Evansville Business June/July 2025

FINANCIAL & INSURANCE PLANNING BUSINESS MILESTONES

Audi Q5

ESTATE PROFESSIONAL

TOP LEASING BROKER 2024

Greg J. Folz

Commercial Broker/Advisor

Involved in commercial real estate for over 18 years, Greg is an expert advisor in many facets of Industrial and Commercial Real Estate. Whether it’s a large deal that requires national exposure or one that needs local attention, Greg brings an extensive range of expertise, strategy and effort to the table. Focusing on industrial and office properties, build-to-suit projects, real estate investment sales and analysis, and sale/ leaseback alternatives, Greg strives to advise his clients in a timely, truthful and economic manner by creating a solution that is in the best interest of the client.

Joshua A. Claybourn

Charles A. Compton

Marc D. Fine

Angela L. Freel

Kevin M. Halter

Chad J. Sullivan

James D. Johnson

Roc Uebelhor

Justin R. Johnson

Cassee L. Vivian

Lucero Tennis Kieffer

Chandler A. Lacy

Ryan K. Parker L. Montgomery Porter

Diana L. Wann

Mark T. Abell

PUBLISHER

Todd A. Tucker

EDITORIAL

Kristen K. Tucker Editor

Jodi Keen Managing Editor

John Martin Senior Writer

Maggie Valenti Staff Writer

DESIGN

Laura Mathis Creative Director

Chanda Ramsey Art Director

Sarah Morgason Senior Graphic Designer

Brodie Curtsinger Photography Fellow

ADVERTISING

Jessica Hoffman Senior Account Executive

Jennifer Rhoades Senior Account Executive

Logen Sitzman Sales and Marketing Coordinator

CIRCULATION

Gregg Martin Distribution and Circulation Manager

CONTRIBUTORS

Shawn Rumsey Zach Straw

TUCKER PUBLISHING GROUP, INC.

Todd A. Tucker President

Kristen K. Tucker Vice President

Tucker Publishing Group, Inc.

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

evansvillebusiness.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Subscriptions are $18 for one year; $24 for two years; or $30 for three years. To start a new subscription, renew an existing subscription, or change your address, visit elb.magserv.com; call 812-641-5919 or 818-286-3122 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or send an email to elbcs@magserv.com.

IN THE NEWS

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

LETTERS TO THE PUBLISHER

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

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

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

CONNECT WITH US

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

Copyright © 2025 Tucker Publishing Group, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from Tucker Publishing Group, Inc.

Drake’s

Rapp Granary

Engelbrecht Carousel

Deaconess Aquatic Center

26 BEAUTIFYING OUR CITY

When it comes to making Evansville look appealing, efforts start with boots on the ground. In this feature, meet the residents, community leaders, organizations, and government officials championing “good littering,” like planting trees, installing public art, picking up trash, and greenspacing.

Real

David

Relocation

Big-name

Experts

New

A Soot-Filled Mind

In a recent text message exchange with a borderline “friend,” we traded some obscure references from our long-ago past (think 50-plus years). Finally, I had a micdrop moment, and we both knew it. I asked, “How can I remember that and not know where my car keys are?” My “buddy” was quick to respond, “You got that right.” So, it’s obviously time again to make room in my soot-filled mind by unloading some clutter.

Can anyone tell me why there are gaggles of geese living in Eastland Mall’s south parking lot? Are they looking for a bargain on Liz Claiborne women’s V-neck blouses at JCPenney? Meanwhile, Mother Goose is sitting on a nest by the exit to The Diner by Mele’s in the nearby median. Is that good, then, for the gander?

The Birds, Part II

In my April/May pub lisher’s letter, I described a bird that doesn’t much care for me and how it repeatedly — and loudly — flies into my office win dow from the tree outside. No sooner did the maga zine come out than either last year’s offender or its offspring visited me for two days. Again, loudly. Someone is always trying to irritate me — right, sons? I did, though, appreciate the gentleman who wrote me and told me why the bird didn’t think much of me. (Contrary to what everyone may think, he says the bird

There’s an old joke likening mixed emotions to watching your mother-in-law drive over a cliff in your new Mercedes. (Tasteless, I know, but we’ve met, right?) Well, my mixed emotions are my friend Miller’s retirement from Old National Bank. Sara started at ONB many(!) years ago after graduating from the University of Evansville and has been in a major leadership role there for years. Cheerful, fun, and eloquent, she has been a consistent presence in regional business and has lent her expertise to many local and state

nonprofits. I will miss seeing her at business events, but I’m happy for her to be able to travel to Del Webb communities and meet all their resort criteria. Well done, Miller!

In the story “Leaving Her Mark” on page 19, Senior Writer John Martin chronicles Janice Miller’s rise from a struggling real estate agent in 1980 to now being the owner of ERA First Advantage Realty in Newburgh, Indiana, with 47 staff members and 140 agents. What is Janice’s big secret? I’ve learned it from interacting with her the past 25 years: Simply outwork everyone and have fun while doing it. I greatly admire her can-do spirit and willingness to roll up her sleeves. Family, friends, employees, community — she is passionate about them all.

I recently had the very nice opportunity to spend some time with the new University of Southern Indiana President in his office on campus. Right person, right

Many of you have asked how I am doing, health-wise. (OK … one person has asked.) It now has been one year since being diagnosed with Stage 4 head and neck cancer. Since last June, I have heard every bad voice joke you can imagine, but one year later, “grateful and blessed” is how I am doing. I feel I would be remiss not to publicly thank — who accompanied me to more than 120 medical visits and cared for me at home while simultaneously doing my job and hers at the magazine and at home. Talk about surviving “tough love!”

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

Todd A. Tucker, President

Drew Meyer, Sam Garau, Jeff Anderson

DRIVING THE INDUSTRY

YOUR NETWORK NEEDS A LIFEGUARD BEFORE IT GOES UNDER

Thank you for featuring me on the cover of April/May Evansville Business. I am truly honored and humbled by this recognition. Thank you also for highlighting my TIME Dealer of the Year award. I appreciate the magazine’s dedication to showcasing the achievements of local businesses and individuals. I have received many positive comments from colleagues, friends, and family about the feature. It means a great deal to me to be recognized in your great publication.

Ray Farabaugh, D-Patrick Co-President

DAY IN THE SUN

Thanks to Evansville Business for highlighting the Explore Evansville award from Indiana Tourism Association for the Best Eclipse Promotion. Special highlight to Kate Reibel for her leadership. I am very proud to lead the group of professionals. (“Shining a Light,” April/May 2025).

Tom White, Explore Evansville

MAN WITH A MOTTO

Proud to see Kyle Fields’ passion and leadership recognized (“Back Talk,” April/May 2025). His mindset of “Attack the day” and “Be a somebody” is exactly what inspires all of us at Bridge Alternatives. Excited to keep building a positive impact together.

Michael Lois, Bridge Alternatives

LEADING WITH POSITIVITY

Thank you so much for putting together a very nice article! There are some very humbling quotes in there (“‘Everything’s An Upside From Here,’” April/May 2025).

Ben Trockman, Evansville City Council President

SILVER ANNIVERSARY

Fabulous event celebrating 25 years of Evansville Living! Evansville is truly blessed to have such a talented group of individuals and a supportive business culture in our community.

Samantha Greif, Evansville

CONTRIBUTOR

SHAWN RUMSEY

“I’ve enjoyed exploring our city’s beautification efforts: How do trees help our community? Why is public art so important? And how the heck do they get Franklin Street back to normal so quickly after the Fall Festival?” Evansville native Shawn Rumsey has covered regional news and sports as a writer and editor. He reports on initiatives to spruce up the city starting on page 26.

Ford Bronco Raptor

Whether

Moving Up

E-REP remote worker relocation programs exceed

BY JOHN MARTIN AND JODI KEEN

The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership exceeded its 2024 goal for attracting new households and is using that momentum to grow its aims for 2025.

E-REP in 2024 participated in two recruitment efforts: MakeMyMove provided financial incentives for remote workers to relocate, while the E-REP pilot program Belong Here aimed to attract workers in fields such as health care, finance, manufacturing, and education.

Abby Elpers, E-REP’s marketing director, says between the two programs, 40 new households (98 individuals) relocated to the area in 2024, and 15 of those had no prior connection to Evansville. Thirty-eight percent of the new households purchased homes locally. Relocated workers came from 15 different states and earn an average wage of $112,307.

“One of the most inspiring stories we’ve seen is from a couple who relocated from Southern California. They were drawn to the

Evansville region for its affordability, sense of community, and overall quality of life. Now, instead of spending hours in traffic or struggling with the cost of living, they’re enjoying a beautiful home, a welcoming neighborhood, and the chance to truly thrive. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible here,” Elpers says.

For 2025, E-REP is boosting its goal to 50 new households exclusively via Belong Here. Incentives start with $3,000 in cash, then tack on additional local perks that E-REP says surpass $3,400 in value, including a free comprehensive financial plan from Baird, two-year membership to Cowork Evansville coworking space, and discounts to area restaurants and recreation spots.

“We’re doubling down on what works — welcoming remote workers who want to build a life in a connected, vibrant, and affordable region,” Elpers says.

APRIL 2023-MAY 2025

65 NEW HOUSEHOLDS ADDED EVANSVILLE REGION TALENT ATTRACTION RESULTS

157 NEW RESIDENTS ADDED

47 PERCENT HAD NO PRIOR CONNECTION

26 STATES THAT MOVERS RELOCATED FROM BY THE NUMBERS

53 PERCENT WERE RETURNING RESIDENTS

BUSINESS FRONT

Trial Runs

Central location makes Ford Center a coveted tour rehearsal spot

Now more than 13 years old, Ford Center is an established regional venue for sports and entertainment. Along the way, it’s also gained a reputation as a prime spot for prominent musical acts to rehearse before launching national concert tours.

Not all entertainers who use Ford Center for that purpose book concerts there. Take rock act Weezer, who did a dry run at the arena before launching its Voyage to the Blue Planet tour on Sept. 4, 2024, in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Country-pop singer Kelsea Ballerini and her crew worked out kinks in Evansville before splitting for New York City, where she played a sold-out album release concert Oct. 29, 2024, at Madison Square Garden.

“They tweaked it here and then loaded everything up,” says Scott Schoenike, executive director of Ford Center. “It’s cost competitive. It’s cheaper to rent us for a week than Madison Square Garden.”

Others who have rehearsed at Ford

Center also played concerts in the venue, such as country singers Reba McEntire and Morgan Wallen, Christian pop duo For King & Country, and — in May 2013 — the late rocker Tom Petty, who died four years later.

Ford Center keeps under wraps who’s coming in to rehearse — staff members are warned not to take photos of musical acts. Besides, Schoenike explains that walk-throughs often are more for a crew’s benefit so they can get elaborate production elements such as video presentations, rigging, and lights down pat. There are instances where singers and bands don’t arrive until later in the process and are not around long.

Schoenike says Ford Center doesn’t make a ton of money off concert rehearsals — an average week might bring $75,000 — but much of that revenue reimburses the arena for products and labor needed during an act’s stay, such as catering, production items, stagehands, and security.

BY JOHN MARTIN

He explains that the greater benefit comes from positive relations within the entertainment industry, which can lead to booking shows. On that front, the arena continues to have success.

In 2024, the 11,000-seat Ford Center hosted 133 total events that brought nearly 400,000 people into Downtown Evansville. In terms of concerts, taking the stage were country musicians Jason Aldean, Koe Wetzel, Riley Green, and Lainey Wilson, country fusion act Jelly Roll, For King & Country, and rockers including Disturbed, Dropkick Murphys, Judas Priest, and a double bill of ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Schoenike says Evansville’s proximity to Nashville, Tennessee, and the arena’s modern amenities boost its profile as a rehearsal venue. It hosts three or four pre-tour acts per year.

