Forge Your Path – East Central Indiana
  • Living
    • Your Path to Living
    • Living in East Central Indiana
    • Housing
    • Childcare
    • Education
    • Healthcare
    • Transportation
    • Get Connected
  • Careers
    • Your Path to Careers
    • Find a Job
    • Industries
    • Internships
    • Start a Business
  • Discovery
    • Your Path to Discovery
    • Food & Drink
    • Play Outdoors
    • Arts & Culture
    • Events & Festivals
    • Themed Adventures
  • About
  • Connect
    • Contact
    • News
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in East Central Indiana
    • ECI Talent Collaborative
  • Talent Attraction
  • Business Growth
Traffic heading west at sunset on I-70 in East Central Indiana

News

  • All
  • Living
  • Careers
  • Discovery
  • About
Discovery
Themed restaurants like Obi's BBQ demonstrate the entrepreneurial spirit driving growth in East Central Indiana. Unique dining experiences help attract visitors, support local jobs, and contribute to the vibrant quality of life that makes communities like Marion stand out.
July 21, 2026

LIvability Spotlight: Bringing Authentic Flavor and Entrepreneurial Spirit to East Central Indiana

When a locally owned business expands, it’s more than a sign of success—it’s a sign of confidence in the communities it serves. That’s the story of Obi’s Barbecue, a Marion favorite that has built a…
Read More
Discovery
The proposed playground concept is one of the centerpiece features of Alquina Blue Arrows Park's new master plan. Designed through a partnership with Purdue University, the vision combines natural play elements, accessible recreation, and community gathering spaces to create a destination that reflects Alquina's heritage while serving future generations.
July 16, 2026

Building a Vision for the Future: Alquina Blue Arrows Park Unveils Master Plan

Great communities don’t just happen—they’re built through vision, collaboration, and the dedication of people who care deeply about where they live. That spirit is on full display in Fayette County, where Alquina Blue Arrows Park…
Read More
Discovery
MadJax Maker Force in downtown Muncie continues to foster creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship across East Central Indiana. Through its new Maker to Market Accelerator, supported by a $32,200 Community Collaboration Fund grant, local makers, artists, and small manufacturers will receive the training, technical assistance, and market opportunities they need to grow their businesses and reach new customers.
July 14, 2026

Indiana Strengthens Its Commitment to Entrepreneurs Through New Community Grants

Strong entrepreneurial ecosystems don’t happen by accident—they’re built through collaboration, investment, and organizations committed to helping businesses succeed. That’s why Governor Mike Braun’s recent announcement of $757,000 in Community Collaboration Fund grants is welcome news…
Read More
Discovery
Whether you're seeking a peaceful float or an afternoon adventure, Canoe Country in Daleville offers a memorable way to experience the scenic beauty of the White River. Canoeing and kayaking provide the perfect opportunity to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover East Central Indiana.
July 9, 2026

Rediscovering East Central Indiana: Paddle Into Adventure at Canoe Country

One of the best ways to cool off in East Central Indiana doesn’t require air conditioning—just a paddle, a life jacket, and a sense of adventure. Tucked along the scenic White River in Daleville, Canoe…
Read More
Careers
Bill Pegues transformed his grandfather's Mississippi-style barbecue recipe into JohnTom's Barbecue, a growing Indiana brand featured in grocery stores, restaurants, Lucas Oil Stadium, and universities across the state. His story reflects the innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit that continue to drive East Central Indiana's economy.
July 7, 2026

Livability Spotlight: JohnTom’s Barbecue Shows the Power of East Central Indiana Entrepreneurship

In the weeks ahead, Forge ECI will share the stories of several entrepreneurs from across our region who were recognized in the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Entrepreneurship Indiana 2025 publication and the 10th edition of…
Read More
Discovery
Located on the White River in the middle of Muncie Indiana, our 40-acre museum and gardens is a community gem.
July 2, 2026

Rediscovering East Central Indiana: Minnetrista and the Story of Community

Some places aren’t defined by a single experience. They’re defined by everything they bring together. In East Central Indiana, few places reflect that idea more clearly than Minnetrista Museum & Gardens—a space where history, nature,…
Read More
Careers
Entrepreneurs across East Central Indiana are transforming passion into purpose. From handcrafted products and family-owned businesses to innovative startups and growing manufacturers, local entrepreneurs are helping shape the region's economy while creating places and experiences that make our communities unique.
July 1, 2026

Livability Spotlight: Why Entrepreneurs Are Choosing East Central Indiana

Every successful business starts with an idea. But turning that idea into a thriving company often depends on something just as important: the right environment. Across East Central Indiana, entrepreneurs are finding the resources, support…
Read More
Careers
The Ball State University College of Health is helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals through innovative education and hands-on learning experiences.
June 30, 2026

Exploring the Talent Pipeline: A Day with Optimus Primary

What does it take to build a strong workforce and thriving communities? That question was at the heart of a recent learning opportunity hosted by Optimus Primary, a Ball Brothers Foundation initiative focused on helping…
Read More
Discovery
Tucked into the countryside of Bryant, Indiana, The Tipsy Glass Winery offers more than a tasting room experience. It’s a place where rural character, creativity, and community come together in a way that feels distinctly East Central Indiana.
June 25, 2026

Rediscovering East Central Indiana: The Tipsy Glass Winery

Sometimes, the best places to explore are the ones that feel a little unexpected. Tucked into the countryside of Bryant, Indiana, The Tipsy Glass Winery offers more than a tasting room experience. It’s a place…
Read More
View More
Forge Your Path – East Central Indiana

Subscribe

Subscribe to our email list to be in-the-know
with all things East Central Indiana.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact

info@forgeeci.com
P.O. Box 1912 · Muncie, IN 47308
765-254-1420
  • Living
  • Careers
  • Discovery
  • About
  • Connect
© 2026 East Central Indiana Regional Partnership.
All Rights Reserved.
  |   Privacy Policy  |  
Created by IronGate Creative