765BusinessJournal.com

Ted Baker, CEO of the Innovation Connector on 765 Business Journal 8/18/25

Big ideas start right here in Muncie!
 
On this week’s 765 Business Journal, host Lathay Pegues sat down with Ted Baker, CEO of the Innovation Connector, to talk about nearly 20 years of helping local entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses.
 
They also gave us a preview of Business Showcase Week, happening this fall in partnership with Global Entrepreneurship Week—an event so impactful, it ranked Top 5 in the nation last year! From networking and workshops to panels and community connections (and yes, plenty of food ), it’s a week designed to inspire and elevate East Central Indiana’s entrepreneurial spirit.
 
Catch the full conversation anytime at 765businessjournal.com or tune in live Mondays at 9:30 a.m. on WMUN, The Talk of Muncie.

Director Cheryl Crowder on 765 Buisness Journal 8/11/25

 Fire Up Downtown sets another record!
More than 17,000 people packed the streets of Muncie this year — up from 14,000 last year and 11,000 the year before. The festival continues to grow, bringing a boost to downtown merchants, vendors, and the local economy.
 
Event Director Cheryl Crowder joined 765 Business Journal to share the behind-the-scenes of this year’s success, from hot air balloons glowing over the skyline, to live local bands, to the return of Downtown Idol. She also teases what might be in store for next year’s 5th anniversary celebration.
 
 765 Business Journal airs live Mondays, 9–9:30 a.m. on WMUN, sponsored by IU Health, Town of Yorktown, MCS, Ivy Tech, Minnetrista, and the YMCA of Muncie.
 
 Listen anytime at 765BusinessJournal.com or WMUNMuncie.com.
 
 
 
 

Muncie Civic Theatre on 765 Business Journal 8/04/25

We’re spotlighting the Muncie Civic Theatre this morning as they prepare for a brand-new season! Executive Director Laura Williamson and Development Director Maggie Sadler join us to talk about the powerful upcoming production of Hairspray, the return of beloved director Terry Whitt Bailey, and what audiences can expect from the rest of the exciting season — from Miracle on 34th Street to Frozen!
 
Plus — sneak peek at the second annual themed Gala:
 The Da Vinci Code meets mystery, dancing, cocktails, and a full-theater scavenger hunt!
 
 Catch the replay anytime at 765BusinessJournal.com or listen live Mondays 9–9:30 a.m. on WMUN, the Talk of Muncie.
 
#SupportLocalTheatre #MuncieArts #765BusinessJournal #HairsprayOnStage #DaVinciGala #CommunitySpotlight

Jeff Howe, Muncie Redevelopment Commission, 07/28/25

 Big investments. Big ideas. Big changes for Muncie.
 
Jeff Howe of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission joins 765 Business Journal to break down everything from a $100 million mall overhaul to a new hotel downtown and a major housing-retail project at High Street Station.
 
Learn how city-backed investments, including a fresh $432K boost, are helping turn plans into action—and how it could all start this October.
 
 Listen now at WMUNmuncie.com

Garner Hotel on 765 Business Journal 7/21/25

 Out with the old name, in with a bold new brand!
On this week’s 765 Business Journal, we sit down with Yolanda Taylor and Shaina Robinson of the soon-to-be Garner Hotel in Muncie—currently operating as the Muncie Place Hotel & Suites. (Also Pictured is their emotional support fellow employee Kayla Marshall!)
 
 Formerly the Holiday Inn Express on Bethel Avenue, this location is undergoing a full transformation, becoming only the second Garner Hotel in Indiana when it reopens fully renovated next spring.
 
 Hear how this change fits into a larger wave of hotel growth in Muncie, what it means for conference hosting, and why IHG Rewards members can rest easy knowing their points are still valid—even during the rebrand.
 
 Same great service, fresh new look. Listen now at wmunmuncie.com or live every Monday at 9 a.m. on WMUN.

Minnetrista on 765 Buisness Journal 7/14/25

Dig In & Give Back with Minnetrista!
On this week’s 765 Business Journal with host Lathay Pegues, we spotlight one of Muncie’s crown jewels: Minnetrista Museum & Gardens — where history, art, gardens, and community all grow together.
 