Ford Center also provides a personal touch, Schoenike adds. “We have a great building staff. We always take care of (visiting crews) really well.”

FORDCENTER.COM

Kelsea Ballerini

Weezer

BIG IDEAS

A Decades-Long Dream

A love of weddings led Terri Adams to open Warehouse 410

BY MAGGIE VALENTI

Photography hooked Terri Adams on the magic of weddings and inspired her to open her own venue.

“I decided I could figure it out on the fly,” says Adams, who had no event planning experience prior to launching Warehouse 410 in September 2023. “Loving the wedding industry itself is what drew me, getting to be a part of people’s love story.”

The Mount Vernon, Indiana, native and Fort Branch, Indiana, resident photographed weddings for nearly two decades, and 10 years ago, she created a business plan to establish her own venue. Adams initially envisioned a rustic barn space, but the 7,000-square-foot former warehouse at 410 Carpenter St. conveys what Adams markets as “industrial elegance.” She operates the venue with four part-time employees, including a bartender and event coordinator, plus

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Batter Up?

family support — “I couldn’t do it without help from my family,” she adds.

Events aren’t limited to weddings, though. “We do all kinds,” Adams says, including corporate events and nonprofit galas. Weekends without other events booked are filled with live music sets from regional touring artists — usually country musicians, but also dueling pianos, Latin American, and rock music acts. Regular features have included 1990s cover bands and regional singer-songwriters. The venue has welcomed comedians, country line dancing lessons, cooking and mixology classes, beer yoga, and more.

“It’s been surreal,” Adams says. “I really thought that our first two years would be fairly slow, and we filled out our calendar. We are booking well into 2026.”

WAREHOUSE410EVV.COM

City takes first steps toward a potential new ballpark

Is a new baseball park once again on Evansville’s wish list, 22 years after a previous effort was tagged out? It appears so.

In addition to hosting the Frontier League’s Otters baseball team since 1995, Evansville is positioning itself as a potential home to a minor league affiliate of a team in Nashville. The Tennessee capital is a leading candidate for a Major League Baseball expansion franchise — a decision Commissioner Rob Manfred says he wants finalized when his term ends in early 2029. Nashville already has picked the name the Stars, and Evansville baseball legend Don Mattingly — who serves as bench coach with the Toronto Blue Jays — was named in 2023 as a Stars Consultant.

Considering it takes 2-3 years for an MLB expansion to conclude, local leaders are ahead of the curve. To get a funding mechanism rolling for a ballpark, elected officials and business leaders have asked the Indiana General Assembly to raise the amount of annual taxes that can be captured by the Evansville

BY JOHN MARTIN

Professional Sports and Convention Development Area. The original version of Rep. Tim O’Brien’s legislation increased the development area’s cap from $1.2 million to $5 million. The version that passed in April grew it to $2 million.

“Music City Baseball continues to express interest in Evansville as a potential affiliate site,” says Evansville Regional Economic Partnership President and CEO Lloyd Winnecke. He adds that local leaders are exploring that possibility by “contemplating construction of a Downtown multi-use sports and entertainment venue. It’s too early to identify an exact location, financing structure, or team ownership.”

If MLB approves a new team in Nashville, it may be several years before Evansville residents see the ripple effect. The last MLB expansion added the Arizona Diamondbacks and Florida’s Tampa Bay Rays in March 1995. The teams played their first games three seasons later.

The Final Bell

David Smith reflects on 14 years helming EVSC

BY JOHN MARTIN

David Smith repeats the data so often, he has it committed to memory: Evansville’s public school system educates about 22,000 children and employs around 3,450 people. It operates on 935 acres, in properties valued at $1.4 billion. Its cafeterias serve roughly 4 million meals, and its buses traverse 3 million or so miles per year. “We drive two-thirds of the way around the equator every day — 16,000 miles,” Smith says.

The Evansville native’s time in the driver’s seat is nearly up. The former teacher, principal, and admin istrator in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Cor poration is retiring after 14 years as superintendent. Smith spoke with Evansville Business about overseeing Indiana’s third-largest school district and what lies ahead for him and Sarah, his wife of 35 years.

BEYOND

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, WHAT WERE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACED AS SUPERINTENDENT?

I was appointed assistant superintendent for human resources and business on a Monday night, and the next day, (then-) Gov. Mitch Daniels announced a $6.5 million reduction in funding, calling that the new normal. That was in 2009, and we’ve not recovered since then. I don’t mean as a district — I mean the state. Indiana still ranks toward the bottom in what they spend per student on kids. In fact, they spend less now than they did in 2010 when adjusted for inflation.

The biggest change is the loss of local control. I’ve heard people say, we have the citizens of Vanderburgh County vote for seven school board members, and they expect them to lead and govern this organization … There has been an average of 39 new education-related laws per year for the past eight years. You now have individuals who are representatives from throughout Indiana who have even more influence on the EVSC than people who live in Vanderburgh County. As we have less and less local control, that’s frustrating.

WHAT

ARE YOU THE PROUDEST OF DURING YOUR TENURE?

We were blessed with incredible individuals, not just on my leadership team, but principals and teachers, custodians, everybody. … We served 800,000 meals when we were closed (during the pandemic), and that was also due to a great partnership with AmeriQual Group. I think about our OptIn workforce development approach that was started in 2018, and now the state is basically adopting that kind of approach seven

years later. … This was our way of connecting the military, employers, and universities with basically one point of contact versus the eight different high schools that we have.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?

Some opportunities have come up since I’ve announced my retirement, but I promised my wife I was going to say no to those things for a couple months. It certainly is the plan to stay in Evansville. It’s my home, and I was blessed to work for 43 years here.

Leaving Her Mark

Hard work and empathy define real estate leader Janice Miller’s approach to business and life

In 1980, as a young, single mother on a part-time income, Janice Miller took a friend’s advice and tried selling real estate. The national economic climate was miserable, and mortgage rates were astronomical. Miller sold one house all year and bowed out. “It didn’t work out too well,” she says now.

Three years later, the same friend approached Miller again, explaining that she was starting her own company and wanted Miller on the team.

“I told her no, I hated real estate,” Miller recalls. “People lie … they would tell me they were going to buy from me, then they’d buy from somebody else. It was an awful job. And she said, ‘Oh, please come for just a little while.’”

She got different results the second time around. “I went for three months, and in three months I’d sold a million dollars in real estate,” she says. “By 1995, I had sold $18 million that year.”

Miller was on the move. She had left a bad marriage, and she wanted to keep growing professionally. But when the firm she had worked with for several years changed ownership, she faced another big decision.

“I have kind of a motto: fun first. If you’re having fun, you love to go to work. ”

— Janice Miller Owner, ERA First Advantage Realty

“The broker there told me he didn’t want me,” she remembers. “He said, I’m going to take everyone else, but I don’t want you … you do things differently. You have billboards and you have assistants. I’m like, OK, well, I guess I’ll just have my own company. So that’s what I did. I bought a franchise in 1995; it’ll be 30 years June 1.”

ERA First Advantage Realty quickly established itself and has had quite a run — Miller also owns First Advantage Insurance and First Advantage Title Services. At 72, she leads an enterprise with 47 staff and 140 agents. Community involvement also is close to her heart:

She serves on the Warrick Parks Foundation board of directors and supports nonprofits such as Albion Fellows Bacon Center, Warrick County CASA, and Historic Newburgh, Inc.

Hard work is one pillar of Miller’s success — she met an Evansville Business

Real estate is hardly the only thing that defines Janice Miller. Shown here at a trio of events this year – with Laurel Meny at the Warrick Parks Foundation Parks & Trails Gala, with Gretchen Ross at Bingo for the Pups, and at Race for the Trails – Miller devotes substantial time to the Warrick Parks Foundation and other causes.

career of giving back to area nonprofits; it’s everything she does.”

son, Shane “Buc” Labhart.

“If ERA sponsors an event, she doesn’t just write a check, she volunteers to help set up, parks cars during the event, and is the last person there cleaning up trash,” says Meny, executive director of the Warrick Parks Foundation. “She has the ability to make people excited about what she’s working on. She regularly encourages her team, friends, family, and even competitors to get involved because she knows that a successful event or project for our community is a win for all.”

“If ERA sponsors an event, she doesn’t just write a check, she volunteers to help set up, parks cars during the event, and is the last person there cleaning up trash.”

— Laurel Meny Executive Director, Warrick Parks Foundation

Julie Bosma says her career as a real estate agent with ERA happened largely because Miller believed in her. Bosma worked for a loan company in Evansville that shut down; she accepted an administrative job with ERA. At Miller’s urging, she became a realtor. She’s been with Miller’s team in that capacity for more than 20 years.

“She’s willing to help everyone, and that she does,” Bosma says.

Driven by work and community causes, Miller is also passionate about family. She dotes on her three grandchildren — two in Warrick County and one in Raleigh, North Carolina — and loves to travel with them. One favorite destination is the Greek island of Santorini. The family also maintains a Florida home, but Miller has no plans to permanently depart Southwestern Indiana.

“I love the Evansville area and the four seasons we have,” she says.

Miller notes that Nevins’ approach to life was to “leave everything better than you found it,” and in her business, family, and community activities, she embraces that philosophy. She says she’s proud to have received the Warrick Parks Foundation’s 2025 Leave It Better Award, which is presented annually in Nevins’ honor. “If we all live by that model,” Miller says, “the world’s just a better place.”

96% of businesses were targeted by fraudsters in the past year.

Take the first step towards fighting business fraud. Scan to schedule a free, zero-commitment consultation with our experts.

Brian and Melannie Hutchinson

Connect with McKenzie Ziliak, Rachelle Sneed, and Morgan Hargis.

Vowells & Schaaf, LLP is committed to your success as we make it our business to know your business.Vowells & Schaaf’s team of professionals is dedicated to guiding business and individual clients through all of life’s journeys by providing comprehensive solutions to their

and payroll needs yesterday, today and tomorrow.

This Fall, It’s Your Time to Shine.

Evansville Living is bringing back Faces of Evansville — the premier showcase of the people and businesses making our city great.

• One stunning portrait.

• One powerful story.

• One major opportunity to show the community who’s behind the success.

Be bold. Be seen. Be the face everyone remembers.

What’s Included:

• Professional full-color photo shoot

• Custom business profile featured in Evansville Living

• Your story and brand showcased to 50,000+ engaged readers

Lock it in. Lead your field. Own your spotlight.

River City Pride was founded in 2019 by local members of the LGBTQIA+ community to serve the Evansville region through leadership development, educational programs, and community events which achieve inclusivity, equality, strong community connections, and awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues.

Mission:

1. Unite, educate and serve the LGBTQIA+ community.

2. Celebrate and advocate LGBTQIA+ history while providing a safe space for networking and outreach.

Vision:

Create a safe haven that fiercely supports and advocates equality and equity in the community.

Ready to get involved?

We hold our Board of Directors meetings every first and third Tuesday of the month. These meetings are used for discussion, event planning, and to review the progress of the organization’s work so we can continue to move forward. We offer time at the end of every board meeting for members of our community to bring questions and issues important to them to our attention, and for community organizations to connect with our board for collaboration and support opportunities. Interested in attending? Privately message us through our website or by email so we may provide additional details.

