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.

“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.

Rowray is currently the Executive Director of Ivy Tech’s Career Coaching and Connections program for the Delaware and Henry County locations. She is also the District 35 Representative to the Indiana House of Representatives, elected in 2020. Rowray has previously worked for the Delaware Advancement Corporation, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC. Rowray is a graduate of Ball State University and Muncie Burris High School. She completed the four-year U.S. Chamber of Commerce Organization Management program with an IOM Designation.

Rowray has been an active volunteer in the Muncie and Delaware County communities, including the Yorktown School Board, Muncie Rotary, and the United Way. She has been a past recipient of an Athena Award, presented by Women in Business Unlimited. She has also served on various fund-raising efforts, including the Muncie Children’s Museum and the Ball Memorial Hospital Foundation.

A search committee was formed in 2021 and included Board members from both the Chamber of Commerce and the Delaware Advancement Corporation. The search committee Co-Chairs were Kelly Shrock, President of the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, and Terry Pence, Vice President of Operations at IU Ball Memorial Hospital. Additional committee members included Sara Shade Hamilton, Frank Scott, Carl Kizer, Sherry Riggin, Stephen Brand, and Rob Keisling. The committee was assisted in a national search by Smith and Syberg, an Indianapolis executive search firm.

Shrock commented, “We are extremely excited to have Elizabeth lead our Chamber and Economic Development organizations. Her experience, leadership, and passion for Muncie and Delaware County will be valuable assets to the community going forward.” Pence added, “In the course of conducting a national search, we reviewed candidates from across the country as well as in Indiana and Muncie. Our search committee and directors are pleased that we found the best person right here in our own community.”

Rowray’s anticipated start date is April 1, 2022.

Terry Pence, Chair of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce said, “If you look at where we were in 2009 when Jay took on this role and where we are today, the advancements are clear.

That is the truest mark of the impact Jay has made. As a business community we are stronger and better positioned for tomorrow than we were when he took on this role.”

Kelly Shrock, Chair of the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance also commented, “Our community has been fortunate to have Jay Julian at the helm for twelve years. His leadership in economic development has brought much to improve the quality of life here. Our business community helps strengthen our community overall and we thank Jay for his tireless efforts.”

The Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Alliance are fortunate to have a strong and experienced internal team to ensure continuity and a positive transition. Our finances and membership are strong, our partnerships within the community are robust, and our staff is talented.

Recruiting a New President

The Board recognizes that our most important responsibility is to recruit and retain the next President/CEO, and wehave taken several important steps. First, we have appointed an eight-person Search Committee that reflects our diverse membership in both the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development sectors. The committee is jointly chaired by Kelly Shrock and Terry Pence.

Also, the committee has retained Smith & Syberg Executive Search to work with the Search Committee and the Board.

Smith and Syberg is a Columbus, Indiana-based executive search firm serving clients in Indiana and throughout the United States. They have extensive experience in the recruitment of senior leadership for nonprofit organizations. The search will be conducted by Joe Smith and Keith Syberg. Over the past several weeks, Smith and Syberg has met with the Search Committee, Board members, staff members, and key stakeholders to gain their input prior to beginning the search process.

Smith and Syberg will serve as the point of contact for requests for information, candidate recommendations, and/or expressions of interest. Interviews with the Search Committee will be held in October and November with an anticipated start date in the first quarter of 2022. Confidential inquiries, referrals, and resumes should be directed to Keith Syberg via phone: (812) 372-7254 or email: kas@smithandsyberg.com.

We are excited about a new President/CEO helping to lead the next chapter of community and business development in Muncie and Delaware County.

Kelly K. Shrock, Search Committee Co-Chair President
The Community Foundation of Muncie & Delaware County, Inc.

Terry Pence, Search Committee Co-Chair Vice President of Operations
IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital

Accomplishments of the Vision 2016 economic development plan, were also presented and reviewed by Jeff Daniels, Vision 2021 Co-Chairman. “Every winning team needs a playbook. Our playbook has been the Vision program which started in 1983,” said Daniels. “Every vision program since 1983 has had its own goals and objectives.”

