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YOUR FULL SERVICE DEALER FOR OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT

VOLUME 25 / NUMBER 5

A Publication of Tucker Publishing Group, Inc.

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 Sarah Morgason Senior Graphic Designer

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

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TUCKER PUBLISHING GROUP, INC. Todd A. Tucker President

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

CONTRIBUTORS Chelsea Casanova Gordon Engelhardt Mitzi S. Morris Zach Straw Alli Wuertz

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Contents

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2026

Featured 26 THE BUSINESS OF DYING End-of-life matters are inevitable, but mindsets and priorities are changing. Funeral, finance, law, and property professionals discuss how consumers are starting estate planning earlier, personalizing services, memorializing their pets, and more.

Regulars 6

PUBLISHER’S LETTER Remarkable

11 BUILDING EVANSVILLE Bowen’s sleek office expansion also embraces community spirit

12 PASTIMES

Sports fans will cheer over John Miley’s extensive broadcasting collection

13 WE WERE CURIOUS

Private members’ club Order of Owls is used to “flying under the radar”

13 TRENDING NOW

The data center debate highlights conflicting regional standpoints

129 IN THE NEWS 136 BACK TALK

Jeweler Bryan Turley relishes working with family and the bustle of Downtown

Department 17 SPORTS

The Purple Aces and Screaming Eagles men’s basketball teams are set to clash in their first meeting as NCAA Division I programs

136

Special Advertising Sections AFTER PAGE 32 – ROTARY CLUB OF EVANSVILLE

Meet the civic organization’s 20 honorees under age 40 for 2026

52 MANUFACTURING AND RECRUITMENT

Regional companies’ innovations are taking Tri-State products across the globe

61 EVANSVILLE GIVES

Learn how you can help nonprofits and groups serving the community

ON THE COVER Ace Purple and Archibald T. Eagle, photographed outside Ford Center in September, can’t wait for the University of Evansville and the University of

Southern Indiana’s men’s basketball teams to tip off in the inaugural River City Classic. Photo by Zach Straw. Mascots coordinated by Michael Robertson, UE Assistant Athletics Director for Marketing & Fan Engagement, and Megan Doyle, USI Associate Director of Special Events.

C E M E T E RY A N D M A S COT P H OTO S BY Z AC H S T R AW. B OW E N E N G I N E E R I N G P H OTO BY A L L I W U E R T Z . B RYA N T U R L E Y P H OTO BY C H E L S E A C A S A N OVA

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 5

PUBLISHER’S PAGE

Remarkable Fun with family

am getting old. Actually, I am “officially old.” Besides my sons referring to me as “Old Man,” there are the physical reminders, like a receding hairline — which didn’t just leave, it evacuated — and the numerous aches, pains, and twinges that are now part of my advancing years. Two things have recently occurred that, while insignificant to others, made me quite self-aware. Walking in and out of our building, I found myself not carrying a briefcase, but a heating pad. I also was excited enough about a new toaster to fist-bump my wife, Kristen. Now, that’s living! Also growing old with me is my great buddy, Jed the dog. Now 14, he is slowing down. His hips are giving him some issues — that is, until it is time to eat or get a treat; then, he practically moonwalks. His visits to our office aren’t as frequent Jed at the now, and, of course, he snoozes office (a lot) on a favorite piece of furniture. But he loves everyone and was just voted “Best Dog Ever” in a non-scientific ballot. UK fan!

Longstanding businessman and all-around great guy John Lamb retired from German American Bank on Aug. 31 after 43 years in the banking industry. He is a friend, confidant, and mentor to many. Not surprisingly, John was just as valued as a board member by too many nonprofits John Lamb to mention. Unfortunately, overcoming his love of University of Kentucky basketball was a hurdle he could not clear. Congratulations to you, John. Thanks for everything you have done for the community, and my sympathy to your lovely wife, Julie.

Over Labor Day weekend, Kristen and I traveled to Nashville, Tennessee, for the Music City Kickoff football game between the University of Mississippi and the University of Louisville. A takeover commenced around Nissan Stadium as both teams’ fans filled the bars and restaurants Downtown.

6 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Music City Kickoff game

There was a lot of good-natured bantering and trash talk (I, of course, held my tongue), plus great weather. It was a long weekend, a great college football game, and a last-second win by Ole Miss, 41-38. In my opinion, it doesn’t get much better. Well ... a U of L win would have been nice.

Old Man!

Courageous

“Remarkable” is the word I will use to describe Sam Schulz. Like his older sister, Sophie, Sam was born with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare condition that made his skin very fragile, causing it to blister and tear easily. I have been around Sam for many years: He attended Holy Sam Schulz Rosary Catholic School and Reitz Memorial High School, as did my sons, and he always was around the ballpark or gym. That young man had a painful, debilitating disease and yet was full of courage and personality, which he then shared when he met some of the most legendary people in sports. I also commend the tremendous love and care Sam’s parents, Pat and Lori, gave him. Maybe that is where some of his spirit and courage came from. Sam passed away on Aug. 12 at 22 years old, surrounded by family. He most certainly will not be forgotten. As always, I look forward to hearing from most of you.

Todd A. Tucker, President

J E D P H OTO BY L I N D S E Y M C I N TO S H . J O H N L A M B P H OTO BY Z AC H S T R AW. LO U I S V I L L EO L E M I S S P H OTO BY J AC K S O N T U C K E R . TO D D T U C K E R P H OTO BY B R O D I E C U R T S I N G E R . S A M S C H U L Z P H OTO P R OV I D E D BY Z I E M E R F U N E R A L H O M E & C R E M ATO RY

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BUSINESS FRONT B U I L D I N G E VA N S V I L L E

Room to Build

Bowen’s expanded office accommodates a growing workforce BY JOHN MARTIN

Aaron Purdue and Jeff Purdue

wo decades after arriving in Downtown Evansville, Bowen is expanding its office space at 233 S.E. Third St. to benefit the community as well as the firm. Founded in Indianapolis in 1967, the general contracting firm originally specialized in municipal water and wastewater facilities, and its scope has grown with energy and industrial projects. Regional work includes facilities for the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility, CenterPoint Energy, Alcoa Warrick Operations, and SABIC. Bowen rented 2,500 square feet on Morgan Avenue in 1999 but outgrew it within seven years. When company officials considered sites outside city limits, then-Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel encouraged them to come Downtown, where Bowen bought its attractive Tudor building. “He was a big supporter and helped lure us to Downtown, and we’ve had no regrets ever since,” Vice President of P H OTO S BY A L L I W U E R T Z

Business Development and Marketing Jeff Purdue says. “Our employees love working Downtown. The revitalization of Downtown has been impressive. We are really excited to be part of that.” The firm’s recent expansion by Empire Contractors branches off the original Tudor-style building and brings Bowen’s total square footage above 40,000. Key features are an expansive training center, a glass-enclosed executive boardroom, and second-floor offices — all needed additions as the firm has grown to around 90 fulltime local team members. “This building was an accumulation of partnerships we’ve had. A lot of the local construction companies we are able to utilize outside in our normal day-to-day business also helped us build this,” explains Executive Vice President Aaron Purdue, Jeff’s brother. “Being able to work with them and help us bring this to Downtown has been a really positive thing.”

Bowen’s commitment to philanthropy also has a place in the renovated office. The company was involved in leadership groups for construction of projects such as Granted’s House of Hope and Mickey’s Kingdom, and the firm’s new 125-person training center is open for use by local agencies. Jeff notes that a Bowen employee has started a nonprofit endeavor of her own to expose grade school students to the construction industry trades. He also points to Bowen’s relationships with engineering programs at the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana — Bowen has hired talent from both institutions. “We really empower our employees,” Jeff says. “We’re going to work hard, but anything we can do to share our time, talent, and treasure to make the community better is worthwhile because the community makes us better.” BOWENENGINEERING.COM EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 11

BUSINESS FRONT

PA S T I M E S

Keeping the Calls Alive

John Miley’s collection is a treasure trove of sports history BY JOHN MARTIN

ame a magical moment in sports, and John Miley likely has it documented. His well-known collection of more than 44,000 audio and video recordings has been profiled in national publications. He has preserved epic Olympic moments, buzzer-beating NCAA basketball tournament finishes, thrilling Indianapolis 500 and Kentucky Derby races, and college football games, his favorite sport. Super Bowls? Miley has recordings of all 60. “And I have some really great golf,” he adds. Pairing a recorder with his radio was a childhood obsession for John, now a spry 95. Miley kept taping while attending the University of Oklahoma and working as a petroleum engineer in Odessa, Texas. He kept taping after moving back to Evansville and while owning Evansville Title. His son and daughter recorded for the collection while living in other cities, and after the then-print publication The Sporting News profiled Miley in the 1970s, another 50 or so people across the country began contributing. His baseball collection alone is jaw-dropping. Miley owns three versions of Hank Aaron’s record-breaking 715th home run in 1974. He can dial up Don Mattingly’s first and last games with the New York Yankees, plus home and away

12 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

John Miley’s sports archive includes vast digital content as well as drawers and boxes of CDs. Miley admires many broadcasting legends, but his favorite announcer was the late Bill Stern, who is credited with the first baseball telecast. John’s wife, Carole, is an avid doll collector.

“When I got to NBC and, later, to HBO, anytime we were doing historical stuff, one of my suggestions was, ‘Let me check with John Miley.’” — Bob Costas, longtime national sportscaster

broadcasts of each of the six grand slams the Evansville native clubbed in 1987. “Name something he did, and I probably have it,” Miley says. Miley has been asked to produce compilation tapes, including of Notre Dame’s football team and the late Chicago Cubs broadcasting icon Harry Caray. The collection also has attracted the attention of major networks and media figures. “When I got to NBC and, later, to HBO, anytime we were doing historical stuff, one of my

suggestions was, ‘Let me check with John Miley,’” longtime sportscaster Bob Costas told NPR in February 2025. The Newburgh residence Miley shares with his wife, Carole, also contains her vast vintage doll collection, which she started upon receiving a dollhouse for Christmas in 1974. Married 73 years, the Mileys have mutual admiration for each others’ passions. Carole’s doll collection “has won all kinds of honors,” John says. Carole, in turn, says John “needs to be doing something, and (recording) has filled his mind and time, and he’s been so successful in knowing how to put it together.” Now, John is taking steps to ensure the memories live on. He shared some of his collection with the Library of Congress in 2011, and Indiana University’s Media School will receive the remainder. Most recordings are not kept, but as he points out, you never know when something remarkable might occur in sports: “I save something that I taped only if, in 10 years, I would want to come back and listen to it again.” P H OTO O F J O H N A N D C A R O L E M I L E Y P R OV I D E D BY S O U R C E . OT H E R P H OTO S BY K R I S T E N K . T U C K E R

WE WERE CURIOUS

TRENDING NOW

Fun and Fraternity

Data Center Debate

Order of Owls organizes a good time, often for charity BY MAGGIE VALENTI

Regional leaders weigh pros and cons of facilities BY JOHN MARTIN

Local feelings on data centers remain mixed after panel discussions and public votes have brought the topic to light. Data centers house networked computer servers, data storage drives, and IT infrastructure used to process and share digital information. The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership and CenterPoint Energy have planted flags in support of the potential construction jobs, permanent employment, and lower utility rates a data center could deliver.

“To be clear, no technology company or developer has filed for any rezoning or special use on any specific site.” Phil Daugherty, Donna Mesker, Randy Smock, and Sue King

hen it comes to giving back, the Order of Owls knows socializing can make the impact sweeter. Evansville’s Nest 30 is one of about a half-dozen 501(c)(8) fraternal benefit societies in Vanderburgh County and, at 119 years, may be one of its oldest. Forty-dollar annual dues for its 700 members unlock access to social activities and electronic gaming, pull tabs, and raffles. Around 175 active members flock to 2427 N. Sherman St., where the Owls have nested since 2012. “We’ve been a fixture of the community for a long time. It’s just that we’re flying under the radar,” Nest 30 President Randy Smock says. Philanthropy is part of the fun. “We’ve already given to 24 organizations this year,” says Donna Mesker, chair of charitable donations. She visited Nest 30 with her parents, Clarence and Rosalie

O R D E R O F OW L S P H OTO BY A L L I W U E R T Z .

Order of Owls originated in South Bend, Indiana, in 1904. Nest 30 in Evansville followed three years later and is the only nest left in the state. A dozen nests remain, including in Ohio, New York, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

Mesker, when she was a child and became a member in 2009. “We not only donate money. We do collections so members can bring in items.” The Owls recently donated $500 and 2,209 items to Dream Center Evansville. Although many of the Owls’ activities are private, daily lunch service is open to the public, as are monthly events such as karaoke, line dancing, and live music. “We have some great people here,” says Smock, a six-year member. “They come in, have a good time, drink, eat, go to dances, and socialize. That’s what this is, a fraternal order.” CONNECT WITH ORDER OF OWLS NEST 30 ON FACEBOOK

— Lloyd Winnecke, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership CEO

Others are skeptical if not outright opposed, citing concerns over size, land usage, and energy and resource consumption. Signs declaring “No Data Centers” have popped up in lawns throughout Vanderburgh County, and Posey County officials have said they’ll reject any proposals for farmland near Wadesville. “To be clear, no technology company or developer has filed for any rezoning or special use on any specific site,” E-REP CEO Lloyd Winnecke told a Rotary Club of Evansville audience Aug. 4, but that hasn’t halted the conversation and speculation that proposals could be on the horizon. The Vanderburgh County Commission has created a 13-member study committee and tasked it, through Dec. 31, with examining what rules should steer data center development. “There’ll be a lot of windfall financially when they build it, but you’ve got to make sure that’s the right fit for your own community,” Gov. Mike Braun told Evansville Business in August. “So, I tell everybody, get the right information, make the decision. The state’s going to leave it up to you, and we should be a resource for helping you make a decision, not telling you what to do.” EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 13

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Resources

2026 Greater Evansville Health Survey

2025 Evansville Housing Needs Assessment

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A Practical Guide to Getting and Keeping Nonprofit Volunteers

A Risk and Resilience Checklist for PurposeDriven Boards

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Socioeconomic Status

Regional Data Demographics Greater Evansville’s population growth rate remains flat with a 0.6% decline overall. County growth is driven by Warrick County (+3.5%) with declines elsewhere. Rising diversity, especially in Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Henderson counties, reflects subtle demographic shifts.

Median income in the Greater Evansville Region, $65,812 is below state and national levels and educational attainment is uneven across racial groups. While overall poverty matches Indiana’s Areas of Vulnerability rate at 12.4%, Black and Hispanic 23 regional neighborhoods communities are have vulnerabilities in health, more impacted, and socioeconomic status, environment, unemployment varies food access, and housing, by county from 2.8% with the most vulnerabilities in to 4.7%. Northeast Jacobsville, Old Erie and Ballard, Center City Improvement Association (CCIA), and Downtown Henderson/East End.

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SPORTS

RIVER CITY CLASSIC

Hometown Hoops, Higher Hopes

Officials look to crosstown rivalry to boost men’s basketball programs BY GORDON ENGELHARDT

ne joined NCAA Division I in 2022. The other has been a top-tier program for nearly 50 years. They’ve met on the court five times but never as two Division I teams. Now, the wait is over, and local sports officials hope resuming the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Evansville’s crosstown rivalry gives each a boost. “Anytime you have two in-state programs, let alone two Division I programs from the same city, it’s only right to make that happen,” says Stan Gouard, USI Men’s Head Coach since 2020. As a college player, he helped USI win a Division II title in 1995. UE Men’s Head Coach David Ragland also played college ball at USI. As a senior at Harrison High School in 1999 when UE made its last NCAA Division I Tournament appearance, Ragland remembers watching the Aces play at Roberts Municipal Stadium, “smelling the popcorn in the air, watching a super-competitive team with sleeves on their jerseys playing the game the right way.” Announced June 15, the Screaming Eagles and Purple Aces will meet Nov. 7 for the River City Classic, their first matchup since 2019. A major sticking point was the home court: The Purple Aces play at Ford Center, while the Screaming Eagles have Liberty Arena on USI’s campus. Both schools wanted home-court advantage.

Expect Ace Purple and Archibald T. Eagle to lead the cheers Nov. 7 at the inaugural River City Classic, which brings together the UE and USI men’s basketball squads. Brandon McClish of the Evansville Regional Sports Commission has ties to both universities and was among those who worked to make the game happen.

Bringing UE and USI together was one of Brandon McClish’s primary goals when he joined the Evansville Regional Sports Commission as Executive Director in 2023. “I have a personal connection to both universities and a pretty good understanding of what this rivalry means to Evansville,” says McClish, a P H OTO S BY Z AC H S T R AW

2008 USI graduate who spent five years working with Purple Aces Sports Properties through Learfield, a college sports marketing company, before joining the Sports Commission. “I wanted to find a way to bring these two programs together again in a setting that could be bigger than just a basketball game — something that would be good for both universities and for the entire community.” McClish worked with Evansville Regional Economic Partnership President and CEO (and University of Evansville EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 17

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SPORTS

Heading into his fifth season as UE’s men’s basketball head coach, Evansville native David Ragland also is well acquainted with this crosstown rival, having spent two years playing for USI. Ragland is depending on players such as returning senior forward A.J. Casey to boost the Purple Aces’ performance this season; UE finished 2025-26 at 7-25.

graduate) Lloyd Winnecke on a proposal they believed accomplished just that. After three years of negotiations, both schools signed a one-game contract for their men’s basketball programs to meet for the first time as Division I competitors. “Once we established the River City Classic concept, playing at the Ford Center made a lot of sense,” McClish says. Once the universities agreed, organizers took the title sponsor opportunity to a major local player: Old National Bank. “They understood what this game could mean to the community and agreed to come on board,” McClish says. “That’s really what this has been about from the beginning: bringing two Division I programs together in a way that benefits both universities and gives our community an event we can be proud of.”

LONG IN THE MAKING Although the schools’ decisions ultimately lay with UE Vice President for Athletics Kenneth “Ziggy” Siegfried and USI’s Vice President and Director of Athletics Jon Mark Hall, both programs’ coaches had discussed renewing the rivalry for years. As an assistant under former USI Head Coach Rick Herdes, Gouard was in his first coaching job when Ragland transferred in 2001 to play for the Screaming Eagles after two seasons with Missouri Southern State University in Joplin. Ragland and his teammates played offseason pickup games against USI players. Who won the most? “It depends on who you ask,” Ragland laughs. “It was really competitive. UE had a team go to the NCAA tournament (in 1999), and USI had teams playing for (Division II) national championships.” P H OTO S P R OV I D E D BY U N I V E R S I T Y O F E VA N S V I L L E

Ragland says only two current players truly understand the significance of the UE-USI rivalry. Aces sophomore guard Luke Ellspermann played one year at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana, after graduating from Reitz Memorial High School in 2025. At USI, junior guard Josiah Dunham is a 2024 graduate of Evansville Christian School. “Young people live in the moment — right now,” Ragland says. “The environment will be electric. We have to go out (and play) like there’s no tomorrow.” Meanwhile, Siegfried underscores that Winnecke and McClish’s work did not stop when the contract was signed. “They continue to invest significant time and energy in making the event a success,” Siegfried says. “Old National Bank’s commitment as presenting sponsor was a game changer.” McClish says the event’s financial terms are part of the private agreements and will not be publicly disclosed. For the series to continue, Siegfried says both institutions must find an arrangement that makes sense competitively

“That’s really what this has been about from the beginning: bringing two Division I programs together in a way that benefits both universities and gives our community an event we can be proud of.” — Brandon McClish, Executive Director of Evansville Regional Sports Commission

and financially. “We are not opposed to playing at Liberty Arena,” he says while comparing the 4,800-seat arena on USI’s campus to Ford Center’s 11,000-seat capacity Downtown. “However, the Ford Center provides greater capacity and the best opportunity to make this a major community event. We remain open to discussing different arrangements for future games.” EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 19

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• Pre-Planning • Personalized Funeral Services • Medicaid Planning • Irrevocable Funeral Trusts • Tribute Videos • Cemetery Lots / Crypts • Memory Portraits • Out of State Arrangements • Aftercare Services • Cremation/Memorial Services • Obituary Placement • Insurance Benefit Filing • Graveside Services • Personalized Music Options

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

SPORTS Although the Eagles have played Ohio Valley Conference tournament games at Ford Center since joining the OVC in the 2022-23 season, Hall and Gouard do not agree that the River City Classic at the Downtown arena should be considered a game played in neutral territory. But Hall notes officials will split the arena and both teams’ bands and cheerleaders will be present. “We would want a home-and-home series,” Hall says. “But this is a start.” Gouard says it’s only fair that part of a proposed series should be held at Liberty Arena. “Everybody said it’s a neutral game at the Ford Center, but it’s (the Aces’) home court,” he says. “They play 16 or 17 games there.”

SCHOOLS SHARE DIVISION I STRUGGLES Between 1959 and 1971, UE won five national championships in NCAA Division II (called College Division until 1973) and, since joining Division I in the 1977-78 season, has made five trips to the national tournament. However, the Aces were 40-91 (.305 percentage) in Ragland’s first four seasons as head coach, including a 7-25 record in 2025-26. The Aces did advance to the College Basketball Invitational (CBI) semifinals in 2023-24. USI, which moved up from Division II in 2022-23 but was ineligible for NCAA postseason appearances until 2025-26, finished 16-17 in its inaugural Division I season under Gouard and advanced to the CBI. But the Screaming Eagles have posted an overall mark of 25-67 (.272) in the last three seasons, including 7-23 in 2025-26. It’s no secret that mid-major programs such as UE and USI have struggled in the new era of the NCAA’s transfer portal and Name, Image and Likeness campaigns in which student-athletes can earn money from their personal brand. Both options favor the upper-tier collegiate programs that are more flush with cash. And because mid-major players often transfer, UE will have 11 newcomers this season and USI, 12. “That’s normal,” Ragland says. He reports that he is often asked if two Division I universities can survive in Evansville. “Absolutely,” he responds. “But you can’t survive without support.” Gouard says it’s an unfortunate situation for schools such as UE and USI, which have to successfully navigate this new era in order to survive. “You can’t blame the university’s operations capacity,” he says. “We have to keep it afloat.” P H OTO S P R OV I D E D BY U N I V E R S I T Y O F S O U T H E R N I N D I A N A

Stan Gouard has helmed USI men’s basketball for the last six seasons, helping steer his alma mater’s transition to NCAA Division I athletics in 2022 and leading the Screaming Eagles to a 7-23 record in 2025-26. USI players in the River City Classic who have local ties include Evansville Christian School graduate Josiah Dunham, a junior guard who started 10 games last season.

FUTURE MEETINGS TO BE DETERMINED Unlike UE and USI’s women’s basketball programs, which this summer inked a four-year series starting in 2027-28, the River City Classic’s contract is just for one year. But Hall says securing the women’s series — which was not negotiated through the Sports Commission, trades host sites, and is being scheduled directly by the universities — was part of sealing the deal for the men’s one-game contract. “We certainly hope this is the start of something that can continue, but there are several factors in college basketball that must be considered, including NCAA scheduling rules, conference schedules, existing agreements, and, ultimately, the

response from the fans,” McClish says. About that last point: The first UE-USI men’s exhibition matchup in 2004 drew 12,411 at the former Roberts Municipal Stadium. But by 2019, attendance had basically halved to 6,263 at Ford Center. “We need Evansville to show up and show out,” McClish says. “If the community wants to see this rivalry continue, this is our opportunity to prove it.” The UE-USI game is valuable to both universities as well as the community, Siegfried says. “It creates excitement, generates regional attention, and gives fans of both programs an opportunity to support Division I college basketball in their hometown,” he says. “Evansville EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 21

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SPORTS remains a great basketball town, and an event like this allows our community to demonstrate that on a significant stage.” With the landscape of college basketball changing, mid-major programs are trying to navigate those changes while competing with programs operating with multimillion-dollar resources. “Between the transfer portal, NIL, and the constant movement of players, building and maintaining a roster is challenging for every program. That’s why I believe the River City Classic can be a real boost of energy for both programs and for this community,” McClish says. “These are two tradition-rich universities, and this is a rivalry that matters to Evansville. Rather than focusing on where either program has struggled, I think this is a time for fans and supporters to get behind them.” Well aware of the significance of the UE-USI matchup, Gouard also cautions, “It’s not the Super Bowl” — the River City Classic is only the third game on the Screaming Eagles’ 2026-27 schedule. Ragland concurs. “The two coaches understand that (the season is) a marathon, too,” Ragland says. “We’re in a time of declining attendance in college basketball, and hopefully this will be a shot in the arm.”

