansville’s train tracks even played an important role in one of the city’s darkest

A

over the Ohio River accommodates north-south freight trains in Evansville. Once they travel north to Howell Yard, trains may take any of the five other regional lines that meet in the River City. When passenger rail traffic peaked around the turn of the 20th century, the C&EI and L&N railroad depots served regional travelers in Evansville.

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days. Air Indiana Flight 216 crashed into a steep ravine shortly after takeoff from Dress Regional Airport on Dec. 13, 1977, killing every University of Evansville men’s basketball player, coach, booster, and supporter aboard. As first responders descended on the crash site, it quickly became clear that the steep terrain and soggy conditions would make it nearly impossible to traverse the area. With no way to remove bodies and wreckage, a boxcar was backed up along the tracks to the crash site. After its precious cargo was loaded, it drove out of the ravine and south into Downtown Evansville to the makeshift morgue set up at the C.K. Newsome Community Center on Walnut Street.

Today, Evansville sits in a national passenger train travel desert, completely bypassed by the Amtrak lines that ferry travelers from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Chicago, Illinois, via Indianapolis, Indiana, and from Chicago to New Orleans, Louisiana. The closest Amtrak station to Evansville is on South Illinois Street in Carbondale, Illinois, slightly more than 100 miles to the west. (Centralia, Illinois’ station is a close second, at 110 miles away.) Despite fares that can reach as low as $30 one way, the time and expense of getting to a station often convince Tri-State travelers to drive instead. With Interstate 69 acting as a conduit from Indianapolis into western Kentucky, driving often is a more efficient means of travel, anyway.

Although River City residents cannot hop aboard a train to take them out of town, there are plenty of vantage points from which to enjoy the sight of locomotives pulling their cargo across the region. A popular sight is when trains exit milepost 314.0 through the bottoms on their way south to cross the Ohio River. Hickory Ridge Road, when not flooded, offers a prime location for train spotting at this milepost. In time, maybe Evansville will return to being passengers instead of spectators. In the meantime, we have one heck of a view as freight trains chug through town.

CSX: csx.com

INDIANA SOUTHERN: gwrr.com/isrr

INDIANA SOUTHWESTERN: pioneerlines. com/indiana-southwestern-railway-isw

EVANSVILLE WESTERN: evwr.com

NORFOLK SOUTHERN: nscorp.com

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TODAY, EVANSVILLE SITS IN A NATIONAL PASSENGER TRAIN TRAVEL DESERT, COMPLETELY BYPASSED BY THE AMTRAK LINES THAT FERRY TRAVELERS FROM CINCINNATI, OHIO, TO CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

Known as Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union for more than 80 years, the newly named Liberty Federal Credit Union signals more than just a rebrand for this recognizable Evansville financial institution. It simply serves as a microcosm for the growth that lies ahead.

State of the Union

Liberty Federal Credit Union continues to grow with a new name and expanding opportunities

here’s a new name in town. Well, not quite new.

Some people may not immediately recognize the newly minted Liberty Federal Credit Union’s connection to Evansville, but it has nearly a century worth of history in the River City.

Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union officially rebranded as Liberty Federal Credit Union in September, closing the chapter on a name synonymous with southern Indiana educators and opening the door for new opportunities at home and further afield.

The name “Liberty” came about from practicality. It stems from First Liberty Financial Mortgage, a division of ETFCU that the credit union acquired in 2016. First Liberty had loan production offices specifically for mortgage volume in Nashville, Tennessee, and Owensboro, Bowling Green, and Louisville, Kentucky. Since the acquisition, the credit union replaced those loan production offices with full retail branches branded as Liberty Financial.

By

“As business has grown regionally, the lack of brand awareness increased in our Louisville, Bowling Green and Nashville locations. Many members in these markets thought Liberty Financial was a wealth management firm or an insurance company,” says Liberty CEO and President Bill Schirmer. “With the amount of growth we have experienced from these markets, it became more challenging, from a marketing and sales perspective, to have two brands.”

Humble Roots

The rebrand reflects a new era for one of the city’s most recognizable financial institutions. Founded in 1936 by teachers from the Evansville school system and what was then Evansville College — now the University of Evansville — Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union started with humble roots. For its first 32 years, ETFCU operated out of classrooms during school hours and only served members in the education field.

The credit union continued to grow throughout the next three decades, offering expanded services such as certificates and checking accounts. Its headquarters relocated twice outside the school system, first to the Reed Building on Washington Avenue in 1969, and then again in 1980 when it opened its main office on Theater

Riley Guerzini • Photos by Zach Straw

Founded in 1936 by employees of the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation and members of then-Evansville College, the credit union has undergone comprehensive growth under the leadership of people such as former president Ted Hitch. In September, ETFCU completed a full rebrand to Liberty Federal Credit Union.

CUSTOM SIGN AND HISTORIC PHOTOS PROVIDED BY LIBERTY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Drive. ETFCU’s first retail branch opened in Vincennes, Indiana, in 1982. Then, the company added branches in Evansville and Newburgh, Indiana, in the early 1990s, as well as in Owensboro, Kentucky, through a merger with Owensboro Public Schools Federal Credit Union in 1992.

“The growth never stopped. We never felt settled, but not in a bad way,” says Nancy Golding, the credit union’s first marketing director who retired in 2018 after more than 30 years with the company. “When I started, we had fewer than 20 employees, but there were always changes and growth. It was exciting.”

Though ETFCU continued to grow, it limited membership to those who worked in education. That would change in 1998; the federal Credit Union Membership Access Act became law and expanded chartering for federal credit unions to allow membership outside of a single type of occupational group.

“We were looking to serve educational employees and we did grow our footprint in southwestern Indiana among that group. It also included similar groups like libraries and a few organizations, but I think that was somewhat limiting until the rules changed,” Golding says. “That allowed us to offer our services to other groups and organizations.”

A rise in membership coincided with an increase in services, Saturday hours, and programs, the highlight being the introduction of a free, high interest checking account in 2015. “Vertical checking” quickly became the credit union’s flagship

“The growth never stopped. We never felt settled, but not in a bad way. When I started, we had fewer than 20 employees, but there were always changes and growth. It was exciting.”

—

Retired Marketing Director Nancy Golding

Liberty FCU opened its Main Office and Administration Building at 4401 Theater Drive in 2017. The state-of-the-art facility serves as the credit union’s headquarters and features advanced self-service technology.

product, and Newsweek recognized it in September 2021 as the nation’s best high yield checking account for 2022. As of Oct. 1, Vertical Checking offers an annual percentage yield of 3.45 percent.

“Frankly, a lot of our members will tell us it just seems too good to be true,” says Brent Joyce, Liberty’s senior vice president of marketing. “We’re living in an age where sometimes a free checking account isn’t even on the table with a financial institution.”

Snowballing Success

Aside from checking and deposit programs, Liberty receives significant business from mortgage lending. That service ballooned from 2020 to 2022 when interest rates dropped to historic lows to reinvigorate the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We originated $4.2 billion in total mortgage volume in that two-year timeframe,” Schirmer says. “The refinance wave proliferated our mortgage operation and was foundational to the growth in sales and membership we’ve had over the past two years, especially in markets outside of Evansville.”

The credit union has led all Evansville financial institutions in first mortgage originations since 2015. The American Credit Union Mortgage Association also ranked Liberty as the top credit union for 2021’s total first mortgage originations in the Midwest. Nationally, Liberty ranks 11th out of 5,100 credit unions.

Schirmer adds that the success of the mortgage program gave Liberty the financial boost to offer a high return on vertical checking accounts, along with the high use of the program itself. This, he says, is what separates a credit union from a traditional bank. Since credit unions are member-owned

cooperatives, they reinvest profits in members through their product offerings, such as vertical checking and lending programs.

“It’s a snowball effect,” Schirmer says. “As we become more successful, we reinvest in our products and services to offer the best value back to our members.”

The credit union had 10 retail branches, $830 million in assets, and more than 62,000 members when Schirmer became CEO and president in 2012. Liberty now has 28 branches in Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee, $3.3 billion in assets, and more than 275,000 members. It has gained upward of 20,000 members annually throughout the past three years, with an increasing number of those new members residing in the Louisville and Nashville markets. Liberty FCU now is the second-largest credit union in the state, behind only Teachers Credit Union of South Bend, Indiana.

Liberty plans to add five new branches to its existing 28 branch locations in 2023, including offices in Jasper, Indiana, and on Rosenberger Avenue on the West Side of Evansville.

“It’s a snowball effect. As we become more successful, we reinvest in our products and services to offer the best value back to our members.”

— Liberty CEO and President

Bill

Schirmer

CEO and President Bill Schirmer

Chief Operating Officer Stacey Shourd

Senior Vice President of Marketing Brent Joyce

“We didn’t build branches for the sole purpose of attracting new members,” Joyce says. “We’ve added branch offices to serve existing members in those locations.”

That said, not all of Liberty’s expansion has come from new markets.

In 2017, the credit union opened its main office and administration building adjacent to its former location on Theater Drive. The 82,500-square-foot facility added new teller windows and advanced self-service technology.

Liberty plans to add five branches in 2023, including offices in Jasper, Indiana, and on Evansville’s West Side on Rosenberger Avenue. Of its 768 total employees across the region, two-thirds of Liberty’s staff still work in Evansville.

Construction on a planned three-story, 63,000-squarefoot operations center on Morgan Center Drive will begin in spring 2023 and finish in fall 2024. The facility, which is an expansion of Liberty’s main campus, will accommodate up to 480 employees to facilitate the growth of backoffice staff. The credit union plans to hire more staff to work in the new operations center in the coming years.

“We’ve found that, with our outstanding growth in membership over the years, we’ve needed to increase our staff as well,” says Liberty Chief Operating Officer Stacey Shourd. “It’s great for our community in Evansville because we can offer new jobs locally due to our expansion.”

Shourd, an Evansville native, began working at the credit union 35 years ago as a part-time intern during her freshman year at the University of Southern Indiana. She lived across from the ETFCU Main Office on Theater Drive when there were only 40 employees who staffed it.

“Our president at the time was a previous educator. He would have me bring him my report card so he could make sure that my grades were staying at a good level,” she says. “And then they would publish my GPA in our staff news.”

Now as COO, Shourd oversees the facilities, branches, and deposit operations, including checking account savings cards,

electronic services, and the contact center.

“The rebrand brings uniformity to all of our locations now,” she says. “It helps when we open up new accounts, at our various branch locations, that we don’t have to explain to members that we have two separate names. Now that we have one consistent brand, the staff feels more unified.”

Good for Business, Good for the Community

As the credit union expanded, its philanthropic efforts grew as well. In 2021 alone, Liberty returned more than $900,000 in sponsorships, scholarships, and donations to the community.

The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation remains one of the credit union’s top beneficiaries, bringing its patronage full circle to its education roots. The credit union returned more than $100,000 to the EVSC over the past three years through Liberty’s “affinity card” program, which returns a portion of all money spent through school-themed debit cards.

Other contributions include $150,000 donated to the Ted Hitch Scholarship program (longtime educator Hitch served as manager and CEO of ETFCU from 1961 to 1989), more than $50,000 to Cops Connecting with Kids, and fully funded live-stream access to EVSC athletic events that started during the pandemic and continues today.

Outside of education, Liberty FCU supports Habitat for Humanity of Evansville by committing a donation with every new checking account. Through that partnership, Habitat dedicated a home build fully funded

by the credit union for the past five years.

“The employees really appreciate it because our mission aligns well with Habitat’s mission in terms of giving those in need a hand up and not a handout,” Schirmer says. “We help members by giving sound financial advice and education to elevate them for financial success. That’s what Habitat does in terms of qualifying, training, and preparing partner families for home ownership.”

Though its name is changing, and the credit union continues to gain national recognition, Liberty remains committed to supporting the Tri-State through its philanthropic efforts, local development, and expanded services. What began in a small classroom at Central High School in 1936 expanded into one of the country’s top financial institutions, and its link to the River City cannot be understated.

“As a former employee, I’m extremely proud of the credit union’s history and growth. I hope our existing membership feels the same accomplishment,” Golding says. “I know it’s different with the name change, but what members have contributed to the credit union just by using our services has allowed this success to happen.”

“We know our recipe works, and that’s bringing value to the marketplace and our membership through competitive financial products and services,” Schirmer says. “When we do that on a consistent basis, members and consumers bring us more business. We take the profit from our business and reinvest it back into our staff, members, and communities we serve.”

Construction on a 63,000-square-foot operations center on Morgan Center Drive will begin in spring 2023, expanding Liberty’s main campus to accommodate up to 480 back office staff.

“The rebrand brings uniformity to all of our locations now. It helps when we open up new accounts, at our various branch locations, that we don’t have to explain to members that we have two separate names.”

— Liberty Chief Operating Officer Stacey Shourd

well, too.

You’ve worked hard for your wins, your wealth, your assets. It’s impressive. Now match that with a trusted financial guide with a wealth of experience, knowledge and values. Let’s talk.

Understanding what’s important to you

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Edward Jones

Is there a way to give yourself ‘Paychecks’ in Retirement?

During your working years, you’ve probably met the costs of living through your salary. But once you retire, where will the money come from? Is there a way to give yourself a “paycheck” for retirement? There is indeed – but you’ll have to do a good job of managing your available income sources. Here are some moves that can help:

• Accept dividends and interest payments. Instead of automatically reinvesting all your dividends and interest payments into your portfolio – which is an excellent strategy for building wealth – you might want to begin receiving these payments as part of your income. Keep in mind, though, that companies can lower or discontinue dividends at any time. However, it’s also true that some companies have consistently paid, and even increased, dividends over many years, and even decades.

• Choose an appropriate withdrawal rate. Once you’re retired, you’ll likely need to begin withdrawing from your investment accounts. But you’ll need to avoid taking out too much early in your

retirement – you don’t want to risk outliving your portfolio. For many people in their mid-60s, a 4% annual withdrawal rate is a good starting point, but everyone’s situation is different, and your ideal rate will depend on several factors: your age, the size of your portfolio, other sources of income, and so on. Once you turn 72, you’ll be required to take at least a minimum amount from your traditional IRA and 401(k), but you can choose to withdraw more, if necessary.

• Maximize your Social Security. You have significant control over the amounts you’ll receive from Social Security. You can begin taking these payments at age 62, but they will be much larger if you wait until your full retirement age, which will likely be between 66 and 67. (You will receive the maximum amount if you wait until you reach 70.) So, if you think you have enough income from other sources, you might decide to delay taking Social Security – but if you need the money, you may not be able to wait. And here’s something else to think about: If your spouse had considerably higher earnings than you did, you may be eligible for spousal benefits.

• Consider an annuity. You might want to consider purchasing an annuity that provides lifetime payments. Some annuities are even indexed for inflation, meaning payments will increase or decrease each year, keeping pace with the Consumer Price Index. Annuities are not suitable for everyone, though, so, before investing in one, you should consult with a financial professional who is familiar with your situation.

