SWIN newsletter

greater evansville

greater evansville

greater evansville

DECEMBER 2019PRESIDENT & CEO LETTER MEMBER MILESTONESNEW MEMBERS & RENEWALS UPCOMING EVENTSNEWSMAKERS

#TogetherWeThrive

December New Member Profile:

Opie &Eleanor's

Helping recruit and retain talent in the Evansville region

INTERNSHIPS

December is a month for celebrations and for welcoming the coming year. It’s my privilege to share a few

thoughts on our region and, particularly, on matters of importance from the Chamber of Commerce’s perspective. The Southwest Indiana Chamber is powered by the many businesses and stakeholders that comprise our local economy, more than 1,400 of which invest in the future prosperity of this region through Chamber membership. Some of the most valuable work we do is informing and supporting the adoption of good public policy at the local, state and federal level. What’s “good public policy?” Everyone will have a perspective on this. We look at it as the regulatory, operating and taxing environment that best positions our region for success. Success for business, success for our residents and success for important institutions that are partners in powering our region: our schools, colleges and universities, health care partners and so many others. So why is this a December conversation? January brings the opening of the next Indiana Legislative Session and a time that our staff and members are most actively engaged in sorting through matters that impact you. The Chamber Government Affairs Committee and our Board will be using the results of our member survey to craft a legislative agenda; those issues that we will work on your behalf to continue refining our already-sound business environment. And we invite you, our members and stakeholders, to participate in our business councils for briefings on important business priorities. Our councils offer both education on key initiatives that are coming our way as well as a forum for robust discussion of how we best support “regional success:”• Transportation and infrastructure• Health• Environment and energy• Talent development and growth Over recent years, the Chamber’s public policy work has impacted not only the construction of the I-69 corridor, but investment in road funding throughout our region. We continue to support investments in Early Childhood Education, easing of burdensome regulations for professionals working in our bi-state region, forward-looking investments in our workforce, and numerous opportunities to build our quality of place here in Greater Evansville. With your help and expertise, we will continue to be the voice of business at City Hall, our Statehouse, and in Washington, D.C. Watch our newsletters, social media feeds and website for opportunities to participate in these councils. Your membership in the Chamber comes with both the opportunity and the responsibility to share your perspective. These councils are a great forum to do so. #TogetherWeThrive

President & CEO Letter

A message from TARA BARNEY President & CEO

Happiest of Holidays!

Tell us about Opie & Eleanor’s and the services you offer.Opie and Eleanor’s is a small gift and home boutique on the west side of Evansville, just minutes from historic Franklin Street. We are located on the famous Helfrich Loop in the Harmony Way/Hilltop neighborhood on the first floor of the Mackenzie Building. It was originally a home built in 1907, and you feel the grandeur and charm when you walk in the door. We carry a very wide variety of merchandise that appeals to all ages and for all occasions. We have a large selection of clothing, handbags, jewelry, home décor, stationery, baby gifts, gifts for men, gourmet food items, candles, books, lotions and so much more. We have gift baskets and bereavement gifts and offer free delivery. We also offer personalization on many of the items we carry.

What inspired you to invest your time and resources in this business?I am from a small town and was raised by parents who always supported the small businesses in our community. My husband and I have always believed if you can purchase local and from a small business, that is what you do. The west side of Evansville is growing and bringing more people from other areas of town, Posey County, Southern Illinois and Kentucky. It is exciting to be a part of that growth. I am also motivated to invest in products that come from small family-owned businesses and products that have missions I fully support and believe in.

What career advice would you give the younger generation interested in this type of work? This type of work requires you to be engaged and hospitable to every person who walks through your door. I fully believe it doesn’t matter if a purchase is made or not, the individual should feel better when they walk out the door

New Member Profile, continued

New Member Profile

Let's welcome Opie & Eleanor's as a new member to the Southwest Indiana Chamber. Opie & Eleanor's is located at 3033 W. Maryland St. in Evansville and can be reached at (812) 401-6743 or online at www.opieandeleanors.com. Read on as owner Gretchen Rutledge tells us more about Opie & Eleanor's!

UPCOMING EVENTS

DECEMBER 5 | 5 - 8 PM | TAP HOUSE - TROPICANA CASINO

SIGNATURE SUPPORTER:

UGLY SWEATERS, NETWORKING, FUN & GIVE BACK!

FOR MORE EVENT INFORMATION, SPONSORSHIPS & RESERVATIONS, CONTACT: Karen Robinson: 812-425-8147 | krobinson@swinchamber.com or Tina Fuhrer: 812-598-8505 | tfuhrer@swinchamber.com

www.swinchamber.com/events

Constant Contact Training - Personalized Email MessagesDecember 5 | 10 - 11:30 AM | Southwest Indiana Chamber

Young Professionals Alliance Merry MixerDecember 5 | 5 - 8 PM | Tap House - Tropicana Evansville

Jingle Mingle December 11 | 5 - 6:30 PM | Holiday Inn Airport

Legislative PreviewDecember 11 | 4 - 5 PM | Holiday Inn Airport

CNN - Chamber Networking & NewsDecember 6, January 10, 17, 24, 317:30 - 9 AM | Various Locations - visit swinchamber.com/events

Two-Day Personal Kanban TrainingJanuary 9 & 10 | 9 AM - 4 PM | Southwest Indiana Chamber

CNN meetings take place Fridays from 7:30 – 9 a.m.

