Forge Your Path – East Central Indiana
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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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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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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…
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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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About
Guests arriving at the Forge ECI Annual Luncheon on June 4, 2026, at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie, where regional leaders gathered to discuss economic development, collaboration, and the future of East Central Indiana.
June 11, 2026

Communities across East Central Indiana are proving that collaboration is one of the region’s greatest strengths.

That spirit was on full display at the Forge ECI Annual Luncheon on June 4, where business leaders, elected officials, community stakeholders, and economic development partners gathered to discuss the opportunities shaping the future of…
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Discovery
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June 10, 2026

Celebrating Excellence in Early Childhood Education: Muncie Teacher Earns Statewide Recognition

Great communities are built by great educators. Recently, a preschool teacher from Muncie received statewide recognition through the Hoosier Educator Award program, highlighting the important role educators play in shaping the future of Indiana’s communities.…
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