The Innovation Connector will be closed on Friday, December 22nd – Tuesday, December 26th. We will be open for normal hours on December 27th and 28th. The Innovation Connector will be closed from December 29th – Jan 1st. As always, residents of the Innovation Connector can access the building 24/7. We will resume normal hours on Tuesday, January 2nd.
Innovation Connector 1208 W. White River Blvd. Muncie, IN 47303
tbaker@innovationconnector.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/1/2023
Innovation Connector Announces Acquisition of TechWise Academy, LLC
Muncie, IN – Innovation Connector, Inc., a full-service entrepreneurial resource center and part of the Ontario Place Certified Technology Park, proudly announces its acquisition of TechWise Academy, LLC, a STEM education business known for its innovative approach to technology education.
This strategic merger represents a significant step forward in fulfilling the missions of both the Innovation Connector and TechWise Academy to bridge the digital divide and provide opportunities for individuals to acquire essential coding skills. By officially combining forces with TechWise Academy, the Innovation Connector’s goal is to leverage the expertise of TechWise Academy and its experience in the STEM education domain to expand the impact in the Muncie community.
“We are thrilled about this merger and the opportunities it presents to fulfill our shared mission of empowering our community with STEM knowledge and skills,” said Ted Baker, CEO at Innovation Connector. “Together, we are committed to providing accessible and inclusive technology education, fostering innovation, and inspiring the next generation of tech leaders.”
With this merger, Innovation Connector will now assume the responsibilities of TechWise Academy while maintaining its familiar name.
Effective October 1, 2023, the current name, Coding Connector, will be known as TechWise Academy, powered by the Innovation Connector. Baker explains, “This collaboration will enable our organization to offer a broader range of educational programs, workshops, and online courses designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the ever-evolving tech landscape.”
“We have always had a great partnership with the Innovation Connector,” says Ryan Hunter, Co-Founder of TechWise Academy. “The physical space is top-notch, and the support from their team has been great. We’ve been aligned from day one on our mission to expand computer science education in our area. This official merger will combine resources to synergistic effect to our impact.”
For more information about Innovation Connector and the services offered, please visit innovationconnector.com. If you have any inquiries regarding the merger or related matters, please contact Natalie Smith at nsmith@innovationconnector.com.
About Innovation Connector, Inc.: Innovation Connector, Inc. is a full-service entrepreneurial resource center and part of the Ontario Place Certified Technology Park. Our mission is to see job creation by providing guidance and entrepreneurial resources for individuals seeking to start or grow businesses in East Central Indiana.
About TechWise Academy, LLC: TechWise Academy, LLC has been a leading coding instructional business known for its comprehensive approach to computer science education. Its mission is to teach coding and computer science to children, K-12, and adults, introducing them to new ways to solve problems and explore curiosity and creativity
Join us on Thursday, September 7, 2023 for an insightful workshop on providing excellent client experiences. THIS WORKSHOP IS FREE!
It is the goal of most businesses to provide excellent customer service. While this sounds great, most businesses do not have a plan to make that happen. And even more concerning is that they have no processes or initiatives to empower employees and customer-facing team members with adequate tools to deal with customer service issues.
This session will be a practical session for all business owners and entrepreneurs discussing various aspects of Providing Excellent Customer Experiences and ways to implement them into their daily business. While customers are the core component of a business, dealing with them can be difficult and tiring. This workshop will be instructed by Ted Baker, CEO/Executive Director of the Innovation Connector, who has been trained at Disney’s Institute of Customer Experience. By participating in this session, you will receive tools and resources utilized by Disney to help turn customer complaints into happy and returning customers.
It is suggested to bring a note-taking object as much of this information can apply to your business and daily lives.
Please register for this event so that we can plan accordingly. Thank you!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Natalie Smith, Program and Events Coordinator, by emailing nsmith@innovationconnector.com or by calling 765-285-4900. We look forward to seeing you!
