A recent Thursday night found the KIX team in Hodgenville for the Larue County Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Annual Awards Banquet. In a celebration of all the great things this very active chamber accomplished during the past year, special recognition was given to the graduating members of the Leadership Larue Program, as well as to the winners of several annual awards. A great meal was served by Paula’s Hot Biscuit restaurant, and everyone had their picture taken with hometown hero, Abe Lincoln. But what really made this event something special was the feeling of warmth that filled the room. These were people, young and old, who genuinely cared about one another and who represented businesses and organizations that provide the services, support and employment opportunities that make our small communities the vibrant, great-to-live-in places that they are. And in our region, we know that there are plenty of Chambers, Rotaries, Lions Clubs and other organizations doing outstanding work. We’d like to hear about how great your organization is, and to learn some of the things they’re doing in your community. Please share these stories by commenting on this post.
Monday, July 11, 2011
An Evening in Hodgenville/LaRue County - Birthplace of Abraham Lincoln
A recent Thursday night found the KIX team in Hodgenville for the Larue County Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Annual Awards Banquet. In a celebration of all the great things this very active chamber accomplished during the past year, special recognition was given to the graduating members of the Leadership Larue Program, as well as to the winners of several annual awards. A great meal was served by Paula’s Hot Biscuit restaurant, and everyone had their picture taken with hometown hero, Abe Lincoln. But what really made this event something special was the feeling of warmth that filled the room. These were people, young and old, who genuinely cared about one another and who represented businesses and organizations that provide the services, support and employment opportunities that make our small communities the vibrant, great-to-live-in places that they are. And in our region, we know that there are plenty of Chambers, Rotaries, Lions Clubs and other organizations doing outstanding work. We’d like to hear about how great your organization is, and to learn some of the things they’re doing in your community. Please share these stories by commenting on this post.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Using Technology in the Idea Capital of the World
On a recent visit to Hardin County Schools’ Bluegrass Middle School gym, there was a sign overhead that said “If you believe in yourself, anything is possible”. And as I entered the gymnasium that was filled with students from all the area schools, I saw that message being put into action.
At the first ever Hardin County Technology Fair, students were able come together and display their current technology based projects, which included everything from digital photography (some of which had actually been entered in state competitions), to computer-based language translation programs. I watched as a student demonstrated how to use a new remote system that uses video to feed live classes from one location to the other. Some students showed how they are using technology and the internet to communicate with our soldiers who are deployed overseas. Each booth was very diverse, but one thing was clear: each student was well-versed in the technology that was before them.
This is the new generation. No longer is technology reserved for only a select few. The world of laptops, cell phones, video feeds and computer programs has become the norm, in both our personal lives and our careers. I think it’s wonderful that we live in a region where local school systems recognize that and make sure our students get every benefit that technology can provide.
To become ‘The Idea Capital of the World’, I think that it’s imperative that we continue to progress in this direction. We must promote an education system that is not only aware of the opportunities available, but is also creative in the ways it recognizes and develops natural talent in our students. If we do that, I believe that our abundance of local talent will not only flourish, but will do so in our area instead of having to leave in the pursuit of bigger opportunities. With technology you can pursue those big opportunities from anywhere. Why not here?
I’ve heard from too many people that upon graduating college, they were forced to leave their hometown just to get a job in their field of choice. But, as the tech fair proves, initiatives are being taken to foster a high tech culture right here.
In LaRue County, they have instituted a program called Laptops of LaRue, which has made laptops available to every high school student for school use. They are able to use instant messaging to communicate questions to their teachers, as well as access programs like dyKNO, Moodle and OneNote. This is allowing the class to communicate electronically and keep track of homework and assignments, as well as giving them the ability to keep electronic binders for their classes. Not to mention the ability to use online encyclopedias and even search engines like Google or Yahoo to gather even more information on topics being discussed in class. This program is literally putting huge quantities of information at the students’ fingertips.
Colleges and Universities in the region are following similar paths, but access to technology doesn’t end in the public schools or even college. Adults who have not been exposed to technology the way in which these young students I’ve profiled above also need training opportunities in order to stay competitive. And communities throughout our region recognize that.
Whether it’s the Lifelong Learning Center in Scottsburg; the Adult Education Center in Brandenburg; the Community Learning Center, Salem; or any other number of venues throughout the region, communities are providing access and opportunities for people at all stages of their professional lives. It is becoming the norm not the exception.
What do you think, Readers? Would you like more information? Want to get involved? Do you know someone who is promoting a great idea or organization? Let’s hear from you!
