USA is All About Small Business, 06/26/26
Muncie’s Innovation Connector is all about helping small business find new ways to grow and thrive
CEO Ted Baker tells “Delaware County Today” entrepreneurs are critical to the county, state and nation at large.
An Illinois woman and former Indianapolis resident has been found guilty of armed robbery at a Muncie convenience store. 25-year-old Dasiah Alexis Nicole Smith was convicted of pointing a handgun at a clerk, demanding cash and stealing cigarillos at the Hoosier Pete on Bethel Avenue in January.
Madison County’s America 250 celebration continues Sunday with a talk from historian Stephen Jackson at the Paramount Theater. Paramount executive director Rich Jorn explains more on “Anderson Talks.”
The Grant County Economic Growth Council recently recognized 57 businesses and organizations at its 2026 Economic Impact Appreciation Awards and Local Elected Officials Dinner on June 18, gathering more than 120 business owners, elected officials, and community leaders at The Tomahawk in Marion to celebrate a period of significant economic activity across the county. Presented by Marion Health, the evening honored investments made between October 2024 and December 2025, a 15-month window that saw more than $200 million invested in Grant County, 160-plus jobs created, and 60-plus new housing opportunities added. The honorees represented more than 10 industries, from healthcare and manufacturing to hospitality, retail, and the arts. Read all about it on our Local News Page now.
By the Numbers
The 2026 cohort of honorees reflects both the scale and the diversity of economic activity taking place across Grant County:
$200 million+ invested in business growth, facility expansion, and community development
160+ jobs created across industries
20+ community investments and redevelopment projects completed
60+ new housing opportunities being added to the market
10+ industries represented among honorees
Honorees and Their Impact
This year’s award recipients span a wide range of sectors and investment levels, from large-scale healthcare infrastructure to first-generation small businesses opening their doors for the first time.
Healthcare and Workforce Development
Marion Health, the evening’s presenting sponsor, collaborated with Ivy Tech Community College on a $570,000-plus nursing simulation lab designed to strengthen the county’s healthcare workforce pipeline. Ivy Tech also added 30 new nursing student seats, invested more than $575,000 in advanced manufacturing and nursing technology, and earned designation as a College Purple Star Initiative campus for its services to veterans. Parkview Health invested $35 million in new healthcare facilities in Grant County, adding more than 80 jobs and expanding access to specialty and primary care services.
Leffler Academy expanded access to affordable nursing education while Mackee Counseling invested $130,000 in local operations, growing from 2.5 to more than 20 team members and expanding mental health access through school and community partnerships.
Higher Education
Indiana Wesleyan University created 22 new jobs, introduced AI certifications and graduate programs, invested $2 million in the Westminster Wildcats Early Learning Center, and broke ground on the $32 million I AM 3RD basketball arena, one of the largest capital projects in Grant County’s recent history.
Manufacturing and Industry
Café Valley invested $21 million in facility expansion and production capacity, strengthening the county’s food manufacturing sector. Prysmian invested $1.9 million in facility and equipment upgrades, supporting advanced manufacturing growth, while Midwest Cabinet Solutions invested $180,000 in new equipment to sustain employment for more than 35 Grant County residents. Irving Materials Inc. invested more than $2 million in equipment and operations, supplying materials for major county projects including Marion Health East, River Rock Lofts, and the IWU I AM 3RD Arena.
Community Development and Housing
The Community Foundation of Grant County distributed more than $6.5 million in grants during 2024–2025 and anchored a $7.5 million redevelopment of 100 South, transforming a historic downtown Marion building into a collaborative community hub. The Lofts at Blumenthal is completing a $2 million public-private redevelopment project, adding 17 apartments and 4,250 square feet of retail space to downtown Marion and creating 20 jobs through construction and development.
Colonial Oaks/TLC Management invested $2.6 million in facility improvements, renovating 63 assisted living and independent living apartments for Grant County seniors.
Arts, Tourism, and Hospitality
Her Cue Productions established operations at the Gas City Performing Arts Center, welcoming more than 50,000 patrons to Grant County and hosting 50-plus national and regional artists, generating increased tourism and local spending.
Mississinewa 1812, home to the largest War of 1812 reenactment in the United States, expanded through the acquisition of 230 acres, transforming a former quarry into a historical and educational destination. The organization has also invested in on-site infrastructure through bridge construction, funded in part through creative community fundraising including “Cannons and Corks,” an intimate wine, beer, and charcuterie dinner event. A third bridge currently under construction was made possible through a partnership with Rustic River Outfitters, a unique dining experience venue in Mt. Etna.
Idyl Wyld Roller Rink invested $160,000 in facility renovations, creating 10 to 15 new jobs and expanding its offerings in family entertainment. Smash & Dash invested nearly $1 million in the revitalization of a long-vacant property at Marion’s city entrance, creating more than 30 jobs in the hospitality industry. Main Street Grazing opened a new small business in Gas City, expanding local dining options through charcuterie and café offerings and contributing to the vitality of Main Street Gas City.
Trades and Professional Services
Neal Plumbing invested $250,000 in equipment, vehicles, and tools, creating management and apprentice positions for local residents and expanding services to include commercial plumbing and home improvement solutions, further strengthening its investment in Grant County through property acquisition and workforce development. RBL Electric expanded from two to six employees, opened a Main Street storefront in Gas City, and increased its capacity to serve local homes and businesses across the county. Vengeance Cycle was revived under new ownership in 2025, preserving a beloved local business that has served Grant County riders since 2014, with new investment in equipment and facility improvements.