Crosstown Timeline The men’s basketball teams at the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana have met on the court five times, all in exhibition games.

2004: UE 88, USI 75 Attendance: 12,411 at Roberts Municipal Stadium 2006: UE 77, USI 75 Attendance: 11,597 at Roberts Municipal Stadium 2008: UE 71, USI 67, 2 OT Attendance: 9,648 at Roberts Municipal Stadium 2012: UE 73, USI 55 Attendance: 7,358 at Ford Center 2019: UE 71, USI 68, OT Attendance: 6,263 at Ford Center

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738 Diamond Ave. | 812-425-2896 browningfuneral.com For more than 70 years, Browning Funeral Home has been committed to providing compassionate and quality funeral service. As a locally owned family business, we value interpersonal relationships with the families we serve and pride ourselves in exceptional customer care.

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THE BUSINESS OF

DYING

It takes a network of professional services to deal with death

By Mitzi S. Morris

26 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

alking into a funeral home, you may expect a somber atmosphere — pictures of the deceased on display and murmured conversations throughout the facility. But today’s grieving rituals don’t always follow the patterns of the past. “COVID’s taken out the traditional four walls that you have to do a funeral within,” says Jordan Duncan, owner of Boone Funeral Home. “People want to bring in their Harley-Davidson motorcycles or have a tiki bar or have more of a party than a funeral.” As a higher number of aging Americans is prompting the culture around dying to evolve, changes also are rippling across the professions guiding people through that process. When Carol Havens entered the caregiving field four decades ago, “We didn’t mention anything about dying. That just wasn’t talked about,” she says. “Now, we can get online and find counseling services and support networks.” More people are taking proactive steps to protect family asset details. “We live in a time where there are a lot of bad actors out there that look to prey upon people, particularly at vulnerable times,” says Andy Nestrick, a trust and estate lawyer at Stoll Keenon Ogden, PLLC. “If you can stay out of probate and therefore keep your information private and not have it more publicized, the better off you are.” Additionally, the value of assets, property, and possessions has flipped, with traditionally coveted items dropping in price — or vice versa. “It’s almost unbelievable what that market has done,” says Andrew Wilson, President and Principal Auctioneer at William Wilson Auction & Realty. “Where we used to sell a farmland tract for $5,000 per acre, now the same tract is bringing $30,000 per acre.” For businesses providing ornamental services, adapting to the rising popular“We didn’t mention ity of cremation has proven successful. anything about dying. “Whether somebody gets cremated or not, they would possibly want to bury the That just wasn’t cremated remains, or they want to purtalked about. Now, chase something that holds the cremated remains,” says Brandy Woods, co-owner we can get online of Rakestraw Monuments. Since death and find counseling remains a significant part of life, consumer services and support behavior is transforming how industries handle the business side. “There’s always networks.” going to be change, so you always have to — Carol Havens, registered nurse work with change, because that’s just the and caregiver way of the world,” she says.

THE COST OF DYING The National Institutes of Health reports that Vanderburgh County averaged 2,265 deaths annually between 2020 and 2024. Families saying goodbye could face these costs for their loved one’s funeral arrangements.

Caskets at Browning Funeral Home

$1,495 Basic services by Simple Cremation $2,295 Signature service that includes an American flag, keepsake urn, or jewelry by Simple Cremation

$795-$1,095 Starting prices for catered receptions at Alexander Funeral Homes $295 Starting price for urns at Alexander Funeral Homes

$2,000-$2,860 Basic cremation services at Boone, Browning, and Ziemer funeral homes

$2,495 Starting price for caskets at Alexander Funeral Homes

$4,000 Cremation with funeral service at Boone Funeral Home

$250-$650 Casket sprays from Flowers & More

$7,000 Cremation with viewing and funeral service at Boone Funeral Home $10,000-$15,000 Full-service funerals at Boone, Browning, and Ziemer funeral homes

$500-$5,000 Grave markers from Scherer Monument Works $230-$420 Animal cremation and urn by Ziemer Pet Memorial Center

As funeral preferences evolve, customers are moving away from cemeteries as their final resting places. A cremation and burial report released in August 2025 by the National Funeral Directors Association found the U.S. burial rate was expected to drop to 13 percent in the next 20 years, while the cremation rate was expected to rise to 63.4 percent in 2025 and 82.3 percent by 2045. R E I T Z FA M I LY M E M O R I A L A N D B R OW N I N G F U N E R A L H O M E C A S K E T S P H OTO S BY Z AC H S T R AW. F U N E R A L AT C E M E T E RY P H OTO BY K R I S T E N K . T U C K E R

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 27

TRADITION IN TRANSITION From cremation jewelry to tiki bars, farewells take new forms

As Andrew Wilson, President and Principal Auctioneer with William Wilson Auction & Realty

ESTATE EVOLUTION

New realities reshape end-of-life planning

rofessionals in many industries Group says. “A trust agreement is meant to handle assets and possessions be a roadmap. Especially when you have a family dynamic — that’s a trend we’re left behind after a death. Because seeing — they’re looking for someone the process can take at least six months, who’s going to be neutral.” experts encourage pre-planning so a person’s final wishes — and desires for their Estate liquidation businesses remain end-of-life care — are clearly defined, easy busy, even as the inventory has changed. Andrew Wilson, President and Principal to follow, and available for updates. Andy Nestrick, a trust and estate lawyer Auctioneer with William Wilson Auction & Realty, says that because baby at Stoll Keenon Ogden, says that while proboomers are downsizing, the industry bate cases have always been public, digital is navigating the largrecords have made estate information easier to access. “Death is emotional. est transfer of wealth in history, with market “All of those files that oversaturation inverting used to be contained within A trust agreement traditional asset values. the walls of the courthouse, is meant to be a While consumers covet they’re all now scanned in and uploaded to the cloud,” roadmap.” precious metals, firearms, he says. “Anyone who has — Alvin Basham, Senior Vice and farmland, fine china access to the internet via President and Director of and antique furniture are less valuable. laptop, cell phone, or what- Wealth Advisory Group at ever now has the ability German American Bank “We have to tell a famprivately to pull up inforily member, ‘You have a mation about decedents’ estates.” silver flatware set that used to be worth $500. Now, it’s worth $5,000. On the other At German American Bank, Alvin Basham has noticed families becoming hand, you have a nice walnut corner hutch more interested in working with someone that used to be worth $5,000 that is now worth $500,’” Wilson says. “We walk knowledgeable about estate tax laws and through those expectations with them so who can remain an unbiased third party. they understand what they have and make “Death is emotional,” the Senior Vice President and Director of Wealth Advisory a decision accordingly.”

28 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

American adherence to religious traditions loosens and green options and celebrations of life gain popularity, some families are bypassing the traditional funeral experience for their loved ones’ services. Andrew Wilson’s father, Bill, loved his hometown of New Harmony, Indiana, and built his auction and realty business there. When Bill passed away in July, it felt fitting for Boone Funeral Home to hold his celebration of life at the historic Rapp-Owen Granary. After Ten Adams founder Jack Headlee passed away in January, his son Jon Headlee worked with Ziemer Funeral Home & Crematory to arrange an event at the company’s office. The 45-minute service featured live music and food from Be Happy Pie Company, a business Jack had mentored. “Years ago, there was this organ music playing beforehand, and it was somber and depressing. Everybody’s quiet, waiting to walk up and pass by the casket,” Headlee

Jordan Duncan, owner of Boone Funeral Home P H OTO S BY Z AC H S T R AW

says. “My buddy was a worship leader, so he played his guitar. The objective was to be upbeat and celebratory.” That lighthearted trend led Browning Funeral Home, in business since 1954, to remodel its facility. “You can’t have a celebration of life in an old, 1960s-style, dark funeral home,” says Funeral Director Jake Browning Hester, grandson of founder Charles Browning and son of owner Jean Browning Hester. “More like a high-end hotel or event space is the direction we’re catering more to.” Attention to detail is important when mourners say goodbye to loved ones, and personalization is key. Browning offers to cremate veterans with

and simplicity. A cremation and burial report released just over a year ago by the National Funeral Directors Association revealed the U.S. cremation rate was projected to rise to 63.4 percent in 2025 and 82.3 percent by 2045. Conversely, the rate of burials was expected to drop to 13 percent in the next 20 years. Browning, Alexander, Ziemer, and Boone funeral homes confirm their cremation rates top 40 percent. The shift has prompted business model changes such as expanding offerings and educating families. For example, Sunset Funeral Home, Cremation Center & Cemetery makes placements for ashes available in its Community Garden.

Jack Headlee’s celebration of life at Ten Adams

“People want to bring in their HarleyDavidson motorcycles or have a tiki bar or have more of a party than a funeral.” — Jordan Duncan, owner of Boone Funeral Home an American flag, while Alexander Funeral Home’s Memorial Park on Mesker Park Drive offers a section for veterans. Alexander also uses memory tables to display personal belongings at funeral services. “Sometimes the family will say, ‘I don’t know if this has ever been done before, but can we?’” says Jordan Duncan, owner of Boone Funeral Home, which dates back to the late 1800s. “It’s best to say yes because they’re here, and it’s our job to make their wishes come true.” Daniel Ziemer, President of Ziemer Funeral Home & Crematory, notes 60 percent of the business’s funeral ceremonies are prearranged. While guaranteed contracts lock in current prices, non-guaranteed contracts set aside funds without protecting against inflation. Cost is one of the factors pushing people toward cremation, along with environmental concerns

“Designing an outdoor cremation garden and having indoor cremation permanent placement options has been something we’ve done to address that growth,” says Andrew Alexander, Manager of Alexander Funeral Homes’ West Chapel. (In a city of mostly locally owned funeral homes, the 146-year-old fifth-generation business with four sites and a Memorial Park is part of

Ziemer Funeral Home & Crematory

DID YOU KNOW? After opening Browning Funeral Home, founder Charles Browning quickly spotted a demand and need for historical preservation and genealogical records. The result is a digital database of thousands of records documenting marriages, births, deaths, immigration, military service, and cemetery plot locations in and around Southwestern Indiana since the 1800s.

J AC K H E A D L E E C E L E B R AT I O N O F L I F E P H OTO P R OV I D E D BY J O N H E A D L E E . Z I E M E R F U N E R A L H O M E A N D C R E M ATO RY A N D B R OW N I N G F U N E R A L H O M E P H OTO S BY Z AC H S T R AW

Browning Funeral Home owner Jean Browning Hester and funeral director Jake Browning Hester

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 29

Alexander Memorial Park

Robert Jacobs with Heidi Griese, owner of Flowers and More

the Dignity Memorial nationwide network of 2,000 providers after being acquired in 1997 by Service Corporation International.) What’s not growing? Employment. NFDA’s report projects funeral industry employment to grow only four percent between 2023 and 2033. In fact, to compensate for the movement toward cremation, Ziemer says his family’s 99-year-old

30 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

business has reduced staff, relying more on part-time personnel than full-time employees at its three locations. It’s also added keepsake merchandise. “Cremation jewelry, where some of the remains can be placed, has become popular. There are some ancillary items that we’re able to sell that help make up for the loss in margins,” he says. Visitations also are getting shorter, with some families opting for a one-day service compared to a two-day event. Post-service meals are still requested — “People like to do that,” Browning Hester says — and Browning, Alexander, and Boone funeral homes provide spaces for bereavement meals, with Alexander offering catered receptions. “The menus are pre-designed, and we have several options so people don’t have to think through that,” Alexander says. Many families used to choose funeral homes based on religion, ethnicity, and race — especially during segregation, when Mason Brothers Funeral Services and Osborne Funeral Home served the Black community. But the NFDA report shows the number of Americans identifying as nonreligious grew 12 points between 2007 and 2023 to 28 percent. “Over the years, I have seen those lines become much less defined, with a steady increase in the diversity of religious backgrounds among the families we serve,” Duncan says. Browning

Hester adds, “People predominantly choose us because we have served their family or friend in the past, and they were pleased with how we handled their services. Also, word of mouth is a big factor.” As funeral homes adapt to a new normal, the demand for floral arrangements remains steadfast. “People still just love a fresh flower,” says Heidi Griese, owner of Flowers and More on West Franklin Street. “When there’s beauty in the funeral home, it brings a light to what’s going on that day.” Griese estimates funeral and sympathy services make up more than half of her business. She consults with families to design customized displays, such as casket sprays, lid corsages, and urn arrangements, and color-coordinates flowers with the container and clothing. The cremation shift motivated Griese to create more arrangements that wrap around urns. She has noticed customers ordering more permanent sympathy gifts, such as stones, benches, wind chimes, and lanterns. Personalization has also become significant when expressing condolences. “I had a lady come in, and we knew that the deceased gentleman was a hunter, so we added antlers to a beautiful lantern that was decorated,” Griese says. “We had a gentleman who was a farmer, so we incorporated potatoes and corn mixed in with the flowers and with cattails and different vegetables. That was a nice tribute to him.” F LOW E R S A N D M O R E P H OTO BY A L L I W U E R T Z . A L E X A N D E R M E M O R I A L PA R K P H OTO BY Z AC H S T R AW

LIFE’S FINAL CHAPTER

End-of-life conversations bring death into focus

Brandy and Brian Rakestraw, owners of Rakestraw Monuments

MODERN MEMORIALS

New technology increases personalization of cemetery monuments

reating a gravesite marker requires craftsmanship, says Ryan Scherer, owner of 94-year-old West Side business Scherer Monument Works. “These stones, you want to keep them up forever,” he says. “We are motivated to pour a good foundation.” While families are choosing a design and layout from options like granite headstones, bronze memorials, and customized benches, Brandy Woods at Rakestraw Monuments is checking that their choice doesn’t run afoul of the intended cemetery. “If they’re in a certain area of the cemetery, that area could strictly be bronze plaques,” says Woods, who owns Rakestraw with her husband, Brian. “Or there could be some areas that are strictly grass markers, flat to the ground, or you can have an upright monument, but it can only be up to a certain size.” Though the U.S. cremation rate is now double the burial rate, the National Funeral Directors Association states approximately 38 percent of cremated remains are still interred at cemeteries. Woods attests cremation has not affected her 16-year-old business because families continue to seek meaningful ways to memorialize their loved ones. “There are

monuments and benches and plaques and different types of things to hold cremated remains,” she says. Scherer reports that demand for community columbaria (above-ground structures for urns) at cemeteries has driven a steady increase in his cremation monument unit sales over the past five years. To keep up with the personalization trend, Rakestraw invested in a laser-etching machine to engrave detailed designs, like pictures, onto monuments and urns. Woods has also observed people becoming more proactive in pre-need planning. “[They are] coming in and designing their monument, choosing what they want, having everything done so their family doesn’t have to deal with that when that time arises,” she says. Technology is changing the industry in other ways. The NFDA’s report in 2025 found that 65 percent of U.S. funeral providers offer virtual services through themselves or a third party. Scherer adds that QR codes placed on markers may be the next big thing. “Everybody’s got iPhones now. They can [scan and] sit and view videos of their loved ones instead of just putting flowers on the stone,” he says.

R A K E S T R AW M O N U M E N T S P H OTO BY Z AC H S T R AW. P E T M E M O R I A L P H OTO P R OV I D E D BY Z I E M E R P E T M E M O R I A L C E N T E R

a four-decade career as a registered nurse, health advocate, court-appointed adult guardian, and more, Carol Havens has seen cultural changes open the door to discussion about death, and she encourages people to organize their medical, legal, financial, and personal wishes sooner rather than later. “We never know when something’s going to happen,” says Havens, who authored “When the Time Comes,” a guide to navigating estate planning and end-of-life care. “A lot of times, people think that getting your affairs in order means just getting your will, power of attorney, and health care representative. In my experience, that’s less than a fourth of what needs to be done to help make that preparation.” Death-related services are not just for people. According to the World Organization of Funeral Operatives, global spending on pet death care and commemorations is expected to reach $3.9 billion by 2033, and funeral homes are adding those services. Ziemer Funeral Home & Crematory President Daniel Ziemer contends the desire to memorialize companion animals has become more popular. “A lot of people prefer to bring their pets to us. They want to take them that last mile,” he says. Titzer Family Funeral Homes provides private cremations, casket options, memorials, monuments, and pre-planning for terminally ill animals. Ziemer Pet Memorial Center offers an eco-friendly cremation process using an alkaline water bath, engraved wooden urns, and even online pet obituaries. Dogs and cats aren’t the only pets Ziemer has observed at his funeral business. He has provided care for chickens, raccoons, goats, snakes, geckos, hamsters, and guinea pigs. “We’ve had one pet funeral where people came and talked. They put together a video of pictures. It was sweet,” he says. “Pets are part of your family.” As much as the culture around death has changed, grief has not. “Grief has no cycle,” Havens says.

Ziemer Pet Memorial Center EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 31

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The Rotary Club of Evansville is honored to sponsor the 20 Under 40 legacy event, which recognizes Evansville community members who are younger than 40 years old and have exhibited leadership qualities and characteristics. Those special individuals are eligible for nomination. The pillars of our recognition are career excellence, leadership, and community engagement.

The nominations themselves are made by community leaders across the Tri-State area, usually from mid-May through June of each year. They are submitted through the Rotary website. Nominators are required to describe the nominees’ positive impact on the community as well as their involvement. Each “Class Year“ consists of 20 individuals from various backgrounds and professions.

The annual 20 Under 40 recognition dinner was held on Sept. 22, 2026, at Bally’s.

FOUNDING BENEFACTORS The annual Rotary Club of Evansville 20 Under 40 Program is dedicated to the following community leaders who saw the wisdom and had the foresight to support and encourage generational leadership with a generous gift to the Rotary Foundation of Evansville:

• Becki & Tim Alcorn • Kevin & Amy Canterbury • Calvin C. & Mary Dentino • JT & Julie McCarty Family • Brian & Barbara Williams • John C. & Diane M. Schroeder • Bob & Judy Griffin, plus Patrick & Dr. Jill Griffin

Tucker Publishing Group, Inc., is pleased to support the Rotary Club of Evansville’s 20 Under 40 Class of 2026

• The Stanley Group at Morgan Stanley • Chris D. Melton • Richard & Rita Eykamp • Rob & Cindy Bernardin • Wayne & Karen Parke • Dan & Scherri Arens • Drs. Andy & Patty Tharp • Jeffrey A. Berger

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 33

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TODD DUCKWORTH

NICK DUNCHEON

Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Ambulatory Practices, Deaconess Clinic

Owner, Chief Executive Officer, and Financial Advisor, American Principal Wealth Management

Todd earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Bellarmine University in Louisville and a Master of Science in Health Services Administration from the University of Evansville.

After earning a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Southern Indiana in 2011, Nick founded American Principal Wealth Management, a fiduciary practice focused on understanding each client’s unique goals and creating retirement strategies tailored to their values and aspirations. He also hosts 40-50 educational workshops each year and served as executive producer of “The Psychology of Retirement,” a documentary preparing individuals for retirement beyond the financial aspects.

Born in Evansville and raised in Henderson, Kentucky, Todd Duckworth’s passion for helping his neighbors has taken root in expanding access to health care. As Vice President of Ambulatory Practices and Chief Operating Officer of Deaconess Clinic, he is proud to work alongside physicians, caregivers, and administrators to navigate an evolving health care landscape while expanding access to care for communities throughout the Tri-State. His leadership reflects a commitment to collaboration, strategic growth, and improving the patient experience.

He has served on the United Way of Henderson County’s Board of Directors and Finance Committee, and he’s completed leadership development programs in Henderson and Hopkins counties. This region has been his home his entire life, and he’s eager to forge deeper community connections. Todd’s greatest fulfillment is at home with his wife, Katelyn, and their four young children, Luke, Emma, Caleb, and Micah. Whether exploring local parks and museums, swimming, or spending time with family and friends, he treasures every opportunity as a husband and father — roles he considers his most rewarding.

34 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

As founder, CEO, and financial advisor at American Principal Wealth Management, Nick Duncheon guides individuals and families through life’s biggest milestones, helping them build confidence in the future they envision.

Originally from Montgomery, Indiana, Nick has proudly called Evansville home since attending USI. He gives back through organizations including the Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots program, Shop With A Cop, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Evansville Rescue Mission. He has remained connected to his alma mater by serving as a board member and treasurer for the USI Varsity Club. Nick and his wife, Danielle, have three young sons — Nicky, Luka, and Theo — and cherish time spent camping, fishing, visiting the drive-in movie theater, and making memories together.

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LILY DURCHOLZ

Director of Marketing and Development, Signature School

Lily Durcholz’s love for her town has come full circle, but she’s not stopping at one lap. She began working at her alma mater, Signature School, six years ago while completing her studies at the University of Southern Indiana, where she graduated as a Presidential Scholar with bachelor’s degrees in public relations and advertising and German. Now, as Signature School’s Director of Marketing and Development, she has helped elevate its profile through a revitalized website, expanded social media presence, and fundraising efforts exceeding $1 million. She also helped commemorate Signature’s 20th anniversary with an alumni celebration and gala. She serves on the boards of the Ark Crisis Children’s Center and Catholic Charities of Evansville, as well as the Advisory Board for the Vanderburgh Community Foundation. She also completed a two-year Welborn Baptist Foundation board fellowship in 2025 and has mentored high school students through Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana’s Teen Advisory Council. Lily enjoys crocheting and embroidery, traveling with her husband, Nolan, and spending time with their dogs, Jovie and Layla. She and Nolan also volunteer as Anna and Kristoff from “Frozen” at Ark Crisis Children’s Center’s annual Fairytale Ball, bringing a little extra magic to local families.

RUSSELL EWING

Director of Behavioral Health - Indiana Region, Deaconess Health System

Russell Ewing arrived in Evansville in 2010 as a newly graduated nurse from Wabash Valley College in Illinois, eager to launch his career in a busy emergency department. Sixteen years later, as a regional leader in behavioral health care, Russell develops teams and leaders and implements improvements in critical health care services. He is passionate about building strong teams and streamlining processes to ensure good patient care. He earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Southern Indiana in 2016 and a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University-Indiana in 2019. He serves as the appointed Emerging Nurse Leader on the Indiana Organization for Nursing Leadership’s board of directors and as President-Elect of the group’s Southwest Indiana chapter. He’s also active in the local Suicide Prevention Coalition and the Mental Health Collaborative for Greater Evansville. Russell and his husband, Ronald Weis, celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary this year. Their family includes two elderly dachshunds, Sammy and Scooter; a boxer-pit mix, Remy; three outdoor cats, June, Pup, and Boots; and a flock of chickens. Russell and Ronnie enjoy spending time with friends and traveling together, especially exploring new places around the world.

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MARIE FOLZ

Physical Therapist, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation; Contract Physical Therapist (through Easterseals), Indiana First Steps Marie Folz has built her career around a simple belief: meaningful relationships have the power to change lives. As a licensed physical therapist for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation and a contract PT through Easterseals with Indiana First Steps, Marie works with children from infancy through high school. She considers her students’ successes to be her greatest professional achievements, finding the most fulfillment in watching them gain confidence, independence, and greater participation alongside their peers. A Mount Vernon, Indiana, native, she earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Western Kentucky University before completing her Doctor of Physical Therapy at the University of Evansville.

She serves as the chair of Habitat for Humanity of Evansville’s Young Professionals group, volunteers as a therapist with Riding Hope, supports Southern Indiana Friends of AMBUCs, mentors future physical therapists through AceBuddies, and is a planning committee member for the Christmas Parade on North Main. Her dedication to serving individuals with disabilities began during graduate school through the UE’s AceCARE program, where she also helped plan the organization’s first fundraising gala. Marie enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors with her fiancé, Ted O’Connell, and their adventure-loving dogs, Gladys and Charlotte.

36 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

CAMERON GIBSON

Mechanical Engineer, Hafer

A 2013 mechanical engineering graduate of the University of Southern Indiana, Cameron Gibson is licensed to build for Hafer in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky. He takes pride in guiding health care projects from initial design through construction, knowing each completed building or renovation contributes to the safety, wellness, and long-term health of the Tri-State. Cameron takes a keen interest in educating the next generation of engineers about the impact, efficiency, and sustainability of the HVAC industry. As a member of the USI Engineering Advisory Board, he helps strengthen the program by supporting its accreditation efforts. As Membership Promotion Chair of the local chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, he organizes monthly learning opportunities. His creativity takes a spooky turn as a board director and organizer for Terror on the Trail, a Henderson, Kentucky, fundraiser in October that benefits families with ill children. Originally from Henderson, Kentucky, Cameron has called Evansville home since 2020. He and his wife, Chloe, are raising their two young sons, Luke and Levi, with a love for the outdoors, swimming, and the occasional sweet treat. A proud member of Christian Fellowship Church, Cameron strives to communicate his faith through his actions.

