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.
Get PHAT at Macs of Martinsville
Angie McGregor doesn’t have to think hard to recall the toughest challenge she and husband Marvin faced as new business owners pursuing their dream to open a fitness center. “The [June] 2008 flood hit the building —only two weeks before our planned grand opening! The storm shattered the front windows, and the building filled with water.” Angie recalls shedding many tears that day when they discovered the facility knee-deep with floodwater. “That was a drastic thing to have happen at any point, let alone when your future is wrapped up in the initial investment…
Boys and Girls Club reopens amid overwhelming support
Jimmy Hurley’s first day as unit director for the Boys and Girls Club of Morgan County was December 7. The club officially re-opened its doors at their new location on Monroe Street December 20th. Though new to Mooresville, Jimmy’s connection to the club goes back five years. “I volunteered at the club in Bloomington while attending IU. It started out as part of a service learning project, and I stayed with it as a paid staff member.”
Dr. Parell offers better ways to treat your pet
In 1998, I started the St. Francis’ Pet Hospital at Kentucky Avenue and Hold road, and opened a second location in Centerton,” explained Dr. Tom Parell. “In 2002 my colleague, Doctor Richard Soughers, who operated a pet hospital in Mooresville for over 55 years, was ready to retire, partly due to complications brought on by emphysema. Doc Soughers was a beloved veterinarian in the community. Even though I had two practices, we came to a fair agreement. I purchased his practice, and helped bring about a a smooth transition for his clients.” Though officially retired, Dr. Soughers still practices in Florida, and often stops by the Morgan County hospitals to lend a hand.
Hardware store tradition continues in Morgantown
Eleven years ago, Curt and Penny Scroggins started Bear Hardware in Nashville, Indiana. They purchased the store at 129 West Washington Str. in Morgantown as their first satellite venture.