Finally, don’t rule out the possibility of earned income. Just because you’ve retired from your full-time job doesn’t mean you can’t work in some capacity, perhaps by doing some part-time work or consulting or even opening your own small business. Look at all these ideas when thinking about putting together an income plan for your retirement. You may find that your diligence will pay off.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Edward Jones is a licensed insurance producer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. California Insurance License OC24309

Cottage Wealth Advisors

Don’t Knee-Jerk Your Portfolio into Oblivion

It’s a bit of an understatement to say that recent events have put many people through the wringer. What’s more - the rash decisions people make while reacting to adverse market developments can have disastrous effects on their long-term plans. As a tireless partner to the Evansville community, in both turbulent and prosperous market conditions, here are 3 good ways Nancy Bach has discovered to keep a cool head when those around you are losing theirs!

“Know Thyself”

The Oracle at Delphi’s advice from ancient times rings true in modernity. Ask yourself – if the market suddenly dropped by 20% at this very moment, how might you react? There are a lot of different levels of risk tolerance and sensitivity to market volatility. When you ‘know thyself,’ and how you react to adversity, you can create strategies to manage the emotional reactions that can rankle long-term goals.

Build a Plan

Having a bedrock plan with defined goals can help reduce the ‘What do I do?!’ factor when market swings hit. Furthermore, defining whether your goals are short, intermediate, or long-term helps you and your advisor structure the plan properly. Your personal risk tolerance will also inform the mix between more volatile assets - like stocks - to less volatile assets - like bonds.

Separate the Forest from the Trees

Sticking with a plan is one of the primary factors that can lead to long-term success. One bad day shouldn’t change your overall strategy. That doesn’t mean inflexibility – you should check in regularly with your advisor and rebalance if allocations move too far away from targets. That way, you can compartmentalize short-term, negative emotions that come during unexpected swings. This greatly reduces the tendency to make impulsive decisions and will help you reach your long-term goals!

It’s true – we’ve all been through a lot of changes in the past few years. What hasn’t changed is the American determination to overcome those with creativity, resilience, and a positive attitude. When you know yourself, create an informed plan, and stick to it over a long period, you’ll be in a much better position to withstand the unexpected!

Donaldson Capital Management

20 N.W. First St., Fifth Floor | 812-421-3211 |

Why the Rising Dividend Cornerstone strategy?

Donaldson’s Rising Dividend Cornerstone investment strategy is built to seek security, income, and growth. Each of these - security, income, and growthare essential through the years for both retirement income and for Foundation or Endowment fund distributions.

Why Donaldson Capital Management?

In June, Morningstar, a leading independent source for unbiased investment research, awarded Donaldson’s Rising Dividend Cornerstone investment strategy a 5-Star Overall Morningstar Rating™. The Overall Morningstar Rating™ uses a weighted average of performance figures based on three-, five-, and 10-year metrics.

Continually recognized as one of the nation’s top independent investment advisors, Donaldson Capital Management takes pride in celebrating twenty-seven years dedicated to crafting investment strategies, coupled with thoughtful financial guidance.

Who is Donaldson’s ideal client?

Donaldson works primarily with high-networth individuals near or in retirement and Foundations and Endowments that need dependable and growing income.

At Donaldson, we don’t rely on mutual funds. An Investment Policy Committee and Research & Development Team is dedicated to crafting investment strategies to meet client needs. This includes company research, analysis of market conditions, and making changes in real-time to the stocks and bonds in client portfolios.

All clients at DCM receive comprehensive Financial Planning by a Certified Financial Planner™ at no additional charge. This includes tax planning, estate planning, asset allocation, charitable giving, insurance, cash flow, social security, debt, and risk tolerance.

DCM’s Retirement Plan Services offers companies a wealth management approach to retirement plans, keeping employees engaged in the direction of their retirement. Donaldson Capital Management advisors are fiduciaries, which means we are always required to act in your best interest.

This report was prepared by Donaldson Capital Management, LLC, (DCM), a federally registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill or training. © 2022 Morningstar. All Rights Reserved. The information contained herein: (1) is proprietary to Morningstar and/or its content providers; (2) may not be copied or distributed; and (3) is not warranted to be accurate, complete, or timely. Neither Morningstar nor its content providers are responsible for any damages or losses arising from any use of this information. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Donaldson Capital Management and Morningstar are not affiliated entities. The Morningstar Rating™ for separate accounts is a quantitative assessment of past performance—both return and risk—as measured from 1 to 5 stars. The Morningstar Rating, often referred to as the “star rating,” is a familiar tool that helps investors evaluate the risk-adjusted returns of separate account composites. It also helps identify management teams that are adding value over time, compared with others in their Morningstar Category. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Donaldson Capital Management recently announced the promotion of Ciavon Hartman, Chief Operations Officer (left) and Sarah Moore, President (right)

Insurance and Risk Management Solutions for Proactive

Workers’ Compensation Services include:

•Our team coordinates with your internal teams to help establish policies, protocol, and procedures related to key oversight of Workers’ Compensation administration

•We can assist in the formulation and full implementation of a Written & Documented “Return to Work Program”

•Our experts come alongside to those we serve in the building and promotion of an internal “Leadership Learning Team” that conducts the Safety Committee process and oversight of employee related injuries

•We enable you to build a full Accident Investigation process designed to identify and respond from a “root cause” analysis perspective

•We have dedicated real-time, online tools and resources dedicated to your operations for the sake of proactive safety measures and OSHA compliance

•Via departmental and job specific analysis, we can assist in the full development of a “Job Safety/Hazard” analysis program

•Critical evaluation of frequency and severity of loss will be managed and mitigated by our process in driving initiatives toward evaluating and improving the Safety Culture of your organization

5 Ways to Mitigate Risk & Reduce Workers’ Compensation Claim Factors

No matter how diligently employers and employees may attempt to avoid workplace injuries, they unfortunately still occur. Be it trips and falls, strains and sprains, or repetitive motion types, such injuries can periodically occur from a frequency or severity perspective. This information is intended to provide tips to help your company ideally manage, mitigate, and minimize the risk so employees can maintain focus and occupy a safe work environment.

INCREASE EMPLOYEE RETENTION: Stability with Tenure in Workforce Can Reduce the Risk of Injuries

Most companies intuitively understand that employee turnover increases the risk of Workers’ Compensation claims. Two elements drive cost: replacing employees, not only in training initiatives but also in the frequency of injury with early tenured employees. Retention strategies are important.

ANALYTICS OF CAUSAL FACTORS: Examination and Accident Investigation with Root Cause Analysis

What are the key “contributing factors” creating frequency and/or severity in your claims? What are the deeper dive elements and/or root cause elements with employee behaviors, onboarding and training procedures, and overall cultural initiatives within your organization?

SAFETY AWARENESS: Identifying and Correcting Common Safety Hazards

It is critical to have written safety programs, policies, and procedures that comply with OSHA regulations and also

convey a plan creating a keen awareness of the workplace environment and work areas with optics to consistently identify safety hazards that can lead to injury or illness.

TRAINING AND AWARENESS PROGRAMS: Creating a Strong Safety Culture

What are the values, norms, expectations, and behaviors of your organization? Understanding and implementing a defined culture with targeted training, awareness, and communications programs can help reduce accidents before they happen. Online video training modules, in-person learning, or traditional printed materials can enhance messaging to create greater likelihood of cultivating such culture within your organization.

RETURN TO WORK PROGRAM: Getting Injured Employees Back to Work Can Save Time and Money

It is vitally important to have a Written & Documented Return to Work Program in place such that there is a sustained expectation of the need to return to the workplace on a light duty, transitional basis. It is noted in research that employees who are “back at work” heal quicker and have a better sense of morale regarding their employer and expectations therein. This greatly reduces the long-term fiscal impact of Workers’ Compensation costs.

Our team at EPIC Insurance Midwest has a depth and breadth of industry expertise for risk management procedures that can drive a consistent and favorable Workers’ Compensation model in helping your company succeed!

Field & Main Bank

1020 N. Burkhardt Road | 812-402-7474 |

Solutions designed for your everyday needs, planning for the next chapters, & protecting what is important. Here, everything matters in the pursuit of the success you deserve, that’s Modern Craft Banking . Only at Field & Main Bank, Wealth Management, & Insurance.

Field & Main is bringing back long-forgotten values. Focusing on financial wellness as a whole, to build long-lasting relationships with clients and colleagues. To simplify the banking experience — and make it personal.

But simplicity isn’t easy. That’s why everyone desires it — because it’s a rare commodity these days. And so, Field & Main is getting back to the basics, with the support of cutting-edge tools that make for convenient, comfortable client experiences. Providing a personal touch that no other entity can offer, by creating the simplified experience customers crave. It all comes together in a little something called Modern Craft Banking .

Steeped in purpose, Field & Main is changing financial services.

Field & Main’s mission is to Build Community. We believe that by possessing the skills and knowledge on financial matters to confidently take effective action individuals, families, businesses, and communities can thrive. Having the extraordinary blend of banking, wealth, and insurance experts all on one team we consider how we might leave every customer, every community, a good deal better off for having trusted us.

Aligned by the core values of Community, Relationships, Actions, Finesse & Teamwork, Modern Craft Banking represents both a philosophy and ethics. Field & Main does more than churn out cookie-cutter products and services. By allowing the customer to talk and actively listening, we create a wellcrafted solution. So much more than a brand slogan, Modern Craft Banking is an ideal to build and maintain.

What is Modern Craft Banking?

The ampersand explains it.

It’s traditional trust-based relationships & modern technological financial tools.

It’s old-fashioned values & the ease of doing business.

It’s the thoughtful financial solutions & highly responsive bankers.

It’s the warm, inviting banking center & a knowledgeable, caring team to assist you.

It’s endless possibilities & realistic means to make your dreams happen.

It’s the agrarian roots of our heritage & the commercial centers of our communities.

It’s a holistic focus on financial wellness with Banking & Wealth Management & Insurance.

It’s Field & Main.

Luke Sailer | Morgan Hargis | Elliott Kavanaugh | Christy Walker | Matt Whetstone | Beth Clark | Kyle Anslinger | Chris Pfister

First Bank

Five ways to retain great employees

When you think of key assets, most people immediately think of warehouses, machinery, or vehicles. While those things allow you to operate, it’s your staff who can most influence your progress.

A rude or unhelpful receptionist, for example, can be detrimental to your reputation while their energetic, problem-solving colleagues are the ones personalizing service and thinking on their feet, so customers return.

Hiring great personnel is only half the solution. Once you hire them, you’ve got to retain them. Here are five sure-fire ways to do it:

Be consistent

Regardless of what an employee’s role or responsibilities are, they should know what’s going to happen if they achieve or fail. Provide each employee with a detailed job description outlining all their responsibilities, tasks, and targets so they know what a satisfactory performance level is.

Provide growth opportunities

One of the common characteristics of motivated employees is a focus on professional growth and building a career. This might mean researching a special topic, leading a small team, or reporting back from a conference. Assigning a special responsibility can be a simple way to show you care about their future.

Optimize incentives

Benefit packages are usually provided in a onesize-fits-all template, but there’s no reason why they can’t be tailored. What appeals to one staff member may not appeal to another. Survey your employees every couple of years to find out what they want and make sure you act quickly on your findings.

Be honest

Business owners often want to shield employees from reality if hard times are ahead, but that’s a very hard trick to pull off and it can often

“Over 47 million American workers voluntarily quit their jobs in 2021 costing employers over $700 billion. While tracking these rates is the first step, the real work begins when you assess them in relation to your industry and identify what needs to be done to improve your retention strategies.”

Nikki Roser, CPA, First Bank President & CEO

backfire. It can send the message that employees aren’t valued because they’re being kept in the dark. If there are challenges ahead, detail the hurdles and involve staff in how they and the company are going to attack them.

Offer rewards

Rewards don’t have to be hefty bonuses. The important thing is that the employee’s hard work is recognized. You can never assume an employee knows they are doing a good job, so let them know they’re doing well so they have a level of performance to maintain.

Learn more ways to keep great employees at MyFirst.Bank/Retain.

There you can also sign up for the First Bank Academy training series, Leadership to Retain & Attract an Invincible Team . These complimentary webinars are equipping business owners with the tools needed to enhance leadership skills and create strong workplace cultures that foster employee retention.

Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender

Liberty Wealth Services

4401 Theater Drive | 812-469-9909 | libertyfcu.org/wealthservices

Whether you’re just starting out or already counting down to retirement, Liberty Wealth Services can help you design a suitable plan for your financial future. Our dedicated team of thirteen is ready to support you when making life’s most impactful decisions. We can help you identify major financial objectives, recommend strategies to help you pursue financial independence, or simply provide a collaborative second opinion on your financial situation.

What sets Liberty Wealth Services apart from the status quo?

In a departure from industry norms, our leadership team at Liberty Wealth Services is comprised of two seasoned professionals under the age of 50: SVP of Wealth Services Nikki Moore and Program Manager Joe Kiefer II. By virtue of our comparative youth, we bring accordingly fresh perspectives to organizational culture as well as to our approach to advising. It has become common for firms to impose advising minimums that can exclude clients who haven’t entered peak earning years yet. Liberty Wealth Services believes in people helping people by building relationships. We have no established advising minimums; anyone can work with us. We understand the generational differences that exist in terms of financial goals and resource allocation. Paired with our rich industry experience, we are distinctly equipped to help clients work toward their respective goals.

Explain the Liberty Wealth Services motto, With you every step of the way.

Our slogan aligns closely with our mission statement. We are driven by a common purpose to treat our clients as family, not as portfolios. We are committed to creating a personalized experience and relationship founded upon mutual trust and care. At Liberty Wealth Services, our team of eight financial professionals have more than 125 years of combined experience in the financial services industry. While credentialed and competent, foremost, they are also responsive and collaborative every step of the way.

Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Liberty Federal Credit Union [Liberty FCU] and Liberty Wealth Services are not registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Liberty Wealth Services and may also be employees of Liberty FCU. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Liberty FCU or Liberty Wealth Services. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

Nikki Moore

Joe Kiefer II

Located at Liberty Federal Credit Union

with you for the journey.

Pettinga Financial Advisors

519 Main St., Ste. 100 | 812-436-4000 | pettinga.com

Since our founding in 1994, we have held trust, competency, integrity, and transparency as our core values. Our team has advanced degrees and deep expertise in the fields of law, business, finance, and accounting. We believe our broad expertise and collaborative thinking result in better investment decisions and more meaningful solutions to a wide range of our client’s needs.

Investment Management

Pettinga Financial professionals are focused on creating client-centered, personal investment portfolios that are as unique as the individuals we serve. Our experienced advisors know that successful investing is based on the science of capital markets and decades of research, not speculation, and recommend only investment risks worth taking.

We’ll evaluate your unique circumstances, objectives, risk tolerance, and future aspirations. Then, we’ll customize an investment plan that includes the elements needed to meet your long-term goals, with ongoing portfolio monitoring and re-balancing as the market or your situation changes.

Financial Planning

Financial planning is about more than assets, investments, and net worth.

It’s about what you want to do with your money and why. It’s about identifying your concerns, expectations, and goals - it’s about how you feel and what you want.

