This September, Innovation Connector CEO & Executive Director Ted Baker joined Dr. Jeff Bird as a guest on Taking Flight: Chapter 2, a local weekly radio show on Woof Boom’s WMUN Radio (92.5 FM). During the conversation, Ted shared insight into his role at Innovation Connector, the organization’s history and growth, and the work happening today to support entrepreneurs and growing businesses across East Central Indiana.

Ted also reflected on his childhood in Decatur, Indiana, his experiences growing up in a close-knit community, and the path that led him to a career in business and entrepreneurship. The conversation provides a look at both Ted’s personal journey and the evolution of Innovation Connector over the years.

Want to hear more about Ted’s journey and the story behind Innovation Connector? Tune in to the full episode below for the complete conversation with Dr. Jeff Bird. And be sure to check out Dr. Jeff Bird’s recent Muncie Journal article, which highlights key points from the conversation.

At Innovation Connector, we’re proud to continue serving as the venue sponsor for the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce Business Education Series. As video continues to play an important role in how businesses connect with their audiences, September’s session will give local business owners practical ways to use video to build trust, strengthen their brand, and connect with customers.

September 4th Session: Creating Videos That Connect

Friday, September 4, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Blvd., Muncie, IN 47303
Pricing: FREE for Members

Video has become an important tool for businesses looking to reach new customers and tell their story, but creating content doesn’t have to mean investing in expensive equipment or producing highly polished videos. The right approach starts with understanding what your audience wants to see and how video can support your overall business goals.

During Creating Videos That Connect, attendees will explore how different types of video content can help businesses create stronger connections with customers. The session will also cover where to share video content and how to create authentic, effective videos using the resources you already have. Whether you’re new to video marketing or looking for ways to improve your current content strategy, this workshop will provide practical ideas and actionable steps you can begin using right away.

The presentation will be led by Mikey Skoglund, owner and creative director of OrangeWave Creative Media, a Muncie-based video production and marketing company. Since 2009, Mikey has worked with businesses and organizations to create video content that tells their stories, builds trust, and strengthens their brands.

Whether you’re trying to introduce your business to new customers, showcase what you do, or create stronger connections with your audience, this session is a great opportunity to learn how video can become a valuable part of your marketing strategy.

We encourage Chamber members and members of the local business community to join us at Innovation Connector on September 4th for this free educational opportunity.

Register for Creating Videos That Connect HERE

By: Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.

For many business owners, marketing can feel like a collection of disconnected activities, such as a social media post here, an advertisement there, an occasional email campaign, or a new website. But effective marketing is much more than simply getting a business noticed. Done well, it creates a system for attracting customers, building trust, generating opportunities, and ultimately driving growth.

That is the focus of “Marketing Mastery: Marketing That Drives Growth,” the first session in the Innovation Connector’s new Business Impact Masterclasses Series, scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Blvd., Muncie.

The Business Impact Masterclasses are designed to provide entrepreneurs, business owners, managers, and organizational leaders with practical business education that goes beyond the traditional workshop format. “This is not a normal workshop where you sit for an hour, take a few notes, and then go back to your business wondering what to do next,” said Ted Baker, CEO of the Innovation Connector. “We designed the Business Impact Masterclasses to go deeper. Marketing Mastery will give business owners access to experienced professionals, practical strategies, and tools they can apply in their businesses. Our goal is for people to leave not only knowing more about marketing but also better prepared to make marketing decisions that produce measurable business growth.”

The September 24 Masterclass offers a deep dive into the marketing topics that can make the greatest difference for a growing business. Participants will explore strategic marketing, branding and positioning, digital marketing and social media, customer engagement, content strategy, lead generation, AI-powered marketing tools, and marketing analytics. Rather than relying on a single presenter or perspective, the day will feature a blend of local and regional subject-matter experts, giving participants access to professionals with experience across various areas of marketing and business growth.

The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with opening remarks from Baker, followed by a series of focused learning sessions. One featured topic, “Building a Brand That Builds Your Business,” presented by Greg Zirkle of Ball State University, examines how effective branding can build customer trust, increase sales, and contribute to long-term business growth. Additional sessions throughout the day will delve deeper into the strategies, tools, and approaches businesses can use to make their marketing more intentional and results-driven.

The format is a key part of what makes the Masterclass different. Rather than trying to cover a broad subject in a short introductory seminar, the extended format allows time to examine individual marketing disciplines in greater depth, hear from experienced practitioners, connect ideas across multiple sessions, and consider how those concepts apply to an attendee’s own business.

