Forge Your Path – East Central Indiana
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Discovery
Firehouse BBQ & Blues has become more than a popular restaurant—it's a destination that draws visitors to downtown Richmond. The locally owned business exemplifies how entrepreneurship, hospitality, and community investment are helping fuel economic growth across East Central Indiana.
August 11, 2026

Livability Spotlight: Firehouse BBQ & Blues Fuels Growth in Richmond

Great businesses don’t just serve customers—they create experiences that bring people together. That’s exactly what Firehouse BBQ & Blues has done in Richmond. What began as a neighborhood barbecue restaurant has grown into one of…
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Discovery
Displays of jerseys and other basketball memorabilia make a visit to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame unique.
August 6, 2026

Rediscovering East Central Indiana: Indiana’s Basketball Legacy in Henry County

In Indiana, basketball isn’t just a sport—it’s part of the culture. It’s played in small-town gyms, talked about in local diners, and passed down through generations. Across East Central Indiana, the game has long been…
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Careers
Firehouse BBQ & Blues in Richmond is one of three locally owned businesses featured in Livability for expanding their operations in East Central Indiana. Along with Bad Dad Brewing Co. and Obi's Barbecue, these entrepreneurs demonstrate how strong community support, innovation, and a thriving business environment are helping locally owned businesses grow throughout the region.
August 4, 2026

Livability Spotlight: Local Businesses Are Choosing to Grow in East Central Indiana

When a business opens a second location, it signals more than growth—it reflects confidence. Confidence in the community. Confidence in the local economy. And confidence that customers will continue to support locally owned businesses. The…
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Discovery
A pedestrian bridge stretches across the Whitewater River in the Whitewater Valley Gorge, offering a scenic vantage point to experience the natural beauty and quiet escape found just steps from downtown Richmond.
July 30, 2026

Rediscovering East Central Indiana: Whitewater Valley Gorge in Richmond

What does it look like when nature and history meet in the heart of a city? In Richmond, it looks like Whitewater Valley Gorge. Tucked along the edge of downtown, the Whitewater Valley Gorge Park…
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Discovery
Bad Dad Brewing Co. has become a regional destination by pairing handcrafted beer with scratch-made food and a welcoming atmosphere. Their growth from Fairmount to Richmond reflects the entrepreneurial spirit driving East Central Indiana forward.
July 28, 2026

Livability Spotlight: How Bad Dad Brewing Co. Is Growing One Pint at a Time

Some of the best business ideas begin at home. For the Howard family, a hobby of homebrewing eventually became Bad Dad Brewing Co., a business that has grown from a small brewery in Fairmount into…
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Discovery
Flames rise as hot air balloon burners ignite during Fire Up DWNTWN in Muncie, creating a dramatic moment in front of the city’s iconic Chief Little Turtle statue and bringing energy to the heart of downtown.
July 23, 2026

Rediscovering East Central Indiana: Fire Up DWNTWN in Muncie

What does it look like when a downtown comes alive? In Muncie, it looks like Fire Up DWNTWN. Each summer, the heart of downtown fills with energy as thousands gather for one of the region’s…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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