Refreshments are provided at each location. Non-member guests are welcome to attend up to three meetings

before joining the Southwest Indiana Chamber.

For more information about CNN, please contact Tina Fuhrer at 812.425.8147 or tfuhrer@swinchamber.com

www.swinchamber.com

JOIN US!

3 Rounds of Speed Networking! Bring Your Business Cards!

FOR MORE EVENT INFORMATION, SPONSORSHIPS & RESERVATIONS, CONTACT: Karen Robinson: 812-425-8147 | krobinson@swinchamber.com

Tina Fuhrer: 812-598-8505 | tfuhrer@swinchamber.comwww.swinchamber.com/events

MILESTONESMILESTONES

KETRON AGENCY Ketron Agency celebrated a grand opening at 600 N. Weinbach Ave., Ste. 660 in Evansville with a ribbon-cutting. Ketron Agency focuses on protecting families with unique products through their worksite. Contact them at (865) 250-9447 or on Facebook @libertynationalvickieketron.

EDWARD JONES Edward Jones celebrated a 1-year anniversary at 36700 Darmstadt Rd., Ste. A in Evansville with a ribbon-cutting. Edward Jones helps clients achieve financial independence and makes sure they are prepared for the unexpected. Contact them at (812) 962-3614 or at www.edwardjones.com/brian-lowe.

EASTERSEALS EARLY LEARNING CENTER Easterseals Early Learning Center celebrated a 20-year anniversary and renovation at 621 S. Cullen Ave. in Evansville with a ribbon-cutting. Easterseals Early Learning Center completed major improvements to its therapeutic outdoor play spaces adding opportunities for sensory play and STEAM learning. Contact them at (812) 437-2626 or www.eastersealsrehabcenter.com

WAVE IT AWAY, LLC Wave It Away, LLC celebrated a grand opening at 909-A S. Kenmore in Evansville with a ribbon-cutting. Wave It Away is focused shockwave therapy that treats plantar fasciitis, erectile dysfunction, muscular pain and more. Contact them at (812) 431-5779 or online at www.trywaveitaway.com

ALBION FELLOWS BACON CENTER Albion Fellows Bacon Center celebrated a ground-breaking at 1 Main St. in Evansville with a ribbon-cutting. The addition is set for completion in 18 months and will be more than $1.5 million in capital campaigns. Contact them at (812) 470-2237 or online at www.albionfellowsbacon.org.

PAUL’S PHARMACY EAST Paul’s Pharmacy East celebrated a grand opening and major investment at 1150 S. Green River Rd. in Evansville with a ribbon-cutting. Paul’s Pharmacy has been in Evansville since 1972 proudly serving patrons to help them feel their best. Contact them at (812) 449-9469 or online at www.Paulsrx.com.

The Southwest Indiana Chamber has partnered with a statewide internship website to help its members locate quality applicants for open intern positions they have. IndianaIntern.net is a free internship matching program managed by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce to link employers, students, high schools, colleges and

universities. The site is a dynamic, searchable database, matching and reporting system coupled with personal assistance — including a hotline to answer questions and provide internship guidance and resource materials. The database includes more than 11,300 students, 8,000 employers and 400 available positions. The goal is to help create or expand high-quality experiential opportunities within Indiana, a key strategy in retaining Indiana’s top talent. “Many of our member businesses offer internships because they realize all of the benefits they can reap from having one,” said Tara Barney, president and CEO of the Southwest Indiana Chamber. “Internships offer many opportunities that are beneficial for both the student and the business.” Indiana INTERNnet was formed in 2001, shortly after a series of Indiana Chamber-led studies that demonstrated the state's "brain drain" issue. The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce initiated and operated the program in partnership with the University of Indianapolis. With continued funding from the Lilly Endowment, the organization was granted 501(c)3 tax exempt status in May 2004 and moved to the Indiana Chamber, the state's largest business advocacy organization. Many businesses develop internship programs because they are a structured and supervised experiential learning opportunity that provides students with practical experience in their chosen fields. Internships illustrate classroom relevance in the professional world. Beneficial for both students and employers, internships offer career exploration and skills application for students and provide employers with workers who are creative, enthusiastic, able to assist with projects and open for mentorship. Transitioning interns into full-time hires is also a proven time- and cost-saving recruiting method. Internships are valuable for learning institutions as well. An internship establishes a collaborative work environment between a school and community, resulting in enhanced curriculum and increased student retention. Overall, internships are mutually beneficial to employers, students and schools.

