Business

By Josh Rattray, Ball State Athletics— Muncie, IN—With all three NCAA divisions conducting their men’s basketball championships in the State of Indiana in 2021, March Madness is taking on a unique look and feel. To help promote COVID-19 safety measures, Ball State Athletics and the Muncie Sports Commission are teaming up to distribute masks as part of the NCAA’s #MaskMadness initiative. As part of this important program, the NCAA is donating 100,000 masks to Hoosiers from across the state who are in…

By Meridian Health Services—  Muncie, IN— In an effort to promote and ensure healthy communities, Meridian Health Services has rescheduled its Charity Gala, Rialzo, from April 10, 2021 to April 9, 2022. This is the event’s second rescheduling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our mission in promoting healthier communities is our focus,” said Hank Milius, President/CEO of Meridian. “It’s unfortunate that our friends of Meridian cannot gather for Rialzo this year. We have always appreciated their support for our programs…

By First Merchants— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation, a $14.1 billion financial holding company, has elected Susan Brooks and Mark Hardwick to the Board of Directors of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank. Brooks represented Indiana’s 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, and Hardwick is Chief Executive Officer of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank. Both Ms. Brooks and Mr. Hardwick will be on the ballot for continuing terms at the Corporation’s Annual Shareholder Meeting in…

By Megan Wiltsie, PETA— Muncie, IN— In time for Valentine’s Day, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has scoured the country for the Top Vegan Sweet Treats—and local bakery Sea Salt & Cinnamon won a spot on the list for its rich, chocolate-drizzled peanut butter pie. From cupcakes and pies to elaborate wedding cakes, all items from the bakery are 100% vegan. Sea Salt & Cinnamon also offers a special Valentine’s Day menu, including macarons, charcuterie, cookie-decorating kits, and…

By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-chief— Fort Wayne, IN—Indiana Michigan Power is sending more than 250 employees and contractors southward today to assist in anticipation of an expected ice storm with potential to cause major power outages in the eastern Kentucky/West Virginia area. An Ice Storm Warning has been issued for most of Eastern Kentucky for Wednesday through Friday morning, the first warning in that area since January of 2013. Some spots could get up to 1 inch of ice which is…

By Kristen McConnell— Muncie, IN—The YMCA of Muncie is excited to announce the reopening of its aquatics center at the downtown YMCA. Made possible by the federal COVID Relief funding, the organization plans to offer more programming, including aquatics classes, safety around water programs and additional active older adult programs, at the location as well. “The YMCA of Muncie has served the community for more than 144 years, during which we have made it through many challenging times together, none…

By Kate Elliott— Editor’s note: Shafer Leadership Academy and the Muncie Downtown Development Partnership are partnering on this series to highlight innovative leaders who are redefining typical during these extraordinary times. This is the final article in the series.  Muncie, IN — Not too many businesses opened up months into a global pandemic. But Allison Robbins, owner of Aspect 6 Creative isn’t “most businesses.” In June 2020, the longtime media and marketing professional opened a full-service advertising agency at 122 N. Walnut St. in downtown Muncie….

By Northwest Bank— Warren, Pennsylvania —Northwest Bancshares, Inc., (the “Company”), (NasdaqGS: NWBI) announced net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 of $35.1 million, or $0.28 per diluted share.  This represents an increase of $9.5 million, or 37.0%, compared to the same quarter last year when net income was $25.6 million, or $0.24 per diluted share.  The annualized returns on average shareholders’ equity and average assets for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 were 9.00% and 1.01% compared to 7.52% and…

By First Merchants— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has reported fourth quarter 2020 net income of $45.1 million compared to $47.8 million during the same period in 2019. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.83 per share compared to fourth quarter 2019 result of $.87 per share. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 totaled $148.6 million, compared to $164.5 million during the same period in 2019. Year-to-date earnings per share totaled $2.74 compared to…