Business

By: Alexis Dishman— Muncie, IN—In October of 2018, Lindsey and Andy Markelz pitched in front of a panel of judges in the BIG Idea Pitch Competition. Out of 40 participants, Lindsey and Andy Markelz were in the top five winners who moved on to the Excellence in Innovation Awards where they presented once more. But this time in front of over 350 people! The Markelz pitched their invention; the Collar Keeper. The Collar Keeper (patent pending) is a pure invention – a hanger with an extension and two clips – designed to make it easy to hang collared shirts properly…

By: Indiana and Michigan Electric Power— Update: 8pm, 2/24/19 As more than 400 Indiana Michigan Power employees and contractors restore power across I&M’s service territory, incessant winds that have blown since early this morning continue to disrupt service to additional customers. Though I&M has restored power to more than 7,000 customers in a timely manner throughout the day, heavy afternoon wind gusts accelerated the number of outages. As of 8 p.m., more than 10,000 customers were without power. While crews continue to work into the night, I&M will be unable to restore service to all remaining customers tonight. With low temperatures…

By: Tracy Warner, Indiana Michigan Power— Yorktown, IN – Indiana Michigan Power is helping Yorktown create a more vibrant, flourishing downtown with a grant supporting Destination Downtown Yorktown, the exciting redevelopment plan aimed at increasing business and residential opportunities in the Delaware County town. An I&M grant program aimed at helping customers in our service territory by boosting local economies will help Yorktown properly plan for creating an attractive social and economic downtown hub to help bring a greater sense of community. Plans for Destination Downtown include a new public park connecting downtown with Morrow’s Meadow, and I&M’s grant supports the overall…

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 entire presentation by clicking on the play button below.    

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 answer them. They’re trying to establish a robust and vibrant vision of the “Next Muncie”—a future city nurturing a vibrant…

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 Development Course—the official “basic course” for the State of Indiana—offered intensive training in the basic concepts, methods, and strategies of…

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 during the same period in 2017. Year-to-date earnings per share was $3.22, a record level as we celebrated the Corporation’s…

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 worthwhile organizations: A Better Way — $2,250 for upgrades to the facility and furniture in the Children’s Activity Area.  …

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 solution to the litigation process. In many cases, mediation can be an effective way to resolve disputes without direct court…