Helping member businesses attract students interested in

internship opportunities

The Chamber also works with interns through a program run by the Young Professionals Alliance, a group populated by those under 40 who are employed with a Chamber member.

YPA Engage is a summer-long program that showcases to visiting summer interns the quality of life and career opportunities the Evansville Region has to offer. Its programming includes networking events with other young professionals, lunch and learn sessions with area opinion leaders, and exposure to a wide variety of arts, culture and entertainment offerings.

Additionally, interns will have the opportunity to volunteer at Chamber events, where they can play a part in presenting Chamber signature events. YPA is tailored to college juniors, seniors and post-baccalaureate students who are engaged in summer internships with local companies.

Benefits for interns who want to participate in this free program include: gaining networking opportunities with other young professionals in Evansville; experiencing young professional perspectives; increasing their self confidence; learning how to take control of their future; and improving interpersonal relationship skills.

TO LEARN MORE ON HOW TO ENROLL YOUR INTERNS, Contact Karen Robinson at 812-421-5886 or email krobinson@swinchamber.com

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHWEST INDIANA CHAMBER INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS AT:www.swinchamber.com/about-the-chamber/careers-internshipswww.indianaintern.net/employers www.indianaintern.net/students

Advertorial content provided by the Southwest Indiana Chamber

MILESTONESNEW MEMBERSOCTOBER AN EYE 4 ART Simone Davis 812-250-6727; simone@aneye4art.net www.aneye4art.net

DUNKIN DONUTS - GREEN RIVER 850 N. Green River Rd., Evansville, IN 47715 812-550-1500; kamleshdunkin@gmail.com www.dunkindonuts.com

EXPRESS PAYMENT NETWORK 4929 Riverwind Pointe Dr., Ste. 102A; Evansville IN 47715 Tim Hermes 866-348-9777; tim@expresspaymentnetwork.com www.expresspaymentnetwork.com

KASEY GRAY INSURANCE AGENCY – STATE FARM 601 E. Boonville New Harmony Rd., Evansville, IN 47725 Kasey Gray 812-774-8466; kaseyismyagent@gmail.com www.statefarm.com

LINCOLN FINANCIAL ADVISORS – DAVID HENZE 101 Plaza E. Blvd., Ste. 116, Evansville IN 47715 David Henze 812-449-3854; david.henze@lfg.com MCKEETHEN LAW OFFICE 1033 E. Mt. Pleasant Rd. Ste. A, Evansville IN 47725 Teresa McKeethen 812-319-3026; tmckeethen@evvlawyer.com

NORTH MAIN ANNEX GOURMET CATERING AND DELI 701 N. Main St., Evansville, IN 47711 Narda Jones 812-250-4551; narda@annexcatering.com www.annexcatering.com

PALMER BARCLAY PUBLISHING - EVANSVILLE MAGAZINE Ed Collins 812-449-0408; edcollins@palmerbarclay.com

PARKINSON’S AWARENESS SUPPORT ASSOCIATION OF THE TRI-STATE (PASATS) Kathy McMurray 812-297-8658; pasats@yahoo.com

PAUL’S PHARMACY 1150 S. Green River Rd., Evansville, IN 47715 Jacob Mayer 812-962-3500; paulseast@paulsrx.com www.paulsrx.com PERFECTION HYDRAULICS 2220 Perfection Court, Evansville, IN 47711 Kristi Klamer 812-473-0183; kklamer@perfhyd.com www.perfhyd.com

REDSTITCH DIGITAL 104 N. 6th Ave., Evansville, IN 47710 Todd Chase 812-618-3785; info@redstitchdigital.com www.redstitchdigital.com

SERVPRO OF WEST EVANSVILLE 1315 Read St., Unit C, Evansville, IN 47710 Danny Drewes 812-465-2500; ddrewes@servprowestevansville.com

THRYV MARKETING Corrine Hurt 614-600-4838; corrine.hurt@thryv.com www.yellowpages.com

MEMBER RENEWALS OCTOBER• 3 Chicks Fudgery • Acclaim Graphics, Inc.• Acropolis Restaurant and Catering• Action Staffing, Inc• Ad Cetera Promotions, Inc.• Advanced Therapy Innovations, LLC• Alpha Laser and Imaging• Ambrose Construction, Inc.• Automated Office Solutions, Inc.• Barger Engineering, Inc.• Bartas Affordable Painting• Berry Global Group, Inc.• Biagi, Chance, Cummins, London, Titzer, Inc.• BKD, LLP• BMG, Inc• Bookkeeping & More Inc.• Boone Funeral Home, Inc.• Bru Burger• C. F. Industries, Inc.• C.E. Taylor Oil, Inc.• Captain D's• Children's Museum of Evansville (cMoe)• Commerce Bank• Consolidated Grain & Barge Soybean Processing Division• Custom Cycle & Mobility Supply• Dean Bosler's Furniture Showroom• Dunkin Donuts - First Ave.• Dyna-Mech's Truck Service, Inc.• Edward Jones - Financial Advisor - Brian Lowe• Ellis Park Racing• Environmental Management Consultants• Envolve Engineering LLC• Evansville Christian Life Center• Evansville Day School• Evansville Goodwill Industries, Inc.• Evansville Magazine• Evansville Tool & Die, Inc.• Foster O'Daniel Hambidge & Lynch• Freeman, Will & Niemeier, Inc.• GAF • GJS Sewing• Hasgoe Cleaning Systems, Inc.• Hearing Healthcare Center, Inc.• Horizon Contracting, Inc.• imi, Irving Materials Inc.• Industrial Woodkraft, Inc.• Infinity Molding & Assembly, Inc.• InfoServ, Inc.• JL Farm Equipment Company• John Conti, Coffee Company• Locust Street Company, Inc./Gray Farm, Inc.• MadStache, Inc. Video Animation Web• Mainstream Fiber Networks• Martin IP Law Group• Matthew 25 AIDS Services Inc.• McFadin Higgins & Folz• MSD of Mt. Vernon• N.M. Bunge, Inc.

