Articles by Mike Rhodes

Business Consulting Services Available In Downtown Muncie

By: Christy Ragle— The services of the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) are now available in downtown Muncie. The Downtown Business Connector (DBC) is partnering with the East Central ISBDC to offer no-cost, confidential business consulting services to area small businesses. Starting September 15, the East Central ISBDC will have a business advisor at the Downtown Business Connector from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. every Tuesday. The advisors will be able to meet informally and also by…

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Ivy Tech Community College to Hold Local Go Ivy Day Events

By: Shawn Carmichael— Ivy Tech Community College East Central region will be holding Go Ivy Day events on September 15 at the Carnegie Library and on September 30 at the Kennedy Library, and on September 17 at the Muncie Housing Authority – Price Hall. Prospective students will be able to learn all about Ivy Tech Community College including admissions, financial aid, new student orientation, and career services. Go Ivy Day Carnegie Library September 15 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 301 E….



Key Roles in ECI Regional Cities Plan

By: Terry Murphy— TALENT ATTRACTION, RETENTION, DEVELOPMENT, AND QUALITY OF LIFE PLAY KEY ROLES IN ECI REGIONAL CITIES PLAN Population stagnation and the loss of talent are critical issues that have faced East Central Indiana and the state of Indiana for decades. The Regional Cities Initiative is an opportunity for regions within the State of Indiana to collaborate, identify projects, and put together regional solutions to quality of life issues that directly relate to the attraction and retention of talent….


Electricity Tour, Live Wire Coming to Emens with Doktor Kaboom

By: Kristi Chambers—  Nothing says scientific discovery quite like “kaboom.” Get ready for a hilarious hour of electrical entertainment with Doktor Kaboom, coming to Emens Auditorium on Saturday, September 12 at 4 p.m. Though a “one-man show,” Doktor Kaboom asks for audience help in this fun, and funny, exploration of electricity. Co-commissioned by the Kennedy Center, LIVE WIRE! The Electricity Tour is premiering in Washington, DC, in September 2014. Doktor Kaboom will explore the fundamentals of electrical energy and the…


Spherion Staffing Celebrates 3 years in Muncie

By: Janel Schwartz— Spherion is a locally owned, staffing company serving the talent and job search needs of East Central Indiana. Building on 26 years of industry experience, local owner Janel Schwartz and her team of staffing professionals take great care in matching the right candidate, to the right career opportunity. As of September, 2015 they have placed 449 people in local job positions. These new opportunities include short term, long term, temporary-to-hire, and direct hire positions. The Spherion team specializes…


WIPB-TV Be My Neighbor Day Set for September 12

By: Michelle Kinsey— WIPB-TV will have its first Be My Neighbor Day, Saturday, September 12 from 1–4 p.m. at Canan Commons in downtown Muncie. Based on the popular PBS KIDS animated program, “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” and with a nod to the classic “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” this FREE family event will focus on the importance of being a good neighbor. Be My Neighbor Day events include: A neighborhood map guide to visit booths where the Muncie community’s great neighbors “live.” Participate in…


WATCH: Muncie Downtown Development Partnership Premieres Film DWNTWN: The Next Muncie

By: Shelley Shekell— Muncie Downtown Development Partnership (MDDP) is premiering its follow-up video to the 2012 hit, DWNTWN: The Original Muncie. The second film, DWNTWN: The Next Muncie, follows three stories: a dancer trying to make a name for herself, a young couple beginning a life together as they move into their first apartment, and the staff of ProjectiOne working hard in their fabrication studio, contributing to the much talked about maker movement. In 2012, the DWNTWN Muncie campaign began as…


United Way Day of Action—Being a Nonprofit for Your Nonprofit

By: Kelsey Crist— Day of Action is a day-long event where volunteers from around Delaware County come together to serve partnering nonprofits. This day is a chance for people to give back to the community through volunteerism. Work at the agencies helps the volunteers better understand community needs, and the local not-for-profits that help fulfill them. “It takes the whole community working together to achieve greatness. Day of Action is one big day of celebrating the community pulling together. The…


Joe Mumpower’s Intriguing Bird Entertains Muncie Shoppers

By: Mike Rhodes— Meet Joe Mumpower and his bird, “Polly.” (If you haven’t already.) Joe and his unusual bird are very popular around some Muncie establishments. If you’ve ever been to Starbucks on S. Tillotson Ave, Rural King, the Muncie Mission or a number of variety stores around Muncie, you may have seen Joe Mumpower and his bird, “Polly.” Polly, a male bird, is a Scarlet Macaw. Joe is retired from Ball State, having been a residence hall director for 30 years…