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ZACH GOEBEL

Owner and Chief Executive Officer, Marshall Disposal, Inc. and G.O.A.T. Waste Services Zach Goebel has spent more than a decade building businesses grounded in strong values and intentional leadership. Under his leadership, Marshall Disposal, Inc. has twice been recognized as one of Indiana’s Best Places to Work, an achievement he attributes to cultivating a family-oriented culture where employees are valued and empowered to succeed. While his companies provide essential services throughout the region, Zach is equally passionate about creating workplaces where people can grow both personally and professionally.

That desire to invest in others extends beyond business. With co-host Jared Totsch, Zach developed the “Life and Leadership” podcast, which offers helpful content for those desiring to grow in leadership. This year, that led to the inaugural Strengthen Leadership Conference; the duo will host the next free conference in January 2027. He also serves on the board of Right to Life Southwest Indiana, and supports community organizations through monetary donations, volunteer service, and Marshall Disposal’s community cleanup day in Posey County. Raised in Mount Vernon, Indiana, and now living in Wadesville, Zach and his wife, Amanda, love traveling and watching their sons, Elijah and Isaiah, ride dirt bikes and ATVs. The family is active at Bethel Pentecostal Church.

MAKENZIE HART

Creator and Chief Executive Officer, Hype Hop Dance Fitness®; Owner, Studio Hype; Hot 96 Radio Personality

Subtle is not Makenzie Hart’s style. As an on-air personality with Clay Roth on HOT 96’s weekday morning show, listeners know Makenzie for her spunky attitude and appetite for fun. In May 2024, the Haubstadt, Indiana, native founded Hype Hop Dance Fitness®, which quickly grew into a national brand with more than 100 certified instructors and recognition as a Preferred Partner Program with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the Athletics and Fitness Association of America. Hype Hop Dance Fitness has donated more than $2,500 to regional nonprofits, and in January, it opened Studio Hype, where it hosts monthly giveback classes. A public relations and advertising graduate from the University of Southern Indiana, Makenzie is equally passionate about strengthening her community. She’s on the Steering Committee for the local Young Professionals Alliance, sits on the Advisory Board for the Small Business Development Center, serves as a Community Ambassador for the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, and mentors aspiring entrepreneurs through the STARTedUP Foundation. Previous volunteer service includes work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana and S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome. Aside from planning her October 2027 wedding to fiancé Tyler Whitledge, Makenzie enjoys traveling, playing sports, and staying active. EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 37

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SHANE HAYES

NICK IACCARINO

Chief Administrative Officer, Deaconess Gibson Hospital

Chief Executive Officer, Keep Evansville Beautiful

Shane earned a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and Management from the University of Southern Indiana in 2020 and Nurse Executive Advanced Certification from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. He serves on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, and Community Alliance Foundation in Gibson County. He’s also been involved with the Gibson County CEO Program and United Way of Gibson County.

A University of Southern Indiana graduate in elementary education, Nick earned certification for Value Stream Mapping and Leadership Skills for Success through Purdue University’s Manufacturing Extension Program. He represents District 3 on the Vanderburgh County Council and is the political director for the local Democratic Party. He’s involved with commissions on homelessness, public arts, and public defenders, as well as the Community Corrections Advisory Board. He also supported fundraising efforts for Aurora and the American Cancer Society. His introduction to volunteering was through the Boys and Girls Club of Evansville, which has honored him with its Friend of the Club award.

One of Shane Hayes’s proudest achievements has been bringing specialty health care services closer to home for his fellow Gibson County residents. At Deaconess Gibson Hospital, the lifelong Princeton, Indiana, resident has helped spearhead efforts to install or expand local oncology, wound care, and gastroenterology services, reducing the need for patients to travel. He played a role in leading the hospital’s mission of being a pillar of support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he relishes the opportunity to develop future health care leaders. He believes health care is a calling, regardless of an individual’s role or discipline, and he’s passionate about supporting the people who care for Deaconess’s patients every day.

Shane treasures time with his wife, Kayla, and cheering on their daughters, Charleston and Blakley, in motocross racing and basketball games.

38 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Ask Nick Iaccarino about Evansville, and you’ll quickly understand why he calls himself a “community geek.” Under his leadership, Keep Evansville Beautiful has helped launch Bee City Evansville, partnered with the city’s Forest Alliance to plant hundreds of trees, renewed its collaboration with the Parks Foundation, and introduced the Beautiful Business of the Month program to recognize organizations enhancing the community’s appearance.

Nick enjoys hiking, traveling, and visiting the zoo with his wife, Kasondra, their son, Nico, and his stepchildren Jamison, Aveline, and Henri. The family also carves out time for their dachshund, Charlie.

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ASHLYNN JOHNSON

Member Development Officer, Indiana Members Credit Union

Ashlynn Johnson believes investing in her community means showing up, building meaningful relationships, and using her time and talents to make a positive impact. As Member Development Officer for Indiana Members Credit Union, Ashlynn has spent nearly three years building strong relationships with local businesses and community organizations that resulted in new partnerships and increased membership growth. She also enjoys community service connections through her advisory council presidency at Corpus Christi School and board memberships at Jacob’s Village, A Network of Evansville Women, Youth First, and previously at Meals on Wheels and the Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville. Born and raised in the River City, Ashlynn studied at the University of Southern Indiana, earning a bachelor’s degree in health services with a concentration in gerontology in 2014 and a Master of Health Administration in 2019. Ashlynn’s family — her husband, Jeff, their daughter, Lexie, and their French bulldog, Lainey — loves all things outdoors, particularly beach vacations. They’re huge University of Notre Dame football fans and big supporters of Mater Dei High School athletics. They attend Corpus Christi Catholic Church. In her spare time, you’ll find Ashlynn reading or playing golf.

GABRIELLE JONES

Vice President and Private Banker, Fifth Third Bank

Leave everything better than you find it — that is Gabrielle Jones’s career motto. At Fifth Third Bank, she’s known for her work in improving the client experience and helping teammates build confidence in their practice and achieve their goals. Originally from Kankakee, Illinois, and a graduate of Princeton Community High School in Gibson County, Gabrielle has called the Evansville-Newburgh area home since college. Gabrielle studied at the University of Evansville and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern Indiana, and she is pursuing the Certified Private Wealth Advisor® designation. Gabrielle is involved with United Way of Southwestern Indiana and is on the Deaconess Foundation board of directors. She’s also active with A Network of Evansville Women, Fifth Third’s Women’s Business Resource Group, and The Event at Rebecca Farm. She’s passionate about causes that improve the health and well-being of our community, particularly mental health advocacy and cancer-related initiatives, and she uses her board service, fundraising, and advocacy to connect the right people to the right opportunities. Outside of work, Gabrielle enjoys golfing, relaxing on beach vacations, and spending time with her husband, Corey, Kobe the cat, and Brutus the Goldendoodle.

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JEN KERNS

Director of Sales and Services, Explore Evansville

Although Jen Kerns hails from Mentone, Indiana, she’s become one of the River City’s most visible cheerleaders since moving here nearly 10 years ago. Jen showcases the city to meeting planners and visitors while creating opportunities benefiting hotels, venues, and businesses. Since joining Explore Evansville in 2025, she has introduced initiatives including the Min-E Convention Package, an innovative program aligning meetings with hotel and venue needs. She serves as a board member at Cancer Pathways Midwest, an ambassador at the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, and Community Champion for the Orr Fellowship. She’s a member of the Indiana Society of Association Executives, as well as an education committee member and Vice President of Membership for the Indiana Chapter of Meeting Planners International. After earning bachelor’s degrees in marketing and business administration from Grace College & Seminary, Jen and her husband, Joel, married, relocated to Evansville, had two sons, Liam and Tannen, and added a Goldendoodle named Fin to their family. Next year, she will graduate from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management program. Right now, she and teammate Aaron King are savoring their cornhole championship at this year’s Office Olympics.

40 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

COURTNEY LANDER

Foundation Specialist, CenterPoint Energy Foundation

Courtney Lander intentionally moved from the corporate sector into nonprofit leadership so she could play a more direct role in strengthening the community she loves. As a result, she has helped develop and manage the CenterPoint Energy Foundation’s $5 million Community Energy Improvement Fund to help reduce energy costs and advance housing stability, nonprofit sustainability, and long-term community vitality. Courtney plugs into the community through volunteer leadership and support positions at the Southwest Indiana Community Organizations Active in Disaster, Evansville Area Fundraising Council, Housing Organizations United Serving Evansville, and GROW, Welborn Baptist Foundation’s capacity-building platform. She has mentored youth through Dream Center, served on the marketing committees of several regional organizations, and helped curate and coach speakers for 2019’s TEDxEvansville. An Evansville native, Courtney earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Southern Indiana in 2010 and completed the Nonprofit Next Generation Leadership Academy, a partnership between the Welborn Baptist Foundation and Indiana University O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, in 2019. She earned a Certificate in Fundraising Management from IU’s Lilly School of Philanthropy in 2022. Courtney and her husband, Darin, enjoy family movie nights and traveling with their children, Olivia, Isaiah, and Bryson.

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HEATHER LOBERMANN

Attorney, Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn, LLP

Heather Lobermann is determined to be the best wife, daughter, sister, and friend. She’s devoted to providing quality service to her legal clients. She’s also passionate about rooting for what she calls one of the most tragic sports teams in the country — the New York Mets. At Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn, LLP, Heather advises clients on mergers and acquisitions valued at multihundreds of millions of dollars. She is a trusted in-house expert on newly enacted federal legislation and leads educational seminars. Her dedication to excellence earned her the honor of being named an Indiana Super Lawyers Rising Star in 2025 and 2026. Originally from Tell City, Heather holds a Bachelor of Science from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Education from the University of Maryland, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University Maurer School of Law. She has practiced law in the Evansville area since 2015. She is on the boards of Kay C’s Barkville at Woodmere dog park and the Alex and Ali Foundation, and she previously served as Signature Project Chair for Rotaract. She and her husband, Bernard (also known as Buddy), reside in Newburgh with their dogs, Grover and Daisy. They enjoy volunteering at Ark Crisis Children’s Center’s annual Fairytale Ball.

ASHLY McCAIN

Pre-to-3 Program Manager, Vanderburgh County Health Department

Originally from Colorado and raised in Texas, Ashly McCain relocated to Southwestern Indiana to marry her husband, Scott, a Signature School alumnus. Although they have traveled to 25 countries and 48 states, she loves coming home to Evansville. Through her work at the Vanderburgh County Health Department, Ashly has empowered families to build healthy, safe home environments. She’s helped grow the home visit program from 90 to 300 families and develop staff training. She also leads VCHD’s Family Fall Fest and has twice presented the health department’s work at national conferences. She’s a board or advisory board member at Ark Crisis Children’s Center and Families and Communities Empowered for Success, and she sits on review committees for fetal infant mortality and child mortality. Her involvement extends to groups focused on addressing physical trauma, maternal and infant health outcomes, and preventing child abuse. She has been recognized with the 2023 Mary Harriman Award and as the 2026 Community Volunteer of the Year, both from the Junior League of Evansville. The self-described lifelong learner earned a bachelor’s degree in medical humanities and health sciences from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in 2020 and an MBA in Healthcare Administration from the University of Southern Indiana in 2022.

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DILLON MULHERIN

Certified Public Accountant, Certified Valuation Analyst, and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Kemper CPA Group

Dillon Mulherin believes strong communities are built through service. Since joining Kemper CPA Group as an intern in 2018 and going full time in 2019, Dillon has grown into a trusted adviser. He helps clients navigate complex tax, valuation, and succession planning matters with thoughtful guidance and personalized service. He takes pride in developing longterm relationships that generate new opportunities for the firm and contribute to client retention. He is board treasurer for SWIRCA & More and volunteers at the nonprofit’s fundraising events. He was a fundraiser for the local 100 Men Who Care initiative for four years. Dillon calls his faith and family his greatest passions. He and his wife, Mackenzie, are raising two young sons, Brooks and Brady. The quartet and their dog, Murphy, love spending time with family and friends. They enjoy outdoor activities during the summer (especially swimming) and watching movies and TV together; “Toy Story,” “Cars,” and “Spidey and His Amazing Friends” are big hits. Dillon is active at Saint James Catholic Church in Haubstadt, Indiana, where he also volunteers. He strives to live a life of service, integrity, and generosity — one that strengthens his family, supports his community, and leaves a positive example for the next generation.

42 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

BRAD NIEMEIER

Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer, Azzip Pizza

When Brad Niemeier had an idea for a pizza restaurant while studying at Purdue University, he brought it home to Evansville — a decision that has created hundreds of jobs and produced one of the region’s best-known food brands. Brad and his brother have transformed their college business plan into a franchised company with 13 locations across Indiana and Kentucky. While Azzip has received national attention for menu innovation, Brad considers the company’s culture — where people enjoy coming to work — his proudest accomplishment. The West Sider earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management and a Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from Purdue. Now, he’s a board member of Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana, which honored him in 2025 as Volunteer of the Year. Brad frequently speaks about entrepreneurship to community groups and at schools. Brad and Katie — his wife and high school sweetheart — have four children, Sam, Gideon, Vincent, and Ruby, plus a Boston terrier named Ike. Sports are a huge part of their lives, from watching and coaching their kids to cheering for Mater Dei and Purdue athletics. In 2024, the devoted golfer achieved a longtime goal of playing in the Evansville City Golf Tournament.

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JORDAN RABEN

MITCH SCHULZ

President, Raben Insurance

Realtor and Sales Manager, Weichert Realtors The Schulz Group

A 2009 accounting and operations management graduate from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Jordan Raben returned to Evansville and opened Raben Insurance, where he has spent 16 years helping businesses identify and manage risk so they can focus on growing with confidence. As his own business has flourished, he’s proud of maintaining its family-oriented culture and personalized service. Watching his team grow and seeing clients continue to place their trust in his company year after year has been especially rewarding.

Since joining Weichert Realtors – The Schulz Group in 2014, Mitch Schulz has been named the Southwest Indiana Association of Realtors Rookie of the Year in 2015 and Realtor of the Year in 2019, and has been elected president — all milestones he shares with his father and grandfather. Working alongside his dad and sister, Mitch helps clients achieve their real estate goals while maintaining the family business’s integrity and dedication. He is a 2012 graduate of Indiana University and a 2016 graduate of the Indiana Realtor Leadership Academy.

He has been a board director for Vanderburgh County CASA since 2018, including two years as treasurer. He’s been an active member of the West Side Nut Club since 2011 and chaired eight different committees alongside 300 other members. Through his service with CASA and the Nut Club, he has interacted with and volunteered alongside members of other community organizations who, like him, are passionate about making Evansville a better place.

The Evansville native volunteers at Fair Housing Summits, The Ronald McDonald House, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. At Holy Rosary Catholic Church, he chairs the Spiritual Life and Evangelization Committee and runs booths at the church’s three-day summer social. As chair of the Realtor Golf Outing, Mitch has helped raise nearly $400,000 for area nonprofits and charities. Mitch also coaches East Youth Baseball, is head coach of the East Aces travel team, and is team lead for Reitz Memorial High School’s Fall Festival booth.

His home life is shared with his wife, Kristen, and three children, Adelyn, Hudson, and Grayson. The family of five loves traveling to their favorite vacation spot in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, attending sporting events, and boating on Lake Barkley.

Mitch, his wife, Sara, and their children, Hayden, Indy, and Sunny, love traveling, playing in the yard, attending sporting events, and having dinner as a family.

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44 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

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Congratulations!

DEACONESS’ 2026 RECIPIENTS

TODD DUCKWORTH

46 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

RUSSELL EWING

SHANE HAYES

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Congratulations,

COURTNEY LANDER! Your determination, leadership and commitment to our communities are helping move Evansville forward. We’re proud to celebrate your recognition as one of Rotary Club of Evansville's 20 Under 40.

Congratulations to Lily Durcholz on being named to the Evansville Rotary 20 Under 40 Class of 2026! Signature School is proud to congratulate Lily, Director of Marketing and Development and Class of 2017 alumna, on this well-deserved honor.

Signature School EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 47

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CONGRATS, BRAD!

Italian Red, Garlic Butter, Sausage, Mozzarella, Pepperoni, Banana Peppers, 3 Cheese Blend, Buﬀalo, and Zip Dust aka “The Founder”

BRAD’S GO-TO PIZZA

...with a Ski

Brad Niemeier

Founder, Azzip Pizza

FOR LOCALS,

BY LOCALS

Unlock exclusive access to inspiring stories, expert insights, stunning visuals, and the latest trends delivered right to your doorstep. Stay informed, entertained, and motivated with content that enriches your mind and ignites your passions.

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48 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

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Congratulations to all of the 20 Under 40 recipients being recognized as leaders! Thank you for sharing your gifts with the community. We cannot wait to see what you do next. Stacy J. Stevens Broker, GRI, CRS, SRES Full Service Real Estate Broker Commercial  Residential  Business Licensed in Indiana and Kentucky Graduate REALTOR® Institute

OFFICE (812) 474-9814 • CELL (812) 305-5594 915 Main St., Suite 108 • Evansville, IN 47708

Located in The Curtis Building

www.landmarkrealtyinc.com EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 49

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BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! 20 UNDER 40

recipients enjoy a special membership discount! evansvillerotary.com

TOGETHER WE ELEVATE CUSTOMERS, SHAPE LIVES AND PROTECT THE FUTURE We are a global leader in ﬂexibles, containers and closures for consumer and healthcare customers, with unprecedented innovation capabilities and scale to solve customers’ and consumers’ needs.

Learn more at www.amcor.com or scan here: 50 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

2026 2026

EVANSVILLE REGION EVANSVILLE REGION

MFG MFG summit summit

Fast & Flexible: Resilience in Modern Manufacturing OCTOBER 29, 2026 7:30AM - 4PM UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN INDIANA

Popham is the Tri-State’s Authorized SunSetter Dealer and Installer!

With a push of a button, a SunSetter awning can reduce temperatures by 20% outside and inside of your business or home!

Call Us Today! (812) 479-5850

www.pophamconstruction.com EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 51

area Manufacturing & Recruitment special adVertising section Manufacturing drives much of the Evansville region’s economy, and products made here are distributed and used throughout the U.S. and the world, from automobiles to pharmaceuticals. In this special section, discover some of the companies that provide thousands of local jobs and spread the community’s impact across the globe.

52 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | MANUFACTURING & RECRUITMENT

General Rubber & Plastics 1902 N. Kentucky Ave. / 812-464-5153 / genrub.com

MORE THAN MATERIALS. WE’RE BUILT AROUND YOUR SUCCESS. For more than 80 years, General Rubber & Plastics (formerly General Rubber & Supply) has been helping businesses keep moving. What began in 1942 on Oak Street in Louisville, Kentucky, when Ida and Pete Hailer opened the doors, has grown into a 100 percent employee-owned company serving customers throughout the region. In 1946, Ida’s son, W.L. (Burnie) Burnett, became the majority owner. General Rubber continued to grow through the 1950s and 1960s. In 1977, Mr. Burnett opened our Evansville location, which eventually moved to North Kentucky Avenue. Our footprint has grown to more than 35,000 square feet. A defining moment in our history came in 1981, when Mr. Burnett and his family converted the company into an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Over the next 20 years, the ESOP purchased the Burnett family’s stock, ultimately making General Rubber & Supply 100 percent EMPLOYEE OWNED. That same year, the company became General Rubber & Plastics, reflecting

the expanding range of materials and solutions we provide. Today, our purpose goes well beyond distributing rubber and plastic products. We exist to make our customers’ jobs easier. We bring together a broad range of brands and products, giving customers a convenient, one-stop source for the materials they need. Our local presence means we understand the industries, challenges, and communities we serve. In-stock inventory helps keep production moving, while flexible purchasing options — including smaller quantities — give customers the freedom to buy what they need, when they need it.

And when a challenge arises, we help find the solution. Our knowledge, product selection, and relationships allow us to work alongside customers to identify the right material for the job.

WE START EVERY JOB WITH SMART QUESTIONS. Using the STAMP method, we match materials and processes to your real-world operating environment.

70+ YEARS

OUR CORE CAPABILITIES:

serving regional industries

Precision Waterjet Cutting Advanced CNC Routers CNC Saws

SEVEN LOCATIONS across Kentucky, Indiana & Tennessee

Flash Cutting Hose Crimping Panel Saws Die Cutting CNC Lathes

10,000+ SKUS from engineered plastics to safety equipment

1902 NORTH KENTUCKY AVE.

812-464-5153

GENRUB.COM

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 53

T H E

C A P I TA L

O F

WORK BOOTS Follow us on Facebook! 54 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

2320 N Green River Rd Suite C Evansville, IN 47715

(812) 479-5775

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | MANUFACTURING & RECRUITMENT

Red wing evansville 2320 N. Green River Road / 812-479-5775 / stores.redwingshoes.com/evansville-in

BUILT FOR THE PEOPLE WHO KEEP THE TRI-STATE WORKING For 50 years, Red Wing Evansville has served employees behind the industries that keep the Tri-State moving. From manufacturing and utilities to construction, transportation, and the skilled trades, our locally owned store has built its reputation around one mission: helping hardworking people stay safe, comfortable, and productive on the job. Established locally in 1976,

Red Wing Evansville combines decades of footwear expertise with technologies designed for the modern workplace. For manufacturing employees, where long shifts can mean hours of standing and walking on unforgiving concrete, footwear is more than another piece of required safety equipment. Proper fit, protection, comfort, and durability can directly influence how an employee feels throughout the workday. That is why the fitting process at Red Wing Evansville goes beyond simply asking for a shoe size. Red Wing’s Ultimate Fit Experience™ incorporates state-of-the-art advanced 3D foot-scanning technology to capture detailed measurements of an employee’s feet. Combined with one-on-one guidance from trained fit specialists, that information helps identify footwear and orthotics suited to the individual, their job and work environment. The footwear itself continues to evolve alongside modern manufacturing. Depending on workplace requirements, Red Wing offers options incorporating lightweight safety options, metatarsal protection, electrical-hazard protection, puncture resistance, advanced cushioning, waterproof technologies, and outsoles engineered for traction and slip resistance. New materials and athletic-inspired designs can also help reduce weight and fatigue while maintaining the protection expected from industrial footwear. That range is especially important because manufacturing is not a one-sizefits-all environment. The footwear needs of a welder can differ significantly from those of an electrician, maintenance technician, machine operator, or warehouse employee. Red Wing Evansville focuses on matching footwear to the specific

Jarrad Beard, Region Operations Manager

worker and application rather than simply selecting a boot from a shelf. The store also works directly with area employers through its Red Wing Business Advantage safety footwear programs, helping companies manage employee eligibility, allowances, approved footwear, and purchasing while providing employees access to local fitting expertise and ongoing service. In addition, our commitment to our customers extends well beyond the initial sale. Through our Complimentary Lifetime Tune-Ups, we provide ongoing care to help employees maintain their footwear, extend its useful life, and maximize the value of their investment for years to come. As manufacturing becomes increasingly advanced, Red Wing Evansville

believes innovation should extend not just from the factory floor but to the feet of the people powering it. After five decades in Evansville, the technology may have changed, but the commitment remains the same: provide the Tri-State workforce with the fit, protection, and expertise needed to take on the toughest jobs.

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4601 IN-62, Mt. Vernon, IN 812-838-4675 careers.astrazeneca.com

What science can do Global Operations at AstraZeneca plays a critical role in the development, manufacturing, testing and delivery of our medicines around the world. With the world around us changing rapidly, we are evolving our network, our technology and our capabilities to deliver more medicines, to more patients, more quickly and to build a better, more sustainable future.

56 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | MANUFACTURING & RECRUITMENT

astrazeneca 4601 IN-62, Mount Vernon, IN / 812-838-4675 / careers.astrazeneca.com

Powering the Future of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing in Southern Indiana What makes your manufacturing operation stand out?

The AstraZeneca Mount Vernon manufacturing site is a global powerhouse tucked away in the heart of Southern Indiana. The site sits on 236 acres in Mount Vernon, Indiana, and produces approximately 6 billion tablets annually. The site supplies life-changing medicines to more than 60 markets around the world. AstraZeneca Mount Vernon is the only Digital Lighthouse site in the Americas within its network, positioning the site to pioneer the future of autonomous manufacturing through AI, advanced analytics, and automation. AstraZeneca Mount Vernon is also home to specialized capabilities found nowhere else in its global network. As a designated Diabetes Center of Excellence and a key producer of oncology medicines, AstraZeneca Mount Vernon plays a critical role in delivering treatments that impact approximately 16.5 million patients across the globe.

