For over a century, East Central Indiana’s identity was rooted in manufacturing—iconic names like Ball and General Motors defined our region. Glass jars, auto batteries, headlamps, and transmissions were the backbone of our economy. However, over the past two decades there’s been a shift away from heavy manufacturing, tasking our region to dig deep to redefine itself. As we look ahead, I’m filled with optimism about the future of Muncie, Delaware County, and all of East Central Indiana—and here’s why.

The threats we face in the digital world are evolving at a frightening pace. From phishing schemes and ransomware attacks to identity theft and deepfake impersonations, the list of cyber threats keeps expanding. As technology advances—and the internet becomes ever more integrated into our daily lives—the security of our information and systems has never been more critical.

President and CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation, Jud Fisher, reflects on the foundation’s past decade of support for K-12 public schools in the heart of Muncie. With $5M+ in total funding awarded to Muncie Community Schools and Burris Laboratory School since 2014, Fisher explains the foundation’s support for the “margins of excellence.” Fisher also describes the foundation’s history of engagement with MCS during the district’s ups-and-downs.

Jud Fisher from Ball Brothers Foundation talks about recent Cybersecurity efforts, as well as a recent funding initiative in the healthcare sector.

Jud Fisher, president and CEO of the Ball Brothers Foundation, talks about recently approved grants totaling $5 million, to be donated to several projects throughout East Central Indiana.

As a foundation that supports many local nonprofit organizations, Ball Brothers Foundation has had a front row seat to see how excellent boards have transformed local organizations over the years. We strongly believe in the importance of outstanding board governance and leadership, as good boards have a profound effect on an organization's ability to serve its constituents and adapt to meet changing community needs.

Last month, Ball Brothers Foundation celebrated the release of the new White River Report Card. Like a traditional school report card, the assessment tool “grades” various factors related to the health of the river and its watershed. In this op-ed, BBF’s Jud Fisher joins others from around the state who helped contribute to the report card’s development in commenting on the results and next steps. 

Ball Brothers Foundation hosted a reception on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 to honor recipients of the foundation’s Excellence in Teaching Award. Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana’s Secretary of Education, was keynote speaker for the event. The following are Jud Fisher, President & CEO’s prepared remarks.

President & CEO of Ball Brothers Foundation, Jud Fisher, was a guest on WMUN’s “Delaware County Today Radio Show” this week.

A perspective piece by Jud Fisher

Change doesn’t happen overnight.

Change takes time and determination from an entire community. This belief is alive and well in Muncie.

Jud Fisher, BBF’s President & CEO, sat down this week to talk with Steve Lindell of WMUN about Ball Brothers Foundation’s new strategic plan, the Ball family’s continued commitment to Muncie, and several key projects that the foundation is helping to support.

In honor of Betty Brewer’s seventeen years as President & CEO of Minnetrista, BBF President & CEO Jud Fisher gave these remarks during Betty’s retirement reception on December 15, 2022.

A perspective piece by Jud Fisher

300.

That’s the astonishing number of children on waitlists at just a handful of childcare centers in Muncie, Indiana.

Since approximately 1899, Ball family members have supported higher education in East Central Indiana. In 1917, family members were the successful bidders for a defunct teachers’ college. In 1918, the Ball family deeded land, buildings, and around $1.4 million to the state of Indiana that eventually became what we now know as Ball State University. The Ball family has remained by the university’s side ever since.

It is an honor to be here today to represent my family for this historic occasion. As the president of the Ball Brothers Foundation and the chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, this is a particularly meaningful day.