On September 18, 2025, the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (E-REP) hosted its Annual Meeting & Dinner at the Ford Center, bringing together more than 500 attendees to celebrate the region’s achievements and honor outstanding individuals and organizations. The event, themed “Regional E-volution,” highlighted the collective efforts driving economic and community growth in the Evansville region.
Several individuals and organizations were recognized with Regional Excellence Awards for their contributions to economic growth and vitality in the Evansville Region.
Regional Influencer Award: The Heart of Poseyville
The Regional Influencer Award recognizes a group, organization, or leader whose reach, voice, and advocacy extend beyond their own bounds – amplifying the story of our region and shaping how others see our collective future. The 2025 Regional Influencer Award was presented to The Heart of Poseyville, a grassroots initiative leading the development of Farmington Ridge, a 32.75-acre neighborhood in Poseyville. Their efforts have resulted in an anticipated total $30–35 million neighborhood investment, with plans to build up to 90 homes.
Community Champion Award: Toyota Indiana YMCA of Gibson County
The Community Champion Award is presented to an organization or leader whose commitment to service, civic engagement, and collaboration has strengthened the fabric of our community and elevated quality of place. The 2025 Community Champion Award recognized the Toyota Indiana YMCA of Gibson County for its commitment to enhancing quality of life and health outcomes in the region. After nearly 30 years of planning and fundraising efforts, the Toyota YMCA of Gibson County opened in May 2025. The $21 million, 56,000-square-foot facility has already connected more than 1,000 Gibson County households to services aimed at enhancing the region’s quality of life and health outcomes.
Business of the Year Award: Heritage Petroleum
The Business of the Year Award recognizes an organization that demonstrates excellence in innovation, growth, and community impact – setting the standard for how business drives our region forward. Heritage Petroleum was honored with the 2025 Business of the Year Award for its significant contributions to the region’s economic development. With nearly 80 years of service to the region, Heritage Petroleum has demonstrated excellence in innovation, growth, and community impact. Headquartered in Evansville, the third-generation family-owned business has made 23 acquisitions in 23 years, expanding its footprint across 26 states and employing 140 people in Evansville.
Business Leader of the Year: Jim Ryan
The Business Leader of the Year Award honors an individual whose vision, resilience, and leadership inspire both their team and the broader community, advancing opportunity and progress across the region. Jim Ryan, Chairman and CEO of Old National Bank, received the 2025 Business Leader of the Year Award for his visionary leadership and dedication to community development. Under his guidance, the bank has expanded its presence, including mergers with First Midwest Bank, CapStar Bank, and Bremer Bank, positioning Old National Bank as a top 25 bank in the country.
Regional Motivator Award: Bob Koch
The Regional Motivator Award celebrates a leader who sparks action, encourages others to dream bigger, and energizes our region with their dedication to building momentum and driving change. Bob Koch was honored with the 2025 Regional Motivator Award for his tireless advocacy and leadership in advancing the I-69 Ohio River Crossing project. His efforts have been instrumental in fostering collaboration across state lines to enhance regional connectivity and economic development. His leadership within BridgeLink and consistent lobbying at both state and federal levels have brought the region closer to realizing this transformative development.