Evansville Business AugSept 2021

75 YEARS: Traylor Bros., Inc. Celebrates Milestone | UP TO SPEED: Rural Broadband Internet A publication of Evansville Living & Tucker Publishing Group

Leading Lady Lynn Miller Pease advances community vision through Leadership Everyone Plus, meet the city’s L E ADIN G WO M E N IN B USINESS

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VOLUME 20 / NUMBER 4

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

A Publication of Tucker Publishing Group PUBLISHER Todd A. Tucker EDITOR Kristen K. Tucker CREATIVE DIRECTOR Laura Mathis SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Casey Scarbrough MANAGING EDITOR Jodi Keen STAFF WRITERS Dallas Carter Riley Guerzini

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jessica Hoffman Jennifer Rhoades SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR Misti Wagemann DISTRIBUTION AND CIRCULATION MANAGER Gregg Martin FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS Audra Straw and Zach Straw CONTRIBUTOR Jackie Sheckler Finch TUCKER PUBLISHING GROUP Todd A. Tucker, President Kristen K. Tucker, Vice President

2 August/September | 2021

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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.

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Contents

AU G U S T/ S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 1

11 Featured

Regulars

24

4 PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Sal Lavallo’s passion for travel has taken him to every corner of the world and led him along a career path he loves. Along the way he’s gained invaluable insight into the global business world.

9 IN THE SPOTLIGHT

GLOBE TROTTER

14

Good Choice/Bad Choice

7 OFFICE SPACE Seeing is believing at Speak and Tell Studios

Traylor Bros., Inc. celebrates 75 years of groundbreaking infrastructure

11 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

11 BUILDING EVANSVILLE Downtown welcomes Hyatt Place — and more opportunities for tourism

12 BRANDING EVANSVILLE CenterPoint Energy settles into its new name

57 BUSINESS LIFE 58 IN THE NEWS 64 BACK TALK For Lynn Miller Pease, Leadership Everyone is a lifelong mission

Special Advertising Sections 20 MEETING AND EVENT PLANNING Orchestrate the perfect event or meeting with expert tips from venues and event planners

28 LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS From CEOs to small business owners, celebrate the women who shape the Evansville economy

NEED FOR SPEED Broadband internet is crucial to education, business, and industry success, but its regional availability still lags. Luckily, improvements are planned for Vanderburgh County.

9

ON THE COVER Leadership Everyone CEO Lynn Miller Pease, Game Room Alley off Main Street in Evansville, July 23, 2021. Photo by Zach Straw.

Evansville Business | 3

PUBLISHER’S PAGE

Good Choice/Bad Choice

I

n late July, after leading an internal meeting in which it became apparent that we have (even for us) an extremely busy road ahead the next several months, our sales and marketing coordinator Misti Wagemann and I sat alone in the Tucker Publishing Group conference room for a few moments. She looked directly at me and lamented that our business reminded her of “putting a big puzzle together, but the pieces keep moving.”

I mention this as our feature story, “The Road Less Traveled,” follows Sal Lavallo, an Evansville native living in Abu Dhabi who has, through work and pleasure, visited 193 countries. I had passed the story idea to our editorial department about a year ago after it was pitched to me by a friend who is an attorney in the same law firm as Sal’s dad, Stephen. Then we received a phone call: Sal was in town. Would we like to visit with him? The next thing I knew, I was being introduced to Sal in our offices.

After reading Sal’s story by Trista Lutgring, I couldn’t help but think of the promotional trailer for a new NBC show that aired throughout the Tokyo Olympics. The basis of “Ordinary Joe” explores the three parallel lives of the show’s main character after he makes a pivotal choice while at a crossroads in his life.

The series asks the question, “How might your life be different if you had made decisions based on love, loyalty, or passion?” The show’s premise is, in my opinion, extremely interesting, as who doesn’t think about their life choices? I’m sure my poor wife does after 32 years of marriage!

4 August/September | 2021

In our feature story, Sal himself recalls making a crucial decision that changed his life while visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia in 2016. At the time, Sal had visited 150 of 193 countries. “I was debating whether to return to work or stay on the road,” he said. “We know what I ended up choosing.” Perhaps a few of us could have made a few better choices along the way.

Since my last letter, two friends of mine have passed away. Both were well known in our community.

David “Dave” Brugger, who was a classmate of mine at Castle High School in Newburgh, Indiana, died June 30. Known to nearly everyone as “Brugger,” he began working at East Side staple restaurant Cork ‘n Cleaver around 1983. Dave did it all — he was a cook, bartender, server, and manager. He was truly an institution there.

He was a very good guy; if you frequented the Cork, you knew and liked Brugger. I know everyone who knew him will miss him and his very self-deprecating sense of humor.

Dr. Sanford “Sandy” Schen passed away July 25.

What an interesting and great guy! Sandy was from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. I always liked to remind him about how little a Canadian knows. A brilliant man, after completing a cardiology fellowship at Cleveland Clinic, he was a founding partner of Ohio Valley Heart Care. He was truly a renaissance man, interested in everything. Our band enjoyed “practicing” using his pool house at his custom geodesic dome home and sitting around the pool on extended breaks. Sandy and his wife Jacquie were only six weeks away from celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. A good guy with a good heart, I will certainly miss him. He would have said, “Don’t write about me,” but too damn bad, Sanford!

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

Todd A. Tucker

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Traylor Bros., Inc. is celebrating 75 years and three generations providing innovative engineering solutions to the heavy civil construction industry.

Though our business has taken us to the far corners of North America,

Evansville will always be our home.

835 N. Congress Avenue, Evansville, Indiana, 47715 | www.traylor.com

ON TO THE FUTURE

P.9.

WARM WELCOME

P.11.

NEW NAME, SAME SERVICE

P.13.

BUSINESS FRONT O F F I C E S PA C E

All in the Details Speak and Tell Studios’ office fosters creativity B Y DA L L A S CA R T E R

O

n the 14th floor of the Fifth Third building Downtown, the office of Speak and Tell Studios (20 N.W. Third St. Ste. 1430) is a world of color, creativity, and functionality. When founders Justin Givens and Eric Smith open the tan front door, it’s hard to decide which to focus on: the stark decor or the podcasters’ even bolder personalities.

From a faux graffiti wallpaper to their list of client services, it’s all about the details at Speak and Tell. The studio opened its doors in October 2020 after Givens and Smith started their own podcast, Backyard Memoirs, in July 2020.

“Our podcast was kind of the flagship podcast to start off and we were searching for spaces where we could record,” says Smith, the former executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana.

The office includes a main room with a record wall; graffiti wall; front

P H OTO S BY Z AC H S T R AW

When designing Speak and Tell Studios’ office space in Downtown Evansville, founders Justin Givens and Eric Smith employed faux graffiti, a wall full of records, and a microphone collection to give their office a fun, funky vibe.

desk; lounge space with a video game console, microphone collection, and local art; a snack bar and kitchenette covered in stickers; and a meeting space with a white board and moveable tables and chairs.

The contemporary-designed foam panels and sound reflectors on the podcast room’s walls aid recordings, combining form and function. There’s also the control room where Smith houses his favorite recliner for production and editing, a storage room, and the video room complete with a waterfall green screen and light rigs.

“We talked about the style and kind of what we envisioned for the place, and it had to be fun,” says Givens, a forP H OTO S BY AU D R A S T R AW

mer technical writing consultant. “We wanted it to be somewhere we enjoyed coming every day and be able to explore artistically. It’s just funky and a combination of different stuff that we like.”

Besides the artistic, evolving design, the studio provides clients who utilize its video production, podcast recording, voice over, and memory recording services with a stunning view of the Northwest side of Downtown.

“We want to be with other creative people and see them be successful,” says Smith. “It’s not a competitive landscape.

You can come and play with our stuff, or if you want to bring your own, we’re here.” z SPEAKANDTELLSTUDIOS.COM Evansville Business | 7

FROM HERE WE DARE

Where we’re from, we utilize every resource, push every limit, redefine possibility. We answer the call to create progress and to dig deep when dedication is demanded. Unlock your potential at the University of Southern Indiana, where we turn talent and ambition into action.

8 August/September | 2021

Your Future Is Here.

U S I . E D U / A P P LY

BUSINESS FRONT E I N T H E S P O T L I G H T

On to the Future As Traylor Bros., Inc. celebrates 75 years, its co-CEOs are already looking ahead B Y DA L L A S CA R T E R Traylor Bros., Inc. was founded by brothers William and

Ferris Traylor in 1946 as a Midwestern marine and bridge contractor. Now in its third generation of leadership and celebrating 75 years of family-owned success, the company is part of a larger brand.

In 2007, Mike and Chris Traylor succeeded their father Thomas (who died on May 9, 2013) and grandfather William as co-CEOs of Traylor Bros. and became equal part-owners with their oldest and youngest brothers Tom and Dan. Under their leadership, they have expanded to the parent company Traylor Construction Group, Inc., which includes Traylor Bros; Ballard Marine Construction, LLC; Traylor Industrial, LLC; and more.

“We see ourselves as a niche player who focuses on our strengths,” says Mike, who now lives in Colorado. “We seek out very complex projects, engineer out the risks, and then perform at a high level in order to succeed.”

Locally, Traylor Bros. had a hand in projects such as parts of the Lloyd Expressway and Interstate 69, but it quickly expanded, completing infrastructure builds such as the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit North-South line and more than $3 billion of improvements through 2017 in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina devastated the area. Currently, the brothers are overseeing tunneling and station contracts for new subway lines in the Los Angeles Metro system.

This jump to completing billion-dollar projects didn’t happen overnight but is a delicate balance of the Traylors’ familial traditions and the company’s six core values. Core behaviors, people, innovation, community, safety, communication, and ethics have been unyielding drivers of Traylor Bros. since the beginning.

“Focusing on complex projects and winning through innovation has definitely been a core value,” says Chris, an Evansville resident. “Our focus on people as our most valued asset has been a com-

mon attribute from day one.”

“I’m proud that Traylor has such a long legacy,” adds Mike. “We’re aware that many family-owned companies fail as generations turn. When I look back, I can see that our grandfather and father were careful about cultivating their sons and the business to be successfully passed to the next generation.”

The 75th anniversary will be celebrated at the annual managers meeting in Evansville in September with attendees traveling to the River City from offices in Colorado, California, Virginia, and more.

The brothers also plan to host a celebration at the Evansville home office to include members of the community.

Despite the major milestone for Traylor Bros., Mike and Chris already have their sights set on the future — a future which they say will always include Evansville.

Currently, about 385 out of Traylor Construction Group’s 860 employees are based in Evansville.

“Our family’s nature is to keep our heads down and focus on the future,” says Chris. “We’re looking to our hundredth anniversary now by making sure the next 25 years go well.” z TRAYLOR.COM

A E R I A L P H OTO O F CO N S T R U C T I O N BY A N DY S T E N Z - T H E I M AG E G R O U P. A L L OT H E R S P R OV I D E D BY T R AY LO R B R O S . , I N C .

Brothers Tom, Mike, Chris, and Dan Traylor took ownership of Traylor Bros., Inc. from their father Thomas in 2007. The infrastructure construction company was founded by their grandfather William and has completed projects locally, such as the Shawneetown Bridge in southern Illinois, and across the globe.

Evansville Business | 9

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BUSINESS FRONT E B U I L D I N G E VA N S V I L L E LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FEELING HONORED

What an honor to be in your magazine (in the June/July issue), we really appreciate your staff for sharing our story.

Thank you.

