Business

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday in 2026, it is worth remembering that our nation began as one of history’s most ambitious startup ventures. The founders of the United States were innovators, risk-takers, and entrepreneurs. They challenged the status quo, invested in an uncertain future, and believed ordinary people should have the freedom to pursue extraordinary opportunities. Their vision created a nation where ideas, hard work, and ingenuity could transform lives and communities. Two hundred and fifty years later, that entrepreneurial spirit remains among America’s greatest strengths. Today,…

By Samantha Mitchell — MUNCIE, IN —What began as a simple idea born from personal experience in Lafayette has grown into a thriving resource for foster families across Indiana. The Foster Closet, founded by Billy and Mandy Holden through Innovation Church in Lafayette, celebrated the grand opening of its second location in Muncie on June 7, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s five-year journey of serving children and families involved in foster care. The new Muncie location is housed at Illuminate Muncie Foursquare, 3101 S. Walnut St., Muncie, IN 47302. The original Lafayette location operates at River City Church,…

By Vicki Zeal— YORKTOWN, IN— Northwest Bank leaders, along with community leaders and partners, cut the ceremonial ribbon to celebrate the grand reopening of the bank’s financial center located at 2101 S. Tiger Drive in Yorktown, Indiana. After undergoing a complete interior redesign, the office boasts a vibrant, modern and welcoming open-concept layout created to support a more personalized and relationship-driven banking experience. “This remodel reflects our continued investment in the Yorktown community and our commitment to creating a space where meaningful financial conversations can happen,” said Urich Bowers, chief consumer banking and strategy officer for Northwest Bank. “Banking is…

By Amy Van Arsdol Madden— MUNCIE, IN— Forge ECI welcomed business leaders, elected officials, community stakeholders to its annual luncheon on Thursday, June 4, featuring a dynamic mayors panel discussion focused on the growth, opportunities, and future of communities across East Central Indiana. Representing municipalities from across the region, participating mayors (Mayor Dan Eckstein of Hartford City, Mayor Ronald Morrell of Marion, Mayor Bill Rock, Jr. of Gas City, Mayor Greg York of New Castle, Mayor Chad Spence of Union City, Mayor Mike Pavey of Rushville, Mayor Ron Oler of Richmond) shared updates on economic development, workforce initiatives, housing, infrastructure…

By Katie Byrd— MUNCIE, IN—A Norfolk Southern-served industrial site in Muncie, Indiana has earned Gold REDI Site certification, positioning the site to attract future investment and jobs to the region. Indiana has the highest concentration of manufacturing employment on a per capita basis, twice the U.S. average, underscoring the state’s industrial strength and importance of rail-served development. The certification reflects the site’s preparedness to support the region’s target industries, including advanced manufacturing, food processing, metals processing, logistics, and industrial operations, with direct rail access and connectivity to key transportation corridors. “Gold REDI certification demonstrates that this Muncie site is ready…

By Ryan Hunter, Technology & Education Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN — Innovation Connector, Inc. has formed a strategic partnership with LaunchReady.ai to expand access to practical, high-quality artificial intelligence learning opportunities for businesses, organizations, educators, and community leaders across East Central Indiana. The partnership builds on the momentum of Innovation Connector’s AI in Action series, which has helped local professionals better understand how to use artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively in real-world settings. Through this expanded collaboration, Innovation Connector will serve as a regional delivery and community anchor for AI learning, while LaunchReady.ai will provide its AI…

By Caitlin Hancock, ECIRP— YORKTOWN, IN— Since 2014, the Yorktown Redevelopment Commission has been diligently working to redevelop, revitalize and grow its downtown core. With a substantial portion of the work complete, the Town has now set its sights on completing the next phase of redevelopment, which includes the assembly and redevelopment of a half-square block located between Vine, Market, and adjacent to Canal. Before the READI planning process, the Town owned five of the six parcels that comprise the half-square block. Through a $238,250 READI investment, the ECIRP, IEDC, and Town of Yorktown Redevelopment Commission were successfully able to…

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc. is a business incubator and the only full-service entrepreneurial support organization in East Central Indiana. Although its facility is at the corner of West White River Blvd and Jackson Streets in Muncie, the Innovation Connector (commonly called the IC) is much more than a building – it is a dynamic hub of possibility. It is a place where, if you have an idea, a business, or a vision, the IC team helps you gain clarity, connections, and growth. By intentionally connecting people, resources, and opportunities,…

By IEDC Staff— YORKTOWN, IN—Bradley (Brad) Bookout, earned the nationally recognized designation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), denoting a mastery of skills in economic development and a dedication to personal and professional growth. The milestone marks a significant achievement and underscores Bookout’s experience and excellence in the field of economic development. “Certified Economic Developers possess deep technical knowledge and bring trust and credibility to stakeholders, investors, and peers. We are thrilled to celebrate Mr. Bookout on achieving this accomplishment and joining our network of professionals driving economic progress around the world,” said IEDC President and…