"Be involved in the community. The more people that you meet, the more doors that will open for you."

Jami Hocker is a business owner who serves on several boards, supports community efforts, and stays involved locally. When Midwest Express & Hay Grinding got its start 13 years ago, they only had one truck. Now they employ 23 full-time drivers with a fleet of 26 semis. Every season they're hauling different loads: from salt, to cattle feed, to aggregate sand, to lime spreading. Throw in a contract with the wind farm construction near Good Hope, and the company is always busy. Jami's local involvement provides a perfect example of how the personal effort can benefit your business.

Midwest Express & Hay Grinding gives back, too! We are pleased to have Jami and her company's support as an investor in the McDonough County CEO Program. Thank you for having us out for a site visit last week, and for continuing to support our young entrepreneurs!