Many of life’s milestones - buying a home, starting a family, sending kids to college, and entering retirement - are rooted in financial planning. That is why we take a holistic approach when we help you plan and prepare for the future.

Retirement Plans

Whether you’re a small business or large institution, Pettinga manages your retirement plan with the same exceptional service we provide our individual clients. We know that just as every company is unique, so is every retirement plan.

Our knowledgeable advisers will work with you to design a plan with diversified investment strategies and broad flexibility that empowers your employees to fund their nest egg and manage financial decisions on their own terms.

How can we help you?

While our team of professionals comes from different backgrounds, they share a common dedication to serving you, helping you achieve your financial goals, and making the journey enjoyable and fulfilling. Access our expertise today by visiting pettinga.com

Our 6 Pillars of Successful Planning

• Business Advisory and Valuation

• Financing & Debt Elimination

• Advanced Tax Mitigation

• Legal and Charitable Planning

• Advanced Insurance Solutions

• Wealth Management

With more than 80 proactive specialists, S.W Virtual Office can tailor plans for individual and business needs with access to elite professionals who are experts in their field:

Our Virtual Family Office (VFO) brings together an elite group of specialists on an as-needed basis, who work collaboratively and are able to deliver a wide range of state-of-the-art expertise.

To learn more, contact Ryan Foncannon

S.W.A.N. Virtual Family Office (VFO)

123 N.W 4th St., Suite 14

Evansville, IN 47708

Email: Ryan@Swan-Consult.com

Office: 855-SWAN-VFO

SWANVFO.COM

S.W.A.N. Virtual Family Office

What is your value proposition?

We are advanced tax reduction strate gists. We help business owners, high-wage W-2 earners, real estate investors, day traders, and more eliminate as much of their federal taxes as possible. We have numerous high-impact tax strategies that can be used on a business, and we specialize in bringing those strategies to an individual’s personal or joint return (1040). We have access to strategies used on a national basis that others do not have.

Who is your ideal client?

We help high-wage W-2 earners making more than $450,000 or who owe more than $100,000 in federal taxes. We can do a lot of advanced tax reduction planning for these individuals who have often been ignored come tax time. We also help business owners who have more than $1.8 million in revenue and more than six figures in profit, and/or are paying more than six figures in taxes. We can also do advanced planning with people who have a net worth of more than $10 million and who don’t fit in one of the other categories.

Is there still time for advanced tax reduction planning for 2022? Yes, absolutely! Most strategies need to be in place before the end of the year, but they cannot be implemented in under a week. We do our due diligence to make sure clients qualify for certain strategies before any recommendations happen. Starting in January 2023, we will have a strategy for the 1040 that can back up to three years with a tax credit for individuals or families on the 1040.

Do you offer services for large liquidity events or high realized capital gains?

We absolutely do. There are more options if you get things in place before realizing the gain, but life happens. We often talk to people who have a huge, realized gain and do not know what to do. We still have a lot of strategies to do offsets to mitigate, and even eliminate, the capital gains.

Do you have charitable planning available?

Yes! There are so many options available we like to tailor it to the client we are working with. We see so many other advisers only using one strategy and not using the full charitable planning playbook.

Speaking of books, do you have a book?

We have an Advanced Tax Reduction Book coming out in November/December 2022 on Amazon. We are really excited about this. It will also have quite a bit of information in there about Advanced Planning Strategies that spans across our 6 Pillars of Advanced Planning.

Ryan Foncannon

Banterra Bank

Banterra’s steady growth is largely due to offering local-bank service with the products, technology, expertise, and lending capacity of a mega-bank. Banterra has locations in six states and continues to grow in the Evansville area, with four branches and the recent opening of a downtown commercial office located in the historic former City National Bank Building.

As you consider your financial planning, utilizing your bank can be a huge benefit to you.

In addition to offering traditional investment options, Banterra offers smart saving opportunities:

Certificate of Deposits (CDs) and Money Market Accounts

When rates go up, it can be a disadvantage to a consumer who needs a loan or has adjustable-rate lending in place.

However, it can be a benefit when it comes to interest-bearing savings products such as CDs. Banterra offers competitive rates for CDs, with various term options. Money Market accounts can offer higher earnings than traditional savings while also offering flexibility.

Retirement Planning

It is never too early to plan for your re tirement. One of the best options is an individual retirement account (IRA). Banterra offers three different IRA options, each having different benefits and impacts on your taxes. It is always best to consult with your tax advisor on the IRA that is best for you.

Go Solar

Solar panels can offer significant energy and cost savings, plus there are

incentive offerings, such as the Federal Investment Tax Credit. Banterra has a Solar Loan Program which requires no money down, competitive rates, and a fixed monthly payment.

These are just a few examples of how Banterra Bank can support your financial planning needs. To learn more, go to www.Banterra.bank or stop by a location near you.

Wayne J. Hentrup I, Retirement Planner and Wealth Manager

Wayne coordinates the financial planning process and helps identify your goals, recognizing some of those goals will change as your life unfolds and your needs evolve. His economics and previous business ownership background add a unique perspective as he develops comprehensive retirement plans for his clients all as a part of the proprietary process, The Fairway FORMula.

Matthew T. Effinger, Financial Advisor

Matthew assists clients as they plan for retirement with knowledgeable investment management advice and strategic insight on portfolios.

Our Process

We have developed and refined a proprietary process called The Fairway FORMula. This process integrates wealth management with risk and debt management, tax planning, and philanthropy. Our goal is to take all the pieces of your financial puzzle and put them in place. Each plan and puzzle is unique. Many of those pieces are not

relevant to you or your plan at this time, but as your life unfolds and your needs evolve,

Effinger and Wayne Hentrup

First Federal Savings Bank

It is imperative to create a budget when looking to purchase a new home or start a renovation project, but financial planning can be overwhelming. Kaleb Mason, a retail loan advisor at First Federal Savings Bank, recommends three essential steps to budget for success.

First, setting goals is essential when building a budget. Mason recommends analyzing current expenses and making a concerted effort to eliminate unnecessary spending.

“Start by cutting out certain spending habits or impulse buying,” he says. “Be conscious of what you’re purchasing and what you’d like to cut back on, such as subscriptions or things you don’t use that are pulled out of your account every month.”

Getting professional financial advice also can help future homeowners understand which type of loan is best for their project. There are many options for financing, and Mason says a loan officer can shed light on guidelines and possibilities.

Third, set up an automatic savings account. Every time you get paid, money is diverted into a separate account. Dedicating a fund to a specific home project helps you stay within a budget without using money for everyday expenses.

“Don’t go in blindly,” Mason says. “You want to be prepared.”

Jade Investments & Retirement Solutions

What is Jadespeed?

Jadespeed is a process that will first determine your speed with a few simple questions about how you feel about risks versus rewards. Once we know your speed, we are able to match a strategy that is designed to travel at the same pace.

Why choose Jade Retirement?

Our experienced professionals have been assembled to offer you the depth of resources, expertise, and commitment needed to actively manage and preserve your wealth. We take into account your comfort with risk as well as the values you live by, and we use those factors to guide the financial plans we implement. In our experience, the best way to develop a financial plan is by getting to know you, your lifestyle, your values, and

your goals, so that your financial plan is just that – uniquely yours.

We pay attention to the details and design financial plans tailored to each individual client.

Do I have options with Jade Retirement?

With so many different investment options available, a person could easily become overwhelmed trying to stay informed of financial and political events here in the U.S. and abroad. Our Jadespeed strategies are actively managed, meaning we spend countless hours staying up to date on current events as well as conducting extensive research on what we believe to be the best investments available to navigate our clients’ strategies. Jadespeed strategies are

needs

that may

Tim Phillips, Financial Advisor, RJFS

New Horizons Financial Consultants

Where to start with financial planning?

When it comes to achieving a goal, whether financially or otherwise, a solid first step is to work with a professional. But not just any professional; rather, one who has demonstrated experience and expertise in helping people just like you reach their goals. When choosing a financial advisor, it’s important to select one who not only has proven strategies and methods but also who is the right type of advisor for you.

At New Horizons Financial Consultants, we specialize in working with women. Why? Because women have historically been excluded from both financial independence and conversations around financial literacy. Therefore, we’re on a mission to empower women to feel comfortable discussing their financial goals without feeling self-conscious.

Why should I work with a professional?

It’s best to work with certified professionals who hold degrees and certifications in the finance industry. This demonstrates they are required to maintain high standards of ethics and education under the oversight of a governing body.

Amy J. Bouchie CFP®, CDFA®, CEO, Financial Advisor

Paulson Insurance

1137 W. Mill Road, Ste. 100 | 812-205-2500 | paulson-insurance.com

Paulson Insurance was founded in 2010 with the intent of serving our community through insurance. We are the only Ramsey Trusted Agency in our area and won the Reader’s Choice Award for 2021.

Why do prices and coverages vary by company?

There are between 300-700 factors that are considered for rates: credit, claims history, marital status, etc. Each company weighs the factors differently which can affect the price. Some companies offer a guaranteed replacement cost for homes, others will offer replacement cost or actual cash value up to a certain limit. These choices affect the rate but can also greatly affect you if you have a loss. Each company is different in what they offer and our job

as experts in our field is to help guide you to the best decision for you. With multiple companies in-house, we are a client-first agency.

Why use Paulson Insurance?

We represent some of the best companies in the industry. We take pride in reviewing your coverages with all of our companies to find the company that is the best fit for you. We understand price is important, but coverage matters. Our experienced agents will take the time to find out what’s important to you and will provide the proper coverage so in the

event of a loss you are taken care of. We offer in-person meetings or video proposals so you can see what we recommend at your convenience.

Josh Paulson

Smiley Face Insurance

4366 E. Birch Drive | 812-449-8840

It has been said that Medicare and retirement insurance is an everchanging maze to navigate. Inaccurate TV ads, nuisance phone calls, and an overflowing mailbox seem only to make an educated decision more difficult. The variety of types and coverage options are confusing enough. We wonder, what are Medicare A, B, C, D? What is a Supplement or an Advantage Plan, or a PPO and HMO? Which option is the best for me? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each part? When and how should I apply?

Helping Medicare-eligible consumers of all ages gather the necessary information to make informed decisions is my primary goal. This is why from October through December

I host 66 seminars at libraries and hotel conference rooms. For personal service we also meet in coffee shops and over kitchen tables. When we reach a solution I assist in-person or virtually in enrollment in the Medicare Plan(s) that best meet customers’ needs and then am available as their Advisor.

Life events like turning 65, drawing Social Security income, retiring or losing group insurance, and enrolling in Medicare require solution based decisions. My 9 years of professional service and being on Disability and Medicare since 2008 provide an insider’s perspective. In making a wise decision we can both enjoy peace of mind knowing we conquered the maze.

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Boom Squad, Inc. (BSI) is a year-round youth development organization in Evansville, Indiana, that has served many youth and families since we began in 2003.  BSI has benefited from the support of parents and community members who serve as leaders, mentors, and instructors for our programs.

20TH ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN

Look for our campaign starting in November on our Facebook page. We will post BSI 20 Days of Gratitude, showcasing our students, parents, volunteers and accomplishments from over the years. This will be an opportunity to support Boom Squad and most importantly our area youth.

You are welcome to join us in 2023!

Boom Squad at the 2021 Hadi Shrine Circus

Boom Squad, Inc.

How We Make An Impact

Our public face is a performing drum line. However, we are “more than a drum line” where we operate after school and through summer by focusing on six primary programs:

• Academic Time - In-person education/skill building Monday through Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. for students K-12

• Mentoring - Year-round for specific students

• Colle ge Access - Year-round contact with former students at colleges and universities

• Drum Line - Year-round for students K-12 Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

• Summer Programs - Summer Day Camp for K-12 students and week-long band camp

• Workforce Readiness/Entrepreneurship - In arenas and centers with online leadership training /support

Giving Opportunities

Can you hear the drum roll for how much your donation helps?

• $20 = BSI 20th Year Celebration Campaign ($1 per service year)

• $50 = One Student to attend the 2023 Summer Band Camp

• $100 = One Student’s Annual Uniform Usage Fee

• $500 = Twelve weeks of healthy snacks

• 1 hour of your time volunteering = priceless (call or text 812-760-6174)

Volunteer Opportunities

How you can volunteer with students K-12?

• Academic Time - Assist with homework or skill-building activities

• Mentoring - Weekly check (virtual or in-person) as your schedule permits

• Drum Line - Support staff with monitoring site during practices

• Summer Programs - Help serve lunch and snacks

• Workforce Readiness/Entrepreneurship - Work concessions at Ford Center or O ld National Events Plaza

Our Mission

To provide youth, ages 4 - 17 the necessary skills to make well-informed choices that lead to a healthy lifestyle and successful future.

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• November 2022 - January 2023: Anniversar y Campaign

• January - May 2023: Concessions at the Ford Center

• May - June 2023: BoomFest Carnival

• August - December 2023: Concessions at the Ford Center

@boomsquadinc

@boomsquadevv

@boomsquadinc

GREAT FUTURES START HERE.

As “The Positive Place Fo r Kids” we provide guidance-oriented character development programs for children 5 to 17 years old conducted by full-time professional staff members. The Boys & Girls Club of Evansville nurtures young people’s self-esteem by instilling in them a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence, and competence.

OUR PROGRAMS FOCUS ON:

• Academic Success

• Healthy Lifestyle

• Good Character & Citizenship

Boys & Girls Club of Evansville

700 Bellemeade Ave. • 812-425-2311

• bgclubevv.org

How We Make An Impact

Boys & Girls Club of Evansville is a year-round youth-serving organization, currently celebrating 65 years! During after-school hours and summer months, the Club provides programming centered on three focus areas: academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship to children

When youth participate in Club programs they are supported by trained, professional staff who provide the necessary tools to reach personal success. Through our programs, young people often have the opportunity to connect with various leading corporations in our community and develop mental, social, and behavioral skills which help lay a foundation for growth and success.

Supporting our events and programs enables us to provide healthy meals, workforce development, community engagement, financial literacy, math and reading support, mentoring, and so much more!

Our Mission

To enable all young people, especially those who need us the most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• Nov. 10, 2022: Trip of a Lifetime Raffle

• Feb. 20, 2023: Youth of the Year Luncheon

• Aug. 12, 2023: Stock the Pantry Cornhole Tournament

• Sept. 14, 2023: Fall Classic Golf Outing

When you give you help us empower young people most in need! Make a gift today by visiting our website at www.bgclubevv.org, calling Shanna Groeninger at 812-425-2311, mailing a check, or calling to arrange a tour.

Boys & Girls Club of Evansville also has special event and program sponsorship opportunities available year-round. Join in the fun of any of our annual events or support a Club program, call Shanna Groeninger at 812-425-2311.

Volunteer Opportunities

We seek volunteers to assist in all Club programs, special events, and seasonal activities. We invite you to share what you’re passionate about and we will find the best fit among our programs. Volunteer opportunities are available year-round.

You can also fulfill company volunteer hours by arranging a day for you and/ or your team to volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club.

