Forge Your Path – East Central Indiana
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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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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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Careers
Completed the 2026 Indiana Economic Development Course at Ball State University—an incredible week of learning, networking, and collaboration.
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…
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Living
Henry Community Health's Women's and Children's team provides compassionate, patient-centered care to families across the region. The hospital was recently recognized as one of America's Best Maternity Hospitals for the second consecutive year, highlighting its dedication to excellence in maternal and newborn care.
June 16, 2026

Henry Community Health Earns National Recognition for Maternity Care Excellence

When families are deciding where to live, work, and build their futures, access to high-quality healthcare is often at the top of the list. That’s why recent national recognition for Henry Community Health is worth…
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