Guests Julie Mason (Volunteer Specialist) and Chris Allen (Horticulture Specialist) share how volunteers are the heartbeat behind Minnetrista’s vibrant events and ever-changing exhibits. From planting in the rose garden to greeting guests at major community celebrations like Fairy, Sprites & Lights, Flags of Honor, and the Farmers Market, there’s a role for everyone — no green thumb required!
 
“You don’t need experience — just curiosity and a little time.”
Weekly gardening sessions.
Event support.
Perfect for students, retirees, and families!
 
Ready to make a difference (and maybe learn how to prune roses like a pro)? Volunteer info is just a click away at minnetrista.net or stop by their open house September 27.
 
Missed the episode? Catch the replay at wmunmuncie.com anytime.
765 Business Journal airs live every Monday at 9 a.m. on WMUN.

Zion Strong from Foreverlasting on 765 Business Journal

On this week’s episode of 765 Business Journal, Lathay Pegues sits down with 20-year-old entrepreneur and community activist Zion Strong, son of the late Marwin Strong. Zion shares how he’s carrying on his father’s legacy — from launching the empowerment-based clothing brand Foreverlasting to leading community change with his nonprofit Superior Inc.
 
Zion talks business, faith, and the power of perseverance — and reveals how he’s working with the City of Muncie to transform a dormant basketball court into Marwin Strong Memorial Park, a space for youth engagement and unity.
 
You can shop Zion’s clothing brand at 4LastingB.com — and find Foreverlasting on Instagram by searching 4LastingB. His nonprofit Superior Inc. is also on Instagram at SuperatorInc.
 
Be sure to stay tuned for Zion’s Summer Showdown at Heekin Park, happening July 11th through 13th — it’s going to be an event full of fun, inspiration, and community connection.
 
Catch the full episode replay now at wmunmuncie.com

A Grand Night of Magic with Wayne Hinkle on 765 Business Journal 6/23/25

If you grew up in Muncie, chances are magician Wayne Hinkle wowed you at a school assembly — and now, at 86 years young, he’s still at it! Wayne joins Lathay in studio, along with Jennifer Wilson, owner of 18 Party Parlor, to talk about an upcoming fundraising magic show that promises thrills, levitation, laughs — and even a rubber hot dog or two.
 
A Grand Night of Magic with Wayne Hinkle happens Thursday, July 24 at 6 PM at Northside Middle School Auditorium.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and $15 for kids. All proceeds support:
 
Northside Titan Closet
Southside Panther Pantry
Boys & Girls Club of Muncie
 
 
 Get tickets and full event details:
 Facebook Event Page – A Grand Night of Magic with Wayne Hinkle 
 
Or contact Jennifer Wilson through Community Business Connections (CBC) to sponsor or buy tickets.
 
 Catch 765 Business Journal live every Monday from 9–9:30 a.m. on WMUN and on-demand at wmunmuncie.com.

Young Entrepreneur Launchpad on 765 Business Journal 6/16/25

On this week’s episode of 765 Business Journal, host Lathey Pegues sits down with Jasmine Taylor, a passionate entrepreneur who turned childhood hustle into purpose-driven impact. From selling homemade chocolate in low-income housing as a kid, to launching her own boutique, to now guiding the next generation through her Young Entrepreneur Launchpad, Jasmine is redefining what it means to give back.
Hear how her journey—from adversity to advocacy—is changing lives for youth across Muncie, especially those from underserved communities. Learn about tomorrow’s youth business showcase, mentorship opportunities, and her growing list of summer initiatives that are building a stronger, more equitable future—one young entrepreneur at a time.
Catch the full episode of 765 Business Journal with Lathey Pegues every Monday at 9 a.m. on WMUN or replay it anytime at WMUNmuncie.com.

The Horizon Convention Center on 765 Business Journal 6/9/25

From sales manager to CEO — LaShanta Vaughn has done it all! On this episode of 765 Business Journal, Lathay Pegues chats with the President and CEO of the Horizon Convention Center about her professional journey, her passion for promoting Muncie as a destination, and what it really takes to attract top-tier conventions to a Midwest city.
 
Affordability
Accessibility
Atmosphere
 …and don’t forget the food!
 
Hear how LaShanta Vaughn is bringing strategy, structure, and vision to her role — and why she believes Muncie is the perfect place to gather.
 
Replay available on WMUN!
 
#765BusinessJournal #WMUNRadio #MuncieIN #HorizonConventionCenter #WomenInLeadership #DestinationMuncie