Steve Nussmeier, via Facebook COMPANY FEATURE

Our company loved sharing the SIGMA story with Evansville Living and couldn’t be more honored to be featured in their June/July issue.

SIGMA Equipment, via Facebook SHARING STORIES

Thank you Evansville Business for sharing our story. We’re proudly celebrating our 20th year this year.

Inman’s Picture Framing, via Facebook CHECK IT OUT

We not only specialize in business stationery and printing products, but also chocolate bar wrappers and wine labels.

Check out the full story in an article featured in (the June/July issue of) Evansville Business.

Nussmeier Engraving and Printing, via Facebook AD AWARENESS

Thank you so much for the media sponsorship of our Great Evansville Clean-up. The ad was phenomenal. We were able to get a lot of litter off our streets and to help raise awareness about why litter is bad for us all. We recently received a new litter report done by Keep America Beautiful. It stated that there are over 55 billion pieces of litter on our roadways and in our waterways. That’s over 150 pieces of litter for every man, woman, and child in America.

With efforts locally and with the help of great media sponsors, hopefully we will put a dent in that number for the future.

Julie Welch, executive director of Keep Evansville Beautiful

Hyatt Place, the newest venture of developer Hemang Shah (pictured with wife Darshana), opened in June at 202 S.E. Second St. The hotel adds to Downtown Evansville’s amenities and attractions with its 139 rooms, meeting space, patio seating, and distinctive “E is for Everyone” fountain out front.

Warm Welcome

BY RILEY GUERZINI

Downtown Hyatt hosts new opportunities for city tourism After many delays, Evansville’s first

Hyatt-branded hotel is finally ready for guests, providing a boost to the Downtown economy and new opportunities for area tourism.

Though construction on the Hyatt Place was expected to be finished last year, the pandemic, along with accompanying labor and supply chain shortages, pushed the opening date back further to June 23, 2021.

“Mayor Winnecke said that when we did the groundbreaking, we had a windy day and indeed, we had some windy days during the construction,” says Hemang Shah, the principal owner with hotel ownership group Kinship Hospitality LLC of Newburgh, Indiana. “It’s a beautiful property and we are very proud of it, and we’re excited for the community to have a chance to experience it.”

Shah, who lives in Newburgh, says he always wanted to build a property in the area, having already owned properties in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee, as well as Jasper and Huntingburg, Indiana, through the ownership group.

He says he saw how Downtown was being revitalized through the years with the construction of the Stone Family Center for Health

HYATT.COM/SEARCH/EVANSVILLE

Sciences, Tropicana’s land-based casino, and DoubleTree hotel. He hopes having another hotel will attract more conventions and visitors to the area.

“We have great hotels in the area, but having a hotel in the vicinity of the convention center I think it gives us a really good edge and for promoters to go after certain conventions that otherwise don’t come if you don’t have enough room in the area,” says Shah.

Construction on the 139-room Hyatt Place hotel began in spring 2018. It sits on the previous site of the Scottish Rite Cathedral, with the hotel being built on the cathedral’s former parking lot.

Inside the hotel is a full bar with a 24/7 a la carte food menu and complimentary breakfast. It also houses meeting rooms, an indoor pool, fire pit with ample patio seating, and fitness center with modern equipment along with king studio, two queens, business king, and king suites.

Hyatt Place has Evansville-branded décor, including a wall in the leisure hallway displaying the Old Courthouse and an aluminum “E is for Everyone” fountain out front that was manufactured at B Stevens Services in Cynthiana, Indiana.

“This is a phenomenally beautiful hotel, and it fits in so nicely in this neighborhood,” says Jim Dora Jr., president and CEO of the General Hotels Corporation, which manages the Hyatt Place. “We’re excited to be a part of it and Downtown Evansville.” z P H OTO S BY Z AC H S T R AW

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BUSINESS FRONT B R A N D I N G E VA N S V I L L E Mayor Lloyd Winnecke and CenterPoint Energy CEO Dave Lesar

How confident are you in your organization’s ability to

New Logo, Same Commitment CenterPoint Energy finalizes rebranding from Vectren The transition to CenterPoint Energy is officially complete, coming more than a year

after the Texas utility corporation bought out Evansville-based Vectren in a $6 billion merger finalized in February 2019.

“It had a great name, but we also have a really great name at CenterPoint,” says Dave Lesar, president and CEO of CenterPoint Energy. “What isn’t going to change is our commitment to Evansville.”

The completed transition includes updates to customer bills, websites, social media, and mobile app branding, while further unifying the company as it delivers energy to millions of customers across middle America.

Signage at CenterPoint Energy properties, including corporate and field office buildings, as well as electric and natural gas facilities throughout both Indiana and Ohio, have been updated. Employees working in the field are now wearing uniforms and driving trucks with the new logo.

Along with the official announcement of the transition to CenterPoint Energy, the corporation donated $1 million to a new city park planned for the space between the Sycamore building and the nearby 18-story Fifth and Main Street building, both of which will be demolished and rebuilt as new developments.

“The commitment to our community is impressive. In 2016, you may remember that we updated the Downtown master plan. One of the key points was that people wanted a more activated Main Street, especially in this location,” says Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. “We feel very confident that these projects will happen, and they’re happening because we have great cooperation and collaboration.”

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT E B R O A D B A N D I N T E R N E T

Broadening Broadband Vanderburgh County seeks solution to lack of internet access in rural areas

BY R I L E Y G U E R Z I N I

T

he 21st century has been defined by technological advancements, particularly in business and residential life. Internet access is a crucial component of dayto-day life in the modern world, but certain areas of our country and the Tri-State have struggled to gain access to this ever-important necessity.

Identifying the lack of this critical connection in rural areas, the Vanderburgh County Commissioners have sought solutions that will expand internet access.

“There’s quite a lot of geography in our county where there’s no broadband providers,” says Vanderburgh County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave. “So people literally have to use their cell phones and pay data plans or get in their car and drive somewhere where there is broadband, like the library or McDonalds.”

According to the latest census, the population of unincorporated Vanderburgh County (areas not including Evansville or Darmstadt) is 60,054. A survey the Commissioners conducted with the Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Indiana (now the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership) shows that about 35 percent of the population in those areas of the county have little to no internet access.

On May 25, the Vanderburgh County Commissioners voted to award a contract to Ohio-based internet provider Watch Communications for a wireless broadband solution focusing on the unincorporated portions of Vanderburgh County after issuing a request for proposal in December.

The project is on an expedited timeline, with a full build expected to be complete by the end of this year.

The expanded broadband will provide Watch customers with wireless internet H E A D S H OT A N D M A P P H OTO S P R OV I D E D BY C H E RY L M U S G R AV E

Vanderburgh County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave says the effort to expand broadband capabilities to the unincorporated areas of the county (inset, highlighted areas) has been one of the most difficult projects she has worked on in her career.

The contract that County Commissioners awarded to Watch Communications to expand internet access is worth $586,060, with funding from the North 41 Tax Increment Financing district. The project is on an expedited timeline, and completion is expected by the end of this year.

speeds up to 100 megabits per second for downloads and 10 megabits per second for uploads.

The County’s contract with Watch is $586,060, with funding from the North 41 Tax Increment Financing district. A sec-

ond request for proposal, for which the County will choose a bidder on Sept. 14, will come from federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, though there is currently no defined amount of money that will be available.

Evansville Business | 15

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

“There’s a tangle of federal funding that has been deployed and rules that go with that and state funding that’s out there and they conflict, and everybody tries not to get in everybody else’s way and they end up denying service to people because of a bureaucratic mess of rules.”

— Cheryl Musgrave, Vanderburgh County Commissioner

16 August/September | 2021

“The first one left out some parts of the unincorporated county, because we were really looking for the worst of the worst of the worst,” says Musgrave. “So we went back to our drawing board and put all of the unincorporated county on the table, including subdivisions, which might already have access.”

While E-REP assisted the Commissioners on the contract with Watch, local engineering firm Morley is serving as project manager, overseeing Watch to ensure compliance with county regulations. Morley has worked on similar broadband projects in Warrick County and will assist with the second request for proposal.

The effort to expand broadband in rural parts of the country has been a far-reaching project, involving state and federal funding to get communities connected to high-speed internet.

In July 2019, Microsoft Corp. launched an effort to expand rural broadband access in Indiana as well as

several other states. The company also selected Watch Communications to begin the development process to connect communities in 50 Indiana counties to high-speed internet in its Microsoft Airband Initiative.

As part of its ReConnect Program to facilitate broadband deployment in rural America, the Federal Communications Commission plans to award more than $29 million in funding over the next 10 years to increase broadband speeds for 24,530 locations throughout Indiana. The Indiana General Assembly also set aside $250 million for broadband grants in the last legislative session.

The state also created the Broadband Ready Communities Program in 2015 as a tool to encourage broadband development throughout Indiana. The Broadband Ready Community certification, which Vanderburgh County has, sends a signal to the telecommunication industry that a community has taken steps to reduce barriers to broadband

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infrastructure investment, according to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

In order to receive that designation, Vanderburgh County had to pursue changing ordinances and implementing new processes, including a personal property tax exemption for broadband investment and 10-day turnaround for permission to build infrastructure.

Despite this increased effort to provide reliable broadband access to rural areas, Musgrave says the solution to build infrastructure is expensive and complicated.

“There’s no straight-line solution,” she says. “There’s a tangle of federal funding that has been deployed and rules that go with that and state funding that’s out there and they conflict, and everybody tries not to get in everybody else’s way and they end up denying service to people because of a bureaucratic mess of rules.”

The Commissioners hope expanding broadband will allow for increased economic development in the rural parts of the county, slowing the depopulation of those areas as the need for internet access becomes more vital to modern life.

“To a great degree, the ability to support yourself and a family depends upon internet access and computer skills, and that’s true if you live in the inner city or if you live in a rural area, and last year, COVID-19 revealed and magnified the need for broadband everywhere,” says Musgrave.

The county is asking residents in the unincorporated areas to ask their neighbors if they have access. Musgrave says they have found there is scattered availability, and sometimes residents will have access that they didn’t know was available.

“County government is not and was never set up to deliver something like electricity or internet to people,” she says. “Now this is a brand new thing that’s landed on our desk, and nobody has had any training courses for it. I used to call the World Wide Web the wild, wild west. So, I think this is the wild, wild west.” z

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Joseph Helfrich Branch Leader 236 N. Burkhardt Rd., Evansville, IN 47715 812-618-0070 © 2021 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) Member SIPC. All rights reserved. (1120-0JP6) SCH3948-13 (07/21) Evansville Business | 19

MEETING AND EVENT PLANNING | SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Plan the perfect event Use these expert tips for your next gathering

By Jackie Sheckler Finch Meetings that run smoothly can get a great deal of business accomplished. Events that go as planned can leave happy memories for participants and guests. But behind every successful meeting and event is a massive amount of preparation and organization. Those efforts sometimes aren’t easily noticeable, but neglect them and you’ll certainly see the difference. Consider these meeting and event planning tips from local experts who are available to help juggle all the tasks necessary to ensure a first-rate gathering.

Choose an event planner “Event planners make for a quick and easy planning process,” says Summer Meleski, event coordinator for Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano, noting that first-time planners m y not be aware of planning pitfalls. “We are here to guide you every step of the way.”

Ask ahead of time if attendees have food allergies “Setting up a meal plan or o ering choices you know everyone will like and can have is very important,” Meleski says. “Knowing about allergies prior to a function helps ensure guests with allergies get exactly what they need.”

If hosting a meal, decide whether it will be a bu et or a sit-down dinner.