School Year Hours: Monday - Friday, 2:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Summer Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• November 2023: 66th Anniversar y Auction & Dinner

Catholic Charities advocates for and empowers the human dignity of others through outpatient mental health counseling, emergency financial assistance, job and life skills development, and immigration legal services.

Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville 2111 Stringtown Road, Evansville, IN 47711 | 812-423-5456

www.ccevansville.org

Photo by Matt Potter

Catholic Charities of Evansville

2111 Stringtown Road • 812-423-5456 • ccevansville.org

How We Make An Impact

We envision a community in which all residents are living lives that work. Residents who possess the spiritual, physical, mental, and economic health to enjoy the human dignity of being self-sufficient and are living lives that work.

Catholic Charities develops and delivers compassionate, professional, and forward-thinking research-based programs and services that enhance the mental health, family life, and work skills of clients such that they can participate fully in family and community life and marketplace work. Our programs and services are designed to accompany our clients on their journey by giving them the tools they need to thrive, supporting them through the challenges they face and instilling hope and confidence. We accompany those served on the journey to creating lives that work.

Giving Opportunities

Your generosity plays an important role in the work we do. Your gift will be used to enhance the quality of someone’s life in your community and ensure they receive the help and skills needed to create a life that works.

You can contribute to the organization by mailing a donation to 2111 Stringtown Road; Evansville, IN 47711. Donors may call 812-423-5456 or donate online by visiting our website at www.ccevansville.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are vital to helping Catholic Charities meet the needs of our community. Volunteer opportunities include:

• Neighbor to Neighbor facilitator - Neighbor to Neighbor is a faith-based, life-skills-education program that helps families move away from financial dependence on social ser vice agencies and move towards self-sufficiency. Participants focus on goal-setting in the areas of finance, faith, health, and community. Facilitators guide participants as they set goals to move forward and make positive, healthy, and financially wise choices.

• Mentor - Mentors provide guidance, motivation, emotional support, and role modeling to at-risk individuals par ticipating in our programs. Mentors are trained to help par ticipants explore careers, set goals, develop contacts, and identif y resources.

• Committee Member - Committee members engage with other volunteers to provide guidance and insight to help Catholic Charities enhance ser vices, operations, and awareness. Committees assist with program development, as well as awareness and fundraising projects, and multiple other activities.

Our Mission

•

•

•

•

As servants of Christ, Catholic Charities advocates for and empowers the human dignity of others through

health

financial assistance, job and life skills development, and immigration legal services.

Children’s Museum of Evansville

22 S.E. Fifth St. • 812-643-2663 • cmoekids.org

How We Make An Impact

The Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe) is a place where families and caregivers with young children are encouraged to create, explore, and discover together through play. The museum features three vibrant floors of exhibits and activities that provide sensory experiences and engaging educational content focusing on literacy, science, math, visual and performing arts, culture and health.

cMoe is a member of the Association of Children’s Museums, a trade organization made up of more than 500 members. Children’s museums are one of the fastest-growing segments in American educational/cultural institutions. Over the last decade, the number of children’s museums has grown by 100 percent annually, reaching 30 million children and their families. Children’s museums rank only second to zoos among museum-related attractions in their ability to attract ethnically and culturally diverse audiences, and address the developmental needs of young children.

Giving Opportunities

cMoe relies on generous funding partners and community volunteers to deliver unique and educational programming, reach audiences in target communities and support our vision and growth. Donors can make an online gift, attend a fundraising event, sponsor an exhibit or program, or volunteer their time and talent. In each and every way, our donors contribute to the success of the museum.

Volunteer Opportunities

cMoe offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities: preparing educational activities, event planning, facility cleaning, repairing exhibits, greeting visitors, and engaging kids in playtime. cMoe volunteers have a blast and help us meet our mission!

Our Mission

Our mission is

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• December 2022: Elf Academy

• March 2023: IgniteIt! Creativity Forum

@cmoekids

@cmoekids

Children’s Museum of Evansville

to create extraordinary experiences that ignite the imaginations of children and families through the power of play.

Charlie Joyner’s joyful outlook is contagious. “He never has a bad day,” said his mom Libby. That positive attitude is one reason cerebral palsy can’t stop this 8-year-old from reaching his goals. Another reason is Easterseals.

When the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center entered Charlie’s life at age 3, he needed special equipment just to stand upright. Now Charlie walks—and even runs!—using a walker. That means he can do what he loves, which is playing with his brother, his cousins, and his friends.

Now Charlie is learning to use crutches, his next step toward walking with no assistance. He’s also building other important skills he’ll use every day, like writing his name, buttoning his shirt, tying his shoes, and much more.

As Charlie grows, he’ll focus on new goals for greater independence. Thanks to generous community support, Easterseals will be here for Charlie—and thousands of other Tri-State children and adults—every step of the way!

ALL ABILITIES. LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES.

eastersealsrehabcenter.com

Easterseals Rehabilitation Center

3701 Bellemeade Ave. • 812-479-1411 • eastersealsrehabcenter.com

How We Make An Impact

The Easterseals Rehabilitation Center and its many programs empower more than 5,200 individuals from 30 area counties to pursue their own goals for greater independence and well-being. We envision a community in which all individuals and families are accepted, valued, and included, and have equal opportunities to achieve their goals, dreams, and aspirations. With that vision in mind, Easterseals offers a full range of life-changing services for all ages, newborns through seniors, with all types of disabilities and disabling conditions. Core services include medical rehabilitation therapies (physical, occupational, and speech/language), audiology testing, psychology assessments, and counseling, all of which are provided on a sliding fee scale, regardless of clients’ ability to pay. Other programs include wheelchair seating and mobility, high-tech driver’s rehabilitation and training, group home services, inclusive early care and education for children of differing abilities, mental health community outreach, augmentative and alternative communication, warm water therapy, and more.

Giving Opportunities

Community support is vital for Easterseals to provide its core services regardless of clients’ ability to pay. Many Tri-State families need financial assistance to receive these life-changing services, which include physical, occupational, and speech therapy; audiology; psychology services; and inclusive early education. Your support empowers local children and adults to pursue their goals and achieve their dreams. You may give securely online at eastersealsrehabcenter.com; stop by or mail your donation to Easterseals, 3701 Bellemeade Ave., Evansville, IN, 47714; or call 812-479-1411. You can also help us provide those essential services by participating in Easterseals fundraising events!

Volunteer Opportunities

We truly appreciate people who are willing to give their time and talent to help Easterseals. Opportunities include outdoor chores like washing vans and buses or doing seasonal clean-up and landscaping at group homes. Prefer office work?

Our development department needs help preparing mailings several times each year. There are also volunteer positions at many of our fundraising events. These are just a few of the possibilities! If you’re interested in volunteering individually or with a group, please contact us at info@evansvillerehab.com or 812-437-2609.

Our Mission

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• Nov. 3, 2022: Passion for Fashion Style Show

• Thanksgiving 2022-New Year’s Day 2023: Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights

• Dec. 7, 2022: Bright Lights 5K Run/1 Mile Walk

• April 2023 (date TBD): Easterseals Telethon on ABC25/CW7

• Aug. 31, 2023: Golfing Fore Kids

• January-March, 2023: All Cash Raffle

Our mission is to make profound, positive differences in the lives of local people with disabilities every day, and to change the way our community defines and views disability.

ECHO Community Healthcare

315 Mulberry St. • 812-492-8310 • echochc.org

How We Make An Impact

ECHO Community Healthcare is a health center that works to ensure everyone in the Tri-State has affordable, accessible, and appropriate care. Empathy, compassion, and inclusivity are at the heart of what we do, and we work with patients from all walks of life, regardless of insurance status. In fact, most of our patients are underinsured or uninsured, and our homeless outreach team brings some of the most vulnerable in our community the care they deserve.

We offer a range of services for all ages, with experienced providers offering prenatal, pediatric, and adult health care. We also offer services for behavioral health, addiction recovery, dental care, and more. We can even help with transportation for ECHO appointments!

We have been privileged to provide care for our community for over 30 years and are currently accepting new patients. Call us today to learn how we can best serve you!

Giving Opportunities

ECHO operates as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. This means your generous gift helps us keep our doors open and continue serving our community. Your donation to accessible, affordable, appropriate care for all can be made on our website at echohc.org/donations.

Volunteer Opportunities

ECHO offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for community members and even students. Those interested in volunteering with us should contact us at (812) 602-2154 or fill out our volunteer application at echochc.org/volunteer.

@echocommunityhealthcare @echocommunityhealthcare

Our Mission

We provide quality healthcare to all members of our community, including the uninsured, underinsured, and homeless. Our comprehensive services are Affordable, Accessible, and Appropriate. Our team of professionals is here to care for you and to advocate on your behalf.

Demographic Data

52,114 Total Encounters

33,227 Total Medical Encounters

13,528 Total Patients

9,267 Adult Patients

4,261 Pediatric Patients

7,391 Female Patients

6,131 Male Patients

Data from 2021 Annual Report

Scan the QR code to donate today!

Vanderburgh Humane Society

400 Millner Industrial Drive • 812-426-2563 •

How We Make An Impact

The VHS takes in and finds placement for about 4,000 homeless animals every year, just like you might imagine an animal shelter doing. But we also operate many other programs that improve quality of life for both pets AND people in our community. The Davidson Rausch Low-Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic provides affordable spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and other wellness services for more than 7,000 pets every year regardless of income or residency. The clinic will perform its 100,000th surgery later this year. Cardio for Canines is a free dog-walking program where the public can take shelter dogs to the park. (Follow @cardioforcanines on social media.) Our Humane Education Department provides programs to 3,000 kids annually on topics like dog bite prevention. The VHS also operates a pet food bank for families in need, petassisted therapy at local nursing homes, and a Safe Pets program reuniting domestic violence victims with their pets after they flee abuse.

Giving Opportunities

Here are three great ways you can help local animals.

1. Shop at Happy Tails Resale Shop, located at the VHS, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (Follow @happytailsresaleshop)

2. Grab a treat, visit the cats, or pick up some fun merchandise at River Kitty Cat Café in Downtown Evansville, owned & operated by VHS. (Follow @riverkittycatcafe)

3. Donate! The VHS receives no funding from the city/county and is not a “chapter” of a larger organization like Humane Society of the United S tates. We are an independent nonprofit, funded solely by donations from people like YOU! Give today at www.give.vhslifesaver.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

The VHS is always in need of volunteers. There are a variety of ways to get involved, including animal cleaning and care; sorting and pricing items in the thrift store; laundry; working special events such as the Fall Festival; and so much more. We have volunteers onsite 365 days a year (including Christmas morning) with many different shifts available. Or you can foster a needy pet from the comfort of your home! Volunteers working in the shelter must be age 16 or older. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Mackenzee McKittrick at m.mckittrick@ vhslifesaver.org for details on any of these opportunities!

Our Mission

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• First full week of October 2022: Fall Festival Booth #75

• First weekend of November 2022: Pet Pictures with Santa

• Feb. 14, 2023: Cuddlegrams

• May 20, 2023: Going, Going, Gone to the Dogs Benefit Dinner & Auction

• July 29, 2023: Hairy Pawter & the Magical Creatures

Leading our community to eliminate pet overpopulation through spay/neuter, adoption, and humane education since 1957.

Evansville Christian Life Center

509 S Kentucky Ave. • 812-423-9222 • restoringpeople.com

How We Make An Impact

The Evansville Christian Life Center allows those facing financial, educational, relational, emotional, and spiritual barriers the opportunity to reach for their full potential and tear down their limitations. We do this by providing a circle of services that include our GAIN Anti-Poverty Initiative, which brings together participants and community partners who work together to overcome poverty both individually and on a community level; Accent on Christ 12-Step Addiction Recovery Program; Clothing Resource Department; Food Co-op; Family Care Services, where we offer individuals and families free resources like access to more than 400 virtual courses, in-person Life Skills Classes, and coaching to strengthen their families; Truth Talk, our in-school healthy relationships program; and a Health Clinic that provides Medical, Dental and Pregnancy Services. Together, we are transforming lives through extensive and individualized work with our neighbors.

Giving Opportunities

For just $230, an entire family in our community will have access to our GAIN Initiative Program, where they will be connected to individuals and resources that will be critical on their journey toward stability. Are you interested in giving a physical donation? We accept new or gently used clothes for our Clothing Resource Department or items for our Food Co-op, including toiletries, cleaning supplies, produce, and more. We also invite you to donate and support any of our services by giving a general donation through our website: restoringpeople.com/donate.

Volunteer Opportunities

We aim to develop a long-term relationship with you and your family and help connect you to work that enables you to feel a part of big community change. There are volunteer opportunities in our Family Care Services, GAIN, Health Clinic, Truth Talk, Clothing Resource Department and more! We invite you to explore and experiment to find a good match for your passions and schedule.

Our Mission

Since 1986, the Evansville Christian Life Center has stood by our neighbors and restored them from their needs to their potential. We are strengthening families with a stronger foundation.

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• Play with us at our annual Golf Scramble

When: Monday, July 10, 2023

Where: Rolling Hills Country Club

More info: restoringpeople.com/golf-scramble/

• Take A Tour!

When: Whenever is convenient for you! We only need 45 minutes of your time.

Where: At the Evansville Christian Life Center, or online through our virtual tour: vimeo.com/646538411

Contact us: restoringpeople.com/tour-2/

Scan the QR code to donate today! @EvansvilleChristianLifeCenter

UPGRADE BIKE SHARE

• Experience Evansville’s trails on a bike!

• Convenient bike stations

• Ride for recreation, exercise, or transportation

We connect people and places, promote active lifestyles, and advocate for the development of multi-use trails.

Our Vision: To see a more vibrant and active Evansville, in which multiuse trails are integrated into daily living.

TRAILBLAZER

• Active people of all ages

• Advocating for safe, connected pathways throughout the region

• Supporting active living in Evansville

Visit walkbikeevv.org for maps and special incentives for riding your bike!

Evansville Trails Coalition

100 E. Walnut St. • walkbikeevv.org

How We Make An Impact

ETC’s vision is to see a more vibrant and active Evansville, in which multi-use trails are integrated into daily living. We accomplish this through practical, experiential programs such as Upgrade Bike Share, group bicycle rides, urban hikes, and walking events. Initiatives that offer trail experiences are just as important as building trails … we must utilize our trails and connections while we plan to meet the recreation and active transportation needs of our community. We confront challenging quality-of-place issues with strategies that cultivate lasting impact, resulting in realistic outcomes. An example of this is ETC’s successful two-year Complete Streets Ordinance Initiative resulting in the unanimously passed, Complete Streets Ordinance G-2021-17 in October 2021. Although ETC initiated the effort, it was not accomplished alone, demonstrating the importance of our Trailblazer community partnerships, which are vital in achieving positive, lasting community change. Improvement advocacy such as Greenway trail building and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure connections facilitates a safe bicycle, walk-friendly, and accessible community for everyone.

