As we approach 2016, One Southern Indiana (1si) is continuing to improve and elevate our events and programs. As a result, starting in January, the Network of Champions has been revamped, re-branded and renamed. The 8 O'clock Network, formerly the Network of Champions,  will be held on January 14 at 8 a.m. (note the new time) at Westminster Village & Healthcare, 2200 Greentree North in Clarksville, Ind.

In addition to its new time and name, we will be mixing up the format by introducing "open networking with a twist". If you pre-register by noon on Wednesday, January 13, you will be entered into a drawing where eight lucky participants will be able to give a 30-second commercial in front of the entire room. Even if you aren't chosen, you can expect the opportunity to make new connections and have some fun! Join us for this new and exciting program! Hope to see you there and invite some friends along.

• The Rising Star Award is given to an outstanding company who has been in business less than 5 years. Companies must be at least one year old and located or headquartered in the Louisville Metro area.
• Business of the Year Award for companies with 50 or less employees is given to a company that demonstrates leadership through business growth and community involvement. Companies must be located or headquartered in the Louisville Metro area.
• Business of the Year Award for companies with 51 or more employees is given to a larger company that demonstrates business growth and community involvement in extraordinary ways. Companies must be located or headquartered in the Louisville Metro area.
• Growing Healthy Lives Award recognizes and highlights employers that have gone above and beyond expectations in the areas of employee health and wellness. Attributes of an ideal nominee could include businesses that have health programs, incentives and environments that have shown positive results in improving employee health outcomes.

Click here to read more. For qualifications or to nominate someone, please click here to submit an online nomination. Self nominations are allowed. Deadline for nominations is Friday, January 8.

1si Ambassadors are the face of our organization.  The 30 member team is the most active in terms of interacting with 1si members and we currently have an opening for two.  If you are looking for a way to connect with the most 1si members in the shortest amount of time, being an ambassador may be for you.

Ambassadors work 1si events as greeters and at the registration table, they deliver new member packets and they check in with new members after six months to make sure new members are feeling integrated in the many activities 1si offers.  They can also be called on to help  with special events or programs.

If you or a co-worker are interested in becoming an Ambassador, or simply want to learn more about what this group does behind the scenes at 1si, please join us at our next meeting on Thursday, January 7th from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. The meeting is being held at Leadership Louisville Center located at 732 W. Main Street in Louisville, KY. For more information contact Shelby Hamilton at ShelbyH@1si.org.

Did you get that special someone a Swiffer Wet-jet for Christmas?  Exercise equipment?  The Star Wars 'Saga Edition' Chess Set with the collectible series character pieces of Yoda and Luke Skywalker versus Darth Vader and the Emperor?  Here's the perfect way to make it up to them - a full year's worth of tickets to the 2016 Pearls of Wisdom series. The 2016 line up is incredible with speakers: 

* March 9 - Anne Coates,  President of American Plastics Molding
* June 8 - Jill Byrne, Director of Programming and Senior Racing Analyst for Churchill Downs Inc.
* September 14 - Angie Fenton, Editor In Chief, Extol Magazine
* December 7 - Marianne Barnes, Master Distiller, Peristyle LLC and Kentucky's first female master distiller since the Prohibition

Each program is from 8-10 a.m. at Kye's II in Jeffersonville. And, if you purchase your tickets in a bundle before March 9th, you will receive a $10 discount - All four programs for $110 instead of the regular member pricing of $30 per program.  This offer will end on March 9th.  Non-member rates are $45 per event. To register, click here.
 
Pearls of Wisdom is one of our fastest growing programs and provides attendees a full breakfast, a chance to network and the opportunity to hear from women that have created their own destinies. They are distinguished, wise and accomplished career women willing to share their "Pearls of Wisdom." 
 
Sponsorships are still available for this quarterly event.  If you are interested in partnering with 1si on this event, please contact Josh at JoshS@1si.org.