In addition to her work with the Redevelopment Commission, Caravaglia will also support the broader efforts of the Economic Development Alliance and its Vision 2027 plan. Her contributions will help ensure collaboration between redevelopment activities and the Alliance’s economic development goals and objectives.

“I’ve become increasingly inspired by the people and organizations who are dedicated to making the Muncie-Delaware County community a great place to live. The Economic Development Alliance plays a central role in this effort, and I’m honored to join a team that is deeply committed to seeing our community grow and thrive. I also look forward to collaborating with the Redevelopment Commission and I am grateful for their confidence in me,” said Caravaglia.

Caravaglia is a two-time graduate of Ball State University, most recently earning her Master of Public Administration (MPA) in May 2025. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Science. Her professional background includes work as a Graduate Assistant for Ball State’s Department of Political Science and with Indiana’s Voting System Technical Oversight Program (VSTOP), where she managed statewide election training initiatives and handled sensitive government data.

Caravaglia has also demonstrated a strong commitment to service and leadership. A former varsity athlete at Ball State, she currently serves as Vice President and volunteer coach for the Mudsock Youth Field Hockey program in Fishers, Indiana.

“We’re excited to welcome Gina to the Alliance team. Her background in public administration, project coordination, and civic engagement makes her an ideal fit for our organization. As we continue advancing the Vision 2027 plan, Gina’s leadership will be instrumental in aligning redevelopment efforts with our countywide goals for business growth, investment, and quality of place,” said Elizabeth Rowray, President & CEO, Economic Development Alliance of Muncie-Delaware County and the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce.

About Economic Development Alliance of Muncie-Delaware County
The Economic Development Alliance of Muncie-Delaware County (EDA) serves as the local economic development organization (LEDO) for Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana. EDA works to attract new businesses, support the growth of existing companies, and promote long-term investment in the community. Through customized site selection assistance, business expansion services and more, EDA helps businesses navigate every step of the growth process. The EDA also leads implementation of the Vision 2027 economic development plan and supports initiatives that enhance quality of life and quality of place throughout the county. EDA is proud to hold the distinction of being the longest-tenured Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) in North America. Learn more at www.muncie.com.

The approval strengthens the Alliance’s role as the Local Economic Development Organization for Muncie-Delaware County and ensures that companies, consultants, and investors have a single, experienced point of contact that can provide a variety of business development services.

“The Alliance is a consistent, effective partner in driving business growth in Delaware County,” said Shannon Henry, President of the Delaware County Commissioners. “By formalizing this partnership, we’re putting our confidence in an experienced team that has national recognition and deep relationships with site selectors, industry leaders, and local stakeholders.”

Led by President & CEO Elizabeth Rowray, the Alliance team brings extensive experience in executive leadership, economic development strategy, business retention and expansion, and public-private partnerships. In addition to Rowray, the team includes Vice President, Traci Lutton, Economic Development Project Manager, Erin Williamson, and a broader Chamber of Commerce staff that supports marketing, administration, and community engagement.

“The Commissioners’ support reinforces a shared commitment to collaboration,” said Elizabeth Rowray. “Our team’s experience, along with our relationships at the local, state, and national levels will allow allows us to deliver results that position Delaware County for long-term growth.”

The Economic Development Alliance of Delaware County is the longest-tenured economic development organization in the country to hold the Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) designation from the International Economic Development Council. This national accreditation signals to companies and consultants that the Alliance operates at the highest standards of effectiveness, integrity, and accountability.

About Economic Development Alliance of Muncie-Delaware County

The Economic Development Alliance of Muncie-Delaware County (EDA) serves as the local economic development organization (LEDO) for Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana. EDA works to attract new businesses, support the growth of existing companies, and promote long-term investment in the community. Through customized site selection assistance, business expansion services and more, EDA helps businesses navigate every step of the growth process. The EDA also leads implementation of the Vision 2027 economic development plan and supports initiatives that enhance quality of life and quality of place throughout the county. EDA is proud to hold the distinction of being the longest-tenured Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) in North America. Learn more at www.muncie.com.

As the longest-tenured Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) in the United States and Canada, EDA has long adhered to the highest standards of the economic development profession. The refreshed brand builds upon that legacy, bringing renewed clarity to the organization’s values, approach, and impact. At the core of the rebrand is a powerful message: EDA is the first call for anyone serious about growing a business in Muncie-Delaware County.