Just as importantly, participants will not leave with only a notebook full of ideas. Each attendee will receive take-home materials and practical resources as part of a marketing toolkit designed to help turn what is learned during the Masterclass into action after the event. The Business Impact Masterclasses model emphasizes practical tools, templates, guides, resources, and implementation strategies that participants can apply within their organizations.

That emphasis on application reflects a broader objective of the Innovation Connector: helping entrepreneurs and growing businesses develop the competencies needed to become stronger, more sustainable organizations. The Innovation Connector’s current strategic direction calls for specialized workshops and training programs that equip entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, mentorship, and resources to overcome challenges and grow.

Marketing as a Growth Strategy

For a small or growing business, marketing decisions have consequences far beyond advertising. A strong brand can influence whether a customer trusts a company. A clear marketing strategy can help a business determine where to allocate limited resources. Improved customer engagement can strengthen retention and referrals. Digital tools and AI can improve efficiency, while marketing analytics can help an owner understand what is and is not producing results.

Marketing Mastery is the first of four independent Business Impact Masterclasses at the Innovation Connector in 2026. Future sessions will focus on Technology That Grows Your Business on October 22, Financial Intelligence for Business Owners on November 19, and Growing a Resilient Business on December 10.

Participants can attend one Masterclass tailored to their immediate needs or attend all four for a broader business growth experience. The registration fee for Marketing Mastery is $49, which includes lunch. Participants also receive Masterclass materials, business tools and resources, take-home templates and guides, and a Certificate of Completion.

For Baker, the broader purpose is straightforward: create educational experiences that help local businesses move from information to implementation. “Business owners don’t need more information just for the sake of having information,” Baker said. “They need knowledge they can turn into decisions and decisions they can turn into action. That is what we want these Masterclasses to deliver – practical strategies, meaningful connections, and resources that help businesses become stronger and grow.”

The Innovation Connector is grateful to our community partners for making the Masterclasses possible. These include the Title Partner, First Merchants Bank; Prime Trust FCU; Shafer Leadership Academy; R & R Engineering Co., Inc.; Muncie-Delaware County Black Chamber of Commerce; Whitinger & Company, Inc.; City of Muncie; and Spotted Monkey Marketing. 

Marketing Mastery: Marketing That Drives Growth will be held on Thursday, September 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Blvd., Muncie. Registration is $49 per person and includes lunch and Masterclass materials. To register, visit BusinessImpactMasterclasses.com.

By Ted A. Baker, CEO, Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.—

MUNCIE, IN—The Innovation Connector is deepening its commitment to entrepreneurial and business excellence with the launch of its new Business Impact Masterclasses, a four-part professional education series that helps entrepreneurs, startups, nonprofit leaders, and established businesses grow through practical, action-oriented learning. Beginning in September 2026, the Business Impact Masterclasses will replace the annual Innovation Connector Business Showcase Week, marking the next evolution of the organization’s business education programming. This initiative reflects the Innovation Connector’s commitment to delivering premium educational experiences that empower entrepreneurs, strengthen organizations, and accelerate business growth. Through expert-led instruction, practical strategies, and meaningful connections, participants will gain the tools and resources to innovate, grow, and create lasting economic impact across Muncie and East Central Indiana.

Unlike traditional seminars or introductory workshops, the Business Impact Masterclasses are immersive learning experiences focused on solving real business challenges. Each standalone Masterclass addresses a critical area of business success, including Marketing Mastery (September 24), Technology That Grows Your Business (October 22), Financial Intelligence for Business Owners (November 19), and Growing a Resilient Business (December 10). Participants will work alongside experienced business professionals, successful entrepreneurs, and industry experts to develop practical work products, implementation strategies, and action plans they can apply immediately within their organizations. Every session includes interactive discussions, peer networking, business tools and templates, lunch, and a certificate of completion. Rather than simply sharing information, the Business Impact Masterclasses are intentionally designed to drive measurable business improvements through practical application and immediate execution. First Merchants Bank is the Title Partner for the Business Impact Masterclasses. Additional partners include Prime Trust Federal Credit Union, Shafer Leadership Academy,  Whitinger & Company, LLC, and Spotted Monkey Marketing. Inquire about additional partnership opportunities by contacting Ted Baker at tbaker@innovationconnector.com.