• New Horizons Financial Consultants• NFP Clippinger Financial Group, LLC• Office Pride of Evansville Tri-State Area• Passport to Adventure and More, LLC• PC Quest Technologies• Ponderosa Steak House• Posey County Farm Bureau Co-Op Ass'n, Inc.• Premier Electric, Inc.• Progressive Health Rehabilitation• Purdue Extension Posey County• Purdue University - Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)• Quarion Technology Inc• Regions Bank• Rehabilitation & Performance Institute, PSC.• Royal Crown Bottling Corp.• Russell's Excavating & Septic Tanks, Inc.• Schneider Funeral Home - Norvell Chapel• Servpro West Evansville

• Shephard Services• Shrode Agency, Inc.• Signarama Evansville• Slade Print• Solarbron Pointe, Inc.• SperoHealth• State Farm- Kasey Gray Insurance Agency• Subway• T.J. Maxx• Ten Adams Corporation• TenBarge Seed Co. Inc.• Tequila's Mexican Restaurant• The Housing Authority of the City of Evansville• The Salon Professional Academy• Town of Chandler• TownePlace Suites by Marriott• Wayback Burger• Wayne's Appliance and Mattress• Wesselman Woods Nature Center• Wolfe's Evansville Auto Auction, Inc.

DUNKIN' DONUTS Dunkin' Donuts celebrated a grand opening at 850 N. Green River Rd. in Evansville with a ribbon-cutting. Dunkin' Donuts presented a check to Granted, a nonprofit organization. Contact them at (856) 577-1106.

FEATURE YOUR MILESTONE! Let us help you spread the word about your next grand opening, anniversary, groundbreaking, new location, relocation, remodel or anything you need to celebrate!

To schedule your milestone, go to: www.swinchamber.com/member-benefits/get-noticed/ribbon-cuttings-milestones

SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS SABIC Innovative Plastics, the engineering polymers affiliate of Saudi Basic Industries Corp., has opened a 3,000-sq-ft high-performance polymers pilot plant at its Mount Vernon, Ind., facility. Sabic’s investment in Posey County will be used in Sabic plants all over the world. Contact them at (812) 831-7000 or online at www.sabic.com

New Member Profile, continued

than when they walked in. Owning a small business gives you the opportunity to make people feel welcome, invited and important. That is a trait that will take you far, regardless of the type of business or career you find yourself in.

In your opinion what are three ingredients for success? Be humble, be grateful and be willing to put in the time it takes to make your vision a reality.

What has been one of your toughest challenges?Before opening, it was finding the right location. Since opening, I have been reassured over and again, I am in the perfect spot.

Why is the Evansville Region a great place to operate a business? Evansville is a growing, family-oriented community. The economy is thriving and the people who live here are loyal and support locally owned businesses.

What do you like most about the community in which you live? Evansville is the best of a small town feel with bigger city opportunities, activities and entertainment. And, more importantly, you do not have to look very far to find individuals looking for ways to improve and give back to our community. Evansville has an abundance of people who will give of their time and resources to make Evansville a better place to live and raise a family. Thank you, Gretchen Rutledge, owner of Opie & Eleanor's, for taking time to share with us!

PRESENTED BY:

SWIN CHAMBER NEWSMAKERS

SWIN CHAMBER AMBASSADORS OF THE MONTH OCTOBER 2019 Thank you for your engagement in the business community!

PRESENTED BY:

SWIN CHAMBER NEWSMAKERS

SCOTT KINNEY Scott Kinney was named CEO and Director of the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library. Kinney previously served as the Director of the Mobile Public Library in Mobile, Alabama. Prior to his tenure in Mobile, Kinney served as Director of the Sweetwater County Library System in Green River, Wyoming. and as the Director of the Chadron Public Library in Chadron, Nebraska. Kinney received his Bachelor of Business Administration and Psychology from Kearney University and his Master of Library and

Information Science from Florida State University. A national search for EVPL’s new CEO-Director began in July 2019. Kinney will begin his role as EVPL’s CEO-Director by mid-January 2020, following the departure of Cynthia Sturgis Landrum in June 2019. Marcia Learned Au has served as the interim CEO-Director during the transition period. Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library includes eight locations throughout Vanderburgh County, immediate access to hundreds of thousands of digital resources, and a dedicated team of library professionals. For more information, visit evpl.org.

