By Katy Maggart—
MUNCIE, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce, is pleased to announce that Vicki Veach has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Legacy Award, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the Muncie and Delaware County community through more than four decades of visionary leadership, collaboration, and service.
The Legacy Award is presented annually to individuals who have made extraordinary, sustained, and positive contributions to the Muncie-Delaware County community at large, and who has provided leadership in the development of programs, events, and/or new traditions that promote goodwill and community pride. Throughout her career, Veach has exemplified those qualities by championing tourism, economic development, downtown revitalization, and community partnerships that continue to shape Muncie today.
Veach came to Muncie to attend Ball State University and began her career in the community by joining the Muncie-Delaware County Visitors Bureau team in 1985. During her 14 years with the Visitors Bureau, Veach helped establish Muncie as a destination for conventions, sporting events, and tourism. Before the Horizon Convention Center even opened its doors, she successfully secured its first conventions, laying the foundation for its future success. She also partnered with local aviation leaders Gary Bussel and David Snider to recruit the Academy of Model Aeronautics to Muncie—an achievement that has generated significant economic impact while establishing the city as one of the world’s premier aeromodelling destinations.
Following a successful career in the private sector, Veach returned to public service as executive director of the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP). During her leadership of MDDP, Veach worked alongside city administrations, businesses, nonprofit organizations, foundations, volunteers, and community leaders to drive downtown revitalization efforts through strategic partnerships. Her collaborative approach helped secure investment, attract grant funding, strengthen public-private relationships, and support local businesses.
One of her most recognizable accomplishments was co-founding Fire Up DWNTWN alongside events director Cheryl Crowder. The festival has grown into one of East Central Indiana’s largest annual celebrations, welcoming more than 17,000 visitors in a single day while highlighting Downtown businesses, restaurants, artists, and community pride. She also helped lead and expand signature Downtown events including Muncie Gras, Rib Fest, Light Up DWNTWN, and First Thursdays.
Veach also founded the Summer Heat Regional Balloon Championship, launched the Central Housing System for convention visitors, and created the Muncie Sports and Hobby Commission, attracting regional and national events that showcased the community.
“Vicki’s impact on our community cannot be measured by a single project or event,” said Elizabeth Rowray, Chamber President/CEO. “Her ability to bring people together around a common vision has transformed our community in lasting ways. Whether promoting tourism, revitalizing downtown, or building partnerships across every sector, Vicki has consistently put Muncie first. Her legacy will continue to benefit our community for generations.”
Throughout her career, Veach has remained an active supporter of the Chamber. Today, she continues to serve the community as a member of the Ivy Tech Chancellor’s Advisory Board and The Arc Innovation Board.
The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce is honored to recognize Vicki Veach with the 2026 Legacy Award for a lifetime of leadership, service, and unwavering dedication to making Muncie a stronger, more vibrant community.
“Vicki Veach has dedicated more than four decades to making Muncie a stronger, more vibrant community. Her ability to bring people together, build lasting partnerships, and champion our downtown and local businesses has created an impact that will be felt for generations. On behalf of the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, we are honored to recognize Vicki as our 2026 Legacy Award recipient,” said Allison Robbins, Chair, Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
The Legacy Dinner will be hosted on Wednesday, October 21, at the Horizon Convention Center in Downtown Muncie. The Presenting Sponsor will be Indiana Michigan Power.
For information about sponsorship opportunities or to make a reservation for the event, visit munciechamber.org/events.
About the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce
Since 1894, the Chamber has been integral to Greater Muncie because of our strategic business-building plans and services. We strive to be a source of innovative business development for our community by engaging large, medium, and small businesses in countless industries. The Chamber builds an extensive Muncie business network through member connections and expansion. Building business. Building community.
