First Full-Time Leader For Sustainable Muncie Corp.
Sustainable Muncie Corp. has announced its first full-time director. Ashlee Bane, who previously served as executive director at the Muncie YMCA, will lead the organization that operates Madjax Muncie Maker Force in the former Cintas building.
She succeeds John Fallon, who served in the role on a part-time basis and helped raise around half of the approximately $2 million in initial costs for Madjax.
"The projects in place, specifically Madjax, will provide opportunity, culture, and empowerment for individuals to grow as a community," Bane said. "It’s exciting to see what Sustainable Muncie Corp. has put in motion thus far and I’m proud to be a part of it. I’m thankful to work for an organization that mirrors my passion for our community to thrive."
She will help with initial launch fundraising for additional features of the makerspace, including solar, water capture, heating and cooling efficiency and facade work.
Board chair Michael Wolfe says "all of the funding we are seeking are the startup funds for the initiative. This program will operate itself sustainably after starting operation. We have no desire for it to be a burden on local resources. The goal is in fact that it is creating something for the community and giving back, not taking from it."
Tribune Show Print and The Guardian Brewing Co. have already announced plans to locate to the space. The organization says "several additional tenants close on their heels."
Madjax includes 85,000 square feet and announced a name change in June from GearBox: Muncie – A Maker Hub.