Business

By: First Merchants Corporation— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) has reported third quarter 2018 net income of $41.1 million, an increase of 69 percent, compared to $24.4 million during the same period in 2017.  Earnings per share for the period totaled $.83, an increase of 66 percent, compared to the third quarter of 2017 result of $.50 per share.  Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 totaled $117.4 million, compared to $71.7 million during the…

By: J Chapman, President, Woof Boom Radio, Inc.— Muncie, IN—In 2015, a number of community leaders and organizations came together to form the concept of the Muncie Journal. On July 1, 2015, MuncieJournal.com launched for the public. How we view ourselves and our community in large part determines the choices and decisions we make about our future. The Muncie Journal exists not only due to our founding partners, but the efforts of hundreds of community members and groups who continually…

By: Brenda Brumfield— Muncie, IN – The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will hold their 124th Annual Meeting on October 25, 2018. The event, to be held at the Horizon Convention Center, is the Chamber’s annual meeting and awards event. Chamber Board Chair Chris Caldwell announced this year’s recipients. SPIRIT OF SMALL BUSINESS – DIY/GROUP, INC. COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD – IVY TECH COMMUNITY COLLEGE OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATION – UNITED WAY OF DELAWARE COUNTY EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC SERVICE – 8TWELVE…

By: Chad Mertz— Muncie, IN and Monroe, MI— First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ: FRME) and MBT Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: MBTF) today announced they have executed a definitive agreement whereby MBT Financial Corporation will merge with and into First Merchants Corporation in a 100% stock transaction valued at approximately $290.9 million.  Upon completion of the merger, Monroe Bank & Trust, will merge with and into First Merchants Bank. Headquartered in Monroe, Michigan, MBTF operates 20 banking center locations in the southeastern Michigan…

Announcement marks the fifth consecutive year Indy airport awarded with top title INDIANAPOLIS  – Using feedback from nearly half a million travelers, Condé Nast Traveler has named the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) as the Best Airport in the United States for the fifth consecutive year. Condé Nast awarded the title to the Indy airport as part of its 31st Annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey. The survey collected millions of ratings and more than 100,000 comments to help Condé Nast develop…

By: Stephen Mortland— Muncie, IN— On October 27, from 8 a.m.–Noon The Orchard Shop at Minnetrista will be selling decorative glass pumpkins crafted by the experts at the Ball State Glass Guild. These unique seasonal pumpkins are great for friends and family, promising to add a festive fall atmosphere to any home! The pumpkins are for sale at The Orchard Shop throughout the autumn season, but on the morning of October 27 there will be a wide variety available for…

By: Richard Crist— Muncie, Indiana—Longstanding public accounting and advisory firms, Whitinger & Company LLC, and Haney CPA Group PC have announced they have executed a definitive agreement whereby Haney CPA Group PC will merge into Whitinger & Company LLC to expand and enhance the professional services the two firms provide. The merged firm will operate as Whitinger & Company LLC effective October 1, 2018.  Founded in 1930 with offices in Muncie and Fishers, Whitinger & Company is recognized as one of…

By: Karen Lloyd, Entrepreneurship Center, Ball State University— Muncie, Indiana— On October 5th, 6th and 7th, 2018  Techstars will be hosting the first ever Startup Weekend in Muncie, IN. Do you have an idea you would like to pursue or a problem you would like to solve but don’t know where to start?  Then Startup Weekend Muncie is just the event for you. Startup Weekend is a global organization powered by Techstars and Google where participants get together on a Friday…

By: Benjamin J. Freeman, Attorney at Law— Muncie, Indiana—When considering estate planning, the planning often begins and ends with the last will and testament. Certainly, the will is the cornerstone of any estate plan but proper planning shouldn’t end there. A proper estate plan should consider the practical questions. What happens if you become physically or mentally incapacitated? Who will help you manage your finances, your property and your day-to-day life? What happens if you cannot make important medical decisions for…