UPCOMING EVENTS

AZZIP GIVEBACK

June 18, 2025

4660 N. First Ave., Evansville, IN 47710

DUBOIS COUNTY PRIDE FESTIVAL

June 21, 2025

PRINCETON PRIDE FESTIVAL

June 21, 2025

HIV AWARENESS DAY

June 27, 2025

HENDERSON PRIDE FESTIVAL

June 28, 2025

PRIDE NIGHT AT THE OTTERS

June 29, 2025 & 5:30 PM

INTERNATIONAL DRAG DAY

July 26, 2025

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

October 11, 2025

RIVER CITY PRIDE RAINBOW RUN

October 18, 2025

Garvin Park, 45 Don Mattingly Way, Evansville, IN 47711

PRIDE TRUNK-OR-TREAT

October 2025

TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBERANCE

November 11, 2025

WORLD AIDS DAY

December 1, 2025

RAINBOW ELVES

December 2025

BEAUTY WITHIN

A look at the efforts to make Evansville shine

BY SHAWN RUMSEY

Andrew Rodenberg, a contractor with Downtown Evansville’s Clean and Safe Team, stands with Nick Iaccarino, Keep Evansville Beautiful executive director, on Main Street.

What is Good Littering?

How acts of kindness grow something positive

“Good littering” is a term borne from a movement toward community beautification by “littering” a city with more green spaces — such as planting trees and installing garden boxes — along with public art installations like murals and sculptures.

While Evansville and its surrounding areas have been embracing that ideology for some time, the term takes on an added meaning for Mayor Stephanie Terry. “To me, ‘good littering’ means leaving behind little acts of kindness that brighten someone’s day or make our city a little stronger,” Terry says. “It’s about planting seeds of positivity, literally and figuratively.”

Terry says that could mean leaving an encouraging note on a neighbor’s porch,

stocking a Little Free Library, picking up trash, or dropping off diapers at a community pantry. “These small gestures may seem simple, but they create real connection,” she says. “They remind people they’re seen, they’re valued, and they’re not alone.”

It benefits Evansville because it builds a culture of care, Terry says. This concept is part of her broader initiative of neighborhood revitalization. “It reinforces who we are: A city that looks out for one another,” she says. “Let’s keep our parks and streets clean as well as litter our city with love, kindness, and a sense of community. That’s the kind of legacy I want us to leave behind.”

INCREASING VIBRANCY

Keep Evansville Beautiful executive director

reaffirms the

nonprofit’s focus on green causes

appears Keep Evansville Beautiful found the right person to continue its passion for tree conservation when it named Nick Iaccarino its new executive director in February. “I’m a tree hugger at heart,” he says.

Although picking up litter remains a large part of KEB’s mission, planting new trees and caring for existing ones is an important focus of the nonprofit. “Litter abatement is at the core of what we do,” Iaccarino says, but “being able to add to the tree canopy, from a health standpoint and optically, to be able to create more green space, would be wonderful. I love this community, and this community has so much opportunity at its fingertips.”

Each Arbor Day, KEB and the city’s department of urban forestry give away shade tree saplings at Wesselman Park, a

free way for residents to invest in the community’s future. “We really want to increase urban reforestation efforts,” Iaccarino says.

Part of that lies in educational efforts: KEB wants to locate properties where trees can be planted, such as outside single-family residences and apartment complexes, and teach residents how to maintain them by watering and trimming them properly. “We want (residents) to understand it’s worth the investment,” Iaccarino says. “I want to increase vibrancy where it doesn’t exist. When I see a cold, gray, concrete wall, I think, what can we do to liven it up?”

Iaccarino realizes the importance of added greenery to a community. It is something that companies looking to move to a city notice and consider. “We are an economic driver,” he says. “That is a role I take very seriously.”

A longstanding KEB initiative is Litter-Free Evansville, an organized cleanup event that encourages residents and employees in a selected neighborhood to gather for trash pickup in a set period of time — usually a Saturday morning. Bags, gloves, grabbing sticks, and vests are provided by KEB. Iaccarino says since he has taken charge of KEB, interest in Litter-Free days has grown. “My hope is that by doing these, we can inspire residents and property owners in those and other areas to adopt these initiatives on their own,” Iaccarino says. “There are a lot of areas that need love.”

Mayor Stephanie Terry and volunteers at the city’s first Block-by-Block Neighborhood Cleanup on Aug. 12, 2024, in Jacobsville

Litter-Free Evansville event in August 2024 on the West Side

‘DON’T BE

AFRAID TO DO IT’

Carol McClintock builds litter cleanup into her morning walks By Jodi Keen

When Carol McClintock began walking with friends for exercise around 2000, they were shocked at the litter scattered along their East Side routes: cigarette butts and empty packs, bottles drained of their alcohol, aluminum beer cans, and large Styrofoam soft drink cups with straws and plastic tops affixed. “There was so much of it at the time, it was terrible,” she recounts.

McClintock and her fellow walkers landed on a solution: Bringing plastic shopping bags with them, they began picking up litter they found and disposing of the filled bags once back home.

When her husband, Lloyd Winnecke, was elected Evansville’s mayor in 2011, the city and Keep Evansville Beautiful co-sponsored litter cleanup events. “I think that’s when people started to notice,” McClintock says. “I do believe our city is cleaner now because it was so widespread, and people saw it.”

As a top-producing Realtor with F.C. Tucker Emge’s Team McClintock, “I do relocation for several large corporations, and when I give tours, it’s not uncommon for people to comment that the city is so clean,” she says.

A Downtown resident since 2012, McClintock still walks early each weekday morning, picking up litter along the way. Her advice on aiding beautification efforts? “Just be cognizant of what’s around you. Walking by Sunset Skatepark the other day, I didn’t see any litter. But because it’s rained so much, weeds are growing out of the tree beds. Somebody could pull those weeds,” she says, adding: “Don’t be afraid to do it, and get your friends to help you do it.”

KING OF THE STREET SWEEP

David Goldblatt

calls picking up litter

‘good for your soul’

David Goldblatt heads out early most Sunday mornings, with two trash cans and several plastic bags loaded into his Dodge Dakota, and wages his one-man war against litter in Evansville.

Goldblatt preselects a certain section of roadway, usually a well-traveled one, and picks up litter by hand until his trash cans and plastic bags are filled; that usually takes an hour and a half to two hours. Why does he do it? Not because he has to, but because he wants to.

As the owner of Dave’s Taxi Service, the 62-year-old has a unique perspective on the appearance of Evansville. When he picks up travelers after their flight has landed at Evansville Regional Airport, he often is the first person to greet visitors to the city. And he wants their initial impressions of Evansville to be positive ones. “I’m very passionate about this,” Goldblatt says. “I make a decent living, I’m very blessed. I try to give back to Evansville when I can.”

Not only are his beautification efforts making a difference — Goldblatt estimates he picks up a couple of hundred pounds of rubbish each week — but he shares that it’s a great form of exercise, as he doesn’t use a grabbing stick. “I bend down about 1,000 or 1,500 times each week, it’s good for my hamstrings and back,” he says, adding that the stretching helps a lot considering he sits and drives so much for his job. “Plus, it takes my mind off of work for a while. It’s good for your soul.”

Goldblatt says he would enjoy having others join in his cause. He has even created a slogan — Intersections Neighborhoods Corners, or INC — to help spread his message. “If you aren’t able to help clean up a neighborhood, maybe you could clean up an intersection. And if not that, maybe just a corner,” Goldblatt says. “If we had just 200 people doing this, our city would be so much cleaner.”

LAWLESS LITTER

Law enforcement agencies take measures to uphold litter laws

Local law enforcement does not routinely patrol for litterbugs, but it does stay busy upholding laws aimed at keeping their jurisdiction beautiful and environmentally safe.

Data provided by Evansville Police Department show that officers wrote 10 citations for littering in 2024. EPD Sgt. Anthony Aussieker shares that although littering is a Class B infraction that carries a fine, there’s a catch: Because it is classified as an infraction, officers must witness the offense to enforce it.

Similarly, Vanderburgh County Sheriff Noah Robinson says deputies issue a citation if someone is caught in the act of littering. Fines can soar up to $1,000 but usually are closer to $175 after court costs, he says. Illegal dumping of garbage, whether on public or private property, is an ordinance violation with fees ranging from $50 to $500.

Another type of litter — albeit on a larger scale — is abandoned vehicles. Those left on the side of the road by their owners are one type, but Robinson says his department can cite property owners who allow vehicles to sit on their property, causing not only an eyesore but also potentially leaking harmful automotive fluids into the ground. As an ordinance violation, it has the same fee range.

A means for county residents to report any of these offenses is through the sheriff’s office’s revamped Neighborhood-Based Policing program. The county is split into 32 zones, with one deputy assigned to each zone. Tips on litter or other offenses can be left anonymously with the deputy. “Most people are probably not going to call 911 for littering, illegal dumping, or abandoned vehicles,” Robinson says. “We were looking for a way to lower that barrier of reporting.”

In addition, Robinson says that the sheriff’s office, work release, solid waste district, county council, and Keep Evansville Beautiful are collaborating on a future program designed to have a significant impact on the amount of trash visible in the county.

“We are attempting to address the quality-of-life issues that are of concern to our citizens,” Robinson says.

VANDERBURGHSHERIFF.ORG/ NEIGHBORHOODPOLICINGNEWS

Cleanliness in Carmel, Indiana

City officials set the standard, but public buy-in is crucial

With a population just north of 103,000, Carmel, Indiana’s profile is on the rise. Enhancing that is its visibly clean, colorful aesthetic.

“We set the expectation level of how clean we keep the city, not only for constituents but also visitors,” says Jeremy Kashman, Chief Infrastructure Officer for the City of Carmel. “If they see a clean environment, they’re more apt to leave a clean environment.”

The city administration leads by example, setting out trash cans, deploying street sweepers daily, and installing landscaping around Carmel’s 155 constructed roundabouts. A Tree City USA for three decades, officials keep tree canopies in mind when reviewing new developments and commit to preservation efforts by planting more than 500 new trees each year.

Kashman says civic pride plays a big part in bolstering the city’s beautification efforts, citing the flowers that the street department installs on light poles in the urban core area.

“If we took that away today … people would think we took away part of their identity,” he says. “Main Street is home to a

By Jodi Keen

lot of public events throughout the summer. These efforts create a lot of community pride in their built environment, and they want more.” One of those events — called Rain on Main — is similar to an Evansville stormwater management program in which artists paint rain barrels that later are auctioned off.

In areas recently annexed by Carmel, Kashman says residents have wanted to preserve their neighborhood’s identity but craved Carmel’s civic pride — and the authority behind it. “Some residents wanted us to annex them because of Carmel’s level of code enforcement,” Kashman says. “If there’s any area not kept up to standards, we work with property owners to get it to those standards.” To get government officials and the public to buy into and work together on beautification efforts, the message has to be clear.

“At the base level, the biggest thing to do as a city is to decide what it wants to be and to be intentional and deliberate about making those changes,” Kashman says.

CARMEL.IN.GOV

PHOTO OF LITTER BY LAURA MATHIS. RAIN BARREL PHOTO

COURTESY OF THE CITY OF CARMEL, INDIANA

Evansville’s riverfront

Rain on Main sponsored rain barrel

‘EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD MATTERS’

New city initiatives seek to reinvigorate civic pride

Thanks to two initiatives created by Mayor Stephanie Terry’s administration, neighborhoods that have faced neglect for decades are receiving much-needed attention.

One of those initiatives, the Block-by-Block Neighborhood Cleanup program, brings city employees and community volunteers together to pick up trash, mow lawns, pull weeds, trim trees, and perform other tasks while allowing neighbors a chance to connect. After launching the program in 2024 with cleanups in the Jacobsville and Bellemeade-Bayard Park neighborhoods, three this year have focused on Lamasco, Tepe Park, and CHAIN (Cedar Hall Association for Improvement of the Neighborhood, Inc.). Another five are in the works by year’s end. The mayor works with other city departments to determine

Overhead Protectors

which neighborhoods have the greatest need.

The second initiative, Fight Blight, focuses on tearing down dilapidated properties. With help from residents in identifying candidate properties, Terry says more than 20 blighted homes have been demolished this year, and an additional 50 are in progress.

