By Mike Rhodes, Editor-in-Chief—
MUNCIE, IN—Engage Indiana events take place in every region of the state, and on Tuesday it will be Muncie’s turn to shine a light on all things important to our community.
The Engage Indiana event in Muncie will focus on our communities unique challenges and distinct opportunities for growth. Thought leaders from our community will discuss programs designed to help our community thrive. From talent attraction and retention to education and economic development, the event’s speakers, moderators and local panelists will discuss topics that matter most to Muncie.
The event will take place at the Horizon Convention Center located at 401 South High Street in downtown Muncie. Networking opportunities will begin at 11:30 a.m. and the program will begin at noon. It appears IBJ has not cut off registering for the event—you can find that information here.
(As of September 16, Gerry Dick says two tables are still left for Tuesday’s event. )
Listen to Gerry Dick as interviewed on WMUN this morning, Sept. 16th.
Those scheduled to speak and participate are as follows:
Speaker/Moderator
David Rosenberg has served as Secretary of Commerce for the state of Indiana and a member of Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s cabinet since his appointment in August 2023. In his role, Sec. Rosenberg leads the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), guiding the strategy and growth of the state’s economy and its related economic development efforts. Rosenberg joined the IEDC in August 2021. Prior to becoming secretary of commerce, he served as the IEDC’s chief operating officer and chief of staff.
Moderator
Gerry Dick and technology entrepreneur Scott A. Jones formed Grow INdiana Media Ventures, LLC, a media company created to deliver Indiana business news and information through multiple media sources. Mr. Dick is president and managing editor of Inside INdiana Business, a division of IBJ Media. GIMV properties include the EMMY-award-winning Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Indiana’s most–watched local business television program; InsideIndianaBusiness.com; Inside INdiana Business Radio, The INside Edge Morning Briefing and Midday e-newsletters and a variety of interactive and mobile media products.
Panelists
Trevor Friedeberg has served as President and CEO of the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership (ECIRP) since March of 2022. He came to the partnership after 13 years at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation where he was the Director of Business Development Projects, leading his team focused on securing business attraction and expansions across the state.
Mark K. Hardwick currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of First Merchants Corporation and First Merchants Bank. In 2021, Mark was promoted to Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining First Merchants Corporation, Mark served as a senior accountant with BKD, LLP in Indianapolis. Mark was inducted into the Ball State University Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012. He was also the recipient of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s “CFO of the Year” in 2012.
Geoffrey S. Mearns serves as the 17th president of Ball State University. After joining the University in May 2017, President Mearns helped to develop a new strategic plan. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path establishes a long-range vision for the University that sets priorities across five key areas: undergraduate excellence, graduate education and lifetime learning, community engagement and impact, scholarship and societal impact, and institutional and inclusive excellence.
Ronald Morrell Jr., driven by a calling to ministry, business, and servant leadership since an early age, has emerged as a multifaceted professional encompassing the roles of a minister, entrepreneur, community leader, and motivational speaker. His diverse skill set allows him to seamlessly navigate and excel in these distinct avenues, each contributing to the enrichment of the others. Morrell is Mayor for the City of Marion, Indiana.
Lathay R. Pegues was born in Muncie, IN, attending Muncie Community Schools. He graduated from Muncie Central High School, where he was co-captain of the celebrated Bearcat basketball team. Lathay furthered his education at Indiana University-Bloomington with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. In 2014, Pegues began working full time for his own company—JohnTom’s BBQ Sauce. Since then, the company has grown exponentially, landing accounts with Kroger, Target, Fresh Thyme, Ball State University, and Indiana University, to name a few. (It’s the only BBQ sauce this editor uses, BTW.)
State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray was elected to serve House District 35 in 2020. Born and raised in Delaware County, she graduated from Muncie Burris High School before attending Ball State University. After working as a legislative director for former U.S. Congressman Mark Souder of Indiana in Washington, D.C., Rowray worked at the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance and served as a Yorktown school board member. She is President and CEO of the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce.
About IBJ Media Events
Throughout the year, IBJ Media hosts a series of high profile events ranging in size from 300 to 800 attendees. Decision makers and business owners from all industries regularly come together to network, hear experts in their fields, and recognize businesses and individuals who positively impact the local business community.
