About Us
Get to know us
About Destination: Muncie
OUR MISSION
Destination: Muncie works tirelessly to enhance the economy and quality of life of the Muncie/ Delaware County by collaboratively leading the marketing and promotion of the region’s attractions, cultural assets, and outdoor as a magnet for people from around the world.
OUR VISION
Muncie and Delaware County will be known and respected for offering extensive, unique, one-of-a-kind experiences that entertain and educate in one of the best towns in the U.S.
Muncie:
The place
we call home.
Our vibrant community offers a spectacle of fantastic, world-class opportunities to experience whatever your passion may be. When setting foot in our Delaware County you will quickly realize, first-hand, the true meaning of “Hoosier Hospitality. “Here, you will soon discover a new favorite getaway destination. Lasting memories are created here, and our inclusive attitudes will please and excite any traveler.
Let us help you plan your next visit… We are happy to help!
Did you know?
MUNCIE ICONS
Bob Ross
Bob Ross, the artist famous for painting “happy little trees,” filmed his captivating half-hour show inside a historic home in Muncie in the 80s. With his soothing voice and effortless brushstrokes, Bob Ross inspired many across the world to embrace the joy of painting. Now a part of Minnetrista’s campus, the historic home has been transformed into an immersive museum exhibit that transports visitors to where the magic happened.
Jim Davis & Garfield
Jim Davis, the mastermind behind the global phenomenon that is Garfield comics, embarked on his artistic journey at Ball State University. It was here that Davis fine-tuned his artistic skills, setting the stage for the creation of the lasagna-loving, Monday-hating, iconic orange cat we all adore.
Visit over a dozen unique statues of America’s favorite fat cat created during Garfield’s 25th birthday celebration located throughout the community.
David Letterman
David Letterman, the well-known late-night talk show host, began honing his craft at Ball State University. As a student, Letterman showcased his unique wit by playing the worst songs imaginable and creating fake news stories for his college radio gig. Little did the university and Muncie know, it was fostering the talents of a future icon in the world of television.
Learn more about the David Letterman Learning Experience at Ball State University
Meet the team
LaShanta Vaughn knows Muncie as few do. No one has presented Muncie more than she has in the last five years through her roles in managing and leading the Horizon Convention Center sales efforts . She’s a true industry professional with an additional decade of experience in tourism in central Indiana.
Additionally, LaShanta knows how to lead teams and drive win-win scenarios. Her love for Muncie is second only to her desire to help her clients succeed, which has always motivated her most.
Whether you are looking for a memorable place to bring your convention or event, or just taking an overnight with friends for a one-of-a-kind art experience, or a great bike or hike, LaShanta will connect you with exactly what “you’ve got to see” in Muncie and Delaware County.
LaShanta is a married mother of two and granddaughter of one, whom she just taught her favorite hobby, roller skating.
Most importantly, LaShanta is authentic and down to earth, as evidenced by her favorite quote- “Life is like a piano. The white keys represent happy days, and the black keys represent the sad ones. Remember, that you need both to make music.”
Lori could tell you a story about nearly everything on this website, and would tell them all with a smile.
She was born and raised in nearby Yorktown and comes from a large family, most of whom reside right here in Delaware County.
When she is not golfing with her husband, she is swimming, reading, painting or hiking the mixed use trails with her Husky Eskimo/Shiba Enu puppies in the Red Tail Conservancy area of the reservoir.
Lori’s favorite saying is “You are never too old to learn something new,” and she has demonstrated that throughout her life as a student at Ivy Tech and Ball State University, as well as in her career that has included stints in sales, marketing, management, and entrepreneurship.
Lori has two children, two grandchildren and is expecting her second great grandchild.
Lena Reid is a team player with an eye for detail. As a small business owner, she has developed a wide spectrum of skills, including digital marketing and content creation which make her perfect in her role with Destination: Muncie.
Lena has also been a key player in the ongoing development of Muncie’s Madjax Maker Force, a downtown collaboration of employers and educators that facilitates entrepreneurial development. She has handled event management and community engagement while curating social media posts and graphic design.
Because of our area’s incredible natural resources, Lena and her family spend lots of time together camping, especially at Prairie Creek Reservoir, where they have a seasonal site. Lena also volunteers with Muncie Civic Theatre, which has developed a national reputation for excellence.
Lena lives by Eleanor Roosevelt’s quote, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
The job description of Business Manager for Destination: Muncie must have had Joni Beymer in mind.
In addition to a long stint in a similar role at the Horizon Convention Center where she handled numerous financial, human resources and administrative roles, she has run her own business and loves the Muncie community.
Joni studied Business Administration at Ivy Tech and continues to better herself by taking classes at Shafer Leadership Academy and by being a member of the East Central Indiana Human Resources Association. She also graduated from the Academy of Community Leadership in 2012.
Joni partakes of Muncie’s great outdoor assets like the Cardinal Greenway and Prairie Creek Reservoir before enjoying Muncie feasts at places like Pizza King, Puerta Vallarta and Greek’s in the Village.
She carries herself in a manner that is consistent with her favorite quote, “What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness.
Jeff Neff is more than just a fun name to say. He’s a perfect and fun fit for marketing Destination: Muncie.
After growing up in Yorktown and becoming an Eagle Scout, he went on to Ball State, where he not only graduated with honors, but he also was a cheerleader. Early in his career, he helped manage one of Muncie’s most historic and famous watering holes, The Chug, before going on to become the Marketing Manager at Harrah’s Hoosier Park, where he led social media and advertising efforts to develop the brand and promote events.
Jeff and his dog Hugh are big fans of kayaking the White River, local farmers markets and Bruce’s Pizza at the Heorot.
Board of Directors
Jarod Walls – President
Nick Papandria – Vice President
Dillon Carpenter – Treasurer
Sally Piper – Secretary
Patty Goddard
Heidi Hale
Kenneth Reed
Yolanda Taylor
Ashley Wright
Media Kit
Destination: Muncie is funded partially by the revenue brought in by businesses like yours who decide to partner with us. Interested in writing a story or need photos? Contact us at marketing@visitmuncie.org.Advertising
Interested in advertising opportunities? Contact our Marketing Department at marketing@visitmuncie.org.
Grants
Destination: Muncie supplies grants for programs for Delaware County businesses that focus on driving tourism, community engagement, and economic development.