“The results are not just visible, they are transformative,” Terry says. “The progress we’re seeing now is just the beginning — momentum builds, block by block.”

Combined, both programs are reenergizing neighborhoods. “These initiatives are about more than cleaning up. They’re about restoring pride, rebuilding trust, and sending a clear message: Every neighborhood matters,” Terry says. “When we invest in the places people call home, we’re investing in their sense of dignity, safety and possibility.”

Two agencies support tree planting efforts in Evansville

Trees play a critical role in improving an area’s environment and quality of life, and Evansville understands this — the city was designated a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in 2001. To promote urban treescapes, officials created the Evansville Forest Alliance in 2024 to enhance urban environment by planting trees in underserved and low-income areas. Backed by a $249,000 grant awarded by the state through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the alliance — which works with the city’s Tree Advisory Board — planted a total of 29 trees in the Tepe Park and Goosetown Park neighborhoods in November 2024.

“The easiest way to make a city more appealing is with tree canopies,” says Mike Schopmeyer, a longtime member of the Tree Advisory Board as well as Keep Evansville Beautiful. Although the board can’t dictate what grows or gets

planted on private property, he says it can educate residents on best tree practices.

Schopmeyer says that in addition to their beautification benefits, tree canopies also reduce heat at ground level and by acting as a “vacuum cleaner” for carbon dioxide, which is of course harmful to humans at high levels.

City Arborist Shawn Dickerson says the board and forest alliance invest in education to warn of the dangers of “topping” — the practice of pruning trees incorrectly that damages them while leaving them unattractive — and encourage residents to plant trees on their own property.

Dickerson says the city’s goal is to plant two trees for every one removed on public land, but the forest alliance has been planting closer to a 3:1 ratio.

The increase in the number of trees in a community boosts its curb appeal not just for residents but also companies

that might be considering Evansville as a place to locate their business.

“They look for attractive communities,” Dickerson says. “They know where their workforce wants to live.”

EVANSVILLEGOV.ORG/CITY • WESSELMANWOODS.ORG/EFA

Block-by-Block Neighborhood Cleanup program

City Arborist Shawn Dickerson leads an Evansville Forest Alliance tree planting in Tepe Park in November 2024

FOR THE PEOPLE

Renewed efforts are thrown behind public art

One of the more subtle yet impactful means of heightening a city’s image is through public artwork, and Evansville is ramping up its attention to the concept.

This increased focus on public art is part of Mayor Stephanie Terry’s core initiative of neighborhood revitalization. Created in 2005, the Evansville Public Art Commission has been idle for several years and was relaunched by Terry this spring. Officials hope a greater emphasis leads to more donations for public art displays, as EPAC is a nonprofit and currently is not funded.

The mayor has said that EPAC provides oversight of the city’s public art collection. It offers guidance on policies related to acquiring, displaying and maintaining works of art on public property, like Downtown statues honoring fallen soldiers from overseas wars. Many others reflect our natural surroundings and are placed along the Ohio Riverfront and the Pigeon Creek Greenway Passage.

EPAC Chairperson Sarah Schuler says murals in public areas such as Self.e Alley in the 300 block of Main

Street and sculptures like “Vibrant River,” which hangs on an exterior wall of Ford Center, improve the aesthetics of an ordinary area.

“Public art really expresses a lot about our community,” Schuler says. “It shows our values and who we are to those who come to visit Evansville.”

When EPAC curates a piece of art, the commission agrees to protect it and maintain its upkeep while ensuring the safety of the public, Schuler says. If funds become available from an outside source, EPAC can commission or request art submissions for a designated public space.

Anne McKim, executive director of the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana and a member of EPAC, says visible art is an important aspect of increasing not only the beauty of a community to its own residents, but in instilling satisfaction and self-worth.

“There is a shared sense of place, a shared public pride in your neighborhood,” McKim says. “We love that public art can reflect the characteristics and nature of a specific neighborhood.”

Reporting For Duty

Street-cleaning trike is deployed to aid Downtown cleanup efforts

If you see a blue, three-wheeled cart pedaling through the streets of Downtown Evansville, hold onto your cash — the operator isn’t selling hot dogs or ice cream sandwiches.

The Mobile Street Cleaning Trike was rolled out in March by the Downtown Evansville Economic Improvement District as a new avenue for its Clean and Safe Team to more easily use pressure washing equipment in confined, hard-to-reach areas.

Downtown Evansville Executive Director Adam Trinkel says trucks are too big to access some areas, and hydrants are not always close by. The trike’s cart can carry the hose and related equipment used by workers to spray down sidewalks, city infrastructure, and other public spaces in need of a quick clean. Trinkel reports the cart also can haul trash bags during litter cleanups, especially after big events such as street festivals and annual events like the July 4 fireworks show.

“Last year, our team collected more than 4,500 bags of litter Downtown,” Trinkel says. “We work within our district boundaries to make Downtown safe, clean, and beautiful.”

Clean and Safe services, along with the trike, are funded by Downtown property owners through an annual assessment. Know a public area within the district that needs to be addressed? Complete a service request form at DOWNTOWNEVANSVILLE.RJA.REVIZE. COM/FORMS/7066.

Tepe Park basketball court mural by Corderro Stith

Self.e Alley mural designed by Abby Elpers of E-REP and painted by Michael Smith of Orange Moon Art Studio

Haynie’s Corner Arts District mural by Cleo Griffin

Financial and Insurance Planning

The power of personal attention working for you

Investing is about more than just creating wealth. It's about making your money work for you to live life on your terms. We focus on helping you achieve what's most important to you. And we do that by building a personal connection.

James Beard, CFP® , CPWA® Financial Advisor

445 Cross Pointe Blvd, Ste 220 Evansville, IN 47715

812-471-9456

Mike David Financial Advisor

4600 Washington Ave, Ste 108 Evansville, IN 47714

812-471-0578

Jessica M Engel, CFP® , CRPC"' Financial Advisor

608 SE 2nd St Evansville, IN 47713

812-858-6104

Drew Heckert, CFP® Financial Advisor

431 E 4th St Mt. Vernon, IN 47620

812-838-0555

Melissa Nicholson, CFP® , ChFC® Financial Advisor

3775 Haley Dr, Ste B Newburgh, IN 47630

812-853-2775

Jason A Rainey, CFP® Financial Advisor 121 SVine St Haubstadt, IN 47639 812-615-5075

Clark S Stanfill, AAMS™ , CRPC™ Financial Advisor 12251 Hwy 41 N, Ste B Evansville, IN 47725 812-626-9696

Tyler J Vieke, CFP® Financial Advisor

3307 N Green River Rd Evansville, IN 47715

812-491-2953

Emily K Rauch Financial Advisor

4600 Washington Ave, Ste 108 Evansville, IN 47714

812-471-0578

Christian G Burch, CFP ® , ChFC® , ABFP ™ , CRPC™ , CRPS™ , CSRIC® , AFFP ®

Financial Advisor

403 East Broadway Princeton, IN 47670

812-386-6857

Brittany Dennis, CFP ® , CRPC"'

Financial Advisor

2809 Lincoln Ave, Ste 120 Evansville, IN 47714

812-473-4366

Chris Fleck

Financial Advisor

101 Plaza East Blvd, Ste 117 Evansville, IN 47715

812-473-0225

Melissa Khan, CFP®

Financial Advisor

4705 Theater Dr Evansville, IN 47715

812-477-6978

Roger A Nurrenbern, CEPA®, AAMS™ Financial Advisor

1923 W Franklin St Evansville, IN 47712

812-464-2788

Jeana Rivera, CFP® , AAMS™ Financial Advisor 507 State St Newburgh, IN 47630 812-853-9091

Kelsie Stanfill Financial Advisor

101 Plaza East Blvd, Ste 117 Evansville, IN 47715

812-473-0225

Benjamin E Waits, CFP® Financial Advisor

7300 E Columbia St, Ste 101 Evansville, IN 47715

812-422-4709

Chris Claybrooks Financial Advisor 121 SVine St Haubstadt, IN 47639

812-226-0704

Halee R Dickinson

Financial Advisor 4705 Theater Dr Evansville, IN 47715 812-226-0655

Steven R Harding Financial Advisor 20 NW 3rd St, Ste 1430 Evansville, IN 47708 812-838-4668

Brian Lowe, CFP® Financial Advisor 6700 Darmstadt Rd, Ste A Evansville, IN 47710 812-962-3614

Don Patton Jr, AAMS™ Financial Advisor 8601 N Kentucky Ave, Ste E (Hwy 41 & Mt. Pleasant Rd) Evansville, IN 47725 812-867-2173

Janet A Schultheis, CFP® Financial Advisor 608 SE 2nd St Evansville, IN 47713 812-479-8215

Lawrence W Taylor Financial Advisor 8429 Bell Oaks Dr Newburgh, IN 47630 812-853-7344

Jack A Young, AAMS™ Financial Advisor

Schnucks Plaza 4432 W Lloyd Expressway Evansville, IN 47712

812-422-4142

Edward Jones Client Consultation Group

Your financial goals and needs are unique

Your complex needs deserve personalized solutions from the Edward Jones Client Consultation Group (CCG). CCG partners with us and your trusted professionals (CPAs, attorneys) to review complex situations and develop a tailored financial strategy.

Specialized team, deep expertise

CCG professionals have backgrounds in specialized areas such as:

• Estate matters – Financial considerations related to beneficiary, tr ust and charitable planning

• Executive compensation – Stock restrictions, options and over-concentrations, deferred compensation

• Business ownership – Transition to retirement, succe ssion plans and employee compensation

• Significant lump sums – Legal settlements, inheritances or professional athletes

• Income strategies – Portfolio allocation and risk management for life events

• Protection strategies – Life insurance, long-term care and disability insurance

CCG can enhance the services we provide by building on the strategies we already have in place. Let’s review your assets and personal situation, allowing us to evaluate whether your situation qualifies for a collaboration with CCG.*

*Working with CCG may not be appropriate for all clients.

Edward Jones, its affiliates, financial advisors and Edward Jones Client Consultation Group (CCG) do not provide tax or legal advice. Individuals should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning, and work with their attorney for matters involving trusts, estate planning, business planning and other legal matters.

Insurance products are offered in conjunction with Edward Jones’ licensed insurance agency affiliates.

4705 Theater Drive Evansville, IN 47715 812-477-6978

EDWARD JONES HOME OFFICE

Melissa Khan, CFP®

Cottage Wealth Advisors

Are you overlooking one of the most powerful financial tools available?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a special type of savings account that lets you set aside money pre-tax to pay for qualified medical expenses. While Health Savings Accounts are not new to the world of saving, they are often the most misunderstood and underutilized financial strategies available today. Here’s why many people overlook or misuse them:

Common Misunderstandings About HSAs:

• “Use-it-or-lose-it” Myth Many confuse HSAs with FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts), which do often expire. But HSAs never expire — unused funds roll over forever and stay with you even if you change jobs or retire.

• Not realizing it’s an investment account

Most people think of HSAs as simple savings accounts. In reality, many HSA providers let you invest in mutual funds, ETFs, or stocks, just like a 401(k) or IRA.

• Only thinking short-term HSAs are often used for currentyear expenses, but the real power is in saving and investing for future medical costs, especially in retirement.

• Missing the triple tax advantage Few realize HSAs are the only account with triple tax benefits: tax-free contributions, tax free growth, and tax-free withdrawals (for medical expenses).

• Underutilizing for retirement planning

After age 65, you can use HSA funds for any purpose without a penalty (though non-medical withdrawals are taxed like regular income). That makes HSAs a stealth retirement account. But, the true power of an HSA, however, comes with time. You can reimburse yourself from your HSA at any time – even decades later – as long as the expense:

• Was a qualified medical expense

• Was incurred after your HSA was opened

• You have documentation (like receipts showing you paid out of pocket)

Nancy Bach, MBA Founder & Wealth Advisor

Let’s look at an example:

• You open and contribute to an HSA in January 2022.