20 August/September | 2021

“This all depends on what type of atmosphere you are trying to create for your event or meeting,” Meleski advises. “Bu et dining is going to give off a mo e laid-back kind of feel. A planned-out meal with courses will be more formal.”

Find the best meeting or event location “Be sure that the space is large enough and has some natural light,” says Emily Ruebl, director of Friedman Park Event Center which opened in September 2020. “You don’t want a space that is stark with only fluo escent lights.

Windows and a beautiful view can make a big di erence in setting the mood whether you are hosting a meeting or an event.”

Friedman Park Event Center

Schedule breaks during meetings “Let participants know there will be breaks and when the breaks are scheduled. People often need to check in with their office or their fami , or return calls, or stretch their legs, or get a drink,” Ruebl says. “Serving snacks and something to drink at breaks is helpful. Always have water available.”

Plan for inclement weather “It is very important to have a back-up plan,” Ruebl cautions. “If it’s an outdoor wedding or a retreat planned for outdoors, be sure there is plenty of indoor space in case of rain or bad weather.”

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MEETING AND EVENT PLANNING | SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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elebrate A Special Occasion

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22 August/September | 2021

Supply all technical needs for meetings “Meetings often need rooms that are equipped to handle video meetings, conference calls, and visual presentations for a group. You need all the modern technology available to make a meeting a hit,” Ruebl says.

Ask about The Foundry on Main catering options “Many meeting spaces require that you cater from a select few caterers, and some let you work with any caterer or even bring in your own food,” says Brianna Ramacciotti marketing manager at The Foundry on Main. “Make sure you find the best catering o tions to fit our budget.”

Look into meeting space amenities “Co ee, water, Wi-Fi, and printing capabilities are essential for meetings,” Ramacciotti advises. “It is always good to have pens and paper placed at sites where people will be sitting. Make it easier on yourself by finding a space that p ovides complimentary amenities and technology so that you are fully prepared.”

Prioritize safety “As an event host, it is your job to ensure the safety of your guests. How secure is the building in which you are meeting?

Can anyone just walk in?” Ramacciotti recommends asking about safety precautions such as secure mobile entry, security cameras, cleanliness, lighted parking, and evacuation and emergency plans.

Evansville Business | 23

Road Less Traveled The

Evansville native Sal Lavallo uses global trekking experience to establish career

By Trista Lutgring

24 August/September | 2021

T

ravel has never simply been a means to “get away” for Sal Lavallo. In fact, visiting places and countries around the world could be called a career path for him.

When he was just an eighth grader at Holy Redeemer Catholic School, his graduation book remarked that by his class’ 25-year reunion, he would have visited every country in the world.

“I kind of always said, ‘Oh, I’ll go to every country,’” he says. “But I didn’t realize I’d said it that early until a friend showed me that book.”

The now 30-year-old Evansville native works as the head of the Foreign Direct Investment at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. His role entails attracting private sector companies to the country. Through his career, he’s also been an advisor for the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change and started a nonprofit that benefited countries around the world.

But one of the facts of Lavallo’s life he’s most known for is his penchant for travel — in fact, just after his 27th birthday, he completed the goal of visiting all 193 established countries of the world (as of 2017; the number of established countries is now at 195). The milestone, reached on Nov. 17, 2017, in Malta, makes him one of the youngest people on record to visit every country. The accomplishment has meant more than just being a traveler. It has helped — and continues to help — shape Lavallo as an individual working in a global profession.

“I use a lot of my experience from traveling around the world in my work now,” he explains. “I feel like I’m able to take the knowledge I learned to talk on social media and inspire other people to think about what travel means and in my professional life to help other countries and help the UAE have economic development.”

Such a journey took more than simply stating he dreamed of traveling. A 16-year-old Lavallo attending Reitz Memorial High School searched for opportunities to broaden his horizons at an early age.

“When I was 16, I started classes at an international board school called the United World College,” he says. “There were students from 90 different countries there, so it made it really easy to go travel to see them when I was younger. I would just pay for the flight and then didn’t have to pay for a hotel and stuff.

That made the world really accessible.”

He also is quick to give credit to his family for

Uzbekistan, 2019 “I returned to Central Asia, one of my favorite regions, for the wedding of a friend from Abu Dhabi. It's always exciting to visit a place for such an event!” Lavallo says.

“I use a lot of my experience from traveling around the world in my work now.”

— Sal Lavallo such a love of broadening his view of the world. His father was born in Italy, and his mother is German. Lavallo easily recalls stories told by his grandparents that revolved around family from Argentina, Italy, Germany, and so on.

“That made the world feel open. I felt like home wasn’t just Indiana,” he says.

The family also fostered an appreciation for traveling.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2019 “I love how the UAE combines nature with cities,” Lavallo says. “Unfortunately, most people only see the shining lights and fancy things. I’m trying to promote more of our eco-tourism offerings.”

P H OTO S P R OV I D E D BY S A L L AVA L LO

Evansville Business | 25

Gabon, 2019 While growing up, Lavallo remembers “I was traveling with road trips to 44 states as a family.

Jessica Nabongo, the “We would do crazy trips, like 30 first Black woman to visit every country,” Lavallo hours to Montana and 40 hours back, says. “In the travel stopping randomly wherever we wanted,” community, she’s one he says. of my favorite people because we both are All of it bundled together to create interested in economic a “travel bug” in him, latching onto his development and curiosity and passion for learning about studied it, so we talk others that followed him as he began his about the world in very specific ways that many studies at New York University. Divother travelers don’t.” ing into economic development, Lavallo found a concentration in critical development and comparJebel Hafeet, ing different economies to learn United Arab why some are better than others.

Emirates, 2019 “I started traveling for work, on my own, and through school,” he says. “I studied abroad in Israel and then in Abu Dhabi.”

As he continued studying, Lavallo also was awarded scholarships through NYU, allowing him to visit Brazil and New Orleans.

A grant to research and compare all eastern African economies came next. Through this, Lavallo realized he wanted more “ground experience,” so in 2010, he began what’s known as an nongovernmental organization that he named Trail of Seeds. Through Havana, Cuba, 2017 this nonprofit, Lavallo and others trav“While in Havana, the song ‘Pure Imagination’ from ‘Willy eled to Tanzania, Brazil, Venezuela, Wonka and the Chocolate and St. Kitts for projects that focused Factory’ kept playing in my mind — the part where Willy Wonka on promoting culturally sustainable says, ‘If you want to view paradise, simply look around and view it’ — because so many people go to Cuba for the Caribbean development through three activities: island tourism, cigars, rum, and classic cars, but they ignore the introspection workshops, micro-grants, sad reality of the place,” Lavallo says. and promotion.

“The first step was traveling for family, for friends. Then, the second step was starting to travel more for work,” Lavallo was not enough, he used personal time to fly to another country for a visit explains. “When I graduated, I moved after a project was completed. back to Abu Dhabi to stay and become a “It was the first time in my life I had the funds to travel how I wanted. management consultant with McKinsey And Abu Dhabi is kind of in the center of the world,” he says. “You could and Company.” go three hours to Africa, three hours to India, or three hours to Europe.”

That job was not only a step toward All of this came together like puzzle pieces, creating a picture that alputting his degree to use working in lowed Lavallo to continue a childhood passion while also working in a field economic development globally, but also that he found interesting and fulfilling. Each place traveled was put on a list, expanding his passion of discovering where Lavallo kept track of how many of the 195 countries he was visiting. the world through travel. His job with And with each new place added, he found himself trekking a path similar to McKinsey saw Lavallo working and/or another Evansvillian – John Clouse. temporarily living in 15 different coun “He was the first person who ever visited every country on the retries over three years. If that traveling cord, and he was from Evansville,” says Lavallo. “He was in the Guinness 26 August/September | 2021

World Record Book for being the most traveled man (at the time).”

Clouse, a lawyer, earned his title of “the most traveled living American” from the Guinness Book of World Records in 1987, after visiting the 304 countries recognized at that time by the Travelers’ Century Club. In 1998, Clouse was still listed in the book, having been to all 192 sovereign countries and all but six of the non-sovereign territories on record at that time with the United Nations.

(As one can see, institutions and record keepers differ in what defines a country.) He told the Christian Science Monitor in 1998 that he had crossed the Atlantic Ocean at least 100 times and the Pacific Ocean close to 50 times.

Like Clouse, Lavallo wasn’t necessarily out to set world records. Traveling for Lavallo is about knowledge, learning, and connecting. It’s about diving into aspects he finds interesting rather than just passing through.

“I’ve always thought it was cool that he didn’t just touch down and leave.

He likes to spend two or three weeks, he likes to meet people,” says Lavallo’s father Stephen, an Evansville lawyer.

While Guinness allows travelers to count airports as an official visit to a country, Lavallo prefers to spend significant time in each country, as he personally travels for experiences and connections.

“My job is about forming relationships,” he says. “So when I’m working and somebody is like, ‘We’re investing in Mauritania,’ and I can go, ‘Oh, I’ve been there,’ it’s a connection.

One thing I often say is when I look at a map, I see faces. Every flag I look at, I like to remember what I did in that country.”

What’s the trick to being a globetrotter? For Lavallo, he says there is no one way. Sometimes he backpacks, sometimes he stays in hotels, and other times he houses with the guides taking him through a country. He meets families and business people, taxi drivers and cooks. He converses with men his age about marriage and their belief systems (Lavallo is Muslim). He takes the time to try different foods and dance.

“I ask him sometimes what the political feeling is like in other countries,” says Stephen, “And Sal says, ‘You

Kosovo, 2018

Keep up with Sal’s travels on Instagram

@sallavallo

know Dad, when you get down to it, below the politicians and all that, people want a roof over their head.

They want to feed their children.”

Reminiscing on his travels and experiences, how he applies them to working in investments and global markets, Lavallo’s stories naturally revolve around the principle of “you connect on the similarities, but you learn from the differences.”

While it may feel like globe-trotting travel may be completed for him, Lavallo believes the opposite. In May, he spent time in Yemen camping with friends.

For his 29th birthday, he took a special trip back to Japan. And he shares that he would love to visit every country once again, because places change, and he changes as a person as well. Each new experience opens the door for him to find a new way to connect.

“I always say it’s such a blessing and a privilege to be able to have seen so much of the world, and to not share that with others would be an injustice,” Lavallo says. “My whole point always was that travel is about learning and connecting and that you don’t have to get on a plane to travel. For me, it’s about encountering the unknown.”

Angkor Wat, Cambodia, 2016 “This was around the time that I decided to go ahead and finish every country,” Lavallo says. “I was at 150 and debating whether to return to work or stay on the road. We know what I ended up choosing.”

Evansville Business | 27

LEADING

WOMEN IN

BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

EMILY

CECILE

SANDULLO MARTIN

LEAH

MARTIN

Since 1998, Bodyworks has been a leader in providing massage therapy training and services in the TriState. A founding partner of the business, Cecile Martin, along with business partners Leah Martin and Emily Sandullo, continue to grow their business with purpose and integrity. Starting as a two-room massage therapy practice 23 years ago, Bodyworks has increased in size, clientele, and student population. With a commitment to cultivating long-standing relationships, Cecile, Leah, and Emily share the heart of the business with clients and students receiving massage therapy treatment and training. Together they continue to expand, with experience and expertise guiding the way.

Bodyworks Massage Therapy & Institute 2809 Lincoln Ave., Ste. 110 812-490-9009, bwmassage.com 28 August/September | 2021

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TAMMY

SHAW Tammy Shaw has seen it all.

Just ask her about the almost 20 years since she started at Oswald Marketing, and she’ll be the first to tell you that the advertising world has changed in ways she never dreamed.

