Business

By Caitlin Hancock, Interim President/CEO— MUNCIE, IN — The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership is proud to announce its official rebrand as Forge ECI, marking a bold new chapter in the organization’s mission to drive economic development and regional collaboration. Created in partnership with IronGate Creative, this transformation includes a new name, logo, and website—ForgeECI.com. This announcement comes as the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary—two decades of championing regional unity, investment, and growth across East Central Indiana. From its early…

By Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of LEAP Managed I.T.— MUNCIE, IN—One of the first questions new clients ask us is, “How long have you been in business?” And every time, we pause because the answer tends to surprise people. It’s been 95 years since our grandparents, C.F. and Wilma, founded what has grown into LEAP Managed IT. What began as a humble family venture is now one of the Midwest’s largest Managed IT providers, with three of our…

By I&M— MUNCIE, IN— Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) crews will resume construction activities on Tillotson Avenue beginning early June with work concluding in late October. Construction will include weeks of underground wire work, which may not be immediatey visible, but will require lane restrictions for the safety of crews and the public. Drivers should expect the following traffic control changes and delays on Tillotson Avenue between University Avenue and York Prairie Creek: Shifting northbound lane closures between West University Avenue…

By Ted Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—At the Innovation Connector, innovation isn’t just part of our name—it’s at the heart of everything we do. For more than two decades, we’ve remained committed to one guiding question: “What creative solutions can we discover to make real and meaningful differences in our local and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem?” By engaging with hundreds of local businesses and entrepreneurs each year, we stay attuned to current needs and identify critical gaps…

By  Kristen McConnell, YMCA VP of Mission Advancement— MUNCIE, IN —The YMCA of Muncie is pleased to announce that Wade Hampton will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer beginning June 1, 2025 as the organization conducts a national search for its next CEO. Wade brings more than 43 years of YMCA leadership experience, with a well-earned reputation for guiding organizations through times of transition with stability, mission-focus, and results-driven support. He is widely respected in the Y movement for his…

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— DALEVILLE, IN— I had an opportunity to get a firsthand look at the new Wawa store in Daleville last week after receiving an invitation to attend media day, one day before the store opened to the general public. Having never heard of the brand before I wondered, “What’s a Wawa?” I left the store still not knowing what a Wawa was. Mostly because I forgot to ask the super helpful and friendly Wawa PR people in…

By The Board of Directors, Visit Muncie, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN— The Board of Directors of Visit Muncie, Inc, announced today a new strategic partnership with Intersection Marketing and Branding Agency. In continuing efforts to maximize the impact and results of Innkeepers Tax dollars, the Board has tasked Intersection with the Chief Marketing Officer role for the destination marketing organization. “We want to continue the momentum the team has built over the last year,” said Jarod Walls, Chair of the Visit…

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—On Tuesday morning of this week, Jeff Parsons, Market President for First Merchants bank presented a check for $137, 500 to Annette Philips, Pathstone of Muncie’s Community Development director. The funds included monies from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis along with matching funds from first Merchants. Pathstone in Muncie is a HUD-approved housing counseling organization that helps people with various housing issues including home ownership. The partnership aims to support affordable housing in…

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN—The Delaware County Commissioners have approved a proposal from the Economic Development Alliance of Delaware County to provide economic development services for the county. This partnership will reinforce continuity, efficiency, and strong public-private collaboration that supports new business attraction and existing business retention and expansion. The approval strengthens the Alliance’s role as the Local Economic Development Organization for Muncie-Delaware County and ensures that companies, consultants, and investors have a single, experienced point of contact that can…