Business

By: Alexis Dishman— Muncie, Indiana– The Innovation Connector of Muncie, Indiana is hosting the fifth annual BIG Idea Pitch competition for local entrepreneurs and innovators to “pitch” their business, business concepts, product or invention to a panel of judges from the business and investment community.There are many very creative and interesting concepts from people in our region, and this competition will showcase those ideas and offer what it takes to advance them. This event is for individuals in all phases of…

By: Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce— Muncie, IN—The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce has honored Kelly Stanley with their 2018 Legacy Award. The Gala Event held at the Horizon Convention Center, had nearly 300 guests. The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce’s Legacy Award is presented annually to an individual or couple who has made extraordinary, sustained, and positive contributions to the Muncie-Delaware County community, and who has provided leadership in the development of programs, events, and/or new traditions that promote…

By: Benjamin J. Freeman, Attorney at Law— Muncie, IN—Estate planning isn’t often a topic people enjoy discussing. Many find it to be morbid and depressing. However, if you own property, have children, or wish to support charities, estate planning is a necessity. Nevertheless, many people put off this important task in favor of other endeavors. Many assume that, if they die without a will, their property will automatically pass to their spouse or their children. This is not exactly the case….

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN— If you’ve been involved in the “entrepreneurial ecosystem” around Muncie and East Central Indiana, then you’ve probably had the opportunity to hear or meet Peggy Cenova. Because she’s seemingly everywhere. Cenova is the regional director of the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (ECI-SBDC.) The ECI-SBDC offers no cost business advising services to business owners, start-ups and anyone considering a new business venture.  The ECI-SBDC is headquartered at the Innovation Connector in Muncie, and serves…

By: Tom Farris— JOLIET, IL—Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group is pleased to announce its merger with Coldwell Banker Lunsford of Muncie, Indiana, adding one additional office to its Indiana territory. This makes 15 offices operated by Coldwell Banker The Real Estate Group in Indiana since the recent addition of 14 offices resulting from merging with Coldwell Banker Roth Wehrly Graber, previously headquartered in Fort Wayne. This merger extends the company’s coverage farther into central Indiana to strengthen its overall…

By: Marc Ransford— Muncie, IN—Ball State economist Michael Hicks said Friday’s national jobs report shows an economy in full expansion mode. With net growth of 157,000 jobs and revisions of the previous two months of 59,000, job growth continues to exceed growth in the labor force. This pushed the unemployment rate to 3.9 percent, well beneath historical estimates of full employment, he said. The composition of jobs was strong with continued growth across all sectors, Hicks noted. “Wage growth last…

By: Ben Freeman, Attorney at Law— Muncie, IN—Whether you are a property owner looking to rent out a home or an individual looking for your next place to live, it is important to understand the basics of the residential eviction process. An eviction is the legal process a landlord must take to remove an uncompliant tenant and regain possession of the property. Evictions are governed generally by the Indiana Code. However, each county has different local rules which govern how…

By: First Merchants Corporation— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has reported second quarter 2018 net income of $39.6 million, an increase of 64 percent, compared to $24.1 million during the same period in 2017. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.80 per share, an increase of 40 percent, compared to the second quarter of 2017 result of $.57 per share. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2018 totaled $76.3 million, compared to $47.3 million…