Search Results for Innovation connector

Funding for Expansion of Trails in East Central Indiana Part of $5 Million Awarded by Ball Brothers Foundation

By Melissa Narlock— MUNCIE, IN — Ball Brothers Foundation approved 36 grants totaling $5 million in its second and final round of grants for 2023. The grants remain aligned with the foundation’s dedication to place-based grantmaking. Two significant grants have been awarded to advance vital trail projects that are set to transform East Central Indiana (ECI) and foster regional connectivity—Cardinal Greenways and Healthy Communities of Henry County. A $100,000 grant has been awarded to Cardinal Greenways, supporting their efforts to…

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Entrepreneur Showcase Week: Kick-Off Celebration and Awards

By Ted Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN.— The 2023 Entrepreneur Showcase Week commenced with a vibrant Kick-Off Celebration held at the Innovation Connector on Monday, November 13, 2023. The event featured notable speakers such as Executive Director and CEO, Ted Baker; Program and Events Coordinator, Natalie Smith; Jeff Parsons, Market President of First Merchants Bank; Morgan Allen from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation; Muncie Mayor Dan Ridenour; Ron Fauquher, Board Chairperson of the Innovation Connector; and Bernisa…


Military Veterans and Business Startups

By Ted Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—While we pause this time of year to honor and celebrate the brave women and men who have served our great nation as part of the military, it is important to understand that securing employment or other revenue-generating opportunities becomes an important part of their reentry into civilian life.  We are thankful for the many employers who make it part of their business’s mission to hire and employ veterans.  During their…


Delaware County Officials Sign Three Memorandums of Understanding With Italian Companies

By Keith Roysdon— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN—As Delaware County officials conclude a trip to northern Italy they are happy to announce new investment and business opportunities are coming to the community. Commissioner President, Shannon Henry and Commissioner Vice President, James King announced Monday the success of their latest economic development efforts. Henry and King spent the week visiting with twenty-five firms with interest in establishing operations in the United States. In addition, the duo made a case for doing business in…


Boys & Girls Clubs’ Ryan Hunter Recognized With 2023 Fisher Governance Award

By Eliza Guion— MUNCIE, IN— Ball Brothers Foundation presented its annual Fisher Governance Award to Ryan Hunter, board president of Boys & Girls Clubs of Muncie. Hunter was recognized with the award at the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on October 26.   The John W. and Janice B. Fisher Governance Award annually honors a nonprofit board member in Delaware County whose strategic planning and oversight skills have contributed to the achievement of the organization’s mission, financial stability, and…


TechWise Academy Named Region 7 Out-of-School Time STEM Leader

By Ryan Hunter— MUNCIE, IN—TechWise Academy powered by the Innovation Connector, is excited to announce that they have been chosen as the Region 7 leader for the 2023-2024 Indiana Afterschool Network Regional Leadership Project. The project is a partnership with Million Girls Moonshot, to identify out-of-school time STEM programs to operate as Regional Leaders, setting an example of high-quality STEM programming across Indiana and supporting other STEM programs in their efforts to begin, strengthen, and/or deepen their STEM practices. The…


Nonprofit Support Network Announces Inaugural Nonprofit Summit and Community Luncheon

By Carly Acree King— MUNCIE, IN – Nonprofit Support Network is thrilled to announce that tickets are now available for its inaugural Nonprofit Summit presented by Northwest Bank. The summit is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Horizon Convention Center. This groundbreaking event aims to raise awareness about the Nonprofit Support Network’s invaluable work while providing access to education and professional development opportunities within the local community. The Nonprofit Summit offers a day…


New Monthly Interactive Marketing Sessions Coming to Muncie, IN

By Melissa Narlock—  MUNCIE, IN — Marketing professionals, business owners, and students are invited to Intersessions, a series of interactive marketing sessions powered by Intersection. The inaugural session is set to make its debut on Tuesday, September 26. These free monthly sessions, hosted at the Innovation Connector, aim to provide attendees with industry insights, actionable strategies, and opportunities to build valuable connections.    In today’s rapidly evolving world of marketing, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Intersessions is designed to…


The BIG Idea Pitch – Why this Contest is Important

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—During my thirteen years as Executive Director of the Muncie Innovation Connector, I have met with, coached, advised, counseled, and encouraged many individuals who have thought about starting or owning a business.  This continues to happen several times each week.  In addition, the Small Business Development Center, located in the Innovation Connector, meets with clients in Muncie and East-Central Indiana, hoping for the same. With the availability of resources found…


Time for a Mid-Year Business Health Checkup 

By Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.— MUNCIE, IN—It is hard to believe that 2023 is nearing the halfway point.  After enduring a cold winter and unpredictable spring, warm, nice weather and days full of sunshine are welcomed.  During this time of year, it is important to consider reviewing the status of our businesses and organizations.  Much like my semi-annual physical with my doctor, assessing what is going well and what is not is vital for businesses and…