Even with these huge leaps in technology, doing what is right for her clients is still her top priority. She describes Oswald as “a servant agency: we put our clients first,” attributing the agency’s success to prioritizing the needs of its customers and staff over simply increasing its bottom line. As the now majority owner and president of Oswald, Tammy has seen marketing technologies mature and flourish alongside the growth of the Oswald team. “It’s a whole different ballgame now. There are opportunities for companies to reach their audiences that didn’t exist even two or three years ago,” she says. Tammy, alongside her team of 18 experienced marketers, has seen Oswald evolve from a local marketing company into an industry leading agency serving clients across the country. With a “fullcircle” service model, Oswald’s goal is to meet all of a company’s marketing needs with its promotional products division and in-house embroidery shop, award-winning video production department with thousands of videos produced each year, and media placement team on the cutting edge of digital marketing and traditional placement. Learn more at oswaldmarketing.com/meet-the-team.

Oswald Marketing 4101 N. St. Joseph Ave. 812-426-0335 oswaldmarketing.com Evansville Business | 29

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CIAVON

SARAH

HARTMAN MOORE Donaldson Capital Management 20 N.W. First St., Ste. 500 812-421-3211 dcmol.com

30 August/September | 2021

While the investment industry suffers from a lack of women in leadership, this is not true at Donaldson Capital Management (DCM). At DCM, we are fortunate to have the leadership and talents of Ciavon Hartman and Sarah Moore. Both experienced and capable women are members of DCM’s Leadership Team. Ciavon Hartman is Chief Operations Officer and Chief Compliance Officer. Ciavon serves on the Evansville Lutheran School Board of Christian Education. A member of the Junior League of Evansville since 2013, she also serves on its board. Ciavon and her husband Matt enjoy watching their daughter Liana play travel softball and son Landon play travel soccer. Sarah Moore, CFP®, is Vice President of Client Experience and Director of Financial Planning. Sarah spent her prior career in Indianapolis and Nashville as a private banker where she advised many financially successful families. Sarah is a member of the Vanderburgh Medical Alliance and serves on the board of the Evansville Estate & Financial Planning Council. Sarah and her husband David returned to Evansville in 2018 to raise their two daughters, Elizabeth and Madeline. Donaldson is proud of the leadership and guidance Sarah and Ciavon bring to the firm, our clients, and the Evansville community.

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CAROL

MCCLINTOCK JODI

FEHRENBACHER SUSAN

HAYNIE CINDY

HOWARD LIBBY

PITTMAN KELSEY

SIMMONS ELLEN

TOPPER MINDY

WORD

Team McClintock REALTORS® 130 Main St. 812-777-5220 team-mcclintock.com

Back Row: Ellen Topper Fourth Row: Kelsey Simmons and Libby Pittman Third Row: Cindy Howard and Carol McClintock Second Row: Susan Haynie Front Row: Mindy Word and Jodi Fehrenbacher

From the first phone call to the closing table, Team McClintock excels in communicating every step of the way with its clients.

When buyers and sellers work with Team McClintock, they are benefitting from marketing relationships including television, radio, internet, social media, and print advertising. Team McClintock spends more money and time than any other team in the business to benefit its clients. With more than 90 years combined experience throughout the team, Team McClintock has worked through many situations and negotiations with their clients. It understands that buyers and sellers need the most information available to make an informed decision. With homes selling faster than ever and multiple offers happening in many home transactions, you need a dedicated and experienced team of REALTORS® helping guide you through the buying and selling process. Team McClintock walks you through every step and is ready to help you get the most money for your home when selling and prepare an attractive offer when buying a home and competing against other buyers. With Team McClintock, you can have it all. Ask the experts in real estate.

Evansville Business | 31

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

NIKKI

MOORE ETFCU Financial Group 4401 Theater Drive 812-469-9909 etfcu.org/financialgroup

XX

XX Nikki Moore serves as Regional Director for ETFCU Financial Group, the Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union’s wealth management department. The group’s wealth management team has more than $640 million in assets under management.

As Regional Director, Nikki oversees the wealth management division; hires, trains, and coaches new financial advisors; and also services a limited book of business. She leads a team of 11, including five other financial professionals who serve clients throughout the Tri-State and in Louisville, Kentucky. Nikki started her career in finance 27 years ago and has worked in various finance and leadership roles, serving at the credit union since April 2013. She graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of the Senior Advisor Leadership Team and Women of Distinction, organizations through CUNA Brokerage Services. Nikki serves locally within her community with various organizations including Bethel Church, Habitat for Humanity, and Ronald McDonald House, and is a member of Evansville Rotary. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra. Nikki is married to Brian Moore, and together they have a daughter, Lily.

Representatives are registered, securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC , a registered broker/ dealer and investment advisor, which is not an affiliate of the credit union. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution.

32 August/September | 2021

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JILL

HATTIE

KATE

SHERRY

MRUK HARRISON HAWKINS SHEN The women of Kaiser Aluminum Warrick (acquired from Alcoa Corp. on March 31, 2021) are true leaders in the company’s re-entry into the aluminum packaging industry. Whether Jill is leading casting production, Hattie is guiding diversity and inclusion programs, Kate is managing the rolling mill’s supply chain, or Sherry is looking for opportunities to improve operations, these women leaders contribute to the company’s success every day. Kaiser Aluminum is proud of its local team, whose high-quality products for the food and beverage industry serve customers across North America.

Kaiser Aluminum Warrick

4000 State Route 66, Newburgh, IN 812-853-6111 kaiseraluminum.com

Evansville Business | 33

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

VICKI

SHERRI

SIMMONS

ALLEY

VICE PRESIDENTS OF PRIVATE BANKING

German American Bank 21 S.E. Third St. 812-962-2265 germanamerican.com 34 August/September | 2021

Vicki and Sherri are committed to helping clients connect the wealth they have today with the dreams they have tomorrow through an exclusive and uniquely personal way of banking for those whose financial needs are complex and carry higher balances. As dedicated, single-point-of-contact relationship managers, these talented private bankers partner with German American wealth management, banking and insurance specialists to find financial solutions tailored to each client’s needs. Experience the difference of premium service, exclusive benefits, and integrated financial solutions through the German American Bank Private Client Group led by Vicki Simmons and Sherri Alley, who serve the Greater Evansville area.

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JANICE

MILLER Janice Miller has been selling real estate since 1980. With her husband Marc, she became an ERA franchise owner in 1995, and their company, ERA First Advantage Realty, Inc., quickly became a Top 50 affiliate within ERA. Janice has been selling homes in the Evansville area for over 30 years and has sold more homes than any Realtor in the history of the Evansville Area Association of Realtors.

Janice has been rated a Top 3 All Around Real Estate Broker for ERA Franchise Systems consistently the past 10 years!

She has been an ERA Leaders Circle Broker award winner every year since 1999 — this is awarded for reflecting ERA’s high standards for productivity, cooperation and customer service! Janice is known for her high energy, forward thinking, and her use of technology in providing buyers opportunities to find the homes of their dreams. She is a national trainer for ERA and demonstrates excellence and leadership in every facet of the real estate business. She has been recognized in Realtor Magazine as one of the top 100 Realtors nationally as well as one of the top 100 Realtors as recognized by The Wall Street Journal. When asked about her hobbies she claims she has the best hobby — “selling houses.”

“Selling real estate is not work, It is helping people,” she says.

Call Janice today - Let’s Go Shopping!

ERA First Advantage 8711 W. Highway 66, Newburgh, IN 812-858-2400 erafirst.com Evansville Business | 35

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LAQUINTA

SCHUM Let’s Sew 4406 E. Morgan Ave. 812-471-7945 letssew.com

36 August/September | 2021

In December 2011, LaQuinta Schum transformed her passion for sewing into a fashion fabric and quilt showroom designed to fulfill the needs of the modern sewist. She accomplished this by obtaining an 11,000-square-foot showroom and filling it with a variety of fabrics and sewing notions.

When you walk into the store, you are met with various projects to invigorate your inspiration. You will also notice Let’s Sew’s pride and joy, the Button Wall where any sewist would be hard pressed to find it’s equal. LaQuinta surrounded herself with friendly, knowledgeable staff to help further her dreams. These team members bring their experience and knowledge to the classroom as well as the showroom to help modern sewists fulfill their goals. Since opening, Let’s Sew has partnered with Baby Lock to become the only authorized dealer in Evansville. 2020 and 2021 presented our area with many challenges. Among them was the ability to acquire face masks to help prevent the spread of a virus. Let’s Sew is very proud of its ability to be there for the modern sewist and facilitate the creation of face masks. “A large amount of work and long hours went into keeping the elastic train running” LaQuinta says. Let’s Sew was pleased to perform this work to the benefit and stress relief of our area. All this and more has made Let’s Sew the largest and most unique fabric store within 300 miles. As its slogan says, “Come for the fabric. Stay for the inspiration!”

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CHRISTY

WALKER BETH

CLARK LORI

NEWMAN MORGAN

HARGIS TRACIE

YOUNG JODY

ROMIG

First Bank 7500 Eagle Crest Blvd.

812-401-8404 111 S. Red Bank Road 812-266-2600 MyFirst.Bank

Christy Walker, Beth Clark, Lori Newman, Morgan Hargis, Tracie Young, and Jody Romig

With 140 years of banking experience, these leading ladies represent First Bank’s business, cash management, marketing and personal banking teams. Not only are they committed to making great things happen for clients, they also selflessly volunteer their time and talents to a long list of local nonprofit organizations through board leadership, committees, membership, and community service. Collectively, Christy, Beth, Lori, Morgan, Tracie, and Jody represent The Rotary Club of Evansville, The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, Vanderburgh County Foundation & Women’s Fund, Community One, A Network of Evansville Women (ANEW), and Youth First, as well as several churches and their foundations. Additionally, Christy, Morgan, and Tracie have supported Borrowed Hearts Foundation, Community One, and Youth First with donations as part of the Fritschle Award.

Named after Board Chairman and CEO Alvin Fritschle, this prestigious award is given to the one associate each quarter who best exemplifies the company’s core values – honesty, integrity and humility. By partnering with these great organizations, this team of leaders lives out First Bank’s mission to build strong communities and financial futures for businesses and families.

Evansville Business | 37

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

F.C. TUCKER EMGE REALTORS® Gretchen Ballard, Gelina Mascoe, Nikki Davis, Anita Waldroup, Dana Smith, Susan Shepherd, Kindra Hirt, Pam Rickenbaugh, Kristin Dannheiser, Geri Terry, Cathie Spalding, Sharon McIntosh, Sheila Smith, Missy Mosby, Kathy Briscoe, Deanne Naas, Carol McClintock, Gretchen Muchnick, Angie Simpkins, Stephanie Morris

F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS® 7820 Eagle Crest Blvd.

812-402-0200 FCTuckerEmge.com

38 August/September | 2021

F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS® is your resource for residential and commercial real estate, property management, auction, and relocation services. We have more than 180 professional real estate agents to serve your individual needs — including this group of Leading Women in Business. These women represent F.C. Tucker Emge’s President’s Club, Executive Club, and Champion’s Club — outstanding sales performance and remarkable customer service. All F.C. Tucker Emge real estate brokers and sales associates are welltrained professionals who understand today’s market trends and current laws governing their profession. As the leading real estate company in Southwestern Indiana, we pride ourselves on excellent service throughout your property search and all the way to the closing table. Whether you are searching for your primary residence, vacation home, investment property, building lots, commercial property or upcoming auctions, we invite you to come into Tucker’s visual domain and view the area’s properties for sale. Whether you are considering buying, selling, checking out the Southern Indiana Market or considering a career in real estate, you will find the answers at F.C. Tucker Emge REALTORS®.

