Articles by Mike Rhodes

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, it is worth remembering that our nation began as one of history’s most ambitious startup ventures. The founders of the United States were innovators, risk-takers, and entrepreneurs. They challenged the status quo, invested in an uncertain future, and believed ordinary people should have the freedom to pursue extraordinary opportunities. Their vision created a nation where ideas, hard work, and ingenuity could transform lives and communities. Two hundred and fifty years later, that entrepreneurial spirit remains among America’s greatest strengths. Today,…

By Samantha Mitchell — MUNCIE, IN —What began as a simple idea born from personal experience in Lafayette has grown into a thriving resource for foster families across Indiana. The Foster Closet, founded by Billy and Mandy Holden through Innovation Church in Lafayette, celebrated the grand opening of its second location in Muncie on June 7, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s five-year journey of serving children and families involved in foster care. The new Muncie location is housed at Illuminate Muncie Foursquare, 3101 S. Walnut St., Muncie, IN 47302. The original Lafayette location operates at River City Church,…

By Vicki Zeal— YORKTOWN, IN— Northwest Bank leaders, along with community leaders and partners, cut the ceremonial ribbon to celebrate the grand reopening of the bank’s financial center located at 2101 S. Tiger Drive in Yorktown, Indiana. After undergoing a complete interior redesign, the office boasts a vibrant, modern and welcoming open-concept layout created to support a more personalized and relationship-driven banking experience. “This remodel reflects our continued investment in the Yorktown community and our commitment to creating a space where meaningful financial conversations can happen,” said Urich Bowers, chief consumer banking and strategy officer for Northwest Bank. “Banking is…

By Amy Van Arsdol Madden— MUNCIE, IN— Forge ECI welcomed business leaders, elected officials, community stakeholders to its annual luncheon on Thursday, June 4, featuring a dynamic mayors panel discussion focused on the growth, opportunities, and future of communities across East Central Indiana. Representing municipalities from across the region, participating mayors (Mayor Dan Eckstein of Hartford City, Mayor Ronald Morrell of Marion, Mayor Bill Rock, Jr. of Gas City, Mayor Greg York of New Castle, Mayor Chad Spence of Union City, Mayor Mike Pavey of Rushville, Mayor Ron Oler of Richmond) shared updates on economic development, workforce initiatives, housing, infrastructure…