Blog | Kentucky Indiana Exchange

No Cost Green Energy Training

February 2, 2012 by KIX Team Leave a Comment

No Cost Green Energy training is available right here in our region, at the Mid-America Science Park (MASP) located in Scottsburg, Indiana — just 30 miles north on I-65 from Louisville. This state-of-the-art training and research center opened in fall 2011. In addition to offering a variety of courses in a wide range of green energy methods and innovations, this facility also serves as a business development and conference center for businesses in both Indiana and North Central Kentucky.

Companies and self-employed individuals in the construction industry—builders, general contractors, engineering firms, architects, HVAC contractors, plumbers, electricians—are encouraged to check out the course offerings. This high quality Green Energy training could be the key ingredient that gives you a competitive edge that separates you from your competition.

This training is being made available at no cost to the participants through funding provided by a Federal Grant (SESP) and administered by the Region 10 Workforce Investment Board. The center has partnered with Ivy Tech Corporate College as the training provider to offer courses that will allow the participants to upgrade their Green Energy job skills and acquire valuable credentials related to the course subjects. These subjects include Solar Photovoltaics, Geothermal System Installer, and more.

The courses will be conducted from February – April 2012. All of these courses are available at no cost to employees and business owners alike, but they fill quickly, so register now. Registration is available online, by phone at 812-752-9521 ext. 1224, or by email at jwestmoreland@maspark.org.

Filed Under: college, Education, Regionalism

Many of Kentucky’s Best Places to Work are Right Here

January 31, 2012 by KIX Team Leave a Comment

The results are in, and many companies in our region have what it takes to make the Best Places to Work in Kentucky list. The Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management along with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce have announced the winners in the Eighth Annual Best Places to Work in Kentucky competition.

This annual competition is divided into two categories—small/medium-sized employer (companies of 25 to 249 employees) and large-sized employer (companies of 250 or more employees). The companies are selected based on a judgement of employee policies and procedures and an employee survey. Competition is stiff and the winners are commended for providing a superior work environment.

Many of the employers that made the list go above and beyond when it comes to hiring practices, ensuring a strong and happy employee moral, and rewarding employees for a job well done.

One of the companies spotlighted in the Courier Journal offer flexible schedules for family purposes, but also reward perfect attendance. Another has recently created a new position called the “employee advocate,” who is responsible for promoting a happy and stress-free environment.

There will be an awards dinner on Thursday, April 19, 2012, at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville to formally announce the winner’s rankings in the competition. Be sure to check out the impressive list of winners—bet you’ll see some familiar company names.

Does great talent attract great employers, or do great employers attract great talent? OR, do great regions attract both? Maybe it’s a little of all three!

Congratulations to the winners!

Filed Under: Employers, Events

Leitchfield Home to Entrepreneurial Spirits

January 30, 2012 by KIX Team Leave a Comment

Last week we shared some exciting news about a new satellite campus of Elizabethtown Community and Technical College coming to Grayson County. While we were there, we also did some exploring, scoping out new businesses, and finding out about the people who started them. For the KIX team, it’s always fun to see where and how the entrepreneurial spirit takes root.

A great example is Leitchfield’s newest retail establishment, Whoop-De-Doo Design. Located on the county seat’s historic square, it’s filled with home décor items, knick-knacks, and other treasures. But in our opinion, the greatest of these treasures is the owner, Jennifer Newton. This entrepreneurial mother of a 3-year-old was born and raised locally. And since the age of 14, she knew she wanted to own her own store and to help people decorate their homes. So when the 6,800 square foot, 100+ year-old building came on the market, she called her husband, told him about the opportunity, purchased and gutted the building, and turned a lifelong dream into a reality.

“I’m not a risk taker,” she said. “This is the riskiest thing I’ve ever done.”

On April Fools Day in 2011, Jennifer opened the doors, fully expecting to have to work a second job to pay the bills. Instead, business has been booming from day one. Jennifer says people were starved for something different and that’s what she provides, regularly offering new and unique merchandise for her customers.

So why Leitchfield?