Until next time,
Jen
At the first ever Hardin County Technology Fair, students were able come together and display their current technology based projects, which included everything from digital photography (some of which had actually been entered in state competitions), to computer-based language translation programs. I watched as a student demonstrated how to use a new remote system that uses video to feed live classes from one location to the other. Some students showed how they are using technology and the internet to communicate with our soldiers who are deployed overseas. Each booth was very diverse, but one thing was clear: each student was well-versed in the technology that was before them.
This is the new generation. No longer is technology reserved for only a select few. The world of laptops, cell phones, video feeds and computer programs has become the norm, in both our personal lives and our careers. I think it’s wonderful that we live in a region where local school systems recognize that and make sure our students get every benefit that technology can provide.
To become ‘The Idea Capital of the World’, I think that it’s imperative that we continue to progress in this direction. We must promote an education system that is not only aware of the opportunities available, but is also creative in the ways it recognizes and develops natural talent in our students. If we do that, I believe that our abundance of local talent will not only flourish, but will do so in our area instead of having to leave in the pursuit of bigger opportunities. With technology you can pursue those big opportunities from anywhere. Why not here?
I’ve heard from too many people that upon graduating college, they were forced to leave their hometown just to get a job in their field of choice. But, as the tech fair proves, initiatives are being taken to foster a high tech culture right here.
In LaRue County, they have instituted a program called Laptops of LaRue, which has made laptops available to every high school student for school use. They are able to use instant messaging to communicate questions to their teachers, as well as access programs like dyKNO, Moodle and OneNote. This is allowing the class to communicate electronically and keep track of homework and assignments, as well as giving them the ability to keep electronic binders for their classes. Not to mention the ability to use online encyclopedias and even search engines like Google or Yahoo to gather even more information on topics being discussed in class. This program is literally putting huge quantities of information at the students’ fingertips.
Colleges and Universities in the region are following similar paths, but access to technology doesn’t end in the public schools or even college. Adults who have not been exposed to technology the way in which these young students I’ve profiled above also need training opportunities in order to stay competitive. And communities throughout our region recognize that.
Whether it’s the Lifelong Learning Center in Scottsburg; the Adult Education Center in Brandenburg; the Community Learning Center, Salem; or any other number of venues throughout the region, communities are providing access and opportunities for people at all stages of their professional lives. It is becoming the norm not the exception.
What do you think, Readers? Would you like more information? Want to get involved? Do you know someone who is promoting a great idea or organization? Let’s hear from you!
Until next time,
Jen
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Introducing, Jen Leroux
The kix.com team is pleased to introduce our newest blogger, Ms. Jen Leroux. Jen originally hails from Minnesota but at the ripe old age of 16 her family made the move to Kentucky and while she took a professional detour to Italy, our region called her back. In this blog, she takes the opportunity to introduce herself to kix readers.
Booker T. Washington once said, "…Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way." Here in Kentucky, I believe we display this in a most unique manner. As I observe my friends, family, clients, and neighbors, I am faced with the realization that I am blessed to be living in a community with so many people that are striving for excellence. Every day I meet people from all different walks of life, and every day I hear a new story from someone about the (oftentimes) random set of circumstances that brought them to our beloved little piece of heartland.
Growing up in the north and not moving to Elizabethtown until I was 16 years old, it was a bit of a culture shock going from the a more fast-paced northern lifestyle to the more relaxed ways of life our region can offer. But after adjusting, I soon began to realize that the easy manner in which people from our region approach things was a big key to the way of life in this community. We truly are blessed to live in a place where there are so many “big city” amenities, and yet our neighbors are still genuine, hard-working, and family oriented. Not to mention, unique and broad in their areas of interest and study.
After graduating High School as a homeschooled student, I was blessed to work for a wonderful attorney here in our community, whose encouragement to never quit learning sticks with me still today. Working for him launched me headlong into our community, giving me opportunities to meet people and learn new things on a daily basis.
I then decided to follow a job into the financial field, where I worked with many small-business owners helping them manage and meet financial needs and goals. I believe this is when the entrepreneurial spirit began to grow inside of me. Watching people start with a dream and slowly build it upwards instilled a goal within me to do something like that in my own life one day. I was given amazing opportunities to meet with so many leaders in our community through this period of time, which undoubtedly helped to shape me into who I am today.
