Business

COO/CFO Mark Hardwick to become CEO; CBO Michael Stewart to become President; SVP Michele Kawiecki to become CFO MUNCIE, Ind. – After more than 13 years of leading significant growth and success for First Merchants, President & CEO Michael C. Rechin announced today he will retire from his position effective December 31, 2020. Rechin will remain on the First Merchants Board of Directors and will serve as an advisor to First Merchants going forward. Charles Schalliol, Chairman of the Board…

By Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN— Franchisee owner Jack Surface has won a prestigious Franchisee of the Year award from Midas, an American chain of automotive service centers headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Surface is a 40-year Midas veteran who purchased his Muncie location in 2011 and the Anderson location in 2016. Three franchisee awards are awarded by Midas: a single shop owner, a 2-5 shop owner, and anyone who owns more than 5 shops. Surface owns two shops—one in Anderson…

 By Toby Thomas, President and Chief Operating Officer, Indiana Michigan Power— Muncie, IN—Virtually all Hoosiers and all Indiana businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused unprecedented, widespread financial difficulties.  Indiana Michigan Power has been working with our customers regarding their energy bills since the early days of the pandemic in mid-March. We have consistently encouraged our customers who believe they may have trouble paying their bill to discuss payment plans. We have informed them of other…

By Woof Boom Radio News— Muncie, IN—In a room filled with local business leaders, realtors, bankers, and Woof Boom Radio, Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour wanted to share some positive news during a press conference on Monday.  Muncie and Delaware County rank #1 for increase in median sales – that’s residential family, condo, and town home dwellings.  Avon ranked second, Greenfield third, then Indianapolis, New Albany and Anderson round out the top 6.  Ridenour began the upbeat presentation, clearly “cheer leading”…

By Colette Bonavita— Muncie, IN—In August, the family of Pat Botts, along with representatives of Northwest Bank and Muncie By5, dedicated the Pat Botts Free Children’s Library. We invite families in the Muncie community to visit the library, located in Northwest’s 110 E. Charles St. office, and “take a book, leave a book”. Pat, former MutualBank president and COO, passed away unexpectedly in October 2019, leaving a legacy of servant leadership and concern for the youth in the Muncie area. He was…

By Alexis Dishman— Muncie, IN—The Innovation Connector of Muncie, Indiana, is hosting the seventh annual BIG Idea Pitchcompetition 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 of business,…

By Delaware County Redevelopment Commission— DELAWARE COUNTY, Indiana – When Joshua and Sarah Shaffer looked for a place to store their new RV for the winter, they couldn’t find one within a two-hour drive. So they decided to build a facility for indoor recreational vehicle storage, right in their home town of Albany, Indiana. Family First Indoor RV and Boat Storage, the Shaffers’  new, built-from-the-ground-up business, opens at 1090 W. Walnut Street – along Indiana 67 in the town of…

By: Changing Seasons— Muncie, IN—The story of Changing Seasons Patio Shoppe begins with shopping!  Patricia and David Wallace were customers of the patio shoppe before becoming owners.  As customers, they fell in love with the quality of the products and the ability to customize exactly what they wanted.  When the owners were looking to sell their business in 1997 Pat and David didn’t want to see this gem of a business leave. They loved the quality of the furniture and…

By: JR Krupa Imaging— Muncie, IN—Nothing says “I’m ready to work” more than a freshly pressed suit, an updated resume, and of course, a professional headshot. Regardless of profession, COVID-19 sent millions of Americans to the unemployment line without warning. That is why local photographer Joe Krupa, J.R. Krupa Imaging, is participating with Headshot Booker, Brookfield Properties and the Innovation Connector in the largest, single-day photo initiative that will provide 10,000 unemployed Americans nationwide with a complimentary, professional headshot to…