Business

By First Merchants— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has reported first quarter 2021 net income of $49.5 million compared to $34.3 million during the same period in 2020.  Earnings per share for the period totaled $.91 per share compared to the first quarter of 2020 result of $.62 per share, an increase of $.29, or 47 percent. Total assets equaled $14.6 billion as of quarter-end and loans totaled $9.3 billion.  The Corporation’s loan portfolio increased by $711 million,…

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— Muncie IN—Earning the respect and trust of their customers has been a priority for Sidney Electric since their inception in 1953. By performing accurate, on-time work with the care and concern you’d receive from a friend, they have built their business on a solid foundation of relationships that continue to stand the test of time. And since they can boast nearly 70 years of knowledge in their field, they can also promise customers a degree and…

By First Merchants— Companies execute legal close following regulatory approvals Indianapolis, IN – First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME) and Hoosier Trust Company have finalized a merger of the two companies, following regulatory approvals. The merger provides enhanced solutions available to current Hoosier Trust clients and solidifies First Merchants as a preeminent provider of fiduciary and wealth management services in central Indiana. Established in 2001, Hoosier Trust Company built a highly respected trust and investment management practice serving clients in central…

 By Richard Crist— Muncie, IN– The Innovation Connector is pleased to announce the promotion of Carter Anderson to Associate Director. Anderson will serve as the first Associate Director at the Innovation Connector. In this new role, he will manage facilities, operations, and specific programming for the center.  “The Innovation Connector is thrilled to have Carter on our team to serve in this new capacity. Creating this position is a major step forward as we continue to grow our service offerings…

By First Merchants— Citing growth and lending ability, Muncie-based financial institution ranks 15th in U.S. Muncie, IN— Forbes has released its 2021 list of “America’s Best Banks,” and once again, one of the Midwest’s legacy financial institutions sits at the top of banks based in Indiana and one of the best in the nation. First Merchants Bank – Indiana’s second largest financial services holding company – is rated by Forbes as the country’s 15th best bank for 2021. “My colleagues…

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-chief— Muncie, IN—A recent study published by Insurify.com using data gathered from Realtor.com lists Muncie, Indiana as the #1 city in the USA for affordable housing. Here are some of Muncie’s stand-out findings according to the report: Median home listing price: $85,217, which is 75.4% below the national average Median price per foot: $62.37, which is 55.9% below the national average Median days on the market: 63, which is 17.11% below the national average The study also…

 By Tracy Warner— 2020 Grants Include $750,000+ for Pandemic Relief   Fort Wayne, IN – Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) demonstrated its commitment to the people and communities it serves by donating $1.4 million in support of charitable non-profits and economic development initiatives in 2020. In addition, the American Electric Power Foundation awarded more than $2.7 million to area non-profits on behalf of I&M.  “Indiana Michigan Power, along with the AEP Foundation, is proud to have donated more than $4 million in…

By Kelsey Batten— Indianapolis, IN – Ivy Tech Community College has announced that it will offer its fall semester courses starting in August in-person across its statewide campuses, based on the current trends with the coronavirus throughout Indiana. It will also continue to provide students with multiple course options such as online and flexible delivery modes, including Learn Anywhere, a course delivery method the College further expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state’s community college is slowly starting to increase the…

By Richard Crist—  Muncie, IN—Whitinger & Company LLC is proud to announce that staff accountants, Alison Wallpe and Lauren Dickson, recently completed all required Indiana exams and certifications to achieve their CPA license. Wallpe, a native of Greensburg, Indiana, attended Ball State University where she received both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Accounting. She earned distinction on the Dean’s List each semester. While at Ball State, she was a member of both the Beta Alpha Psi and…