What makes your company a great place to work?

Simply put: purpose, people, and possibility. Employees know that their work directly impacts patients around the world, and that sense of mission is powerful. At AstraZeneca Mount Vernon, the company creates an inclusive, high-performing environment where people are valued for their contributions, encouraged to speak their minds and empowered to reach their full potential. Nearly 60 percent of the workforce is college-educated, and AstraZeneca invests heavily in embedded workforce development programs that help every employee grow, whether they’re just starting out or advancing into leadership. Through coaching, lifelong learning, reskilling, and upskilling, the company creates everyday opportunities for development.

The sites’ multiskilled team works collaboratively across functions, combining cutting-edge technology with meaningful work and operational excellence. As AstraZeneca builds an AI-empowered workforce, employees receive the tools, training, and confidence to help shape the future Front row: Holly Sanders, Alex Brauser, and Raquel Denning Back row: Keith Rawley and Logan Sullivan of manufacturing. Together, they foster innovation, curiosity, and smart riskstrong university and high school taking, while keeping patients at the center partnerships, embedded workforce of every decision. development, coaching, and clear pathways for advancement. Employees are Why should people consider encouraged to take ownership of their building their career here? growth, develop new skills, and pursue AstraZeneca Mount Vernon offers opportunities across the organization. something rare: a world-class career, Whether someone is beginning their close to home. Employees can work career, developing technical expertise, or alongside global scientific and technical preparing for leadership, AstraZeneca leaders, help pioneer the future of Mount Vernon offers the support and autonomous manufacturing, and conopportunity to thrive. For those seeking tribute to medicines that reach patients meaningful work, innovation, lifelong all over the world — all while living in learning, and an inclusive team where the community they love. diverse perspectives fuel better ideas, the The site’s culture is purposeful, site is a place where careers more than collaborative, and entrepreneurial. start, they grow and make a difference AstraZeneca invests in people through for patients.

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 57

CREATING EFFICIENCY Mobility • Energy Storage • Medical Commercial • Embodied AI & Humanoid Robotics

Through determination, resilience, and agility, PIA Automation has grown from a local machine shop to a leading automation integrator. Our success comes from our team — engineers, programmers, and assembly technicians — whose passion has driven us for more than 63 years. We look forward to what’s next in the U.S. and beyond.

3 second cycle time Output of 1,200 parts per hour Immunoassay assembly systems protect lives. PIA USA has been contracted by a leading medical diagnostics manufacturer to build an immunoassay assembly line for tests used in the detection of troponin in fluid samples used to aid in the diagnostics of heart attacks.

5825 OLD BOONVILLE HWY. | 812-485-5500 | PIAGROUP.COM/EN 58 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION | MANUFACTURING & RECRUITMENT

pia automation 5825 Old Boonville Hwy. / 812-485-5500 / piagroup.com/en

Everyday Products. Built in Evansville Since 1963. The technology behind everyday life — and the people who build its future — are close to home.

Technology Behind Everyday Life

You may not know PIA Automation US. But chances are, you know the kinds of products its Evansville-built equipment helps bring to life: an auto-injector pen that helps patients manage prescribed treatment at home, the toothbrush or razor blade used each morning, or vehicle-safety technology people rely on every day as they drive down the road. For more than 60 years, the team on Old Boonville Highway has solved the hidden manufacturing challenge behind visible, important products: how to make them precisely, reliably, and at scale. This team of approximately 60 people designs and builds specialized automation systems that help manufacturers assemble, inspect, test, and produce medical devices, consumer products, and automotive-safety components. In health care, that may mean the automation behind auto-injector pens used by patients managing prescribed therapies for conditions such as diabetes or cancer. In automotive, it can mean systems associated with occupant safety and driver assistance, including seatbelts, airbags, radar, and cameras. These are products people depend on, often without thinking about the precise manufacturing processes behind them. PIA’s role is to build the automation that helps manufacturers produce them consistently and safely.

A Legacy Built by People

PIA’s local roots date to 1963, when Evana Automation was founded. Today, the Evansville facility is part of the global PIA Group and remains the organization’s oldest location. PIA’s worldwide network includes 13 locations, connecting Evansville-based engineering and project execution with a broader international automation organization. That history shows up in the people who work here. Multiple employees have spent 25 years or more with the company, gaining practical knowledge through building

machines, launching production, and the day-to-day challenges that turn ideas into a dependable result. PIA’s most valuable technology is not only the equipment it builds. It is the home-grown expertise of people who have learned, stayed, taught others, and kept finding better ways to make things work.

A Career That Can Start — and Stay — Here

Advanced manufacturing needs people who can create, innovate, design, build, troubleshoot, and improve. At PIA, opportunities span mechanical and electrical engineering, machining, mechatronics and assembly, PLC programming, project management, customer and technical support, finance, and business administration. Automation helps manufacturers improve quality, safety, reliability, and their ability to adapt. It does not eliminate the need for people; it increases the value of those who design, build, program, maintain, and improve modern manufacturing systems. PIA has added approximately 10 employees during the past 12 months and develops future talent through internships with students from Murray

NOW HIRING • SKILLED ASSEMBLY TECHNICIANS • MECHANICAL ENGINEERS • ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS • SOFTWARE ENGINEERS State University, Purdue University, and the University of Southern Indiana. Students contribute to real customer projects while learning alongside professionals whose experience spans decades. For students, families, and experienced professionals, the message is simple: a meaningful career in engineering, skilled trades, or business leadership can begin close to home, grow through challenging work, and contribute to products used around the world. Its impact is larger than its footprint: PIA brings advanced engineering, skilled work, and global customer connections to Evansville. For Evansville, PIA is a reminder that advanced manufacturing is a living regional capability — connecting local talent, global customers, and the next generation of technical careers. EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 59

EVSC SICTC COSMETOLOGY CENTER - THE STYLE LAB

BUILDING THE FUTURE ONE BRICK AT A TIME arc-construction.com | 812-426-0481

60 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

4 Good Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Arc of Evansville, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78, 79

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Ascension St. Vincent Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Big Brothers Big Sisters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74, 75 Birthright of Evansville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville . . . . . . . 109 CenterPoint Energy Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . 84, 85 Children’s Center for Dance Education . . . . . . 80, 81 Community Foundation of Southwest Indiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100, 101 D-Patrick Motoplex and Nissan . . . . . . . . . . . . 98, 99 Deaconess Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Easterseals Rehabilitation Center . . . . . . . . . . 72, 73 ECHO Housing Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Evansville African American Museum . . . . . . . . . 116 Evansville Goodwill Industries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . 92, 93 Evansville Rescue Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90, 91 Evansville Trails Coalition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94, 95 F.C. Tucker Emge/Team McClintock . . . . . . . 102, 103 Gathering Church, The/ Restore Outreach Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82, 83 GLAD Adoption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Evansville Gives Evansville Gives spotlights area nonprofits, organizations, and businesses that dedicate their time and resources to elevating our community. Read on to learn how you can help make a positive impact.

Habitat for Humanity of Evansville . . . . . . . . . 68, 69 Highland Baseball Challenger League . . . . . . . . . 127 Holly’s House . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118

Let’s Get Started!

Indiana State Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 It Takes A Village Rescue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Ivy Tech Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62, 63 Keep Evansville Beautiful . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96, 97 Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88, 89 McDonald’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104, 105 Nature Conservancy, The . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 New Horizons Financial Consultants . . . . . . . . . . 126 Parenting Time Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 PDEVV Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 River Kitty Cat Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Signarama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District of Evansville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 SWIRCA & More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70, 71 Tri-Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Turpen’s Painting Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 United Caring Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64, 65 Vanderburgh Humane Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66, 67 Warrick Trails/ Warrick Parks Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76, 77 Welborn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86, 87 Youth First Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 61

62 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Ivy Tech Foundation - Evansville 3501 N. First Ave. • 812-429-9830 • giving.ivytech.edu/evansville

How We Make An Impact The Ivy Tech Foundation helps local students overcome barriers, stay enrolled, and reach graduation. Our support reaches beyond the classroom by helping students access the resources they need to continue their education when financial challenges arise. Through the Lamkin Center for Learning & Student Success, Foundation-supported resources include emergency assistance for rent and utility bills, food and personal-care items, clothing, transportation assistance, loaner laptops and internet access, disability accommodations, and other student support services. Scholarships are another important part of our work. In 2024–25, Ivy Tech Evansville awarded $264,882 in scholarships to 197 students, with an average of $1,345. Together, these resources help support the whole student and provide stability when unexpected challenges could otherwise interrupt their education. Our work supports students here in Southwest Indiana as they pursue credentials, degrees, and careers that strengthen our region.

Giving Opportunities The Ivy Tech Foundation accepts gifts throughout the year to support students and programs in Evansville. Donors may choose to support emergency student assistance, scholarships, or other areas aligned with their philanthropic interests. Those interested in making a gift can visit giving.ivytech.edu/evansville or contact evansville-foundation@ivytech.edu for more information. Circle of Ivy is a philanthropic giving circle that brings donors together to support innovative projects across Ivy Tech campuses. Members pool their annual gifts, then help fund proposals submitted by Ivy Tech faculty and staff that directly benefit students and strengthen the college experience. Learn more at: giving.ivytech.edu/ circle-of-ivy.

Our Mission Building partnerships, generating resources, and creating opportunities that remove barriers for Ivy Tech students and strengthen communities across Southwest Indiana.

Our Core Values • Student Success: Investing in resources that help students stay enrolled, complete their education, and reach their goals. • Breaking Barriers: Addressing financial and personal challenges that can stand between a student and graduation. • Donor Empowerment: Connecting donors with meaningful, transparent opportunities to support the students and causes they care about most. • Generational Change: Using philanthropy to create lasting opportunities for students, families, and communities.

Volunteer Opportunities Community members can support Ivy Tech students through donations of food, clothing, personal-care products, and other essential items directly to the Lamkin Center for Learning & Student Success. Additional opportunities to engage may include mentoring, career connections, professional expertise, and partnerships that support student success.

Events Save the Date: April 20, 2027 Join us for the 5th Annual Ivy Tech Day, a statewide day of giving that celebrates the students, employees, alumni, donors, and community partners who make Ivy Tech possible. Ivy Tech Evansville will mark the day with campus activities and opportunities to support local students.

Scan the QR code to donate today!

@ivytechevansville @ivytechevansville @ivytechevansville

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 63

324 N.W. Sixth St. • 812-422-0297 unitedcaringservices.org

During the Winter 2025-2026, we expanded our White Flag program to a full six month program from November 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026. During that period we provided emergency shelter to 868 individuals. Our neighbors in need were provided a mat, a blanket, three warm meals a day, and access to other services including showers and laundry. Due to the growing demand in our community, we began a Year-Round White Flag program starting on July 11, 2026. Since then we have already seen over 250 individuals stay in the Year-Round White Flag program. “After doing the six month White Flag program last winter, we saw there was a need for a Year-Round White Flag program. But the number of individuals we are seeing already is similar to the numbers we would typically see in the middle of winter,” says United Caring Services Executive Director Ryan Rigg. “With winter coming, we know the need for this program and the services we provide will increase.” This past January several members of the community braved the snow and cold temperatures for our first White Flag Walk for Cold Nights. While we don’t have a date set yet for 2027, we hope you will get a group together to support us during this time when providing shelter is critical.

64 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

For more information about our White Flag Walk or other ways you can help support our mission, please contact us at ryanrigg@unitedcaringservices.org or by calling 812-422-0297.

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

United Caring Services 324 N.W. Sixth St. • 812-422-0297 • unitedcaringservices.org

Day Shelter

Our Mission To provide values-based, lowbarrier, sustainable, and highquality homeless shelters, services, and solutions.

United Caring Services provides shelter, food, hygiene products, laundry, showers, restrooms, and support services for basic needs. We also offer those in need a stable mailing address and access to community agency assistance to address barriers related to homelessness and “self-sufficiency.”

Men’s Emergency Night Shelter UCS provides a safe emergency shelter for men that includes food, beds, showers, hygiene products, and supportive services for basic needs. We get people on their feet until more appropriate housing can be obtained.

Upcoming Event White Flag for Cold Nights Walk

Ruth’s House Emergency Women’s Shelter Our safe emergency shelter for women at 321 E. Walnut St. also offers food, beds, showers, hygiene products, and supportive services until more appropriate housing is found.

Medical Respite We provide a safe space for hospital discharge, recuperation, intense case management, and housing for positive health outcomes. Those in need also receive medication monitoring, transportation to appointments, and “followup” care.

Permanent Housing UCS Apartments help stabilize and assist individuals in leaving and/or preventing homelessness with regular tenant services and supportive services through other programs.

Care Ride

Scan the QR code to learn more! We accept donations of food, hygiene products, clothing, cleaning supplies, and monetary donations. All donations are eligible for a 501(c)(3) tax receipt.

@UnitedCaringServices @unitedcaringservices

UCS provides transportation for our guests to essential services, including health care facilities, social services, pharmacies, government agencies, mental health support, and legal appointments.

Diversion/Crisis Center Our five-bed crisis center allows for a space for individuals experiencing substance abuse or mental health issues who need a temporary safe space to stay until we can either place them in one of our shelters or in another facility that can better help meet their needs.

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 65

Serving the pets of our community and the people who love them since 1957.

OUR PACK

vhslifesaver.org 66 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

812-426-2563

400 Millner Industrial Drive

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Vanderburgh Humane Society 400 Millner Industrial Drive • 812-426-2563 • vhslifesaver.org

How We Make An Impact The VHS is an animal welfare organization that takes in about 4,000 homeless animals every year and meets industry benchmarks as a “no-kill” organization. But we’re not only an animal shelter — we also operate many other programs that help both pets AND people in our community! Our Low-Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic provides affordable spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and other pet wellness services for the public, and has fixed more than 125,000 animals to date. Cardio for Canines is a FREE program where the public takes shelter dogs to the park. (Follow @cardioforcanines on social!) Our Humane Education Department serves 3,000 kids annually. The VHS also operates a Safe Pets program reuniting domestic violence victims with their pets, and Margie’s Pet Food Pantry for struggling families. We are working toward a pet-friendly community where the value of the human-animal bond is included in all important conversations: affordable housing, mental and physical health, and more!

Giving Opportunities 1. Support the VHS thrift store (@happytailsresaleshop on social media) or River Kitty Cat Café, our satellite cat adoption location in Downtown Evansville (@riverkittycatcafe!) 2. Donate! The VHS is not a “chapter” of any larger national organization. We are an independent local nonprofit, funded solely by donations from people like YOU!

Our Mission Since 1957, the VHS has been leading our community to eliminate pet overpopulation through Spay/Neuter, Adoption, and Humane Education. Alter. Adopt. Adore.

Annual Fundraisers & Events • Oct. 5-10, 2026: Fall Festival Booth #75 • Nov. 7-8, 2026: 40th Annual Pet Pictures with Santa at Washington Square Mall • Nov. 10-14, 2026: Hoosier Adopt a Pet Month discounted adoption event • May 8, 2027: Going, Going, Gone to the Dogs Benefit Dinner & Auction “Night at the Mewseum”

You can give today or become a monthly donor at give.vhslifesaver.org. We can also accept stock, IRA or Donor Advised Fund distributions, property, and estate gifts. Contact giving@vhslifesaver.org for more information!

Volunteer Opportunities The VHS is always in need of volunteers! There are a variety of ways to get involved, including animal cleaning and care; sorting and pricing items in the thrift store; laundry; working special events such as the Fall Festival; and so much more. We have volunteers onsite 365 days a year, from Sunday morning to Christmas morning, with many different shifts available. Or, you can foster a needy pet from the comfort of your home! Volunteers working in the shelter must be 6 or older. Contact us at volunteer@vhslifesaver.org for details on any of these opportunities!

Scan the QR code to donate today!

@Vanderburgh Humane Society @vhslifesaver

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 67

Attainable Homeownership Tax Credit You or your business may be eligible to receive a state tax credit equal to 50 percent of the donation made to Habitat. For example, a gift of $20,000 qualifies you for a $10,000 tax credit on your Indiana state income tax return. Call us for more details!

lbin Teri Hollander A and David Albin

Luke and Laura Nor dine

Paul and Holly Watzlavik

“We believe strong communities are built when families have a safe place to call home. Supporting Habitat for Humanity of Evansville through the Indiana Affordable Housing Tax Credit is a meaningful way for us to invest in both people and our community’s future.”

“Habitat’s offering of the AHTC (Attainable Homeownership Tax Credit) program has allowed the Watzlavik family to donate 2x our original plan, since we’re receiving a 50% Indiana tax credit. Combined, Habitat and the AHTC allows local benefactors to donate more towards homeownership to families who need it most in our Evansville area. Only God knows the lasting impact Habitat and the AHTC program will have on our Evansville community!”

“As a family, we see the importance of a stable home and we believe everyone deserves to have that foundation to build on. The Attainable Homeownership Tax Credit allows us to give more, both personally and through the business, to help make the dream of homeownership come true for another family, right here in Evansville.”

TOGETHER WE BUILD, TOGETHER WE GROW Donate • Volunteer • Apply • Restore 812-423-5623 | evansvillehabitat.org/ahtc 68 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Habitat for Humanity of Evansville 560 E. Diamond Ave. • 812-423-5623 • evansvillehabitat.org

How We Make An Impact Habitat for Humanity of Evansville partners with families, volunteers, and donors to make safe, affordable housing a reality. Since 1984, we’ve built more than 630 homes in Vanderburgh and Posey counties — transforming lives and strengthening neighborhoods. Through our Together We Build, Together We Grow plan, we are doubling our annual home production to meet the growing demand for affordable housing. Each Habitat home represents the stability and strength of the family that will live there and their hopes for a brighter future. Volunteers save us more than $22,000 in labor costs per house, keeping the program strong and allowing us to serve more families. By building homes, we build communities — and with every key handed to a new homeowner, we help break the cycle of poverty for generations to come.

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

Community Voice “Working with Habitat is like working with a family member you’ve known your whole life. They are super encouraging and motivated!” — Dana Marlow, Fibertech Plastics

Giving Opportunities Every gift helps a local family achieve the dream of homeownership. Individuals and businesses can contribute online at evansvillehabitat.org/give, by mailing a check, or through corporate sponsorships and in-kind donations. Many donors maximize their giving through Indiana’s 50 percent Attainable Homeownership Tax Credit, making their impact go even further. Monthly giving provides a sustainable foundation, while gifts of stock, IRA contributions, and planned gifts extend impact far into the future. Your generosity directly builds homes, communities, and hope.

Building Teams, Homes, and Hope The Community Builders Crew is Habitat for Humanity of Evansville’s corporate and small business volunteer program. It is designed to provide a meaningful and fulfilling team building experience for local businesses and organizations, all while helping families achieve the dream of homeownership. The Community Builders Crew gives you the opportunity to build alongside future Habitat homeowners, get to know their stories, and learn more about the Habitat program. It is a great way to build camaraderie with your colleagues and strengthen the cohesiveness of your team. Our new indoor wall panel modular building facility, the Volunteer Center, makes it even easier to host large groups indoors, providing space to gather, train, and serve. Whether you’re an individual, group, congregation, or business, Habitat makes it simple to get involved. Learn more at evansvillehabitat.org/volunteer.

Schedule a team building day at our new Volunteer Center by scanning the QR code to volunteer today!

@evansvillehabitat @habitatevv @HabitatEVV

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 69

70 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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

How We Make An Impact For more than 50 years, SWIRCA & More has helped older adults, individuals living with disabilities, and family caregivers throughout Southwestern Indiana live healthier, more independent lives. As our region’s Area Agency on Aging, we connect individuals and families with trusted guidance, nutritious meals, care management, transportation, wellness programs, and essential in-home and community-based services. From delivering a meal to someone living at home to helping a family navigate complex care decisions, our work is centered on ensuring people have the resources, choices, and support they need to thrive with independence and dignity in the communities they call home.

SWIRCA By the Numbers 188,433 Hours of fitness, learning, and connection in our Activity & Wellness Center 120,000+ Nutritious meals prepared and served annually 17,588 Care assessments completed 12,844 Calls answered in the Resource Center 2,675 Individuals supported through direct in-home assistance 1,000+ Dementia Friends trained 142 Family caregivers supported

Join the Mission There are many ways to make a difference at SWIRCA & More. Make a onetime or monthly gift, volunteer your time and talents, sponsor a program or event, support Meals on Wheels Southwestern Indiana, include SWIRCA in your estate plans, or help us share our mission throughout the community. Individuals, businesses, civic organizations, and community partners all play an important role in making our work possible. However you choose to get involved, your partnership helps build a stronger, more age-friendly Southwestern Indiana where people of all ages and abilities have opportunities to live with independence, dignity, and connection.

Our Mission Building stronger, age friendly communities where individuals can thrive with independence, dignity, and support.

Annual Fundraisers & Events • Oct. 5-10, 2026: Fall Festival Booth #78 • Nov. 6, 2026: Veterans Celebration • Feb. 13, 2027: Super Bingo • March 18, 2027: Nutrition Awareness Day and Health Fair

Scan the QR code or visit swirca.org/give to donate today!

@SwircaAndMore @swirca-more @swircamore7805

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 71

72 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Easterseals Rehabilitation Center 3701 Bellemeade Ave. • 812-479-1411 • eastersealsrehabcenter.com

How We Make An Impact At the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center, we envision a community where all individuals and families are accepted, valued, and included, and have equal opportunity to achieve their goals, dreams, and aspirations. With that vision in mind, Easterseals offers a wide range of life-changing services to empower people of all ages with all types of disabilities and disabling conditions. With the community’s support, core services of physical, occupational and speechlanguage therapies, audiology, and psychology are provided regardless of clients’ financial means. Other transformative programs include early care and education, complex custom wheelchairs, home and worksite adaptations, driver’s rehab and training, augmentative and alternative communication, aquatic therapy, mental health outreach, residential services, community-based services and more. Each year, Easterseals empowers approximately 5,000 individuals throughout the TriState to pursue their goals for greater independence and enhanced well-being.

How You Can Support Our Mission There are many ways you can make a difference! Have fun participating in Easterseals fundraising events, knowing that all funds stay local. You also can donate at eastersealsrehabcenter.com or mail a gift to Easterseals at 3701 Bellemeade Ave., Evansville IN 47714. We also appreciate friends who are willing to share their time and talent! Opportunities range from helping at fundraising events or preparing mailings to leading creative activities for kids and adults who receive our services. These are just a few possibilities! If you’re interested in volunteering individually or with a group, please contact us at info@evansvillerehab.com or 812-437-2609.

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

Annual Fundraisers & Events • Thanksgiving - New Year’s Day: Ritzy’s Fantasy of Lights • Dec. 2, 2026: Bright Lights 5K Run/1-Mile Walk • January - March 2027: Easterseals All Cash Raffle • April 2027: Easterseals Telethon on ABC25/CW7 • May - June 2027: Easterseals Cool Car, Cold Cash Raffle • Summer 2027: Easterseals Golfing Fore Kids Scramble

@EastersealsRehabCtr @eastersealsrehabctr @eastersealsrehabctr

Scan the QR code to donate today!

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 73

812-425-6076 mentoringkids.org Two hours, twice a month. An impact to last a lifetime.

Children with mentors are:

33%

43%

More likely to graduate high school

More likely to enroll in college

Source: Big Brothers Big Sisters of America outcomes study

You don’t have to be perfect.

You just have to show up. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana is a one-to-one mentoring program dedicated to improving the lives of children in our community. Established in 1969, we currently serve children in Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, Spencer, and Gibson counties in Southwest Indiana, and Henderson County in Kentucky.

Help youth achieve their full potential. 74 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Become a Big. Scan the QR code to volunteer today

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Big Brothers Big Sisters 320 S.E. MLK Jr. Blvd., Ste. C • 812-425-6076 • mentoringkids.org

How We Make An Impact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Indiana is a one-to-one mentoring program dedicated to improving the lives of children in our community. Established in 1969, we serve children in Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, Spencer, and Gibson counties in Southwest Indiana, and Henderson County in Kentucky. Local outcomes show our Littles grow up to be successful in school and in life — maintaining or improving their scholastic competence and their attitudes toward risky behaviors such as illegal drug and alcohol use.

