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…
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…
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…
June 23, 2026
Learning, Connecting, and Strengthening Communities: Reflections from the 2026 Indiana Economic Development Course
Economic development is ultimately about people. It’s about creating stronger communities, supporting opportunity, and building the kinds of connections that help regions move forward together. Recently, I had the opportunity to experience that firsthand through…
May 14, 2026
Rediscovering East Central Indiana: The Rinard Orchid Greenhouse at Ball State
Sometimes, the most unexpected places leave the strongest impression. Tucked inside a campus building at Ball State University, the Rinard Orchid Greenhouse offers something you might not expect to find in East Central Indiana—a tropical…
December 19, 2023
Ball State University, Taylor University and Earlham College Receive College and Community Collaboration Grants from Lilly Endowment
Three higher education institutions in East Central Indiana have received grants from the Lilly Endowment Inc. to support community development projects. Ball State University received a grant of $35 million which will support the University’s ambitious,…
April 20, 2023
Ball State University Ranked by Forbes Among America’s ‘Best Midsize Employers’
Forbes has ranked Ball State University as the fourth-best midsized employer—and the only recognized education institution—in the State of Indiana. The popular business magazine recently released its 2023 “America’s Best Midsize Employers” list, a ranking of…
March 3, 2023
Ball State University Accepting Proposals for 2023 Community Engagement for the Arts Grant
Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement is now accepting proposals for the 2023 Community Engagement for the Arts (CEFTA) Grant. This competitive grant program provides up to $35,000 annually to an East Central Indiana…
November 22, 2022
Ball State University Hosts Holiday Arts & Culture Night
Celebrate the holiday season with a diverse array of seasonal activities throughout Ball State University’s campus and Minnetrista during their annual Holiday Arts & Culture Night and Enchanted Luminaria Walk on Saturday, December 3rd, from…