Business

Xtern Program Expands to Muncie, Additional Expansion Expected

By Cheryl Reed— Indianapolis, IN—For seven years now, the TechPoint Xtern program has become increasingly popular with college students across the U.S. Applicants have far out-paced the number of positions available from Indianapolis tech companies each year, even as companies outside the capital city wanted and needed young talent. More than 2,000 students from 222 universities and 43 home states applied to be in the summer 2021 Xtern class, a high-engagement, 10-week, summer internship program that provides participants housing, access…

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Innovation Connector Creates a Four-Month Intensive Business Development Program for Entrepreneurs

By Alexis Dishman— Muncie, IN–In September of 2020, the Innovation Connector of Muncie released a four-month intensive business development program for emerging and existing small business owners in Delaware County called ADVANCE. The objective of the ADVANCE program is to help business owners move forward purposefully by utilizing the Innovation Connector’s abundance of business support services and programs. The Innovation Connector invited business owners and entrepreneurs to sign up at no cost thanks to a grant from The Community Foundation…


East Central Indiana Regional Partnership Announces Dates for Talent Attraction Webinars

By Mindy Kenworthy, President, East Central IN Regional Partnership— Muncie, IN – The East Central Indiana Regional Partnership (ECIRP) will be hosting a series of webinars to provide information to regional stakeholders on its new talent attraction initiative Forge Your Path. The first two webinars are scheduled for October 14 for HR professionals and employment recruiters, and October 15 for area realtors, home builders and lending officers. Ready to compete with other regions on a national scale, ECIRP announced last…


Meet Stephen Brand, New Muncie Sanitary District Board President

By Stephen Brand— My name is Stephen Brand. I am a lifelong resident of Delaware County. I was raised in Southern Delaware County and worked on a Family farm near Cowan. I attended Cowan Schools. My career has been in manufacturing, and I currently lead a large Advanced Manufacturing Operation here in Muncie. I also serve our community on various boards focusing on economic and workforce development. I recently accepted a seat on the Muncie Sanitary District’s Board of Commissioners…


First Merchants President & CEO Michael C. Rechin Announces Retirement

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…


Jack Surface, Owner of Local Midas Shop Recognized With Franchisee of the Year Award

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…


Indiana Michigan Power: Energy Bill Assistance During COVID-19

 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…


Muncie Real Estate Ranks #1 in State for Percentage Increase in Median Sales

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”…


Northwest Bank Dedicates Children’s Library to Honor Pat Botts

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…


Innovation Connector to Host the Seventh Annual BIG Idea Pitch Competition for Local Entrepreneurs

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,…