Giving Opportunities

There are many extraordinary opportunities to create and connect trails in Southwestern Indiana. Through membership, Trailblazers help to increase our community opportunities to advocate for new trails, walking, biking and accessibility infrastructure, but participation is key. Join other trail advocates, as well as local trail enthusiasts that use our Greenway on a daily basis — walking, running, cycling, and wheeling. There are many miles of trail corridors within Evansville that still need to connect, miles and miles of gaps still need to be filled in our trails system network. You can make an impact today by donating at www.walkbikeevv.org/donate!

Volunteer Opportunities

We have many volunteer and participation opportunities for community members. You may give your time, talent, and/or professional skill to assist in accomplishing our mission, facilitating the development of new trails, and rehabilitating old ones, so trails remain accessible for all users. Join us to protect our trails and support active spaces through advocacy work, conservation, and stewardship efforts on a trail close to home or school, along the Greenway. Tell us how you want to be involved and help out, we’ll create opportunities for you to connect with a volunteer opportunity that is right for you!

Our Mission

We connect people and places, promote active living, and advocate for the development of multiuse trails.

Funding Opportunities

ETC works to fund programs through individual gifts, corporate sponsorships, and grants.

• Mail in your donation to P.O. Box 932, Evansville, IN 47706, or give online at walkbikeevv.org/donate.

• Become a par t of a community of donors who give monthly to create more impact through their generous giving

• Give an in-kind, or noncash gif t (like stock)

• Consider a planned or legacy gif t to achieve your life goals of generosity and caring for your community

• Celebrate a friend or a family member with a gif t made in their honor this holiday season. What a special gift you can give!

Scan

@evansvilleareatrails

@evansvilletrailscoalition

@evansvilletrail

Habitat for Humanity of Evansville

560 E. Diamond Ave. • 812-423-5623 • evansvillehabitat.org

How We Make An Impact

Habitat for Humanity of Evansville is a part of a global, nonprofit housing ministry operated on Christian principles and welcoming to all. We envision a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Because we know affordable homeownership is foundational to breaking the cycle of poverty, we provide a hand-up to lowincome families who need a safe, decent and affordable place to call home.

Habitat homeowners help to build the home they buy through a no-interest loan. The homeowner invests 300 hours of sweat equity, first helping other Habitat families build their homes and then working to build their own home. Homeowners also take classes to prepare for homeownership.

Once in their Habitat homes, studies have shown that homeowners and their children get better jobs, do better in school, have better financial habits, and are more optimistic about the future. Habitat homeowners are given a hand-up, not a hand-out, to a brighter future! An additional benefit is the impact on the community – Habitat homeowners have paid over $1.5 million in property taxes. The investment in new homes and homeowners lifts distressed neighborhoods. Vacant and dilapidated structures are replaced with well-built, energy efficient homes which adds to the beautification of neighborhoods.

Over 570 families in Vanderburgh and Posey Counties have a place to call home and a better life because of kind and generous Habitat supporters and volunteers.

Giving Opportunities

Every gift to Habitat goes to building homes for low-income individuals and families. Because overhead and supporting service expenses are covered by our families’ mortgage payments, 100% of your contribution goes toward building homes. Donations can be made online at evansvillehabitat.org or mailed to Habitat for Humanity of Evansville. Help Habitat families build strength, stability and independence with your donation today!

Volunteer Opportunities

At Habitat for Humanity of Evansville, we depend on volunteers to help keep our program strong! Volunteers are the lifeblood of Habitat! In fact, they save us about $18,000 per house in volunteer labor.

It takes all kinds of volunteers to make Habitat work. While many volunteers love to build homes on the construction site, others prefer “no-hammer” volunteer opportunities like helping with mailings, baking cookies for home dedications, volunteering in the office or serving on committees.

To get involved, visit evansvillehabitat.org or contact Habitat’s Volunteer Manager Brock Stone at (812) 423-5623 or bstone@evansvillehabitat.org.

Our Mission

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• Nov. 9, 2022: Hard Hats and High Heels

@HabitatEVV

Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

Our small business is a team of real estate professionals that is dedicated to the unique details of each and every transaction. Whether you are a seller or a buyer, Team McClintock has a wide range of people and skills to get you to closing, no matter what the circumstances.

KELSEY SIMMONS

JD OPEL ELLEN TOPPER MINDY WORD

JODI METZGERFEHRENBACHER

CAROL McCLINTOCK

CHERONA HAJEWSKI CINDY HOWARD ANDROS L’GRAND

Team McClintock

130 Main St. • 812-777-5220 • teammcclintock.com

What is the most significant highlight this year?

In July, the team CEO Carol McClintock and her husband, Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, were awarded the Rotary Club of Evansville’s highest honor, being named the Civic Award Winners for 2022. This award annually recognizes local leaders for a lifetime of excellence in service to others. The Rotary motto, “Service Above Self” is practiced every day by these two individuals. McClintock currently serves on the Golf Gives Back Board of Directors, the Deaconess Foundation Board of Directors, BRIDGE (Building Respect and Integrity in a Diverse Greater Evansville) Education Committee, and the First Federal Savings Bank Board of Directors. She still has time to serve her many clients as Winnecke is very busy with his job running a city with 1,200 employees and a $460 million budget.

How are other team members involved in the community?

Team McClintock REALTORS® are involved in a variety of community organizations. Ellen Topper serves as Co-President of Wesselman Woods. She has been instrumental in working with Zach Garcia, the Nature Preserve’s Executive Director, in bringing more new programs and improvements to the 200-acre park. JD Opel is active in River City Pride raising funds for the June Pride activities including the parade and in the Greater Evansville Youth. Cindy Howard and her husband Andy are very active at St. Benedict’s Cathedral and give to the Evansville Food Bank and Museum. Jodi Metzger Fehrenbacher and her family hit it out of the ballpark with their response to the tornadoes in Kentucky in December 2021. They spent two days gathering supplies for the victims and then delivered those supplies to the affected area. They spent the next day sifting through the rubble of a small woodworking shop in Eddyville, Kentucky. Mindy Word is the President of the Reitz Home and Secretary of the Old Evansville Historic Association.

What was the team response to the war in Ukraine?

Like most Americans, our hearts were moved by the stories and pictures coming out of Ukraine in February 2022. As a board member of First Federal Savings Bank, Carol worked with President Mike Head and Courtney Schmitt to start a fund for the International Red Cross for relief for Ukrainian refugees. Viktor Veronin, Pastor of the Grace Church of Christ, the local Ukrainian church became involved as well. WFIE Channel 14 and WIKY joined forces to do a telethon and public service announcements for the relief fund. Special telethon guests included Dr. Daria Sevastianova and Lucy Himstedt. In total, over $40,000 was raised and donated to the American Red Cross with additional funding going directly to the church. Rotary hosted a panel to present information on the situation in Ukraine.

Our Mission

Team McClintock gives back through our clientdriven giving program. At closing, clients are asked to nominate their favorite 501 C3 charity for a $1,000 donation. Each month, our team draws one organization to receive $1,000.

Ellen Topper speaking at Wesselman Woods

Members of Team McClintock presenting a check to Habitat for Humanity Evansville

Carol McClintock at the Ukraine Telethon

United Methodist Youth Home, Inc.

How We Make An Impact

With tailored treatment programs and caring staff, we help young people find pathways to success, independence, and productivity. Our three core programs include: Residential, where young people live in safe, secure homes on our campus; Day Education , where young people complete coursework and study Monday through Friday to obtain their high school equivalency; and Truancy Intervention , where our officers work with young people, families, and school partners to identify the root causes of truancy and create a corrective treatment plan.

We work to meet the unique social, physical, and emotional needs of each young person who walks through our doors — and not just short term. That’s why we offer young people mentorship and resources beyond their enrollment in our programs. We love celebrating their successes and achievements and sharing those good news stories with our community.

Giving Opportunities

We gladly accept gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Whether you give financially to one of our core programs, donate gently used clothing and hygiene items for our residents, or help us with some light landscaping work on campus, your support is integral to the continuation of our mission. We are grateful for any contribution and the life-changing difference that it makes for our young people. They benefit not only through an enhanced quality of life, but also by knowing that their community recognizes their struggle and cares about them.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers play a vital role in helping us continue to provide a suita ble environment for the young people we serve. With no janitorial or maintenance staff, we rely heavily on community service to keep our campus beautiful and safe. We also love when volunteers share experiences with our youth. Projects range anywhere from assisting our administrative staff, to hosting a “how-to” workshop for residents, to landscaping or building repair. Visit our website or email Shelby Powell at spowell@umyh.com to learn more about the opportunities we offer and how you can make a difference.

Our Mission

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• 2023: Walking for Dreams - 5K Run/Walk

• Cash for Class - Funding for Education Initiatives

• AFD - Greatest Needs Funding

@umyhevv @umyhevv

Helping at-risk youth become responsible and productive members of the community.

United Way of Southwestern Indiana

318 Main St., Ste. 504 • 812-422-4100

• unitedwayswi.org

Our Mission

Unite resources to understand and address priority community issues.

How We Make An Impact

United Way of Southwestern Indiana envisions communities where everyone can reach their full potential. We focus on empowering lowincome individuals and families with resources to support upward mobility through our four Pathways to Potential. We help people get and maintain living-wage jobs, improve access to mental health care services, equip children and youth with the skills needed to thrive, and strengthen relationships that provide stability and growth opportunities. United Way rallies donors around a priority issue – helping individuals and families not just survive but thrive. This united effort allows us to create lasting change for years to come.

Giving Opportunities

We make it convenient to help! Donate via credit card, Apple Pay, or PayPal on our website at unitedwayswi.org/give or by texting the phrase BETHE1 to 91-999. If your employer runs a United Way campaign, convenient payroll deduction is an option, or you can mail a check. For planned giving, call 812-421-7476.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are crucial to our nonprofits. United Way’s Get Connected website connects prospective volunteers to local nonprofits who need them. Our annual Day of Caring in the fall is another great way to get involved and is the largest single-day volunteer event in the region. Get started at unitedwayswi.org/volunteer.

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• July 2023: Golf for Good Outing

• September 2023: Annual Day of Caring

United Way of Southwestern Indiana

Evansville Rescue Mission

How We Make An Impact

Since 1917, we’ve helped our hurting and less fortunate neighbors experience the healing power of God’s love. Your Evansville Rescue Mission has diligently followed the vision of our co-founders, Dr. Ernest “Pappy” Reveal and his wife, Edna, to reach out to our Tri-State’s hurting, forgotten, and impoverished. As our community’s oldest and largest ministry of its kind, your ERM seeks to restore dignity, health, and hope through sharing the love of Jesus Christ with those in need. Our vision is to see every man, woman and child we serve equipped to be productive citizens who enjoy lasting success in Christ.

Through personalized care that restores bodies, minds, and souls, we strive to be the Lord’s hands and feet to people struggling with homelessness and other challenges here in our Tri-State area! Your ERM serves our community through a variety of different ministries: The Men’s Residence Center, ERM’s Meal Program, Day Shelter and Transitional Housing at the Centennial Center, The Youth Care Center, Camp Reveal, The Thrift Store, and Mission Grounds.

Giving Opportunities

Share your time, talents, treasure, and prayers! Since the beginning of your Evansville Rescue Mission, we have relied on the generosity of faithful friends and community partners to keep our ministry running. Every gift, no matter how big or small, makes a tremendous impact on the lives of the people we serve. Just $2.93 provides a meal for someone in need! Visit our website or contact Victoria Flaherty, victoria.flaherty@ermstaff.org to learn more about how you can give monetarily, prayerfully, or materially.

Volunteer Opportunities

Their selfless dedication of volunteers make it possible to achieve our ministry goal of helping every man, woman, and child we serve become equipped to be productive citizens who enjoy lasting success in Christ. Donating your time to ERM as a volunteer demonstrates the unconditional love and acceptance of Jesus to our residents…and it’s sure to bless your heart too! Visit our website or contact Taylor Humphrey, taylor.humphrey@ermstaff.org, for more information on serving.

Our Mission

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• Oct. 3-8, 2022: Stop by booth #136 at the West Side Nut Club’s Annual Fall Festival for our delicious, gourmet Mac and Cheese!

• Nov. 12, 2022: Move your feet so others can eat! Participate in your ERM’s 11th Annual Drumstick Dash. The 5k run/walk will start and end at the historic Washington Square Mall.

• Nov. 22, 2022: 101st Annual Gobbler Gathering

We exist to glorify God by meeting the basic needs of those we serve and by sharing with them the lifechanging message that “Jesus Saves”.

Wesselman Woods

551 N. Boeke Road • 812-479-0771 • wesselmanwoods.org

How We Make An Impact

This plot of land is the largest tract of virgin, old-growth forest within any city limits in the United States. As an Indiana Nature Preserve and National Natural Landmark, Wesselman Woods is a surviving remnant of Southern Indiana’s original forests.

Our vision at Wesselman Woods is to connect people and nature. Throughout the year, we provide environmental education to children and adults. We also host many outdoor events and experiences designed to awaken the senses and enrich the lives of area residents and visitors.

Guests can walk more than four miles of trails throughout the Preserve and enjoy a play date off the trails at the Welborn Baptist Foundation Nature Playscape. The five-acre Nature Playscape is also home to our newest addition: the Bernhardt Family Bird Sanctuary, an area that further promotes harmony with our human guests and local wildlife.

Giving Opportunities

We have many opportunities for you to give. You can become a member, sponsor one of our annual events, volunteer your time, or donate. More than 80 percent of our funding comes from admission fees, memberships, donations, and grants. So, without support from people like you, Wesselman Woods would not exist!

If you are interested in helping us make this forest even more accessible to the community, you can become a sponsor of our “Eco-Access Initiative.” This program allows donors to sponsor a child to go to summer camp, sponsor a family membership, or sponsor a free admission day at Wesselman Woods.

Volunteer Opportunities

Wesselman Woods is what it is today because of our strong volunteer community. For decades, volunteers have aided our small nonprofit and helped us protect this unique property. Volunteers help us with trail maintenance and invasive plant removal, assisting in our education programs and events, and providing animal care.

Internships are also a big part of our volunteer program. Our interns’ talent and dedication have produced incredible results. From building databases of tree types and wildflowers to crafting the outline and materials for a nature-themed art show, interns at Wesselman Woods have produced truly impactful work. High school and college students can contact us about internship openings throughout the year.

Our Mission

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• February-August 2023: Sips at Sunset

• March 4-5, 2023: Maple Sugarbush Festival

• Beginning March 6, 2023: Indiana Master Naturalist Courses

• April 21-22, 2023: Ear th Day

• Early June 2023: Summer Camps

• October 14, 2023: Wandering Owl

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@wesselmanwoods

@wesselmanwoods

@wesselmanwoods

Since 1972, it has been our mission to preserve and protect Wesselman Woods and Howell Wetlands for future generations through conservation, education, and research, and to provide equal access to nature.

OUR STORY: YIN YANG YOGA FOR YOU

Yin Yang Yoga for You has been a vision that Bob and Tamara Tenbarge have shared for a long time.

If you asked Bob in 2008 if he would ever be leading Yoga and Meditation classes, he would have thought you were joking. That year (2008) Bob suffered a back injury that led to back surgery and was even prescribed opioid pain management.