For Jennifer, it was an easy choice. Leitchfield is where she was raised. It’s a town that feels comfortable, welcoming, and just plain home—a location that offers a quality of life that’s getting harder and harder to find in today’s fast-paced world. And after spending some time there, we couldn’t agree more. This is the kind of place where imaginations and individuals can thrive. Jennifer and her business are living proof of that!

So keep helping us shine a spotlight on our region. Send us stories of other people, organizations, or businesses we should feature. We’d love to pay you a visit. Oh, and if your travels take you to Leitchfield, we’d recommend you pay Jennifer a visit.

Filed Under: Grayson County, Innovation, Regionalism

E-Town Community College Satellite Campus Coming To Grayson County

January 27, 2012 by KIX Team 1 Comment

The KIX team recently caught up with our good friends in Grayson County, where lots of exciting things are happening. Most notably, some great news about increased access and opportunities for pursuing a college education close to home. While options existed in Elizabethtown, the up-to-35-mile drive made going there problematic for some Grayson County residents. Now, they can look forward to taking classes where they live and work.

While it may be a vacant field today, but the 13 acres just down the road from the county government will soon be a new satellite campus for Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC). ECTC’s president, Dr. Thelma White, expects construction on the new facility to begin as early as April.

Caryn Lewis, Grayson County Chamber Executive Director, credits forward-thinking ECTC and community leaders for working together to bring this regional dream to fruition. This group includes city and county government, Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center, the Leitchfield/Grayson County Industrial Development Corporation, the chamber, and many others committed to developing local talent, strengthening the workforce for local businesses, and helping to attract new business.

And Lewis reminded us that it’s not just Grayson County that will benefit, but prospective students from surrounding counties such as Meade, Breckenridge, Hart, and more.

We look forward to celebrating the grand opening of the new campus and the increased educational opportunities it will bring to local residents.

Filed Under: Economic Development, Grayson County

Boost for Kentucky Food and Beverage Industry

January 26, 2012 by KIX Team Leave a Comment

While beer and bourbon have been around for hundreds of years, companies in our region who make these adult beverages are innovating, generating new ideas for tourism, and preserving a proud history.

Two companies have been making news lately. The Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Ky hopes to attract more than twice as many visitors in upcoming years. Plans are in the works to create an $18 million interactive visitors center.

Currently, the distillery hosts visitors with tours highlighting the history of the Jim Beam family, generations of quality whisking-making skills, and how it produces bourbon. They even include an opportunity to taste a couple types of bourbon at the end of the tour.

The Jim Beam distillery is known as the Western Gateway of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. State and local officials are trying to raise funds to widen and beautify the roads and surrounding areas to entice more visitors to tour the Jim Beam distillery and others along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. That would provide a tremendous boost to Kentucky tourism dollars.

And there’s more good news. Falls City Beer is back… and better than ever! You may or may not remember its popularity—and fall from favor—in years past, but you’ll want to take notice of its triumphant return.

It’s been over 30 years since the beer was originally brewed in Louisville, KY. The company was operated in various locations for the last three decades, and its quality was in decline. New owner, David Easterling, is bringing it back “home” to a facility located on Barret Avenue and restoring its reputation as a high quality brew. They are using a new recipe to re-invent its traditional Vienna-style ale.

The food and beverage industry is a key sector in our region, so seeing growth, innovation, and companies making investments is good news for our area.

Filed Under: Economic Development, Regionalism

A Commitment to Advance the Region

January 11, 2012 by KIX Team 2 Comments

The kix.com team is all about regional thinking, and for taking actions that will benefit all. So last year, when four separate chambers united to become The Hardin County Chamber of Commerce, we saw that merger as a very important step for our region. And today, when the Hardin County Chamber announced that they were joining One Southern Indiana and Greater Louisville Inc. as the third managing partner in the Regional Leadership Coalition (RLC), we knew this was a story that needed to be told.

“We consider this a great opportunity to enhance our reach and to leverage the strength of these three great organizations,” saidRLC Board Chairman and President of Norton Hospital, Kevin Wardell.

Established in the late 90’s, the RLC works to cultivate regional thinking and action around shared opportunities and mutual challenges to realize and sustain one dream for the region. That dream is to become an idea capital of the world, where imaginations and individuals thrive.