Giving Opportunities Your investment ensures our Littles — the most vulnerable in our communities — aren’t forgotten. No matter how Little or Big the amount, your gift helps us find a mentor for a waiting child or supports an existing match. • Year-End Campaign — $150,000 Goal — More than 50 children are still waiting for a Big. A gift of $1,500 sponsors one match for a full year, covering the screening, training, and professional support that keep a match strong. Give any amount by Dec. 31 at mentoringkids.org or by scanning the QR code. • Partner for Potential — Your monthly gift sustains meaningful matches all year long and gives us the steady support to keep matches together. • Corporate Impact Partnership — A year-round partnership for businesses that want to do more than write a check. Your company invests in local youth, engages employees through workplace mentoring, and earns recognition across our events and campaigns — built around your team’s goals and capacity.

Our Mission Big Brothers Big Sisters’ mission is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of the youth in our community.

Our Core Values • Access means we actively dismantle barriers that prevent young people from fully participating in opportunities others take for granted. • Belonging is the result of intentional relationships that affirm identity, honor lived experiences, and celebrate differences. • Opportunity means more than exposure, it means real, tangible pathways to leadership, self-determination, and success, especially for those historically denied those pathways.

Volunteer Opportunities • Community-Based — Bigs and Littles go out in the community together and enjoy activities they both love. • Couples Match (Community-Based) — Couples share the experience and mentor a Little together. • Site-Based — Matches meet at school during the school year or at a specific site, spending time on homework, games or just catching up. • High School Bigs — A program in Vanderburgh, Spencer, and Posey counties for high school juniors and seniors, who mentor local elementary and middle school students. • Bigs with Badges — Connects our youth with law enforcement officers and first responders who care about kids in our community. • MentorWorks — Employees mentor on a schedule that fits the workday, through a Corporate Impact Partnership.

Scan the QR code to donate today!

@MentoringKids @MentoringKids @mentoringkidsswi

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 75

P.O. Box 862, Newburgh, IN | warricktrails.org

Warrick Trails is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating safe, accessible trails and outdoor spaces that connect our community. Since 2014, we’ve built more than 16 miles of trails and seven trailheads throughout Warrick County – connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks, and places people use every day.

And we’re just getting started. Our next major project is the revitalization of Amax, Warrick County’s largest soccer and football complex. The vision includes a one-mile trail loop, expanded parking and improved safety features, with a future multi-use turf field – all designed to make Amax an even better place for the next generation.

AMAX REVITALIZATION PROJECT Investing in Activity, Safety, and Our Community

CONNECTED TRAIL LOOP

16+

MILES OF TRAILS

TRAILHEADS

ONE

CONNECTED COMMUNITY 76 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

EXPANDED PARKING

FUTURE TURF FIELD Scan to support the Amax Project

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Warrick Parks Foundation warrickparksfoundation.org

What We Do • Dozens of hours spent fundraising and planning • Hundreds of volunteer hours • Countless moments of fun • And $97,855.37 donated to better Warrick County’s parks and trails!

Our Mission The Warrick Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing and maintaining our community’s beautiful parks, trails, and public spaces for the enjoyment of residents and visitors for generations to come.

What’s New at the Parks Friedman Park: • New large LED sign at entrance • New swing set and landscape surround • New shade structure • New planters and flowers at event center • Quarterly landscape maintenance • Flagpole repair and new flag • Outdoor weatherwear and logo shirts for staff • Extension cord reel, miter saw, weed eater storage system, forklift work platform, drill press, welding tool, and work bench • Sponsorship of conservation crusaders • New signage at Friedman Pup Park Scales Lake Park • New signage • Wagon wheel project • Scales Lake project • Camp scholarships for 20+ kids to attend Scales Lake Summer Camp at no charge

Donations Made • Exercise science accreditation for 24 Warrick Pathway & Career Center Students • Hitting mats for Newburgh Junior Baseball • Double bases for Newburgh Girls Softball • A picnic table for Rivertown Pickleball • A donation to a dad in need from profits from Dad Fest • A donation to the WPF Endowment Fund with the Warrick Community Foundation

Upcoming Events & Fundraisers • Oct. 18, 2026: 7th Annual Halloween in the Park • Nov. 11, 2026: Bingo for the Parks – Christmas Edition 21+

Scan the QR code to donate today!

@WarrickParksFoundation @WarrickParksFoundation

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 77

By breaking down barriers and creating pathways to belonging, The Arc of Evansville strengthens both individual lives and the entire community.

What’s New

The Arc in Haynie’s Corner Renovations are underway at our third Community Pathway Hub, The Arc in Haynie’s Corner (formerly Walton’s). This building will serve as a key location for programming, coordination, and community connection. We are excited about the possibilities this hub will bring.

Career Exploration & Planning Services For young adults wanting to explore the type of work that is right for them, The Arc of Evansville offers a service where people can explore real workplaces, learn what they like and dislike, and discover the support that helps them succeed. If interested, contact your case manager for more information.

Indiana State Tax Credit - NAP Program Organizations, corporations, businesses, and individuals are eligible to make a contribution to The Arc of Evansville and receive a tax credit on their Indiana taxes worth 50% of their contribution. Contact Cinda Phillips at cinda.phillips@arcofevansville.org for more information.

78 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The Arc of Evansville 956 Parrett St. • 812-428-4500 • arcofevansville.org

How We Make An Impact The Arc of Evansville helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities live fuller, more independent, and more connected lives. Its work goes beyond offering basic support; it creates opportunities for individuals to build skills, form relationships, and participate meaningfully in the community. By focusing on each person’s strengths, goals, and needs, The Arc of Evansville helps people build confidence and selfdetermination. At its core, The Arc of Evansville strengthens the entire community. When people with disabilities have access to support, opportunity, and respect, everyone benefits from a more inclusive and compassionate society. The organization’s impact is measured not only in services provided, but in lives enriched, confidence built, and possibilities expanded. Through its commitment to advocacy, support, and inclusion, The Arc of Evansville helps ensure that every person has the chance to succeed.

Giving Opportunities Supporters can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people served through a variety of giving opportunities. Contributions help fund programs, services, advocacy efforts, and community experiences that promote independence, inclusion, and personal growth for individuals with disabilities. Donors may make a one-time gift, provide ongoing monthly support, or participate in special campaigns and events. Every gift, no matter the size, expands opportunities, strengthens services, and ensures individuals and families receive the support they need to thrive.

Community Pathway Hubs The Community Pathway Hubs represent an exciting step forward in creating more personalized, accessible, and meaningful opportunities for individuals served by The Arc of Evansville. These hubs connect people to experiences, relationships, and resources that support growth, independence, and full participation in community life. By creating welcoming spaces and pathways for engagement, the hubs help individuals explore their interests, build skills, and develop stronger connections with the world around them. For the broader community, they help strengthen inclusion by building connections that recognize the value, talents, and contributions of every person.

Our Mission To connect people with opportunities and purpose. Our Vision For all people to experience a sense of community through connection, inclusion, and support.

Scan the QR code to donate today!

Our Core Values • Innovation – Evolving through continuous discovery to create impactful improvements. • Dignity – Recognizing and advocating for the value of all. • Equity – Promoting inclusion by celebrating uniqueness. • Accountability – Taking responsibility for actions, behaviors, and performance. • Leadership – Influencing and supporting others for their best selves.

@arcofevansville @arcofevansville

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 79

80 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Children’s Center for Dance Education 5900 Vogel Road, Ste. A • 812-421-8066 • childdance.org

How We Make An Impact The Children’s Center for Dance Education (CCDE) is excited to launch its regional tour of The Children’s Nutcracker, bringing a beloved holiday tradition to communities across the Tri-State this December. The cast and crew of hundreds of local artists and volunteers will perform 10 ballets, educational showcases, and outreach activities. This family-friendly production brings the joy and magic of ballet to audiences of all ages. Since 1995, CCDE has worked to ensure that children of all backgrounds have access to high-quality dance education. Through outreach, professional performance experiences, and tuition assistance, the organization remains committed to the belief that every child deserves the chance to dance, grow and express themselves. Ticket sales help fund scholarships and community outreach programs that keep dance accessible across the region. “We believe every child should have the opportunity to dance, to discover joy in movement, confidence in their abilities, and pride in performing,” Founder and Artistic Director Deena Laska-Lewis says. “Our Nutcracker tour celebrates that mission by bringing communities together through art, inclusion, and holiday magic.” In 2026, CCDE was honored by Leadership Everyone with the Division Award for Project or Program at its Celebration of Leadership ceremony. The award recognized the contributions of the Sensory-Friendly Performance of The Children’s Nutcracker to the region, which made the ballet accessible and welcoming with environmental adjustments. The supportive atmosphere included a sensory gift bag, open seating, additional lighting, and an abbreviated performance. Founded in 1995, The Children’s Center for Dance Education has forged a new model for a ballet organization through innovative programming, artistic excellence and extensive community outreach. CCDE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering ballet classes to children and adults at its Evansville studio. Often partnering with local school and non-profit organizations, CCDE creates school shows and sensory sensitive performances to support the blending of arts and education. For more information about CCDE and to purchase tickets, please visit childdance.org.

Our Mission We are a regional ballet school, offering classes and a touring company, that brings the art of ballet to venues all over the Tri-State.

Upcoming Events • Dec. 5, 2026: The Children’s Nutcracker in New Harmony • Dec. 11-12, 2026: The Children’s Nutcracker in Evansville • Dec. 13, 2026: The Children’s Nutcracker in Henderson, Kentucky

Scan the QR code to donate today!

@childdance @center4dance

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 81

121 Bob Jones Way tgcevv.org “We envision a restored city where lives are healed, families are strengthened, and communities are transformed through the power and love of Jesus Christ.”

What We Offer • Biblical Teaching • Authentic Community • Prayer and Support • Opportunities to Serve • A Place for Your Whole Family

How You Can Help • Volunteer your time • Donate to support our programs • Provide meals or supplies • Partner with us in the community • Pray for those on the journey

Our Services & Programs • Family Recovery: Help and healing for families • Feeding Programs: Meals, groceries, and other essentials • Outreach: Street ministry and community engagement • Life Skills: Tools for a stronger tomorrow

Join us for Sunday services at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Restore Outreach Ministries Every Monday • Doors open at 5 p.m. Meal at 5:30 p.m. • Classes at 6:30 p.m. • Restore Hope Counseling: Services with 40 clients • Restore Christmas: Serving 154 children • Restore Christmas Saving for 10 families who save $150, which is matched for parents to buy Christmas

Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” 82 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The Gathering Church/ Restore Outreach Ministries 121 Bob Jones Way • tgcevv.org

Recovery Restore Outreach Ministries, now in its 20th year, helps individuals and families find restoration from life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Restore’s Christ-centered community program, Celebrate Recovery (CR), addresses more than drugs and alcohol, encouraging personal responsibility, healthy choices, and lasting change. Through year-round support, Restore helps individuals break unhealthy cycles and build a path toward healing for future generations. CR follows a 12-Step structure with a faithbased approach, using the Journey Begins and Journey Continues books to guide participants through recovery. Restore provides an evening meal, men’s and women’s recovery classes, age-appropriate groups for children and teens, and a Christ-centered adult recovery group — allowing families to grow and heal together. Our Monday night meetings average 169 attendees.

Family Family is at the heart of the church. It is a place where individuals experience love, support, belonging, and spiritual growth. In the church, family extends beyond immediate families to include all believers as a spiritual family united in Christ. The Gathering Church provides an environment where families can grow together in faith, parents can model Christlike love, and children and teens can discover their identity in Christ, build meaningful relationships, and learn biblical truths that will guide them throughout life. We seek to create a community where people are known, loved, supported, and encouraged.

Our Mission Restoring lives, strengthening families, and reaching our city with the love of Jesus.

Kings Table Community Food Support • Sunday Breakfast • Monday Restore Dinner • Wednesday Youth Meal • Thursday Lunch • Friday Pop-Up Grill • Saturday Shopping Experience • Snack Bags • Bible Buddies Meal

Scan the QR code to donate today!

Sponsored by

Outreach Outreach is a core part of The Gathering Church’s mission and reflects our commitment to serve and love our local community. Through community partnerships, service projects, seasonal initiatives, and practical support, we seek to meet both physical and spiritual needs. • Restore Back-to-School: Distributed 857 backpacks with supplies, socks, and shoes • Photos with Santa is a fun and free event for the whole community. • Street Jesus Unhomed Ministry @theGatheringEvansville

@Thegatheringevansville

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 83

84 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

CenterPoint Energy Foundation CenterPointEnergy.com/Community

Home Repair & Care: Helping Homeowners Unexpected home repairs can cause financial strain for families, especially for homeowners who may not qualify for traditional assistance programs. Through Home Repair & Care, implemented by Community One, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is helping close that gap. Since launching in January 2026, Home Repair & Care has completed or started 253 projects. By helping Southwestern Indiana homeowners address critical repairs, the program strengthens housing stability and helps families avoid costly issues. For Evansville homeowner Melissa B., the impact was significant: “Like many homeowners, I didn’t qualify for most assistance programs, but major repairs were simply beyond my budget. Home Repair & Care helped replace several aging, inefficient parts of my home that were more than 25 years old, giving me peace of mind and making goals that once felt out of reach feel possible again.”

Optimize for Local: Supporting Small Businesses

Our Mission We strive to be a catalyst in our communities by leveraging everyday opportunities and resources to achieve extraordinary outcomes. We invest in initiatives to improve our stakeholders’ lives today and build a strong foundation for tomorrow.

Stay Connected Stay informed about 2027 grant cycles by visiting our website and following our social media channels.

Local restaurants and retailers are deeply connected to the communities they serve. They create jobs, generate economic activity, and contribute to the character of their communities. Through matching grants, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is supporting nine locally owned restaurants and retailers as they invest in facility improvements that strengthen operations and support long-term sustainability. Grants support projects such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, LED lighting upgrades, and other building improvements. By supporting these improvements, Optimize for Local helps business owners direct more resources toward running and growing their businesses.

Scan the QR code to learn more!

Optimize for Good: Investing in Nonprofits

@CenterPointEnergy

Nonprofits are working every day to meet growing community needs. Yet many are balancing mission-driven work with the realities of maintaining older facilities, often forcing difficult choices between programs and facility needs. Through Optimize for Good, the CenterPoint Energy Foundation is supporting 14 nonprofits across southwestern Indiana with grant funding, facility assessments and technical guidance provided by IFF. Together, these resources help organizations identify facility needs, prioritize improvements and plan ahead. As Gary Roan, CEO of the Community Action Program of Evansville (CAPE), shared, “The assessment gave us a clear roadmap for future improvements, and the grant funding helps make those improvements attainable. Together, they allow us to focus more of our resources on serving our community while planning confidently for the future.”

@centerpoint_energy

@centerpoint-energy

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 85

86 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Welborn 20 N.W. Third St., Ste. 1500 • 812-437-8260 • welbornfdn.org

Who We Are Welborn Baptist Foundation (Welborn) is a foundation for lasting change. Our vision is to see communities flourishing with the well-being, abundance, and peace that God desires. Our work is grounded in faith, informed by data, and inspired by rich partner relationships. Since 2000, we have invested more than $137 million in our 14-county service area while partnering with over 440 community changemakers. These efforts have focused primarily on Early Education, Healthy Communities, Christ-Centered Communities, and capacity building through Nonprofit Excellence and Grow.

Our Mission Cultivating communities that flourish.

Stay Connected Welborn has invested more than $137 million and awarded over 1,900 grants in 14 counties over 26 years.

How We Work • Surfacing & Scaling Model Programming: We identify impactful programs through research and relationships, then work to scale them based on readiness, resources, and risk to expand reach and deepen impact. • Fostering Collaboration: We foster partnerships — formal or informal — by funding, convening, and building relationships to help diverse groups jointly pursue shared goals, tasks, or projects. • Building Capacity: We help nonprofits, funders, and churches grow impact by offering custom consulting and cohort trainings to strengthen mission fulfillment and cross-sector collaboration. • Measuring & Sharing Progress: We are informed by data, using intentional learning and evaluation practices — like surveys and grantee evaluations — to track progress, foster growth, and drive meaningful impact across communities.

Who We Serve

Scan the QR code to learn more!

@WelbornBaptistFoundation @welbornfdn

@welbornfdn

Welborn serves 14 counties in the Greater Evansville Region — Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick in Indiana; Gallatin, Saline, Wabash, Wayne, and White in Illinois; and Henderson in Kentucky.

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 87

88 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe) 22 S.E. Fifth St. • 812-643-cMoe(2663) • cmoekids.org

Our Impact As a leading destination for children, families, and communities to create, learn, and grow together, we welcome everyone! Through hands-on exploration and joyful discovery, the Children’s Museum inspires lifelong learning and supports each child’s development. If you haven’t visited cMoe lately, you haven’t visited cMoe — new experiences are available daily. With offerings such as cMoe-To-Go (educational outreach), curriculum-based field trips, hands-on learning opportunities, birthday celebrations, unique team-building activities, facility rentals for companies and organizations, daily programming, special performances, and more — there is something for everyone at cMoe!

Giving Opportunities When you donate to cMoe, you are supporting lifelong learning for everyone. Many people are unaware that cMoe relies on donations, as it does not receive funding from the city, state, or federal government, except through competitive grants. Our offerings as well as the upkeep of our historic building, are all made possible by the generosity of donors. Since becoming the region’s Children’s Museum, we envision fostering solid, steady community engagement and growth. We are evolving into a regional arts and cultural hub where STEAM comes to life, blending science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to spark curiosity, creativity, and joy for all who experience cMoe. You can help continue to inspire lifelong learners and their joy of discovery by sponsoring or donating to cMoe today. Visit cmoekids.org/support/donate.

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

Annual Events & Fundraisers • October 2026: Fall Break Camp (cMoe CSI) • December 2026: cMoe Goes to the North Pole, Happy Noon Year, Winter Break Camp • March 2027: Spring Break Camp • June-July 2027: Summer Camp • July-August 2027: Rotating educational workshops and programs • September 2027: cMoe’s Birthday Celebration

Scan the QR code to donate today!

Volunteer Opportunities cMoe offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for everyone. Opportunities include preparing and supporting crafts for daily programming, refreshing exhibits, guiding field trips, assisting with summer camp, greeting visitors, engaging children in hands-on learning and play, general facilities maintenance, administrative tasks, outreach, and preparation for fundraising events. Visit cmoekids.org/volunteers to fill out our information form; a team member will get back to you soon! @cmoekids

@cmoekids

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 89

Real Love. Real Faith. Real Change. 90 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Scan here for more information about your Evansville Rescue Mission.

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Evansville Rescue Mission 500 E. Walnut St. • 812-421-3800 • evansvillerescuemission.org

How We Make An Impact • Join the Mission: There are countless ways YOU can make a difference. • Visit: Come visit Mission Grounds Coffee Shop or shop at The Thrift Store. • Volunteer: Serve meals, mentor residents, tutor, assist at the thrift store, and much more. • Donate: Your financial gifts and donated items provide hope every day. • Pray: Pray for our residents, staff, volunteers, and community. For more than 100 years, the Evansville Rescue Mission (ERM) has been a helping hand for hurting neighbors throughout the Tri-State. Through Christ-centered care, we meet people where they are, providing food, shelter, safety, support, and opportunities for lasting change. Through our Men’s Residence Center and Susan H. Snyder Center for Women & Children, individuals and families facing homelessness, addiction, trauma, and other hardships find a safe place to begin again. Beyond meeting basic needs, we provide personalized programming, spiritual guidance, case management, education, and wrap-around care helping those we serve build a foundation for lasting stability and self-sufficiency. Our social enterprises, The Thrift Store and Mission Grounds Coffee Shop, give our community meaningful ways to be part of that impact. Whether it is making a purchase, donation, or grabbing a cup of coffee, YOU are helping support the life-changing work happening throughout ERM. To learn more about giving financially, prayerfully, or through material donations, please visit our website or contact Victoria at victoria.flaherty@ermstaff. org. To volunteer, connect with Madison at madison.dunlap@ermstaff.org. Together, we can empower real love, lasting faith, and life-changing hope for everyone served by the Evansville Rescue Mission.

Our Story Your Evansville Rescue Mission was started back in 1917 by our co-founders, Dr. Ernest “Pappy” Reveal and his wife, Edna. They had a vision to reach out to our Tri-State’s hurting, forgotten, and impoverished ... a heart of service we still share today. As our community’s oldest and largest ministry of its kind, your ERM seeks to restore dignity, health, and hope by sharing the love of Jesus Christ with those in need. Through life-changing programs and services, we reach out to hurting and vulnerable neighbors to help them discover new life in Christ.

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

Annual Events & Fundraisers • Oct. 5-10, 2026: Fall Festival Booth #136 • Nov. 7, 2026: Drumstick Dash 5K • Nov. 24, 2026: Gobbler Gathering Thanksgiving Food Box Giveaway

Scan the QR code to donate today!

@Evansville Rescue Mission @evvrescuemission @missiongrounds

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 91

Second Chances Change Lives. Your donations make second chances possible.

Evansville Goodwill Industries Inc.

Your local Evansville nonprofit since 1935. 92 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Evansville Goodwill Industries Inc. 5001 Washington Ave. • 812-474-2222 • evvgoodwill.org

How We Make An Impact When neighbors donate gently used items, those goods generate funding for our opportunity-creating programs such as The Excel Center® Evansville Southeast, our tuition-free adult high school, job placement, digital literacy, and second-chance employment services. We meet our neighbors where they are, removing real-world barriers such as childcare and transportation which stand between them and a path forward. Along with earning their high school diplomas, students achieve college credits or industry-recognized certifications, stepping directly into high-demand roles across local healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. 100 percent of our graduates are in Indiana, gaining true self-sufficiency, raising household incomes, and reinvesting right back into our community.

How You Can Support Our Mission Second chances are powered by neighbors and local businesses who believe in investing in human potential. Here is how you can walk alongside us: • Partner With Us: Host a workplace donation drive, become an official employer partner, or hire our certified graduates to fill your workforce needs. • Give Back: Donate your gently used household items or make a financial contribution to fund our opportunity-creating programs.

Bring Your Team to the Turkey Day 5K! Start your Thanksgiving morning giving back before giving thanks! Rally your workplace by registering a corporate team or becoming an official event sponsor for our annual Turkey Day 5K. Every step your team takes raises critical funds that support our adult high school students on their journey toward a diploma and a career. Visit our website today to sign up your company team or explore sponsorship opportunities.

Our Mission Our mission is to help people, families, and communities thrive through the power of relationships, education, and work.

Our Mission in Action • Relationships: Our Opportunity Center hosts external partners to centralize community resources, while second chance hiring and GoodGuide coaching build internal support systems that help our team thrive. • Education: The Excel Center® offers tuition-free adult high school diplomas with free childcare, while GoodSkills Academy delivers digital literacy and job certifications. • Work: Through our Employment Specialists, we provide free career coaching, resume building, and specialized job placement to help neighbors overcome employment barriers.

Your support makes this possible as we build a more vibrant Tri-State region. @evvgoodwill

@evvgoodwill

@evvgoodwill1935

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 93

94 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Evansville Trails Coalition 401 S.E. Riverside Drive • 812-435-1463 • walkbikeevv.org

How We Make An Impact Our vision is to create a vibrant, active, and connected Evansville where multiuse trails are part of daily life. Through partnerships, we offer programs like Upgrade Bike Share, Bicycle Incentives, Urban Hikes, and Group Rides, and events promoting trail use, building, and sustainability. We address quality of life challenges with strategies that deliver lasting results. Our advocacy and planning efforts, such as the Region Trail Master Plan and trail grant writing, focus on expanding the Greenway trail system and nature trails at local and regional levels. Our ultimate goal is a safe, walkable, wheelchair-accessible, and bike-friendly community that is inclusive and accessible to all.

Giving Opportunities Your involvement and support are key to developing new trails in Southwest Indiana! Join the Trailblazer Member Coalition to advocate or fund accessible pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Be part of a passionate community working to create a seamless, connected trail system, closing gaps, and linking our extensive trail network together.

Volunteer Opportunities Our mission is to improve community infrastructure and quality of place and space through safe trails, sidewalks, and bike lanes. We develop strategies to find innovative, appropriate trail solutions and remain committed to trail development connections. This approach strengthens our regional impact, extending our influence and making a lasting difference. Let us know how you want to make an impact — use your time and talents advancing trails in our region!

