Business

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—The entrepreneurial energy of East Central Indiana is ready to take center stage as the Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc. presents the 4th Annual Business Showcase Week, set to run through the first three weeks of November 2025, with the main events scheduled for November 17–22. In collaboration with Global Entrepreneurship Week, this year’s Showcase is more expansive and impactful than ever. With 80+ FREE events, it’s designed to inspire, educate, and connect the Greater Muncie business community. Celebrate. Educate. Collaborate. At the Innovation Connector, “innovation” isn’t just part of our…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN. –Chris Smith has had a passionate interest in Lewis and Clark since he was a young boy. He used to read about their early 1800s expedition across the western United States and wonder what it was like to cross rugged terrain using primitive transportation with limited supplies. The veteran Muncie Central teacher no longer wonders. He knows firsthand. Thanks to a Teacher Creativity grant from Lilly Endowment, Smith spent part of his summer retracing the steps of the famous explorers. For nine glorious days in July, he and a group of Lewis and Clark enthusiasts,…

By Kara Stevenson Communications Specialist, Sr., I&M— MUNCIE, IN—The weather in Indiana is ever- changing. Throughout the year, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) proactively maintains and upgrades the electrical system; however, power outages due to severe conditions remain possible. In September, I&M is highlighting the importance of being prepared and connected during National Preparedness Month – but this is important to achieve year-round. “At I&M, the safety of customers and employees is our top priority. When emergencies and severe weather happens, we want our customers to know how to respond, prepare and stay safe,” said Katie Davis, vice president of External…

By Gary Thomas and Michael Thomas, Owners of Leap Managed IT— MUNCIE, IN—At Leap Managed IT, we’re more than a technology company, we’re a third-generation, Indiana-owned business with deep roots in Central Indiana. With our headquarters in Muncie and support centers across the state, we’re proud to serve the communities we call home. Being local means everything to us. One of our core pillars is community stewardship, a commitment started by our grandparents in 1930 and still reflected in everything we do today. From supporting nonprofits to hiring and developing talent right here in Indiana, we believe in building a stronger future…

20+ Salons Partnered Statewide, 80 Students Enrolled Beginning September 9th By Teresa Long— MUNCIE, IN — Grace Beauty College, led by founder and state sponsor Teresa Long, proudly announces the launch of Indiana’s first state-approved Cosmetology and Barber Apprenticeship Program. The program officially begins on September 9, 2025, with more than 80 students enrolled and over 20 salons and barbershops statewide serving as training sites. The apprenticeship program offers a groundbreaking pathway for aspiring cosmetologists and barbers to earn while they learn. Students complete online coursework while working in licensed salons, receiving hands-on training and wages as they progress toward…

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—In the world of entrepreneurship, the challenges are constant: managing cash flow, building customer relationships, hiring the right people, and adapting to market changes. For business owners in Muncie and the surrounding region, these pressures are compounded by a persistent challenge. Too many entrepreneurs are facing them alone. While Muncie has a rich base of talented and experienced business leaders, many new and growing entrepreneurs don’t have easy access to that knowledge. The result? Missed opportunities, preventable mistakes, and businesses that never reach their full potential. Ted Baker, CEO of…

By Liz Gardner— MUNCIE, IN – Local nonprofit First Choice for Women has announced the hire of Maria French as Executive Director for the organization. As a lifetime East Central Indiana resident, Maria earned her Bachelor’s degree in English and Journalism from Ball State University. The majority of Maria’s career has been concentrated in English education at New Castle High School and Muncie Community Schools, while also holding supervisory and department chair positions. In Maria’s professional experience, she has also held the roles of Communications Director and Business Manager, giving her additional experience with public relations, strategic communications, and business…

By Justin Clauson, CEO— MUNCIE, IN— L&J Manufacturing Solutions, a fast growing leader in custom machine design and manufacturing, has officially opened its new corporate headquarters and production facility at 1001 S. Council Street, just south of downtown Muncie. The company is investing over $1.5 million into the site, which will now serve as the central hub for engineering, design, assembly, and manufacturing operations. The newly renovated facility marks a major step forward for the company, which saw 2024 sales exceed $2.5 million and has nearly doubled its revenue in the first half of 2025. The Muncie location will initially support…