“Our new brand is more than a new logo or color scheme. It’s a reflection of who we are and the value we bring to the businesses, people, and communities we serve,” said Traci Lutton, Vice President of Economic Development. “We are focused on growing Delaware County’s economy in ways that are strategic, collaborative, and community-minded. Whether we’re working with a new business, supporting an existing company, or partnering on quality of place efforts, our mission is clear and consistent.”

Known for its concierge-style service, EDA works directly with companies to provide a full suite of services including site selection, real estate assemblage, access to local, state and federal programs, and development coordination. The organization also plays a key role in initiatives that improve quality of life and quality of place, recognizing that strong communities attract and retain talent as well as investment. The new brand helps clarify EDA’s role and makes it more accessible to those who need it.

Serving Businesses and Stakeholders

The updated identity considers the needs of three key audiences:

• New businesses and site selectors will find a welcoming and trusted reliable partner in EDA, one that offers data, tailored insights, ready connections, and a deep understanding of what makes Delaware County a strong location for investment.
• Existing businesses often face questions about expansion, workforce, or available resources. EDA’s new messaging makes it clear that they don’t have to navigate those challenges alone.
• Local stakeholders, including elected officials, funding partners, and community leaders, will see EDA’s leadership role more clearly represented. The brand emphasizes measurable impact and a commitment to the economic future of Muncie-Delaware County.

The new brand identity will roll out across EDA’s communications, including its social media, and print materials. EDA will also launch a completely redesigned website later this year. The new site, currently in development by Muncie-based creative firm Intersection, will better showcase Delaware County’s business advantages, provide easier access to data and tools, and offer a more user-friendly experience for companies, partners, and community stakeholders.

“This brand better reflects the way we do our work, with clarity, collaboration, and a deep commitment to Muncie-Delaware County,” said Lutton. “The team at the EDA are resourceful, engaged, and focused on building a community where people want to live, and businesses choose to grow and invest.”

About Economic Development Alliance of Muncie-Delaware CountyThe Economic Development Alliance of Muncie-Delaware County (EDA) serves as the local economic development organization (LEDO) for Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana. EDA works to attract new businesses, support the growth of existing companies, and promote long-term investment in the community. Through customized site selection assistance, business expansion services and more, EDA helps businesses navigate every step of the growth process. The EDA also leads implementation of the Vision 2027 economic development plan and supports initiatives that enhance quality of life and quality of place throughout the county. EDA is proud to hold the distinction of being the longest-tenured Accredited Economic Development Organization (AEDO) in North America. Learn more at www.muncie.com.

MUNCIE, IN – It was a full house at the first ever Delaware County Housing Summit on Friday, April 5, at the Ivy Tech Fisher Building in downtown Muncie.

More than 100 people attended the event to learn more about the county’s current housing situation and best practices for housing development.

“I was excited to see so many different faces from across our community – developers, landlords, elected officials, and neighbors,” said Heather Williams, Associate Director in the Office of Community Engagement at Ball State University and Program Manager for Building Better Neighborhoods. “I count this as a success!”

The Housing Summit was presented by Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance, the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce, Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement, and Muncie Land Bank. Breakfast and lunch for participants was provided by the Muncie Sanitary District, and Ivy Tech Community College served as the host sponsor.

The seeds for the summit were planted during the development of the 5-year Vision 2027 Economic Development Plan, created by the Muncie Delaware County Economic Development Alliance. The summit was cited as one of the ways to advance progress toward the local revitalization and enrichment goal.

“As representatives of the local business community, we recognize that quality housing options, affordability, and availability are integral components of Muncie-Delaware County’s economic competitiveness and growth potential,” said Elizabeth Rowray, President & CEO, Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce and Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance.

The summit, Rowray said, was designed to “start the conversation” and then, as Vision 2027 notes, put an action plan in place.

The conversation started with background information on housing, provided by morning keynote speaker Dagney Faulk, director of research at the Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) at Ball State University.

Faulk shared data that impacts housing – housing stock (“there is an excess supply of older housing stock in the county”); where people work (9,000 workers commute into Delaware County each day and 7,300 commute out of the county each day), population (a decrease of 5,000 since 2011); and much more.

Armed with all that information, it was time for participants to head to breakout sessions. Experts were brought in from around the county and state to focus on various housing topics applicable to Delaware County.

During a best practices session, representatives from Pathstone Indiana, EcoRehab, Urban Light Community Church, Intend Indiana, and Muncie Mission Ministries fielded questions about how non-profits play an important role in transforming communities. Another session spotlighted Cook Medical and its workforce housing initiative.

A panel to discuss local codes and state legislation as it relates to successful housing development featured Mark Shublak, a partner in Taft’s Public Affairs Strategies Group; Jim Pressel, Indiana State Representative, and Rick Wajda, CEO for the Indiana Builders Association, a trade association representing more than 2,600 member companies across the state.