In 2008, I began to follow a new plan that involved spending some time travelling abroad, working and teaching English in Italy. I spent almost two years working outside of Milan, learning to speak Italian, working with Italian children, and adjusting to a new culture and way of life. Northern Italy is very industrial, and most families in that area own family businesses and are very entrepreneurial minded. It was a great period of time for me, opening many doors and teaching me many things about life.
When I returned to the U.S.A. in the fall of 2009, I began making preparations to begin my own little business adventure, using my love for photography as my starting point. That has since turned into a very enjoyable freelance job for me, one that I hope within the next few years will continue to grow and expand.
So here’s my point… How fortunate we are to live in a country like ours and a region like ours! Where every one of us has the opportunity to learn new things, work hard and dream big! From my time spent outside of the U.S., I feel strongly that this is the best place in the world to strive for excellence by doing “common things in an uncommon way”. I believe that this truly is a place well on its way to being named the Idea Capital of the World - a place where entrepreneurs and big dreamers can live and thrive and a place where inspiration is just the beginning.
What’s your story? I’d love to hear from you! Tell me about how you or your neighbors are displaying excellence in the pursuit of new and big ideas.
Until next time,
Jen
Booker T. Washington once said, "…Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way." Here in Kentucky, I believe we display this in a most unique manner. As I observe my friends, family, clients, and neighbors, I am faced with the realization that I am blessed to be living in a community with so many people that are striving for excellence. Every day I meet people from all different walks of life, and every day I hear a new story from someone about the (oftentimes) random set of circumstances that brought them to our beloved little piece of heartland.
Growing up in the north and not moving to Elizabethtown until I was 16 years old, it was a bit of a culture shock going from the a more fast-paced northern lifestyle to the more relaxed ways of life our region can offer. But after adjusting, I soon began to realize that the easy manner in which people from our region approach things was a big key to the way of life in this community. We truly are blessed to live in a place where there are so many “big city” amenities, and yet our neighbors are still genuine, hard-working, and family oriented. Not to mention, unique and broad in their areas of interest and study.
After graduating High School as a homeschooled student, I was blessed to work for a wonderful attorney here in our community, whose encouragement to never quit learning sticks with me still today. Working for him launched me headlong into our community, giving me opportunities to meet people and learn new things on a daily basis.
I then decided to follow a job into the financial field, where I worked with many small-business owners helping them manage and meet financial needs and goals. I believe this is when the entrepreneurial spirit began to grow inside of me. Watching people start with a dream and slowly build it upwards instilled a goal within me to do something like that in my own life one day. I was given amazing opportunities to meet with so many leaders in our community through this period of time, which undoubtedly helped to shape me into who I am today.
In 2008, I began to follow a new plan that involved spending some time travelling abroad, working and teaching English in Italy. I spent almost two years working outside of Milan, learning to speak Italian, working with Italian children, and adjusting to a new culture and way of life. Northern Italy is very industrial, and most families in that area own family businesses and are very entrepreneurial minded. It was a great period of time for me, opening many doors and teaching me many things about life.
When I returned to the U.S.A. in the fall of 2009, I began making preparations to begin my own little business adventure, using my love for photography as my starting point. That has since turned into a very enjoyable freelance job for me, one that I hope within the next few years will continue to grow and expand.
So here’s my point… How fortunate we are to live in a country like ours and a region like ours! Where every one of us has the opportunity to learn new things, work hard and dream big! From my time spent outside of the U.S., I feel strongly that this is the best place in the world to strive for excellence by doing “common things in an uncommon way”. I believe that this truly is a place well on its way to being named the Idea Capital of the World - a place where entrepreneurs and big dreamers can live and thrive and a place where inspiration is just the beginning.
What’s your story? I’d love to hear from you! Tell me about how you or your neighbors are displaying excellence in the pursuit of new and big ideas.
Until next time,
Jen
Monday, May 9, 2011
Intern to Earn
Did you know that almost 50 percent of internship students accept permanent positions with their internship employers?* And the retention of college graduates after 5 years of employment is 30% greater for internship graduates.
As the school year comes to a close, plenty of college students in our region will be seeking opportunities to get some on-the-job experience. The regional internship initiative, Intern to Earn, is helping link businesses with these talented students. Greater Louisville Inc and the HIRE Education Forum created the initiative with a grant from Wired65. At the center of the initiative is the web site www.InternToEarn.com where employers can post a position and students can find listings.
Employers also have access to toolkits, sample internship descriptions and evaluation forms, and workshops on how to successfully implement an intern program.
