Jim Hess
Jim Hess has been owner and publisher of the Morgan County Business Leader since 2011 and owner and publisher of the Town Planner Community Calendar since 2008. In both businesses Jim aspires to connect, promote and support the local small business community. As a successful small business owner himself, he knows the challenges entrepreneurs face, the thrill of achievements reached, and the appreciation felt for support and encouragement. That understanding, along with his mission of building relationships, is reflected in the purpose and pages of his publications. Jim’s success began when he graduated from Olivet Nazarene University and embarked on a career with Northwest Airlines. While there, he received numerous awards for his work including the 2003 President’s Award for Employee Support and Inspiration. Several years later, he accepted a position in the manufacturing industry where he was tasked to manage corporate relationships with many different entities ranging from the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. to employee relations. Jim continually strives to contribute to the business community through his participation in civic organizations such as the Mooresville Chamber of Commerce where he has served as both vice president and president. Jim can be reached at jim@morgancountybusinessleader.com.
Elaine Whitesides
Elaine Whitesides brings a unique perspective to her position as writer for the Morgan County Business Leader. With an extensive background in real estate finance and the restaurant industries, she understands the corporate and business perspective of small business owners and entrepreneurs. As an elementary school educator, she has the skills to take the complex and make it simple and clear. As a writer, she loves nothing more than to tie all the information about an enterprise up into a story that reflects not only the business, but the business owner as well. Elaine held management positions for First Financial Savings and Loan and Inland Mortgage Corporation, a division of Inland Real Estate, before obtaining her teaching credentials. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, both from National Louis University. After leaving the education field in 2003, Elaine pursued her interest in writing. It evolved into a business, Whitesides Words, LLC, which she has owned and operated since 2009.
Giving Back in a ‘Big O’ Way
On the Big O Tires Facebook page wall, dated January 2011, reads a message posted by the Mooresville Chamber of Commerce that reads, “Thank you Big O Tires Mooresville for being our lunch sponsor for over 5 years!” For the past three years, at least, the Chamber monthly luncheons are attended by over 100 members, with caterers serving up hot meals at the Jones Crossing Banquet Center. Thanks to the efforts of Dave Doyle, owner of Big O Tires in Mooresville and Plainfield, Chamber members and guests out-of-pocket contributions have held steady at $5 per person for several years.
Economy Heating and Air Conditioning keeps the workmanship and the integrity all in the family
Jerry Woods started Economy Heating and Air Conditioning out of his home on the southwest side of Indy in 1976. He moved the family to Mooresville in 1980. Today, over 30 years later, Jerry’s sons Jeff and Jod have grown the family business into a second generation success story built on a foundation of quality workmanship, reliable products, and—what they value most—a reputation for dealing honestly and fairly with their customers.
Building a reputation on outstanding quality and customer service
“We’ve been in business for over 20 years, and for most of that time, we’ve sustained ourselves through positive word of mouth and referrals,” said Mike Kirsch, founder of M. T. Kirsch Construction Company. “Our reputation is the pride of our business. We have learned how to function productively in the current environment and make every dollar count.”
Duke Energy Makes ‘Plugging In’ to Morgan County Top Priority
On a cold and snowy January 24, 2011, Steve Bahr of Duke Energy arrived at Martinsville City Hall to present a check to Mayor Phil Deckard for $10,000. The money was officially rewarded to the not-for-profit organization Rediscover Historic Martinsville, and earmarked to fund the installation of four power boxes and outlet strips, one at each “corner” of the city square. The outlets, once installed, will provide electricity and more convenient access to power outlets during special events downtown, most notably the Fall Foliage Festival.