Business

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—Many entrepreneurs, while knowing their product or industry inside and out, are occasionally inexperienced in knowing what it really takes to successfully launch and grow a business. Generally speaking, entrepreneurs are often very passionate about their business idea, but can lack the expertise to market their business, understand and keep financial records, analyze their sales and profitability and make meaningful decisions in order to grow and sustain their business. This is where the Innovation Connector can…

By: Bill Callen, Racer Trust— Commonwealth to Build 35-Unit Affordable Housing Development Muncie, IN — RACER Trust today announced it has completed the sale of approximately 5.7 acres in Muncie to Commonwealth Development Corporation of America, which plans to develop 35 units of affordable housing. The first units are expected to be available for lease in the fall of 2018. “These homes will provide modern, affordable housing near excellent urban amenities to families on the Southside of Muncie,” said Elliott…

By: Mike Rhodes— Muncie, IN—The 19th annual East Central Indiana Bridal show was held in Delaware Hall at the Horizon Convention Center on Sunday, January 28th. 43 vendors participated and exhibited a wide variety of wedding-oriented products and services to attendees.  The East Central Indiana Bridal show was produced by AMS Entertainment and Audio Visual of Muncie and was additionally sponsored by the Horizon Convention Center and WLBC, 104.1 FM. According to Slade Smith, owner of AMS Entertainment and Audio…

By: Ted Baker— Muncie, IN—The Coding Connector, Them LLC, and TechWise Academy have collaborated to create the first ever Roblox Training Camp in Indiana. Learn from one of the top game designers on the Roblox platform as well as the owner of THEM Magazines in an all-day course to be held at the Innovation Connector in Muncie on Saturday, February 17th from 9am – 5pm.  Roblox is the largest social platform for play that allows people to imagine, create, and…

By: Ben Freeman, Attorney at Law— Muncie, IN—The familial relationship is complex and sometimes necessitates the involvement of the court. “Family law” is a function of the state government and refers to the rules by which the state regulates the creation, maintenance and dissolution of the family unit. Family law is most commonly associated with divorce, child custody, and child support. Divorce, custody and child support proceedings make up the majority of a family law attorney’s practice. However, the practice…

By: Nicole M. Weaver— Muncie, IN—First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ – FRME) reported record fourth quarter 2017 net income of $24.4 million, compared to $22.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2016. Earnings per share for the period totaled $.49 per share compared to $.55 during the same period in 2016. Our fourth quarter results included the impact of the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”). Specifically, our federal income tax expense was elevated by $5.1 million, or…

By: Lindsey Sharp—  Muncie, IN— The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce will honor its members for their longevity in and impact on the community at the Chamber Champions Award Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21 in the Horizon Convention Center. Over the past five years, nearly 1,000 people have joined The Chamber in recognizing almost 100 of its members with Business Longevity awards, the Al Rent Spirit of Muncie award, the Ambassador of the Year award and the…

By: Kaitlyn Davis— Muncie, IN – Meridian Health Services has been awarded $100,000 in supplemental funds from The Ryan White Fund for its growing HIV program. Through this funding, care coordinators will be able to expand on the services currently being provided in Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Jay, and Randolph counties. Meridan’s HIV Care Coordination program assists those living with HIV disease in a wide variety of health and social services, including medical, psychosocial, financial, and other supportive services as needed.  These…

By: Greg Zirkle— Muncie, IN – Ben Smith, CPA, CGMA, was recently appointed by Commissioner Adam Krupp to a newly formed Tax Advisory Council for the Indiana Department of Revenue.  Smith is CEO of Muncie-based accounting firm Estep-Doctor & Company and has been a Certified Public Accountant for 28 years. As a member of this council, Smith will serve a two-year term and meet quarterly with the Commissioner and his team.  Krupp has formed the 14-member panel to provide direct…