Jud Fisher, Vision 2021 Co-Chairman, then reviewed and communicated the goals and objectives of the new Vision 2021 plan. Fisher explained in the late spring of 2016, the public was invited to attend one of two focus groups to discuss the community’s economic development priorities for the coming years. The feedback from these meetings created the framework for Vision 2021.

One key point that kept coming up in the focus groups was…

“People want to live in a place they love to live in.”—Jud Fisher

Indiana’s First Lady, Janet Holcomb was the keynote speaker and spoke about her time growing up in Muncie.

“Even from a young age, I learned that Muncie was a very good place to own a business.  My grandfather was a serial entrepreneur, constantly starting new businesses. Life in Middletown, USA was always good and IS good. The challenges Muncie faces are similar to those of every midsize city across the state. But, I know that this community has an edge on the competition.”—Janet Holcomb

The Vision program, established in 1983 and led by the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance is founded on public/private partnerships that represent the most comprehensive and successful economic development program the history of Delaware County. The program is supported by financial contributions and in-kind services from Vision Investors which include companies, foundations, public entities, and individuals.

The Core Goals of Vision 2021 include:

1. Enrich Quality of Life
2. Enhance Quality of Place
3. Expand and Retain Existing Business
4. Create a Culture of Education
5. Prepare the Community for the Future
6. Encourage Jo Growth in Target Sectors

Each core goal has defined specific objectives and associated tactics as well as measurement methods to attain each goal.

Sample Vision 2021 tactics from all 6 goals include:  Creating and online portal to highlight community diversity; Working with employers to recruit workers to the area; Support wellness activities for healthy living; Identify vacant/blighted lots for adaptive reuse; Create an incentive program for revitalization efforts; Ensure a range of housing options are available at multiple price points; Consult with builders and financiers on new construction; Encourage downtown retail growth and further promote downtown activities; Support efforts to increase business investment and job growth; Create a consortium to develop alternative energy strategies; Market Muncie-Delaware County as a regional economic center; Promote visits by state and national leaders; Promote kindergarten readiness and the BY5 program; Create partnerships between businesses and schools; Identify and promote apprenticeship programs; Expand high-quality internet access to the county and work to implement citywide Wi-Fi in Muncie; Assist the Muncie Action Plan in achieving goals; Establish and promote shovel ready sites; Collaborate to meet training demands of the local market; Help entrepreneurs recognize “next step” opportunities; Promote the Innovation Connector, Co:LAB and MadJax; Create business profiles with statistics on products and services—and much, much more.

Jay Julian, President/CEO and Chief Economic Development Officer of the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance led a national candidate search and worked closely with the executive committees of both Boards of Directors on the candidate selection. Applications for the position were received from throughout the United States and multiple rounds of interviews were conducted.

Significant consideration was given to the evolving needs of the organization and the Vision 2021 Economic Development Plan, which took effect in January 2017. With the Vice President position being vacant at the same time, it was a unique opportunity for the Alliance to align the responsibilities of the position with goals of the Plan. Lutton will continue to work on traditional economic development priorities such as new business attraction and the retention and expansion of existing business, but will also have an expanded focus on enhancing Quality of Life and Quality of Place as Economic Development initiatives. Both of these issues were determined to be of the utmost importance during the community’s Vision 2021 planning process.

 “Traci has always been a great asset to our organization, and throughout this hiring process, it was affirmed that that she is a collaborative and community-minded economic development professional. She has a passion for improving the community and the technical expertise necessary to implement the Vision 2021 Economic Development Plan and move Muncie-Delaware County in a positive direction.”—Jay Julian

Lutton began work with the Economic Development Alliance in 2005 as a staff person for the Muncie and Delaware County Redevelopment Commissions. Since then, she has held a number of positions within the organization, honing a wide range of experience in the field of economic development including site selection and development services, business retention and expansion, marketing, infrastructure improvements, public finance, and talent attraction. Throughout her time with the organization, she has traveled extensively throughout the country to promote Muncie-Delaware County as a superior business location to private investors, corporations, and site location consultants.