State Collection Service understands that receivables management in healthcare means more than just account recovery. Your reputation in the community is one of your most valuable assets. Their service reflects directly upon your organization, so they take great care in training their staff to treat your patients with respect and dignity by using a personalized, consultative approach in their communication practices. They provide you with peace of mind while enabling you to maintain your organization’s mission. At State, they recognize that the relationship between a healthcare provider seeking account resolution and an agency like theirs is crucial. They work hard to establish and maintain trust, which is evident in the fact that the majority of their clients have been with them for years, sometimes even decades. Learn more about State Collection Service here
Techwise Academy provides educational courses teaching coding and computer science to students in grades K-12. Techwise is creating a generation of problem solvers and innovators through its classes providing a safe space to learn new technologies. Their mission is to teach coding and computer science to children and introduce them to new ways to problem solve and explore curiosity and creativity. They offer both online and in-person courses and have frequently held classes at the Innovation Connector.
The Innovation Connector will be closed on Monday, July 3rd, and Tuesday, July 4th for Independence Day. As always, residents of the Innovation Connector can access the building 24/7. We will resume normal hours Wednesday, July 5th.
Happy 4th!
Join us on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, for an insightful workshop on providing excellent client experiences.
Location: 1208 W White River Blvd, Muncie, IN 47303 – Innovation Connector, Inc.
It is the goal of most businesses to provide excellent customer service. While this sounds great, most businesses do not have a plan to make that happen. And even more concerning is that they have no processes or initiatives to empower employees and customer-facing team members with adequate tools to deal with customer service issues.
This session will be a practical session for all business owners and entrepreneurs discussing various aspects of Providing Excellent Customer Experiences and ways to implement them into their daily business. While customers are the core component of a business, dealing with them can be difficult and tiring. This workshop will be instructed by Ted Baker, CEO/Executive Director of the Innovation Connector, who has been trained at Disney’s Institute of Customer Experience. By participating in this session, you will receive tools and resources utilized by Disney to help turn customer complaints into happy and returning customers.
It is suggested to bring a note-taking object as much of this information can apply to your business and daily life.
Please register for this event so that we can plan accordingly. Thank you!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Natalie Smith, Program and Events Coordinator, by emailing nsmith@innovationconnector.com or by calling 765-285-4900. We look forward to seeing you!
Muncie Journal Article – June 2023
By: Ted A. Baker, CEO/Executive Director
Muncie Innovation Connector, Inc.
Time for a Mid-Year Business Health Checkup
It is hard to believe that 2023 is nearing the halfway point. After enduring a cold winter and unpredictable spring, warm, nice weather and days full of sunshine are welcomed. During this time of year, it is important to consider reviewing the status of our businesses and organizations. Much like my semi-annual physical with my doctor, assessing what is going well and what is not is vital for businesses and organizations. Making changes midway through the year related to my personal health and wellness can alleviate the serious problems that could occur if I wait too long. We know that identifying a physical problem in its early stages of development can save our lives and lead to less intrusive and costlier remedies. For my doctor to gain insight into my physical health, he orders a full regiment of blood tests a week before my appointment. The numbers and blood test results do not lie. They highlight specific problem areas so that during my appointment, we can discuss any root issues and possible steps to improve my health. As I have gotten older, I value these times with my doctor. He celebrates the victories and accomplishments with me but is also very candid in telling me the hard truths if needed. Only when I know the truth can I choose to make the needed changes. And honestly, my health has improved significantly over the past few years because I have chosen to hear the truth and listen to his professional advice.
We owe the same level of attention to our businesses and organizations. Far too often, many business owners have not taken the time to evaluate how they are doing – until it is too late. Just because a business owner or organizational leader “thinks” things are going well does not mean they are. I have often heard, “There is money in my bank account. Things are going great.” Not only are they missing a critical piece of business management, but this mentality is also dangerous and can quickly lead to business failure. I suggest that business owners and leaders of organizations do what I do – get their “business bloodwork” reviewed to learn the truth about their organizations. Of course, what I mean by this is to check the data and information that impacts the health and wellness of the organization. Doing this regularly will uncover and reveal trends and situations that should be corrected before it’s too late. You will also probably learn what parts of the business are going well so you can capitalize on them. I recommend that a few areas be reviewed during a business health checkup.
