Business

By: Mike Rhodes— Carmel, IN—The Indiana Broadcasters Association presented their 30th Annual Spectrum Awards on Friday, November 3, 2017 in ceremonies held in Carmel, IN. The Indiana Broadcasters Association is an alliance of more than 300 member radio and television broadcasters, united to serve their audiences throughout the Hoosier state.  The IBA advocates for member stations, offers FCC inspection programs, provides scholarships to college students, hosts career fairs throughout the state for members to recruit new employees, and represents the…

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN— At the October 5, 2017 regular meeting of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, status updates on a number of economic development projects were given. Todd Donati reported that the highly anticipated Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market is on-track to open in the spring of 2018. Walls of the new market can now be seen being erected.  Due to the new construction and heavy trucks moving in and out, Milton Street will be rebuilt in sections. The commission…

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—The Horizon Convention Center hosted the Special Olympics Indiana State Conference on October 27-28 in downtown Muncie. Over 300 people from all over Indiana attended the conference. The annual conference is primarily for Special Olympics Indiana volunteers, leaders, staff, board members and county/management teams from across the state. In addition to numerous break-out sessions, an important component of the conference was the “Spirit of Special Olympics” luncheon held on Saturday. Awards in five categories were presented. Carl…

Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) reported record third quarter 2017 net income of $24.4 million, compared to $21.1 million during the third quarter of 2016. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.50 per share, which included $.11 per share of acquisition expenses, compared to $.51 during the same period in 2016. The acquisition expenses in the quarter totaled $7.9 million and were primarily related to the July 14, 2017 acquisition of Independent Alliance Banks, Inc. Year-to-date net…

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Do you, or your company or organization have an idea, program or business you’d really like to try, but you just aren’t certain whether your idea will be successful? Wouldn’t it be great if you had a chance to pitch an idea or concept to business leaders who can help advise you and help you ascertain whether or not your idea will be successful? In the spirit of ”getting connected”, the Innovation Connector is bringing a…

By: Guy Johnson— Indianapolis, IN—Christopher Caldwell of MutualBank in Muncie is joining the Central Loan Committee of small-business lender Indiana Statewide Certified Development Corporation. Indiana Statewide CDC works with local Indiana lenders to issue loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration 504 loan program. The loans help owners of expanding or startup small businesses buy real estate, buildings and equipment. Small companies gain favorable financing terms with SBA 504 loans similar to those available to large companies. Caldwell says, “Indiana…

By: Brenda Brumfield— Muncie, IN– The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce held its 123rd Annual Meeting on October 19, 2017 with more than 300 business and community leaders in attendance.  The event, held at the Horizon Convention Center, is the Chamber’s annual meeting and awards event. Chamber Board Chair Margaret Kirkpatrick Sikora led the report to members on the accomplishments of the prior year. The Chamber presented the Spirit of Small Business Award to Elm Street Brewing Company.   Elm Street…

By: Sheena Peters— Muncie, In—The Innovation Connector of Muncie, Indiana is hosting the fourth 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…

By: Genet Soule, VP Development & Marketing— Muncie, IN – Hillcroft Industries, a division of Hillcroft Services, Inc., received its ISO 9001:2015 certificate of registration for its quality management system on July 19, 2017.  “ISO 9001 is not only a validation of our quality management system, but a validation of our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction,” said Mike Salmon, VP Business Development. Hillcroft Industries, formerly Cannon Industries, has performed parts assembly, packaging, kitting, collating, and sorting work for various…