Business

By: Jaime Faulkner— Muncie, IN—MutualBank added Craig Morris, Dealer Development Representative, to the Indirect Lending team in January of 2018. He develops relationships with MutualBank’s established automotive, boat and recreational vehicle dealerships throughout Indiana while creating new partnerships for the Bank’s indirect lending division. These affiliations Craig creates are valuable to customers who choose a car, boat or RV from a dealership, complete a loan application and walk out – keys in hand. This mutually-agreeable experience is a win-win-win for the customer, dealership, and MutualBank. Personally, Craig is an avid antique car and vintage boat collector. He enjoys adding vintage…

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Many entrepreneurs, while knowing their product or industry inside and out, are occasionally inexperienced in knowing what it really takes to successfully launch and grow a business. Generally speaking, entrepreneurs are often very passionate about their business idea, but can lack the expertise to market their business, understand and keep financial records, analyze their sales and profitability and make meaningful decisions in order to grow and sustain their business. This is where the Innovation Connector can become a big help to entrepreneurs and those with existing businesses. Yes, the Innovation Connector offers modern, well-equipped office space…

By: Bill Callen, Racer Trust— Commonwealth to Build 35-Unit Affordable Housing Development Muncie, IN — RACER Trust today announced it has completed the sale of approximately 5.7 acres in Muncie to Commonwealth Development Corporation of America, which plans to develop 35 units of affordable housing. The first units are expected to be available for lease in the fall of 2018. “These homes will provide modern, affordable housing near excellent urban amenities to families on the Southside of Muncie,” said Elliott P. Laws, of EPLET, LLC, administrative trustee of RACER Trust. “We commend Commonwealth Development for its investment, and the City…

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—The 19th annual East Central Indiana Bridal show was held in Delaware Hall at the Horizon Convention Center on Sunday, January 28th. 43 vendors participated and exhibited a wide variety of wedding-oriented products and services to attendees.  The East Central Indiana Bridal show was produced by AMS Entertainment and Audio Visual of Muncie and was additionally sponsored by the Horizon Convention Center and WLBC, 104.1 FM. According to Slade Smith, owner of AMS Entertainment and Audio Visual, this year’s show was the biggest yet. “We were really happy with the crowd this year,” Slade said. “We…

By: Ted Baker— Muncie, IN—The Coding Connector, Them LLC, and TechWise Academy have collaborated to create the first ever Roblox Training Camp in Indiana. Learn from one of the top game designers on the Roblox platform as well as the owner of THEM Magazines in an all-day course to be held at the Innovation Connector in Muncie on Saturday, February 17th from 9am – 5pm.  Roblox is the largest social platform for play that allows people to imagine, create, and play together in immersive 3D worlds.  All the games and experiences on Roblox have been created by the players themselves….

By: Ben Freeman, Attorney at Law— Muncie, IN—The familial relationship is complex and sometimes necessitates the involvement of the court. “Family law” is a function of the state government and refers to the rules by which the state regulates the creation, maintenance and dissolution of the family unit. Family law is most commonly associated with divorce, child custody, and child support. Divorce, custody and child support proceedings make up the majority of a family law attorney’s practice. However, the practice of family law encompasses many types of legal proceedings, including the following: Divorce: The process by which the state dissolves…

By: Nicole M. Weaver— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) reported record fourth quarter 2017 net income of $24.4 million, compared to $22.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2016. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.49 per share compared to $.55 during the same period in 2016. Our fourth quarter results included the impact of the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”). Specifically, our federal income tax expense was elevated by $5.1 million, or $.10 per share due to deferred tax asset write-downs. Acquisition expenses related to the completion of our Independent Alliance Banks…

By: Lindsey Sharp—  Muncie, IN— The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will honor its members for their longevity in and impact on the community at the Chamber Champions Award Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21 in the Horizon Convention Center. Over the past five years, nearly 1,000 people have joined The Chamber in recognizing almost 100 of its members with Business Longevity awards, the Al Rent Spirit of Muncie award, the Ambassador of the Year award and the Chairman’s award. Each year, The Chamber asks for the help of the community and of its members in the nomination…