JIM EPPERSON
Executive Director
SoIN Tourism
THE
ISSUE
Boards, volunteer or community work:
Indiana Tourism Association – Government Affairs Co-Chair & Board
of Directors; Destinations International – Advocacy Committee; One
Southern Indiana, Board of Directors; IU Southeast Chancellor’s Medallion
Committee; Rotary Club of New Albany – Community Toast Committee;
Falls of the Ohio Foundation – Community Leadership Council.
In terms of growth and economic development, where would you
like to see Southern Indiana in 10 years?
Southern Indiana has amazing potential, and we are seeing little bits of it
achieved every day with new businesses, new residents and improvements
to our quality of place. I often hold up northern Kentucky (Covington &
Newport and the greater three-county area) as an example of potential
realized and where we can be in the future. Their growth is not without
mistakes from which we can learn.
Our growth needs to foster success for even more local, independent
business that has rejuvenated our downtowns. The authenticity of local is
vital to help us carve out our own niche within the collection of Louisville
“neighborhoods.”
A requirement for us to be a competitive community is greater common
vision among elected leaders and communication across borders. Our
most transformative projects are going to be regional and will require that
kind of cooperation.
FAMILY FRIENDLY.
PET FRIENDLY.
Remember our patio is pet friendly.
Enjoy outdoor dining, including
our covered patio area.
Who or what motivates you?
In destination marketing, we work to bring visitors to town who spend
money here. What they spend here supports jobs in the hospitality and
tourism sectors and beyond. That person who has a job in hospitality
because of the people we bring to town is my motivation. Hospitality
provides a path regardless of degree; our industry provides a second
income on a flexible schedule for the household so that childcare is easier;
almost all businesses in the sector are small and entrepreneurial; and our
industry provides most peoples’ first jobs, training them for a career of
contribution.
What habits/routines have helped with your success?
I am a proponent of ongoing professional development for me and our
team. Attending conferences and workshops, sharing with colleagues from
around the state or country, refreshes and refocuses us by getting us out of
our daily routine. Time away allows us to think about how to bring that next
cutting-edge idea back home and put it to work.
What pushes you through your most difficult times?
Knowing that I can retreat to important things like faith and family
combined with a network of incredible colleagues who have been there,
done that, gets me through the rough patches.
What are you most proud of professionally?
Having been able to explore my profession in different places but
ending up back in my hometown and being able to contribute to our
common success.
Enjoy outdoor dining in great fall weather
before of after the football games with your pet.
CALL 812-923-2323
702 Highlander Point | Floyds Knobs, IN 47119