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LYNNE

LEWIS EMILY

UNFRIED The Rug Merchant has become a family tradition for the Lewis family who have owned and operated the business for 50 years. While Terry Lewis founded the business, the mother-daughter team of Lynne Lewis and Emily Unfried are out on the sales floor adding their expertise to the design needs of each and every client. When asked what they loved about working together, Lynne says, “We’ve always gotten along because we’re alike in a lot of ways, but working together definitely brings a different depth to our relationship that we wouldn’t have otherwise.”

“I enjoy watching my mom talk to customers. She’s so tenacious and works so hard to meet the needs of every client. Plus, most people never get to see their family due to work, I’m lucky enough to work with mine every day,” says Emily. The Rug Merchant stays up to date with rug trends by attending several rug markets every year. They also rely on reading rug trade and interior design subscriptions and talking to other dealers around the U.S. However, most of their success comes from simply listening and talking with local clients and designers.

Armed with the knowledge and perspective of different generations in the Rug Merchant family, finding your perfect rug is an easy task.

The Rug Merchant 1019 Lincoln Ave. 812-423-2338 therugmerchantevansville.com Evansville Business | 39

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JENNIFER

STACY

NMLS#137658

SENIOR LOAN OFFICER

Mortgage Masters of Indiana 501 N. Cross Pointe Blvd.

812-477-8000 mortgagemastersofindiana.com jennifer@mmofin.com

NMLS#126673

40 August/September | 2021

Details and dreams matter. Jennifer has been a mortgage loan officer for nearly 15 years, assisting thousands of clients with purchasing and refinancing their homes. She has thrived in ever-changing markets and has proven to be a valuable resource for her clients and referral partners. Jennifer explains, “While speaking with clients, they often begin by sharing their story. This is one of the most important pieces of the mortgage process. Sharing details and dreams allows me to better guide them on their homeownership journey.” Investing in dreams comes naturally to Jennifer. She never hesitates to roll up her sleeves to make things happen. It’s very typical for her to answer evening and weekend calls while she’s caring for animals in the barn. Her nature to preserve, rescue and care for others is evident in all facets of her life. “My definition of rescue isn’t limited to saving animals. I believe it’s being an advocate for anything that needs my help.” Saving the old barn is just one of her recent projects. Being tenacious and a fighter has always been Jennifer’s strongest asset. As a five-year breast cancer survivor, she has learned to embrace the journey and that details and dreams matter.

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JILL

BECKY

ALI

SKYLER

JENNIFER

SCARLETT

REBECCA ANNETTE

CAREN

VICTORIA

RAWLEY WILLIS NIEMEIER BURKHART KISSEL BICKETT BRADY SCHONABAUM COZART WRIGHT

Hafer 21 S.E. Third St., Ste. 800 812-422-4187 haferdesign.com

This one’s for the strong girls with lots of courage and a ton of heart. This one’s for the girls who dreamed big in school, never backed down from a hard task, needed to find out if they could fly. At Hafer, we know that these girls grow into extraordinary leaders, and we simply couldn’t achieve our level of excellence without their creativity, passion, and commitment. From number crunchers and marketing professionals to designers and CAD technicians, the women of Hafer make our company an industry leader. “All the women here have different backgrounds, roles and responsibilities, but they’re all equally important,” says Jeff Justice, president of Hafer. That’s because each of them dedicates their skills and talents to helping us create award-winning buildings and environments for our clients, and to making a positive impact in our community. We hope you’ll take a moment today to celebrate the strong, independent, smart women in your life and your business, and we want to take this opportunity to thank the women on our team for all their incredible contributions. We simply wouldn’t be Hafer without them.

Evansville Business | 41

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

RHONDA

ZUBER SWIRCA & More 16 W. Virginia St. 812-464-7800 swirca.org

42 August/September | 2021

PRESIDENT & CEO

If you ever need a champion to lift your spirits, help navigate you through a critical moment, or be your constant advocate, then look no further than Rhonda Zuber. She works tirelessly every day to give a voice to the countless needs of Indiana’s senior, medically fragile, and caregiver populations. A native of Evansville and a recent graduate of the University of Southern Indiana’s MBA program, Rhonda currently serves as the President & CEO of SWIRCA & More. For the past 10 years, she has successfully grown and shaped SWIRCA & More into one of Indiana’s leading area agencies on aging. With compassion, integrity, and optimism, Rhonda motivates a team of over 90 employees including administrative staff, care managers, options counselors, and program directors. Her journey in the non-profit sector began in 2003 when she took on the role as Program Coordinator with the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Before joining SWIRCA & More, Rhonda served as the Executive Director of the Warrick County American Red Cross.

Rhonda serves on many committees, including the Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging (IAAAA) Board of Directors, the City of Evansville’s Commission on Food Insecurity, the Promise Zone Food Work Group, Community Organizations Active in Disaster, and the Evansville Rotary Club. Rhonda lives in Newburgh with her husband Larry and her 13-year-old son, Ryland. Rhonda also has two adult daughters, Miranda and Makenzi.

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Paid Advertisement

NANCY

TAMMY

BACH

BROWN

Wells Fargo Advisors

Certainly, these are extraordinary times. And because of that, it’s a good time to pause and reflect on life’s blessings. This past year has brought many ups and downs. When life throws those curveballs, it’s important to take time to evaluate how those events may have changed your future plans. Both Nancy Bach and Tammy Brown, Financial Advisors at Wells Fargo Advisors, are here to help you revisit your financial goals, review your plans, and reassess your financial situation. With more than 30 years of experience between them, they share a passion for assisting individuals and families in growing, managing, preserving, and transitioning their wealth to those whom they care for most. They know that wealth is about more than just your investments and are here to help you create your best financial life. Nancy Bach is a transplant to Evansville via her undergraduate studies at the University of Evansville. She also earned an MBA from Vanderbilt University. She says that she cannot imagine raising her two children any place other than Evansville. Tammy comes to Evansville by way of southern Illinois. Always a Tri-State resident, Tammy says the Evansville community has always been the home she wants for her and her daughter.

25 N.W. Riverside Drive Ste. 320 812-425-6251 home.wellsfargoadvisors. com/001_PKN3

Investment and Insurance Products: NOT FDIC Insured / NO Bank Guarantee / MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company.

Evansville Business | 43

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

DR. JESSICA

IGNACIO 2021 marks Dr. Jessica Ignacio’s 10-year anniversary of owning West Side Chiropractic Center. “10 years in, the thing that surprises me most is the amazing business drive I have and how far I’ve come,” says Dr. Jessica. Today, the practice has a total of 10 employees, including four massage therapists and one chiropractic associate doctor. Dr. Jessica incorporated the massage aspect into the business after realizing that without the tightness of muscles to pull everything out of alignment, the patients were feeling better for a longer period of time following adjustments. Dr. Jessica always knew that she wanted to pursue a career that involved helping people. When she shadowed her first chiropractor during her freshman year of college, she knew chiropractic was the field for her. “I was immediately intrigued with how adjusting and manipulating the bones of the spine can help cure all kinds of ailments,” says Dr. Jessica. “I was fascinated by the fact that I could help people get better by just the touch of my hands, and that the body has the power to heal itself without the use of medications.” The practice approaches chiropractic care with an all-natural, holistic style.

Monthly “tune-ups” are encouraged as a preventative measure.

West Side Chiropractic Center 44 August/September | 2021

2732 Mount Vernon Ave. 812-425-5686, gowestsidechiro.com

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

VICKI

HUBIAK As President/CEO and owner of HR Solutions, Vicki has successfully grown her business to one of the most distinguished and largest recruiting and staffing companies in the TriState. In 2019, HR Solutions was designated the Master Vendor for the AstraZeneca site in Mount Vernon, Indiana.

The company also received Supplier of the Year in 2018 and 2019. According to Vicki, one of the most rewarding aspects of HR Solutions’ work is the development of candidates through their qualifying process. Many of HR Solutions’ candidates say they have never been through such an in-depth process, and it has a lifelong benefit to them. “Our greatest reward is making a difference with people,” Vicki says. “We’ve helped people who simply don’t understand why they cannot get a job. By listening and coaching them, giving feedback, and helping them improve their computer skills, we can guide them.” Vicki remains committed to what she believes is the key to their success. “One thing I learned early on is that when you go above and beyond, and exceed expectations, you connect with people. These connections turn into partnerships that result in successful teams for our clients.”

HR Solutions, Inc.

100 N. St. Joseph Ave., 812-476-3180, hrsolutions-inc.com

Evansville Business | 45

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

MICHELLE

COUTS When it comes to women’s clothing and accessories, style, shape, and size don’t matter — what matters is we feel confident and good about ourselves.

I handpick everything with my customers in mind. When you walk into 728 Chic Boutique, we hope to give you a shopping experience like no other! With inspiring, loving, and entrepreneurial grandparents, I found my passion in becoming an entrepreneur myself and helping others.

Starting my own boutique in 2018, opening a storefront in 2019, and helping women find their confidence and inner fashion have been the greatest reward in my career.

728 Chic Boutique 5625 E. Virginia St., 728boutique.com

ASHLEY

ALEX

RAQUEL

SHREFFLER

GOEBEL

DENNING

Raquel Denning, Alex Goebel, and Ashley Shreffler exemplify the future of women in business. Each is local to Posey County and was selected as an AstraZeneca scholarship recipient while attending the University of Southern Indiana. Upon graduation, each decided to stay local and begin her career with AstraZeneca. Alex and Ashley work in the supply chain, and Raquel is an engineer in packaging. AstraZeneca, a global, science-led biopharmaceutical business, understands that our advantage lies in our people. Our innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. We are proud to operate in and employ the best talent from the local area. With Raquel, Alex, Ashley, and many other talented women and men among our team, the best solutions for the patients we serve are yet to come!

AstraZeneca 4601 Hwy. 62 East, Mt. Vernon, IN 812-838-4675, astrazeneca.com 46 August/September | 2021

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

BRITTANY

McHUGH Brittany McHugh has been in the beauty industry for more than 20 years.

It’s now time she brings to life her vision of what she truly believes Evansville needs. Being a mother of three boys and always on the go, Brittany understands the importance of self-care. Everyone needs “a minute” — a time and place to unwind.

Add to your schedule an atmosphere where you can be you and get the best recommendations, regimens, and energy-lifting, calorie-burning, relaxing, and rejuvenating experience to look and feel your best. The salon/spa is perfect for bridal parties, early-morning fitness classes, spending the day with friends, or just saying hi on the patio. There is something for everyone! Brittany not only envisioned this beautiful place; she is behind the chair as a stylist herself, living out her dream.

B. Lanae Salon 12101 U.S. Hwy 41 North, Ste. A 812-626-0044, blanaesalon.com

KELLY

CARA

JOHNNA

JENNA

JESSICA

LEAH

HEATHER

MARTIN GILE HANCOCK-BLAKE HANCOCK-WARGEL HILLYARD DIMAGGIO BROTHERS-SMITH Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty is built around excellence.

At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, you are surrounded by some of the most successful women in the industry. The Berkshire Hathaway brand is known for its stature, reliability, excellence, and trust; these women hold the same values and reputation, which shows in their success.

These ladies do not focus on one transaction — they strive to be your FOREVER Agent, serving those that trust for life. They take partnership seriously and strive to provide the highest standard of service.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Indiana Realty 4111 Washington Ave., 812-474-7000 bhhsinrealty.com/Evansville Evansville Business | 47

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TRISHA M.

