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Photo: Louisville Forward
Louisvillians hoping to find a fresh start, help with finances or a new career direction will find a wealth of opportunities at the “Be Empowered at the Nia” event on Thursday, May 10. The event is being held at the Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Resources and activities include free credit reports and one-on-one credit counseling, a career fair, workshops focusing on work readiness and small business resources, adult education services and GED information, financial education tools and products on the BB&T Bank Bus, and HIV testing. This event also features free food, door prizes and ample parking as well free bus tickets donated by TARC that will serve as some of the door prizes as well as distributed in advance to assist residents interested in attending the event.
Sponsored by BB&T, the “Be Empowered” event brings together partner agencies at the Nia Center including the Office of Financial Empowerment — part of Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, Louisville Forward, KentuckianaWorks’ Kentucky Career Center, and TARC along with Apprisen, Bank on Louisville, Cardinal Success Program, Jefferson County Clerk’s Office, Job Corps, Keeping It Real Neighborhood Institute, Louisville Asset Building Coalition, Louisville Metro Human Relations Commission and My Chosen People.The Career Fair will be held at the Kentucky Career Center on the first floor between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. including more than fifteen employers from the public and private sectors. Job seekers are encouraged to bring a photo ID and copies of a resume or work history and come dressed to meet employers. Pre-register online at https://focuscareer.ky.gov/careerexplorer/home or arrive early to register and even print your resume. For assistance preparing a resume in advance, visit the Kentucky Career Center at the Nia Center, 2900 W. Broadway Suite 100, or at 600 West Cedar.
Participating employers at the Career Fair include:
- AC Hotels
- AFLAC
- Amazon
- Copart
- G4S
- Jefferson County Clerk Office
- Jefferson County Public Schools
- Job Corps
- Marriott
- Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
- Omni Hotel
- Pizza Hut
- Radial
- Republic Bank
- TARC
- Transcend Credit Un ion
- Trimen Solutions
- University of Louisville Human Resources
- S. Census Bureau
- Webster University
Also featured will be the BB&T Bank Bus between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. a 40-foot mobile classroom providing credit report education, unclaimed property searches, self-file income tax preparation stations, as well as comprehensive financial services. BB&T personnel will also be available to help with checking and savings accounts and other financial services and provide access to computer-based Money Smart Financial Education.
Eleven free workshops will be offered throughout the day including:
- Expungement Process 10 a.m.
- Bankruptcy 11 a.m.
- Resume Writing 11 a.m.
- Credit as an Asset 11 a.m.
- Opioid Crisis and the Community 12 p.m.
- Educational Training Opportunities 1 p.m.
- Louisville Metro Certification 1 p.m.
- Interviewing Skills 1 p.m.
- Identity Theft 1 p.m.
- Income Tax Issues 2:p.m.
- Small Business Resources 2 p.m.
“The Financial Empowerment and Job Fair Day is a great example of how the Nia Center partners are working together to offer an array of workforce and entrepreneurial development resources for our community,” said Gena Redmon Harris, director of Louisville Metro Resilience and Community Services. “We want residents to walk away feeling empowered to strengthen their households and change their future.”
Participants at the May 10 event are encouraged to share their experiences and photos on social media using #NiaPower.
For more information, call 574-7303 or 574-5168, or download this event flyer.
Photo: Louisville Forward
In celebration of National Economic Development Week, Mayor Greg Fischer and Kent Oyler, president and CEO of Greater Louisville Inc., today announced that Louisville Forward, the city’s economic development organization, and Greater Louisville Inc. (GLI), the region’s chamber of commerce, have been jointly recognized as a Top U.S. Economic Development Group for 2017 by Site Selection magazine. This is a back-to-back win for the two organizations.
Working together in 2017, with partners in two states and 15 counties, these two groups have helped the Greater Louisville region attract 62 projects, representing more than $1.7 billion in investment and nearly 6,000 jobs. GLI attracts leads looking at the region and transitions projects to the local economic development organization after the company has narrowed its search.
“This back-to-back achievement is further proof that our strategic partnership with GLI and our region is helping fuel Louisville’s tremendous economic momentum,” said the Mayor. “We are honored to be among the nation’s top regions as Louisville continues to punch above its weight.”
As the economic hub for the region, Louisville Forward had a banner year in 2017, locating 57 projects in Jefferson County, representing $1.68 billion in investment, and 5,096 new jobs. Louisville Forward also celebrated Passport Health Plan’s $130 million expansion and relocation of its headquarters to west Louisville, Ford’s continued commitment to the city with a $900 million investment at its Kentucky Truck Plant, and Diversified Consultants Inc.’s initial location and expansion into the Louisville market with a double-down on investment totaling nearly $20 million and creating 1,000 new jobs.