A developer panel that discussed the “real costs” of housing included Rebekah Hanna, a realtor at RE/MAX in Muncie for 18 years; Scott Alexander, State Senator, and Ryan Kelley: Vice President of Tax Credit Development for TWG.

Keynote speakers included Nassif Kouton from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, who offered an update READI 2.0 funding, and Heather Presley Cowen, who shared what she’s learned during her more than 25 years of housing and economic development-related experience.

Presley Cowen worked for two decades with Fort Wayne as its senior executive responsible for directing, developing, and planning the overall housing and neighborhood development strategies, and is credited with inventing the Housing Optimization Market Empowerment (H.O.M.E.) Method, a proprietary housing delivery system designed to expedite and optimize workforce housing solutions.

Her analogy to better explain a common housing issue was a favorite of the day. “If you go to the grocery store to get ketchup, and that’s all they have, it would be fine for a while. But what happens when you want some hot sauce? Or chili sauce?

If you want something and it’s not there, you leave and go somewhere else,” Cowan said. She championed the benefits of looking at the potential of an area, not just more of the same.

“The data and insights shared at the Summit underscore the vital need for a comprehensive housing study and plan. A clear understanding of our current housing landscape is essential to develop informed policies and strategic investments that will benefit our community for years to come,” added Rowray.

As participants left the summit, it was clear that many saw more than the current housing issues in Delaware County. They were excited about the hot sauce in the future.

As a vital partner in the 9-month READI planning process, the Alliance worked with businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders across sectors to develop projects and bring together stakeholders to demonstrate Muncie-Delaware County’s potential for transformative development. Leveraging its expertise in economic development, strategic planning, and community engagement, the Alliance played a key role in developing a compelling vision for East Central Indiana’s future. Staff members Elizabeth Rowray and Traci Lutton represented Muncie-Delaware County on the ECI READI Steering Committee along with representatives from Grant, Henry, Blackford, Jay, Randolph, Wayne, and Fayette Counties.

“We are excited to have contributed to the effort to secure this READI grant, which represents a significant opportunity to catalyze economic growth and development in our region,” said Elizabeth Rowray, President & CEO of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance and Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce. “This achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration and the collective commitment of our community and region to realizing our full potential. Our organization remains committed to working with the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership and groups across the region to maximize the impact of the grant funding and drive meaningful change,” added Rowray.

“This grant fuels a turning point for our region, and we are grateful for the leadership and expertise that the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance has contributed,” added Trevor Friedeberg, President & CEO of the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership. “Together, we will build a more resilient and vibrant region for all.”

The READI grant will support a range of projects aimed at enhancing quality of life, quality of place, and quality of opportunity. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation awarded a total of $500 million across 15 regions. For more information on READI, visit indianareadi.com and forgeeci.com.

About The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance 

The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance was founded in 1984 and represents a consortium of economic development entities dedicated to the growth and prosperity of Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana. Our purpose is to allocate and leverage economic development resources to sustain and enhance the economic growth, vitality, and competitiveness of Muncie-Delaware County as a location of choice for businesses and residents. The Alliance’s administrative entities are Delaware Advancement Corporation and the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce.

The 1.2-mile-long trail and reconstruction of Riverside Avenue was born out of a 2019 Indiana DNR Next Level Trails grant awarded to the Delaware Advancement Corporation. Through public input and willing partners, the project was able to increase in scope to include storm water improvements, the reconstruction of Riverside Ave, and the planting of over 80 native trees that will help diversify and strengthen the city’s tree canopy.

“After careful planning, based primarily on the public input meetings in 2019, a broad community partnership formed to address stormwater issues, automobile travel speeds, and traffic back-ups — all concerns of the public — that further enhance the pedestrian trail being built along Riverside Avenue.” says Elizabeth Rowray, President of the Delaware Advancement Corporation. The trail addition connects the Morrison Road Trail to Tillotson Avenue/Ball State University and includes a new sidewalk connection to the Catalina Swim Club on Clarkdale Avenue.

The total investment in the pedestrian, vehicular, and stormwater improvements came in just shy of 4 million dollars, with 98% of the funding originating from federal, state, and local grants.

Delaware Advancement Corporation was awarded a Department of Natural Resources Next Level Trail Grant, an East Central Indiana Regional Development Authority trail grant out of its funding from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation’s Regional Cities Initiative, and a Ball Brothers Foundation grant to plant native trees. The Muncie Sanitary District is funding the stormwater and road improvements through the American Recovery Plan.