“The Innovation Connector has always believed that strong businesses create stronger communities,” said Ted Baker, Chief Executive Officer of the Innovation Connector. “The Business Impact Masterclasses are an investment in the people who create jobs, solve problems, and build East Central Indiana’s future. Our goal is to equip entrepreneurs and business leaders with practical knowledge they can apply immediately, enabling better decisions, greater innovation, and accelerated sustainable growth.”

Frank Scott II, Executive Director of the Innovation Connector, said the new initiative is a natural evolution of the organization’s nearly two decades of supporting entrepreneurs across the region. “Every successful business reaches a point where continued growth depends on new knowledge, better systems, and stronger leadership,” Scott said. “These Masterclasses provide business owners with actionable strategies—not just ideas. Participants will leave with practical plans, proven tools, valuable relationships, and the confidence to implement what they’ve learned. Whether preparing to launch a new venture or leading an established company, participants will find this series delivers real value that can strengthen individual businesses while enhancing the entire regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

Innovation Connector Board Chair Ron Fauquher said the initiative reflects the organization’s long-term vision of investing in people as the foundation of economic development. “Communities grow when entrepreneurs and business leaders continue to learn and adapt,” Fauquher said. “The Business Impact Masterclasses demonstrate the Innovation Connector’s commitment to providing world-class educational opportunities right here in Muncie. By bringing together experienced professionals, successful entrepreneurs, and local business leaders, we’re creating an environment where knowledge, collaboration, and innovation translate into stronger companies, new jobs, and long-term economic prosperity for East Central Indiana.”

Each Masterclass will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Boulevard in Muncie. Registration is $49 per session and includes access to industry experts, lunch, workshop materials, business resources, take-home templates, and a certificate of completion. Participants may attend individual sessions or complete the entire series. Additional information and registration details are available at www.businessimpactmasterclasses.com. Registration opens on August 3, 2026. Due to limited space, early registration is recommended to secure a seat.

By investing in practical business education and strengthening connections among entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders, the Business Impact Masterclasses advance the Innovation Connector’s mission to help businesses start, grow, and succeed, while contributing to East Central Indiana’s long-term economic vitality.

The Innovation Connector will host the next Intersessions Powered by Intersection on Tuesday, July 28th, from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Intersessions is a recurring marketing workshop series that brings together professionals for practical insights, collaboration, and strategy-building. As a proud sponsor of the event, Innovation Connector invites entrepreneurs, business leaders, and marketing professionals to participate in this engaging morning session.

This month’s workshop, “Sales vs. Marketing: The Tug-of-War That’s Costing You Growth,” will feature speaker Derek McClain, Vice President of Business Development at C1 Truck Driver Training. With more than 20 years of experience across sales, marketing, and business development, McClain brings a unique perspective from working on both sides of the table. His approach combines practical, real-world strategies with proven fundamentals that continue to drive results.

When sales and marketing teams are not aligned, businesses can miss valuable opportunities for growth. While both teams share the same goal of attracting customers and driving revenue, miscommunication, disconnected strategies, and unclear processes can create barriers that impact overall success.

During this fast-paced 45-minute session, attendees will move beyond buzzwords and focus on practical tactics that can be implemented immediately. Whether you’re part of a small business or a growing organization, the session will explore how stronger collaboration between sales and marketing can help create more effective strategies and better outcomes.

Key discussion points will include:

• Strategies for improving alignment between sales and marketing teams
• Practical approaches to strengthen communication and collaboration
• Ways businesses can create more effective growth strategies regardless of size or budget
• Real-world tactics that can be applied immediately to support business development

Participants will walk away with actionable insights to help bridge the gap between sales and marketing and create a stronger foundation for sustainable growth.

Event Schedule

The morning agenda will include time for networking, learning, and discussion:

8:00 – 8:30 a.m. – Networking and breakfast
8:30 – 8:45 a.m. – Attendee introductions
8:45 – 8:50 a.m. – Sponsor spotlight
8:50 – 9:30 a.m. – Speaker introduction and presentation
9:30 – 9:35 a.m. – Break and breakfast refill
9:35 – 9:50 a.m. – Q&A session
9:50 – 10:00 a.m. – Final comments, announcements, and adjournment

Interested in attending? Register HERE to secure your spot.

Supporting the Business Community

Events like Intersessions reflect Innovation Connector’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals through education, collaboration, and meaningful connections. By bringing together experienced speakers and members of the business community, these sessions provide opportunities to learn practical strategies and gain insights that can help organizations continue to grow.