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.
Power Impact
Evolving federal regulations, especially in highly regulated industries like energy and utilities, mean that change is inevitable. Nowhere is that truer than at the Indiana Power and Light (IPL) Eagle Valley Power Plant in Martinsville.
People, Process & Passion
Growing up with the Hubler name, Greg Hubler had lots of mentors and role models in the care business. But the entrepreneurial roots run deep for Greg and his wife, Heidi, the co-owners of Greg Hubler Chevrolet on the edges of Camby and Mooresville.
Building a strong foundation on faith and family
Having a career he is passionate about, serving the Lord, and raising a young family has helped to set Josh Smalling on a solid foundation as he climbs the ladder of success as the “next generation” in the construction industry.
Banking on the local citizens
There really is nothing more Main Street than a local community bank.
A community bank focuses their attention and services on local small businesses in their efforts to grow and on residents as they purchase homes, set aside savings and build security for their financial future.