For students, the site offers advice on résumés, what to expect from an internship, networking, key industries in the region and social and volunteer opportunities.
Employers can also get one-on-one assistance setting up new internships and enhancing current programs. Visit www.InternToEarn.com or call 502-625-0029.
And be sure to join Intern to Earn at the Summer Kick-Off Luncheon on Thursday, June 2 at the Hyatt Regency from 11:30 to 1:00pm.
New Interns, Former Interns, "Soon To Be" Interns, Intern Coordinators, Regional Business and Community Leaders are invited to meet other interns, connect with business leaders, network with peers and learn more about the energy and innovation that will help our region become the Idea Capital of the World. Attendees will also have an opportunity to hear from special guest speaker Rob Samuels, Chief Operating Officer, Maker's Mark.
To reserve your seat, go to our website www.InternToEarn.com or call 502.625.0156.
Have you taken an internship through this program? Have you hired an intern through Intern to Earn? Take a moment and share your experience!
www.InternToEarn.com
*Statistic from Next Generation Consulting
As the school year comes to a close, plenty of college students in our region will be seeking opportunities to get some on-the-job experience. The regional internship initiative, Intern to Earn, is helping link businesses with these talented students. Greater Louisville Inc and the HIRE Education Forum created the initiative with a grant from Wired65. At the center of the initiative is the web site www.InternToEarn.com where employers can post a position and students can find listings.
Employers also have access to toolkits, sample internship descriptions and evaluation forms, and workshops on how to successfully implement an intern program.
For students, the site offers advice on résumés, what to expect from an internship, networking, key industries in the region and social and volunteer opportunities.
Employers can also get one-on-one assistance setting up new internships and enhancing current programs. Visit www.InternToEarn.com or call 502-625-0029.
And be sure to join Intern to Earn at the Summer Kick-Off Luncheon on Thursday, June 2 at the Hyatt Regency from 11:30 to 1:00pm.
New Interns, Former Interns, "Soon To Be" Interns, Intern Coordinators, Regional Business and Community Leaders are invited to meet other interns, connect with business leaders, network with peers and learn more about the energy and innovation that will help our region become the Idea Capital of the World. Attendees will also have an opportunity to hear from special guest speaker Rob Samuels, Chief Operating Officer, Maker's Mark.
To reserve your seat, go to our website www.InternToEarn.com or call 502.625.0156.
Have you taken an internship through this program? Have you hired an intern through Intern to Earn? Take a moment and share your experience!
www.InternToEarn.com
*Statistic from Next Generation Consulting
Friday, May 6, 2011
The Kentucky Derby (Super)Festival – A Regional Celebration.
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| SuperFest 2011 Super Fan! |
It’s high hospitality, an excuse to dress in our fanciest clothing and a reason to mix Mint Juleps. It’s a magic time when we get carried away with guest preparations and special events. And on Derby Day, with much of our region resembling a ghost town, driveways and streets in front of many a house fills with cars, as another Derby party unfolds.
This year’s theme for the Kentucky Derby Festival is “Superfest 2011.” It officially opened with “Thunder Over Louisville,” which launched a two-week schedule of more than 70 events including the Great Balloon Race and the Pegasus Parade. These events generated millions of dollars to our local economy.
How do you spend the First Saturday in May? What are your traditions for this big weekend? Tell us at kix.com!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
USA Cares, A Dream That Does Good
by Jen Leroux
“Let us do good.” - A simple statement that is the driving force behind a big idea. For Roger Stradley, a retired Soldier, and the dedicated team at USA Cares, everyday is just another opportunity to live that motto.
Founded right here in the Idea Capital in 2003, USA Cares works to help support post-9/11 military families and veterans when they need it most. All branches of service in all 50 states are assisted through the program. USA Cares does not loan money - Rather, they offer direct grants to help cover a variety of expenses for our servicemen and women, whether it be assistance with personal debt, or filling in the monetary gaps when soldiers have to go into treatment for PTSD. To date, over $7,250,000.00 has been provided to our soldiers. What started as a small non-profit organization in Radcliff Kentucky has since expanded to a nationwide outreach, including volunteers in Detroit, Chicago, and Los Angeles. They are all firm believers in giving a “hand up not a hand out” to our servicemen and women in their time of need.
“One percent of Americans protect the rest of us,” Roger told me when I visited him this past week in his second-story office in the heart of Radcliff. So what can be more important than helping out that brave one percent in whatever way possible?