“We are pleased to join the RLC in its efforts to advance and grow the region, something that benefits all of us,” said Brad Richardson, President/CEO Hardin County Chamber of Commerce.

Richardson and two of his chamber board members join a board of directors comprised of a “who’s who” of regional business and industry leaders.

Richardson, who also led the One Knox effort, understands the value of regional thinking. And when making the managing partner announcement at the chamber’s general membership luncheon, he extolled the benefits the partnership would offer chamber members and the entire community.

“This merger means our members will have a voice at the table on some of the most important matters facing our region. This will increase our clout, ability to advocate and most of all enhance our ability to grow individually and as a region,” added Richardson.

GLI’s President and CEO, Joe Reagan and One Southern Indiana’s CEO, Jody Wassmer joined Richardson at today’s announcement. The three signed A Commitment to Advance the Region.

“Working across borders, and in this case a river between two states, is critical if our region is going to compete on a global scale,” said Wassmer. “Together, we can accomplish great things.”

Joe Reagan, outgoing President and CEO of GLI, added, “I’m excited by the possibilities. People here are already connecting and working together on an unprecedented scale. And even though I’ll be in St. Louis, I’ll be keeping an eye on this region. ”

The RLC also plans to provide membership opportunities for other chambers and economic development agencies throughout the region. “We’re working with individuals and communities throughout the region, and by increasing membership we’ll be bringing more people to the table,” said Beth Avey, RLC’s new Executive Director. So if you know of any other individual, entity or organization that could help the RLC and benefit from participating in this growing regional effort, don’t hesitate to let us know. Because together, we can accomplish some truly amazing things!

Filed Under: Events, Hardin County Kentucky, Regionalism

Join the Journey to India – Learn more January 17th

January 5, 2012 by KIX Team Leave a Comment

It goes without saying that in today’s global economy, we need to look beyond traditional borders in seeking solutions to the challenges our region faces.

Countries like Brazil, Russia, India and China (commonly called the BRIC nations) are four economies that we cannot afford to ignore. With over 25% of the worlds’ land coverage and 40% of its population, not to mention a combined GDP of 18.486 trillion dollars, they’re poised to become the largest entities on the global stage. Their businesses, and the markets they serve, are growing.

India’s emphasis on the health care sector and technology industry draws parallels to Kentucky’s health care and long-term wellness and aging care industries. And with U.S. investment in the country estimated at $18 billion, India is our largest trading and investment partner — Essential to the expanding global marketplace. And did you know that close to 4,000 Asian Indians live in Louisville, surpassing the number of those with Asian-Pacific heritage? As a result, many Indian-owned small and medium-sized companies have sprung up in our region, ranging from retail outlets and restaurants to consulting firms, outsourcing business services, technology firms and more.

Our region’s central location, and the presence of great regional assets like UPS World Port, could put us in a great position to benefit from partnerships with BRIC countries. In fact, UFLEX Limited, the India based flexible packaging giant, and their move to the Elizabethtown Industrial Park, could represent a growing trend. But we need to be prepared, as the benefits of going global and becoming an active participant in the world economy, are becoming more and more apparent.

One way you could help to prepare is to join a diverse group of regional leaders on a journey to India in March.

Sponsored by Greater Louisville Inc., this first of its kind Cultural Awareness Reconnaissance Tour offers a great opportunity to help us better understand the local impacts of global trends and to discover more about the potential in India. Success in today’s economic environment depends on innovative ideas and thinking beyond the traditional boundaries, and this trip offers an opportunity to do just that.

The trip, hosted in conjunction with Indus Travels, will offer the opportunity to experience nine days exploring the sights, lifestyle and ethos of India. There are still openings. If you’re interested in learning more about this unique global opportunity, an open house and trip orientation will be held on January 17.

For more information on the orientation, and to register for the trip please email Michael Iacovazzi Pau or call him at 502.594.1987 (by January 16 to attend the Orientation).

Filed Under: Culture, Economic Development, Events, Regionalism

A Flower in the Garden of Coolness

December 8, 2011 by Emily Leave a Comment

Our region offers many opportunities to help people succeed in their professional and personal lives. But it also provides programs to help young people learn to succeed in our global economy long before they have to take responsibility for their own finances and careers.

