Business

By I&M— FORT WAYNE— At a time when many Hoosiers are worried about rising energy costs, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), an American Electric Power (AEP) company, announced today that it will file to reduce base rates — the largest portion of most bills — as part of a comprehensive Customer Benefits Plan. This rate decrease is made possible by the load growth and increased revenue it is experiencing from large customers including data centers. The Customer Benefits Plan also includes protections against future increases and strategic investments to further improve reliability. Full details will be outlined in I&M’s next base…

By Nick Werner— MUNCIE, IN — A new design-build studio is launching to serve Hoosier homeowners who delight in details, who value high-end materials, and who expect more from contractor relationships. 1874 Design Studio offers customers full-service remodeling, specializing in kitchen, bath, and whole-home renovations, serving Central Indiana and beyond. The studio is a division of Knapp Supply Co., a 150-year-old kitchen and bath remodeling and plumbing supply provider. As a design-build business, 1874 Design Studio helps clients reimagine kitchens, bathrooms, and entire homes without the stress often associated with remodeling. The team manages every step of the process, beginning with…

By Northwest Bank— MUNCIE, IN—Northwest Bank has named Garrett Doan as Regional Commercial Banking Market Executive for Indiana, where he will lead the bank’s commercial banking strategy and teams across the state, with a focus on relationship‑driven growth and strong community presence. In this role, Doan is responsible for overseeing Northwest Bank’s Commercial Bank in Indiana, serving commercial and industrial businesses, and expanding the bank’s commercial banking footprint in key markets including Muncie, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and South Bend/Mishawaka. Doan brings more than 30 years of banking and financial services experience, the majority of which has been spent in Indiana….

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…