Business

By Ted Baker, CEO/Executive Director— MUNCIE, IN—The idea of starting a business is not new.  According to an article in Immerse Education 2023’s “A Brief History of Business and the Evolution of Business,”  “Business as we know it can be traced back 3,000 years to India and China, where companies – with structures resembling sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. At this time, they began entering into contracts and owning property, essentially setting up the basic frameworks of business that we use today.”…

 By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN – The office of Mayor Dan Ridenour and the Muncie Arts and Culture Council (MuncieArts) are excited to announce the nominees for the 2023 Mayor’s Arts Awards. This will be the 5th biennial celebration recognizing the exceptional contributions made to our cultural community by individuals and organizations.  The Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony will be Saturday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m. at Southside Middle School, followed by a community party – open to all – at…

By Melissa Narlock—  MUNCIE, IN — Marketing professionals, business owners, and students are invited to Intersessions, a series of interactive marketing sessions powered by Intersection. The inaugural session is set to make its debut on Tuesday, September 26. These free monthly sessions, hosted at the Innovation Connector, aim to provide attendees with industry insights, actionable strategies, and opportunities to build valuable connections.    In today’s rapidly evolving world of marketing, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Intersessions is designed to…

By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—First Merchants Bank is a familiar name for residents of Delaware County – as it should be since the bank recently celebrated its 130th anniversary. With locations in four states, First Merchants Bank has grown into a large corporation, yet is still headquartered right here in our backyard. However, its focus remains on being a community bank and enhancing the financial wellness of the diverse communities the bank serves. “Our focus is to stay true…

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The 2023 Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Legacy Gala was held Thursday, August 31 at the Horizon Convention Center honoring Jon H. Moll, retired attorney. Among those who paid tribute to the legacy of Mr. Moll were Mr. Stefan Anderson, Retired CEO of First Merchants Bank; Rev. Dr. Ron Naylor, Retired Pastor, First Presbyterian Church; Dr. John Worthen, Retired President of Ball State University; and Mr. Jim Williams, Attorney at DeFur Voran LLP. Nicholas Tokar, attorney at…

  By Jaime Faulkner, Director of Corporate Communications— MUNCIE, IN— First Merchants Bank of Muncie, recently hailed by Forbes Magazine as one of The World’s Best Banks, announced a building purchase August 29, 2023, for the strategic relocation of its Indianapolis area regional headquarters.  Mark Hardwick, CEO of First Merchants Bank, had this to say about the purchase of the Indianapolis regional office building:  “The purchase of our new, state-of-the-art Indianapolis regional headquarters building is tangible proof of our commitment…

By Katy Maggart— Muncie, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce will honor its members for their impact on our community at their Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Horizon Convention Center. Each year, the Chamber presents five prestigious awards at the Annual Dinner. The Chamber is asking for help from the community and its members in the nomination process for four of the awards. The awards have been updated this year to keep on…

By Kara Stevenson— FORT WAYNE  – For anyone waiting for a “true hot summer” to get here, this is your week. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) wants everyone to keep cool – and safe – as temperatures soar into the 90s with heat indexes reaching triple digits later in the week. Incorporate simple practices, such as those below, to help save energy and potentially save on your monthly bill, especially during the week’s extreme heat. Use ceiling fans to circulate air…

By East Central Indiana Regional Partnership— MUNCIE, IN — The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership has announced the launch of its robust strategic plan, created with consultant Smart Solutions Group, which sets forth a steadfast vision for propelling the region’s economic growth. With a commitment to the region’s prosperity, ECIRP presents a detailed blueprint that outlines actionable strategies for the next 2-3 years. Trevor Friedeberg, CEO and President of East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “This new strategic…