Post-surgery rehabilitation included physical therapy and more opioid pain management. Physical therapy focused solely on the part of the body the damaged nerves affected. Pain management prescription opioids reached 180 tablets a month. We had trust in our doctors and followed what they told us was the best treatment plan, but things never got any better.

While on opioids Bob’s family and friends never knew what to expect. Mood swings, angry outbursts, or silence, they never knew how he felt. Motivation and personal income both dropped to new lows. Addiction and the opioid side effect had taken root.

Fortunately, he had family and friends who still cared for him. Bob’s dad and other friends kept telling him to try yoga for his back and shoulder pain. Tired of continuously taking opioids for almost a year with no results, he researched local yoga studios and showed up for his first class. The first class was like taking a foreign language, Bob said; it was hard to keep up with the rest of the class. But even though it was his first class, and nothing was done close to correct form, his back felt more pain relief than with any pain medication.

Imagine the feeling of a knife in your back and after one hour of yoga the pain was less intense, and you felt happier than when you walked in.

That’s what happened to Bob. Because of this, he became addicted to yoga. Tamara could see how he felt and joined in as a way to spend time together and experience the benefits herself. They were both regular students for several years but always wanted to share the benefits of yoga with others, so they began what grew into many different Yoga and Meditation Certifications. During one of these Certifications, they had to complete a 6-week yoga event to benefit a population that otherwise would never realize the benefits of yoga.

They were able to convince the Vanderburgh County Detention Center to teach the men and women there for a six-week trial to complete their training.

The program was such a success there that it became one of the most popular outreach programs there, continuously running for 6 years now.

Seeing the benefits personally through teaching at VCDC, the goal they have now is for everyone in our community to be able to experience these same benefits regardless of income or socio-economic status.

Yoga here in the West is marketed as a luxury. The people that really need yoga can’t afford to go. If you can help us on our mission of bringing affordable, accessible yoga to everyone in our community, please consider doing so.

“Yoga may or may not have saved my life, but I know it improved my quality of life.”

-Bob Tenbarge, Co-Founder

Bob Tenbarge

Yin Yang Yoga for You

1229 W. Maryland St. • 812-483-9544 • yinyangyoga4you.com

How We Make An Impact

Yin Yang Yoga for You was co-founded in 2020 by Bob and Tamara Tenbarge as a non-profit to offer yoga on a donation basis to people in the community, that may never have had the chance to experience yoga.

Bob and Tamara began teaching at the Vanderburgh County Work Release in 2016 and realized after the men and women were able to leave, that they had nowhere to continue the practice of yoga, breath work, and meditation. They teach a mindfulness approach to yoga giving people the tools to deal with stress and anxiety, improving their health by replacing bad habits or addictions in their life, and learning how to respond to people and events instead of instantly reacting to them.

The impact they hope to make on our community is to leave it healthier, safer, and to help lead the people to a happier life.

Our hope is that we can train more yoga teachers from our students to continue our mission for Yoga for You.

Giving Opportunities

Yin Yang Yoga for You currently has two opportunities for giving.

The first is training certified yoga teachers from a group of interested participants in our current classes. These individuals have already shown a passion for the practice and want to further their knowledge of yoga. With additional teaching and certifications, they will be able to spread the benefits of yoga to people in their own communities and those of all different social and economic backgrounds.

The second opportunity is to give by donating. Yin Yang Yoga for You has a goal to provide each person participating in the program the chance to have their own yoga mat when they start. The participants can then take the mat home with them and share what they’ve learned with others, inspiring more participants and sharing the benefits of yoga throughout the community.

Charitable monetary contributions are always welcome and can be submitted by going to www.yinyangyoga4you.com

Physical donations of yoga mats, sanitizing wipes, or money can be sent or dropped off at our studio where you’re welcome to take a break from the everyday and join a class!

Our Mission

Empowering

Annual Fundraisers & Events

Check our website for the dates and times of these upcoming events at Yin Yang Yoga for You:

• Open House

• Myofascial Release

• Sound Bath

Throughout the year we host fundraisers that give everyone an opportunity to participate in a yoga class and give back to the community. B ob and Tamara are also members of the Give-Back-Yoga Project and give mats to those that cannot afford one. They also provide mats for private classes from organizations that want to help people with addictions in hopes of leading healthier and happier lives.

Scan

@Yin Yang Yoga 4 You

@yinyangyoga4you

our community towards lives of joy, peace, and purpose through affordable, accessible yoga.

Tamara and Bob Tenbarge

Our Mission

Youth First, Inc.

111 S.E. Third St., Suite 405 • 812-421-8336

How We Make An Impact

The presence of one caring adult can make a difference in a child’s life. That’s the kind of support 83 Youth First Social Workers provide to students in 110 partner schools across 12 Indiana counties. They are readily available and right down the hall.

Youth First Social Workers equip kids with resiliency, coping skills, and hope, no matter how small or large the burden. A student shared her gratitude with her Youth First Social Worker: “I’m no longer depressed to the point of suicide. I know that I’m not alone now, thanks to you. You saved my life.”

In the words of former Youth First Board Chair Jim Back of Edward Jones: “If you truly want to solve problems in your community, you have to start upstream. Youth First partners with schools to solve problems at the source: homelessness, incarceration, substance abuse, mental health, poverty, workforce development...They find kids who are slipping through the cracks, and they save them.”

Giving Opportunities

Your support as a Youth First donor will have a lasting impact on the hearts of children. We gratefully invite your support and encourage you to ask others to join you. You may donate online or through the mail, and gifts can be designated to your county, school, area of interest, or used where most needed. Decide which donation frequency is best for you: monthly, quarterly, annually, or a multi-year gift. Please ask about our matching gift opportunity!

Volunteer Opportunities

Engaged volunteers are the transformational lifeline of our organization. Youth First seeks individuals who care about young people and their community to become volunteers and advocates. You can volunteer on various committees, set up for an event, work in the office, or help provide food or other program needs.

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• Oct. 26, 2022: Breakfast of Champions

• April 29, 2023: 25th Anniversary Gala & Auction

• May 21, 2023: Walking for Dreams

• August/September 2023: Youth First Half Pot Raffle

• All Year: Champions of Youth Fund

For nearly 25 years, Youth First has strengthened youth and families through evidence-based programs that prevent substance abuse, promote healthy behaviors, and maximize student success.

Youth First Social Workers with Founder Dr Bill Wooten

Aurora

1001 Mary St. • 812-428-3246 • auroraevansville.org

How We Make An Impact

Aurora is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the homeless and near homeless population in the greater Evansville area. Each year, we serve more than 1,300 men, women, and children, including seniors and those with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Aurora offers many programs to support those experiencing homelessness in our community including those at risk of losing their homes. Aurora continues to partner with other community agencies who specialize in the areas of health care, food security, and family services for our clients to receive the wrap-around services they need to become housed, stabilized, and self-sufficient.

Giving Opportunities

From participating in events and donating items to monthly and planned giving, there are many ways to support Aurora. Be on the lookout for a new Monthly Donor Incentive Program and Open House opportunity launching Nov. 10. Visit our Facebook page or our website under “how-you-can-help” for further details.

Volunteer Opportunities

We love our Aurora Advocates who volunteer at events, host their own fundraisers, or coordinate donation drives. During the holidays, we especially need help wrapping gifts for our Holiday Adopt-A-Client program. Check out our website under “howyou-can-help” and look for the “Volunteer Interest Form” to sign up.

Our Mission

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• Nov. 17-19, 2022: 48 Hours in the Life: The Homeless Experience Project 2.0

• Dec. 8, 2022: Homeless Memorial Service

• April 2023: Trivia Tonight

• June 2023: Golf Scramble

Buffalo Trace Council, Boy Scouts of America

3501 E. Lloyd Expressway • 812-423-5246 • buffalotracecouncil.org

How We Make An Impact

Buffalo Trace Council Scouts get involved with many activities that don’t involve hiding behind a phone or screen. Scouts will have real adventures and experiences that lead to making new friends and building life skills. Cub Scouts have the time of their lives making new friends and learning new things in an environment designed to help them succeed. From building a Pinewood Derby® car to learning how to roast the perfect marshmallow at a family campout, your child will LOVE being a Cub Scout. For older youth, Scouts BSA is the ultimate form of learning by doing, offering more than 130 Merit Badges — from archery and art to welding and wilderness survival. It’s also never too early to start thinking about your future. Exploring is a unique career exploration program for young men and women ages 14-20, providing students with an opportunity to learn about a wide variety of career fields and network with professionals already working in those fields. Students get hands-on experience to determine whether or not a particular career field is right for them.

Giving Opportunities

Opportunities to support Scouts in challenging circumstances are available. Families who qualify receive assistance in registration fees, uniforms, and handbooks. Your donations stay within the Council to help fund programs for all registered youth.

Also, support local Scouts selling popcorn! More than 70% of your Trail's End Popcorn purchases support local Scouts.

@buffalotrace.council

@buffalo_trace_council

Our Mission

The Buffalo Trace Council’s mission is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.

Events Open To The Public

• Oct. 29, 2022: Cub Scout Spook-O-Ree at the Eykamp Scout Center- We are planning field spor ts, games, crafts, a haunted house, and tons of candy!

Buffalo Trace Council

CenterPoint Energy Foundation

How does CNP give back to the communities it serves?

In 2021 and 2022, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation invested more than $5 million into the Evansville community. Giving is primarily focused on programs and projects enhancing the vitality of the community and increasing educational opportunities and outcomes. These projects include investments into affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization such as The Forge on Main and partnerships with The Dream Center and Community One. For our younger community members, we recently partnered with cMoe to bring in a new Curious George exhibit. Let’s Get Curious will be at cMoe through the beginning of January 2023.

How do CNP employees make a difference in ways important to them?

Community Service is one of our values as a company and employees are encouraged to give back to the community in ways meaningful to them.  Employees have volunteered more than 4,000 hours in this community since the beginning of the year. Donations made by employees to non-profit organizations are matched 1:1 through a companywide program which has resulted in an additional $115,000 of dollars invested into Evansville in 2022. Many of our employees serve on non-profit boards in this community giving up their time, talent, and treasure to improve the lives of those living in our community.

Our Mission

The CenterPoint Energy Foundation strives to be a catalyst in our communities by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to achieve extraordinary outcomes. That's why we invest in initiatives that not only improve our stakeholders' lives today but also build a strong foundation for tomorrow.

Evansville African American Museum

579 S. Garvin St. • 812-423-5188 • evvaam.org

How We Make An Impact

The Evansville African American Museum is the last remaining building of Lincoln Gardens, the second Federal Housing Project created under the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal in 1938 and serves as a permanent exhibit. The surrounding community was known then as Baptisttown, an independent, thriving community with black entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, and educators. The museum showcases local artists, traveling and permanent collections that tell the story of African American history in Evansville, book discussions, presentations, and cultural events. Youth-focused programs include a summer theater camp and the DNA lab with a focus on leadership.

Giving Opportunities

Individuals can donate to the Evansville African American Museum by visiting our website at evvaam.org and clicking the donate button. Our 2023 calendar is looking to expand to new depths and heights for African American history and culture and contributions from individuals, businesses, and foundations will help make this possible.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are an invaluable asset to our museums and there are plenty of opportunities available if people want to get involved. Volunteers are needed as tour guides, committee members, and board members. Committees assist with special events, marketing, development, and curatorial. To volunteer contact Coordinator of Guest Services Janice Hale at 812-423-5188 or jhale@evansvilleaamuseum.org.

@EVVafricanamericanmuseum

Our Mission

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• Oct. 8, 2022: Colour of Humanity Gala

The mission of the Evansville African American Museum is to continually develop a resource and cultural center to collect, preserve, and educate the public on the history and traditions of African American families, organizations, and communities.

Continually develop a resource and cultural center

traditions

For Evansville

One Main St., Ste. 603 • 812-575-0615 • forevansville.org

How We Make An Impact

There are a lot of people and organizations doing great work for the good of our city, but often their impact is limited because their work is disconnected from others working on similar outcomes. We inspire, align, and empower people and organizations to work together so that their specialized efforts come together to generate greater change.

We inspire people with a shared vision of a flourishing Evansville region through our short films, podcast, and the State of E Report. We build trust and alignment among leaders through small and large gatherings, as well as one-onone connections and ongoing networks. And with tools like CharityTracker, we empower organizations to work on the same team toward the same goal while playing different, important roles.

How Can I Be For Evansville?

We each have a unique role to play in the well-being of our city. For Evansville can help you find and fulfill your unique role by connecting you to the needs and dreams of Evansville and other people committed to making it a place where everyone flourishes. Get started at ForEvansville.org by downloading the State of E Report, watching a film, listening to our podcast, or joining our email list to learn about upcoming gatherings.

See your city through a different

Our most recent film highlights how partnering with schools leads to the flourishing of students, families, and our city. The film is part of a larger strategy to bring people together to solve our city’s most pressing needs.

Our Mission

We move people to intentionally pursue our city's flourishing together.

We think a flourishing Evansville is a city where every person experiences love and gives love, prioritizes the holistic well-being of all people, and works to provide community value and individual purpose. You have a unique role to play in making that vision a reality, and we want to help you discover it.

The State of Evansville

Our State of E report summarizes trusted data and research in a format that is easy to understand and act on together. Download the full report at forevansville.org/stateofe.

@forevansville @forevansville For Evansville

Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana

5000 E. Virginia St. • 812-421-4970 • girlscouts-gssi.org

How We Make An Impact

Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges — whether they want to climb to the top of a mountain or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers and mentors, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them.

Giving Opportunities

Join the amazing individuals investing in the next generation of world changers and support today’s Girl Scouts as they build leadership skills and realize their bright, bold futures. Donate to local Girl Scouts by supporting the Girl Scout Cookie Program, giving online, joining a Giving Club, or becoming a corporate sponsor.

Volunteer Opportunities

Changemakers. Trailblazers. Explorers. Whatever your unique skills or interests, as a volunteer you help Girl Scouts unlock their potential and make a lasting difference in the world. See how empowering it is to be a role model—whether for short-term opportunities or to start a troop of your own; connect with us and start making an impact.

@GirlScouts.GSSI @girlscouts_swin

Our Mission

Annual Events

• Dec. 5, 2022 - March 5, 2023: Girl Scout Cookie Program

• April 14, 2023: Women of Distinction

• Aug. 19-20, 2023: The Great Glamp O ut! At Camp Koch

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Scan

Holly’s House

750 N. Park Drive • 812-437-7233 • hollyshouse.org

How We Make An Impact

We empower victims of intimate crime and abuse by providing support, promoting justice, and preventing violence. We’re the only neutral home of investigations in eight Southwestern Indiana counties bringing best practices to teams of law enforcement, prosecutors, child welfare, mental, and medical health workers. Since 2019, we’ve increased the number of clients served by 69%, bringing support to families in crisis. Through community-based education, we increase knowledge about intimate crime and provide skills to our most vulnerable population. Our Think First and Stay Safe prevention program serves 88 schools, teaching body boundaries, online safety, and identifying trusted adults for reporting.

