Business

By Richard Crist— MUNCIE, IN – Longstanding public accounting and advisory firms, Whitinger & Company LLC, and J.P. Kane & Co., LLC announced today they have executed a definitive agreement whereby J.P. Kane & Co. will merge into Whitinger & Company to expand and enhance the professional services of the two firms. The merged company will operate as Whitinger & Company LLC. J.P. Kane & Co. principal, John Kane will join Whitinger as a Member/Owner and will oversee the firm’s Fishers office. Founded in 1930 with Indiana offices in Muncie and Fishers, Whitinger & Company is recognized as one of…

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—The Arsenal, Muncie’s original CrossFit center, is the strength and speed training provider to this year’s Ball State University baseball team. “It is a blessing to be able to provide instruction at the highest level of college athletics,” said Eric Van Matre, head coach at The Arsenal. “What we are providing to Ball State NCAA Division I baseball players also is available to youth athletes throughout Delaware County and beyond.” Ball State’s baseball program sought out a local provider with a top fitness facility, proven expertise in strength, speed and fitness education and a history of participating…

By Steve Baker, President and Chief Operating Officer, Indiana Michigan Power— FORT WAYNE, IN—Our customers rely on I&M to power their everyday lives. This summer’s sweltering heat and major storm systems that swept across the country posed challenges for many electric utilities, including areas served by Indiana Michigan Power. I want to say thank you to our customers who were affected by the storms and outages. I also want to let you know what I&M has been doing to make the grid stronger, with fewer outages. On June 13, a derecho with record breaking winds of 98 miles per hour…

By Ted Baker CEO/Executive Director, Muncie, Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—With about one month to go before the Innovation Connector engages in the most extensive series of events for businesses and entrepreneurs in its history, I was recently asked the question, “Why is the Innovation Connector doing this?”  I thought that was a really good question, and I want to share my answer with you. Over the past twelve-plus years of being at the Innovation Connector, I have met with many entrepreneurs and business owners who requested a need for training, services, or connections.  Being a business owner is difficult…

By Corey Ohlenkamp— FORT WAYNE, IN – Fall is already on our doorsteps and as temperatures begin to drop, now is the time to think about saving energy. Today, Oct. 3, kicks off National Energy Awareness Month, and Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) wants to help customers save energy. Energy Awareness Month, first implemented in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush, encourages the government and organizations to raise awareness of the importance of sustainability and managing the nation’senergy resources. Today, I&M continues to promote innovative ideas, products and programs to optimize energy efficiency. Since 2012, our customers have helped save over 5.7…

By Ted Baker CEO/Executive Director, Muncie, Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—Entrepreneurs play a major role in impacting nearly every component of the economy – as the biggest source of jobs and income for employees in the nation, by investing in community projects and financially supporting charitable causes. They are the drivers of new job creation, innovative products, and services and lead the way for social changes in our society. Since announcing the activities of Entrepreneur Showcase Week in last month’s article, many businesses and entrepreneurs have committed their support of this twenty-events-in-one-week extravaganza. Entrepreneur Showcase Week will be unique for…

By Kristen McConnell— MUNCIE, IN — Working toward building a new, state-of-the art community recreation center, The YMCA of Muncie has sold its Downtown facility to the City of Muncie with a lease-back clause. The sale was finalized Thursday, Sept. 15 at the Muncie Redevelopment Commission meeting. “Partnering with the City in this sale just made sense,” said Chad Zaucha, president and CEO of YMCA of Muncie. “The YMCA and the City of Muncie share common goals in unity: As a multi- faceted organization, the Y serves all segments of the community, giving everyone a place to belong.” The Muncie…

By Scott Smalstig, Director Community Growth, Accutech Systems— MUNCIE, IN—Vera Mae’s Bistro, downtown Muncie’s long-time fine dining establishment, is joining Accutech’s family of companies, effective today. The iconic eatery and bar, situated on South Walnut Street just one block from Accutech’s headquarters, was launched by owners Kent Shuff and Steve Fennimore over 23 years ago when only a couple banks and law offices called downtown home. Accutech President Adam Unger says the acquisition fits perfectly within Accutech’s mission of “making great things happen for other people.” “Kent and Steve chose downtown when very few others did,” said Unger. “I couldn’t…

By Nick Werner— MUNCIE, IN— On the last Friday in August, a dozen employees from Accutech Systems Corp. took a break from building financial software to help build two homes as part of a Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity effort to revitalize the city’s South Central neighborhood. The volunteers framed one front porch, insulated both crawlspaces, assembled scaffolding, cleaned up the construction site, and more. Accutech encourages its employees to give back by providing 40 hours a year of paid time for volunteering. Employees can volunteer at any community organization, though many end up working with Greater Muncie Habitat for…