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

Ways to Participate • Join ETC’s coalition of community donors who give monthly to create a more frequent impact through generous giving: Just $5 a month makes a big difference! • Mail in your donation to P.O. Box 932, Evansville, IN 47706, or give online. • Give an in-kind, or noncash gift (such as stock). • Consider a planned or legacy gift to achieve your life goals of generosity and caring for your community. • Celebrate a friend or a family member with a gift made in their honor this holiday season. What a special gift you can give!

Our Vision To see a more vibrant and active Evansville Region, in which multi-use trails are integrated into daily living. @evansvilleareatrails

@evansvilletrailscoalition

Scan the QR code to donate today!

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 95

We are an environmental and community nonprofit with a mission to help people and nature thrive in Evansville, Indiana.

In the last year: • KEB was a part of over 600 trees being planted across the community • KEB was the founding organization behind Bee City Evansville • KEB planted thousands of pollinators and a dozen new gardens across the community • KEB helped host the first ever pollinator symposium with their community partners through Bee City • KEB picked up over 5,000 bags of litter across the community! • KEB worked with area students on youth led tree planting and pollinator gardens

Congratulations Nick Iaccarino Rotary Club of Evansville’s 20 Under 40 We’re proud to see your leadership and talents receive the recognition they deserve!

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT US, VISIT KEEPEVANSVILLEBEAUTIFUL.ORG 96 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

LITTER-FREE EVANSVILLE

BEAUTIFICATION PROGRAMS

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Keep Evansville Beautiful 402 Court St. • 812-425-4461 • keepevansvillebeautiful.org

How We Make An Impact For more than 50 years, Keep Evansville Beautiful has led beautification efforts across the area. We continue to work to make sure our community is a beautiful place to work and live. Each year, we pick up over 5,000 bags of litter from the streets. We lead community cleanups through our Litter Free Evansville initiative. We are also proud to partner with other organizations to create public spaces that make us proud! This past year we have ramped up our beautification efforts across the city! In addition to our team and volunteers picking up over 5,000 bags of litter, we are proud sponsors of the Sheriff Office’s Work Release Program that picks up over four tons of litter each month. Additionally, this past year we were the founding organization behind Bee City Evansville and have partnered with several other organizations to plant thousands of pollinators and have planted a dozen new pollinator gardens. Also, we are a proud partner of Evansville Forest Alliance. We have worked alongside Wesselman Woods, the parks department, and the city arborist to plant nearly 300 trees this past spring. Additionally, we donated 250 trees to community residents at our annual Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. We also led youth plantings with our Green Teen Council to bring our total tree contribution above 600 so far this year! We hope that you will join us in our efforts to create a community we can be proud to call home for this generation and the next!

Our Mission We are an environmental & community nonprofit with a mission to help people and nature thrive in Evansville.

Our Future Goals • To continue work on improving the entry ways into our community with a special focus on Highway 41. • To continue to plant more trees and shrubs. • To stop littering in our city

Giving Opportunities While many believe we are publicly funded, we are supported entirely by local individuals and businesses. We are so appreciative of our community partners, and you can donate online or send a check to the office. Look at our website for information on how to become a member!

Scan the QR code to donate today!

Volunteer Opportunities

@keepevvbeautiful

Follow our social media or our website for upcoming litter clean ups, tree plantings, and community beautification projects!

@KEBeautiful

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 97

Introducing the Audi Q9 A new Audi flagship has arrived.

The Audi Q9 is designed to offer our most elevated full-size luxury SUV experience, with a stronger emphasis on spaciousness and interior serenity for the owners who want it all. It stands apart from other luxury SUVs by pairing grandeur with modern technology and real everyday capability.

Visit D-Patrick Audi to book a test drive.

98 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

D-Patrick Motoplex and D-Patrick Nissan 200 N. Green River Road • 812-473-6590 • dpat.com

Driven by Community For more than 90 years, D-Patrick has been more than a locally owned automotive dealership. It has been a part of the fabric of the Evansville community. D-Patrick has grown from a single showroom into a multi-location automotive organization, but one thing has remained constant: a commitment to giving back to the people and organizations that make the community special. D-Patrick Motoplex, which is the home to BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, #1 Used and Exclusive Pre-Owned, and D-Patrick Nissan, is proud to continue that tradition through ongoing support of local charities, nonprofits and community organizations. Giving back isn’t something that happens only once a year. D-Patrick locations participate in monthly charitable giving, helping organizations throughout the area continue their important work. Over the years, D-Patrick has supported countless organizations that make a difference in the lives of local families. Some of those organizations include the Evansville Philharmonic, Vanderburgh County CASA, PAAWS, Tri-State Food Bank, Reitz Home Museum, Evansville Wartime Museum, Young & Established, Highland Challenger League, Evansville Rescue Mission, and many, many more. The impact reaches across the community — from helping provide food for families in need and supporting children and families, to preserving local history, encouraging the arts, creating opportunities for young people, and supporting organizations that improve the quality of life throughout the Tri-State. D-Patrick’s charitable support reflects a belief that a successful local business has a responsibility to invest in the community that supports it. That commitment to community service was also a significant part of Ray Farabaugh’s recognition as the 2025 TIME Dealer of the Year. Farabaugh, president of D-Patrick, was selected from more than 16,000 franchised dealers nationwide. The award recognizes not only business success, but also exceptional leadership and community involvement. D-Patrick Motoplex and D-Patrick Nissan are proud to be locally owned, proud of their more than 90-year history, and proud of the relationships they have built throughout Evansville and the surrounding communities. And looking ahead, D-Patrick intends to keep doing what it has done for generations: serving its customers, supporting its employees, and giving back to the community it proudly calls home.

Newburgh Museum

Our Mission D-Patrick Motoplex and D-Patrick Nissan positively impact our community with ongoing charitable contributions, sponsorships, and community involvement. We strive to help local organizations continue the important work they do every day.

Our Core Values • Actively caring for the community we call home. • Supporting organizations and causes making a difference. • Investing in a stronger, thriving Tri-State community. • Building lasting relationships with impactful local charities.

Scan the QR code to learn more!

@dpatrickmotoplex @dpatevansville

Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 99

100 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Our Mission

D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln 1100 E. Walnut St. • 812-428-7800 • dpatrickford.com

D-Patrick goes above and beyond just selling cars In 2014, D-Patrick co-owner Mike O’Daniel recognized the need to do even more in the communities D-Patrick serves. D-Patrick Ford Cares was the first step to a company-wide agenda to make a positive difference and give back. Soon, D-Patrick co-owner Ray Farabaugh followed Mike’s lead and implemented similar programs with the D-Patrick Motoplex dealerships. Additionally, D-Patrick Boonville Ford and D-Patrick Lebanon Ford were added to the program. D-Patrick Ford Cares is a community outreach initiative focused on supporting local non-profits, schools, community enhancement programs, and charitable organizations in Vanderburgh County. The program regularly partners with and contributes to groups making a direct, positive impact on community welfare and children’s resources. Its primary function is to provide financial assistance for selected charities and qualified organizations. D-Patrick Ford Cares awards $2,500 monthly to various organizations and causes. D-Patrick Ford Cares has donated more than $360,000 to date. D-Patrick Boonville Ford Brings Hope is an ongoing community outreach and charitable program run by D-Patrick Boonville Ford. The initiative highlights and financially supports Warrick County nonprofits, charities, and community enhancement organizations by awarding recurring grants — such as monthly $1,000 donations — while also organizing community drives, like packing truck beds with non-perishable food items. D-Patrick Boonville Ford’s donations have topped $48,000 to date. “D-Patrick Boonville Ford Brings Hope is committed to Warrick County. For us, it’s more than just selling cars,” General Sales Manager Tony Toomey says. D-Patrick Lebanon Ford Cares is the community outreach initiative run by D-Patrick Ford in Lebanon, Indiana. This corporate citizenship program is designed to partner with, support, and give back to Boone County and regional nonprofits, charities, and civic groups making a positive impact. D-Patrick Lebanon Ford has donated more than $20,000 to date. “D-Patrick Lebanon Ford is committed to Boone County. We’re committed to helping make a positive impact in our community,” General Sales Manager Jordan Roe says. D-Patrick Crawfordsville Cares is a community outreach initiative by D-Patrick in Crawfordsville, Indiana, supporting Montgomery County nonprofits, charities, and organizations. D-Patrick Crawfordsville’s donations have topped $20,000 to date. Since its inception with D-Patrick Ford Cares, D-Patrick Incorporated has donated at least $448,000 to the counties and surrounding communities it serves. D-Patrick looks forward to reaching the million-dollar mark.

Shop with a Hero

D-Patrick Ford Cares seeks to stay connected with our community by providing needed financial support to organizations making a positive impact.

Our Core Values • Giving back to the communities we serve. • Keeping our charitable contributions close to home. • Getting involved and making a difference. • Helping those who help themselves. • Working together to build stronger communities.

Scan the QR code to learn more!

@dpatrickboonvilleford @dpatrickboonvilleford

Colon Screening for Life

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 101

Proud to support these organizations and many more.

$100,000+ REINVESTED IN OUR COMMUNITY IN 2026

A Community First Commitment At Team McClintock, every closing represents more than a transaction. It represents a family served, a relationship built, and another opportunity to give back to the community we call home. Our clients have the opportunity to nominate a local organization to receive a $500 donation. Each month, Team McClintock selects one of those client nominations and gives back, allowing the people we serve to be part of the impact we make together in our community. In the first half of 2026, our team donated more than $70,000 to local organizations making a difference across Evansville and the surrounding area. And our commitment is not finished. Before the end of 2026, we are committed to giving more than $30,000 more, bringing our total community reinvestment to more than $100,000 this year.

Real estate is about more than homes. It’s about helping build a stronger community for everyone.

Scan the QR code to visit our website!

812.777.5220 • TeamMcClintock.com F.C. TUCKER EMGE 102 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Susan and Margy Haynie MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Team McClintock/F.C. Tucker Emge 812-777-5220 • TeamMcClintock.com Team McClintock’s dedication to enriching Southwestern Indiana is vividly demonstrated through our significant contributions to the Deaconess Health Foundation and fundraising for the future Cinelli Deaconess Cancer Center. This year, we sponsored two tables for the Deaconess Foundation’s Party of the Year, aiming to expand compassionate, exceptional cancer care here at home. Our team’s commitment extends far beyond donations. This May, Team McClintock honored our late friend and team member Susan Haynie through collaboration with the YWCA Evansville Room Adoption Program. Guided by a vision of dignity and comfort for the families of our community, the team shopped for and refreshed a space that will carry forward Susan’s legacy of a caring heart and people-first mentality. We extend this same people-first philosophy to both real estate and community service, with our agents actively serving local organizations including United Way Southwestern Indiana, the University of Evansville, the University of Southern Indiana, Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden, St. Benedict Cathedral, Golf Gives Back, Honor Flight, and Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana. With every real estate transaction, Team McClintock offers clients the opportunity to nominate a local not-for-profit to receive our monthly $500 donation. The ‘Team McClintock Gives Back Initiative’ not only empowers our clients but also amplifies our collective impact on the community, supporting causes ranging from educational enhancements to public health and animal welfare. This year’s donation recipients include Chemo Buddies, STAGEtwo Productions, the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, Vanderburgh Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, and several other purpose-driven local organizations. Contact our team of experienced REALTORS today to learn how your next property transaction can contribute to meaningful community development. At Team McClintock, we believe active community participation is crucial to sustaining the vibrancy and appeal of Southwestern Indiana as a great place to live and work. Our commitment is demonstrated through our sponsorship and support of pivotal projects that enhance educational opportunities, support the arts, revitalize public spaces, and foster community pride and engagement. Our involvement is a core part of our mission to ensure that our region continues to flourish. We encourage everyone to join us in these endeavors. @TeamMcClintock @teammcclintock251

@teammcclintock

Our Mission Team McClintock combines diverse experience with personalized professional real estate expertise to exceed client expectations through trust and communication, while actively supporting our community.

Our Core Values • Relationships: We take time to understand our clients, earn their trust, and build relationships that extend beyond the transaction. • Community: We are committed to serving, supporting, and giving back to the communities we call home. • Communication: We prioritize clear, responsive, and consistent communication. • Expertise & Excellence: We combine experience, knowledge, and high standards to deliver exceptional service. • Innovation: We combine proven methods with forward-thinking tools, marketing, and strategies.

@TeamMcClintock

@teammcclintockrealestate

Scan the QR code to learn more!

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 103

104 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

McDonald’s mcdonalds.com

Rooted in Our Communities The Golden Arches may be recognized around the world, but across the Evansville region, the people behind them are decidedly local. McDonald’s Owner/Operators Katie and Chip Kenworthy, Susan and Rick Mann, Janet Rodriguez and Ivan Carvajal, Michael Burrell, Chris and Kelsey Hamlet, Chris McEnaney, and Wally Nowakowski own and operate restaurants throughout the Tri-State. Together, they create local jobs, support area organizations and invest in the communities where their employees and customers live, work, and raise their families. Their giving takes many forms, from supporting schools, educators, and youth programs to partnering with food banks, first responders, and local nonprofits. But one cause brings McDonald’s Owner/Operators together in a particularly meaningful way: Ronald McDonald House of the Ohio Valley.

Keeping Families Close As the Founding and Forever Mission Partner, local Owner/Operators and their restaurant teams help Ronald McDonald House provide comfort, care, and a home away from home for families with children receiving medical treatment. That support happens every day through Round-Up for RMHC, when McDonald’s customers are invited to round their purchase to the nearest dollar. A few cents at a time can add up to extraordinary impact when an entire community gets behind a cause. Local restaurants also support the charity through fundraising campaigns, donations, volunteerism, and events, all with one goal: helping families stay close when it matters most.

Our Mission Local Owners. Lasting Impact. Evansville-area McDonald’s Owner/Operators are using the power of local business to support families and strengthen the communities they call home.

Beyond the Arches • Keep Families Close: Supporting Ronald McDonald House of the Ohio Valley. • Invest Locally: Giving back to schools, nonprofits, and community organizations. • Create Opportunity: Providing local jobs and opportunities for people to grow. • Show Up: Volunteering, partnering, and lending a hand when our communities need us.

Why We Give As local business owners, we believe strong communities are built by people who show up for one another. We are proud to use our restaurants, resources, and reach to support the families, organizations, and communities we call home.

Giving Back, Together For these local McDonald’s owners, community involvement isn’t simply about writing a check. It’s about showing up, building relationships, and using their businesses as a force for good. And they couldn’t do it alone. Every crew member who asks a customer to Round-Up and every guest who says “yes” becomes part of that impact. Because when local businesses and their communities give together, even the smallest contributions can make a big difference.

Scan to download and support your community every day!

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 105

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Community Foundation of Southwest Indiana 20 N.W. Third St., Ste. 820 • 812-429-1191 • cfswi.org

How We Make An Impact For 35 years, the Community Foundation of Southwest Indiana has connected generous people with the causes and communities they care about. What makes us different is our focus on endowment giving: we invest charitable gifts for long-term growth, with a portion of earnings granted each year to support local nonprofits, students, community projects, and other community needs. This creates a permanent source of local funding that continues to make an impact for generations. Across our nine communities, our local knowledge and trusted partnerships help turn generosity into lasting impact, with nearly $80 million invested back into our communities since our founding.

Our Mission We cultivate resources and relationships to address the evolving needs of Southwest Indiana.

Our Strategic Pillars • Regional Collaboration and Alignment • Vibrant and Resilient Communities • Health & Well-Being

Giving Opportunities

• Foundations for Economic Mobility

Your generosity can go three times as far. Through our Rooted in Community campaign, eligible gifts to a Community Good Fund are matched 2:1, tripling the impact of every dollar. These permanently invested gifts create lasting support that can adapt as community needs change. Whether you want to establish a fund, add to an existing fund, or create a legacy for the future, we can help you find a giving opportunity that reflects your values. Together, we can keep Southwest Indiana rooted in community and growing stronger for generations. Scan the QR code to donate today! @cfswi

@cfswi

106 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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

Our Mission Empower parents and children to create positive relationships in a safe and nurturing environment.

How We Make An Impact Parenting Time Center supports children in high-conflict families by providing a safe, neutral environment to connect with their parents. As the sole provider of supervised visitations and safe exchanges in a 16-county region, we help families build healthier relationships. By creating a nurturing space, we positively impact children’s and parents’ mental well-being. Our mission is to empower families, while our vision seeks to break the generational cycle of fragile family dynamics through comprehensive services, community partnerships, and collaboration.

Giving Opportunities Recurring monthly donations are vital for the long-term sustainability of our services like supervised visitations and safe exchanges. Businesses can also contribute through event or program sponsorships. In-kind donations, like toys or office supplies, directly benefit the families we serve. Volunteering your time at events can make a meaningful impact. Additionally, participating in fundraisers like our Pickleball Party or Giggles for Good Comedy Show helps us continue empowering families and fostering positive relationships in our community.

Getting Involved We have opportunities for volunteers to organize toys in our visitation spaces, perform administrative tasks, and support our events. Your time and effort play a key role in ensuring that our spaces remain welcoming and that our programs run smoothly.

Annual Fundraisers & Events Jan. 30, 2027: Giggles for Good Comedy Show Fundraiser, featuring Las Vegas Mastermind, Tyzen - The Comedy Hypnotist, at the Victory Theatre

Scan the QR code to donate or buy event tickets today! @ParentingTimeCenter

@parentingtimecenter @Parenting Time Center

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 107

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

River Kitty Cat Cafe

Our Mission

226 Main St. • 812-550-1553 • riverkittycatcafe.org

How We Make An Impact River Kitty opened on July 14, 2017, offering coffee, cuddles, and treats. From the beginning, the VHS has provided approximately 20 adoptable cats at any given time who live there until being adopted. Cats at the café are fixed and fully vetted, ready to leave when the right family walks in to take them home! As of present time, more than 2,000 VHS cats and kittens have been adopted from River Kitty!

River Kitty Cat Café is a satellite cat adoption center and coffee shop, owned and operated by the Vanderburgh Humane Society!

Giving Opportunities

Annual Events & Fundraisers

All proceeds from the café benefit adoptable cats. That means every coffee or smoothie you buy, every quirky piece of merchandise you pick up as a gift, and each delicious pastry you consume is helping pets here in our community! River Kitty also has a multipurpose room on its lower level, known as The Basement @ River Kitty. The Basement is available for birthday party or meeting rental seven days a week and seats up to 36 guests! Email events@vhslifesaver.org to book!

• Cat Yoga • Singles’ Night Follow @riverkittycatcafe on social media for future dates!

Getting Involved River Kitty utilizes volunteers to help care for the cats, supervise the cat lounge during business hours, and facilitate cat adoptions. Shifts of at least two hours are available seven days a week. Volunteers must be at least 16 with reliable transportation Downtown. Email volunteer@vhslifesaver.org to get involved! @riverkittycatcafe

@riverkittycatcafe

Scan the QR code to donate today!

@riverkittycatcafe

A cozy destination for cat lovers, this cafe pairs refreshing beverages and sweet macarons with plenty of feline companionship. Guests can relax and spend time with adoptable cats in a comfortable setting - and perhaps even meet a new furry family member along the way. 226 Main St. 812-550-1553 riverkittycatcafe.org

108 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Our Mission

Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville 2111 Stringtown Road • 812-423-5456 • ccevansville.org

How We Make An Impact Catholic Charities makes an impact by providing services that enhance the mental health, life skills, and work skills of those we serve, enabling individuals to participate fully in family and community life. The goals of our programs are to reduce poverty, improve self-sufficiency, and enhance mental well-being. Our services accompany individuals on their journey by supporting them through challenges, providing essential tools to thrive, and instilling hope and confidence. We are here to help individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, dignity, and hope. We help meet immediate needs while empowering people to build greater stability for the future.

As servants of Christ, Catholic Charities provides services to individuals, families, and communities in need, and advocates for and empowers the human dignity of others.

Upcoming Event Oct. 22, 2026, 10 a.m.: Catholic Charities Open House

Our Services Giving Opportunities You can donate to the Catholic Charities by mailing to 2111 Stringtown Road, Evansville, IN 47711, calling 812-423-5456, or visiting ccevansville.org.

Getting Involved • • •

• Boots 4 Work • Counseling Services • Emergency Financial Assistance • Immigration Legal Services • Medical Travel Assistance • Neighbor to Neighbor

Neighbor to Neighbor Facilitator — Guide participants as they set goals to move forward. Receive training and support from staff members. Committee Member — Engage with other volunteers to provide guidance and insight to enhance services, operations, and awareness. Facilities Volunteer — Use your skills to help with basic maintenance projects such as painting, repairs, landscaping, and other tasks. Scan the QR code to donate today!

Emergency Financial Assistance Boots 4 Work

Neighbor to Neighbor

Counseling Services

Helping People. Strengthening Families. Building Hope. Catholic Charities is here to help individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, dignity, and hope. We help meet immediate needs while empowering people to build greater stability for the future. Whatever challenges you may be facing, you don’t have to face them alone.

Medical Travel Assistance Immigration Legal Services

NEED HELP? START HERE. 812-423-5456 | ccevansville.org 2111 Stringtown Road | Evansville, IN 47711

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 109

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue 1417 Stockwell Road • 812-909-1306 • itvrescue.org

11,000 Second Chances It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue began in 2010 when two Evansville women decided no animal should die for lack of time or space. Today that promise holds: more than 11,000 animals saved and an annual euthanasia rate under 0.04 percent. We take the cases others turn away — heartworm-positive dogs, parvo puppies, bully breeds, seniors, and the black dogs overlooked in every shelter. Best Friends Animal Society certified us No-Kill in 2023.

Our Mission To work as one in helping animals, no matter the breed, location, or circumstance.

Annual Fundraisers & Events • Oct. 18, 2026, 1-5 p.m.: Jeepin’ for a Cause

More Than A Shelter Rescue does not stop at the kennel door. Our community pet food bank keeps families and their pets together when money runs short. We provide medical assistance for struggling pet owners, affordable spay and neuter services, and TNR for cat colonies. Every animal we place carries a lifelong commitment.

• Oct. 24, 2026, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Dump Dog Enterprises and ERA • Nov. 14, 2026, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Crafts for Critters Craft Fair • Nov. 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Santa Photos

Join The Village Volunteers are the reason this works. They walk dogs, socialize cats, run laundry, drive transports, staff adoption events, and open their homes to animals who need a quiet place to heal. No experience necessary, just time and a tolerance for dog hair. Fostering saves two lives: the animal in your care and the one who takes the open kennel. Volunteer sign-ups are open year-round at all three locations. @itvrescue

@itvrescue

Scan the QR code to donate today!

Adopt. Donate. Volunteer.

SAVING ANIMALS. HELPING PEOPLE. 110 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

The Nature Conservancy 620 E. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN • 317-951-8818 • nature.org/Indiana

How We Make An Impact The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is celebrating our 75th anniversary this year, and over that 75 years we’ve scaled our reach to all 50 U.S. states and are working in 83 countries across our planet. TNC is working to shape a more resilient future for land, water, wildlife, and people. We address the most pressing conservation threats in ways that benefit plants and animals as well as people and communities. Globally, TNC has conserved more than 125 million acres of land and 2.3 billion acres of ocean area — cumulatively protecting an area almost the size of the entire United States. Here in Indiana, TNC is working to protect our state’s most important natural areas, from the cypress sloughs of the southwest to the prairies and wetlands of the north. Over the past few decades, our work has evolved to support the needs of a changing planet and now includes goals to drive climate solutions, connect people with nature, and help farmers provide food sustainably so that our soil and water systems remain healthy and productive.

Our Mission The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.

Learn More @TNCindiana

@Nature_Indiana @the-nature-conservancy

Stay in touch by subscribing to Nature News at nature.org/naturenews.

Giving Opportunities There are so many ways to help! With a gift of any amount, you will begin receiving our Indiana newsletter and award-winning global magazine. • Visit support.nature.org/Indiana • Mail a check to 620 E. Ohio St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 • Call 317-951-8818 with credit card information • Make a gift of land or stock Scan the QR code to donate today!

• • •

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 111

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Birthright of Evansville 20 Read St. • 812-424-2555 • birthright.org/evansville

Get Involved Birthright relies on the dedication, time and talents of our compassionate volunteers. We welcome any individuals who share our philosophy and commitment to offer loving, confidential, nonjudgmental support to those who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. There are many volunteer opportunities available, and we welcome discussing our volunteer program with you.