Giving Opportunities

Supporting survivors throughout the disclosure process provides compassion and stability for victims and defendable information gathering for investigators and prosecutors, costing approximately $1,150 per client. Prevention education can be provided for $20 per student. Gifts can be made on our website or by mailed check.

Volunteer Opportunities

Survivors are made comfortable by providing snacks and drinks, which can be donated through our Amazon Wishlist. Volunteers assist in maintaining landscaping and hosting awareness and fundraising events, such as child safety fairs and our Brian Turpin Service Awards.

Our Mission

Holly’s House is a non-residential child and adult victims’ advocacy center. We provide support for victims of intimate abuse, promote justice, and prevent abuse before it begins.

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• April 2023: Family Movie Night at Bosse Field

• October 2023: Brian Turpin Service Awards

Our Mission

How does J.E. Shekell, Inc. help raise awareness for breast cancer?

J.E. Shekell’s associates and family members have been impacted by breast cancer. We’ve been a part of the business community for more than 44 years, and cancer awareness is a cause we want to champion because it hits close to home for many of us. Our staff recently participated in the Susan G. Komen More Than Pink Walk to help raise funds for this worthwhile organization. Our company also sponsored a tent at the walk, and we distributed pink koozies and promotional “Painting the Tri-State Pink” flyers to attendees.

Tell us more about your special “Painting the Tri-State Pink” promotion.

J.E. Shekell has put together a campaign to support Susan. G. Komen during the entire month of October to spotlight breast cancer awareness month. During October, when you enroll in our ARMOR protection program, we will make a $10 donation in your name to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The ARMOR spring and fall maintenance program increases efficiency and guards your HVAC against breakdowns.

Also, if you purchase a new HVAC system during the month of October, we will make a $100 donation in your name to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

What does it mean to J.E. Shekell, Inc. to be a good community steward?

We want to make a difference. We are in the business of helping people be comfortable in their homes, but more than that, we want to be here to support our community.

Shekell Pink means during October when you enroll in our ARMOR Protection Program, we will make a $10 donation in your name to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Or, purchase a new HVAC system during the month, and we will make a $100 donation in your name to the Komen Foundation. Call J.E. Shekell at 812-425-9131 or

J.E. Shekell, Inc.'s success relies on sustaining consistent growth by acquiring and retaining customers by delivering the highest levels of customer service in conjunction with providing practical and economically feasible solutions that solve their problems.

Scan

JE Shekell @JEShekell

J.E. Shekell, Inc

Parenting Time Center

101 N.W. Tenth St. • 812-759-1543 • parentingtimecenter.org

How We Make An Impact

Parenting Time Center impacts the Tri-State by providing a neutral safe space for children to interact with their parents or transition between parents in a high-conflict situation. Children’s and parents’ mental health are positively impacted by creating safe spaces during these tense situations. Parenting Time Center is the only provider of supervised visitations and safe exchanges in the surrounding 16-county region.

Giving Opportunities

Community support of Parenting Time Center is vital to the overall health of our community! Presently, PTC has tangible needs that are delineated on giving trees (an opportunity to donate an item or service for someone in need for a designated dollar amount), and we are looking for community partners to financially support PTC monthly and yearly.

Volunteer Opportunities

Parenting Time Center is always looking for volunteers who are willing to help provide a safe environment for children and families. Currently, we are looking for volunteers to organize toys in the space in which children interact with parents, administrative tasks, events, and help with some activities interacting with children. (A background check is required for all volunteers working directly with children.)

Our Mission

Our

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• Nov. 17, 2022: Attorney and Partner Appreciation Event

• Year Round: Giving Tree

mission is to empower parents and children to create positive relationships in a safe and nurturing environment.

The Salvation Army of Evansville

1040 N. Fulton Ave. • 812-422-HOPE • saevansville.org

How We Make An Impact

The Salvation Army is located on Fulton Avenue among many impoverished families and individuals. Many struggle with mental illness, addiction, and homelessness. Our food programs help meet the basic needs of those in the community and offer them a refuge from the elements while volunteers and staff minister to and encourage them. We provide them with their next meal at a time when they are most vulnerable.

Our social service programming aids those suffering from tragedy and struggle, while also providing an avenue to rise above generational poverty through our Pathway of Hope Program: “Giving a fish” and “teaching how to fish.”

Giving Opportunities

We offer many ways to contribute towards our mission: from mailing a check or making an online donation through our website to designating an IRA or donoradvised fund distribution for year-end taxes. We are committed to stewarding the resources entrusted to us.

Volunteer Opportunities

There are many opportunities to contribute time and talents. From once-a-year family traditions to helping lead programs and make a difference in people’s lives. We encourage you to visit, reach out, and learn about what we do.

. Our Mission

Since 1890, The Salvation Army of Evansville has been meeting basic human needs and changing lives through our Food Programs and Social Service Programming in southern Indiana.

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• November - December 2022: Ringing the Bell in front of local stores

• Dec. 19-22, 2023: Christmas Toy Town

• Last Friday in April 2023: War on Hunger Food and Fund-Raising Drive

• Late Spring - Early Summer 2023: Pickleball Benefit Tournament

Services Available

PATHWAY OF HOPE – to assist families to break the chain of intergenerational poverty. (presently 7 families working actively).

EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRY – to assist families and individuals with emergency food to supplement other food sources.

EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – Rent, utility assistance to help keep families in their homes. (Covid related 1345 families were assisted with $680,820. 8/2021).

SOUP KITCHEN – to assist with hot lunch meals.

CHARACTER BUILDING – to assist children in education, music, spiritual guidance, and healthy lives.

WORSHIP SERVICES – Public is invited – all are welcomed. Each Sunday at 10:45 am.

SUNDAY SCHOOL/BIBLE STUDY – Public is invited – all are welcomed. Each Sunday at 9:30 am.

SUMMER CAMP – Camping session for all ages... June-July each year. Age specific and specialty camps available.

CHRISTMAS ASSISTANCE – assist with families in need during the holiday season, our ongoing partnership with Toys for Tots has provided for over 2,000 kids across 700+ families last year.

1300 N. Royal Ave. • 812-477-7763

Why did you decide to create this grant program?

Many nonprofits have a very small or non-existent marketing budget. Because of this, we created this grant program so nonprofits could apply for a grant for low cost or free signs. Since 2010, we have awarded more than $300,000 in signage grants to local nonprofit organizations through our Signs of Support Grant Program. We want these amazing organizations to focus on their mission — we’ll focus on their signs.

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for a grant?

The following organizations are eligible for the grant program:

• Must be a local nonprofit organization — secular or faith-based within a 15-mile radius of our store location

• Must be local affiliates of registered charities within a 15-mile radius of our store location

• Must be a local non-government civic organization within a 15-mile radius of our store location

• Vanderburgh County Public School or Warrick County Public School

How can you apply?

If you’d like to apply, download an application to get started. While filling out your application, we’ve found it most useful if you call us at 812-477-7763 and talk through your ideas with us. We can help guide you to some great solutions for your needs that have a high likelihood of being granted.

Our Mission

Signarama Evansville is a fullservice sign center that uses the latest technology and highest quality products to produce custom signs for your business. We seek to support local charitable organizations with donations of signage, graphics, and displays at partial to no cost through our Signs of Support Grant Program. Scan

SWIRCA & More

16 W. Virginia St. • 812-464-7800

• swirca.org

How We Make An Impact

As an Area Agency on Aging, SWIRCA provides innovative answers, comprehensive services, and caring support to the most vulnerable in our community. We help older adults and family caregivers navigate the complexities of accessing in-home, community-based services, and long-term care. Through proven, trusted methods and collaborative partnerships, SWIRCA continues to deliver more than 25, high-quality individualized services that respond to the unique challenges and demographics of older adults in Southwestern Indiana.

Giving Opportunities

Gifts to SWIRCA & More help provide many needed resources and services for area seniors including counseling, care coordination, senior advocacy, transportation, home modifications, wellness education, meals, and so much more. Gifts of support remain local and provide the most vulnerable in our community with life-sustaining services for themselves and their caregivers. Visit www.swirca.org/give to learn how you can donate to SWIRCA or text SWIRCA to 44321 and give online.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering with SWIRCA is a great way to use your talents to enhance the lives of local seniors. Here are just a few opportunities to consider: teach an exercise class or arts and crafts, give a presentation on a topic that relates to aging or caregiving, deliver meals, become an advocate, and volunteer at Brewfest.

@SwircaAndMore @swircabrewfest

@SWIRCAandMore

Engaging Services and Programs

. Our Mission

Enhancing opportunities for independent living and a better quality of life for those who are aging, people living with disabilities, and caregivers in Southwestern Indiana.

Annual Fundraisers & Events

• Oct. 3-8, 2022: West Side Nut Club Fall Festival Cobbler Booth – Booth #78

• Oct. 21, 2022: Designer Purse Bingo

• February and June 2023: SWIRCA Super Bingo

• Annually in August: CROP For SWIRCA

• 2023, date TBD: S WIRCA Brewfest

Aging

Urban Seeds

urbanseeds.org

How We Make An Impact

Our programming and outreach focus on increasing access to nourishing food for children and their families in our community, while also supporting our local farmers and food producers. We accomplish this through:

• Nourish Community Food Buying Club

• Book n’ Cook

• Meal Planning, Shopping, and Cooking on a Budget classes

• Administering SNAP and Double Bucks at the Market on Main and Franklin S treet Bazaar

• Advocating for a robust local and regional food system

Our Vision

Urban Seeds’ vision is for a strong and vibrant local food system in Southwest Indiana so farmers can prosper and all people in the community can make healthful food choices.

Volunteer Opportunities

Please visit our website: urbanseeds.org/volunteer

@urbanseeds

.

Our Mission

Urban Seeds supports the health of our community by advocating for a quality, robust, and equitable local food system to increase access to nourishing food for all.

• Equity

• Health

• Access

Our Core Values

• Community Connectivity and Collaboration

• Education

• Experiences

• Dignity

Scan the QR code to donate today!

Welborn Baptist Foundation

20 N.W. Third St. • 812-437-8260 •welbornfdn.org

How We Make An Impact

The pursuit of our vision and mission is reflected in advancing quality early learning experiences, healthy eating and active living, Christ-centered lifestyles, and impactful nonprofit organizations through four key strategies: surfacing and scaling model programming, fostering collaboration, building capacity, and measuring and sharing progress.

How We Work

• Focus on partnership - We are focused on the value of partnerships in driving towards outcomes – moving the needles. Learning and growing together.

• Emphasis on collaboration - The magnitude and complexity of community issues exceed the capacity of any one organization to address. We seek increasing levels of collaboration among organizations, funders, and community par tners.

• Me asuring and sharing impact - We are committed to evaluating the impact of our investments, as well as fostering a commitment to measurement and improvement. We see evaluation as learning for refinement, not a report card.

Grant Partnership Opportunities

Opportunities for grant partnerships in the area of Christ-centered living will open in January of 2023. Opportunities in the areas of Early Learning, Healthy Eating, and Active Living will open in January 2024.  Learn more about grant partnership opportunities at welbornfdn.org.

@welbornbaptistfoundation @welbornfdn

CULTIVATING COMMUNITIES

Our Mission

To demonstrate Christ’s love through cultivating stronger communities. This will be reflected in advancing quality early learning experiences, healthy eating and active living, Christ-centered lifestyles and impactful nonprofit organizations.

Our Areas of Focus

• Early Learning

• Healthy Eating & Active Living

• Christ-Centered Living

• Nonprofit Excellence

welbornfdn.org

Scan the QR code to visit our website!

that thrive with faith that learn

that partner that collaborate

with equity that innovate

with impact that steward

with dignity that Flourish

ZESTO

ZEROCARB LYFE RIBBON CUTTING Aug. 3, Innovation Pointe Julie Burgher, Ashley Mayo, Megan Lambert, John Pena, Omar Atia, Mohamed Aly, Jay Moore, Barb Abell, Emily Cunningham, and Luke Sailer

TRI-STATE FOOD BANK 40TH ANNIVERSARY June 24, Tri-State Food Bank Glenn Roberts

YWCA RIBBON CUTTING FOR TOYOTA INDIANA PLAYGROUND Aug. 11, YWCA

Front row: Erika Taylor, Liam McCrarey, Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, Julia Whitledge, and Dr. Jimmy Yu. Second row: Christina Hager, Amanda Schmitt, Richard and Rita Eykamp, Vaneta Becker, Julie Ann Walker, Jennifer Slade, Becky Sandgren, and Fu-Mei Yu. Back row: Jordan and Bobby Whitledge, Cheryl Musgrave, and Tom Rich

ON RIVERSIDE 70TH ANNIVERSARY Aug. 20, Zesto on Riverside Todd Hardesty and Albert Gerteisen

D-PATRICK BOONVILLE FORD CHECK PRESENTATION TO SIRS Aug. 31, D-Patrick Boonville Ford Keith Feldpausch, Melissa Sharp, Cheryl Mullis, Tony Toomey, and Tamarah Pate

UNITED FIDELITY BANK POP-UP May 20, Third Street Christina Miller, Annie Higginson, Angie Peters, Leslie Morgan, and Cate Sisco

Tucker Publishing Group has welcomed Maggie Valenti as its new staff writer. Valenti is a 2020 graduate of Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. A Connecticut native, she most recently worked as a business reporter for the International Business Times in New York City. Tucker Publishing Group also has promoted Staff Writer Riley Guerzini to Senior Writer.

EVSC Foundation has named Niti Moore its new program and event coordinator. Moore previously worked on the EVSC Festival of Nations and has 16 years of experience in local schools.

Evansville Day School has welcomed

Lauren Barker as its new communications associate. She previously served as the director of engagement and resource development for Albion Fellows Bacon Center. Barker is a board member for River City Pride and earned an associate degree in film and media production from Full Sail University.

F.C. Tucker Company has appointed

Andy Rudolph to vice president of F.C. Tucker Franchise Operations. Rudolph previously served as co-manager of the Downtown Evansville F.C. Tucker Emge operations. He began his real estate career in 2002 and worked for 13 years alongside his father at their independent brokerage Tri-County Realty. In 2015, Tri-County Realty merged with the F.C. Tucker Emge franchise, serving Evansville and the surrounding areas.

Dream Design

Designed by the award-winning team at Hafer, the Deaconess Aquatic Center was named a 2022 Dream Design by Aquatics International. This annual award program recognizes the best aquatics facilities across the globe, and this year, the Deaconess Aquatic Center was one of 10 projects celebrated.

The Aquatic Center opened in October 2021 to create an Evansville facility for all swimmers. Among its many amenities, the state-of-the-art center features a 16,000-square-foot

BY MICHELLE MASTRO

competition pool, a 4,000-square-foot recreational pool, and a 1,750-squarefoot splash park. The facility also honors Evansville natives and Olympic gold medalist Lilly King and Paralympic gold medalist Mikaela Jenkins.

“Our goal for every project is to design for what matters most,” says Jennifer Kissel, senior associate at Hafer and this project’s architect. “For the Deaconess Aquatic Center, it was all about designing an environment for everyone. Being named a Dream Design shows that it hit that mark.”