“This is Muncie at its best. We are making quality of place improvements in an area of town where owner-occupied housing demand is high, an area lacking in safe pedestrian travel routes. We are closing gaps in Muncie’s incredible existing trail network. We are using limited local tax dollars to leverage state and federal financial resources. All of this is in response to public input gathered at the onset of the trail project,” explained Elizabeth Rowray.

While not directly tied to the trail project, the City of Muncie used an INDOT Community Crossings grant to cover road improvements at the Riverside and Jackson Street intersection, including a road diet at the Jackson – Riverside intersection that will help slow the travel speeds of vehicles along Jackson Street.

FlatLand Resources and IXOYE Engineering provided project management and design services for the projects, with 3D Company and E&B Paving being the primary contractors for the trail and road projects, respectively.

About Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana Economic Development Alliance

The Alliance (EDA) represents a consortium of economic development entities dedicated to the growth and prosperity of Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana. Their purpose is to allocate and leverage economic development resources to sustain and enhance the economic growth, vitality, and global competitiveness of Muncie-Delaware County as a superior business location. Services include site location assistance, retention and expansion of existing businesses, and customized research for business prospects considering Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana.

Spartech will invest $4.9 million in new manufacturing equipment to modernize and add efficiency to production. This investment will help retain 100 full-time employees and add six new, full-time positions.

“Spartech is excited about the opportunities this substantial investment brings, which reflect our commitment to growth, innovation, and improving operational efficiencies,” says Jim Elliott, Spartech CEO. “It includes the acquisition of two state-of-the-art pieces of equipment which will bolster our production capacity and empower our teams to deliver superior products to our valued customers. There will also be a substantial upgrade to the building’s infrastructure, ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees and equipment.”

Spartech previously expanded their Muncie operation with multi-million-dollar investments in real estate and equipment in 2012 and 2017.

“Spartech has a reputation for quality and innovation, and they have been an excellent employer in our community for decades. With this being a competitive project, the company could have chosen any of their other facilities in other states for this investment. The Alliance was pleased to work with elected officials, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the company, and their advisors to bring this project to fruition in Muncie,” said Elizabeth Rowray, President, and Chief Economic Development Officer for the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance.

At the request of the Economic Development Alliance, the Muncie Common Council approved a 5-year tax abatement to support the company’s continued investment in Muncie.

About Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana Economic Development Alliance

The Alliance (EDA) represents a consortium of economic development entities dedicated to the growth and prosperity of Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana. Their purpose is to allocate and leverage economic development resources to sustain and enhance the economic growth, vitality, and global competitiveness of Muncie-Delaware County as a superior business location. Services include site location assistance, retention and expansion of existing businesses, and customized research for business prospects considering Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana.

About Spartech

At Spartech, everything we do is focused on helping make the products we use, and the world in which we live, safer, easier, and better. From new, lightweight materials for electric vehicles, to sustainable packaging solutions for consumer goods, to protective canopies for military aircraft, Spartech solutions are found in every corner of our modern world. And where you find Spartech, you will find innovation. In products that are more recyclable. Use less energy. Create more value. We are Spartech. One company with a single purpose: To Make It Better.

“The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance displays the professionalism, commitment, and technical expertise that is deserving of this honor”, said IEDC President and CEO Nathan Ohle.

The AEDO program is a comprehensive peer review process that measures economic development organizations against commonly held standards in the profession. The program consists of two phases: a documentation review and an onsite visit. Each phase is designed to evaluate information about the structure, organization, funding, program, and staff of the candidate economic development organization.

Earning the AEDO accreditation tells the community and prospects that the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance attained a measure of excellence assuring that their trust is well placed, and their business is in good hands.

Maintenance of the AEDO status is required every three years and is accomplished through documentation submission and/or onsite visits by a team of the AEDO subcommittee.

The International Economic Development Council is the largest membership association serving economic and community development professionals in the world. With over 5,000 members nationwide and abroad, IEDC offers the economic development profession one source for information and professional development, one voice for the profession and one force for advocacy. For more information on the AEDO program, please contact AEDO Program Manager Dana Crater at 910-821-9245 or dcrater@iedconline.org, or visit IEDC’s website at www.iedconline.org/AEDO.

The Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance (EDA) is the lead economic development entity dedicated to the growth and prosperity of Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana. Our purpose is to allocate and leverage economic development resources to sustain and enhance the economic growth, vitality and global competitiveness of Muncie-Delaware County as a superior business location. Services include site location assistance, retention and expansion of existing businesses, and customized research for business prospects considering Muncie-Delaware County, Indiana. The EDA’s administrative entities are Delaware Advancement Corporation and the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce.

