Business

By First Merchants— MUNCIE, IN – First Merchants Bank has been recognized as one of the World’s Best Banks for 2023. First Merchants Bank ranked 31 out of 75 banks headquartered in the United States receiving this distinction and is the only Indiana headquartered bank to be recognized. According to Forbes, they use a methodology where Statista surveys bank customers for their opinions on their current and former banking relationships across 32 countries. The ratings comprise general satisfaction and if…

By Northwest— COLUMBUS, Ohio – Northwest Bank, a full-service financial institution offering a complete line of business and personal banking products, has been recognized by Forbes as one of the “World’s Best Banks” for 2023. Ranked 60th in the United States, this recognition marks the fourth consecutive year that Northwest has made the list. The Forbes’ World’s Best Banks listing is determined by a customer survey ranking financial institutions by key satisfaction factors including trust, digital services, customer services and…

By Robert Bond, Gillman Home Center— MUNCIE, IN – Gillman Do it Best Home Centers will celebrate the grand opening of its newest location in Muncie with a weekend full of events, giveaways and savings opportunities for customers. Family-friendly festivities will kick off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11:30 am and a wood carving demonstration at noon on Friday, May 12th. On Saturday, May 13th, attendees can enjoy hearing from Bruce “Gatorman” Mitchell from The History Channel’s Swamp People…

By Kristen McConnell, YMCA— MUNCIE, IN—Leaders from the community gathered yesterday to announce the YMCA’s capital campaign for a new facility, located on the campus of Muncie Central High School, that reaches into the community, leveraging partnerships with Muncie Community Schools, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Open Door Health Services, Muncie Area Career Center and Ball State University’s Healthy Lifestyle Center. Designed to be a healthy gathering place for people of all ages and backgrounds, it has already proven to…

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Innovation Connector business incubator is located at the corner of White River Blvd and Jackson Street in Muncie, IN. Since its opening in 2008, the Innovation Connector has welcomed thousands of guests who have attended programs in the facility, sought business advice and coaching, leased office space to start or grow a business, or participated in an event.  The Innovation Connector hosts meetings for many businesses and…

4 new Indiana solar power plants to boost reliability, sustainability of energy grid By Tracey Warner— FORT WAYNE – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is taking steps to significantly expand the volume of clean energy powering our customers’ homes and businesses. I&M filed plans with state authorities for four solar power plants capable of generating power for more than 200,000 typical homes by mid-2026. In a related significant step, I&M is also seeking new proposals for a combination of additional energy…

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—Nora Quirk’s high school career began with a leadership role and only flourished from there. The Muncie Central High School senior represented Indiana at the Global Youth Panel held at Harvard University during her freshman year. She spent two weeks learning about leadership and participating…

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—Starting or growing a business is not easy.  If you have been involved at any level of business ownership, you know this.  Throughout my life, I have started several businesses and worked hard to see them grow.  I know firsthand the long hours I invested in ensuring details were taken care of and deadlines met.  (Many times, 60+ hours per week.)  From taking care of legal business startup details,…