Business

By: Mike Rhodes and Steve Lindell— Muncie, IN— Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch spoke to members of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon held at the Horizon Convention Center on February 20, 2019. The Lt. Governor spoke about her responsibilities, opportunities to grow jobs in Indiana, collaboration efforts taking place in the general assembly, access to broadband internet, economic development oriented bills the general assembly is working on and much more. You may listen to the Lt. Governor’s…

By: Eric Cox— Editor’s Note: The following is an excerpt of an article that appears in the Fall 2018 Edition of Alliance Magazine, published by the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance. A PDF of the entire article and full Fall Edition of the magazine can be viewed from the link at the very bottom of this article.  Muncie, IN—That’s a question officials have been mulling over this year. Their ponderings led to a new ad hoc group whose aim is to…

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Ball State’s Indiana Communities Institute held its 37th Annual Economic Development Course at the Horizon Convention Center, January 13-18th. The Indiana Communities Institute addresses the modern challenges of economic development through community-based strategies for sustainable growth.  The institute’s efforts focus on strengthening communities throughout Indiana, and serves as a model for university economic development efforts across the nation. The institute is focused on improving the quality of life in communities through its Primacy of Place initiative. Their week-long Indiana Economic…

By: First Merchants— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has reported fourth quarter 2018 net income of $41.7 million, an increase of 71 percent, compared to $24.4 million during the same period in 2017. Earnings per share for the period totaled a record $.85 per share, an increase of 73 percent, compared to the fourth quarter of 2017 result of $.49 per share. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 totaled $159.1 million, compared to $96.1 million…

By: Bonnie Smith— Muncie, IN—Psi Iota Xi Charities Inc. is pleased to announce its Philanthropic Grant Awards for 2018. These grants are funded from profits earned at The Bargain Box, 607 E. Charles Street in Muncie.  The Bargain Box is a resale shop operated and staffed by volunteer members of Psi Iota Xi Sorority. The purpose of the sorority is “the furthering of philanthropic, cultural and social enterprises” in our community.  This year’s grants totaling $18,000 were awarded to the following…

By: Benjamin J. Freeman, Attorney— Muncie, IN—Traditionally, parties attempting to resolve a dispute end up litigating their case in court. It is no secret that the litigation process is long, costly and unpredictable. Whether the parties are disputing a business transaction gone wrong, dissolving a marriage, or trying to determine liability for an auto accident, the process can drag on for years and cost all involved thousands of dollars. While all litigation does end eventually, mediation offers a quicker and cheaper…

By: Jaime Faulkner— MUNCIE, IN – In light of the impending threatening weather, MutualBank will be closing several financial centers and opening late on Wednesday, January 30th, 2019 and Thursday, January 31, 2019. All financial centers in the following counties will be closed Wednesday, January 30, 2019 and open at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 31, 2019 : Elkhart, Kosciusko and St. Joseph counties All financial centers in the following counties will be closed Wednesday, January 30, 2019 and open…

By: Sean Rogers— Muncie, IN– When business and academia converge, it’s good news for students, employers, and the greater community. East Central Indiana received some good news of its own when Muncie-based Ontario Systems and neighboring Anderson University introduced “The Cube,” an on-campus tech talent incubator designed to prepare students at the School of Science and Engineering for future careers. “We are genuinely excited about this partnership with Anderson University,” said Jason Harrington, President of Ontario Systems. “This is a great opportunity…

By: Chad Mertz— Muncie, IN —Forbes has released its 2019 list of “America’s Best Banks,” and for the second straight year, one of Indiana’s legacy financial institutions sits near the top. First Merchants Bank, the largest financial services holding company in Central Indiana and second largest in the state, was ranked by Forbes as the country’s second best bank. “We are extremely proud of this achievement as it speaks to the financial strength of First Merchants clients and vitality of…