• You have a $1,000 dentist bill in March 2023 and pay out of pocket.

• You keep the receipt.

• In 2032, you decide to reimburse yourself and withdraw $1,000 from your HSA, tax-free.

During those 10 years between contribution and reimbursement, hopefully your HSA, if invested wisely, was able to grow!

Bottom Line: An HSA is not just a “medical savings account” — it’s a taxadvantaged investment and retirement planning tool.

First Federal Savings Bank

History of First Federal Savings Bank

On Oct. 20, 1904, the West Side Building and Loan Association, later to become First Federal Savings Bank, was founded by a group of prominent businessmen under the leadership of the company’s first president, August Rosenberger. The bank’s mission was to provide a safe and profitable investment of savings, make loans for its members, and otherwise carry out the objectives of a building and loan association. Even after 120 years, its customers’ financial welfare remains its guiding principle. With 10 convenient locations across Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, Henderson, Daviess, and Pike County, First Federal Savings Bank provides accessibility to each of its customers.

Explain the slogan, Banking Friend Forever, #BFF

Having a solid banking relationship with not only your financial institution

need a banker who understands their financial goals and can make recommendations for their success. When managing a business, a banker who understands your industry, financial history, and cash flow needs is critical to running a successful operation. First Federal Savings Bank’s mission is to serve YOU and provide banking services tailored to fit your needs.

Why choose First Federal Savings Bank?

First Federal Savings Bank is a community bank that prides itself on delivering innovative and personalized banking solutions and building better communities by prioritizing and investing in the customers and neighborhoods it serves. Its customers benefit from the enhanced technology offered by larger banks together with the consistent and personal service only a small-town community bank can offer. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, business owner, medical professional, or veteran, or are looking to build your dream home, First Federal

Savings Bank has options fit for you. It offers competitive interest rates and closing costs, and with in-house servicing, its closing process is quick and efficient. Its loan servicing team is on hand to answer any questions throughout the lifetime of your loan. When you call, you will speak to a bank representative, not an automated recording.

If you are a business owner looking for small equipment financing, business expansions, large commercial construction, or anything in between, First Federal Savings Bank’s experienced Commercial Relationship Bankers can help. They offer a variety of business loan and account offerings to fit your business, regardless of size. First Federal Savings Bank’s Treasury Management products are designed to bring convenience and efficiency to your business.

Member FDIC

German American

Financial Planning for Different Life Stages

Prudent financial planning is not one-size-fits-all — it evolves as you progress through life’s distinct phases. By understanding the appropriate strategies for each stage, you can build a secure financial foundation that adapts to your changing needs and goals.

Foundation First

Before all else, establish an emergency fund covering 3-6 months of essential expenses to protect against unexpected disruptions without derailing long-term goals.

Early Career (20s-30s)

Time is your greatest financial ally during these years. Prioritize contributing enough to your workplace retirement plan to capture the full employer match — this is essentially free money!

Consider Roth options either inside or outside of your workplace plan. While traditional retirement contributions offer immediate tax deductions, Roth contributions grow tax-free and provide tax-free withdrawals in retirement, which can be advantageous if you expect to be in a higher tax bracket later.

If eligible, fund a Health Savings Account, which offers triple tax advantages: tax-deductible contributions, tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses, and the funds are investable for tax-free growth!

to discuss your retirement and financial planning needs.

Peak Earning Years (40s-50s)

Maximize Roth contributions whenever possible. If your income exceeds Roth IRA eligibility thresholds, explore backdoor Roth conversion strategies. With the help of a Certified Financial Planner™, analyze assets by tax classification. If you find yourself “qualified plan rich” with healthy balances in your workplace plan, establish a taxable brokerage account for flexibility without withdrawal penalties or age restrictions.

Pre-Retirement Phase (60s)

Work with a CFP® professional to develop a thorough retirement transition plan that includes tax-efficient withdrawal strategies. Since health care costs frequently constitute a

significant retirement expense and commonly derail financial plans, create specific strategies for managing these costs. Evaluate your Social Security claiming strategy carefully, as the difference between claiming at age 62 versus age 70 can substantially affect your lifetime benefits. Consider upcoming major expenses such as home renovations, vehicle purchases, or travel plans, and incorporate these into your financial strategy to prevent excessive asset depletion, particularly during market downturns in your early retirement years.

In Retirement

Once in retirement, meet regularly with your CFP® professional to reassess investment risk tolerance as your time horizon changes. Remember that market volatility has greater impact during withdrawal phases. Review and update estate plans as family circumstances and tax laws evolve to ensure your financial legacy remains protected. By adapting your financial strategy to each life stage, you can build a secure foundation that evolves with your changing needs and goals.

Written by: Justin Soderlund, Wealth Advisory Retirement Specialist

McGowan and Schultheis are joining hands to ensure that Evansville businesses and families have the insurance expertise they need — right in their backyard.

At McGowan Insurance Group, we partner with businesses to protect what they’ve built and plan for what’s next. Whether it’s structuring coverage for a multistate operation or ensuring your home and auto policies are aligned with your overall risk profile, we take a comprehensive view of your insurance needs. Backed by decades of experience, our team delivers strategic solutions with responsive service and a commitment to being there when it matters most.

McGowan Insurance Group

32 N. Weinbach Ave. | 812-479-8651 | mcgowaninsgrp.com

Schultheis Joins McGowan: Strengthening Local Insurance, Expanding Regional Expertise

In a time when many firms are centralizing operations and pulling resources out of local communities, McGowan Insurance Group is taking a different approach — by investing in Southern Indiana.

The recent transition of Schultheis Insurance into McGowan Insurance Group represents more than just a name change. It’s a partnership rooted in shared values: a belief in local relationships, long-term service, and delivering specialized expertise where it’s needed most.

“For more than 80 years, Schultheis has been a trusted name in Evansville,” Kenan Schultheis says. “Joining McGowan allows us to keep that legacy intact while expanding what we can offer — more markets, more resources, and even better service. And our clients are still working with the same people they’ve always known.”

McGowan, founded in 1930 and headquartered in Indianapolis, is one of Indiana’s most respected independent insurance agencies. With deep experi ence in public entities, construction, employee benefits, and complex com mercial risks, McGowan brings addi tional capabilities to the region without losing the personal touch that defines local service.

“We’re not here to change Evans ville,” says Hugh McGowan, CEO of Mc Gowan Insurance Group. “We’re here to support it. The team at Schultheis un derstands this community better than anyone. Our role is to strengthen that with broader access, deeper expertise, and long-term stability.”

For McGowan, the partnership represents a larger strategy: investing in Indiana communities rather than outsourcing them.

“This is about putting assets into Evansville — not pulling them out,” says Brett Schultheis. “We’re committed to growing here: adding jobs, deepening our bench, and becoming the go-to insurance team for Southern Indiana.”

Clients can expect continuity in service with expanded access to

Brett and Kenan Schultheis

Front: Kenan Schultheis and Brett Schultheis Back: Cheri Neel, Erica Land, Angela Vowells, and Cassie Noah

Field & Main Bank

At Field & Main Bank, buying a home should be an exciting and stress-free experience. That’s why we’re committed to making the mortgage process as smooth and supportive as possible. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to refinance, our team is here to guide you with friendly service, expert advice, and a personal touch.

When you choose Field & Main, you’re not just another customer — you’re a valued friend. We take the time to understand your unique financial goals and tailor our mortgage solutions to fit your lifestyle. Our approach is rooted in community values, and we’re proud to offer a banking experience that feels different—because it is.

What You Can Expect When You Work With Us

Expert Mortgage Lenders

Our experienced mortgage professionals are dedicated to helping you succeed. They’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and ensure you feel confident in every decision.

Full Availability

We know that questions don’t always arise during business hours. Our lenders are available before, during, and after your loan closes. We believe in being there when you need us most — because excellent service should never be outsourced.

Comfort Close to Home

With community banking centers designed to deliver a warm, personalized experience, you’ll always feel welcome, no matter where you are. We’re proud to serve our neighbors with the same care and attention we’d give our families.

Tailored Banking Solutions

Field & Main was built with your individuality in mind. Our personal banking services are designed to align with your financial lifestyle, making it easier to manage your money and plan for the future.

Ready to take the next step toward homeownership? We’d like to help you make it happen. Call us today at 1-888-831-1500, or reach out online to learn more about our mortgage services.

Discover Your Future with Personalized Financial Guidance

Where

do you see yourself

in the future?

Navigating the financial landscape can be daunting. Do your current financial plans align with your dreams and goals? The professional team of advisers at Heritage Investments understands that your needs, timeline, and budget are as unique as you are. That’s why they are dedicated to working closely with you to craft a financial strategy tailored to your aspirations.

Meet Mike Smith, a seasoned wealth manager with more than 25 years of experience helping clients build personalized wealth strategies. Mike’s approach is grounded in truly understanding his clients and their families. Only then can a plan be developed that avoids costly missteps and keeps longterm goals in sight.

Mike earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from California State University, Fullerton, in 1996. Two pieces of advice early in his career shaped his approach: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” and “never eat lunch alone.” While he still lives by the first, the second keeps his calendar — and his diet — full!

As a Registered Representative of LPL Financial and a licensed insurance agent, Mike has access to many investment and insurance options. Whether you’re rolling over a 401(k), saving for major life events, or planning for retirement, Mike partners with you to craft, implement, and monitor a strategy that fits your life.

Let’s start building your investment strategy today. The team at Heritage Investments is ready to help you shape a future that reflects what matters most to you. Reach out to begin your journey toward a confident financial future.

Mike and Susan Smith

New Horizons Financial Consultants

There’s no need to hope for the best. Let’s plan on it.

New Horizons Financial Consultants gives you access to a team of experienced financial professionals focused on developing thoughtful, productive relationships with our clients.

Our role isn’t to sell you financial or insurance products. Instead, we work collaboratively with clients like you to thoroughly understand your goals, your wishes, your concerns, and your tolerance for risk. Together, we’ll develop a strategy that guides and coordinates your finances, and we’ll provide recommendations for implementing that plan. We’re licensed and/or registered to share our knowledge and recommendations of many investments and insurance coverages.

Individuals and Families

Since 2013, New Horizons Financial Consultants has provided financial planning and wealth management to individuals and families by focusing on life instead of money. While financial resources are important, we view them as a way to achieve more fulfilling lives. We’re here to provide guidance during the toughest turning points, sharing our expertise to help you pursue your goals, and answering your most challenging questions.

Life Transitions

Life’s major milestones often call for a fresh look at your financial plans to ensure they align with your evolving goals and life circumstances. Pivotal moments can include graduating from college, starting your first job, getting married or divorced, having children, purchasing a home, funding your children’s education, welcoming grandchildren, and eventually transitioning into retirement. Each stage brings new financial considerations, making regular reviews essential to staying on track.

Retirement Planning

Whether you’re five years or 20 years away from retirement, we’ll help guide you through the steps so you

can make the necessary decisions to secure enough assets for your optimal retirement lifestyle. After evaluating your current financial situation, we’ll identify the income sources and opportunities that are most advantageous for you as you prepare for your life past employment.

Working with a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

Going through a divorce can be overwhelming — emotionally and financially. A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®) helps you navigate this transition with clarity by offering professional guidance on the financial aspects. From dividing assets to understanding long-term impacts, a CDFA helps preserve your financial future.

The financial professionals at New Horizons Financial Consultants are ready to help you address your financial goals at any stage of your life. Call 812-618-9050 so we can help plan the best possible strategy for you!

