765BusinessJournal.com

A year of growth, construction, and big change in Muncie and Delaware County. On this edition of 765 Business Journal, host Lathay Pegues sits down with Jeff Howe, Director of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, for a year-in-review conversation on local development. From the future of the Muncie Mall and neighborhood revitalization… To new housing projects, Ready 2.0 investments, and what’s ahea...

Today on 765 Business Journal, we spotlight Muncie’s emerging Creative Corridor with Ball State Associate Professor Kevin Klinger and Muncie Arts Executive Director Tanya Sides. They walk us through today’s unveiling at Madjax, how Ball State students are shaping downtown design, and why arts-driven development matters for Muncie’s future. Catch the full conversation on WMUN — The Talk of Muncie.

Muncie just hit #1 in the WORLD. 🌍🔥 Host Lathay Pegues sits down with Ted Baker from the Innovation Connector to break down how Business Showcase Week beat global records — 70+ workshops, packed rooms, and a surge in small-biz momentum across Delaware County. AI tools, mentorship, hiring help, youth entrepreneurship, the “Silver Tsunami,” business transitions — this episode is LOADED. 🎧 Replay...

On today’s 765 Business Journal with Lathay Pegues, we shine a spotlight on Destination: Muncie — the newly rebranded organization driving tourism, local business engagement, and community connection across Delaware County. Lathay welcomes Lena Reid, Communications Manager, and Jeff Neff, Director of Marketing & Community Engagement, for a deep dive into the excitement surrounding the Garfield...

Big wins for downtown Muncie and the Old West End! This week on 765 Business Journal, host Lathay Pegues sits down with Mayor Dan Ridenour to unpack the city’s $6.7 million READI 2.0 award — funding that’s set to spark new housing, retail, and growth where it’s needed most. Hear how the partnership between the City of Muncie, Muncie Land Bank, Delaware County, and Ball State University will reshap...

Alisa Wells, Executive Director of Community Engagement at Ivy Tech Community College in Muncie, joins us to share how this institution is redefining its role — from technical school roots to a powerhouse of accessible credentials, high-value jobs and community partnerships. We’ll explore how Jay County has re-joined the Ivy Tech family, how students are graduating debt-free and staying in Indiana...

On this week’s 765 Business Journal with host Lathay Pegues, we sit down with Caitlin Hancock from Forge ECI — an organization dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and fueling business growth right here in East Central Indiana. Caitlin shares how Forge ECI connects innovators with the tools, mentorship, and resources they need to turn ideas into thriving local businesses. Tune in for insights, in...

Change is coming to the Muncie Mall!   Demolition begins in early October on the former JCPenney, Sears, and movie theater spaces—over 255,000 square feet—as part of a major redevelopment project.   Host Lathay Pegues talks with Jeff Howe, Director of the Muncie Redevelopment Commission, about: Why Hull Property Group is investing in Muncie How redevelopment could raise property value to $52 milli...

Brittney Scott, founder of the GROW WIWO Conference (Grow With Women), shared how the conference connects women with resources, mentors, and each other through interactive keynotes, breakout sessions, and intentional networking.

Big news for Delaware County: a $400K boost for a new high-end housing addition with homes starting at $450K+. Amber Greene President of the Redevelopment Commission joined 765 Business Journal to explain how this project could attract new residents, capture local income, and grow Muncie’s sense of community. Replay now at wmunmuncie.com or 765businessjournal.com .

Safer Roads Ahead: ECIRPD’s SS4A Plan for ECI Bill Walters and Mathew Nichols explain how a new regional safety action plan will target crash hot spots across Delaware, Grant, Blackford & Jay—with community input driving the fixes. Replay now on WMUN/Podbean!

Big changes are happening in Muncie!   On this week’s 765 Business Journal, Mayor Dan Ridenour joined host Lathay Pegues to share updates on:    Major road projects, including Tillotson and McGalliard    Columbus Avenue’s transformation around the new YMCA    Plans at the old Concannon’s site   AND  The next phase of riverfront development by the High Street Bridge.   Catch the full replay now at...

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 impa...

 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 gl...

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!...

 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 sta...

 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 f...

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 even...

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 p...

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...

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...

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...

RoHo’s Martini Bar is shaking up downtown Muncie!   This week, host Lathay Pegues sits down with co-owners Angie Rodgers-Howell and Matt Howell to talk about their bold new venture — a martini lounge with personality, heart, and a hint of red. From curated cocktails and custom-labeled vodka to mocktail options and mural-covered walls, RoHo’s is more than a bar — it’s a whole vibe.   The couple sha...

765 Business Journal with Lathay Pegues  Live from the Talk of Muncie on WMUN – 92.5 FM | 1340 AM  Mondays, 9:00–9:30 AM | Replay on WMUNmuncie.com   Today’s Episode (May 19): Legacy, Leadership, and Local Love   Entrepreneurship runs in her veins! Lathay Pegues welcomes Chelsee Bester, co-owner of Punchie’s Plaza and owner of Wig & Weave, as they talk family legacy, community reinvestment, an...