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Gov. Braun: East Central Indiana exemplifies Indiana's booming growth

Friday, September 11, 2026 at 11:00 PM

Indiana Governor Mike Braun spoke to hundreds of regional government and industry leaders in Muncie Thursday, highlighting the state’s commitment to growing business, jobs and wages and commending the economic momentum happening in East Central Indiana. The Governor’s remarks were a highlight of IBJ Media’s Innovate Indiana series, which is convening nine regional events this year to discuss opportunities to elevate Indiana’s future.

“As Governor, affordability is my top priority, and I am focused on making Indiana the best state to start and grow a business and to live and raise a family,” said Gov. Braun. “We’re empowering Indiana’s regions to build their own visions for the future and to deploy data-driven strategies that will create more opportunities for residents to prosper. This forward-looking collaboration is on display in East Central Indiana, where leaders are continuing to invest in business, community, and workforce initiatives that will benefit Hoosiers for years to come.” 

At today’s event, Gov. Braun shared his insights into key issues like talent attraction and development, workforce and talent development, industry innovation and AI, the future of advanced manufacturing and community placemaking. He also highlighted Indiana’s regional economic development strategy, support for existing employers and Main Street businesses, and the importance of meeting future energy demand while keeping costs affordable for Hoosier families and businesses.

Gov. Braun also commended the region for its collaborative efforts to advance economic and community growth across the eight-county East Central Indiana region, highlighting important achievements and milestones:
 

  • A growing number of commitments from businesses to locate or grow in East Central Indiana, totaling $146 million in capital investment and 37 new high-wage jobs committed since January 2025;
  • Major expansion and new job announcements from companies like J.M. Hutton & Company, Transcendia, Richmond Beverage Solutions, Weaver Popcorn, Blue Buffalo and NOVA Circular Solutions;
  • More than 46 new businesses launched and $4.1 million in capital infusion secured for entrepreneurs and small businesses with support from the East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
  • $50 million in READI 1.0 and READI 2.0 funding secured for quality of place and quality of opportunity initiatives across the region, as well as additional funding through Lilly Endowment Inc. for selected blight remediation and arts and culture projects;
  • And major skills education and talent initiatives led by East Central Indiana employers like Astemo Indiana and in partnership with Ball State University.


“Indiana’s economy is experiencing unprecedented momentum, and we’re excited to see this growth happening across industries and across regions,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “East Central Indiana has built a robust ecosystem for advanced manufacturing – a sector that continues to grow and innovate while providing quality jobs for Hoosiers. Paired with a top-tier university and more than $50 million being invested in its communities, East Central Indiana is setting the stage for long-term economic success.” 

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