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.”
August 29, 2013, Muncie, IN – The Muncie Innovation Connector will host a unique event for area businesses to learn more about the opportunities available from the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, on Thursday, October 31, 2013. This event will be held at the Innovation Connector from 11:00am-2:30pm and lunch will be served.
To attend this event, reservations are required due to limited seating, but there will be no cost. This workshop will be presented by three representatives from Crane: Brooke Pyne, Reggie Joslin, and John Dement. It will include an overview of the Crane Division, a federal laboratory of the U.S. Department of the Navy in Crane, Indiana. Topics will cover accessing technical assistance and equipment, collaborating with Crane, licensing Navy-developed technology for commercial use, and how a business or educational institution would do any of these.
Ted Baker, Executive Director of the Innovation Connector comments, “This is a great opportunity to learn about one of the true gems located within our state—Crane Naval Base. The three presenters from Crane will share how area businesses and organizations can utilize highly sophisticated Intellectual Property and technologies that have been developed by the U.S. Navy. They will also review how to do business with Crane. This event is an open door for area businesses to access Crane technology. It is an opportunity you do not want to miss.”
Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane holds 140 patents on technology developments, and has filed for some 150 more. Its main technology areas are testing, manufacturing methods, first responder, physical security, small arms and accessories, optics and lasers, pyrotechnics and demolition areas, antennas, sensors, and communication devices, and software.
August 26, 2013 – Muncie, IN – Muncie, Indiana based business incubator, The Innovation Connector, is excited to announce the official launch of its new website (innovationconnector.com). The site introduces a clean, professional look consistent with the IC brand, details the facilities and services it offers, showcases a portfolio of existing clientele, and is built on a content management system to allow for the easy updating of content.
The Innovation Connector website reflects how the organization is a beneficial resource for growing businesses in East Central Indiana. It features an innovative design, subtle attention grabbing page animations, and photography of the facilities and office spaces. The responsive design was incorporated to allow audiences to view content from all platforms – desktops, laptops, tablets, or mobile devices.
“Innovation Connector is a valuable resource for business owners. With this new site, we can promote ourselves while guiding entrepreneurs to success,” stated Ted Baker, Innovation Connector Executive Director.
This site was built by Whitinger Strategic Services, a Muncie-based business development firm which has served as a strategic partner since 2008.
The Innovation Connector is a full service business incubator which exists to help entrepreneurs and new and existing business owners succeed by fostering partnerships of small business owners to resources with the tools and support to address the ever-changing needs of an entrepreneur. The services offered at IC include networking, financial packaging, technical transfer and commercialization, business consulting and coaching services, and patent, trademark, and copyright assistance.
August 19, 2013, Muncie, IN – State Collection Service, Inc. has now located a satellite office in Muncie, IN at the Innovation Connector.
State Collection Service was established in the State of Wisconsin in 1949 by Hilding Haag and has served the collection needs of various sectors since that time. Established as a family business on the foundation of quality client relationships and ethical account collection methods, State Collection Service has developed a reputation for reliability and integrity in the debt collection industry.
Six decades later, State Collection Service is still a family held business and has grown to nearly 300 employees, with branches in Madison, Beloit, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Over the past six decades, State Collection Service has emerged as a leader and innovator in the industry, and has received national recognition for their quality assurance practices, customer service capabilities, and performance standards. They are compliant and authorized to collect in all fifty states, with capabilities to provide exceptional service and performance to clients across every sector of industry.
“We are excited to welcome a family held business like State Collection Service to our offices,” states Ted Baker, Executive Director of the Innovation Connector. “The expertise of the Innovation Connector will assist in the continued growth and development of State Collection Services throughout East Central Indiana.”