1. Identify the Key Economic Indicators for your business or organization. In my past business ventures, I always practiced this concept. While owning a manufacturing business, I regularly looked at four key economic indicators. 1.) Cash in our bank account, 2.) The dollar amount of Accounts Receivable, 3.) The dollar amounts of Accounts Payable, and 4.) The total dollar amount of all outstanding customer orders. Combined, these indicators painted a clear picture of the business’s health. For your business, the key indicators might include total payroll hours or dollars spent each week, weekly sales, the amount of inventory, customer satisfaction reviews, employee productivity, or other factors that are key to your business’s success. These same principles also apply to nonprofit organizations since similar best practices apply to both. I challenge you to decide on three of four key economic indicators for your business and monitor each regularly.
2. Plan a regular review of the financial documents for your business or organization. This sounds easy, but this is difficult for many business leaders. Just like bloodwork, the numbers tell the true story! If the documents and data indicate a healthy business, celebrate and build upon that success. If the news is not so positive, be thankful that you know the truth and can make the appropriate changes to your business operations. Not knowing will sink your business or organization. And trust me, the bad news does not go away when we ignore it – it compounds! Many owners fear reviewing their businesses’ financial status with an outside professional. I understand – it can be embarrassing. But to improve your financial condition, it must be done.
In my many years working with business owners and nonprofit leaders, I have been shocked by the number who fail to keep accurate records or any records at all. Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records is not merely an activity to keep bookkeepers and accountants busy but are instruments and tools to grow and sustain your business. They compare past business growth or losses and keep a perspective on costs and expenses. You also might better understand your customer base and what are the most profitable and successful products and services you provide.
3. Business health checks are important to examine the leader’s mental health and wellness. As the leader goes – so do the followers. Unless you as a leader are healthy, the sustainability and longevity of your business hang in the balance. After all, while leading a business or organization is hard work, there should be some aspects of fulfillment and satisfaction in your efforts. You are making meaningful contributions to your community. You have the opportunity to influence and inspire coworkers and others around you. Successful business owners not only create wealth for their families, but they can also financially contribute to the needs of their communities. Another aspect of being a business leader needs to be discussed. Business owners and nonprofit executives can live a very lonely life. I understand – I have been there too. People in these positions find it difficult to share with others they employ or work with. Many times, we do not believe anyone else will understand or care. Please find someone you can trust outside your business or organization to talk with. You will find out they will soon be a lifeline for you.
I hope this helps you understand the importance of regular business checkups. The Innovation Connector offers this service free of charge to any business or organization in the Muncie community. The only thing required beyond supplying the documents we believe are needed is total honesty and a commitment to move your business or organization forward. If you want to participate in a regular business health check, please get in touch with me at tbaker@innovationconnector.com or our office at 765-285-4900. Our services are confidential and private. You and your business will be glad you do.
The Indiana Small Business Development Center (Indiana SBDC), which is housed within the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, helps small businesses start, grow, finance, innovate, and transition through no-cost, confidential business advising and training. The Indiana SBDC was established in 1985 with funding support from the U.S. Small Business Administration and the State of Indiana and has worked with over 50,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses. With a network of 10 regional offices throughout the state, the Indiana SBDC helps Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses start stronger, grow faster, and work smarter.
The East Central Indiana Location is located here in the Innovation Connector, helping hundreds of people a month.
Unfamiliar with patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets? Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Damian Porcari, Regional Director of the Elijah J. McCoy Midwest Regional United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), about intellectual property (IP) basics and potential ways to protect your innovation as you transition from idea to product. Join him in person on Thursday, June 1 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET at the Innovation Connector at 1208 West White River Boulevard in Muncie, Indiana. The target audience for this session is aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators, students, small businesses, and start-ups. Space is limited, so register early. The discussion will cover: An overview of intellectual property types: patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets
Why innovators and entrepreneurs should consider protecting their IP
Local resources and assistance are available through the USPTO and other agenciesFor registration, please visit: Intellectual Property (IP) Basics at Innovation Connector to register for this FREE event. For more information, email MidwestRegion@uspto.gov or call 313-446-4800.