COLE CRAVEN Slade Print

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT EVANSVILLE REGIONAL BUSINESS HALL OF FAME Four laureates were selected for the 2020 Junior achievement Evansville Regional Business Hall of Fame. The 2020 Active Laureates are Daniel S. Hermann and Christina Ryan. The 2020 Retired Laureates are Wendell Dixon and Norman P. Wagner. Laureates will be inducted into the JA Evansville Regional Business Hall of Fame at a celebration breakfast at 7 a.m. on March 19, 2020, at the Old National Events Plaza.

DANIEL S. HERMANN: PRESIDENT AMERICAN PATRIOT GROUP Daniel S. Hermann serves as President of American Patriot Group, LLC which is involved in the start-up and investment in companies. Graduating from Indiana State University Evansville (now the University of Southern Indiana) in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Hermann began his career in public accounting with Harding Shymanski & Company and became a licensed Certified Public Accountant. In 1982, he joined Black Beauty Coal Company where he held various titles, including President and Chief Executive Officer. During his 23 years at Black Beauty, he was part of a successful team that grew the Company to the largest coal producer in the Illinois basin. In 2003, Black Beauty was acquired by Peabody Energy and Hermann spent the next two years as Group Executive for Peabody’s Midwest Division. Hermann also served as Chief Executive Officer of AmeriQual Group, LLC (2005-2015). AmeriQual, a food packaging company, is a leading supplier of field rations to the Department of Defense and is a contract packager for major food companies. Hermann has served on the Board of Directors of Deaconess Health System, Fifth Third Bank Southern Indiana, Foresight Energy, Evansville Catholic Foundation, The Boys & Girls Club, Evansville Regional Business Committee, and on the Board of Visitors for both the University of Southern Indiana and University of Evansville. He is also an actively engaged member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

CHRISTINA RYAN: CEO THE WOMEN’S HOSPITAL In 1999, Christina Ryan was recruited to help develop the initial plans, manage the construction and open the Women’s Hospital in Evansville. Ryan was then appointed as CEO. During her tenure as CEO, Ryan has been recognized as a hospital and health care leader by Becker’s Hospital Review. Under her leadership, the Women’s Hospital has won numerous awards, such as Service Excellence by JD Power (three-time winner) and a ranking on the Modern Healthcare: “Best Hospital to Work” list. Ryan received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a minor in psychology from Elmhurst College and has also received her Master of Health Administration at Indiana University. Ryan’s civic and community involvement includes a long list of local organizations. She actively serves on the boards of Welborn Baptist Foundation, Building Healthier Communities, Leadership Evansville, Secretary Advisory Council for Infant Mortality and The American Hospital Association Governing Council for Maternal Child Health. Ryan’s community leadership also includes service as the Southwest Region chair for the March of Dimes. Ryan’s awards and accomplishments include being appointed to the Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality, Spirit of Women Next Generation of Women’s Health Leaders Award, March of Dimes Nurse Recognition Award, United Way Gold Award, Indian State Chapter of Multiple Sclerosis Society Recognition Award, Athena Award, and the Leadership Evansville – Individual Achievement Award in Health and Social Services.

WENDELL DIXON: INTERSTATE FINANCE/CREDITHIFT FINANCIAL Wendell Dixon was a true visionary for Interstate Finance/CrediThrift Financial, demonstrating substantial management and organizational acumen allowing the company to achieve a significant national presence and creating hundreds of jobs in the Evansville community. Starting as a management trainee in 1946, he was promoted to chairman and CEO in 1973. He led

Interstate Finance, a small Evansville-based consumer finance company, to national prominence. Interstate/CrediThrift, the predecessor companies to what was later American General and today as OneMain Financial, grew under his leadership from 500 employees in 31 states to becoming the second largest consumer finance company in the U.S., with 1,400 employees, operating in 42 states. Dixon served on the University of Evansville Board of Trustees and on the Board of Directors of Welborn Baptist Hospital, Evansville Chamber of Commerce, Citizen’s National Bank, Tri-State Youth for Christ, Evansville’s Future, and the American Financial Services Association, serving as chairman from 1984-85. He was also past president of the Welborn Baptist Hospital Foundation. Dixon’s awards and community recognition include Lifetime Rotarian, Distinguished Citizen Award- Buffalo Trace Council (1988) and University of Southern Indiana Executive in Residence (1975).