Junior Achievement is one of those opportunities. Its sole purpose is to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise and understand business and economics to improve the quality of their lives. And in today’s economy, where home foreclosures and market crashes are a regular part of the daily news, it is more important than ever to ensure our young people are financially literate and able to make the correct economic choices.

Today’s blog post is from Junior Achievement Volunteer Whitney Bishop, the Executive Director of Southern Indiana Asset Building Coalition. Whitney gives a first person account of the benefits of a program such as Junior Achievement, both for the participants and the volunteers. Thank you to Kentuckiana Junior Achievement for sharing this blog post with kix.com.

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A Flower in the Garden of Coolness

It was my last day at Floyd County High School as a JA volunteer, having delivered 7 weeks of the Success Skills program to a group of 30+ young men and women. As is my custom, I brought snacks and treats as a thank you for their attention, their wisdom and their hospitality. What I didn’t expect was the armload of hand written thank-you notes from the students.

Back at my office I carefully read each one of them and was moved to tears. Each of them were comical, touching, thoughtful and earnest. A particular favorite of mine now adorns my office wall to remind me of why I love being a JA volunteer.

“Dear Ms. Whitney, You are good at teaching. Thank you for volunteering your time to teach us about success skills. You are a pretty fly woman. Fly means cool. You are a flower in the garden ofcoolness.”

Junior Achievement provides support to the schools and to parents by bringing in area professionals in to deliver valuable lessons in the economics of life and those life skills necessary to be a success in the classroom, in the workplace and in the community.

Most of these students work part-time jobs in addition to their academic requirements and extra-curricular activities. Providing them with the support and information they need to manage their earnings responsibly and equipping them with essential life skills, such as those in the success skills program is a great privilege. Engaging them in lively discussions, role-play situations, interactive games and small group work around topics such as listening, cooperation, collaboration, conflict resolution and basic interviewing skills often gives me a lesson or two in creative problem solving. Our students are bright and eager to discover things about themselves. Programs like Real Jobs, Real World and Success Skills provides them with thought provoking self-assessments and access to professionals, allowing them to question themselves and others about various careers and experiences.

Whenever I need a lift, I look at the note on my wall and remember that I am a flower in the garden of coolness. I remember that my time and attention made a difference to these students, each in a different way. I remember that I am blessed beyond measure to really see and appreciate these students for the inquisitive, thoughtful and enterprising young people they are. I remember that I am grateful and proud to be a Junior Achievement volunteer. Get in the garden of coolness with me, won’t you? There’s plenty of room to grow!

CLICK HERE to learn more about Southern Indiana Asset Building Coalition.

Interested in getting involved with Junior Achievement? CLICK HERE to learn more about volunteer opportunities and available Junior Achievement programs in your area!

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With programs taught by volunteers from the business community in the region and area schoolteachers, Junior Achievement serves 44,000 students throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Its programs utilize classroom time, after-school classes and even the opportunity for hands on lessons at the Sam Swope Junior Achievement BizTown and Chase Finance Park. Junior Achievement Volunteers come from all over our region and include active and retired business professionals, college students, parents and teachers. Volunteers not only share valuable information during the lessons, but they act as role models and help students to find their own ways to succeed.

Junior Achievement has been in our region for more than 60 years, and it only continues to grow toward its mission to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Its programs currently serve the 26 counties of our region. The programs are designed to reach every student in those counties no less than four times during their time in the school system. With the need for financial literacy growing each day, this program is helping put the students of our region ahead of the curve.

Junior Achievement is only one of many programs in our region that helps ensure a pathway to success. What is one of your favorite non-profits organizations in your community? Share it with us here and help others to benefit from all of the services available in our region of caring.

Filed Under: Non-Profits

Beth Avey Works to Help Region Realize One Dream

December 6, 2011 by KIX Team Leave a Comment

Exciting news for the kix.com team as one of our teammates has been named the executive director of the Regional Leadership Coalition.

The Regional Leadership Coalition (RLC) is expanding its reach and working with a renewed focus – to realize One Dream for the region. That dream is to become an idea capital of the world where imaginations and individuals thrive.

