Business

By Alexis Dishman— Muncie, IN—The Innovation Connector of Muncie, Indiana, is hosting the seventh annual BIG Idea Pitchcompetition for local entrepreneurs and innovators to “pitch” their business, business concepts, product or invention to a panel of judges from the business and investment community.There are many very creative and interesting concepts from people in our region, and this competition will showcase those ideas and offer what it takes to advance them. This event is for individuals in all phases of business,…

By Delaware County Redevelopment Commission— DELAWARE COUNTY, Indiana – When Joshua and Sarah Shaffer looked for a place to store their new RV for the winter, they couldn’t find one within a two-hour drive. So they decided to build a facility for indoor recreational vehicle storage, right in their home town of Albany, Indiana. Family First Indoor RV and Boat Storage, the Shaffers’  new, built-from-the-ground-up business, opens at 1090 W. Walnut Street – along Indiana 67 in the town of…

By: Changing Seasons— Muncie, IN—The story of Changing Seasons Patio Shoppe begins with shopping!  Patricia and David Wallace were customers of the patio shoppe before becoming owners.  As customers, they fell in love with the quality of the products and the ability to customize exactly what they wanted.  When the owners were looking to sell their business in 1997 Pat and David didn’t want to see this gem of a business leave. They loved the quality of the furniture and…

By: JR Krupa Imaging— Muncie, IN—Nothing says “I’m ready to work” more than a freshly pressed suit, an updated resume, and of course, a professional headshot. Regardless of profession, COVID-19 sent millions of Americans to the unemployment line without warning. That is why local photographer Joe Krupa, J.R. Krupa Imaging, is participating with Headshot Booker, Brookfield Properties and the Innovation Connector in the largest, single-day photo initiative that will provide 10,000 unemployed Americans nationwide with a complimentary, professional headshot to…

By: Chad Mertz— Muncie, IN– First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has announced Jamie Matthews as its new market president for the Muncie region. Matthews will oversee all market operations and build upon the company’s recent growth and success in the city it has called home for more than 125 years. Matthews has been with First Merchants for nearly a decade, serving as a business banker, commercial relationship manager, and most recently as commercial banking sales manager. Prior to First…

By: Delaware Advancement Corporation & Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance— Muncie, IN – Delaware Advancement Corporation and the City of Muncie are pleased to announce that additional funds have been secured to provide enhancements to the Riverside trail project. The residents living along and near the trail route have shared their feedback in public and individual meetings, and the project team has worked to find resources to address their concerns. Among the issues cited included loss of trees, flooding, safety of…

By: First Merchants— Scott McKee brings commitment to community leadership, passion for social causes MUNCIE, IN— First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has announced the naming of Scott McKee as its Corporate Social Responsibility Director. McKee, an industry veteran with more than 30 years’ experience, will lead and implement efforts around community relations, volunteerism, philanthropy, financial education and community reinvestment activities. Beginning in 2019, Company leadership began discussing changes to further support core values of community leadership, organic growth and…

By: First Merchants— Muncie, IN – First Merchants has announced  a $1.4 billion community investment plan with the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) and its community-based members and partners. The collaborative initiative began with a needs assessment in September 2019 and was finalized earlier this month. The commitment, which extends through 2025, includes mortgage, small business and community development investments and lending. Philanthropic funding is a primary focus as well and will be funneled to low- and moderate-income communities across First…

By: Kristina Clemens— Muncie, IN—In an industry where 96 percent of new firms go out of business within five years, Clemens Home Solutions has grown and prospered for more than two decades. Certainly, a good deal of this success has come because construction is in the blood of Shawn Clemens, the company’s owner and founder. Passionate about building things for as long as he can remember, Shawn has been actively working on home construction sites and remodeling projects since he was…