Business roundup – Oct. 27, 2026 – Winchester News Gazette


Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. Warm. High 73F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..
Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 49F. Winds light and variable.
Updated: October 27, 2026 @ 2:48 am

Free training offered for businesses
    East Central Indiana Small Business Development Center will offer a free QuickBooks and Bookkeeping Essentials Workshop on Nov. 5 and 6.
    The workshop at the Innovation Connector, 1208 W. White River Blvd., Muncie, is designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs. It will cover various topics regarding QuickBooks, organization and financial statements.
    To qualify for the free workshop, attendees must represent a for-profit business in Indiana and meet additional eligibility requirements.
    To register, visit mypennytracker.com/muncie-nov2026.
Session scheduled
    Randolph County United will host its next Lunch & Learn session at noon Nov. 18.
    The session will focus on financial literacy and tax updates. It is designed to help small businesses prepare for tax season with key updates, information on deductions and practical budgeting tips.
    To register, visit randolphcountyunited.org.
Investments support
    The International Finance Corporation announced investments totaling $301 million with EDP to support clean energy generation in Mexico and electrical grid upgrades in Brazil. 
    The investments include a $222 million loan to develop a 200-megawatt solar project in Mexico. An additional $79 million will go to help EDP Espírito Santo modernize and expand its power grid in Brazil.
    “These investments reflect EDP’s commitment to accelerating the energy transition while creating tangible benefits for communities and local economies,” said Rui Teixeira, EDP Group’s chief financial officer, in a news release. “Through our long-standing partnership with IFC, we are expanding access to reliable, affordable and clean energy, supporting the modernization of critical infrastructure, and helping create the conditions for sustainable growth and job creation. Together, we are mobilizing capital where it can have the greatest impact, building a more resilient and inclusive energy future.”
    EDP owns and operates the Headwaters wind and Riverstart solar facilities in Randolph County.
Project progressing
    IU Health’s new facility in downtown Indianapolis is about 80% complete, the organization’s leaders reported last week.
    The hospital, IU Health Medical Center, is located near 16th Street and Senate Avenue and is expected to open to patients in December 2027. It will have 864 inpatient rooms.
    The project has a price tag of about $4.7 billion.
    Also, Art Vasquez is no longer serving as president of IU Health’s north region, which includes facilities in Jay and Blackford counties. He had been in that role since January 2026.
Company celebrates
    Dollar Tree celebrated its 40th anniversary by announcing a $40 million investment through its new Dollar Tree Impact Fund and the opening of its 9,500th store.
    The new fund is targeted at supporting “nonprofit organizations and community-led projects that address local needs and help neighborhoods thrive.” It will focus on access to food and other necessities, supporting career readiness and job training and creating community gathering spaces.
    “As we look to the future, we’re proud to build on our legacy with a $40 million investment in the people and places that have been part of our story, helping create more opportunities for our associates, our customers, and the communities we call home,” said Mike Creedon, CEO of Dollar Tree, in a news release.
    The 9,500th store was opened in Suffolk, Virginia.
Lilly reaches deal
    Eli Lilly has reached another partnership, announcing a collaboration last week with Metis TechBio that includes up to $1.1 billion in milestone payments.
    The Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical company is working with the Hong Kong company on AI-powered drug delivery technology.
    “Delivery remains a critical determinant of therapeutic success, particularly as the industry expands into increasingly sophisticated modalities,” Metis CEO Chris Lai said in a news release. “By combining Metis’ AI-powered platform with Lilly’s scientific expertise and development capabilities, we aim to unlock a new generation of tissue-targeted delivery technologies that have the potential to transform how medicines reach patients.”
Hosting drive
    Menards stores are serving as drop sites for food pantries this month.
    Customers are invited to donate nonperishable food items such as cereal, soup, peanut butter and other canned or boxed items. They will be accepted through Saturday, Oct. 31.
    Stores in Muncie and Richmond, Indiana, and Celina, Ohio, are participating.
Food drive underway
    First Financial Bank is hosting a food drive from Oct. 1 through 30.
    Canned and other nonperishable food items can be dropped off in bins at all First Financial Bank locations. They will then be delivered to local schools, libraries and nonprofit organizations.
    “In all that we do, we are committed to the wellbeing of our neighbors,” said Roddell McCullough, chief corporate responsibility officer, in a news release. “This food drive builds on First Financial’s purpose of creating opportunities for our clients and communities to thrive.”
    First Financial locations include:
    •112 N. Meridian St., Portland
    •220 N. Wayne St., Fort Recovery
    •211 W. Pearl St., Union City
    •117 S. Jefferson St., Hartford City
    Food donations will be distributed to area organizations.
Applications are open
    Indiana Michigan Power is accepting applications for its Teacher Vision and FIRST Robotics Grants.
    The grant programs offer funding for teachers to bring hands-on learning opportunities to their classrooms. FIRST Robotics Grants range from $250 to $6,000, while Teacher Vision Grants range from $100 to $500 for projects in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math and energy education.
    Applications are available at aep.com/community/education. The deadline is Friday, Dec. 18.
••••••••••
    Does your business have news to share? Email us at publisher@winchesternewsgazette.com to be included in our weekly business roundup.
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Some clouds. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable.
Some clouds. Low around 45F. Winds light and variable.
Partly cloudy skies in the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. Warm. High 73F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph.

Wind: ESE @ 2 mph
Precip: 2% Chance
Humidity: 84%
Wind Chill: 50°
Heat Index: 50°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 45°

Wind: E @ 3 mph
Precip: 2% Chance
Humidity: 88%
Wind Chill: 48°
Heat Index: 48°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 45°

Wind: E @ 3 mph
Precip: 3% Chance
Humidity: 90%
Wind Chill: 47°
Heat Index: 48°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 45°

Wind: ENE @ 4 mph
Precip: 3% Chance
Humidity: 93%
Wind Chill: 45°
Heat Index: 47°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 9 mi
Dew Point: 45°

Wind: E @ 4 mph
Precip: 3% Chance
Humidity: 95%
Wind Chill: 44°
Heat Index: 46°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 7 mi
Dew Point: 45°

Wind: E @ 4 mph
Precip: 3% Chance
Humidity: 96%
Wind Chill: 44°
Heat Index: 46°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 7 mi
Dew Point: 45°

Wind: ESE @ 5 mph
Precip: 2% Chance
Humidity: 92%
Wind Chill: 46°
Heat Index: 48°
UV Index: 0 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 46°

Wind: ESE @ 6 mph
Precip: 5% Chance
Humidity: 81%
Wind Chill: 52°
Heat Index: 54°
UV Index: 1 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 48°

Wind: SE @ 6 mph
Precip: 2% Chance
Humidity: 68%
Wind Chill: 59°
Heat Index: 60°
UV Index: 2 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 49°

Wind: SE @ 6 mph
Precip: 1% Chance
Humidity: 58%
Wind Chill: 65°
Heat Index: 65°
UV Index: 2 Low
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 50°

Wind: SSE @ 6 mph
Precip: 0% Chance
Humidity: 51%
Wind Chill: 68°
Heat Index: 68°
UV Index: 3 Moderate
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 49°

Wind: S @ 6 mph
Precip: 0% Chance
Humidity: 47%
Wind Chill: 70°
Heat Index: 70°
UV Index: 3 Moderate
Visibility: 10 mi
Dew Point: 49°
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