NEIDIG CPA Partner, BKD CPAs & Advisors Trusted advice is at the heart of a character that’s equal parts integrity, innovation, and excellence.

For 20 years, BKD Evansville Partner Trish Neidig has exemplified that character. We are proud to congratulate Trish on her promotion to Regional Industry Leader for BKD’s National Construction and Real Estate Group. From developing guidance on new accounting and audit standards, and working with non-profit and higher education clients, to serving on the firm’s SKY Advisory Council to strengthen diversity, and volunteering as a board member for the Koch Family Children’s Museum, Trish has proven to be a trusted advisor each step of the way.

BKD CPAs & Advisors 400 Cross Pointe Blvd.

812-428-6500, bkd.com

JEANNIE

BROWNING HESTER In the early 1980s, Jeannie Browning Hester and her father Charles H. Browning were a father-daughter team known throughout the state in the funeral service profession. However, when Jeannie first entered the field, there were very few opportunities for women. Not to be deterred, she took advantage of her position and created a niche for women, encouraging and mentoring those who were interested in the career. Soon, leaders in the profession were turning to Jeannie for advice and female enrollment grew to 80% in funeral colleges across the country. Jeannie is a leader, setting the precedent for a woman’s role in the funeral service on a national level.

Browning Funeral Home 738 E. Diamond Ave., 812-425-2896 browningfuneral.com 48 August/September | 2021

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SHANNON

DAWN

BROWN MORAND Bud’s Harley-Davidson has been a part of the Evansville community for the last 63 years. This third generation-owned family business is led by sisters Dawn Morand and Shannon Brown, who continue to promote motorcycling in the Tri-State.

Their grandfather Bud’s passion for the brand and sport has been passed down through the generations. Bud’s Harley-Davidson sells new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles, parts, and clothing, and offers a certified service team. Our dedicated team is committed to serving all your motorcycle needs. Let your freedom shine through.

Bud’s Harley-Davidson 4700 E. Morgan Ave., 812-473-2837 buds-harley.com

NATALIE

LEWIS Camelot has been the Tri-State’s family-owned and -operated jewelry store since 1986 when it was founded by Rodney and Linda Williams. Their daughter, Natalie Lewis, proudly worked with her family from a young age and officially began running the store in 2018. Natalie graduated from North High School in 2008, received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 2011, and received her master’s degree from the University of Evansville in 2013. She then earned her graduate gemologist degree from the Gemological Institute of America and has completed bench jeweler’s courses at New Approach School for Jewelers.

Camelot Jewelers 2178 E. Morgan Ave., 812-473-5440 shopcamelotjewelers.com Evansville Business | 49

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION RENAE

JESSE

JULIE

NEWTON MEYER MCCARTY At Colonial Classics Landscape and Garden Center, Julie McCarty and her team are honored to assist customers with all of their gardening and landscaping needs. Being the largest garden center in the Tri-State, their projects include residential and commercial landscape designs and installations.

This year, Colonial opened a new 6,000-squarefoot retail garden store with hundreds of lines of merchandise for gardeners and outdoor living. In 2017, she earned her Women-Owned Business certificate and started Colorscaping Associates to provide additional landscaping services. She enjoys being an entrepreneur and getting the opportunity to make decisions from start to finish.

She, along with her husband JT, believes success lies in being passionate about the work you do and serving others to enhance the community.

Colonial Classics Landscaping 3633 Epworth Road, Newburgh, IN 812-853-6622, colonialclassics.net

AMANDA

BENNETT Amanda Bennett was born and raised in Southern Indiana. Amanda is a nationally board-certified Hearing Instrument Specialist. She owns Evansville Hearing Aid Center, in which she works closely with her father. Evansville Hearing Aid Center is the oldest hearing aid business in Evansville. Amanda has been recognized nationally and locally for her outstanding work, receiving the Starkey Directors Award, Silver Club Award, and Readers’ Choice Award. Amanda prides herself on improving her patients’ quality of life and meeting their individual needs. You can feel confident that when you choose Evansville Hearing Aid Center, you are receiving the best solution to your hearing problems with reliable and caring service.

Evansville Hearing Aid Center 2424 Stringtown Road, 812-424-5116 evansvillehearingaidcenter.com 50 August/September | 2021

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LISA

SCHELLER Lisa is a Nurse Anesthesiologist and opened Evansville Ketamine Center to bring relief to those suffering from mood disorders and chronic pain unrelieved by traditional treatments.

Ketamine infusions have proven successful in decreasing symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and bipolar disorder. She also offers a variety of vitamin infusions, high-dose vitamin C, NAD+ therapy, and injections of vitamin B12, vitamin D, and a fat-burning lipotropic! Visit www.evansvilleketamine. com for more information or call 812-2508881 for a free consultation today!

Evansville Ketamine Center 4703 Theater Drive, 812-250-8881 evansvilleketamine.com

AMY

BOUCHIE Born and raised in Evansville, Amy Bouchie has spent her career as a financial planner helping individuals and couples work toward financial confidence. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, she is committed to educating and empowering her clients with sound solid financial information, options, and strategies designed to improve their financial lives. Amy is also passionate about giving back to the community and is involved in several boards and many organizations. As the founder of New Horizons Financial Consultants, Amy believes that life is about more than money — it is about the life you can make with your money.

New Horizons Financial Consultants 1033 E. Mount Pleasant Road, Ste. A 812-618-9050, nhfcplanyourfuture.com Evansville Business | 51

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

SHARON

LEMOND Sharon Lemond received the Southwest Indiana Chamber’s 2017 Entrepreneur of the Year award and was recently honored in the sixth edition of Millennium magazine. In 2016, Lemond opened Enjolé Interiors and this year made significant investments in the business’ property and team. More recently, Lemond and her son opened the popular Entwined Wine & Cocktail Bar in Downtown Evansville, where they work together to serve the community. Lemond’s success in business ownership has propelled her as a role model in the local and regional business community. She says this recent expansion is just the beginning for Enjolé Interiors.

Enjolé Interiors 10388 State Hwy 662, Newburgh, IN 812-706-9906 enjoleinteriors.com

LISA

NICOLE

TRUDY

KIM

ASHLEY

LACY

KATHY

MICHELE

SHANNON

FRANK

BOREN

STOCK

KINNAMAN

SCHULTZ

BENDER

ETTENSOHN

GRAHAM

BREWER

Harding Shymanski is a full-service CPA and advisory firm providing a broad range of accounting, tax, and consulting services.

We’re passionate about helping our clients meet their financial goals and are committed to investing the time needed to build real relationships and deliver real solutions. In collaboration with Avantax Planning PartnersSM, we provide you with a team-based approach that focuses on your goals and priorities while implementing planningcentric strategies tailored to your unique accounting, tax, and wealth management needs.

Harding Shymanski & Company, PSC 21 S.E. Third St., Ste. 500, 812-464-9161, hsccpa.com Investment advisory services are offered through Avantax Planning PartnersSM. Commission-based securities products are offered through Avantax Investment ServicesSM, Member FINRA, SIPC. Insurance services offered through licensed agents of Avantax Planning Partners. 3200 Olympus Blvd., Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75019. The Avantax entities are independent of and unrelated to Harding Shymanski. Although Avantax does not provide or supervise tax or accounting services, our Financial Professionals may offer these services through their independent outside business. Not all Financial Professionals are licensed to offer all products or services. Financial planning and investment advisory services require separate licenses.

52 August/September | 2021

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

KASEY

GRAY-FUQUAY After working in the insurance industry for 26 years (21 years with State Farm), Kasey Gray was selected in 2019 to open her own State Farm Agency – Kasey Gray Insurance Agency — in her hometown of Evansville. Kasey helps her clients with nearly 100 types of insurance policies, including home, auto, life, disability, RV, and even pets. “I have a strong desire to help people and opened my agency to expand my volunteerism in the community, and to mentor and inspire other women entrepreneurs to get into the insurance industry,” says Kasey. Kasey Gray Insurance Agency personalizes the proper policy for each customer’s needs. Kasey was the 2020 award recipient of The Junior League of Evansville Top 20 Women in Business and the SIAR Affiliate of the year.

Kasey Gray Insurance Agency — State Farm

12101 N. U.S. HWY 41, Ste. C 812-853-7301, insurancebykasey.com

AMANDA

AUDRIE

SCHMITT BURKETT CenterPoint Energy Foundation

Evansville Regional Economic Partnership

As leading women in business, Audrie Burkett and Amanda Schmitt have many things in common, one being they are 2020-2022 fellows of the Mitch Daniels Leadership Foundation, a prestigious two-year program designed to catalyze passionate Hoosiers to invest in Indiana.

They both work alongside leaders aiming higher for Indiana’s future. Audrie Burkett serves as the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Evansville Regional Economic Partnership. It is Audrie’s job to execute strategy and overall management of E-REP’s operations to build a better Evansville region and her hometown community. Amanda Schmitt serves as President of the CenterPoint Energy Foundation. In her role, she manages operations of the Foundation as well as grantmaking and philanthropic giving.

CenterPoint Energy Foundation

211 N.W. Riverside Dr. 812-491-4176 centerpointenergy.com /foundation

Evansville Regional Economic Partnership Innovation Pointe 300 Main St., Ste. 400 812-423-2020 evansvilleregion.com

Evansville Business | 53

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JANE

ELPERS In 2013, Jane Elpers opened her bridal and rental service business in her home. By 2017 more space was necessary, and now the business is expanding. OBJ is short for Originals by Jane, and that is what they do: create original setups for weddings, showers, birthday parties, graduations, and anniversaries. Weddings are their specialty, offering complete wedding setup with all the decor or just a few items to finish off the design. The wedding industry is always changing thanks to the latest trends on Pinterest and Facebook. Therefore, no two wedding setups they create are ever the same. “Little girls dream of the day they get married for years. If we can give her that dream when she walks in her reception, we have done our job,” says Jane.

OBJ Design 14101 Big Cynthiana Road 812-480-6767, obj-design.com

KENDI

AMBER

SPEAKES CLARK It’s always been a family affair at SugarBakers Home Fashions. In business more than 40 years, SugarBakers was founded by Ann Pate as a paint and wallcovering store in Henderson, Kentucky. Ann’s daughter Kendi Speakes has taken over daily operations of the business with the help of Business Manager and long-time family friend Amber Clark. SugarBaker’s has evolved over the years and now hosts an experienced team of interior designers within its impressive retail space on Evansville’s East Side. Its retail space now offers luxury home furnishings, lighting, rugs, artwork, and custom drapery.

SugarBakers Home Fashions 1100 Tutor Lane, 812-475-1344 sugarbakers.us 54 August/September | 2021

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION SUE ANNE

LISA

PAIGE

BERGE SIMON TANNER TANNER Providing recognition awards to the Tri-State area is one of the most uplifting and positive jobs in the world according to Lisa Tanner, president and owner of Tri-State Trophies. Her daughter-in-law, vice president Paige Tanner, is a 3rd generation owner and brings her marketing degree, sales experience, and expertise in social media into the mix, while learning the awards business inside and out. Sue Anne Berge Simon, National Sales Manager and 29-year employee, ensures delivery of outstanding customer service. These leading women show that dedication, flexibility and excellence in service lead to success in the awards business.

