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.
No Crisis at The Peoples State Bank!
A community bank with roots in South Central Indiana and branches in nine counties, People’s State Bank was founded in 1904. According to Juli Magness, “Because People’s Bank never entered into sub-prime lending, the banking crisis never affected us. We remain safe and secure due to sound management decisions that kept us away from the problems that are hurting so many banks of the industry.”
Water to Wine Water turns service to success
Water to Wine Catering stands as an inspirational success story in defiance of those who say you shouldn’t chase your dreams during an economic upheaval. Brad and Ellen Nicholson started Water to Wine Catering to help with events for their local church. When the floods hit Martinsville, Brad and Ellen rushed to help, with remarkable self-sacrifice.
Budget Blinds Treats Your Windows Right
Randy Dougherty retired from banking after 33 years. “I grew up in Datyon, Ohio, and moved to Columbus; then my position with the bank brought me to Indianapolis,” explained Dougherty. “My career was in check operations. I processed, validated, – and investigated any concerns in regards to checks on behalf on the bank, and our customers.”
High Tech Tradition in Mooresville
When Tim Coon purchased Indiana Machine Works (IMW) in 2005, the Mooresville-established manufacturing company had a reputation for excellence spanning over sixty years. The company was created in 1943 as a subsidiary of LABECO (Laboratory Equipment Corp) for their production of automotive and aerospace testing machines.