It’s clear to see that Roger’s passion is our military. He’s quick to pull out the digital photo frame from his desk and show me pictures of his son who is currently serving in Iraq. His eyes light up when he talks about the many people that they have been able to help in the past 8 years, and all the new possibilities that are before them for the next 8 years.
And it only gets better. Just this month, USA Cares broke ground for their new headquarters that will be located at 1655 N Logsdon Parkway in Radcliff. They have high hopes that the location will be finished by the end of the year.
We can’t quit on our brave men and women that are serving us in so many capacities in the Armed Forces. Roger and everyone at USA Cares remind us of that. I encourage you to give them a call or stop by their office. They’ll be more than happy to give you a firsthand account of what they do. And trust me, it will be worth it. Their patriotism combined with a true entrepreneur spirit is contagious, and just might get you started on your own big idea.
Interested in finding our more about USA Cares? For information or for learning how you can donate time or resources visit: http://usacares.org/
“Let us do good.” - A simple statement that is the driving force behind a big idea. For Roger Stradley, a retired Soldier, and the dedicated team at USA Cares, everyday is just another opportunity to live that motto.
Founded right here in the Idea Capital in 2003, USA Cares works to help support post-9/11 military families and veterans when they need it most. All branches of service in all 50 states are assisted through the program. USA Cares does not loan money - Rather, they offer direct grants to help cover a variety of expenses for our servicemen and women, whether it be assistance with personal debt, or filling in the monetary gaps when soldiers have to go into treatment for PTSD. To date, over $7,250,000.00 has been provided to our soldiers. What started as a small non-profit organization in Radcliff Kentucky has since expanded to a nationwide outreach, including volunteers in Detroit, Chicago, and Los Angeles. They are all firm believers in giving a “hand up not a hand out” to our servicemen and women in their time of need.
“One percent of Americans protect the rest of us,” Roger told me when I visited him this past week in his second-story office in the heart of Radcliff. So what can be more important than helping out that brave one percent in whatever way possible?
It’s clear to see that Roger’s passion is our military. He’s quick to pull out the digital photo frame from his desk and show me pictures of his son who is currently serving in Iraq. His eyes light up when he talks about the many people that they have been able to help in the past 8 years, and all the new possibilities that are before them for the next 8 years.
And it only gets better. Just this month, USA Cares broke ground for their new headquarters that will be located at 1655 N Logsdon Parkway in Radcliff. They have high hopes that the location will be finished by the end of the year.
We can’t quit on our brave men and women that are serving us in so many capacities in the Armed Forces. Roger and everyone at USA Cares remind us of that. I encourage you to give them a call or stop by their office. They’ll be more than happy to give you a firsthand account of what they do. And trust me, it will be worth it. Their patriotism combined with a true entrepreneur spirit is contagious, and just might get you started on your own big idea.
Interested in finding our more about USA Cares? For information or for learning how you can donate time or resources visit: http://usacares.org/
Friday, April 15, 2011
Golf Legends Start with Big Dreams
The final round of the 2011 Masters offered some of the most exciting play we’ve seen in years. In fact, it reminded us of the day a little know golfer from the Idea Capital of the World made golfing history, more than thirty years ago.
Playing in the rain on the fifteenth hole of the final day of the 1979 Masters Tournament, four strokes back and 235 yards from the green, Masters Rookie Frank Urban Zoeller, Jr. had an idea. He decided that he would drive the ball, over water, straight into the wind, and onto the green. He needed to do it if he was going to get back into contention to grab the win. And winning is why he was there.
With the club he was using, in perfect conditions, 235 yards was about the best he could hope for. That day he would have to deliver a perfect shot, under great pressure and with horrible conditions. Could he do it?
Where most golfers would have played it safe, “Fuzzy” went for broke. He hit the ball hard and straight, and the gallery cheered when it landed safely on the green. From there, he charged into a tie and won the Masters with a birdie on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff. Anybody who knows golf understands what winning the Masters means to a player’s career, and they also know that many golfers would have played it safe and settled for a top five finish. But not Fuzzy, who understood that winning big meant dreaming big.
In the Idea Capital of the World, big dreams are encouraged. And while not all big dreamers end up winning the Masters, all of their stories inspire us.
Today, golf fans in the Idea Capital region all know about “The Fuz.” A New Albany native, he learned his craft on the courses near his home and became a professional golfer in 1973. That day he won the Masters, at just 27, he became one of only three golfers to win The Masters in their first appearance. The rest is history.
