Business

By Tina Black— MUNCIE, IN— Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc. has announced the promotion of two company executives. Effective January 1, 2026, the Board of Directors has approved the promotion of Chad Smith to President & Chief Executive Officer of Mid-West Metal Products Company, Inc., reflecting the scope of operations across four Muncie locations and international facilities. John W. Smith will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Division. With this leadership team in place, Mid-West Metal Products will continue to build upon its 105-year legacy as a family-owned and operated manufacturing company, advancing growth both domestically…

By Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of Leap Managed IT— MUNCE, IN—If you lead a business, a government agency, or a non-profit here in Indiana, you’ve likely felt the shift. Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) isn’t coming, it’s here. It’s writing emails, analyzing spreadsheets, and changing how work gets done. We also know A.I. isn’t perfect (and it may never be). We’ve all seen A.I.-generated graphics with an extra thumb or answers so far off-base you have to laugh. One of our favorite parlor tricks is asking A.I. to pick a random number between 1 and 50. Don’t be surprised if…

Editor’s note: A number of local utilities have sent MuncieJournal.com updates and advice on how to handle the upcoming winter storm. We have combined them all into this one article. Indiana and Michigan Power As a blast of extreme winter cold and snow is expected this weekend, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) wants to help customers stay safe and warm while keeping costs as low as possible. There When You Need Us If there are power outages, I&M employees will respond as safely and quickly as weather conditions allow. Crews have strengthened the local electrical system ahead of winter weather by…

By Erin Moore— MUNCIE, IN—Open Door Health Services’ president and CEO, Bryan Ayars, has announced his intention to retire in mid-2026. Ayars has served as Open Door’s CEO for nearly a decade, guiding the organization through significant growth and the COVID-19 pandemic. He will continue to serve as CEO while the Open Door Board of Directors completes a national search and identifies his replacement. “Professionally, I’ve long held the belief that a decade leading an organization is about the right amount of time for the entity’s health. I also recognized I have spent 50 years involved in some type of…

By John Anderson, EdD— MUNCIE, IN — The Family Life Institute of Indiana, LLC (FLII), a newly established Muncie-based organization, has officially launched with a mission to strengthen families, improve relational health, and support community well-being through education, prevention, and systems-informed services. Founded by John Anderson EdD, an educator and family-life professional with extensive experience in higher education leadership, community engagement, and adult learning, the Institute is designed to serve families, professionals, and organizations seeking proactive, evidence-informed approaches to family stability and resilience. “The Family Life Institute of Indiana was created to help families access the tools, knowledge, and support…

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, has announced the adoption of a dual leadership model, effective January 2026, designed to enhance strategic capacity and support the organization’s continued growth and community impact. Under this structure, Brian Statz will continue serving as Chief Executive Officer, and Lindsey Horan has been named President. The new leadership structure was initiated by Statz and developed in collaboration with Minnetrista’s Board leadership and Executive Committee, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to governance and long-term organizational sustainability. In the dual leadership model, both the CEO and President will report directly to Minnetrista’s Board of Trustees…

By Michael Thomas and Gary Thomas, Owners of Leap Managed IT— MUNCIE, IN—As 2025 draws to a close, Leap Managed IT is proud to reflect on a year defined by innovation, technical achievement, and meaningful partnerships. In a rapidly evolving landscape—where artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping the way organizations operate—our commitment to delivering world-class IT Support and Managed IT Services has never been stronger. This dedication is why Leap Managed IT continues to be recognized among the Top Indianapolis IT Companies. Learning from Leaders: Insights from Riley Leonard A highlight of our year was welcoming professional quarterback Riley Leonard…

By Victoria Meldrum, Ball State CBER— MUNCIE, IN — Registration is now open for the Indiana Economic Outlook, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at the Horizon Convention Center. In its 30th year, this popular event for the Muncie business community will offer breakfast, an economic forecast for the state and nation by Ball State University professor Michael Hicks, and a panel discussion on the challenges facing Indiana manufacturing firms with keynote panelists Steven Smith and Scott Buehrer. The Center for Business and Economic Research, a unit in the Miller College of Business at Ball State University, has organized the annual Indiana…