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.
Mooresville American Legion Serves Veterans and Community
The American Legion was formed in 1919 for the purpose of helping war veterans secure benefits specific to their needs and finding camaraderie amongst themselves. The Mooresville chapter, Post 103, was formed in 1997 and opened the doors of its current location in 2004.
Jackson Center comes home to Mooresville
Lara DePoy’s son Jackson has cerebral palsy — but he is fortunate, his mother is an occupational therapist. Now, thanks to the DePoys, others with cerebral palsy (CP) or other motor disabilities can get help. The DePoy family founded the Jackson Center in 2005 in rented space in Greenwood and relocated to a customized facility in Mooresville April 19, 2009.
Ozark Fisheries: A Martinsville Fish Story
“The Martinsville flood in June caused a lot of levy damage, and we lost half our crop, including half our brooders (male breeding goldfish),” said Larry Cleveland, owner of Ozark Fisheries. “Overall, this business is fairly recession-proof, but then something like that happens, and it’s a reminder that nothing is completely safe.”
Feed, seed, and so much more at the Waverly Red Barn
The Red Barn Feed and Seed carries all the popular brands of horse and farm animal feed and pasture seed for the thriving farmer’s needs. And a wide selection of domestic animal food, as well. It also carries fishing rods, fishing supplies, and live bait for the avid fishermen.