“For the second year in a row, GLI is proud to share this prestigious award with our regional partners and Louisville Forward. We are clearly making an impact with our collaborative efforts around economic development. The future looks bright for our region and we will continue working together to attract even more employers to our 15-county region,” said Oyler.
In 2017, GLI assisted its partners in locating 12 projects for the 15-country region, resulting in projects representing $73.4 million in investment, and creating 809 jobs with an additional 25 referrals that resulted in seven locations, 556 jobs, and $21 million in investment. The region also hosted its first ever Familiarization Tour for 10 national site selectors with the assistance of the Advance Greater Louisville Regional Partners.
Louisville Forward was formed in July 2014 to unite economic development efforts and built environment functions, allowing business owners to go from concept to permit in one streamlined agency. To achieve its goals of raising the median wage across the city and growing the number of jobs, the Louisville Forward team focuses on five strategic business categories that are historic and contemporary areas of strength to Louisville: Advanced Manufacturing, Food and Beverage, Lifelong Wellness and Aging Care, Logistics and eCommerce, and Business Services.
Since its creation, Louisville Forward has helped businesses create nearly 22,000 new jobs in Louisville, representing an investment of $5.2 billion dollars. This award marks the fourth straight year that Louisville Forward has been recognized by Site Selection magazine.
GLI is focused on growing the regional economy. As the region’s largest convener of business leadership, GLI leads global economic and outreach strategies focused on business attraction; nurtures the entrepreneurial eco-system; and champions the development of the community’s talent base. As the voice of Greater Louisville’s business community, GLI advocates for a pro-business environment and facilitates businesses engagement on issues that impact regional competitiveness.
Site Selection magazine’s recognition is based on six criteria – total projects, total investment associated with those projects and total jobs associated with those projects; and those same three numbers calculated per capita for the metro area.
“Greater Louisville’s economic development success comes from a sense of all-for-one and one-for-all that transcends jurisdictional and organizational boundaries. Companies and institutions collaborate, corporations and startups convene, cities and even whole states cooperate and converge on challenges and opportunities as they arise,” said Adam Bruns, Managing Editor, Site Selection magazine.
Top projects for the groups that are featured in the May issue of Site Selection magazine include:
Ford Motor Company – continuing its commitment to Louisville, is investing $900 million in upgrades to the Kentucky Truck Plant to prepare it to manufacture the new Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator. This investment is in addition to the $1.3 billion investment and creation of 2,000 jobs announced in 2015.
Aravato Bertelsmann – is quadrupling its logistics capacities with a $5 million investment, creating 250 new jobs.
ResCare – founded in Louisville in 1974, this leading health and human services provider is building its $34 million headquarters at the Shelbyhurst Office and Research Park, creating 200 new jobs.
W.W. Grainger – a Fortune 500 company, is investing $273 million for a large distribution center in south central Louisville. The company plans to grow 500 new jobs with this attraction project.
For more information about Louisville Forward, visit http://louisvilleky.gov/louisvilleforward.
For more information about GLI, visit http://www.greaterlouisville.com.
It’s an opportunity to clean out the garage, the attic, and the basement of those things that have been collecting dust over the years and get them to a place where someone else might be able to use them, or where they can be safely disposed.
Councilman Bill Hollander (D-9) announces the Annual Responsible Recycling Event set for Saturday May 12th between 9:30am and 12:30pm at the Louisville Water Tower Park, 3005 River Road.
“This is a great way to remove those things in your home that could find new life by being recycled,” says Hollander. “Any Louisville Metro resident can help the environment and a variety of non-profits by simply bringing to one location what you no longer want or use and dropping it off for free.”
The Free Responsible Recycling Event is open to all Louisville Metro residents. It is easy to participate. Just gather what you would like to recycle, then drive up and drop your items off at the appropriate vendor. Businesses will not be allowed to participate at this event. A multitude of items will be accepted for recycling, reuse, or safe disposal, including paper for shredding, Haz Bin items and old, expired and unused medications.
The following items will also be accepted:
· BATTERIES (rechargeable and non-rechargeable) Please have them separated
· COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS (terminals, towers, laptops, printers, copiers, fax machines, scanners, VHS/DVD players, stereo, monitors)
· DRUG DISPOSAL LMPD will be onsite for safe collection of unused and expired medications.