Thanks to his skills on a golf course, Fuzzy got the opportunity to lend his considerable golf knowledge to the design of championship golf courses. In fact, Fuzzy has designed 19 courses across the country, three of which are part of the PGA Tour. And locally, Covered Bridge and Champions Pointe are considered to be among the best courses in the region. Both feature lakes and bunkers that challenge the skill of any golfer.
While golf has been his career, Fuzzy has used his celebrity for many good causes, to include children’s charities throughout the region. He created “Fuzzy’s Charity for Kids” and for the last 13 years “The Magnolia Health Systems Wolf Challenge” golf event has raised over $1.6 million. Professional golfers and celebrities have participated in the tournament; to include Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Bill Murray, Kevin Costner and more. Tickets are not yet on sale for this year’s event, but they sell out fast so keep your eyes and ears open if you want to attend “the most popular event in pro golf.”
And Fuzzy hasn’t stopped dreaming. His latest idea is Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka, distilled right here in Indiana. In a region known for its bourbon, Fuzzy is taking a chance on a new tradition with his signature spirit.
If he’d have played it safe back in ’79, would Fuzzy be lending his world-famous name to charities, products, sports events and recreational venues today? Who knows? But it doesn’t take a legendary figure to be a catalyst for change. Our region is ripe with opportunity for new ideas and big dreams.
What’s yours?
Watch Fuzzy’s final shot for his 1979 Master’s win.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bqs0WiIl0c
Who is your biggest inspiration from the region? And did you know that this year’s Senior PGA Championship will be played at Valhalla 26-29 May?
www.pga.com/seniorpga/2011
Playing in the rain on the fifteenth hole of the final day of the 1979 Masters Tournament, four strokes back and 235 yards from the green, Masters Rookie Frank Urban Zoeller, Jr. had an idea. He decided that he would drive the ball, over water, straight into the wind, and onto the green. He needed to do it if he was going to get back into contention to grab the win. And winning is why he was there.
With the club he was using, in perfect conditions, 235 yards was about the best he could hope for. That day he would have to deliver a perfect shot, under great pressure and with horrible conditions. Could he do it?
Where most golfers would have played it safe, “Fuzzy” went for broke. He hit the ball hard and straight, and the gallery cheered when it landed safely on the green. From there, he charged into a tie and won the Masters with a birdie on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff. Anybody who knows golf understands what winning the Masters means to a player’s career, and they also know that many golfers would have played it safe and settled for a top five finish. But not Fuzzy, who understood that winning big meant dreaming big.
In the Idea Capital of the World, big dreams are encouraged. And while not all big dreamers end up winning the Masters, all of their stories inspire us.
Today, golf fans in the Idea Capital region all know about “The Fuz.” A New Albany native, he learned his craft on the courses near his home and became a professional golfer in 1973. That day he won the Masters, at just 27, he became one of only three golfers to win The Masters in their first appearance. The rest is history.
Thanks to his skills on a golf course, Fuzzy got the opportunity to lend his considerable golf knowledge to the design of championship golf courses. In fact, Fuzzy has designed 19 courses across the country, three of which are part of the PGA Tour. And locally, Covered Bridge and Champions Pointe are considered to be among the best courses in the region. Both feature lakes and bunkers that challenge the skill of any golfer.
While golf has been his career, Fuzzy has used his celebrity for many good causes, to include children’s charities throughout the region. He created “Fuzzy’s Charity for Kids” and for the last 13 years “The Magnolia Health Systems Wolf Challenge” golf event has raised over $1.6 million. Professional golfers and celebrities have participated in the tournament; to include Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Greg Norman, Bill Murray, Kevin Costner and more. Tickets are not yet on sale for this year’s event, but they sell out fast so keep your eyes and ears open if you want to attend “the most popular event in pro golf.”
And Fuzzy hasn’t stopped dreaming. His latest idea is Fuzzy’s Ultra Premium Vodka, distilled right here in Indiana. In a region known for its bourbon, Fuzzy is taking a chance on a new tradition with his signature spirit.
If he’d have played it safe back in ’79, would Fuzzy be lending his world-famous name to charities, products, sports events and recreational venues today? Who knows? But it doesn’t take a legendary figure to be a catalyst for change. Our region is ripe with opportunity for new ideas and big dreams.
What’s yours?
Watch Fuzzy’s final shot for his 1979 Master’s win.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bqs0WiIl0c
Who is your biggest inspiration from the region? And did you know that this year’s Senior PGA Championship will be played at Valhalla 26-29 May?
www.pga.com/seniorpga/2011
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