Our Mission “It is the right of every pregnant woman to give birth, and the right of every child to be born.” – Louise Summerville, founder of Birthright International

How Else Can You Help Our center runs off of donations, and we are in constant need of: • Diapers (especially sizes 4-7) • Wipes • Boys and girls clothing – gently used or new (especially sizes 12m - 2T)

If you’d like to subscribe to our newsletter and learn more about how to support us, email us at birthright.evansville@gmail.com

Getting Involved The essence of Birthright is love. Birthright is unique and committed to offering free, nonjudgmental help to women facing unplanned pregnancies. Birthright offers love, hope, and support to each woman, to help her make a realistic plan for her future and the future of her unborn child. At Birthright, we understand the challenges related to unplanned pregnancies. Birthright is available to women for as long as they need us. We offer love, friendship, and support to women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. Birthright is interdenominational and is not involved in any political activities or lobbying. Birthright’s focus is on loving the mother, reminding her that there is hope and ensuring she is not alone.

Scan the QR code to donate today!

@BirthrightInternational

Your Life. Your Plan.

We help you form a plan that fits with your life. A plan that works best for you and your pregnancy. Birthright is here for you for as long as you need us. Birthright services are always nonjudgmental, confidential, and free.

We Offer: • Information about pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, prenatal care, community programs, parenting skills and child care • Referrals for medical support, financial resources, housing, legal, social assistance, and professional counseling • Resources for pregnancy tests and maternity and baby care items • Live chat through our website • Friendship, love, and hope

20 Read St. | 812-424-2555 | birthright.org/evansville 112 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Our Mission

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Indiana State Games

To provide older adults competitive and recreational sporting event opportunities and to enhance quality of life through fellowship and socialization in a safe, enjoyable environment for active lifestyles.

812-297-9568 • indianastategames.org

How We Make An Impact The Indiana State Games, the Official Indiana Senior Games, is the largest multi-sport organization offering older adults competitive and recreational opportunities in Evansville and the state of Indiana. We impact thousands of seniors by decreasing depression, loneliness, and health care costs, in turn increasing longevity of life, a sense of accomplishment, and daily active living throughout the year. We cater to people ages 50 and over, who can choose from more than 25 recreational and competitive sporting events and mental agility games. We host the Olympic-style events for seniors over two weeks, with participants competing by age and gender for gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Annual Fundraisers & Events • Trivia Night

Giving Opportunities

• June 2027: Celebration of Athletes Dinner & Banquet

Support can be given online, via check, or in person. Our 501(c)(3) nonprofit is independently run and headquartered in Evansville. We make every penny count, and gifts go directly to the programs and services we offer seniors throughout the year.

• 5K Run/Walk for ALL ages • Disc Golf Event for ALL Ages • June 2027: Marquee Event for 25 sporting events in Evansville, IN

Volunteer Opportunities

• September 2027: Indianapolis Events

The Indiana State Games is 90 percent run by volunteers. It takes 250-plus volunteers to support our annual events, from results entry, scorekeeping, and registration, to taking pictures, hospitality, fundraising, and set-up/take-down at events. While most support is needed in June, we have various opportunities to join a monthly volunteer committee as well. @IndianaStateGames

@indianastategames

@IndianaStateGames

Scan the QR code to learn more!

2027 INDIANA S TAT E G A M E S

The Indiana State Games local 501(c)(3) nonprofit annually hosts events for persons age 50+ to compete in a choice of 25 sporting events by gender, sport, and five-year age increments: 50-54, 55-59, and so on up to 100+. Participants compete recreationally and competitively for Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.

• Indiana State Senior Games in Evansville & Newburgh in June 2027 • Start training for your choice of 25 sporting events

• Support our local non-profit as a participating athlete, volunteering, spectating, provide a donation, or sponsor us

• Interested in registering, volunteering, or sponsorship opportunities? Contact Holly Schneider with questions: 812-297-9568, indianastategames@gmail.com, indianastategames.org

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 113

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Our Mission

Ascension St. Vincent Foundation 3700 Washington Ave. • 812-485-4265 • give.stvincent.org

How We Make An Impact At Ascension St. Vincent Evansville, our faith-based mission brings health, healing, and hope to body, mind, and spirit — regardless of ability to pay. Recognized as a Forbes Top Hospital by State, we combine medical excellence with compassionate, patient-centered care to improve the health of our entire community.

Rooted in the loving ministry of Jesus as healer, we commit ourselves to serving all persons with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable.

Giving Opportunities Since 1969, the Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Foundation has partnered with generous donors to fund lifesaving care. Giving options include one-time, recurring, tribute, and giving society donations. Crucially, 100 percent of your contributions stay local, directly supporting vital programs, medical equipment, and specialized treatments for neighbors in need.

Our Core Values • Service to the Poor

• Wisdom

• Reverence

• Creativity

• Integrity

• Dedication

Getting Involved Generously sharing your time helps make our hospital feel like home. Volunteers serve as essential partners in our health ministry through roles like Red Jacket Ambassadors, courtesy shuttle drivers, and patient delivery teams. We also offer specialized opportunities including Pet Therapy, the No One Dies Alone companion program, and Teen Summer volunteering. @stvincentevansvillefoundation

Scan the QR code to donate today!

ASCEN SIO N ST. V I N C E N T E VA N SV I L L E

NAMED A FORBES TOP HOSPITAL Ascension St. Vincent Evansville is proud to be named a Forbes Top Hospital. Receiving this award shows the commitment to patient safety, clinical excellence, and exceptional outcomes. Out of thousands of hospitals nationwide, this highlights the exceptional care that is right here in our community. Because when it comes to your health, our care teams are committed to providing high-quality, personalized care to Evansville and the surrounding communities. Experience award-winning care.

114 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Our Mission

ECHO Housing Corporation 528 Main St., Ste. 202 • 812-423-8422 • echohousing.org

Our Belief We believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home and the opportunity to build a more stable future. Our work goes beyond addressing homelessness — we create pathways to housing, employment, stability, and stronger communities.

Improving lives by reducing barriers to housing, social well-being, and economic opportunity.

Our Work Across Southwestern Indiana, we provide supportive housing, emergency shelter, veteran services, employment and resource navigation, helping individuals and families move from crisis toward long-term stability. Our impact extends beyond direct services by bringing together organizations and residents to tackle complex community challenges.

Upcoming Event Nov. 7, 2026, Old National Events Plaza: 2nd Annual Patriot Gala Visit echohousing.org/patriot-gala

Our Impact For more than three decades, we have helped thousands of people find stability while working to strengthen the systems surrounding them. Every person housed, veteran connected to opportunity, family sheltered, and partnership strengthened moves our community toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Scan the QR code to learn more!

Get Involved Visit echohousing.org to learn more about our mission and impact. To support programs serving some of our community’s most vulnerable individuals and families, contact info@echohousing.org or call 812-423-8422.

@ECHOHousingCorp

@echo_housing_corp

Building Communities, Enriching Lives. Join Us! Our 2nd Annual Patriot Gala - Masquerade of Honor, celebrates the sacrifice of Veterans and First responders in our community. Open to the public, this event captures the honor, unity, valor, and patriotism of those who have served our community and country. Join us for an evening of elegance and mystery, with dinner, a mystery experience, awards ceremony, dancing and much more. To purchase your table, individual tickets, support through a donated silent auction item or sponsorship visit: https://echohousing.org/patriot-gala/ or scan the QR code: 100% of the event proceeds go back to support our eight homeless service programs.

"Impact isn't just measured by the people we serve - it's measured by what changes because we showed up, worked together, and refused to accept that things couldn't be better." - Savannah Whicker, CEO 528 Main Street, Suite 202, Evansville, IN 47708

812-423-8422 | info@echohousing.org | www.echohousing.org

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 115

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Evansville African American Museum 579 Sondra Matthews Way • 812-423-5188 • evvaam.org

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

Our Mission Continually develop a resource and cultural center to collect, preserve, and educate the public on the history and traditions of African American families, organizations, and communities.

Annual Fundraisers & Events Every Fall: Annual Color of Humanity Gala

Giving Opportunities Individuals can donate to the Evansville African American Museum by visiting our website at evvaam.org and clicking the donate button. Our 2027 calendar is looking to expand to new depths and heights for African American history and culture and contributions from individuals, businesses, and foundations will help make this possible.

Scan the QR code to learn more!

Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are an invaluable asset to our museum and there are plenty of opportunities available if people want to get involved. Volunteers are needed as tour guides, committee members, and board members. Committees assist with special events, marketing, development, and curatorial work. To volunteer, contact Coordinator of Guest Services Conita Murry at 812-423-5188 or clerk@evv.aam.org.

@EVVafricanamericanmuseum

@evv_aam @EVV_AAM

579 Sondra Matthews Way • Evansville, IN • 812-423-5188 evvaam.org • Check us out on Facebook & X!

MUSEUM HOURS: Wednesday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday: Noon to 4 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday Special tours and rentals for events can be arranged! ADMISSION: Guided Tour: $7 adults • $5 children Self Tour: $5 adults • $3 children Please call ahead for tour appointment MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE: Lifetime $1,500 • Corporate (<200 employees) $700 • Sustaining Family $250 • Family $100 • Sustaining Individual $115 • Individual $35 College Student with ID $25

116 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Deaconess Foundation 600 Mary St. • 812-450-3359 • Deaconess.com/Foundation

Building the Future of Care At Deaconess Foundation, philanthropy turns possibility into progress. Today, one of the most visible examples is the Deaconess Cinelli Cancer Center — a transformational investment in cancer care for our region. The center will bring specialists, advanced technology, research, and supportive services together in one place, creating a more connected experience for patients and families throughout every step of the cancer journey. Most importantly, it means more patients will be able to receive exceptional, specialized cancer care without leaving the community they call home.

Our Mission To advance the compassionate and caring spirit of Deaconess through a legacy of building relationships and cultivating charitable giving.

What We Support More Than One Building. More Than One Cause. The Cinelli Cancer Center represents an extraordinary moment for Deaconess, but the impact of philanthropy can be seen throughout our health system every day. Donor support helps Deaconess: • Provide assistance to patients and families facing financial or transportation barriers. • Expand access to screenings, diagnostic services, and other essential care. • Equip caregivers with the technology, training, and tools they need to provide exceptional care. • Invest in scholarships and education that help build the health care workforce of the future. • Create programs that bring comfort, dignity, and support to patients during some of life’s most difficult moments. • Respond to emerging needs throughout Deaconess and the communities we serve.

• Supporting patients when they need it most • Removing barriers to care • Building tomorrow’s healthcare workforce • Bringing advanced care closer to home

Scan the QR code to donate today! @DeaconessFoundationEVV

@deaconesshealth

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 117

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Holly’s House 750 North Park Drive • 812-437-7233 • hollyshouse.org

How We Make An Impact We empower victims of intimate crime and abuse by providing support, promoting justice, and preventing violence. We’re the neutral home for investigations in Southwestern Indiana, bringing best practices to teams of law enforcement, prosecutors, child welfare, and mental and medical health professionals. In addition to forensic interviews and advocacy services, we provide on-site mental health intervention for children and a caregiver to reduce PTSD symptoms. Through community-based education, we increase knowledge about intimate crime and provide skills to our most vulnerable population. Brave Boundaries child abuse prevention program teaches elementary students body boundaries, online safety, and identifying trusted adults for reporting abuse. Last school year, more than 15,000 students received prevention education.

Giving Opportunities Supporting survivors throughout the disclosure process provides compassion and stability for victims and defendable information gathering for investigators and prosecutors, costing approximately $967 per client. Intervention including PTSD treatment for the child and non-offending caregiver costs $1,600. Alternatively, prevention education costs $17 per student. You can make gifts of any amount through our website or by mailed check.

Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers help maintain landscaping, host awareness and fundraising events, and provide welcome bags for children visiting Holly’s House. We appreciate donations of bottled water and individually packaged snacks.

118 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

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

Annual Fundraisers & Events • Nov. 21, 2026: Wingo Bingo • Feb. 20, 2027: Galentine’s Party • Oct. 2027: Brian Turpin Service Awards

Scan the QR code to learn more! @hollyshouse

@holly_house_evansville @hollyshouse

Our Mission

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

GLAD Adoption Agency 5000 N. First Ave. • 812-424-4523 • gladadoption.com

How We Make An Impact GLAD Adoption Agency creates a lasting impact by supporting women facing unplanned pregnancies with compassion, dignity, and respect for their right to choose the best path for themselves and their children. We provide free counseling, adoption education, maternity and baby items, medical assistance, transportation, and connections to community resources. When adoption is chosen, GLAD helps birth parents thoughtfully select a loving Christian family while prioritizing the child’s best interests and the birth mother’s emotional well-being. If a woman chooses to parent, we continue to support her transition and connect her with helpful resources. GLAD supports adoptive families through consultation, assisting with home studies, criminal background checks, and post-placement services. GLAD also offers adoptees counseling and guidance as they process their adoption experience or explore potential reunions.

Supporting women in crisis pregnancies with adoption options, free counseling, maternity clothing, medical assistance, transportation, and other essential services.

Annual Fundraisers & Events • May 2027: Evansville Walking for Dreams • December 2027: Fancy Nancy Dinner

Giving Opportunities There are many ways to help! Your support helps mothers facing unplanned pregnancies by allowing GLAD to assist them in meeting their immediate needs. GLAD assists pregnant women with rent and utilities, maternity clothing, and groceries. You can donate through our QR code or through your participation and support in our annual Walking for Dreams event every May.

Scan the QR code to donate today!

@G.L.A.D., INC

@gladadoption

Whether you are expecting a child, or wanting to know how to become an adoptive parent, G.L.A.D. will try to provide you with all the necessary information you need to make the best decision! Free Counseling • Support Services Local Community Resource Help

Home Study Services • Post Adoption Support And much more

5000 N. First Ave. 812-424-4523 | gladadoption.com EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 119

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District of Evansville 809 N. Lafayette Ave. • 812-425-3485 • svdpevansville.org

How We Make An Impact A family facing eviction. A senior choosing between groceries and medicine. A child without a bed. St. Vincent de Paul meets neighbors in these moments with compassion, dignity, and help. Our Vincentian volunteers listen, understand household needs and respond with food, clothing, furniture, rent and utility assistance, and pathways toward long-term stability. We do more than relieve a crisis: we restore hope, strengthen families, and remind neighbors that they are not alone.

Our Mission A network of friends, inspired by Gospel values, growing in holiness and building a more just world through personal relationships and service to people in need.

Annual Fundraisers & Events Giving Opportunities Your generosity becomes help where it is needed. A financial gift can keep the lights on, protect a family’s home, stock pantry shelves or provide essential clothing and household goods. Donors can support neighbors in need by making a financial gift, donating gently used items, sponsoring an event, organizing a drive, or making a memorial or planned gift. Every donation stays local and changes lives across Southwest Indiana.

• Mid-September: Friday Knights Hunger Bowl – Annual Mater Dei v. Memorial Football Game • Late September: Friends of the Poor Walk

Getting Involved You can put compassion into action. Volunteer at our Food Pantry or Thrift Store, serve through a parish Conference, organize a collection, join a fundraiser or share our mission. Whether you offer one afternoon, professional expertise or an ongoing commitment, your time matters. Join St. Vincent de Paul and become part of a community that sees every neighbor, answers need with love, and creates lasting hope.

120 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Scan the QR code to donate today!

@svdpevansville

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Youth First 111 S.E. Third St., Ste. 405 • 812-421-8336 • youthfirstinc.org

Every Young Person Deserves a Chance to Reach Their Full Potential At Youth First, we believe in the power of elevating the potential of young people and their families. Our work centers on prevention: Youth First Mental Health Professionals and Certified Prevention Specialists connect with students early in life to help them better manage challenges as they grow.

Supporting Students & Families Directly Through free, accessible, and proven prevention programs and Youth First Mental Health Professionals embedded in schools, we partner with communities to ensure students feel safe, heard, and supported.

Brighter Futures Across Communities Each year, Youth First reaches over 50,000 Indiana students and families across 15 counties with coping skills that strengthen mental health and build resilience, confidence, and hope. As young people learn how to manage stress and make healthier choices, they are more likely to succeed in school, build positive relationships with peers, and imagine brighter futures for themselves. With the support of school partners and community advocates, Youth First is helping build stronger communities for generations to come. @YouthFirstInc

@youthfirstinc

@youth-first-inc

@youthfirstevansville

Our Mission Youth First’s mission is to strengthen youth and families by providing evidence-based programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success.

Our Values • Compassion: We care about people. Show genuine concern, always. • Accountability: We care about excellence. Aim for the highest standards. • Relationships: We care about connecting. Cultivate authentic relationships. • Empowerment: We care about strong futures. Invest in the whole person.

Scan the QR code to donate today!

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 121

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

4 Good Community 1900 U.S. 41, Henderson, KY • kyle@4goodcommunity.org 4goodcommunity.org

How We Make An Impact 4 Good Community turns generosity into measurable impact for children, families, schools, and communities facing difficult circumstances. Through Kids 4 Good centers, Hope 4 Good care packages, school outreach, disaster response, community distributions, and trusted partnerships, we connect donated resources with people who need them most. In 2025, our programs and partners served 786,208 people, always working to provide support with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Our Mission To develop economic opportunity for the disadvantaged, while targeting social upliftment, community involvement, investment in self, and aiding in the pursuit of happiness.

Giving Opportunities There are many ways to give. Financial contributions help cover transportation, staffing, shipping, facilities, and the cost of expanding programs into more communities. Businesses can donate products, sponsor a program, provide transportation, host a collection drive, or build an employee-giving partnership. Individuals can make a one-time gift, become a monthly supporter, donate needed items, or introduce us to a potential community or corporate partner. Scan the QR code to donate today!

Getting Involved Volunteers make this work possible. Opportunities include sorting donated products, preparing Hope 4 Good packages, supporting special events, helping with community distributions, and participating in outreach projects. Whether you give funds, products, time, or professional expertise, your generosity creates practical help and meaningful moments of hope. Together, we can meet immediate needs, strengthen communities, and inspire the next generation to give good every day.

122 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

@4goodcommunity @4good_community

@4goodcommunity

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Our Mission

S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome 4900 Shamrock Drive • 812-449-6049 • smileondownsyndrome.org

How We Give S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome freely provides hope, encouragement, inspiration, and activities that offer support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and their caregivers. We provide engaging outings, travels, gatherings, celebrations, family movie nights, musical engagement, inspiration, education, advocacy, and opportunities for collaborations that promote friendship, associations, and inspiration. We offer educational advocacy and training, life capabilities and guidance, and gifts for individuals with Down syndrome and their family. We raise awareness about Down syndrome throughout the Evansville region, and we promote acceptance, engagement, involvement, and encouragement for people with Down syndrome of all ages and types of abilities.

S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome is committed to providing a network of support services to meet the physical, emotional, inspirational, social, and educational needs of people of all ages with Down syndrome and their families and their communities.

Annual Fundraisers & Events

Giving and Creative Opportunities Donations are encouraged through our website or through mail every day of the year. We welcome private donors, charities, individuals, families, business owners, members, organizations, and corporations to donate on our website or in person and to become a sponsor of our S.M.I.L.E. Mile, our annual walk and celebration centered around people with Down syndrome and their families. We accept items that can benefit S.M.I.L.E. for promotion and other items that will benefit lives.

• Oct. 3, 2026: S.M.I.L.E. Mile • Dec. 6, 2026: Christmas Dinner with Santa • March 21, 2027: World Down Syndrome Day Talent Show and Ice Cream Jamboree • July 12, 2027: S.M.I.L.E. at Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari

Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are encouraged to freely help in ways that inspire, encourage, assist, grow, contribute, and involve people with Down syndrome of any age and their families. @smileevansville

Scan the QR code to donate today!

25 Years of S.M.I.L.E.s! 4900 Shamrock Drive | 812-449-6049 | smileondownsyndrome.org Here at S.M.I.L.E. we strive to see that all people with Down syndrome will be loved, respected, and accepted as valuable members of their families and communities.

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 123

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Turpen’s Painting Co. 1652 N. Fares Ave. • 812-205-7848 • turpenspainting.com

Giving Back, One Room at a Time For Turpen’s Painting, giving back has never been a line item. It’s how a locally owned company built in Evansville since 2010 chooses to spend the thing it has most of: skilled hands, good materials, and time. Over the years, that’s looked like donated labor, discounted work for neighbors in a bind, preservation projects that keep the city’s historic character intact, and quiet support for local causes the crew cares about. No press release. No sign in the yard. Most of it never gets mentioned unless someone asks. The largest of those efforts is the Granted House of Hope. Turpen’s donated the entire painting scope, every interior room and the full exterior, at no cost. The crew estimated it, prepped it, and finished it the way they would any premium residential project: careful masking, full prep, quality coatings, and a final walkthrough before they called it done. It took weeks of labor and thousands of dollars in materials. Turpen’s asked for nothing. What made that possible is the same thing that shows up on a paying job — a crew that has been doing commercial and residential work side by side long enough to know the difference between a surface that looks finished and one that will still look finished in ten years. Nothing was scaled back because the invoice wasn’t coming. The corners, the trim lines, the second coat nobody would have questioned skipping — all of it got done. That’s the part worth knowing about this company. The finishes are excellent, and the reviews say so. But the measure of Turpen’s is what it does with a skill set on the days there’s no invoice at the end.

Our Mission “To transform spaces with unparalleled craftsmanship and exceptional service. We strive to set a new standard in an industry that has long been overlooked, focusing on quality, transparency, and customer experience.”

Scan the QR code to learn more!

@turpenspaintingllc

@turpenspainting

PAINTING WITH PURPOSE 124 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Our Signs of Support Mission

Signarama

Partnering with nonprofit organizations to elevate their presence and expand their impact through donated or discounted signage.

1300 N. Royal Ave. • 812-477-7763 • SignsOverAmerica.com

What is the Signs of Support Grant Program? Every year, the Signs of Support Grant Program helps local nonprofits expand their impact through donated or discounted signage. Since 2010, we’ve awarded more than $300,000 in signage grants, helping organizations promote their mission, connect with the community, and focus on the work that matters most. We want these incredible organizations to focus on their mission, and we’ll focus on their signs.

Who is eligible to apply? Registered nonprofit and charitable organizations are eligible to apply. Public schools and non-governmental civic organizations are also eligible to apply each year.

Application Timeline: • Oct. 1, 2026: Applications Open • Nov. 30, 2026: Application Deadline • Jan. 2027: Recipients Announced

How do you apply? Download an application from our website to get started. The application helps us learn more about your organization, the work you do, and how signage could support your mission. Selected recipients will be announced in January. @Signarama (1300 N. Royal Ave., Evansville, IN)

@Signarama Evansville

@signaramaevv

@signaramaevv @Signarama Evansville

Scan to learn more and apply beginning Oct. 1

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 125

Our Mission

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

New Horizons Financial Consultants 1112 S.E. First St. • 812-618-9050 • NewHorizonsFC.com

Thirty Years. One Community. Every Conversation Matters. Amy Bouchie, CFP®, CDFA® CEO & Financial Advisor | New Horizons Financial Consultants For over 30 years, Amy Bouchie has called Evansville home while helping individuals and families make important financial decisions with greater clarity and confidence. As CEO and Financial Advisor of New Horizons Financial Consultants, Amy helps clients navigate life’s important transitions — from preparing for retirement and protecting what they’ve built to navigating divorce and planning for the next generation. Her approach is personal. Amy believes every client has a different story, and meaningful financial planning begins with listening, answering questions, and building a relationship based on trust. Amy holds both the CFP® and CDFA® designations, bringing specialized expertise to comprehensive financial planning and divorce-related financial decisions. Her commitment to the community extends beyond her profession. Amy serves on several boards, including the board of the Parenting Time Center, supporting programs that strengthen families throughout Evansville. Previously recognized among Evansville’s Top 20 Women in Business, Amy remains focused on what matters most: helping people and families move forward with confidence.

To educate and empower our clients with sound, solid financial information, options & strategies designed to improve their financial lives.

Our Core Values • Integrity • Stewardship • Confidentiality

• Professionalism • Service Excellence • Sustainability

Scan the QR code to learn more! @NewHorizonsFC

@amybouchieevansville

A s a native of Evansville, Amy Bouchie is deeply connected to her community. She is committed to supporting local businesses and investing her time and talents in causes that reflect her values such as serving on the board of Parenting Time Center.

When our community partners with parents, families flourish.

FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS

Partnering with

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/ SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Western Wealth Management, LLC, a registered investment adviser dba New Horizons Financial Consultants. All entities mentioned are separate entities from LPL Financial.