Tri-State Trophies 1200 West Columbia St., Ste. E, 800-354-7585, 812-425-0628, trophy-sales@tristatetrophies.com tristatetrophies.com, dashplaques.net, @tristatetrophies

JACY

KATIE

JEN

GOWEN LOWHORN THOMPSON Whether you are looking to buy or sell, the mission at Weichert Realtors, The Schulz Group is to provide clients with the best service along with the utmost integrity. Each Realtor values their clients and are grateful to have earned their trust, helping them to make one of the biggest investments they will ever make — buying a home. Getting to know home buyers on a personal level and helping them find the home that best fits their needs is a top priority for Jacy.

As a Realtor and office manager, Katie enjoys celebrating the agents successes and helping them to achieve their goals. Her personal connection with clients and the agents makes her job very rewarding. Jen gains satisfaction by helping home buyers achieve their dream of owning a home.

Weichert Realtors, The Schulz Group 5200 Washington Ave., 812-479-8711 Weichert.com, schulzrealtors.com Evansville Business | 55

LEADING WOMEN IN BUSINESS SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

JULIE

CARON J.

BELLAMY LEADER LCSW, GC-C, partner and psychotherapist

LCSW, ACSW, partner and psychotherapist

Julie Bellamy and Caron Leader, both licensed clinical social workers with 50 years of combined experience, opened Within Sight in January of 2013 with a mission to provide quality mental health services in a non-medical environment while establishing a collaborative practice environment for clinicians. After almost nine years in business, they have achieved just that.

Within Sight has developed a solid reputation for providing exceptional client care from the moment a client inquires about therapy to their ongoing clinical work. Julie and Caron provide supervision for all clinical staff, believing this promotes continued clinical growth and ensures the best treatment for clients. Progress is Within Sight!

Within Sight 15 S. Vann Ave., 812-402-8333 iamwithinsight.com

MELISSA

NICHOLSON The passion for investments came at an early age. My grandfather bought me a stock on my eighth birthday and taught me the fundamentals of investing. As a financial advisor, I am blessed to partner with individual investors to create and implement customized strategies that work toward their specific goals.

Edward Jones – Melissa Nicholson 3775 Haley Drive, Ste. B, Newburgh, IN, 812-853-2775 edwardjones.com/melissa-nicholson

Member SIPC

56 August/September | 2021

KRISTINA

CASSIE

LAMKIN

WELLMEIER

Dirt Finders was established in 2010 by owner Beverly Berry Pike. Beverly currently runs the office alongside Cassie Wellmeier and Kristina Lamkin. “I feel truly blessed to have been able to offer not only employment to so many, but also give back to our community partnership with Cleaning for a Reason,” says Beverly. Dirt Finders works with Cleaning for a Reason to give the gift of a clean home to families while they’re going through cancer treatments.

Dirt Finders 708 Stanley Ave. 812-402-3060 dirtfinders.net

BUSINESS LIFE

EASTERSEALS CELEBRATES 75TH ANNIVERSARY JULY 8, EASTERSEALS REHABILITATION CENTER Kelly Schneider, Suzanne Crouch, Lloyd Winnecke, Wayne Kinney, Tara Barney, and John Schroeder

EVANSVILLE CROSSFIT COMPETES IN MURPH CHALLENGE MAY 31, EVANSVILLE CROSSFIT Front Row: Isaac Robinson, Jake Hester, Conner Agler, Brittney Salpietra, and Tony Salpietra. Back Row: Mandy Cain, Jaxon (dog), Sarah Agler, Erin Johnson, Brandon Iafrate, and Brad Agler

SWAT PEST. DONATES. BOOK SALE. PROCEEDS. TO IT TAKES. A VILLAGE. MAY 22, IT TAKES A VILLAGE Tangila Smith, Shaun Waters, Stephanie Fuqua, and Brandon Runyon

WHITE COAT CEREMONY FOR IU SOUTHWEST INDIANA INTERNAL MEDICINE RESIDENCY PROGRAM JUNE 17, ASCENSION ST. VINCENT Dr. Kristen Mahan and first-year resident Dr. Billy Powell

1.

2.

MARKET ON MAIN JUNE 16, DOWNTOWN EVANSVILLE 1. Jim and Joe Loughrie of Loughrie’s 2. Salome Micheletti of Sunshine Bakery Evansville Business | 57

IN THE NEWS

E W H O ’ S M A K I N G T H I N G S H A P P E N I N L O C A L B U S I N E S S A N D I N D U S T RY

NEW HIRES/PROMOTIONS

The United Way of Southwestern Indiana has hired

new community impact director Margaret Bernardin Stuckey.

Margaret Bernardin Stuckey Previously a social worker in Atlanta and Chicago, Stuckey most recently served as the director of Mission Advancement and Community Relations for Evansville Goodwill Industries. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in community social work from Georgia State University.

Good Samaritan has announced the arrival

of Dr. Vetta Higgs as a specialist in oncology and hematology at the Good Samaritan Dr. Vetta Higgs Cancer Center. Before completing her internal medicine residency at East Carolina University and her fellowship at the Baptist Medical Center at Wake Forest

58 August/September | 2021

University, both in North Carolina, Higgs received her medical degree from the University of South Alabama College of Medicine.

Lamar Architecture & Design welcomes its

second full-time interior designer Jenna Effinger.

She has a bachelor’s degree in interior deJenna Effinger sign from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.

Spectra has hired three new members to its team: Thomas Dyer, Brad Bailey, and Kasia Koontz. Spectra is the provider of venue management for the Owensboro Convention Center and Owensboro Sportscenter. Dyer will be the new operations and custodial manager, while Bailey and Koontz join as the ticketing manager and social sales manager, respectively.

Evansville Thunderbolts announce the

hiring of Bob McNamara as their new general manager. McNamara will lead the Thunderbolts’ business operations. He has served as the general manager of the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins, and president of the

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Bulldogs and the Quad City Mallards in Moline, Illinois. The Toronto native received his bachelor’s degree in economics from the Bob McNamara University of Notre Dame near South Bend, Indiana.

Heritage Federal Credit Union has appointed

new members to its Board of Directors during the 56th annual meeting on April 22. New members include Steve Crow, David Wilett, and Tim O’Brien, who will join existing members Bill Yockey, George Barnett, Dr. Brian McGuire, Ron Sheets, Nicki Sledd, Ed Hemmersbach, and associate director Yvette LaPlante.

Evansville Regional Economic Partnership welcomes Dominic

Poggi as the regional director of the Indiana Small Business Dominic Poggi Development Center.

Poggi most recently served as the disaster program manager of the American Red

Cross. The Chicago native received a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Northern Illinois University.

Easterseals Rehabilitation Center announces

the promotion of Laura Terhune from vice president of DevelopLaura Terhune ment to vice president of Philanthropic Partnerships. Terhune joined Easterseals in 2004 and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and interpersonal communications from the Todd Rowe University of Evansville.

She is joined by new hire Todd Rowe, who will serve as vice president of Development, Marketing, and Community Relations. Rowe was previously the Creative Services director at ABC 25/The CW 7.

WNIN Tri-State Public Media, Inc. Board of Directors has named

Tim Black as president and CEO. The former interim president and Tim Black CEO replaced Brad Kimmel in the position July 6. Before joining WNIN in 2015, Black worked with WEVV-TV and received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Murray State University.

Ivy Tech Community College Chancellor

Daniela Vidal has been appointed to the Rural Affairs Working Group

by Lt. Gov. Suzanne Daniela Vidal Crouch and executive director of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs Denny Spinner. Made up of 12 members, the Rural Affairs Group is tasked with providing well-rounded expert insight to the state to serve Indiana’s small communities.

In an unprecedented year, this woman-owned corporation not only met the challenges created by the pandemic, but excelled.

Southern Business Machines not only met their 2020 sales quota, but they exceeded it.

SBM, Inc. controls the market share of mailing equipment installations within its 52-county territory in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky.

Jennifer and Dawn Stevens are leaders within this industry and the community.

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Ziemer Funeral Home welcomes full-time

assistant funeral director Tim Garrett after 15 years in a variety of positions with the Tim Garrett company. Garrett attended Spurgeon Baptist Bible College and is currently the pastor at Living Hope Church (200 W. Mill Road).

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Evansville Business | 59

IN THE NEWS

B BUSINESS SUCCESS

Among the Greats

BY DALLAS CARTER

P H OTO P R OV I D E D BY W F I E

I

n June 2021, WFIE helped surprise Mike Blake, host with the station for more than 50 years, with the news of his induction to the Indiana Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.

After receiving his master’s degree from the University of Iowa, Blake started as a weekday weatherman with WFIE in 1970 and has since been the “Midday with Mike” host, sports director, and hosted the Jerry Lewis Labor Day telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

“They say the best things in life are worth waiting for,” he says. “I didn’t really expect any of (the inductions) but when they came along, they came along at a time in my career when I could really reflect and say, ‘Boy, am I ever, ever lucky.’”

Blake is no stranger to halls of fame. In 2016, he was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. In

2020, he was one of 100 people, and the only media representative in the class, inducted into the Indiana Sports Hall of Fame.

“He is a pillar of the community,” says creative services manager Todd Tipton. “He’s just been a great ambassador, not only for the station, but for the Tri-State.”

“My wonderful late wife Jenny — I lost my wife last summer — she was my total support system,” adds Blake.

“I share anything that I’ve gotten and anything I’ve been able to achieve I owe to her. And, I’m deeply grateful to my immediate family and my 14 family.”

The official induction will take place on Oct. 27 at the annual Indiana Broadcasters Conference. z

The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Board of School Trustees

has approved Benjamin Bosse High School special education teacher and current assistant football coach Stephan Mullen as Bosse’s head football coach. A coach with the program for seven years, Mullen was previously a student athlete at Reitz High School. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in school administration and leadership from the University of Southern Indiana.

Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra has appointed Chun-Ming

Chen as the EPO Youth Orchestra conductor.

Chen most recently Chun-Ming Chen served as the director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Evansville and music director of the Artists Chamber Orchestra in Taiwan. Chen received his bachelor’s degree in saxophone performance from Tunghai University, master’s degrees in orchestral conducting from Boston Conservatory and Ithaca College, and a doctorate in orchestral conducting from the University of Iowa.

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Turf Plus

Friedman Park Event Center welcomes

new director Emily Ruebl from Elberfeld, Indiana. Ruebl previously worked at the Academy of Emily Ruebl Magical Arts/Magic Castle in Los Angeles and received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University and a master’s degree from Humboldt State University, California.

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Indiana Members Credit Union Board of Directors

has announced the retirement of President and CEO since 2003 Ron Collier. Collier, Ron Collier who will retire Dec. 31, 2022, was born in Indianapolis and received his bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Ball State University. Collier has overseen 33 credit union mergers since 1985 and the implementation of online and mobile banking.

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Hutson, Inc. has acquired two multi-location dealerships based in Michigan, Bader and Sons Co., and D&G Equipment. Both companies will immediately rebrand as Hutson, a John Deere dealership in Chandler, Indiana.

The dealerships will join more than 12 other Huston stores across three states.

Good Samaritan opens the Charles C. Hedde,

MD Health Education Center after more than four years of preparations. Construction of the facility — which can hold 225 people for a variety of events — began July 3, 2020, and was completed April 28, 2021. The $2.5 million center will host staff and clinical training and the residency program, and is available for community use.

Ivy Tech Community College and Pike County Progress Partners are collaborating

Chemicals

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American Sanitary Supply is one of the largest cleaning supply companies in the tri-state area and has earned a reputation as a major supplier of industrial and commercial equipment and supplies. We are committed to providing the highest quality of lines of equipment, chemicals, paper, and tools necessary for maintaining the smallest church to the largest factory.

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with Elmer Buchta Entrepreneurship & Technology Center for a business incubator and training facility. The center is in Pike County, Indiana, on State Road 67 and opened in March.