The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, membership-driven organization. It unites business, government, education, philanthropy, health care, and services, creating a central agency which lends itself to improving business and building a better community. Its strength lies in attracting the greatest number of individuals and firms into membership, thereby creating a pool of resources from which can be drawn energy, ideas, and funding.

The proposal approved by both boards will move the Economic Development Alliance under the oversight of the Chamber to allow for streamlined governance, additional accountability, and greater synergy and efficiencies. Economic Development has greatly expanded from its powerhouse manufacturing base of the 80s to include significant expansions in the healthcare, education, IT, and agriculture industries.

“This new structure positions the Horizon Convention Center for future growth. Since opening in 1988, Horizon has evolved into a full-service world-class facility attracting thousands of visitors annually,” Rob Keisling, Chairman of Delaware Advancement Corporation. “Additionally, Muncie and Delaware County are fortunate to have one of the few internationally accredited economic development organizations. Aligning economic development with the Greater Muncie Chamber will further strengthen business attraction and retention in our community.”

Nick Tokar, Chairman of the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce board said, “The merger of the economic development activities with the Chamber allows for innovation, synergy, efficiency and cross-marketing. It is our expectation that this reorganization will enhance both our traditional Chamber activities and our community’s economic development efforts.”

A separate 501(c)(3) charitable foundation from the Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce will be formed as a subsidiary of the Chamber to receive charitable donations and support the community’s economic development activities. The Delaware Advancement Corporation will retain the Horizon Convention Center and be governed by a streamlined board of stakeholders dedicated to the growth of travel and tourism in Delaware County.

Executive Committees of both DAC and Chamber Boards will work to craft the formal agreements necessary to implement the strategic realignment.

About Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce

Since 1894, the Chamber has been integral to Greater Muncie because of our strategic business-building plans and services. We strive to be a source of innovative business development for our community by engaging large, medium, and small businesses in countless industries. The Chamber builds an extensive Muncie business network through member connections and expansion. Building business. Building community.

About Delaware Advancement Corporation

The Delaware Advancement Corporation is a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a single board. DAC currently has two distinct business divisions: (1) the Economic Development Alliance, which conducts business attraction, retention, and development activities, including holding strategic real estate, and (2) the Horizon Convention Center, which operates the convention center and is funded from operating revenues and through Food & Beverage Tax revenues allocated to the Horizon Convention Center from the Civic Center Authority.

YORKTOWN, Ind.—Northedge Steel, LLC has purchased the former All-Steel Carports 11.4 acre/65,000 SF manufacturing facility and sales center on SR 332 in Yorktown. This milestone is a major move for the North Carolina company on its mission to expand its steel building operations into the Midwest. 

Northedge purchased the facility in May, 2022 for $5.5 million and expects to invest an additional $500K to begin official operations in August, 2022.

Northedge will manufacture and sell carports and steel buildings for residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural customers in Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky. Once full-time operations begin, Northedge expects to have up to 40 full-time sales and support, skilled-labor manufacturing, and maintenance employees. 

“We are excited about this new chapter and feel very welcomed by Delaware County and other local businesses,” said Yaritza Galvan, Northedge Steel VP, “We hope to better serve our customers, employees, trade partners and community with this new venture.”

“We’re grateful for Northedge Steel’s investment and expansion into Delaware County,” said Elizabeth Rowray, President & CEO of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance. “We are committed to partnering with them to support their sustained growth in our community,” added Rowray. 

The company will be sponsoring the Chamber Cup on July 19th & 20th, will have a ribbon cutting ceremony on July 27th, and will host Muncie On The Move on August 3rd.

About Northedge Steel, LLC

Northedge Steel, LLC is a subsidiary of Northedge, LLC, an industry leader in metal stud framing, drywall, and acoustical ceilings based in Rural Hall, NC. 

Established in 2007, Northedge, LLC has grown to become among the top commercial walls and ceiling contractors in North Carolina. Their portfolio includes, public schools, universities, hospitals, fire departments, parking garages, churches, banks, and freestanding retail.

In 2018, Northedge expanded into steel material manufacturing, producing raw materials for steel building construction. Two years later, Northedge Steel, LLC was established as its own company, selling and manufacturing steel structural buildings throughout the Mid-Atlantic and becoming a prominent steel component supplier in the Southeast.

To learn more about Northedge Steel, LLC, visit https://northedgesteel.us