Business

By Vicki Zeal— MUNCIE, IN— Northwest Bank is partnering with local community organizations to help individuals and families recovering from recent, historic flooding across East Central Indiana. Now through September 30, select Northwest Bank financial centers will serve as collection sites for donations of essential items to support local relief efforts. Donations collected through the drive will benefit Reach Yorktown , Ross Community Center and The Panther Pantry , organizations that are providing critical assistance to residents impacted by the flooding. Requested donations include: • Toiletry and personal care items • New or gently used clothing • Nonperishable food items…

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—For many business owners, marketing can feel like a collection of disconnected activities, such as a social media post here, an advertisement there, an occasional email campaign, or a new website. But effective marketing is much more than simply getting a business noticed. Done well, it creates a system that attracts customers, builds trust, generates opportunities, and ultimately drives growth. That is the focus of “Marketing Mastery: Marketing That Drives Growth,” the first session in the Innovation Connector’s new Business Impact Masterclasses Series, scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026, from…

By Delaware County SWCD— YORKTOWN, IN—Spangler Family Farms in Yorktown was recognized at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for their outstanding commitment to conservation and land stewardship during the 2026 River Friendly Farmer Award Ceremony. Approximately 200 farmers, family members, conservation partners, and guests gathered in the 4-H Exhibit Hall Auditorium to celebrate this year’s River Friendly Farmer Award recipients. The ceremony honored farmers who have implemented proven conservation practices—such as cover crops, no-till farming, field borders, and other innovative approaches—to reduce erosion, improve water quality, and build healthy soils. These efforts help protect Indiana’s rivers, streams, and lakes while contributing…

By Kelly Kass— MUNCIE, IN – Accutech Systems Corporation has earned a place on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list for the fifth consecutive year, further cementing its position among a select group of privately owned companies demonstrating sustained growth on a national scale. Published annually by Inc. magazine, the Inc. 5000 recognizes the fastest-growing privately owned companies in the United States based on three-year revenue growth. Inc. publicly announced its 2026 list today. Out of the millions of privately held businesses nationwide, less than one-tenth of one percent earn a place on the list in any given year, and even fewer…

By Drew Estep— MUNCIE, IN—For the second year in a row, Coops Lawn & Landscape has been named one of the fastest-growing private companies in America. Last year, we ranked #3,284 on the Inc. 5000 list. This year, we’re proud to have moved all the way up to #2,501. Being recognized among this elite group of businesses is an incredible honor and a reflection of the growth, innovation, and resilience that goes into building something special. The Inc. 5000 recognizes the fastest-growing privately held companies across the country, and to be included once is an accomplishment. To make the list…

By Laurie Lunsford— MUNCIE, IN—“You are never too old to learn. Strive to do something new every day,” says Karen Fisher, teacher, artist, and owner of Art Mart. Fisher’s “something new” is construction. She is expanding her business in the Village by adding a large art classroom in the former tanning salon space in the strip mall. Along with wielding a paintbrush, she is learning to use tools to remove 20 tanning rooms, replace old flooring, and build fresh walls. Her dream is to create a place where people can gather and make art.  She wants a place where she…

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—The Innovation Connector is deepening its commitment to entrepreneurial and business excellence with the launch of its new Business Impact Masterclasses, a four-part professional education series that helps entrepreneurs, startups, nonprofit leaders, and established businesses grow through practical, action-oriented learning. Beginning in September 2026, the Business Impact Masterclasses will replace the annual Innovation Connector Business Showcase Week, marking the next evolution of the organization’s business education programming. This initiative reflects the Innovation Connector’s commitment to delivering premium educational experiences that empower entrepreneurs, strengthen organizations, and accelerate business growth. Through expert-led…

By Lindsey Horan, President MUNCIE, IN — Minnetrista Museum & Gardens has been awarded a $5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support transformational capacity-building projects that will strengthen the museum’s facilities, expand access to its collections, enhance visitor experiences, and preserve some of its most treasured historic spaces. The funding will be invested over the next three years and will support a wide range of initiatives designed to ensure Minnetrista continues serving East Central Indiana as a vibrant cultural destination for generations to come. “We are grateful to Lilly Endowment for this extraordinary grant, which will boost the…

By Laurie Lunsford.— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie is changing.  Muncie artists have had their art displayed here and there throughout the city for years.  Now, it is everywhere.  Recently Tom Heatherly, Muncie artist, “uncovered” eight large paintings of old Muncie.  The story of these paintings began 10 years ago. At that time, artist Laurie Lunsford had an idea when she discovered a large, empty wall in a historic building that was being refurbished for a brewery. “What if we painted the wall black like a scrapbook page had artists paint old historical scenes from Muncie?” she wondered. She prepared some large boards…