Lutton is a Muncie native and graduate of Ball State University. She has completed the Economic Development Institute through the University of Oklahoma and is an active member of the International Economic Development Council and the Indiana Economic Development Association.

Lutton is an enthusiastic community advocate and serves on the boards of Muncie Action Plan and East Central Indiana Development Council. She has previously served on the boards of Women in Business Unlimited, Muncie Downtown Development Partnership, Muncie Symphony Orchestra, and TEAMWork for Quality Living. In 2014, she was awarded the 20 Under 40 Award by M Magazine and has been a finalist for both The Star Press Person of the Year and Women in Business Unlimited ATHENA Young Professional Award.

The award is the highest honor that the Governor of Indiana bestows. It is a personal tribute usually given to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state or to the governor. Among those who have received Sagamores have been astronauts, presidents, ambassadors, artists, musicians, politicians, and ordinary citizens who have contributed greatly to Hoosier heritage.

According to Indiana history, Native American tribes used the term “sagamore” to describe “a lesser chief or a great man among the tribe to whom the true chief would look for wisdom and advice.” To honor this history, in the 1940’s, Gov. Ralph Gates created an award to honor that tradition titled the “Sagamore of the Wabash.

The honor was supported by State Senator Tim Lanane and was presented on behalf of Governor Mike Pence by State Senator Doug Eckerty.

“It has been an honor to work for this organization and community. I have been so fortunate to have had an opportunity to work with such dynamic, committed, civic-minded board members, co-workers, and business, community, and government leaders. Working in partnership with these individuals and groups has allowed us to achieve the successes we have experienced.” —Terry Murphy.

Terry Murphy came to the Muncie-Delaware County, IN Economic Development Alliance in 1991 and worked to develop and initiate the Horizon and Vision programs, the five-year, community-based, comprehensive economic development plans for Muncie-Delaware County. Murphy worked to execute an aggressive business attraction, expansion, and retention effort that helped attract, among others, Fortune 500 companies such as Sallie Mae/Navient, Progress Rail, Save-A-Lot/Super Value, and IBM/Concentrix, along with international companies Magna Powertrain, Brevini, and Keihin Aircon North America.

During his tenure, Murphy led various economic development and public/private initiatives. Murphy developed the community’s highly-successful shell building program, established three revolving loan funds, facilitated the formation of numerous Tax Increment Finance districts to address infrastructure and capital needs for major economic development projects, led the formation of two Community Revitalization Enhancement Districts to encourage investment in old industrial site areas, and assisted in the creation of Muncie’s Certified Technology Park. Additionally, Murphy assisted local companies in obtaining tens of millions of dollars in job training grants, state tax credits, and investment tax credits.

Most recently, Murphy spearheaded the regional effort in the development of the ADVANCE Regional Development Plan. This six-county initiative identified transformational projects for the region and outlined regional solutions to quality of life issues that directly relate to the attraction and retention of talent.

“We express thanks to Terry for his exemplary work with the Alliance for the last 25 years,” said Jay Julian, President/CEO, Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance and Chamber of Commerce. “Terry is consistently recognized as one of the top economic development practitioners in the State of Indiana, and he is highly regarded by corporate site selection professionals all over the nation. For decades, he has led some of the most important economic development initiatives in Muncie-Delaware County, always doing so with the highest standard of integrity and commitment. Terry’s positive impact on Muncie-Delaware County will continue to be evident for many years to come,” added Julian.

About the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance

The Alliance (EDA) 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 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 is one of only 43 organizations to earn accreditation from the International Economic Development Council and serves as the longest standing accredited economic development organization in the US & Canada.

The EDA’s administrative entities are Delaware Advancement Corporation (DAC) and the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. For additional information, please visit muncie.com.