NORMAN P. WAGNER: SIGCORP Norman P. Wagner was responsible for growing the utility provider SIGCORP, now Vectren, a CenterPoint Energy Company, into a large Indiana-based public company. Wagner made tremendous contributions to SIGECO and because of his expertise and efforts; the Company is one of the nation’s lowest cost energy providers. Prior to joining SIGECO, Wagner served as Works and Project Manager at Babcock and Wilcox. Wagner’s career began at SIGECO in 1968 as the Director of Marketing. He worked his way up through the ranks of the company to become Chairman of the Board, President and CEO in 1986. During his tenure, SIGECO grew from servicing 80,000 customers to over 115,000 upon his retirement. Wagner’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit was also the foundation of Southern Indiana Mineral and Southern Indiana Properties. Wagner was not only dedicated to the growth of SIGECO, but also to the growth of the Tri-state Community. His vision for the community included the development of an economic development framework for our area which gave birth to Vision 2000 and also game new life to the Old Post Office with his restoration project. Wagner was an inspiration and mentor to numerous Tristate leaders. He provided leadership to many organizations including: the Metropolitan Evansville Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Electric Association, United Way of Southwestern Indiana, Evansville Industrial Foundation, University of Evansville Board of Trustees, Ohio Valley Electric Corporation, Edison Electric Institute, Indiana State Chamber of Commerce, Deaconess Hospital Service Corporation and the Indiana Gas Association. In 1989, he won the Buffalo Trace Council of the Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen’s Award for his contributions. He was counted as one of the top 1000 CEOs in the country by Business Week magazine.

QUINTIN PIERCE Quintin Pierce joined ETFCU as a Mortgage Loan Originator. The lifelong resident of Western Kentucky graduated from Union County High School and attended Western Kentucky University, where he studied Finance and Economics. He was a Realtor in the Western Kentucky markets before beginning his career in mortgage lending. Pierce will be based in ETFCU’s Downtown Office, adjacent to the Civic Center at 728 Locust Street. He also will serve Kentucky members.

EVANSVILLE TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union appointed three new Mortgage Loan Originators.

SHASTA LIGON Shasta Ligon was promoted to Mortgage Loan Originator at the main branch at 4401 Theater Drive in Evansville. Ligon was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Business Administration with a major in Marketing. She has been in the banking industry since 2010 and joined ETFCU in June of 2017. For the past 11 years, she has resided in the Tri-State with her husband and three children.

KEVIN KIRK Kevin Kirk was promoted to Mortgage Loan Originator, where he will help members with purchase, refinance and second mortgage lending needs. The University of Southern Indiana graduate previously served ETFRCU as Employment Development and Sales Manager. He started his financial career with First Federal Savings Bank, where he worked both as Training and Marketing Coordinator and Cash Management Supervisor. Kirk is active with Youth First and Habitat for Humanity.

MARTHA AHLERS Martha Ahlers was selected as Board Chair for the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association during its 58th Annual Convention in October. Ahlers, President of United Leasing & Finance in Evansville, will serve during the next 12 months. Ahlers has more than two decades of commercial leasing and finance experience. She joined United Leasing & Finance in 1996. In her current role as President, her areas of direct involvement include sales, risk management, marketing, credit, operations and

human resources. Prior to her promotion to President, she served as Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. An active participant in ELFA, Ahlers has served on the ELFA Board of Directors since 2014. In addition to her current position on the ELFA Board, Ahlers is a member of ELFA’s Executive, Nominating and Personnel Committees. She previously served on the Fair Business Practices Committee. From 2015 to 2016, Ahlers was Chair of LeasePAC, ELFA’s nonpartisan federal political action committee. Ahlers also has been active with the Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation. In 2018, she served as the ELFA Board Liaison to the Foundation. She has contributed to multiple Foundation studies, including “State of the Equipment Finance Industry” and “U.S. Equipment Finance Market Study.” She also has participated in the Industry Future Council and supports the Foundation as a donor. Ahlers has been involved in numerous civic and community organizations.

HARDING SHYMANSKI & COMPANY Lacy Bender, CPA, MBA, Michele Graham, CPA, MST, and Aaron Wilzbacher, CPA, were promoted to vice president roles in the Tax Department for Harding, Shymanski & Company’s Evansville headquarters.

LACY BENDER Lacy Bender joined the firm in 2007 and is a member of the firm’s Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution Team. Bender graduated from the University of Evansville in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 2008 with a Master’s degree in business administration. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Indiana CPA Society, and A Network of Evansville Women. Bender currently

serves on the Mater Dei Finance Committee, the Ronald McDonald House Board of Directors and Finance Committee, and the Resurrection Finance Committee.

MICHELE GRAHAM Michele Graham joined the firm in 2009. She is a member of the firm’s Health Care and Affordable Care Act teams. She works closely with businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals in the areas of tax planning and compliance. Graham graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. She has earned a Master of Science in Taxation degree from DePaul University. Graham is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public

Accountants, the Indiana CPA Society, and the Medical Group Management Association. She currently serves as the 1st Vice President/Membership Chair for A Network of Evansville Women (ANEW) and was recently elected as their incoming president. She also serves on the Advisory Board for the Borrowed Hearts Foundation and Board of Directors for Easterseals Rehabilitation Center. Previously, Graham has served on the Board of Directors for ANEW, Warrick Public Education Foundation, Pulmonary Fibrosis Partners, Joshua Academy, Warrick County 4-H Council.