Indiana Members Credit Union completed

its merger of Members Choice Federal Credit Union of Bloomington, Indiana, on June 1.

With this acquisition, IMCU has more than $2.9 billion in assets, serves 140,000 plus members, and operates 33 locations across the state.

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Evansville Business | 61

IN THE NEWS

Best One Tire and Service celebrated its 73rd

anniversary through a customer appreciation day June 24 at its Newburgh location at 7800 Fruitwood Lane. The Tri-State’s largest multibrand tire dealer has locations in Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri, with local stores in Evansville, Newburgh, Vincennes, and Princeton, Indiana.

WOW! Internet, Cable & Phone has announced its Evansville service area has

Vehicle Graphics & Wraps, Monument & Construction Signs, Project Management, Interior Sign Systems, Lobby Signs, Wall & Window Graphics, Tradeshow & Banner Displays, Commercial Lighting Retrofits, Service, and Maintenance

been sold to Astound Broadband. The sale is part of two separate agreements: Ohio services move to Atlantic Broadband for $1.125 billion, and Chicago, Evansville, and Maryland services go to Astound for $661 million. WOW! has entered into transition services agreements with both buyers to continue service during the transition.

South Central, Inc has acquired

Fibertech, Inc., a leading manufacturer of high-quality, custom-engineered, JP Engelbrecht and Bill Scott rotational-molded plastic products. Fibertech Founder Bill Scott will retire upon the sale, which will expand South Central’s portfolio. The Evansville-based company is 75 years old and family-owned.

ES

Elaine Sollars

AWARDS/RECOGNITION

Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana presented

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F. C . T U C K E R E M G E R E A LT O R S ®

the 2021 Women of Distinction Awards on April 9. Award recipients include director of Human Resources and Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Berry Global Lori Sutton as the 2021 Woman of Distinction honoree; Transformative Learning Collaborative education consultant Elisabet Sena-Martin as the 2021 Rising Star; and Deaconess Health System as the 2021 Advancing Women Company of the Year.

Hafer ranks in the 30 Top Healthcare

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Architecture Firms in the U.S. in the 2021 list by “Modern Healthcare” magazine. Annually, the magazine names firms based on their dollar volume for completed healthcare projects in the previous year.

University of Evansville has received several accreditations, recognitions, and awards.

The Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program was accredited for the maximum of five years by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs.

UE also received distinction among the top 100 best colleges for veterans by College Consensus. Associate athletic director for

Media Relations Bob Pristash was recognized as third in the nation by the College Sports Information Directors of America for his men’s basketball game notes. Three UE student-athletes were recipients of the 2020-21 season State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Good Neighbor Awards. Senior track and field member Ian Alberts, junior women’s golfer Caitlin O’Donnell, and sophomore men’s soccer player Brock Wandel were among 30 honorees recognized. UE also received support for the Department of Art from the Efroymson Family Fund for the 2021-22 academic year.

VOICES, Inc. donates

56 iPads to 23 long-term care homes in Vanderburgh County. VOICES is a non-profit advocating for the rights of residents in these homes. The iPads will provide residents communication and entertainment.

COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund of The Greater Evansville Region announces $282,000 in

new funding has been granted to 12 nonprofit agencies and $347,000 to 12 organizations in the two newest rounds of allocations. In total, the fund has awarded $3.9 million to 155 applications.

Gribbins Insulation Co., Inc has received the

2020 Safety Excellence award in the contractor category from the National Insulation Adam Mayer & Brian Willett Association at the virtual Spring Summit in March. This NIA award is the association’s highest industry honor.

Safety manager Adam Mayer and executive vice president Brian Willett accepted the award on Gribbins’ behalf.

Indiana Society of Professional Journalists recognized three University

of Southern Indiana students for their journalism at campus radio station 95.7 The Spin. News and sports team member Cole Carter won first place in Student Radio Sports Reporting, Nathaniel Barbee won first place in Student Radio News Reporting for his coverage on the impact of COVID-19 on campus tours, and news director Marina Current received third

place in Student Radio News Reporting for overall COVID impact coverage.

Good Samaritan received the Partnership Matters award from the Southwest Indiana Area Health Education Center for its Collaborative Interprofessional Education Department. This honor recognizes the department for its commitment to the education of current and future employees, and the creation of reciprocal partnerships to improve health care across the region. z

ADVERTISER INDEX COMPANY...................................................................PAGE # 728 Chic Boutique.............................................................46 American Sanitary Supply Co...........................................61 ARC Construction................................................................5 AstraZeneca.......................................................................46 B. Lanae Salon...................................................................47 Berkshire Hathaway..........................................................47 Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano..............................................20 BKD, LLP.............................................................................48 Bodyworks Massage Therapy...........................................28 Browning Funeral Home....................................................48 Bud’s Harley-Davidson......................................................49 Business Environments....................................................12 Camelot Jewelers...............................................................49 CenterPoint Energy............................................................10 Charles Schwab.................................................................19 Colonial Classics, Inc........................................................50 Corporate Design...............................................................16 D-Patrick Motoplex............................................................23 Dirt Finders Maid Service..................................................56 Donaldson Capital Management.....................................30 Elaine Sollars, F.C. Tucker Emge Realtors........................62 Enjole’ Interiors..................................................................52 ERA First Advantage Realty/Janice Miller........................35 Evansville Hearing Aid Center..........................................50 Evansville Ketamine Center..............................................51

Evansville Regional Economic Partnership/ CenterPoint Energy Foundation........................................53 Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union.......................32 Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union....................BC2 F.C. Tucker Emge Realtors.................................................38 First Bank...........................................................................37 Foundry on Main, The........................................................22 Frank’s Catering.................................................................62 Friedman Park Event Center.............................................21 German American Bank....................................................34 Hafer...................................................................................41 Harding, Shymanski & Company and Avantax...............52 HR Solutions, Inc................................................................45 Just Rennie’s......................................................................22 Kaiser Aluminum Warrick.................................................33 Kasey Gray/State Farm Insurance....................................53 Keller Schroeder.................................................................13 Landscapes By Dallas Foster, Inc.....................................17 Let’s Sew.............................................................................36 Melissa Nicholson/Edward Jones.....................................56 Melmar Properties.............................................................18 Midwest Telecom Communications.................................59 Mortgage Masters/Jennifer Stacy.....................................40 N.M. Bunge, Inc..................................................................14 New Horizons Financial Consultants...............................51 OBJ Design.........................................................................54

Oswald Marketing..............................................................29 Pass Pest Control...............................................................58 Popham Construction.......................................................12 RE/MAX/Richardson, Mike................................................C2 Rug Merchant, The............................................................39 Shepherd Insurance, LLC..................................................14 Signarama.........................................................................62 SMART Local 20.................................................................60 Southern Business Machines, Inc....................................59 Straub Mower Service, LLC...............................................63 Sugar Bakers Home Fashions..........................................54 Summit Real Estate Services...........................................19 SVN The Martin Group.........................................................1 SWIRCA...............................................................................42 Team McClintock...............................................................31 Three I Design......................................................................2 Traylor Brothers....................................................................6 Tri-State Trophies...............................................................55 Turf Plus..............................................................................61 University Of Southern Indiana...........................................8 Weichert Realtors, The Schulz Group...............................55 Wells Fargo Advisors..........................................................43 West Side Chiropractic Center..........................................44 Within Sight, LLC...............................................................56 Woodward Commercial Realty, Inc...................................C3 Zeidler’s Flowers.................................................................18

YOUR FULL SERVICE DEALER FOR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT

Stifel Financial Corp. announces that senior

registered client service associate in the Evansville Private Client Group office Robert C. Kozsan has received the College for Financial Planning’s Charted Retirement Planning Counselor designation. Kozsan joined Stifel in 2015 and received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Southern Indiana. He also is on the board of directors of the Student Financial Aid Association.

The Troy Manz Memorial Fund has been estab-

lished in honor of Dr. Troy D. Manz who died Feb. 28 in a traffic collision in Florida. Set up

by Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, the fund will benefit the internal medicine residency program. Manz served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps and trained as a respiratory therapist and served with the U.S. Air Force Critical Care Transport Team.

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Evansville Business | 63

BACK TALK E

BY D A L L A S C A R T E R

Lynn Miller Pease EDUCATION: Attended Indiana University and received a bachelor’s degree in hotel management from Purdue University RESUME: Food and Beverage director, The Riverhouse Hotel, 1985-1989; interior designer, Marianna-Williams Interior Designing, 1998-2000; funding, development, and recruitment facilitation, Leadership Everyone, 2000-2003; chief executive officer, Leadership Everyone, 2003-present HOMETOWN: Evansville, Indiana FAMILY: Daughters Katie (32) and Lily (20), son Jack (29), boxer CoraBell Wiggles, and cat Poppy

W

hen you ask Lynn Miller Pease the secret to her more than 20 years of success with Leadership Everyone, she’ll say it’s all about having fun.

Serving as CEO since 2003, Miller Pease has led the nonprofit through new programs, such as the community visioning process VOICE and rebranding from Leadership Evansville to Leadership Everyone in 2019.

“I think what was happening — at least in my past and what I would see other people doing — they were afraid that if they were having fun, it wasn’t work,” she says. “I’m saying it’s the opposite of that.”

A 1988 leadership training class alumna, Miller Pease’s passion for LE is in her blood.

She is the daughter of Sara Davies, a member of LE’s inaugural 1977 class and former executive director who died in 2003. Mother and daughter have even both received the Governor’s Sagamore of the Wabash award.

64 August/September | 2021

“My mother asked all of my siblings and I to go through Leadership Evansville at the time,” says Miller Pease.

“I took her up on it. Now I will say I paid my tuition in full; it was no free ride with my mom. And I got the experience and I loved it. It was such a game changer for me.”

How did it feel to win the Sagamore of the Wabash award in 2021, especially since your mother was a past recipient? Does it feel like you’ve followed in her footsteps?

Mother was really independent and decidedly who she was: very active, very forward-thinking, not a reflective person. We were in such a partnership by the time I took over. I don’t think she thought of it as footsteps; she thought of it as how to keep LE going. Everything was about, how do you advance the game of leadership?

She was very supportive and was also really good at letting me do things in my style. And I admired that, but I still feel very close to her.

Perhaps the most recognized symbol of her legacy with Leadership Everyone, Lynn Miller Pease’s bell is a familiar sound to anyone who has attended the group’s events. She uses its commanding chime to gather groups and call their attention.

And it’s neat that some of our work is entwined so that keeps her memory alive too.

But what was so lovely is Lu Porter nominated me for (the award) — she’s a past president of Leadership Evansville but also one of my mom’s dearest friends.

So, the beauty of it is that Lu made this happen. I was so surprised and so honored.

And it was just such a cool thing to share with my mom.

What is your favorite part about LE? I like seeing the lights come on in people’s eyes, whether they come into a retreat and they’re not sure they want to be there, they don’t know what it’s about, but by the end they’re just on fire; that’s so wonderful.

It’s what happens when

we get to share. So, we get to share resources, credit, responsibility, ideas, visions, hope, love, servant leadership. I think maybe my favorite part is that we just get to share. There’s not a lot of “no” in my organization.

You make the job fun, but what does passion have to do with productivity?

If we know what we’re good at and we care about it and we’ve made a commitment, work itself feels right. It doesn’t feel like the struggle. It’s more about, “Wow, I can do this. What else can I do?” And in that, if you can enjoy yourself and have a little fun when it’s appropriate, even better. z LEADERSHIPEVERYONE.ORG

P H OTO BY Z AC H S T R AW

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