Articles by Mike Rhodes

The 2019 Big Idea Pitch Winner: Trey Gourley. Photo by: Kyle Evans

Business July 28, 2023

The BIG Idea Pitch – Why this Contest is Important

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—During my thirteen years as Executive Director of the Muncie Innovation Connector, I have met with, coached, advised, counseled, and encouraged many individuals who have thought about starting or owning a business.  This continues to happen several times each week.  In addition, the Small Business Development Center, located in the Innovation Connector, meets with clients in Muncie and East-Central Indiana, hoping for the same. With the availability of resources found…

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Photo provided by Ivy Tech Muncie.

Education July 27, 2023

Ivy Tech Community College Advanced Manufacturing Labs Get Students ‘Workforce Ready’

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, Ind. – The Advanced Technology Center is located at 4101 South Cowan Road in Muncie. The Center houses the School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science and the high-tech labs that support students entering the workforce, primarily in the manufacturing sector.  The School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Applied Science offers degrees and certifications in: Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology Automotive Technology Building Construction Technology Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technology (HVAC) Industrial Technology (including…

Pictured Left to right: Traci Lutton, Vice President of Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance; James King, Delaware County Commissioner; Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb; Brad Bookout, Director of Economic & Municipal Affairs; Tom Johnson, Regional Manager of CANPACK-US; Peter Giorgi, President and CEO of Giorgi Global Holdings, Inc.; Mayor Dan Ridenour, City of Muncie. Photo by Tylonius Studio, Inc.

Business, Government July 26, 2023

CANPACK is Good for Our Community and is Bringing Back a Strong Well-paid Workforce

By James King, Delaware County Commissioner— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—As a lifelong resident and longtime elected official in Delaware County, I have watched the evolution of manufacturing throughout our region.  When I was young, our community was proudly connected to the auto part manufacturing industry and had a rich history of hard-working men and women who dedicated their lives to advancing that industry.  With the North American Free Trade Agreement, we watched as jobs slowly consolidated and moved to China and…

Tommy Castro is pictured performing. Photo provided

Entertainment July 25, 2023

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers to Headline FREE Concert in Muncie, IN

By Rick Zeigler— MUNCIE, IN –Blues Music Award winners Tommy Castro & the Painkillers will be returning to Muncie to perform a FREE outdoor concert as part of the 2023 Muncie Three Trails Music Series. This concert is sponsored by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County and will take place at 7:00 PM on Saturday, July 29th at Canan Commons (500 S. Walnut Walnut St.) in the heart of downtown Muncie, IN. Muncie’s own Lovesick Moan will open the show….

Ted Ward. Photo provided

Non-Profit July 25, 2023

Shafer Leadership Academy Welcomes Longtime Leadership Coach Ted Ward as Membership Director

By Arrick Garringer— MUNCIE— IN—Beginning on Monday July 24th, the longtime leadership coach began working to deepen existing relationships with SLA member organizations and connecting new members to the region’s premiere professional development organization. “I have long advocated for Shafer in the many facets of my life and regularly refer individuals and organizational leaders to SLA’s many resources, so the transition to this formal role seems like a natural evolution,” said Ward, who was the executive director for Learner Experience…

The John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award recognizes the achievements of the dedicated board members who are creating excellence in their organizations and Delaware County as a whole. Photo provided

Non-Profit July 24, 2023

Deadline Approaching for 2023 Fisher Governance Award Nominations

By Eliza Guion— MUNCIE, IN — The deadline for nominations for the John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award is quickly approaching. The award, given by Ball Brothers Foundation, highlights the important role board members play in strategic planning and financial oversight to achieve the organization’s mission, secure financial stability, and ensure general effectiveness of the organization. Delaware County non-profit organizations have until 4pm on Aug. 15 to nominate a board member for the award, which includes a $10,000…

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Business July 24, 2023

TEST

Cybercrime is a Growing Threat Indiana Communities Need to Address

Muncie and Delaware County has become a hot real estate market.

Business July 23, 2023

Northwest Bank Provides Tips for Streamlining the Mortgage Process

By Northwest Bank— COLUMBUS, OH— Northwest Bank, a full-service financial institution with branches in Muncie and offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, provides tips for streamlining the mortgage process to help consumers navigate today’s competitive housing market and reduce the stress of home buying. “In this market, buyers have to be ready to move quickly,” says Tim Holman, vice president and director of mortgage operations, Northwest Bank. “You don’t have time to hesitate when you find the…

Zach Johnson, as photographed by Zach Johnson.

Business July 21, 2023

Woof Boom Radio’s Zach Johnson Named Sports Director for WHBU Radio

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief, MuncieJournal.com— MUNCIE, IN—Zach Johnson, a well known local radio on-air talent has been named Sports Director for Anderson’s WHBU radio, 101.1 FM and 1240 AM. Johnson has been a full-time member of the MAX and WERK air staff since 2011 and also worked for the radio stations part-time beginning in 2005.  Johnson was a radio force in high school sports even as far back as when he was in high school himself. “Back then, the radio…

Dale Basham with Santos Salinas, Rotary District 6560 Governor-Elect on the left. Photo provided

Non-Profit July 20, 2023

Dale Basham to Serve on The Rotary International Council on Legislation

By Matt Howell— MUNCIE, IN—Dale Basham, Past President of Muncie Rotary (2014-2015) and Past District Governor of Rotary District 6560 (2018-2019), has been nominated by Immediate Past District Governor, Demekya McAllen and confirmed by Rotary International as Central Indiana’s delegate for the 2023-2026 term of the Rotary International Council on Legislation. Delegates are elected to three-year terms. These Rotarians meet at the Council on Legislation to review and vote on proposed changes to the legislation that governs Rotary. They consider…