Forge ECI

08/12/2025

We were excited to celebrate the start of construction on Ashbury Fields in New Castle last week—one of the region’s READI 1.0 projects. The housing development will bring 65 new single-family homes to the community over the next few years, helping meet housing needs and supporting New Castle’s growth.

08/04/2025

✨ What a night! ✨
Last week, we celebrated our 20th Anniversary with a beautiful celebration of progress, partnership, and the bright future ahead for East Central Indiana.

Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and helped make this event such a success. Together, we’re forging a stronger, more connected region.

06/09/2025

Formerly the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership, Forge ECI is the next chapter in our commitment to driving economic growth and regional collaboration in East Central Indiana! With several irons in the fire, this is just the beginning! Big things are ahead—stay tuned!

The effort, which also will include a new logo and website, further reflects the organization’s mission to drive both economic development and regional collaboration, according to a new release announcing the change.

05/28/2025

It’s bittersweet to share that Trevor Friedeberg is stepping away from the Partnership after years of incredible leadership. It’s hard to put into words just how much he’s meant to our team, our communities, and regional partners. Trevor’s leadership was rooted in passion, intentionality, and a deep commitment to East Central Indiana. We will miss his leadership, but congratulate him on his next adventure!

After a meaningful tenure as President and CEO of the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership (ECIRP), Trevor Friedeberg has announced his decision to step down from the role to pursue an opportunity that allows him to be significantly closer to family.

04/11/2025

03/24/2025

📣We want to hear from you! 📣

Register and attend your county’s Public Input Session to help shape a bold East Central Indiana Arts & Cultural Plan from the ground up! Every voice is vital to a future where arts and culture enhance quality of life and strengthen local economies.

Register here: https://www.transformingcommunities.art/eastcentral

12/25/2024

As we look forward to the opportunities ahead in 2025, we remain committed to working together to make our region a place where communities flourish.

Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with joy, peace, and prosperity!

12/19/2024

River Rock Lofts is a catalyst READI 2.0 project for East Central and we can't wait to see it move forward!

11/20/2024

Our region is emerging as a hub for training Indiana's healthcare workforce. With innovative programs and partnerships, we’re addressing the critical need for skilled healthcare professionals to serve our communities. Yesterday, we hosted a healthcare summit, bringing together leaders and community members from across East Central Indiana to collaborate on forging a path toward better health for our counties. Special thanks to Ball Brothers Foundation for their assistance with event coordination and Ivy Tech Community College for hosting!

East Central Indiana is leading the way in healthcare workforce development.

Our recent article with East Central Indiana Regional Partnership highlights ECI’s growing identity as a hub for training healthcare professionals and tackling statewide challenges like workforce shortages and access to care in underserved areas.

Read the full piece to learn how ECI is building a healthier, more resilient Indiana: https://www.ballfdn.org/news-archive/east-central-indiana-emerging-as-hub-for-training-indianas-healthcare-workforce

10/25/2024

The traditional manufacturing heritage in Muncie and east central Indiana runs deep. While some of the iconic names that helped build the region are gone, other businesses are moving in and economic development is growing.

09/19/2024

The Partnership attended, along with 300 individuals across the region, the first Engage East Central Indiana event on Tuesday! Our President/CEO, Trevor Friedeberg, was invited to be on a panel speaking on READI and how ECI is strategically collaborating to move the needle. Together, we’re forging ahead in East Central Indiana!

08/16/2024

We're excited to share the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's new campaign showcasing the incredible work of the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) in East Central! Take a look at the video below to see a few 1.0 projects that have made a significant impact in our communities!

This is "READI- East Central Region Feature 30s" by Indiana Economic Dev Corp on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.