Last week I had the opportunity to sit down with Ted Baker, executive director of the Innovation Connector, to discuss the upcoming Excellence in Innovation Awards banquet to be held at the Horizon Convention Center on November 14th. My interview with Ted is below.
Alexis Dishman is one of the Innovation Connector’s “key connectors.” She’s not just the smiling face that greets you when you walk in the door; she helps make connections for clients, stakeholders, and partners.
Yes, the Innovation Connector offers modern, well-equipped office space to entrepreneurs and startups. But in addition to space, the Innovation Connector offers a unique array of business consulting services to help your business succeed and grow.
About a year ago, Ted Baker, executive director of the Innovation Connector, decided to take a hard look at the Innovation Connector’s branding—and perhaps refresh it. Ted sat down with Richard Crist, CEO of Whitinger Strategic Services, and together they worked on answering similar questions about the Innovation Connector.
In the spirit of ”getting connected”, the Innovation Connector is bringing a new initiative to Muncie to do just that. It’s called “1 Million Cups.” 1 Million Cups is a nationwide program created and funded by The Kauffman Foundation, designed to educate, engage and accelerate the growth and implementation of entrepreneurial ideas.
A professional and beautiful building, and amenities such as plenty of free parking and back-office staff support, adds to the credibility and professionalism of an organization. Align these attributes with matching values and missions and you find a resource partner that calls the Innovation Connector their home—The Shafer Leadership Academy.
The Innovation Connector team believes connection drives innovation. So when Executive Director Ted Baker was introduced to Kyle Parker and Mark Caravello and learned of their mobile app The Traveler, he knew there were resources available that could help their business succeed.
The Innovation Connector has a unique opportunity for young people to learn “the language of the future” — computer coding. “The students learn not only how to code, but also learn how to problem solve,” said Brandon Coppernoll.
October 23, 2014 – Muncie, IN – The Innovation Connector, East Central Indiana’s business Incubator, will host an Entrepreneurial Bootcamp entitled Fingerprints of Innovative Organizations on November 6, 2014. This is a free event and is presented by Launch Indiana SBDC.
Ever wonder how other companies get into the mindset to BE innovative? Is there a mindset? Does the word itself scare you? What does it even mean to your particular industry, anyway? Sometimes, trying to be innovative can feel like a lonely, daunting notion. When heads are down and driving forward, entrepreneurs, in particular, can struggle with finding the time to do something different with a product or process or give an idea or concept a new spin.
On November 6, John Wechsler, entrepreneur and founder of Launch Fishers, will talk about ways to look at your business through the innovator’s lens. John has spent the better part of his career fostering an environment for innovation within his own companies and in partnerships with others. The afternoon will be full of tips and take aways to help you think BIG and focus on “Why not?” instead of “Why?” in your pursuit of being more innovative. We hope you can join us!
Details:
Thursday, Nov. 6th
11:30a – 3:30p
Lunch, provided by the Innovation Connector, starts at Noon
Program begins at 1:00pm sharp!
Location: Innovation Connector
Registration: Register Now
September 16, 2013, Muncie, IN – The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) has informed the city of Muncie that the Ontario Place Certified Technology Park (CTP) has received Certified Technology Park recertification for another four years. According to a document prepared by Mr. Eric P. Shields, Policy Director for the IEDC, “The IEDC has completed its review of the application submitted. In consideration of the efforts and achievements with the CTP, the IEDC hereby extends the Certified Technology Park status for an additional four year period.”
Ontario Place Certified Technology Park is located in the area near the intersections of White River Blvd. and Jackson Street in Muncie. The Park is home to Ontario Systems Inc., Whitinger & Company LLC, and an office location for IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital. In the heart of the Tech Park is the Muncie Innovation Connector, the area’s premier business incubator that is home to over twenty businesses and organizations. In 2012, the businesses located in the Tech Park accounted for over 450 local jobs.
According to Ted Baker, Executive Director of the Innovation Connector, “Recertification of the CTP is instrumental to the continued growth and development of new and existing businesses in the Muncie area. The Innovation Connector serves as the “Gateway to Entrepreneurship” assisting many with business formation.”