Business

By Christy Ragle and Morgan Weaver— MUNCIE, Ind.—Amanda Reninger spent the first 27 years of her life studying music and holds three music degrees in opera and classical singing, including two from Ball State University. Reninger’s recent high note is landing the “Woman-Owned Business of the Year” award from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) for her business, Sea Salt & Cinnamon. “Studying music has taught me so many valuable skills that translate well to business,” she noted. “I always say, music is all math and baking is all math, but both have a creative component to them. Those skills helped…

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, Ind.—As the Innovation Connector continues to spotlight entrepreneurs in the Muncie community during 2022, it is crucial to understand who entrepreneurs are, what makes them do what they do, and how they are an integral part of the business ecosystem? I have worked with hundreds, maybe even thousands, of individuals who claim to be entrepreneurs. Last month I wrote about the origins of entrepreneurship and submitted that an entrepreneur is “one who undertakes a new venture.” While this is a broad definition, it does cover the wide range of…

By Melissa Shaw, Vice President of Marketing — FORT WAYNE, Ind. –3Rivers Federal Credit Union has announced plans to build three new branches in Central Indiana. Property has been secured and construction has begun on three future 3Rivers Credit Union locations in Muncie, Pendleton, and Fortville Indiana. The completed branches are expected to open by the end of the year. The investment in the three new facilities will be approximately $7.5M. All three branches will be new markets for the credit union, widely expanding its current physical presence in Indiana.  3Rivers is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and operates 21 branches in the…

By Tracy Warner— A few simple tips can help save energy during these hot temperatures FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Temperatures are rising this week and will again as we head into the warm summer months. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is Powering the Next Energy-saving Tip to help customers save energy while staying cool. Warmer temperatures often bring higher usage for customers, which could cause an increase in bills. I&M has simple tips, tools and programs to enable customers to take control of their energy usage. Easy, no-cost ways to save energy: Set your thermostat a little higher during summer. You…

By CANPACK Group— MUNCIE, Ind. – CANPACK commemorated the completion of the steel framing for the new 862,000-square-foot aluminum beverage can manufacturing plant during a Topping Off ceremony with Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and local community officials and leaders. The future plant will be home to approximately 345 well-paying, local jobs. The dignitaries, Mr. Peter Giorgi, President and CEO of Giorgi Global Holdings, owner of CANPACK, and the Blue Rock construction team signed the steel beam before it was hoisted into place amid a backdrop of celebratory music. The beam marks a significant construction milestone for the property since its…

By Keith Roysdon— DELAWARE COUNTY, Ind. – A leading Italy-based manufacturer of industrial filters has chosen Delaware County to expand its footprint, grow its business and locate its North American headquarters. Filtrec, which has had a presence in Delaware County through inventory in a storage building in the town of Daleville, recently purchased an industrial building just south of Muncie and will be moving into it during June. Filtrec will move its inventory of thousands of filters into the former Taurus Tool building on County Road 400-South near Indiana 67, Filtrec United States Director of Operations Mauro Milani said. Filtrec…

By First Merchants— Best Companies Group ranks Muncie-based bank 4th for superior work environment MUNCIE, Ind. – First Merchants Bank was ranked fourth in the list of the 2022 ‘Great Employers to Work For’ in Indiana by Best Companies Group, a BridgeTower Media Company. The honor considered a review of practices, programs and benefits, and anonymous employee surveys. BCG categorizes its winners in three separate groups: small, medium & large employer, which First Merchants Bank falls under the large Employer category (250 or more U.S. employees). “This recognition is another proof point of our commitment to a strong and welcoming…

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief, MuncieJournal.com— MUNCIE, Ind.—What a difference a day makes. November 30, 2021 and earlier—Indiana Code of Judicial Conduct Rule 2.17 holds that, “(e)xcept with prior approval of the Indiana Supreme Court, a judge shall prohibit broadcasting, televising, recording, or taking photographs in the courtroom and areas immediately adjacent thereto during sessions of court or recession between sessions …,” with exceptions. December 1, 2021—Judges in five Indiana courtrooms allow news media to use cameras and recorders under a four month pilot project announced by the Indiana Supreme Court, the Hoosier State Press Association, and the Indiana Broadcasters Association. The…