Julie Hill, Amy Bouchie, and Danielle Andrews

Banterra Bank

Five Evansville-Area Branches | 866-226-8377 | banterra.bank

Helping You Thrive Since 1975

Banterra Bank is excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2025. We got our groovy start in Ridgway, Illinois, and have now grown to a six-state footprint with more than 500 dedicated team members. Those team members and our customers are the ones who helped us get here, so this year is dedicated to them and the far-out era of the 1970s where it all began. Keep up with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to be a part of the activities, giveaways, and celebrations, and listen to our new podcast “Helping You Thrive” on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

WHY WORK WITH BANTERRA?

With Banterra’s local team serving five Evansville-area locations, including a commercial lending office in the heart of Downtown, you will work directly with loan and treasury management teams with years of banking experience. We offer competitive rates, strong lending capacities, exceptional business products, and quick local decisions combined with unmatched personal service. Additionally, we are a regional bank that supports our communities with ongoing charity promotion, contributions, and volunteer time.

WHAT SERVICES OR PRODUCTS DOES YOUR BUSINESS PROVIDE?

Banterra offers banking services with a strong focus on serving the commercial and small business needs of our communities. Our business lending includes commercial loans, small business lending, equipment financing, and agricultural lending. We combine our lending with competitive treasury management services, digital banking conveniences, and smart deposit products. We also provide private banking services, specialized health care products, and mortgage services.

Forvis Mazars Private Client

Estate & Gift Tax Exemption Sunsets After 2025

Unless Congress intervenes, many significant provisions of the historic Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) will not apply for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2025, including the increased estate and gift tax exemption threshold. The estate tax and gift tax apply to transfers of money or property a taxpayer makes, whether while alive (gift tax) or at death (estate tax).

Next Steps to Consider

The historically high lifetime estate and gift tax exemption might provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transfer hard-earned wealth at a reduced or eliminated tax burden. Certainly, as the sunsetting date approaches, financial advisors, CPAs, and attorneys will be hard at work reviewing and adjusting estate plans to take advantage of this potential use-it-or-lose-it opportunity. This type of planning does not happen quickly, and getting an early start may be crucial for preparing an executable strategy. Strategies may include gifting to family and friends, charitable gifting, use of trusts, family business succession planning, and other means to utilize the exemption while it is still available.

Please reach out to Sid Dill, CPA, Partner, at 812-428-6500 or Sid.dill@ us.forvismazars.com for assistance in evaluating whether the use of this exemption would be prudent and for further assistance with wealth preservation and estate and gift tax strategies.

Explore freedom to thrive.

Sid Dill

First Financial Bank

12600 US-41 | First-online.bank

Imagine the future where your hard work secures your success and empowers future generations. As a business owner, you understand the importance of long-term planning and the need to build a lasting legacy. At First Financial Bank, our Trust and Asset Management services do more than just safeguard wealth — we help you create a roadmap to generational prosperity, offering strategies that protect your business and personal assets while positioning you for long-term success.

Your business is your legacy, and First Financial is here to help you protect and grow it. Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing your estate, or ensuring your family’s financial security, our dedicated team of professionals works with you to design customized solutions that align with your vision. With more than 190 years of expertise, we take pride in being one of the nation’s oldest and most trusted financial institutions, built on a foundation of putting our clients first.

Empowering Your Financial Future

Our role as a fiduciary means we are fully committed to serving your best interests. We take the time to understand your unique goals, whether they involve growing your business, protecting assets, or ensuring a smooth transition to the next generation. At First Financial, we offer comprehensive trust services, investment management, and estate planning, all crafted to provide the security and flexibility you need.

Are you preparing for retirement and uncertain about how to manage your investments? Our team of experts offers tailored solutions, from Traditional and Roth IRAs to more advanced investment strategies, ensuring that your retirement is as rewarding as your career. With regular portfolio reviews and personalized management, you can rest assured knowing that your assets are being strategically managed to maximize growth and minimize risk.

Building a Legacy of Generational Prosperity

Beyond retirement and investment strategies, we also specialize in estate planning and trust services that enable you to shape your family’s financial future. By creating a trust, you ensure the responsible transfer of wealth while safeguarding your assets for the next generation. We help business owners and families establish charitable trusts, manage inheritance distribution, and protect beneficiaries, all while maintaining privacy and avoiding court-administered processes.

Empower yourself and the next generation today. Schedule a free financial review with First Financial Bank and let us guide you toward a future that sustains both your business and your family for years to come. Together, we’ll help you build a legacy of strength, security, and prosperity that endures for generations.

The 24th Annual Best of Evansville poll is your chance to tell us the latest and greatest the city has to offer in dining, shopping, entertainment, local business, community personalities, and more. Voters will be entered in a random drawing to win 2 sets of 2 tickets to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari. So, what people and places stand out to you? Best of Evansville winners will be announced in the September/October 2025 issue of Evansville Living!

POPHAM CONSTRUCTION, a trusted name in Evansville, has delivered quality construction services for more than 45 years. Owner Pete Popham and President Deborah Popham founded the company and have built a reputation for excellence through a commitment to craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Its team of experienced professionals specializes in a wide range of services, including home remodeling, room additions, kitchen and bathroom renovations, commercial renovations, roofing, the installation of SunSetter awnings, and radon testing and mitigation.

In a significant development, John Diekhoff has become a part-owner of Popham Construction. Having served first

as an estimator and currently as vice president, Diekhoff has been instrumental in overseeing numerous successful projects, earning praise for his meticulous planning and execution. His promotion to part-owner signifies a new chapter for the company, promising continued growth and innovation.

Popham Construction is poised to expand its services and maintain its high standards of quality and customer care. The company’s dedication to using experienced craftsmen and providing personalized service ensures that clients receive exceptional results on every project.

For homeowners and businesses in the Evansville area that are seeking reliable construction services, Popham Construction remains the top choice.

Pete Popham and John Diekhoff

Karen Lawson, Karen Shields, Rachel Goebel, and Ginger Whitler

Haley Keding, Ginger Whitler, Shelly Turi, Cindy Lawrence, and Shannon Jones

Rachel Moesner, Taylor Daly, Nicole Plutino, Miranda Schlachter, and Alisha Martin

Tammy Coffer, Lori Couts, Jennifer Jones, Cristina Waters, and Brittany Critchelow

Whitney Richardson, Rachel Goebel, Cory Sutton, Stephanie Hunter Courtney Weedman, Kate Carter, Hope Staubitz, Kaitlyn Helm, and Hope Fazende

Absent: Hunter Phelps

— 20 years of treating and caring for children in our community. As we reflect on the past two decades, we are filled with immense gratitude for the families who have trusted us, the dedicated staff who have given their hearts to this work, and the community that has supported us every step of the way. From the very beginning, our mission has been to provide compassionate, high-quality care to every child who walks through our doors. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of watching countless young patients grow up healthy and strong, and it has been an honor to be part of their journey.

We could not have reached this milestone without the incredible support of our community. Your faith in our work and your encouragement have fueled our ability to expand services and continue innovating in pediatric care. Every smile, every “thank you,” every shared success story has meant the world to us. As we celebrate 20 years of service, we do so with a deep appreciation for your partnership. Here’s to the past two decades — and to many more years of helping children thrive. Thank you for being such an important part of our story.

— Ginger Whitler and CPT Staff

Lauren Perry, Mikhayla Cook, Karen Lawson, Carrie Patterson, Emma Salyer, and Alyssa Anderson

Paige Miller, Carrice Heck, Kylee Phillips, Kristen Kuykendoll, Karen Shields, Hannah Hartmann, Jordan Redman, Carrie Poag, and Rachel Hooper Absent: Taylor Winiger

*2025ForbesBest-in-StateWealthManagementTeams:AwardedJanuary2025;DatacompiledbySHOOKResearchLLCbasedonthetimeperiodfrom3/31/23-3/31/24 (Source:Forbes.com).TheForbesBest-in-StateWealthManagementTeamsratingalgorithmisbasedonthepreviousyear'sindustryexperience,interviews,compliance records,assetsundermanagement,revenueandothercriteriabySHOOKResearch,LLC.Investmentperformanceisnotacriterion.Self-completedsurveywasusedfor rating.Thisratingisnotrelatedtothequalityoftheinvestmentadviceandbasedsolelyonthedisclosedcriteria.11,674wealthmanagementteamswereconsideredfor therating;5,331(45.66%ofcandidates)werenamed2025ForbesBest-in-StateWealthManagementTeams.

FOUNDED OVER 40 YEARS AGO, we believe that Saxe Pinkston Financial Group has grown into one of the most respected financial advisory firms in the Evansville area, with a team that boasts 200-plus years of combined experience. What sets its advisors apart is their unwavering commitment to personalized, client-first financial guidance. Advisors serve more than 1,000 clients across 34 states and manage more than $1.3 billion in assets as of 10/10/2024 — with no minimums, reflecting their mission to help all investors, regardless of financial standing.

From its roots in a transactional “stockbroker” era of the 1980s, the firm has evolved into a practice focused on unbiased, strategic advice. Saxe Pinkston specializes in retirement planning, legacy and estate strategies, college savings, and generational wealth transfer, among other key services. Advisors take the time to understand each client’s goals and risk tolerance before crafting a custom plan.

The Saxe Pinkston Financial Group was named as a Best-in-State Wealth Management Team by Forbes Shook for 2025*. D. Scott Saxe was named to Barron’s Top 1200 State by State Advisors for 2025** for the State of Indiana. We believe the practice’s accolades reflect the dedication and professionalism of their team.

Saxe Pinkston Financial Group continues to serve clients with integrity and care, especially those nearing retirement or managing significant life changes such as inheritances — proving that a deeply personal approach still is the foundation of exceptional financial service.

Saxe Pinkston Financial Group is proud to be named to the 2025 Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams List InvestmentproductsandservicesareofferedthroughWellsFargoAdvisorsFinancialNetwork,LLC(WFAFN), MemberSIPC.SaxePinkstonFinancialGroupisaseparateentityfromWFAFN.

**2025Barron'sTop1,200FinancialAdvisors:AwardedMarch2025;DataCompiledbyBarron'sbasedonthetimeperiodfromOct.2023-Sept.2024(Source:Barrons.com).

TheBarron'sTop1,200FinancialAdvisorsratingsarebasedonthepreviousyear'sassetsundermanagement,revenuegeneratedfortheadvisors'firms,andthequalityof theadvisors'practices.Investmentperformanceisn'tanexplicitfactorbecauseclientshavevariedgoalsandrisktolerances.Self-completedquestionnairewasusedfor rating.Thisratingisnotrelatedtothequalityoftheinvestmentadviceandbasedsolelyonthedisclosedcriteria.

Sharyi Bryan

Tiffany Renshaw

WHAT BEGAN IN 1985 AS A SIMPLE IDEA — a permanent recruitment company paired with a resume service — has grown into Action Staffing, Inc., proudly celebrating 40 years of serving the Tri-State. Founded by Evansville’s Jo Ann Vaughn, the company originally launched as Action Temporaries, a name chosen by popular vote to secure a top listing in the phone book, outpacing contenders like A-1 Temps and AbleBodied Temps.

Starting from a single location in Evansville, Action Staffing has steadily expanded and now operates offices in Evansville, New Castle, and Vincennes, Indiana. The company’s growth has been guided by dedicated leadership, including Kim Devine, an original employee who became an owner in the late 1990s, and Diana Coy of New Castle, who joined in 2005. Now Devine and Coy each own 50 percent of the business.

Although Jo Ann Vaughn passed away in 2017, she witnessed the company’s remarkable evolution firsthand. Today, Action Staffing remains committed to its mission, providing exceptional employment services that support both valued clients and a dedicated workforce, recognizing that people are the foundation of every successful business.

