Independence Celebrates Grand Opening Of St. Matthews Square
Independence Bank celebrated the grand opening of their new signature location on Nov. 13, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and grand opening event. The location is named St. Matthews Square in honor of the St. Matthews community and Saint Matthew, the Patron Saint of Bankers, and stands at 3901 Shelbyville Road. This location will replace the temporary location at 2120 High Wickham Pl.
Construction of the 8,220-square-foot building began shortly after the groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 28, 2017. Calhoun Construction Services of Louisville, headed by John Hinshaw, served as the general contractor, and local subcontractors were used for various portions of the construction.
The design of St. Matthews Square was inspired by Independence Hall in Philadelphia and is modeled after Independence Bank’s first three-story signature building in Owensboro, Kentucky. While historic on the outside, the two-story building features a modern workplace on the inside. Various features of the structure pay tribute to the rich heritage of the St. Matthews community and the city of Louisville, including a custom stained glass skylight in the lobby. Created by Lynchburg Stained Glass, the panels depict 25 iconic images that are significant to the community.
As an additional tribute to the community, the plans for the construction of the building were drawn to include an area in front of the building dedicated to preserving a time capsule. This time capsule will be filled by local organizations and schools in St. Matthews with staple items that celebrate the past and present age of the community of St. Matthews. It will be opened 100 years later and the items encased auctioned off to benefit local non-profits.
In addition to the facility itself, Independence Bank has also adopted the adjacent bus shelter located on Shelbyville Road. The structure is being redesigned to provide more shelter to patrons from the elements and to mimic the look and feel of the site, with particular attention paid to the beautification efforts of the area. Independence Bank, in partnership with the city, will provide maintenance and service to the shelter.
Independence Bank has experienced tremendous growth and currently has 25 locations in 14 cities throughout Kentucky. The bank recently reached the $2.3 billion asset threshold and was named a top performer by the American Bankers Association and a best bank to work for. Additionally, it has been named a best place to work in Kentucky for 10 consecutive years.
Independence Bank is a community-driven bank that believes that as the bank grows, so should the quality of life in the towns it serves. In 2017 alone, the bank invested over $2.4 million back into those communities and employees devoted countless hours to making a difference through their service.
Tours of the St. Matthews Square are encouraged and welcomed. Independence Bank staff will be on hand to guide visitors through the building and show its unique features that make it a true landmark for the community and its history. The location is now open to the public, and the hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday.
Long John Silver’S Names Blain Shortreed As Chief Operating Officer
Long John Silver’s, the nation’s largest quick-service seafood chain, recently announced the hiring of Blain Shortreed as the company’s new chief operating officer, effective Jan. 1, 2019. In this role, Shortreed will lead franchise operations for Long John Silver’s as well as oversee internal company operations and restaurant development.
“Long John Silver’s is continuing the process of innovation and sharing our story with loyal customers,” said James O’Reilly, Long John Silver’s CEO. “Blain is a veteran in the quick-service restaurant industry, and we know he’ll be an asset to our brand as we continue to evolve.”
Shortreed has over 25 years of global restaurant experience, specifically in franchise operations. Previously, Blain was the managing director of Pizza Hut’s Middle East/North Africa business. Prior to this assignment, Blain was the vice president of operations for Pizza Hut USA. In this capacity, Blain led operations for more than 6,000 restaurants and spearheaded the brand’s World Class Operations initiative.
“Long John Silver’s has been a brand to watch over the last decade and the growth they’ve achieved is remarkable,” said Shortreed. “The executive team is steering the brand towards continued success and I look forward to becoming a part of their growth and innovation.”
Best Of Leadership Summit Is Back For Center’S 40Th Anniversary
The Leadership Louisville Center is reviving the theme “Best of Leadership Summit” for the 2019 event in celebration of its 40th anniversary. Presented by sponsor PNC Bank, the annual day of learning on March 6, 2019, will open with morning keynote speaker Dr. Ken Blanchard.
Known for his lifetime of groundbreaking research and thought leadership, Dr. Blanchard is a best-selling author and business consultant who has significantly influenced the management and leadership of people around the world. The Best of Leadership Summit will also include a closing keynote speaker and a host of breakout sessions, which will soon be announced. A celebratory cocktail reception for the Center’s 40th anniversary will close the event.
The 2019 Best of Leadership Summit will be hosted at The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, 501 W. Main St., Louisville, Kentucky, and will be attended by hundreds of regional business and community leaders.
Discounted early registration is available until Dec. 14, 2018. Register now at leadershiplouisville.org. Early registration is $400 with regular registration increasing to $450 in December. Sponsorships and special group rates are available by contacting Jennifer Stevens, jstevens@leadershiplouisville.org or 502.561.5231. Attendees at the Leadership Summit will represent the top leadership from Louisville and surrounding region, ranging from high-potential emerging leaders to C-suite executives, with over 65 percent working at a director level or above.
Special thanks to event sponsors: PNC Bank, presenting sponsor, and Humana, speaker sponsor.