Business

By Reed Levitz— MUNCIE, IN—Northwest Bank is proud to announce the expansion and relocation of the Pat Botts Free Children’s Libraries from its financial centers to thoughtfully selected community spaces across Muncie. The first new location will be the Greater Muncie Habitat for Humanity office on Hoyt Avenue, a fitting tribute to Pat Botts’ lifelong dedication to service, education, and community development. Pat had a heart for Habitat’s mission, making this placement a meaningful first step in the library’s broader reach. A passionate advocate for literacy, Pat believed in the power of reading to transform lives. The libraries bearing his…

By Ben Polk— MUNCIE, IN—On Wednesday afternoon, Tim Pierce and Ben Polk of PrimeTrust Federal Credit Union announced the winners of Soup Crawl and presented a donation check to C.S. Hendershot and Sunni Matters of Second Harvest Food of East Central Indiana. The event raised $30,037.00 this year. Proceeds from the Soup Crawl contribute to Second Harvest Food Bank’s The Big Idea initiative, which aims to break the cycle of generational poverty by uniting schools, families, and resource providers in order to distribute resources, build connections, and create opportunities for children to chart a path to long-term stability. That’s the…

By  Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, IN—This past spring, 33 First Merchants Bank employees traded their desks for a day in the classroom at Anderson Preparatory Academy. Spread across every K–5 classroom, these volunteers brought Junior Achievement’s financial wellness lessons to life. They taught children about saving money and setting career goals. First Merchants employees made concepts like budgeting and entrepreneurship fun and relatable. Delaware County’s hometown bank knows that early education in budgeting and saving is vital to the success of communities. For First Merchants moments like this aren’t one-offs; they’re part of a long tradition of investing in neighbors…

By Dawn Brand Fluhler— MUNCIE, IN  – Forge ECI, the regional economic development organization representing nine counties across East Central Indiana, has announced the appointment of Caitlin Hancock as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Hancock, who has served as Interim President/CEO since May, assumes the role permanently following a nationwide search. “Caitlin emerged as the clear choice among more than 20 candidates,” said Garrett Doan, Chair of Forge ECI’s Board of Directors. “Her decade of experience within the organization, her proven leadership, and her passion for East Central Indiana distinguished her throughout the process. The Board is confident…

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—The entrepreneurial energy of East Central Indiana is ready to take center stage as the Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc. presents the 4th Annual Business Showcase Week, set to run through the first three weeks of November 2025, with the main events scheduled for November 17–22. In collaboration with Global Entrepreneurship Week, this year’s Showcase is more expansive and impactful than ever. With 80+ FREE events, it’s designed to inspire, educate, and connect the Greater Muncie business community. Celebrate. Educate. Collaborate. At the Innovation Connector, “innovation” isn’t just part of our…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN. –Chris Smith has had a passionate interest in Lewis and Clark since he was a young boy. He used to read about their early 1800s expedition across the western United States and wonder what it was like to cross rugged terrain using primitive transportation with limited supplies. The veteran Muncie Central teacher no longer wonders. He knows firsthand. Thanks to a Teacher Creativity grant from Lilly Endowment, Smith spent part of his summer retracing the steps of the famous explorers. For nine glorious days in July, he and a group of Lewis and Clark enthusiasts,…

By Kara Stevenson Communications Specialist, Sr., I&M— MUNCIE, IN—The weather in Indiana is ever- changing. Throughout the year, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) proactively maintains and upgrades the electrical system; however, power outages due to severe conditions remain possible. In September, I&M is highlighting the importance of being prepared and connected during National Preparedness Month – but this is important to achieve year-round. “At I&M, the safety of customers and employees is our top priority. When emergencies and severe weather happens, we want our customers to know how to respond, prepare and stay safe,” said Katie Davis, vice president of External…

By Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of Leap Managed IT— MUNCIE, IN—At Leap Managed IT, we’re more than a technology company, we’re a third-generation, Indiana-owned business with deep roots in Central Indiana. With our headquarters in Muncie and support centers across the state, we’re proud to serve the communities we call home. Being local means everything to us. One of our core pillars is community stewardship, a commitment started by our grandparents in 1930 and still reflected in everything we do today. From supporting nonprofits to hiring and developing talent right here in Indiana, we believe in building a stronger future…

20+ Salons Partnered Statewide, 80 Students Enrolled Beginning September 9th By Teresa Long— MUNCIE, IN — Grace Beauty College, led by founder and state sponsor Teresa Long, proudly announces the launch of Indiana’s first state-approved Cosmetology and Barber Apprenticeship Program. The program officially begins on September 9, 2025, with more than 80 students enrolled and over 20 salons and barbershops statewide serving as training sites. The apprenticeship program offers a groundbreaking pathway for aspiring cosmetologists and barbers to earn while they learn. Students complete online coursework while working in licensed salons, receiving hands-on training and wages as they progress toward…