Business

By: First Merchants— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has reported fourth quarter 2018 net income of $41.7 million, an increase of 71 percent, compared to $24.4 million during the same period in 2017. Earnings per share for the period totaled a record $.85 per share, an increase of 73 percent, compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 result of $.49 per share. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 totaled $159.1 million, compared to $96.1 million…

By: Bonnie Smith— Muncie, IN—Psi Iota Xi Charities Inc. is pleased to announce its Philanthropic Grant Awards for 2018. These grants are funded from profits earned at The Bargain Box, 607 E. Charles Street in Muncie.  The Bargain Box is a resale shop operated and staffed by volunteer members of Psi Iota Xi Sorority. The purpose of the sorority is “the furthering of philanthropic, cultural and social enterprises” in our community.  This year’s grants totaling $18,000 were awarded to the following…

By: Benjamin J. Freeman, Attorney— Muncie, IN—Traditionally, parties attempting to resolve a dispute end up litigating their case in court. It is no secret that the litigation process is long, costly and unpredictable. Whether the parties are disputing a business transaction gone wrong, dissolving a marriage, or trying to determine liability for an auto accident, the process can drag on for years and cost all involved thousands of dollars. While all litigation does end eventually, mediation offers a quicker and cheaper…

By: Jaime Faulkner— MUNCIE, IN – In light of the impending threatening weather, MutualBank will be closing several financial centers and opening late on Wednesday, January 30th, 2019 and Thursday, January 31, 2019. All financial centers in the following counties will be closed Wednesday, January 30, 2019 and open at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 31, 2019 : Elkhart, Kosciusko and St. Joseph counties All financial centers in the following counties will be closed Wednesday, January 30, 2019 and open…

By: Sean Rogers— Muncie, IN– When business and academia converge, it’s good news for students, employers, and the greater community. East Central Indiana received some good news of its own when Muncie-based Ontario Systems and neighboring Anderson University introduced “The Cube,” an on-campus tech talent incubator designed to prepare students at the School of Science and Engineering for future careers. “We are genuinely excited about this partnership with Anderson University,” said Jason Harrington, President of Ontario Systems. “This is a great opportunity…

By: Chad Mertz— Muncie, IN —Forbes has released its 2019 list of “America’s Best Banks,” and for the second straight year, one of Indiana’s legacy financial institutions sits near the top. First Merchants Bank, the largest financial services holding company in Central Indiana and second largest in the state, was ranked by Forbes as the country’s second best bank. “We are extremely proud of this achievement as it speaks to the financial strength of First Merchants clients and vitality of…

By: Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance— Editor’s note: On August 20, 2019 this project was halted and will not be built in Muncie.   Muncie, Indiana— Waelz Sustainable Products LLP (WSP), a joint venture between Indianapolis-based Heritage Environmental and Monterrey, Mexico-based Zinc Nacional, announced plans today to establish operations in Muncie, creating up to 90 jobs over the next several years. The new facility, which will be located on the former Borg Warner campus, is one part of a significant…

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—There’s a new sheriff in Delaware County…and 50 more across the state who began their duties on January 1st. Earlier in December over 200 sheriffs, chief deputies and support staff from 72 Indiana counties attended the Indiana Sheriffs’Association (ISA) New Sheriffs’ School at the Horizon Convention Center in downtown Muncie. According to Steve Luce, executive director of the ISA, every 4 years, sheriffs are on an election and re-election cycle. Indiana is a term-limited state for the office…