Hafer has added two members to its team. Avery Reiter has been hired as an interior designer and Luke Johnson has joined as a graduate architect. Reiter previously served at Hafer as an interior design intern. She holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design and a minor in sustainability from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Prior to Hafer, Johnson was a graduate architect in Indianapolis, Indiana. He received a bachelor’s

degree in architectural studies and a master’s degree in architecture from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.

Ivy Tech Community College has hired

Celia Shoulders as executive director of resource development for the Evansville campus’ 10-county region. Shoulders comes to Ivy Tech from the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, where she served as facility operations director. In her new role, Shoulders will oversee and direct all development activities for the Evansville campus and the Technology & Career Centers in Princeton and Tell City, Indiana.

MAGGIE VALENTI

LAUREN BAKER

ANDY RUDOLPH

RILEY GUERZINI

PHOTO BY ZACH STRAW

AVERY REITER LUKE JOHNSON

CELIA SHOULDERS

NVISION THE future

Reitz Memorial High School has appointed a new dean of student services. Physical education teacher and head football coach John Hurley stepped into his new role on July 18. Continuing his coaching duties, the 1989 Memorial alum began teaching at the school in 1996, also teaching world history and economics. Hurley has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education from the University of Southern Indiana.

Riney Hancock CPAs has announced two promotions. S. John Palmer III, CPA, is now the manager in the tax services division and director of technology.

The certified public accountant graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in economics and a minor in film studies from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He then attended the University of Kentucky’s College of Law and graduated in 2012. Kelsey M. Mayer, CPA, has been promoted to a Staff II accountant in the tax services and audit and assurance services divisions. Previously a tax associate with a regional firm, she is also a certified public accountant. Mayer graduated summa cum laude with bachelor’s degrees in accounting and business from the University of Evansville.

Real Property Management Results

has hired Owen Baumholser as director of maintenance. Baumholser has been a licensed general contractor for the past 20 years, operating under the business name JOB Diversified, LLC. He also has served as an adjunct faculty member for Ivy Tech Community College, teaching construction technology, introduction to heating and air conditions, and introduction to basic electricity

The National Association of Federally Insured Credit Unions has named Ron Collier, the CEO of Indiana Members Credit

JOHN HURLEY

S. JOHN PLAMER III

OWEN BAUMHOLSER

RON COLLIER

Union, as CEO of the Year. This year’s NAFCU Annual Awards Competition honored eight winners selected by a committee of credit union leaders. Collier was a winner among credit unions with more than $250 million in assets.

The Evansville Thunderbolts have signed center Brendan Harrogate 23 season. Harrogate begins his American pro career in Evansville for the Southern Professional Hockey League after playing in Germany for the ESC Kempten Sharks. The 24-year-old Canadian played for the University of Western Ontario in his college career and spent time with the Mississauga Steelheads and Oshawa Generals in the junior league.

Whether your need is for ACCOUNTING, TAX or PAYROLL, we have the dedicated and knowledgeable staff to assist you. Over the last 25 years Vowells & Schaaf, LLP has assisted both individuals and businesses in their everyday needs. We appreciate the confidence you have placed in us and look forward to working with you in the future.

tired after 10 years, and Anastasia Draper, who had served as interim CIO since September 2021. Spending the last nine years as director of Enterprise Applications and Solutions at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, Siders has more than 15 years of higher educa tion technology experience. He received a bachelor’s degree in computer science and information security and a master’s degree in computer science and quantitative methods from Austin Peay. In a separate hire, USI named assistant director of athletic communica tions. Leinenbach, an Evansville native, comes to USI after four seasons as director of communications for the Ev Otters. He will serve as the primary contact for USI women’s soccer, women’s basketball, and softball in his new role. USI also has promoted John Farless to chief communications officer. Farless has served as director of University Strategic Communication since November 2012. In his new role, he will continue to lead University Strategic Communication as well as work closely with the newly formed University Marketing Strategy department.

AUSTIN SIDERS

JOHN FARLESS

AWARDS/RECOGNITION

Anthem has partnered with the EVSC Foundation to donate $3,000 to support classroom enrichment activities at Lodge Elementary School this academic year. Anthem also has donated hygiene kits for in-need students who visit Hangers, EVSC’s clothing resource for students. The collaboration between Anthem and the EVSC Foundation is part of a larger effort to sponsor schools serving students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

The City of Mount Vernon, Indiana, has received a $100,000 grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources through the Lake and River Enhancement Program (LARE). The grant will fund efforts to prevent erosion along more than 800 feet of riverbank near Riverbend and Sherburne Parks in the downtown area as well as the removal of sediment in other areas. E-REP helped the City of Mount Vernon apply for funds.

D-Patrick has presented donations to two organizations. D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln presented $2,500 to Vanderburgh County CASA for the August portion of the dealer’s ongoing “$10 per Test Drive” campaign. D-Patrick Honda’s “Honda Helping Kids” campaign donated $1,500 in August to Ark Crisis Child Care Center

Easterseals Rehabilitation Center has announced the results of the annual “Cool Car, Cold Cash” raffle. A total of 3,000 tickets netted proceeds of $79,800. The grand prize winner had the choice of $20,000 or a 2022 Nissan Versa SV. Second prize was awarded $5,000, and third prize was awarded $1,000.

Foster,

O’Daniel, Hambidge & Lynch LLP

has announced Mark A. Foster has been selected by his peers for inclusion in the 29th edition of “Best Lawyers in America” for his work in DUI/DWI defense.

USI has awarded the 2022 M. Edward Jones Engagement Award to Kelly Sparks, associate professor of education. Joining the USI faculty in 2013, she has served as director of the USI Teaching Eagles Scholar Program and co-written grants for more than $1.1 million in support of programs to address teacher shortages. Recognized in 2018 with the Pott College Excellence in Service award, Sparks has a bachelor’s degree in earth science teaching from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan; a master’s degree in educational technology from Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan; and a master’s degree in physical geography and doctorate in science education from Western Michigan.

SPARKS

Kahn, Dees, Donovan, & Kahn, LLP has announced that partner and former co-managing partner Mike Schopmeyer has been named to Indianapolis Business Journal Media’s first 250 Most Influential in Indiana list. Several other Evansvillearea businessmen and women also were honored, including Leah Curry, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, Inc.; Robert L. Koch II, chair of Koch Enterprises, Inc.; Ronald Rochon, president of the University of Southern Indiana; Ron Romain, CEO of United Companies; James C. Ryan III, CEO of Old National Bancorp; Thomas Salmon, chairman and CEO of Berry Global Group; and Linda White, vice president of Deaconess Foundation and chief administrative officer of Deaconess Henderson Hospital.

B BUSINESS SUCCESS

Deaconess ranked second best hospital in Indiana

BY MICHELLE MASTRO

For the fifth straight year, Deaconess has been ranked the second best hospital in Indiana by U.S. News & World Report. Deaconess is the only hospital in the region to receive a state ranking.

“Our staff has attained this level of excellence because they have risen above the difficulties of the past year to provide exceptional care to patients in our communities,” says CEO Shawn McCoy. “For half a decade, Deaconess staff, physicians, and leaders have set a nationally-recognized standard and continued to raise it with ten High Performing recognitions from US News & World Report.”

U.S. News & World Report ranks and rates hospitals to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive the best care. The report reviewed more than 4,500 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions, evaluating each performance on survival rates, complication rates, patient experience, and level of nursing care.

In addition to the high overall ranking, Deaconess also was recognized as High Performing in 10 procedures and conditions, including heart failure, heart attack, hip fracture, stroke, kidney failure, diabetes, colon and prostate cancer surgeries, and COPD.

ANTHEM

KELLY

Indiana Members Credit Union has raised $30,500 for the EVSC Foundation at its charity golf outing in May. The funds raised will support programs for students and educators alike. The Indiana Members Foundation, the charitable arm of the Indiana Members Credit Union, also recently awarded $63,000 in scholarships and grants to 10 recipients through its Robert E. Martin Collegiate Scholarship Program, Mike and Marti Ney “People Helping People” Grant, Terry Renick Legacy Golf Grant, and the Joan Wolfe Legacy Grant for the Arts Program.

USI Romain College of Business has received a $100,000 gift from Warehouse Services, Inc. to establish a scholarship endowment named for its president, Barry Cox. Students enrolled in the supply chain management certificate program will be eligible for the scholarship.

The Southwest Indiana Regional Development Authority has awarded $14.6 million of its $50 million in Regional Economic Acceleration Development Initiative (READI) funds toward five projects throughout the Evansville region. The five projects include $5 million for a new YMCA facility at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, Indiana; $2.5 million for The District, a 144-unit multi-family apartment development in Gibson County; $5 million for the 230,000-square-foot Warrick County Sports Center; $2 million for Evansville’s “E is for Everyone” regional marketing strategy; and $100,000 for a general regional site development plan.

Reference Services, Inc. of Evansville has successfully demonstrated continued compliance with the Professional Background Screening Association’s Background Screening Organization Accreditation Program and is recognized as BSCC-Accredited since Aug. 23. Reference Services, Inc. is headquartered in Evansville and provides employment background screening to businesses across the U.S.

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GROWTH/DEVELOPMENT

Honest Abe Roofing has announced it has signed a franchise agreement to expand into Louisville, Kentucky. The agreement marks the first Honest Abe location to open in Kentucky. Evansville franchise owner Don Lanier will operate the new Kentucky store. Since Lanier opened the Evansville location in 2018, it has become the first franchise to reach $9 million in sales and is on track to make $12 million by the end of 2022.

USI has expanded its offerings within the College of Nursing and Health Professions. Now there are two application periods for the Bachelor of Science in nursing program, and the holistic admission process has changed. These changes will allow more flexibility and options for students.

The Great Lakes Valley Conference has announced a new site for the 2023 and 2024 Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving Championships. The event will move from the Elkhart Health & Aquatics Center in Elkhart, Indiana, to the newly built Deaconess Aquatic . The facility can accommodate 960 fans in spectator seating, but all four days of action will also be streamed live and for free on the GLVC Sports Network.

Peoples Bank will open a new microon Evansville’s West Side at 4502 W. Lloyd Expressway. Peoples Bank has four locations in Warrick and Vanderburgh counties. The West Side location will be the second branch in Evansville. Partnering with LA+D, the new branch is slated to open in 2023 and will reflect the design of the North Green River Road location.

Rivertown Pickleball of Southern Indiana has broken ground on a new pickleball complex at 5433 Vann Road, Newburgh, Indiana. The 10-court complex is made possible through a partnership with the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority, Warrick County, and the Warrick County Parks Department.

USI team places second in national 3D printed aircraft competition

BY MICHELLE MASTRO

Ateam of University of Southern Indiana students placed second at the sixth annual 3D Printed Aircraft Competition hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington in July.

Joel Knackmuhs, Landon Mayer, Glen Rouch, and Isaac Whitehead are all Spring 2022 mechanical engineering graduates and competed in the fixed wing category with a flight time of 9.17 seconds, besting teams from across the U.S.

The win came after months of designing and building multiple iterations of an aircraft 3D printed design as part of the team’s ENGR 491 senior design project. The students’ research and work were advised and assisted by Jul Davis, associate professor of engineering, and Todd Nelson, assistant professor of engineering.

“Sometimes, you just know when a team will be successful, and it was exactly the case with this team,” Davis said in a statement released by USI. “Everyone’s ability to work well together, learn new things on their own, and their interest in — and dedication to — the project were all key components of their success. There is no doubt in my mind each of these students will be successful in their future endeavors.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN IDIANA

Churchill Downs Incorporated has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Ellis Park Racing & Gaming in Henderson, Kentucky, from Enchantment Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Laguna Development Corporation. The $79 million deal also will see CDI assume the century-old Ellis Park’s opportunity to construct a track extension facility at Owensboro, Kentucky’s Towne Square Mall that will feature 600 HRMs, a simulcast wagering center, and multiple food and beverage offerings. CDI expects its total investment over the next year in Henderson and Owensboro to be approximately $75 million in addition to the purchase price.

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Beth Sweeney

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism, University of Kentucky

RESUME: Reporter, KTLA, Los Angeles, California; reporter, anchor, and assistant news director, WFIE-TV; executive director, Southwest Indiana chapter of the American Red Cross, January 2022-present

HOMETOWN: Liberty, Kentucky

FAMILY: Husband Reed Kress; son Oliver (8); daughter Caroline (1)

Beth Sweeney signed off for the last time at WFIE on Jan. 7, but her final day at the station was far from a farewell.

After 16 years at 14 News, Sweeney now leads the American Red Cross’s Southwest Indiana chapter as its executive director, heading a volunteer agency covering 24 counties in the Tri-State.

The longtime journalist uses her storytelling and community skills by coordinating Red Cross efforts, including disaster response, blood services, lifesaving skills training, and services globally and for the armed forces.

WHY DID YOU PURSUE A CAREER IN BROADCAST JOURNALISM AND WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO THE RED CROSS?

I love talking to people and hearing their stories, so I think that was my initial interest. I just felt like this was really the right fit. I started out as a theater major — I loved to act. I took a journalism class and fell in love with it and knew that was where I wanted to be. When I was on maternity leave, I wanted to pursue something with a more flexible schedule so that I could be with my children more. That was my priority. I was just at a stage where I felt like it was time to look for something different. I saw the Red Cross executive director position opening. I called one of the board members that I knew and said, ‘Hey, tell me more about this.’ Things just progressed from there.

HOW HAS YOUR CAREER AS A STORYTELLER TRANSLATED TO YOUR ROLE AT THE RED CROSS?

I’ve served on nonprofit boards and been involved with various nonprofits. But being the leader of a nonprofit is very different. It’s a huge responsibility that I certainly don’t take for granted. Some things were very similar because I have been involved in the community. I worked with emergency officials and community leaders a lot on stories, but being the head of a nonprofit agency is a great responsibility. The American Red Cross mostly is made up of volunteers, and that’s really important. When I

see them walk in and out of these doors, running to a disaster, helping with a blood drive, or working with a military family, it really is an honor and a privilege to be a part of an organization that does so much.

WHAT EXPERIENCES HAVE PREPARED YOU FOR INTERACTIONS WITH PEOPLE IN A VULNERABLE STATE IN THEIR LIFE?

My very first experience with the Red Cross was during the November 2005 tornado that hit the Evansville area. It was actually the first big story that I covered after I moved here. I remember being out at Eastbrook Mobile Home Park. I went to Newburgh where homes were destroyed, and I saw all of these people in red vests helping families. While I knew about the Red Cross, I didn’t know the depth of what they did and what they provided.

As a journalist, you have to be a good listener. The Weinbach explosion (in August 2022) was my first disaster as the Red Cross executive director. It’s really interesting being on the other side of the yellow tape, because now as Red Crossers, we are also first responders. We’re a part of that operation, helping those emergency workers who are on scene, providing any kind of support we can to them, and then to families as well. It’s just eye-opening to see what’s happening in real-time.

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