· HANDHELD ELECTRONICS (cell phones, cell phone accessories, iPods, tablets, MP3 players)
· HAZARDOUS MATERIALS All items accepted at Haz Bin location – see attached flyer for complete list. Household chemicals – MUST have labels and no leaks, no containers larger than 5 gallons)
· HOUSEHOLD BUILDING SUPPLIES (cabinets, doors, flooring, windows, hardware, light/ceiling fans, lumber, roofing, siding, tools)
· HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE must be in good condition – see attached list for accepted items (NO mattresses, items with odors, water beds, baby cribs and accessories, entertainment centers, armoires for TVs/computers)
· HOUSEHOLD ITEMS (working appliances)
· MEDICAL SURPLUS ITEMS (walkers, wheelchairs, orthopedic items, diabetic supplies, ace bandages, gauze pads, canes)
· PERSONAL DOCUMENTS (shred on-site paper documents ONLY) Unable to take boxes or plastic bags
· SHOES (new and gently used) Must be dry and free of mold
For a complete list of accepted items, please visit louisvilleky.gov/district9. On the event page is a flyer with attachments with detailed lists of accepted items from each organization.
Please note, TVs will not be accepted this year onsite, but may be recycled at the Waste Reduction Center, 636 Meriwether Avenue.
“We have made it easy to get rid of things people no longer use, with no cost to bring in these items that will benefit others,” says Hollander. “If you have tried to find a way to dispose of those things you have around the house, then I encourage you to take advantage of this event.”
Among the vendors on hand: All-Shred, Genie e-Waste, Habitat for Humanity, Louisville Metro Police, Louisville Metro Public Works, Supplies Overseas, and WaterStep.
Visit www.louisvilleky.gov/district9 for more information, or contact Councilman Hollander’s office at 574-1109.
An employee of the Hard Rock Cafe restaurant at 424 S. 4th St. has been diagnosed with acute hepatitis A.
Customers who ate at this Hard Rock Café from April 14, 2018 to April 30, 2018 may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus. While the risk of contracting hepatitis A from eating at this restaurant is low, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is issuing this advisory out of an abundance of caution. The hepatitis A outbreak remains centered among the homeless and those who use drugs.
When a food service worker is diagnosed with hepatitis A, he or she is immediately excluded from work and not allowed to return without release from his or her medical provider. Additionally, all employees at the establishment are vaccinated and disinfection and sanitation practices are followed.The Hard Rock Café scored 100-A and 98-A on its last two health inspections.
Symptoms of hepatitis A are fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, darkened urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). People can become ill 15 to 50 days after being exposed to the virus. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.
Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by putting something in your mouth such as an object, food or drink, which has been in contact with the feces of an infected person. In November, the Kentucky Department for Public Health declared a statewide hepatitis A outbreak. Since the outbreak began there have been 314 cases diagnosed in Louisville and at least 26,662 vaccinated.
“While we have had a very small number of food workers diagnosed with hepatitis A in our community, there still has been NO foodborne transmission,” said Dr. Lori Caloia, medical director. “Also, our restaurant industry has really stepped up to the plate to get their workers immunized. About 5,000 local food service employees have been vaccinated against hepatitis A.”
The best ways to prevent hepatitis A infection are to get vaccinated and to practice good handwashing. “Washing your hands thoroughly and often with warm water and soap, especially before preparing meals or eating, after using the bathroom or changing a diaper is a proven way to prevent the spread of diseases,” Dr. Caloia added.“Hand sanitizer is not as effective as hand washing against hepatitis A.”
For more information about hepatitis A visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/hepatitis or call 211.
Mayor Greg Fischer and Ocala (Florida) Mayor Kent Guinn today made their annual wager on the Kentucky Derby, placing a bottle of Woodford Reserve bourbon and Ocala brandy on the line.
This is the fifth year of the friendly wager between the mayors of the two cities, both of which are steeped in thoroughbred tradition and consider themselves spirited rivals for the status of Horse Capital of the World.
Mayor Fischer this year picked Mendelssohn to win the 144th Kentucky Derby and make the time-honored walk to the infield Winner’s Circle. Mendelssohn was bred in Kentucky and is trained by Irish-based trainer Aidan O’Brien at Ballyldoyle Stables.
“It would be trainer Aidan O’Brien’s first Derby win, and he’s overdue because he’s one of the greats. And my grandmother was Irish, so it’s a sentimental favorite for me as well,” Mayor Fischer said.
Mayor Guinn chose Magnum Moon because he was trained in Florida under Todd Pletcher, who won last year’s Derby. Mayor Guinn said he vowed a year ago to bet on a Pletcher horse and predicted Magnum Moon would emerge victorious.