Skilled Trades and Creative Industries
Crossroads Fine Woodworking opened a new woodworking supply and makerspace business in Marion, creating local employment and expanding community access to tools, materials, workspace, and hands-on training, supporting entrepreneurship and skilled craftsmanship in Grant County. Crossroads Ink invested $45,000 in building improvements and startup equipment, added two tattoo artists, and revitalized a commercial property through extensive renovations.
Agriculture and Specialty Services
DH Farms Pet Cremation Services invested between $150,000 and $200,000 in local business development, transforming a historic agricultural property into a new community asset and establishing Grant County’s first local pet aftercare resource through specialized equipment investment. The business has also strengthened the local economy through partnerships with Grant County businesses.
Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Carey Services created 11 new jobs through The Kitchen CoMPany and The aMPersand, invested $2.4 million in accessible housing and community spaces, and expanded employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The Excel Center created 14 new jobs, introduced a new model for adult education in Grant County, and graduated 7 students, with 27 more on track to earn their diplomas.
Abide Collective expanded with a paint-your-own pottery studio, creating three jobs and transforming its retail model into an interactive community experience. Allure Beauty Bar invested $65,000 to modernize a former tanning salon, creating opportunities for 8 to 10 independent beauty professionals. Ashley’s Ice Cream expanded from a single shop into a full-service café experience while investing in downtown Marion’s future. Gas City Beauty Lounge created six new jobs, invested $15,000 in business expansion, opened a second salon space, and introduced innovative wellness services including Head Spa and Salt Cave Therapy.
The Wispy Pine Boutique invested $189,000 in an 800-square-foot expansion, creating new jobs in retail and personal care and expanding capacity for boutique, salon, and nail services. Take A LookSi Beauty Supply invested more than $50,000 in renovations, inventory, and equipment, creating two part-time positions and expanding access to beauty products and custom apparel in Grant County. Marion Design Co. doubled its workforce, invested $60,000 in the Kennedy Art Center, and contributed $25,000 in charitable giving back to the community.
1846 Enterprises advanced a $100-million-plus community and economic development initiative, aided in the facilitation of $18.2 million in Main Street infrastructure improvements, and awarded more than $200,000 in beautification grants.
More Nominees Recognized
In addition to award recipients in attendance at the awards dinner, the Growth Council recognized other businesses and organizations making notable contributions to Grant County’s economic fabric at the conclusion of the event:
Advanced Plumbing, Ameri Rents, Best-One Tire & Service Upland/Best-One Fleet Service Gas City Expansion, Book The Bash, Boomtown Grounds, Branson Food Mart, Coin Laundry, Gorham Rentals LLC, Industrial Maintenance Specialists, Manes Manis and More, Nani’s Playroom, The Old Fitz, Ollie’s, Payne’s, River Rock Lofts, Samina Recovery Center, Shell Gas Station – Gas City, Signature Dance, Six Hundred South RV Storage, Starbucks North, Swanner Electric, 512 Aesthetics & Wellness, and 7 Brew.
The Excel Center celebrated its graduating class of 2026 yesterday at Anderson University’s York Performance Hall and Galleries. The Excel Center helps adult learners earn a high school diploma, which the U.S. Census Bureau says 10% of Madison County adults lack.
Voice of the Cardinals Mick Tidrow tells “Delaware County Today” he’ll have plenty of Ball State football talk coming soon as the team prepares for the Sept. 5 season opener at Ohio State
Videos and text messages were introduced Wednesday in the murder trial of two Anderson teens. The Herald Bulletin says 18-year-old Rashawn Darrius Samuels and 15-year-old Jo’Maize Larry are accused in the fatal shooting of Dayla Swain at Sonny Ray’s on South Madison Avenue in 2025.
Construction on the Indiana portion of the Interstate-69 Ohio River Crossing project is entering its final months, with crews expected to complete Section 3 work in Evansville by the end of the year. Section 3 includes the Indiana approach roadways and bridges that will eventually connect to the new four-lane Ohio River bridge. The work began in fall 2024 and is designed to prepare the site for the next major phase of the project: construction of the river crossing itself.Inside Indiana Business had that.
Holi Klettheimer has been named the inaugural recipient of the Madison County Law Enforcement Foundation Scholarship. Klettheimer is a Frankton graduate, who attends the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota, and competes for the volleyball team. She is the daughter of Indiana State Police detective Tony Klettheimer.
With schools on summer break, the YMCA of Madison County is stepping up with a free lunch program for anyone aged 18 and under. CEO Clark Simpson tells “The Anderson Journal” morning show it’s been well attended.
Knightstown 60-year-old Roy Allen Marsh has been charged with repeatedly sexually assaulting a Hancock County girl who had been left in his care several times, including some overnight visits. The Star Press says incriminating photos have been discovered on Marsh’s cellphone.
The 17th annual FCA Golf Outing raised $46,798 on June 12 at Delaware County Club. The team of Jay Love, Dave Wiggins, Dave Moore and Bruce Carmichael won the AM Flight. The PM Flight was won by Phil Gibson, Evan Gibson, Jamie Broce and Eric Gessner. That event happened despite a storm damaged golf course from the night before.
