Business

By  Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—This past spring, 33 First Merchants Bank employees traded their desks for a day in the classroom at Anderson Preparatory Academy. Spread across every K–5 classroom, these volunteers brought Junior Achievement’s financial wellness lessons to life. They taught children about saving money and setting career goals. First Merchants employees made concepts like budgeting and entrepreneurship fun and relatable. Delaware County’s hometown bank knows that early education in budgeting and saving is vital to the success…

By Dawn Brand Fluhler— MUNCIE, IN  – Forge ECI, the regional economic development organization representing nine counties across East Central Indiana, has announced the appointment of Caitlin Hancock as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Hancock, who has served as Interim President/CEO since May, assumes the role permanently following a nationwide search. “Caitlin emerged as the clear choice among more than 20 candidates,” said Garrett Doan, Chair of Forge ECI’s Board of Directors. “Her decade of experience within the…

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—The entrepreneurial energy of East Central Indiana is ready to take center stage as the Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc. presents the 4th Annual Business Showcase Week, set to run through the first three weeks of November 2025, with the main events scheduled for November 17–22. In collaboration with Global Entrepreneurship Week, this year’s Showcase is more expansive and impactful than ever. With 80+ FREE events, it’s designed to inspire, educate,…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN. –Chris Smith has had a passionate interest in Lewis and Clark since he was a young boy. He used to read about their early 1800s expedition across the western United States and wonder what it was like to cross rugged terrain using primitive transportation with limited supplies. The veteran Muncie Central teacher no longer wonders. He knows firsthand. Thanks to a Teacher Creativity grant from Lilly Endowment, Smith spent part of his summer retracing the…

By Kara Stevenson Communications Specialist, Sr., I&M— MUNCIE, IN—The weather in Indiana is ever- changing. Throughout the year, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) proactively maintains and upgrades the electrical system; however, power outages due to severe conditions remain possible. In September, I&M is highlighting the importance of being prepared and connected during National Preparedness Month – but this is important to achieve year-round. “At I&M, the safety of customers and employees is our top priority. When emergencies and severe weather happens,…

By Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of Leap Managed IT— MUNCIE, IN—At Leap Managed IT, we’re more than a technology company, we’re a third-generation, Indiana-owned business with deep roots in Central Indiana. With our headquarters in Muncie and support centers across the state, we’re proud to serve the communities we call home. Being local means everything to us. One of our core pillars is community stewardship, a commitment started by our grandparents in 1930 and still reflected in everything we do…

20+ Salons Partnered Statewide, 80 Students Enrolled Beginning September 9th By Teresa Long— MUNCIE, IN — Grace Beauty College, led by founder and state sponsor Teresa Long, proudly announces the launch of Indiana’s first state-approved Cosmetology and Barber Apprenticeship Program. The program officially begins on September 9, 2025, with more than 80 students enrolled and over 20 salons and barbershops statewide serving as training sites. The apprenticeship program offers a groundbreaking pathway for aspiring cosmetologists and barbers to earn while…

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—In the world of entrepreneurship, the challenges are constant: managing cash flow, building customer relationships, hiring the right people, and adapting to market changes. For business owners in Muncie and the surrounding region, these pressures are compounded by a persistent challenge. Too many entrepreneurs are facing them alone. While Muncie has a rich base of talented and experienced business leaders, many new and growing entrepreneurs don’t have easy access to…