126 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Kathryn Kornblum-Zelle Executive Director

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

Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

501 John St. Ste.11 812-428-2189

607 Third Ave. Jasper, IN 812-482-2233

499 W. State Route 62 Boonville, IN 812-897-0364

809 E. Illinois St. Petersburg, IN 812-354-8721

tricap.net

We can help!

• Family Health Services: Family Planning Healthy Families

• Housing Services:

Affordable Senior and Family Housing Energy Assistance Housing Counseling Individual Development Accounts

• Weatherization Services: Home Safety and Comfort Weatherization

• Education Services Head Start Preschool

Scan the QR code to learn more!

highlandchallengerbaseball.org

How you can help support

Challenger League Baseball:

• Financial Support/Monetary Donation • Contribute your business’ special talents (Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, computer skills, etc.) • Spread the word about our league to encourage participants, volunteers, and supporters • Come out to a game and cheer on our athletes

Join us for our Third Annual Challenger Lip Sync Show!

April 24, 2027 Vanderburgh 4H Center • 5pm – 11pm Dinner, drinks, raffles, silent and live auction and more!

SHOW OFF YOUR FEATURE WITH A

CUSTOM KEEPSAKE Evansville Gives • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Habitat for Humanity of Evansville 560 E. Diamond Ave. • 812-423-5623 • evansvillehabitat.org

Attainable Homeownership Tax Credit

How We Make An Impact

You or your business may be eligible to receive a state tax credit equal to 50% of the donation made to Habitat. For example, a gift of $20,000 qualifies you for a $10,000 tax credit on your Indiana state income tax return. Call us for more details!

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

Community Voice

812-297-8658 • pdevvhub.org

Giving Opportunities

Building Teams, Homes, and Hope “We believe strong communities are built when families have a safe place to call home. Supporting Habitat for Humanity of Evansville through the Indiana Affordable Housing Tax Credit is a meaningful way for us to invest in both people and our community’s future.”

TOGETHER WE BUILD, TOGETHER WE GROW Donate • Volunteer • Apply • Restore

PDEVV Hub is dedicated to supporting individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, their families, and care partners throughout the Evansville and surrounding tri-state area. Through support groups and local collaborations, PDEVV Hub connects individuals with resources, opportunities, and relationships.

Several frame styles and color options available! PLAQUE • ARCHIVAL REPRINT • ACRYLIC PLAQUE • ACRYLIC BLOCKS

ORDER NOW!

To order your keepsake, scan the QR code or visit newskeepsake.com/pages/evansville-living

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 127

THE GENIUS OF Pat Coslett’s Simplicity Furniture

HEYWOOD BANKS

November 13 & 14 Tickets $25 Food Truck at 6 p.m. Live Music by Ben Dahlquist at 6:30 p.m. Comedy at 8 p.m. Beer and Wine Cash Bar All proceeds go to

Visit Pat Coslett’s Simplicity Furniture on Facebook for tickets, or buy them at the door!

Check out our Facebook page for a full list of upcoming events! Simplicity makes furniture shopping easy, but what keeps people coming back is the feeling that they belong!

1309 N. Green River Road |

128 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

Free Delivery! Free Take-away! Chess Pie with Every Purchase

Customers who purchase furniture receive lifetime tickets to every show! Veterans, Healthcare Workers, Teachers, Firefighters, and Law Enforcement also get in FREE! Follow Pat Coslett’s Simplicity Furniture on Facebook for more information.

Pat Coslett’s Simplicity Furniture

IN THE NEWS NEW HIRES/PROMOTIONS

Anne McKim, whom

YWCA Evansville honored as a Woman on a Mission in 2020, has been named the organization’s next ANNE MCKIM CEO. She most recently served 13 years as Executive Director of the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana and has held leadership roles with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Foundation, Haynie’s Corner Arts District Association, Mayor’s Public Art Commission, and Indiana Arts Commission’s Regional Arts Partnership. McKim succeeds Erika Taylor, who this summer accepted the position of Vice President of Member Services at YWCA USA after 15 years with the organization’s Evansville chapter.

Mayor Stephanie Terry has been appointed Chief Local Elected Official of the Southwest Indiana Workforce. In this role, Terry and other regional elected

W H O ’ S M A K I N G T H I N G S H A P P E N I N L O C A L B U S I N E S S A N D I N D U S T RY leaders guide SWIN Workforce’s strategic direction and advance initiatives to strengthen the regional workforce. The mayor’s office also appointed STEPHANIE TERRY Gabrielle Miller its Community Affairs & Special Projects Director. Miller’s decade of experience includes serving as an adjunct professor at GABRIELLE MILLER Ivy Tech Community College, working with underserved communities in the Warrick and Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporations, and aiding in the construction and implementation of a mental health clinic in Costa Rica through the JD Sheth Foundation.

Explore Evansville has welcomed new

Marketing Manager Morgan Howard and promoted Collin Dame to Director

B BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

of Marketing and Development. Howard, a 2020 Boonville High School and 2026 Ivy Tech Community College alumna, honed her skills as a graphic MORGAN HOWARD design intern at Sprout Design before joining the city’s convention and visitors bureau in July. Dame spent more than two years as Explore Evansville’s COLLIN DAME marketing and communications manager before assuming his new role in June.

John Greaney succeeded Martha Ahlers as President of United Leasing & Finance on Aug. 1. Greaney joined the company in 2025 as Chief Operating Officer after serving as Vice President of Operations at Ascension St. Vincent Evansville. The company in August also welcomed new Vice President of Business Development Mark Engels, who spent two years at Northpoint Commercial Finance and 12 years with DLL before joining United.

Top of the Class

Signature School ranks high on U.S. News & World Report BY JODI KEEN

M AYO R S T E P H A N I E T E R RY P H OTO BY Z AC H S T R AW. A L L OT H E R P H OTO S P R OV I D E D BY S O U R C E

JOHN GREANEY

MARK ENGELS

Hafer has made several new hires. Project

P H OTO BY J O D I K E E N

ignature School has retained its spots atop U.S. News & World Report’s annual lists of topranked public high schools. Released Aug. 18, the lists rank Signature at No. 2 nationally — its fourth straight year at that spot — No. 1 in Indiana, and No. 1 in U.S. charter schools. “It’s firing on all cylinders,” says LaMmont Jones Jr., managing editor of education for U.S. News & World Report. “On all the metrics we use when we rank public high schools, they’re doing literally all the right things. It’s a huge feather in the cap.” The institution has ranked high on the national education report’s lists since 2008, six years after it opened as Indiana’s first public charter school. “It’s a terrific validation of the commitment and hard work of our teachers and staff, students, and families,” Signature School Executive Director Jean Hitchcock says.

“As a school with a deep connection to the wider Evansville community, we are excited to help put the city on the map on the national level.” Other area high schools that made the national list are Castle in Newburgh (1,509), North (2,228), Central (3,449), F.J. Reitz (4,209), New Tech Institute (4,259), Harrison (6,240), Boonville (8,128), and Benjamin Bosse (11,375).

coordinator Tricia Feller has 25 years of experience in construction administration and sits on the Vanderburgh 4-H Center board of directors. Electrical engineer Emily Nunn is a graduate of Saint Louis University in Missouri. Interior designer Erin Moore holds a degree from Indiana University and brings nearly three decades of experience to the architectural firm. TRICIA FELLER

EMILY NUNN

ERIN MOORE

SIGNATURE.EDU

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 129

How do customers measure trust?

They look for the BBB seal.

Earn your BBB accreditation!

Contact your Tri-State BBB at: 812-473-0202 or find us at BBB.org

KEEP ing

EVANSVILLE BEAUTIFUL

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN HELP KEEP EVANSVILLE BEAUTIFUL

BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BUSINESS BUSINESS OF OF THE THE MONTH MONTH

5708 VIRGINIA ST. EVANSVILLE, IN 47715 HYPEHOPDANCEFITNESS.COM @STUDIOHYPE

A promotional partnership with Evansville Business

130 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

IN THE NEWS

University of Evansville President Christopher

Pietruszkiewicz has been named chair of the Missouri Valley Conference Presidents CHRISTOPHER Council, where he’ll PIETRUSZKIEWICZ help guide strategic direction for the 11-member MVC during a two-year term that began July 1. The University also invested Kristy K. Miller as the Barbara J. Kolb Price KRISTY K. MILLER Endowed Chair in Chemistry on July 1. Miller also serves as Associate Provost for Student Success and Academic Excellence and Professor and Chair of the Robert and Judy Decker Wargel Department of Chemistry.

Your Business Deserves an Award-Winning Banking Partner

Discover why businesses across the Tri-State choose First Bank.

Rexing Companies President and CEO Dylan Rexing has been appointed to a three-year term on Ivy Tech Community DYLAN REXING College’s Evansville campus board of trustees, where he represents the logistics and agriculture sectors. The fifth-generation farmer’s family business spans logistics, cold EDDIE BURKEL storage, agriculture, and real estate. Eddie Burkel, a second-year supply chain and logistics student from Bolingbrook, Illinois, was selected as one of two student representatives on the community college’s state board of trustees for the 2026-27 academic year.

Meet the full team at MyFirst.Bank/Business

Riverside Capital Management Group

Melmar has the experience and connections necessary to successfully navigate all economic conditions, and help your firm expand its competitive edge.

has added Katlyn French as Operations Assistant. The F.J. Reitz High School graduate will focus on delivering high-quality client service at the Downtown financial and investment planning firm. AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS/ MILESTONES

BUILD TO SUIT

ASSET BROKERAGE

GENERAL CONTRACTING

1524 Kimber Lane, Evansville, IN 47715

Two local businesses were among 34 legacy organizations honored Aug. 17 by Gov. Mike Braun for their contributions to Indiana communities. 2026 Century Award P H OTO S P R OV I D E D BY S O U R C E

812-421-0066 Brian and Melannie Hutchinson

www.melmarrealty.com

EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 131

IN THE NEWS honorees included 160-year-old office supplier Smith & Butterfield, while accounting firm Harding, Shymanski & Company received a 2026 Half Century Award.

Mary Bower and the late Sister Mary Stella Simpson were honored by YWCA Evansville and Women Stepping Up Evansville at the MARY BOWER 22nd Annual Women’s Equality Day Luncheon on Aug. 26. Bower, the Emeritus Executive Director of the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, received the Inspirational Leader SISTER MARY Award, while Simpson, STELLA SIMPSON who passed away in 2004, was honored as a Legacy Leader for pioneering family-centered maternity care practices that influenced hospitals nationwide. Attorney Mark Foster of Foster, O’Daniel, Hambidge & Lynch, LLP, was selected by his peers for the 33rd Edition of Best Lawyers in America for his work on DUI/ DWI defenses. The Indiana University

law graduate started his career in the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office before becoming a Vanderburgh Superior Court magistrate. He left the bench in 1987 to focus on private practice. He also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Evansville from 1984-92.

Jim Morley Sr. was recognized by The Buffalo Trace Council of the Boy Scouts of America as its 2026 Distinguished Citizen on JIM MORLEY SR. Aug. 13. The Morley & Associates founder and longtime Scout leader served three terms as president of the Buffalo Trace Council. Grant Reigelman also was named the council’s GRANT REIGELMAN Scout Executive, succeeding John Harding, who retired in April after 39 years with Scouting America. Reigelman’s 16-year Scouting career includes serving as the Assistant Scout Executive of the Mid-Iowa Council in Des Moines.

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The University of Evansville has received a $1 million gift from Randall and Cheryl Alsman, a majority of which went to the Strategic Reserves Fund, used to strengthen the university’s finances, ability to pursue future opportunities, and tackle any challenges. The rest was directed to the UEvansville Fund to enhance student experiences with scholarships, academic support, faculty resources, and more. UE’s Emily M. Young Mental Health Clinic received a $25,000 grant from Colts Kicking The Stigma to fund its Mental Health Access Program to reduce financial barriers for individuals and families. United Way of Southwestern Indiana also gave the mental health clinic a $25,000 grant through the Pathways to Potential initiative. CenterPoint Energy has awarded up to $25,000 each in matching grants to 13 local nonprofits: Ark Crisis Children’s Center, Community Action Program of Evansville, Encountering Hope Ministries, Inc., Evansville Christian Life Center, Holly’s House, Joshua Academy Charter School, Lampion Center, The Potter’s Wheel, Reitz Home Preservation Society, Salvation Army of Evansville, Tri-State Food Bank, Vanderburgh County CASA, and Vanderburgh Humane Society. The grants will fund facility improvements such as HVAC replacements, lighting upgrades, and enhanced energy efficiency.

The State of Indiana’s READI 2.0 Arts & Culture Initiative has announced funding for two regional projects. The Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville received $1.5 million for the Evansville Family Arts Corridors & Regional Creative Learning Initiative, which expands programming through interactive sidewalk murals, outdoor music experiences, and a rooftop cultural space. The Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science received $310,000 to redesign its riverfront sculpture garden. The D-Patrick family of auto dealerships has made several donations, including $1,500 to Hangers and $1,250 to Tri-State Food

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132 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

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Bank by D-Patrick Honda; $1,000 to the Evansville Children’s Choir by D-Patrick Nissan; $2,500 each to Keep Evansville Beautiful and Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden by D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln; and $1,000 each to Southern Indiana Resource Solutions, Warrick County Community Foundation, and Warrick County Chamber of Commerce by D-Patrick Boonville Ford.

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The City of Evansville has awarded $500,000 in Forward Together GO Grants to 35 organizations: $25,000 to Echo Housing Corporation, HOPE of Evansville, Vanderburgh County Health Department’s Environmental Division, and YWCA Evansville; $22,000 to Youth First; $20,000 to Aurora, Community Action Program of Evansville (CAPE), and Dream Center; $18,000 to YMCA of Southwestern Indiana; $17,500 to Carver Community Organization; $17,400 to Habitat for Humanity of Evansville; $16,500 to Boys & Girls Club of Evansville; $16,000 to Holly’s House; $15,200 to Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana; $15,000 to Autism Everyone, D.T.E.A.M. Inc., Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation Foundation, JD Sheth Foundation, Mother’s Holdin It Down, and Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana; $12,000 to Hospitality and Outreach for Latin Americans (HOLA); $10,000 to Ark Crisis Children’s Center, Evansville African American Museum, Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science, Greater Hope Christian Church, Haitian Center of Evansville, University of Evansville Dance Program, Vanderburgh County CASA, and WNIN; $9,100 to The Potter’s Wheel; $6,500 to St. Vincent de Paul; $5,800 to Ozanam Family Shelter; $5,000 to the Immigrant Welcome & Resource Center and Eight12 Run Club; and $4,000 to Southwestern Indiana Regional Council on Aging (SWIRCA & More).

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GROWTH/DEVELOPMENT

Denver, Colorado-based architecture and engineering firm Galloway & Company LLC has acquired Hafer. In a Sept. 9 press release, Galloway officials stated their intent to build on the architecture, interior design, and MEP engineering firm’s nearly 50-year legacy in the Tri-State with additional resources, expanded multidisciplinary capabilities, and new opportunities for employees and clients. Hafer has indicated it will continue operations at its EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 133

Presented by the Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association

BLOOMS, BUGS, & BOUNTY 2026 GARDEN SYMPOSIUM

OCTOBER 24, 2026

DOORS OPEN AT 8 AM | SPEAKERS 9 AM - 4 PM SETON MANOR AT ASCENSION ST. VINCENT 3700 WASHINGTON AVE | EVANSVILLE, IN Spend the day learning from nationally recognized gardening experts while enjoying educational presentations, garden-related vendors, book signings, and connecting with fellow gardeners.

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Michael Homoya Former Indiana DNR Botanist | Plant Ecologist & Author Jayde Grisham Purdue Extension Urban Agriculture Educator Kevin Wiener Founder of All Bugs Go to Kevin

Light Breakfast

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Author Book Signing

Silent Auction

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134 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

A DV E RT I S I N G I N D E X IN THE NEWS offices in Evansville; Owensboro, Kentucky; Carbondale, Illinois; and Columbus, Ohio.

The City of Evansville has unveiled plans to power 15-17 municipal facilities with renewable energy over the next four years, a project expected to reduce electricity costs by up to 50-60 percent over the systems’ 25-year lifespan. The Evansville Water and Sewer Utility will front the initial $6.5 million cost, which the city will reimburse over six years using federal clean energy tax credits. The project supports the city’s 2025 Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and will power major facilities such as Swonder Ice Arena, Deaconess Aquatic Center, and Mesker Park Zoo & Botanic Garden’s Amazonia section. CLOSINGS/REDUCTIONS

Southwest Indiana Recovery and Engagement is transitioning its recovery and

reentry support services to Southwestern Behavioral Healthcare. Officials for SWIRE, which launched in 2025 at the Vanderburgh County Detainment Center, say putting the programs under Southwestern’s operation gives them greater clinical resources, operational support, and long-term sustainability.

4 Good Community....................................... 122 Alexander Funeral Homes.......................... 22 Amcor.................................................................... 50 ARC Construction............................................ 60 Arc of Evansville, The.............................78, 79 Ascension St. Vincent Foundation......... 114 AstraZeneca...............................................56, 57 Azzip Pizza........................................................... 48 Banterra Bank..................................................... 8 Better Business Bureau............................ 130 Big Brothers Big Sisters .....................74, 75 Birthright of Evansville............................... 112 Boone Funeral Home...................................... 20 Browning Funeral Home...................... 24, 25 Catholic Charities Diocese of Evansville............................... 109 CenterPoint Energy...................................... IBC CenterPoint Energy Foundation.......................................47, 84, 85 Children’s Center for Dance Education................................... 80, 81 Community Foundation of Southwest Indiana.................................... 106 D-Patrick Ford/Lincoln..................... 100, 101 D-Patrick Motoplex and Nissan...... 98, 99 Deaconess Foundation.................................117 Deaconess Health System......................... 46 Easterseals Rehabilitation Center.........................72, 73 ECHO Housing Corporation........................ 115 Evansville African American Museum................................... 116 Evansville Goodwill Industries, Inc........................................92, 93 Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science......................................133 Evansville Regional Economic Partnership.............................. 51 Evansville Rescue Mission...................90, 91 Evansville Trails Coalition.................... 94, 95

Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation.................................... 48 Explore Evansville.......................................8, 45 F.C. Tucker Commercial.................................. 9 F.C. Tucker Emge................................................. 3 F.C. Tucker Emge/ Team McClintock............................ 102, 103 First Bank........................................................... 131 First Federal Savings Bank........................ 23 First Financial Bank......................................... 18 Gathering Church, The/Restore Outreach Ministries.......................... 82, 83 General Rubber & Plastics..........................53 German American Bank.................................. 1 GLAD Adoption.................................................. 119 Greer’s Flooring America............................ 10 Habitat for Humanity of Evansville........................................... 68, 69 Hafer........................................................................47 Highland Baseball Challenger League.....................................127 Holly’s House...................................................... 118 Indiana Members Credit Union................ 46 Indiana State Games.................................... 113 It Takes A Village Rescue............................ 110 Ivy Tech Foundation................................62, 63 Keep Evansville Beautiful............96, 97, 130 Keller Schroeder............................................... 16 Kemper CPA Group..........................................47 Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville (cMoe).......................... 88, 89 Landmark Realty & Development, Inc......................................... 49 Landscapes By Dallas Foster, Inc........... 32 Liberty Federal Credit Union..................... BC Link Graphics..................................................... 60 McDonald’s ............................................. 104, 105 Melmar Properties....................................... 131 Midwest Communications......................... 45

N.M. Bunge, Inc................................................... 16 Nature Conservancy, The........................... 111 New Horizons Financial Consultants............................. 126 Parenting Time Center...............................107 PDEVV Hub..........................................................127 PIA Automation......................................... 58, 59 Popham Construction................................... 51 RE/MAX/Mike Richardson........................IFC Red Wing Shoes........................................ 54, 55 River Kitty Cat Cafe..................................... 108 Rotary Club of Evansville............................ 50 S.M.I.L.E. on Down Syndrome................... 123 Signarama......................................................... 125 Signature School...............................................47 Simplicity Furniture..................................... 128 Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District of Evansville............................... 120 Southwestern Indiana Master Gardener Association............................. 134 Straub Mower Service, LLC.......................... 4 SVN The Martin Group.................................133 SWIRCA & More..........................................70, 71 Tri-Cap..................................................................127 Tucker Publishing Group, Inc......................................48, 127, 132 Turpen’s Painting Co.................................... 124 United Caring Services......................... 64, 65 University of Southern Indiana.................. 2 Vanderburgh Humane Society..........66, 67 Warrick Trails/ Warrick Parks Foundation............. 76, 77 Weichert Realtors..........................................44 Welborn............................................14, 15, 86, 87 WFIE TV 14...........................................................135 Woodward Commercial Realty, Inc............................................................7 Youth First.......................................................... 121 Ziemer Funeral Home.................................... 18

REGIONAL

Ports of Indiana’s Mount Vernon Megasite has earned a silver designation through the Site Selectors Guild. The nationwide Readiness Evaluation for Development and Investment program evaluated the 544-acre property on utilities, ownership and entitlements, environmental, ease of development, and logistics. The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership pursued the designation in partnership with the Ports, OmniTRAX, CenterPoint Energy, and other regional entities.

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EVANSVILLE BUSINESS | 135

BACK TALK E BY M A G G I E VA L E N T I

Bryan Turley EDUCATION Benjamin Bosse High School (1975); Gem City College School of Horology, Quincy, Illinois (1976); Stewart’s International School for Jewelers, Jupiter, Florida (1989) HOMETOWN Evansville, Indiana RESUME President and Owner (1998-present) and Master Jeweler (1976-present), Turley Jewelers FAMILY Wife Joan; son Matt; daughter-in-law Cheyenne; three grandchildren

verett and Mabel Turley started the business that became Turley Jewelers nearly 80 years ago. With son Bryan at the helm since 1998, the shop at 14 N.W. Third St. is the last of the dozen-plus jewelry stores that occupied Downtown storefronts when he first started working for his parents. It’s also one of the neighborhood’s longest tenants — meaning Turley is an authority on both jewelry and local happenings. “When Lloyd Winnecke was mayor, I told him one time, ‘You’re the mayor of Evansville, but I’m the mayor of Downtown,’” Turley laughs.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A JEWELER AND WORK WITH YOUR FATHER? I worked in a factory for seven months after I graduated high school and I decided I wasn’t going to do that. So, that’s what my deciding factor was to go to jewelry school. Dad never did jewelry, so when I went to school, I took the jewelry part. I had the same instructor my dad did in 1948. We worked well together for 38 years, officially. I was actually working here when I was 10.

YOUR FATHER PASSED AWAY IN 2014. WHAT SIGNS OF HIM ARE STILL PRESENT AT WORK? My dad worked on more than 38,000 watches. When he worked on a watch, he had to put it in the logbook. A lady came in one day who had bought a watch at a yard sale, and she wanted to know if it could be fixed. I looked in it, and it had my dad’s scratch marks in it. We got his logbook, and he cleaned it in 1966 for $12. I check scratch marks all the time when watches come in. It’s just curious to me because we can look it up.

136 OCTOBER/NOVEMBER | 2026

I also sold a guy from Virginia a wedding ring set, and he called me on the way home: “I called my dad and said, ‘I bought a set from Turley’s.’ He goes, ‘Well, your brother bought his from him. I bought mine from him, and your grandpa bought his from his dad.’” They were here originally and moved to Virginia, but they came back here to buy the rings.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE KIND OF PROJECT? I like making stuff. I had a lady bring a watch in, a beautiful platinum diamond watch. It was her mom’s, and she wasn’t going to wear it. I broke it apart and made three pairs of earrings and a pin. She just loved it because it was still in the same form as the watch, without changing everything. I like doing that because it’s different.

HOW HAS THE JEWELRY INDUSTRY CHANGED? I set a lot of stones that I didn’t sell. It used to be (that) people wouldn’t buy a

diamond online. … Now, it’s every day. But we’re still as busy as we’ve ever been.

WHAT MEMORIES STAND OUT IN YOUR 50-YEAR CAREER? Christmases here are always special. We’re so busy. It used to be my mom and dad and me and Joan, and my son, Matt. It’s just part of it, and we know that. A farmer is not going to go on vacation in September. We’re not going to do anything in November or December because we’re in here all the time. We’re together a lot more. It’s good for business on Christmas.

YOU SAY YOU’VE NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT LEAVING DOWNTOWN. There are 10,000 people working down here, so it’s like its own city. If we move, it makes a big change. And Downtown’s been good to us. We’re busy. About 12 or 13 jewelry stores closed in the last three or four years. So, we do what nobody else would do. P H OTO BY C H E L S E A C A S A N OVA