Action Staffing has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States for three consecutive years. As the company celebrates four decades in business, it continues to innovate and lead in staffing solutions and is proud to be a trusted partner in the region’s workforce.

Erika Cole, Breanna Horton, Shayla Daniels, Ramona Burns, Kem

Brooke Morgan, Diana Coy, and Hannah Graham

Evansville

New Castle

Vincennes

Addison Borden, Laura Rath, and Whitney Green

FOUNDED IN 1985, Harrell-Fish Inc. (HFI) has spent the past 40 years building a legacy of excellence in mechanical contracting across Indiana. With offices in Evansville, Bloomington, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne, HFI is a trusted name in industrial and commercial projects. The company specializes in mechanical systems, heating, air conditioning, plumbing, process piping, controls, and service, delivering reliable solutions to facilities of all sizes.

As HFI celebrates its 40th anniversary, Seth Euler, Evansville Division Manager, reflects on the milestone: “This anniversary

is more than a number — it’s a testament to the people, partnerships, and communities that have shaped who we are. We’re proud of our presence in Evansville and the impact we’ve made across the state.”

Over the decades, HFI has remained committed to quality, innovation, and community support. The company’s growth is guided by a strong sense of purpose and a dedication to doing the job right — values that continue to define its work today. As HFI looks to the future, it does so with gratitude for the past and a clear vision for what’s next.

SINCE ITS FOUNDING IN 1985, Solarbron has stood as a beacon of compassionate, innovative senior living in Evansville. Born from the vision of Sol and Arlene Bronstein and established through a trust after Arlene’s passing in 1977, Solarbron was created as a place where people of all backgrounds could live vibrantly and purposefully during their retirement years.

Over the past four decades, Solarbron has evolved from a modest independent living community into a comprehensive senior living campus, offering a full continuum of care — from independent villas and apartments to assisted living, memory support, and rehabilitation services. All of this is nestled within 64 picturesque acres of rolling hills, fishing ponds, and natural woodlands that offer peace and inspiration.

Solarbron’s commitment to resident wellness and engagement shines through its diverse programming, including fitness classes, creative workshops, happy hours, and academic courses. The campus also boasts more than 240 pieces of fine art, reflecting the Bronsteins’ passion and providing a culturally rich environment for all who call Solarbron home.

A trusted community landmark, Solarbron continues to grow while remaining rooted in its original mission — to be a place of dignity, vitality, and belonging. With a team of dedicated professionals and a legacy of excellence, Solarbron remains not only a premier senior living community in Evansville, but also a lasting tribute to the visionaries who dreamed it into reality.

FULTON INTERIOR SYSTEMS, a leader in full-service commercial wall, ceiling, and plastering, is marking a remarkable 25 years of success in the industry as a general contractor. Since its inception in June 2000, Fulton has built a reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, innovation, and unparalleled customer service, transforming spaces across the Tri-State.

Founded by industry veterans with a passion for design and functionality, Fulton Interior Systems began as a small, familyowned operation. Over the years, they have grown into a major player, providing metal stud framing, drywall and sheathing, exterior insulation and finish systems, and acoustical ceilings and sound panels. They also carry a general contractor’s license for all your interior remodeling needs. What has set the company apart is its commitment to creating functional, stylish, and sustainable interiors that meet the unique needs of each client.

Through a combination of expert craftsmanship and state-of-the-art technology, Fulton has successfully completed projects for top-tier clients in the commercial and hospitality sectors. Fulton’s portfolio showcases a diverse range of high-profile spaces that highlight their adaptability and dedication to excellence.

Looking ahead, Fulton Interior Systems is poised to continue its growth, embracing emerging trends in sustainability and design innovation. With a dedicated team and a legacy of quality, the company is not only celebrating its past but also setting the stage for the next 25 years of success and creativity.

As Fulton Interior Systems celebrates this significant anniversary, it remains focused on its core values — integrity, craftsmanship, and a passion for turning visions into reality. Here’s to the next chapter of success!

Back: Dan Fulton, Danny Fulton, Sam Fulton, and Rob Rodgers

Front: Gayle Fulton, Mike Conkling, and Rachel Johnson

FOUNDED BY MILTON AND SHARON WORKING IN 1965, Working Distributors quickly became the largest wholesaler in the Evansville market by 1981. Now proudly celebrating 60 years in business, the second generation continues to lead with experience, while the third generation steps into leadership, learning from those who paved the way. As a local, familyowned company, we proudly distribute Anheuser-Busch products, craft beer, imports, wine, RTDs, and non-alcoholic brands like Ski, Double Cola, water, and energy drinks. Our commitment to exceptional service, strong community roots, and deep industry knowledge sets us apart. We’re honored to celebrate this milestone with Evansville and look forward to serving the Tri-State for generations.

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF SERVICE, Paulson Insurance has become a trusted name in the community. Founded in 2010 by Josh Paulson, the agency offers a comprehensive range of insurance solutions, including home, auto, life, and business coverage. As an independent agency, Paulson Insurance represents multiple reputable providers to deliver customized policies that meet clients’ unique needs and budgets. The agency’s commitment to personalized service is evident, with a dedicated team who brings specialized expertise in insurance. With more than 450 five-star Google reviews, Paulson Insurance continues to be a cornerstone of reliable protection in Evansville.

Drew Brewer, Mindy Wilzbacher, Katie Thornberry, Ali Phillips, Josh Paulson, Meredith Elpers, and Victoria Ellison

WE, THE ATTORNEYS AT FOSTER, O’DANIEL, HAMBIDGE & LYNCH work together to achieve our common goal: we want to help people. Whether it’s a criminal, family law, business, or estate planning/administration matter, we are here to listen, offer advice, support, and help our clients reach their desired results. We believe every person has a story to be told and deserves to have an advocate on their side to help them through the issues life can bring us. Our aim is to not only help our clients have a better today, but also have a better tomorrow.

If you are in need of an attorney in Evansville, or surrounding areas like Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, or Gibson Counties, consult the lawyers at FOH&L. If you hire one of our attorneys, we will ensure you are treated fairly, protect your legal rights, and defend your case all the way to trial if necessary.

Tim Hambidge, Shaunda Lynch, Mark Foster, and Conor O’Daniel

BUSINESS LIFE

EVANSVILLE LIVING 25TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY, April 10, Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science

McDaniel, John Briscoe, Janet Greenwell, Sally Sigler, Diana Schnakenburg, Gretchen Muchnick, Stephanie Morris, Kyle Bernhardt, and Gelina

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JULIE HOON

Photo 1: Nicole

Mascoe

Photo 2: Kent Ruminer, Geralyn Ruminer, Lydia McCullough, Julie Conley, and Glenn Conley

Photo 3: Becca Scott and Jennifer Whitaker

Photo 4: Patricia and Patrick Johnson

CHAMBER GOLF CLASSIC, May 2, The Bridges Golf Course, Henderson, Kentucky Jimmy Jones, Mike Church, Keith Ellis, and Clay Gillham

YOUTH FIRST BENEFIT AUCTION, April 24, Bally’s Evansville Riverfront Center Julie Hoon and Danielle Tessier

IVY TECH DAY, April 8, Ivy Tech Community College Evansville

Photo 1: Andrew Wilson and Lindsey Nix

Photo 2: Karen Oldham and Denise Johnson-Kincaid

NEW HIRES/PROMOTIONS

Steven Bridges has been selected to serve as the fifth president of the University of Southern Indiana Bridges, a two-time USI graduate and accounting professor, was named interim president prior to the 2024-25 academic year upon the departure of Ron Rochon. Bridges is the first USI alumnus to serve as the university’s president.

Jason Puckett has been named president of Toyota Indiana in the role of group vice president for Manufacturing Region 2, Puckett also will lead Toyota facilities in Missouri and Tennessee. Since joining Toyota in 1997, Puckett has held positions of increasing responsibility in the company, most recently as president

of Toyota Alabama, and earlier as vice president of administration and manufacturing at Toyota Indiana. Puckett succeeds Tim , who has been named of president of Toyota Canada and group vice president for Manufacturing Region 1.

Orr Fellowship has hired Ben Trockman as its first regional director in Evansville. Trockman, formerly an outreach and employment specialist at Old National Bank and a project manager at Change for Balance, is an Evansville native in his second term on the City Council and in January was elected its president.

Lampkins has served as interim dean since September 2023. Kim McDonald, the director of enrollment marketing and operations, was named director of admissions after the departure of Kenton Hargis.

Evansville Police Foundation has announced Ashley McReynolds as its new executive director. She previously served as director of advancement for the Albion Fellows Bacon Center and holds a political science degree from USI and a fundraising management certificate from Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

B BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Natural Progression

Andy Lampkins has been named dean of the University of Evansville’s (UE) College of Education and Health Sciences, effective June 1.

Nathan Moon has joined Old National Bank’s 1834 A Division as an associate wealth adviser. Moon has five-plus years of experience in the financial services industry as an Allstate agency owner. He also played professional hockey in the American Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League.

John Diekhoff becomes part-owner of Popham Construction

BY MAGGIE VALENTI

John Diekhoff started working in construction while attending Reitz Memorial High School. Eighteen years after joining Popham Construction, he now is part-owner alongside founder Pete Popham, a change Diekhoff describes as a “natural progression.”

“This is a time in my life where I could take on more responsibility,” he says, as majority owner Popham plans to scale back his involvement in the residential and commercial construction company he launched in 1987. The eventual goal is for Diekhoff to take full ownership of the company, but there is no set timeframe.

“John is the future of Popham Construction, carrying on the tradition of quality and professionalism,” Pete Popham says.

Diekhoff started with the company as an estima tor in 2007 and was named vice president and director of operations six years ago. He manages day-to-day operations, assists in generating new business, and ensures projects are completed safely and on time. With his new partial owner ship, Diekhoff looks forward to being more involved with the company, including employees, subcontractors, and vendors.

“I look forward to the ability to continue to do what I enjoy and grow with our community … (to) have more involvement with our staff and impact them personally and professionally,” he says. POPHAMCONSTRUCTION.COM

United Leasing & Finance has appointed John Greaney as chief operating officer and John Kicklighter as chief credit officer. Greaney, who previously was vice president of operations at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, oversees day-to-day operations and leads initiatives designed to enhance efficiency and improve customer experiences across the organization. Kicklighter was most recently senior vice president of risk at SLR Equipment Finance and brings experience in credit risk management, underwriting, and portfolio strategy.

Welborn

Baptist Foundation has hired Tyler Stock as the director of its GROW capacity-building program as well as the officer for its early learning program. Stock, a graduate of USI with a Bachelor of Science in sociology and a Master of Public Administration in nonprofit/public/organizational management, had served as the executive director of Talent EVV for the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership since July 2022. In 2024, Stock was in the inaugural cohort of the Welborn Fellows Program.

NATHAN MOON

ASHLEY MCREYNOLDS

STEVEN BRIDGES

JASON PUCKETT

JOHN DIEKHOFF AND PETE POPHAM

BEN TROCKMAN

ANDY LAMPKINS

TYLER STOCK

state representative, Hatfield was elected to circuit court judge in November 2024. His term began Jan. 2, 2025.

UE’s School of Education has received national recognition from the International Literacy Association for outstanding licensure, certificate, and endorsement programs that prepare literacy professionals. UE is the first university in Indiana to receive the designation. The university also presented individual outstanding educator and administrator awards to Norah Ferguson, a third-grade general education teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School; Stephanie

Richie, an eighth-grade English/language arts teacher at Thompkins Middle School; Krista Fleming, a honors biology teacher at North High School; and Brittney Brown, principal of Evans Elementary School Professor Mohammad K. Azarian made history as the first Muslim and Iranian American mathematician to have two prestigious mathematics awards named in his honor by the American Mathematical Society (Mohammad K. Azarian Prize for Mathematical Reviews Reviewers) and the Mathematical Association of America (Mohammad K. Azarian Scholar Award). UE received a $500,000 estate gift from M. Stephen Harkness, an emeritus trustee of the university. The funding will support endowed scholarships, including those previously established by Harkness, whose gifts to UE include $1.2 million for scholarships, capital projects, and operational funding. His latest gift will financially assist students, especially those from his alma mater, Wood Memorial High School in Oakland City, Indiana.

