Business

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief— MUNCIE, IN—On Tuesday morning of this week, Jeff Parsons, Market President for First Merchants bank presented a check for $137, 500 to Annette Philips, Pathstone of Muncie’s Community Development director. The funds included monies from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis along with matching funds from first Merchants. Pathstone in Muncie is a HUD-approved housing counseling organization that helps people with various housing issues including home ownership. The partnership aims to support affordable housing in…

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN—The Delaware County Commissioners have approved a proposal from the Economic Development Alliance of Delaware County to provide economic development services for the county. This partnership will reinforce continuity, efficiency, and strong public-private collaboration that supports new business attraction and existing business retention and expansion. The approval strengthens the Alliance’s role as the Local Economic Development Organization for Muncie-Delaware County and ensures that companies, consultants, and investors have a single, experienced point of contact that can…

The American Stroke Association urges everyone to know warning signs F.A.S.T. and take steps to prevent stroke By Tim Harms— INDIANAPOLIS— Every year, approximately 800,000 people in the U.S. have a stroke[1], however, as many as 80% may be preventable with healthy lifestyle changes and screening for risk factors[2]. During May, American Stroke Month, the American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, is raising awareness nationwide that stroke is largely preventable, treatable and beatable. A stroke can…

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN— The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Dr. Jeffery C. Bird has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Legacy Award. The award will be presented at the Legacy Dinner on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Horizon Convention Center. The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Legacy Award is presented annually to an individual or individuals who have made extraordinary, sustained, and positive contributions to the Muncie-Delaware County community at large,…

By Katy Maggart—  MUNCIE, IN – The Economic Development Alliance (EDA) of Muncie-Delaware County proudly announces the launch of a refreshed brand identity that reinforces its role as the Local Economic development Organization (LEDO) and the trusted leader in local business growth and development. Created in collaboration with Muncie-based creative agency Aspect 6 Creative, the rebrand brings greater focus and clarity to the organization’s mission to serve as the go-to partner for businesses, investors, and community stakeholders working to advance…

Local Laundry Bailey’s Cleaners transfers ownership to Ohio firm By Carrie Barrett— MUNCIE, IN—Some people call dry cleaning companies a dying breed. Will Drook calls dry cleaning and laundry service “an opportunity to serve others well.” Drook and his wife Kim started their journey into dry cleaning 10 years ago. Most recently, they took on the ownership of Bailey’s Cleaners in Muncie. The Drooks began small but expanded when they purchased a few other dry cleaners in the Eastern Ohio…

By Delaware Advancement Corporation— MUNCIE, IN — LaShanta Vaughn, a respected leader in both the convention and tourism business sectors, has accepted the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of the Horizon Convention Center. “LaShanta is a driving and rising force in shaping Muncie’s identity as an outstanding and welcoming destination for both visitors and conventions,” said Rob Keisling, Chair of the Delaware Advancement Corporation (DAC) Board of Directors. The DAC Board conducted a nationwide search that included more…

By Ted Baker, CEO and Executive Director of the Innovation Connector— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc., East Central Indiana’s only full-service entrepreneurial support organization, has been honored with the Soft Landings Designation of the Year at the recent International Business Innovation Association (InBIA) Annual Conference in Philadelphia, PA. This distinguished recognition marks the first international award for the Innovation Connector, highlighting its growing impact on global business development. The Soft Landings Designation of the Year is awarded to only…

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Mark your calendars for a day full of fun and adventure at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens. Join us on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, for the much-anticipated Family Adventure Day: Spring Celebration. This free community event promises a memorable day packed with exciting, exhibition-themed activities for families and friends of all ages. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy a day of exploration and hands-on activities set across Minnetrista’s beautiful campus. With staggered entry times (9 a.m.,…