AARON WILZBACHER Aaron Wilzbacher joined the firm in 2006 and specializes in state and local taxation as well as sales tax. He is a member of the firm’s Manufacturing and Wholesale Distribution team. Wilzbacher graduated from the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Indiana CPA Society. He currently serves as Treasurer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ohio Valley Board of Directors and is a

member of St. Peter and Paul’s Finance Committee. He has previously served as Treasurer for the Youth Service Bureau Board of Directors.

CAROL MCCLINTOCK F.C. Tucker Emge Real Estate Agent Carol McClintock was presented the Indiana University Bicentennial Medal by trustee Pat Shoulders, on behalf of IU President Michael S. McRobbie. The Bicentennial Medal was awarded to 10 graduates that the university felt had contributed greatly to their community. There are 10 recipients that all reside in Vanderburgh County and there will be other medalists in other counties in the state. 

To feature your new hires or promotions in the next digital newsletter email a short description

and photo to: news@swinchamber.com.

PRESENTED BY:

SWIN CHAMBER NEWSMAKERS

ANGELA MAYFIELD Angela Mayfield joined SWC as Marketing Manager. Mayfield will use her years of marketing expertise to lead the efforts of the company’s overall strategic branding and communications efforts. Covering the nine locations of SWC, Mayfield’s focus will include Nashville, Atlanta, Chattanooga, Indianapolis, Decatur, Alabama, Louisville, and Corporate Headquarters in Evansville.

MITCHELL OSTERHAGE Mitchell Osterhage is SWC’s new Northern Region Service Manager. Osterjage started with SWC of Evansville in April of 2014. He spent the past five years specializing in multiple systems, with a focus on healthcare. His certifications include Rauland R4, R4000, and Responder 5. He has installed and serviced systems at SWC customer sites throughout Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.

BRITTANY LOVELESS Brittany Loveless joined the team at Matthew 25 AIDS Services, Inc. as a CMA at the Henderson office. She is part of the clinic team with a main on delivering patient-centered quality care to Matthew 25 patients.

CASSIE BANKS Cassie Banks is the new CMA at the Evansville clinic, joining the team with a main focus deliver patient-centered quality care to Matthew 25 patients.

BLAKE REARDEN Blake Rearden joined the team as Eligibility Specialist in the Henderson office. She will work to ensure program and service eligibility and compliance, as well as Ryan White eligibility and reporting.

CARTS GONE WILD Carts Gone Wild, a Haubstadt company that specializes in sales and service of golf carts, made a key hire and a promotion:

MATT SCHEESSELE Matt Scheessele joined Carts Gone Wild as General Manager. A graduate of Memorial High School and the University of Southern Indiana, Scheessele golfed on the USI men’s team and later coached the Screaming Eagles from 2002 to 2008. He later served as General Manager of Cambridge Golf Course for nine years.

JAMI ALLEN Jami Allen was promoted to Controller at Carts Gone Wild. She was previously a Marketing Specialist with the company.  Allen graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in 2001 with a BS in Accounting. She previously worked for 5/3 Bank from 2001-2015 in various positions including AVP/Financial Center Manager and Mortgage Loan officer, and Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union from 2015-2017 as Mortgage Loan Officer. She is past president of Gibson County United Way, past Treasurer of Gibson

County Chamber of Commerce and Gibson County Habitat for Humanity, and past Gibson County Economic Development Corporation board member.

BRAD TABER Brad Taber joined Field & Main Bank as Director of Information Technology, VP. He previously served as Vice President of Information Technology / Information Security Officer at First Federal Savings Bank of Washington in Washington, Indiana. He will be responsible for execution of all Information Technology strategic and operational objectives, oversight of infrastructure, equipment, cybersecurity, and compliance requirements, and management of the Information Technology department. Taber

earned his undergraduate degree from Purdue University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction Management Technology. He earned the designation of Master of Information Technology from Virginia Tech University in 2018. Taber is also actively engaged in his community and church, serving as Evansville Christian School Boys Soccer Head Coach. In 2017 as well as 2018, Taber was awarded the Positive Educator Award by graduating seniors of Washington High School for his involvement with coaching high school soccer.

DEREK ELSTON United Fidelity Bank, based in Evansville, hired Derek Elston, former Indiana University basketball player, as the Community Development Officer for United Fidelity’s Carmel, Indiana Regional Operations. A native of Tipton, Indiana, Elston played four years for the Hoosiers and was a member of the 2013 Big Ten Championship squad and the 2012 Sweet Sixteen team. Following his playing career at IU, Elston played professionally overseas for two seasons. In 2015, Elston returned to the Hoosiers as the Director of Player Development. Elston holds a bachelor’s degree in Sports Communication Broadcast and a master’s degree in Sports Administration.

