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This week I hosted another Spark Live ⚡️. Each time I learn so much about our city. I'm planning to do these two to three times a month. If you want in, reply and let me know. I’d love to have you join us.

Last week I asked you to pick your least offensive Louisville mispronunciation. Loo-ah-ville led the way at 45%, followed by Luh-val at 36%, with Lewis-ville and Loo-ee-vill each at 9%. Turns out we're a forgiving bunch.

We've got a ton of great links on what's happening this week, but here are two more worth your time: I joined our hometown basketball star, Larry O'Bannon on his podcast to talk sports, business, and Louisville.

Repeatedly, people are asking me how organizations should adopt AI… here’s a firsthand account of a success story. The TLDR: you can get help understanding what's possible, but you can't hand off AI adoption. You have to iterate yourself

Hot job 💼: Strategic Account Manager at Schneider Electric ($96K–$144K). Manage key accounts and drive growth for the global energy management and automation leader. Serve as a trusted advisor, mapping solutions to customer needs across products, software, and services.

📈 Number: 4 is the number of Louisville locations among the 10 new spots that just joined the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, proof that you don't have to drive far to get the full Kentucky bourbon experience.

As always, I appreciate you reading. 👊

-Todd

Six local business stories worth a click this week

🎬 Hallmark Picks Louisville Landmark for Its Next Film The network partnered with an iconic local venue for a new movie set to premiere on a very fitting day. (🎥 Video inside)

🍜 Beloved Local Soup Spot Eyes Comeback With Franchising Push A Hikes Point favorite hired a franchise development group and has big expansion goals for the area. (Warning: 💰️wall)

✈️ 3 New Nonstop Destinations Coming to SDF This Spring Breeze Airways is adding routes that bring Louisville to a record number of nonstop options. (🎥 Video inside)

🧊 GE Appliances Launches New Manufacturing Line in Louisville The expansion brings jobs back from overseas and comes with a consumer warning you'll want to hear. (🎥 Video inside)

🏢 Yum Brands to Spend Millions Renovating New Downtown HQ The restaurant giant is transforming multiple floors of a downtown tower ahead of its late 2026 move.

🏥 Local Health Company Expansion to Bring New Jobs to Southern Indiana A Kentucky-based healthcare services firm is investing in a new Jeffersonville office. (Warning: 💰️wall)

Viral video star and stand-up comedian John Crist brings his "John Crist Live!" tour to Whitney Hall on Sunday, February 22. Known for his clean, relatable humor and hilariously accurate takes on everyday life, church culture, social media, and family dynamics, Crist has built a massive following by proving you don't have to be crass to be funny.

Whether you've seen his viral sketches online or caught him on Netflix, his live show delivers fresh material and the kind of quick wit that keeps audiences laughing from start to finish. Tickets are on sale now.

⚡️ Spark Take: If you've ever had a thought in church you couldn't say out loud, John Crist already made a video about it.

Birthday love for some local standouts

Vince Cain, PMP – Director of Resolve, Co-founder of Coach House
Jeff Davis – Entrepreneur at Coalmarch
Sam Draut – PR and Marketing at Norton Healthcare, President of YPAL
Natalie Bonura Grubbs – Business Development for Kentucky at JQOL
Paul Osting – Owner of Peacemaker At Home Care
Dr. Meredith Sweeney – Founder of Sano Longevity

Fat Lamb, Fiesta Time, Lou Lou on Market, Pat's Steakhouse, Sweet Colada, Taco City and Volare.

Bombay chili chicken at Bombay Grill, Burger at Fat Lamb, Cubano sandwich at Sweet Colada, Grale burger at Holy Grail, Le Moo steak, Volare tomahawk, Yellow cake with caramel icing at Heitzman's

Access Louisville, Ali Wong at the Palace, College baseball at UL, Iroquois concerts, John Crist, YP Unite Summit

Read more about who was there and what was said.

Looking for your next Louisville home? Here are two great homes to consider: one for rent and one for purchase. Click the photos to explore.

9523 Indian Pipe Ln - Norton Commons | 2,600 sq ft | 4 bed, 4 bath | $3,950/mo
This Norton Commons rental puts you in the heart of one of Louisville's most walkable neighborhoods. The open main level is filled with natural light, and the finished basement includes a dedicated office or workout space. A turf side yard and fenced patio make it pet-friendly and great for entertaining. Walk to shops, cafes, pools, and parks. HOA amenities included. Pets negotiable.
Listed by: Owner, Scott Emge

1404 Mulligan Dr, Fisherville 40023 | 4,730 sq ft | 4 bed, 4 bath | $829,900
This walk-out ranch in Shakes Run delivers main-level living with style. Warm golden tones and refined finishes flow through the great room with coffered ceilings and gas fireplace. The chef's kitchen features two-toned cabinetry, while the primary suite offers a spa-like bath with stone shower and jetted tub. The finished lower level includes a guest suite, home office, and full kitchenette. Minutes from Beckley Creek Park.
Listed by: Carol J Krake, Semonin Realtors

Enterprise Account Executive at SecurityScorecard ($325K–$350K). Drive subscription sales and market expansion within a designated territory, building relationships with senior decision-makers in information security and risk at large enterprise organizations.

Chief Marketing Officer at Sam Aguiar Injury Lawyers ($225K–$350K). Lead marketing strategy for Kentucky's top-rated personal injury firm known for its client-first culture, community involvement, and landmark case results.

Restaurant Manager at Hillstone Restaurant Group ($100K–$200K). Oversee daily operations at this upscale casual dining company known for rigorous standards and hands-on leadership development. Training covers front and back of house through an eight-week immersive program.

Mega-Site Construction Manager at Meta ($150K–$209K). Manage construction, commissioning, and turnover of data center projects. Requires multi-project experience in large-scale construction and knowledge of civil, structural, electrical, and mechanical systems.

Business Unit Leader at Stellar Snacks ($100K–$110K). Lead operations at the woman-owned pretzel manufacturer's new $137 million Louisville facility, part of the largest economic development project in West Louisville in over 20 years.

We found the fun, so you don’t have to.

🎂 Birthday Bash at the Zoo
10:00 AM–2:30 PM @ Louisville Zoo
Celebrate the January birthdays of some of the Zoo's favorite residents, including Jelani the gorilla, polar bear Qannik, and grey seals Boone and Rona. Enjoy special keeper chats and watch the birthday animals receive unique enrichment treats. Regular zoo admission.

🍫 Louisville Chocolate, Wine & Whiskey Festival
11:30 AM–9:00 PM @ Mellwood Art Center | $66
Indulge in hand-rolled truffles, artisan chocolates, boozy milkshakes, and candy cocktails. Your ticket includes plentiful pours of wine, whiskey, and craft beer, plus access to a chocolate fondue bar. This 21+ charity event benefits the Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation.

🎪 Kosair Shrine Circus
10:00 AM–2:00 PM @ Broadbent Arena | $16+
Louisville's beloved annual circus returns with acrobats, clowns, trapeze acts, trained animals, and family-friendly fun. Now in its 100th year, this Shrine tradition supports Kosair Charities. Multiple showtimes available throughout the weekend.

🪩 Gimme Gimme Disco
8:30 PM @ Headliners Music Hall | $29
Take a chance on this DJ-driven dance party inspired by ABBA. Expect nonstop disco anthems from the '70s and '80s, including hits from the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, and Cher. Disco attire encouraged.