Deaconess Health System awarded $17,500 to Youth First, Inc., a donation aimed at strengthening mental health and wellbeing at YF partner schools. The donation will help provide school-based student assistance programs and family and community prevention programs.

Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana held its Women of Distinction event on April 11 and honored its Woman of Distinction, Christina Ryan, and Advancing Company of the Year, University of Southern Indiana

Newsweek has named Atlas World Group to its list of America’s Most Trusted Companies for the third consecutive year. The transportation and logistics company was noted for its transparency, reliability, and consumer trust.

First Federal Savings Bank has awarded $27,500 in grant funds each to United Caring Services and Habitat for Humanity of Evansville through its Community Multiplier Member Match Program. USC

helps transition individuals out of homelessness and into permanent supportive housing. The money donated to Habitat will support educational assistance programs for current and prospective homeowners.

Heidorn Construction has been named the Remodeler of the Year for 2024 by the Indiana Builders Association. Hoosier builders send nominations to the IBA, which reviews each nominee’s projects to select that year’s recipient. D. G. Asay assumed ownership of the now-51-year-old business in 2018.

The D-Patrick family of auto dealerships has announced recent donations to community organizations. D-Patrick Honda donated $1,500 to the Albion Fellows Bacon Center and $1,500 to Little Lambs of Evansville as part of its Honda Helping Kids initiative. D-Patrick Boonville Ford presented a check of $1,000 to Young Life Boonville and Newburgh Young Life. D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln presented a check of $2,500 to the Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Foundation at the Heritage Open golf scramble April 15. D-Patrick Volkswagen donated $1,000 to PAAWS No-Kill Animal Rescue. D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln and D-Patrick Honda co-presented a check of $2,500 to Keep Evansville Beautiful

Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group named Indiana Members Credit Union to its list of America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions for the second year. Banks and credit unions are recognized via a large-scale study based on the analysis of more than 9,000 institutions and 70,000 customer surveys, plus millions of reviews on social media. The Indianapolis-based credit union has locations on Evansville’s East and West sides.

Southwest Indiana Small Business Development Center earned several awards at the 2025 Indiana Small Business Development Center State Conference Southwest Indiana SBDC won awards for Center of the Year, Highest Performing Center, Educator of the Year, and Stellar Service. Team members who were honored individually include office manager Catherine King, named the Rising Star; business advisor Julie Folz, who was awarded most clients counseled (part-time) and most business starts (part-time); and business adviser Grant Glackman, who joined the $1 million club.

LANE YOUNG

ELSPETH URBINA, JACKIE STINSON-SMITH, CHERYL WATHEN, PARRI BLACK, JULIE HOON, AND JANA PRICHETT

MOHAMMAD K. AZARIAN

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY SOURCE.

D. G. ASAY

Eleven students from USI’s American Marketing Association chapter earned awards for outstanding achievements competing against more than 1,600 students from 330-plus academic institutions in the U.S. and Canada at the 2025 AMA International Collegiate Conference held April 3-5 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Senior public relations and advertising major Alyssa McClain Wood received Honorable Mention in the Perfect Pitch Competition after making it to the final round out of 550

NICOLAS JANKUHN, LILY HUBBARD, ALYSSA MCCLAIN WOOD, KAYLA DAHMER, CAMERON MADISON, ALEX PERRY, AEVA FRIMMING, GRACIE MADISON, CONNOR WILSON, LILY MEYER, AND JESSICA FELIX MARTINEZ. NOT PICTURED: RICKY DOAN AND TOMAS GONZALEZ

This year’s Easterseals Rehabilitation Center Telethon on April 11 raised $907,797 for the organization, which provides inclusive early education and essential therapy services for Tri-State children and adults with disabilities.

AND

The City of Evansville plans to spend $7.8 million to pave and improve city roads in 2025 and another $2.5 million to make those roads safer. The improvements will be funded through a mix of city budget dollars and Community Crossing grants from the state of Indiana, while a Highway Safety Improvement Program grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation will support safety projects.

Your Legal Partner for Growth and Success

With over 150 attorneys, we provide innovative, client-focused solutions for businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re navigating local or global matters, we’re here to support your success—every step of the way

The numbers speak for themselves. The SVN business model is built on a foundation of collaboration across a Shared Value Network®, meaning that while other #CRE firms are down, we continue to see growth across our organization and our Advisors and Owners continue to see healthy financial rewards. We call it the SVN Difference. You could be a part of that accelerated growth while building your career with the support and strength of over 2,000 Advisors across 200+ offices nationwide and globally.

JESSICA COSTELLO, JENNIFER RHOADES,

HANNAH HAERLE

E-REP Talent Program Manager Kaylie Pruiett has been named to Conexus Indiana’s Rising 30 Class of 2025. Conexus’ annual list is presented by Purdue University and recognized young professionals making significant strides for Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors. Pruitt, who was nominated by former Talent EVV Executive Director Tyler Stock, is a 2023 USI graduate and joined E-REP as a program coordinator in September 2023.

•

The UE Aces Esports Overwatch team earned first place May 9 at the National Esports Collegiate Conference National Championship. The Aces qualified for nationals for the first time in the program’s history after successfully dispatching collegiate programs from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana; the University of Illinois in Springfield, Illinois; University of Akron in Akron, Ohio; the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi; and Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. At nationals, the Aces’ victory came against the esports team from Fort Lewis College in

GROWTH/DEVELOPMENT

UNIFI Autism Care, an Indiana-based service provider focused on pediatrics and behavior analysis for autistic children and their families, opened its first office April 15 at 1004 W. Illinois St. The company plans to open offices in Broad Ripple, Bloomington, and South Bend/Mishawaka later this year.

Old National Bancorp officially closed its merger with St. Paul, Minnesota-based Bremer Financial Corp. on May 1. The merger brings Old National to $70 billion

GWYNETH HANSON, ETHAN JAWORSKI, CRUZ DILLEHAY, REESE DORAN, BRENNAN HACKER, DYLAN MOFIELD, AND SAMUEL HENDERSON

KAYLIE PRUIETT

in assets and $37 billion in assets under management, raising it to the top 25 banking companies headquartered in the U.S.

Deaconess Health System broke ground April 9 on a first-of-its-kind dual emergency and urgent care facility at North Green River and Lynch roads. Construction of the 60,000-square-foot Deaconess ER & Urgent Care will cost an estimated $40 million and cover three floors with medical offices, imaging, and an outpatient laboratory. Officials with Deaconess say the dual approach to care will reduce out-of-pocket

Bally’s Corporation, which owns Bally’s Evansville casino and hotel, in February completed a merger with Standard General L.P. and its affiliates, including The Queen Casino & Entertainment Inc., a regional casino operator majority-owned by Standard General-managed funds. The global casino and entertainment company owns and operates 19 casinos in 11 states. Originally known as Casino Aztar when it opened the state’s first riverboat casino in 1995, the Evansville casino property was purchased by Tropicana in 2010, moved to a land-based facility on Northwest Riverside Drive in 2017, and was bought by Bally’s in 2021.

Regional and state officials cut the ribbon on the Mount Vernon Railroad on April 22, labeling it a “Mega-Modal” partnership between rail transportation company OmniTRAX and Ports of Indiana. Owned by Ports of Indiana and operated by OmniTRAX, the Mount Vernon Railroad acts as the switching carrier for the Mount Vernon port, which processes an average of 25,000 railcars annually and is home to a 500-acre site targeted for large-scale multimodal development. The port is investing $25 million to support growth in steel, automotive, plastics, energy, and heavy industrial transport, and attract large multimodal industries that rely on barge and rail transportation.

KATIE SHAHINE, SUSAN BRUMLEY, ANDREW SCHENCK, CRAIG SELF, LINDSAY SNYDER, DR. JAMES PORTER, LYNN LINGAFELTER, DR. MATTHEW GILBERT, DR. RYAN TUCKER, DR. BRAD SCHEU, LLOYD WINNECKE, AND ERIN CLEM

Alan Braun

EDUCATION Mater Dei High School; Bachelor of Business Admin istration in accounting, University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana (1966)

HOMETOWN Evansville

RESUME Industrial Contractors/ICI Skanska (1961-2013), presi dent and CEO (1983-2011)

FAMILY Wife Sharon; daughter Molly Russell and son Matthew (died in 2022); five grandchildren

Alan Braun’s fingerprints are all over Evansville, from his years as a business leader and philanthropist, to his time as chair of the University of Evansville’s Board of Trustees. Retired since 2013, Braun’s presence still looms large: His family’s company, Industrial Contractors — bought by Skanska in 2011 and sold to Sterling Industrial in 2022 — was a major builder of industrial and power plants and amassed most of its construction portfolio within a 50-mile radius of the River City, with projects such as Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, AK Steel in Spencer County, Deaconess Gateway Hospital, Springleaf Financial (now OneMain Financial), and corporate headquarters for Old National Bank and Vectren (now CenterPoint Energy). Braun says that in business and many other activities, he has taken a put-up-or-shut-up approach. “I’ll put it this way: I don’t talk about very many things that I don’t do,” he explains. “I’m more a doer than a talker.”

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND WITH INDUSTRIAL CONTRACTORS.

I started when I was in high school, working in the summers and then some when I was in college and when I got out of college. I went in the Navy for two years, and when I came back in 1970, I started working full-time. … I started running field construction when I was 28, which would have been 1972. I took over as president in 1983. My dad bought the company when I was at Notre Dame, in 1964. At the time, we were doing about $3 million worth of work. When we sold it to Skanska in 2011, we’d done $470 million that year.

WHAT COMMUNITY PROJECTS HAVE YOU SUPPORTED?

I’ve been pretty involved with Habitat for Humanity of Evansville. I led the Transforming Lives, Changing Neighborhoods fund drive to get them their 500th home

by 2018 and, for them, brought in over $6 million. I was over UE’s UEnvision 2010 Campaign, and I was head of the Deaconess Foundation when they started the Deaconess Classic for Women’s Health in 1995. It has been a sellout for 31 straight years. ... The tournament has provided much-needed funds for women’s health.

WHY HAS YOUR WORK WITH HABITAT BEEN SO MEANINGFUL FOR YOU?

With Industrial, we built probably five or six homes. When I sold Industrial, Skanska said, “We’re a good corporate citizen, but we’re not going to give like you all did.” So, I took 10 percent of the sale and put it in a foundation so my wife and I and our family could keep giving about the same that Industrial used to give. Then Habitat came to me and asked if Sharon and I would run their 500th home campaign. I said, “Your delinquency’s too

high. You don’t have people in line to get in your houses that are ready to move in. It’s not as simple as just raising money, but you’ve got to do all this other stuff.” … Beth Folz had taken over (as executive director), and she did a great job of getting people lined up, getting them educated to move in, and being able to handle the financial part of it. So, it was a success. And I’ve been with them ever since.

YOU OWN RIVERFRONT PROPERTY ALONG RIVERSIDE DRIVE. WHAT’S YOUR OPINION OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLANS THAT HAVE BEEN REVEALED FOR THAT AREA?

I hope they’re able to do something. They’re talking about a baseball stadium, and those have been successful in some cities. We missed out the last time when I think we had a pretty good opportunity. But hopefully this time they’ll be able to pull that off and bring some people in here.

PHOTO BY ZACH STRAW