765BusinessJournal.com

Safer Roads Ahead: ECIRPD’s SS4A Plan for ECI

Bill Walters and Mathew Nichols explain how a new regional safety action plan will target crash hot spots across Delaware, Grant, Blackford & Jay—with community input driving the fixes. Replay now on WMUN/Podbean!

On this week’s 765 Business Journal, Mayor Dan Ridenour joined host Lathay Pegues to share updates on:

 Major road projects, including Tillotson and McGalliard

 Columbus Avenue’s transformation around the new YMCA

 Plans at the old Concannon’s site

AND

 The next phase of riverfront development by the High Street Bridge.

Catch the full replay now at WMUNMuncie.com

#Muncie #CommunityGrowth #765BusinessJournal #WMUN

Big ideas start right here in Muncie!

On this week’s 765 Business Journal, host Lathay Pegues sat down with Ted Baker, CEO of the Innovation Connector, to talk about nearly 20 years of helping local entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses.

They also gave us a preview of Business Showcase Week, happening this fall in partnership with Global Entrepreneurship Week—an event so impactful, it ranked Top 5 in the nation last year! From networking and workshops to panels and community connections (and yes, plenty of food ), it’s a week designed to inspire and elevate East Central Indiana’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Catch the full conversation anytime at 765businessjournal.com or tune in live Mondays at 9:30 a.m. on WMUN, The Talk of Muncie.

 Fire Up Downtown sets another record!

More than 17,000 people packed the streets of Muncie this year — up from 14,000 last year and 11,000 the year before. The festival continues to grow, bringing a boost to downtown merchants, vendors, and the local economy.

Event Director Cheryl Crowder joined 765 Business Journal to share the behind-the-scenes of this year’s success, from hot air balloons glowing over the skyline, to live local bands, to the return of Downtown Idol. She also teases what might be in store for next year’s 5th anniversary celebration.

 765 Business Journal airs live Mondays, 9–9:30 a.m. on WMUN, sponsored by IU Health, Town of Yorktown, MCS, Ivy Tech, Minnetrista, and the YMCA of Muncie.

 Listen anytime at 765BusinessJournal.com or WMUNMuncie.com.

We’re spotlighting the Muncie Civic Theatre this morning as they prepare for a brand-new season! Executive Director Laura Williamson and Development Director Maggie Sadler join us to talk about the powerful upcoming production of Hairspray, the return of beloved director Terry Whitt Bailey, and what audiences can expect from the rest of the exciting season — from Miracle on 34th Street to Frozen!

Plus — sneak peek at the second annual themed Gala:

 The Da Vinci Code meets mystery, dancing, cocktails, and a full-theater scavenger hunt!

 Catch the replay anytime at 765BusinessJournal.com or listen live Mondays 9–9:30 a.m. on WMUN, the Talk of Muncie.

#SupportLocalTheatre #MuncieArts #765BusinessJournal #HairsprayOnStage #DaVinciGala #CommunitySpotlight

 Big investments. Big ideas. Big changes for Muncie.

Jeff Howe of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission joins 765 Business Journal to break down everything from a $100 million mall overhaul to a new hotel downtown and a major housing-retail project at High Street Station.

Learn how city-backed investments, including a fresh $432K boost, are helping turn plans into action—and how it could all start this October.

 Listen now at WMUNmuncie.com

 Out with the old name, in with a bold new brand!

On this week’s 765 Business Journal, we sit down with Yolanda Taylor and Shaina Robinson of the soon-to-be Garner Hotel in Muncie—currently operating as the Muncie Place Hotel & Suites. (Also Pictured is their emotional support fellow employee Kayla Marshall!)

 Formerly the Holiday Inn Express on Bethel Avenue, this location is undergoing a full transformation, becoming only the second Garner Hotel in Indiana when it reopens fully renovated next spring.

 Hear how this change fits into a larger wave of hotel growth in Muncie, what it means for conference hosting, and why IHG Rewards members can rest easy knowing their points are still valid—even during the rebrand.

 Same great service, fresh new look. Listen now at wmunmuncie.com or live every Monday at 9 a.m. on WMUN.

Dig In & Give Back with Minnetrista!

On this week’s 765 Business Journal with host Lathay Pegues, we spotlight one of Muncie’s crown jewels: Minnetrista Museum & Gardens — where history, art, gardens, and community all grow together.

Guests Julie Mason (Volunteer Specialist) and Chris Allen (Horticulture Specialist) share how volunteers are the heartbeat behind Minnetrista’s vibrant events and ever-changing exhibits. From planting in the rose garden to greeting guests at major community celebrations like Fairy, Sprites & Lights, Flags of Honor, and the Farmers Market, there’s a role for everyone — no green thumb required!

“You don’t need experience — just curiosity and a little time.”

Weekly gardening sessions.

Event support.

Perfect for students, retirees, and families!

Ready to make a difference (and maybe learn how to prune roses like a pro)? Volunteer info is just a click away at minnetrista.net or stop by their open house September 27.

Missed the episode? Catch the replay at wmunmuncie.com anytime.

765 Business Journal airs live every Monday at 9 a.m. on WMUN.

On this week’s episode of 765 Business Journal, Lathay Pegues sits down with 20-year-old entrepreneur and community activist Zion Strong, son of the late Marwin Strong. Zion shares how he’s carrying on his father’s legacy — from launching the empowerment-based clothing brand Foreverlasting to leading community change with his nonprofit Superior Inc.

Zion talks business, faith, and the power of perseverance — and reveals how he’s working with the City of Muncie to transform a dormant basketball court into Marwin Strong Memorial Park, a space for youth engagement and unity.

You can shop Zion’s clothing brand at 4LastingB.com — and find Foreverlasting on Instagram by searching 4LastingB. His nonprofit Superior Inc. is also on Instagram at SuperatorInc.

Be sure to stay tuned for Zion’s Summer Showdown at Heekin Park, happening July 11th through 13th — it’s going to be an event full of fun, inspiration, and community connection.

Catch the full episode replay now at wmunmuncie.com

If you grew up in Muncie, chances are magician Wayne Hinkle wowed you at a school assembly — and now, at 86 years young, he’s still at it! Wayne joins Lathay in studio, along with Jennifer Wilson, owner of 18 Party Parlor, to talk about an upcoming fundraising magic show that promises thrills, levitation, laughs — and even a rubber hot dog or two.

A Grand Night of Magic with Wayne Hinkle happens Thursday, July 24 at 6 PM at Northside Middle School Auditorium.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $15 for kids. All proceeds support:

Northside Titan Closet

Southside Panther Pantry

Boys & Girls Club of Muncie

 Get tickets and full event details:

 Facebook Event Page – A Grand Night of Magic with Wayne Hinkle 

Or contact Jennifer Wilson through Community Business Connections (CBC) to sponsor or buy tickets.

 Catch 765 Business Journal live every Monday from 9–9:30 a.m. on WMUN and on-demand at wmunmuncie.com.