Last year, Mayor Fischer’s choice, J Boys Echo, trained by Louisvillian Dale Romans, finished 15th, and Mayor Guinn’s pick, Classic Empire, finished fourth.
“The road to the Kentucky Derby begins in Ocala, FL, Horse Capital of the World. This year is no different with 17 of the 19 horses having ties to our city,” Mayor Guinn said. “This annual bet with Mayor Fischer has become a tradition I look forward to, and it’s a fun way for us to unite the equine industry. We hope this will finally be the year that one of our horses is victorious!”
Mayor Fischer bet a bottle of Louisville Brown-Forman Corp.’s Woodford Reserve, the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. Mayor Guinn again bet Marion Black 106 —the Spirit of Florida Tangerine Brandy, distilled by Fishhawk Spirits of Ocala.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Mayor Guinn and his return to Louisville for the Derby,” Mayor Fischer said. “Ocala likes to think of themselves as the horse capital of the country. Of course, everybody knows that’s not true. But we’re compassionate here in Louisville, so we’re playing along with it.”
An employee of the Mark’s Feed Store restaurant at 11422 Shelbyville Rd. and an employee of Panera restaurant at 1801 Rudy Ln. have been diagnosed with acute hepatitis A.
Customers who ate at Mark’s Feed Store from April 13 to April 27, 2018 and customers who ate at Panera from April 12 to April 28 may have been exposed to the hepatitis A virus. While the risk of contracting hepatitis A from having eaten at either of these restaurants is low, the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness is issuing this advisory out of an abundance of caution. The hepatitis A outbreak remains centered among the homeless and those who use drugs.
When a food service worker is diagnosed with hepatitis A, he or she is immediately excluded from work and not allowed to return without release from his or her medical provider. Additionally, all employees at the establishment are vaccinated and disinfection and sanitation practices are followed.
Symptoms of hepatitis A are fatigue, decreased appetite, stomach pain, nausea, darkened urine, pale stools and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). People can become ill 15 to 50 days after being exposed to the virus. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention.
Hepatitis A is usually transmitted by putting something in your mouth such as an object, food or drink, which has been in contact with the feces of an infected person. In November, the Kentucky Department for Public Health declared a statewide hepatitis A outbreak. Since the outbreak began there have been 304 cases diagnosed in Louisville and at least 26,662 vaccinated.
“The best ways to prevent hepatitis A infection are to get vaccinated and to practice good handwashing,” said Dr. Lori Caloia, medical director. “Washing your hands thoroughly and often with warm water and soap, especially before preparing meals or eating, after using the bathroom or changing a diaper is a proven way to prevent the spread of diseases. Hand sanitizer is not as effective as hand washing against hepatitis A.”
For more information about hepatitis A visit https://louisvilleky.gov/government/health-wellness/hepatitis or call 211.
Approximately 100 bicycle parking spaces will be available during Derby Week at Wayside Park near Churchill Downs, thanks to a partnership between Bicycling for Louisville and Louisville Parks and Recreation.
Bike parking will be free of charge at the park, which is located in the 3100 block of S. Third Street, on Thursday (Thurby), Friday (Oaks Day) and Saturday (Derby Day). No motorcycles will be allowed in the parking area, and cyclists who leave their bikes at Wayside Park should bring their own locks, as the park will not be monitored during those three days.
The bike parking option gives those interested an alternative way to get to avoid high parking fees and traffic congestion when going to the track.
“We’re hoping a lot of people use this option — as a way to save money and time, but also as a fun way to get to and from Churchill,” said Chris Glasser, Executive Director of Bicycling for Louisville. “Taking a bike to the track ends up being a far more convenient option than sitting in traffic all day.”
Wayside Park has a historic tie-in with cycling in Louisville. In 1897, the Cycle Carnival – a huge bicycle parade that included about 10,000 cyclists viewed by 50,000 spectators – passed Wayside Park en route to Iroquois Park from Broadway.
The Louisville Bicycle Club has adopted Wayside Park under the Louisville Parks and Recreation Adopt-A-Park program.
“The park has a very interesting history as it relates to cycling in Louisville, and we’re pleased to be able to call attention to that once again,” said Seve Ghose, Director of Parks and Recreation. “It’s great to be able to use it in this fashion during Derby Week.”
Mayor Greg Fischer endorsed the idea too, noting that it’s a way to promote health and have fun, though he cautioned Derby goers to “hold on to your hat!”