Commissioners spend $193,000 in ARP money on advice from Innovation Connector

David Penticuff, Muncie Star Press
·2 min read

MUNCIE, Ind. − Delaware County Commissioners approved $193,000 in American Rescue Plan money to local businesses in the county Monday at the recommendation of The Innovation Connector.

The Innovation Connector, a nonprofit assisting businesses and entrepreneurs in East Central Indiana, was asked to make recommendations for the spending of $250,000 in business grants for the county.

Ted Baker, executive director and CEO for the Connector, told commissioners that the grants are still open for applications. The recommendations were determined by a committee at the Connector.

Which Muncie businesses received grants?

The recommendations included grants for:

∎Arrowhead Plastics in Eaton. It asked and received a $49,000 grant. The company makes thermoformed plastic products.

∎Yesterday's Tree in Gaston. The company asked for and received a $49,000 grant. Baker said the furniture manufacturer plans to use the grant to add equipment to its factory.

∎Pinson manufacturing in Albany. The machining and metal fabricating manufacturer that moved from Illinois to Albany in 2021 asked for and received a grant for $45,000.

∎Albany Hardware Store asked for and received a $25,000 grant for the traditional community hardware retailer.

∎Just Quilts in Albany. It asked for and received a $15,000 grant. The company does edge-to-edge quilting for customers on State Street in Albany.

∎Recovery Café in Muncie. It asked for $49,000 and received $10,000. The nonprofit organization is located in Commonway Church on Charles Street. It helps people overcome addiction and mental health problems.

Baker told commissioners that businesses helped in the county were important to the overall community "and what happens in smaller communities."

The federal ARP funding was provided to help businesses and communities overcome the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the Monday meeting, commissioners were introduced to Kiley Erwin, the new 4-H and Youth Development specialist for the county extension service.

Erwin reported that the county now has 351 regular 4-H members, and the 4-H fair will start at the fairgrounds on Monday, July 10.

It was also announced that the county will replace the bridge on Delaware County Road 650-E over Campbell Creek at an estimated cost of $651,000.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: ARP help granted to small town businesses in the county