To help realize and sustain the One Dream, the RLC has named Beth Avey, owner and president of Elizabethtown based Heartland Communications Consultants, Inc. (HCC), as its new Executive Director. Avey a Hardin County resident and former Fort Knox Army Officer., also works on the One Knox and Wired65 regional initiatives. Avey will continue in her role with HCC.

“This is such a privilege,” said Avey. “I have been so fortunate to work with hundreds of remarkable people throughout our region. I have no doubt that working together we can accomplish anything we set our sights on.”

Avey will report to a board comprised of regional leaders from business and industry and work with the RLC’s two managing partners, Greater Louisville Inc and One Southern Indiana.

“Regional thinking is consistent with Beth’s experience with Wired65 and One Knox,” said RLC Board Chairman and President of Norton Hospital, Kevin Wardell, emphasizing that the RLC’s role is to build connections, enhance regional efforts and advocate for work that helps our region prosper. “Beth has excellent working relationships in the bi-state region with chambers, government officials, workforce boards, educators, employers, civic organizations and more.”

Since its inception in the late 90s, the RLC has advocated for bi-state revenue tax sharing, improved education/workforce development and greater transportation infrastructure, most notably the bridges project. “That work will definitely continue,” said Avey “What’s different is that we are expanding our footprint and thanks to the regional visioning effort, we now know what we aspire to be.”

“We want people to think and most importantly act regionally — work across borders to do what’s right for our regional economy,” said Wendell Lawrence, Executive Director of the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, and RLC board member. “Leveraging, connecting and, if need be, incubating great ideas across our region is how we will do it.”

The RLC is in discussions with a third potential managing partner and is looking to grow its membership. “We hope to be announcing our new managing partner in the near future, and will also soon open general membership to chambers of commerce, economic development agencies and other community based organizations throughout our region,” said Avey.

The RLC has also entered into a strategic partnership with kix.com, a regional web site developed by Wired65. “Kix.com will help us build virtual connections,” added Avey. “Kix provides a great tool to celebrate and showcase what makes our region great.”

Filed Under: Hardin County Kentucky, Regionalism

Communities coming together for the Holidays

November 23, 2011 by KIX Team Leave a Comment

Throughout our region, organizations and individuals continue to show an amazing ability to demonstrate compassion and support for community. And the upcoming holiday season is no exception. In fact, we want to help as many of these folks connect with as many of those in need as possible.

Our region is home to a wide variety of non-profit organizations that will be serving Thanksgiving meals once again this year. And these events are much more than just meals for those without money or resources. For many they’re a chance to enjoy the fellowship and spiritual renewal that an old fashioned Thanksgiving meal can offer. In Louisville, for instance, the Louisville Metro Council is teaming with PRIDE Inc and the New Jerusalem Church to host their Annual Seniors Thanksgiving Day Dinner.

A community event since 2003, the Thanksgiving Day Dinner is free to anyone over the age of 50. It will take place from 12pm to 2pm on Thursday at the Presbyterian Community Center, 701 Hancock Street, in Louisville. It’s a delicious Thanksgiving feast, with all the trimmings, as well as a sense of belonging for those who are without family during the holidays.

In Adair County they’re calling on volunteer citizens to help with the Second Annual Community Thanksgiving Day Dinner. This event is free of charge, and everyone is welcome to attend. It will take place at the Adair County Middle School, 322 General John Adair Drive, in Columbia.

Another effort we don’t want to leave out is taking place in the area around Fort Knox, where Soldiers have been returning from combat duty in Afghanistan. Several families have reached out to the Soldiers who won’t be going home for the holiday, and invited them into their homes for Thanksgiving. They’ll be doing the same for Christmas, and it’s not too late to sign up. Visit www.oneknox.com/welcomehome to find more. Or reach out to area food banks or agencies such as Hand In Hand Ministries of Louisville, to find out how you can get involved with their holiday distributions.

These events are only a few of many taking place in our region during the Thanksgiving Holiday. There are far too many to list. In short, this region is full of caring and compassionate people and organizations who want to ensure that everyone has a happy holiday season. Start or continue your own family traditions, but take some time to make a difference, and get involved with some of the many community Holiday programs that are available.

And have a great Holiday Season!

Filed Under: Regionalism

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