KATIE TURNER Kathryn (Katie) Turner joined AXIOM as a Media Strategist focusing on all aspects of the media planning and implementation processes. She is a sophomore at the University of Evansville, and a member of the Women’s Swimming team. Katie is also a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and serves on the executive committee as the Historian. The Seymour, Indiana, native intends to graduate in May 2022 with a degree in public relations and marketing.

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SWIN CHAMBER NEWSMAKERS

KAITLYN KASSEL Kaitlyn Kassel, previously an assistant with F.C. Tucker Commercial, joined F.C. Tucker Emge residential real estate team, working out of the Eagle Crest office.  Kassel is a graduate of the University of Southern Indiana with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and an accounting minor.

SOUTH WESTERN COMMUNICATIONS SWC (South Western Communications) made one key hire and one key promotion:

MATTHEW 25 AIDS SERVICES Matthew 25 AIDS Services made new hires for its Henderson and Evansville offices.

BRAD PHILLIPS

AARON REYNOLDS

ASHLEY DYE

SAM HARRIS RYAN EICHMILLER

LAUREN BEABOUT

KYLE HOEING CAITLIN CHESTNUT

ASHLEY ADLER

EMMALEE GIESLER

COREY HOSTETLER

SIERRA VOEGERL

ROB WEDDING Rob Wedding, partner at BKD CPAs & Advisors, received the 2019 University of Southern Indiana Romain College of Business Distinguished Accountant Award. The award was announced by last year’s recipient, Michelle R. Schroeder, chief financial officer of Kimball International, Inc. Wedding, USI Class of 1984, has extensive experience in the field of public accounting in the manufacturing, distribution and construction industries, as well as with complex corporate structures and private equity-backed

companies. He is a regional industry leader for BKD National Manufacturing & Distribution Group and a member of BKD National Construction & Real Estate Group. He is a member of the Tri-State Indiana Chapter of Construction Financial Management Association, the American Institute of CPAs, Indiana CPA Society and Kentucky Society of Certified Public Accountants. Wedding is a licensed CPA in Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Massachusetts, and is a frequent speaker at various industry groups and teaches at both internal and external seminars. Wedding is a member and past chairman of the Romain College’s Accounting Circle, a past board member and finance committee member of Methodist Hospital, and a past member of the finance committee at Reitz Memorial High School.

LINDSAY BLESSINGER CHARLES Lindsay Blessinger Charles received the 2019 A Network of Evansville Women (ANEW) Woman of Action award. The Woman of Action award is given “to recognize members whom have exhibited outstanding achievement in either volunteer commitment, professional accomplishment, personal accomplishment, or a combination of these areas. The recipient of this award goes above and beyond the norm.” Charles is an attorney with Sheets Charles & Charles, which specializes in elder law in Evansville.

She is a graduate of North High School and Indiana University, along with the Thomas E. Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University.

BRETT SCHULTHEIS Brett Schultheis, CPCU, CWCA, AAI, of Schultheis Insurance Agency Inc. in Evansville, received the 2019 Big I Indiana Harry P. Cooper, Jr. Industry Award. The award, presented by the Independent Insurance Agents of Indiana (IIAI), is bestowed in memory of Harry P. Cooper, Jr., an Indiana insurance professional who strongly believed in demonstrating integrity while conducting business and serving one’s community. In addition to his role as president of Schultheis Insurance Agency, Inc., Schultheis

served on the Raintree Girl Scout Council, the Buffalo Trace Council for Boy Scouts, Evansville Day School, Inc., Vanderburgh County. Redevelopment Commission, and the Tri-State Better Business Bureau. He is currently IIAI State National Director. Schultheis Insurance Agency, Inc. is a family owned business established in 1944 by Frank M. Schultheis, Sr. The independent insurance agency employs over 60 associates, with two locations in Evansville, Indiana, and branch offices in Mount Vernon, Indiana, and Greenwood, Indiana.

BYRIDER OF EVANSVILLE Byrider, one of America’s largest integrated used car dealerships and franchise systems, presented the Most Improved Award to the Evansville franchise location located at 2116 N. First Avenue. The most improved award, presented at an annual convention in Amelia Island, Florida, was granted to dealerships that demonstrated the most improvement from 2018 to 2019, the 30th since Byrider began franchising locations.  The local franchise is run by Roy Wagner and Managing Partner Terry Gerhart.

BKD CPAS & ADVISORS BKD CPAs and Advisors made a number of new hires and promotions. Among the promotions, Brad Phillips is now Tax Senior Associated II; Aaron Reynolds, Audit Senior Manager; Ashley Dye, Audit Senior Manager; Sam Harris, Audit Senior Manager; Ryan Eichmiller, Tax Manager; Lauren Beabout, Tax Manager; Kyle Hoeing, Auditor Senior Association; Caitlin Chestnut, Audit Senior Associate; Ashley Adler, Tax Senior Associate.

Among the new hires, Emmalee Giesler is Audit Associate; Corey Hostetler, Audit Associate; and Sierra Voegerl, Tax Associate.

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