The Commerce Center is named after Jess Helsel who has served as the President of the Washington County Economic Growth Partnership, Inc. since its inception nearly ten years ago.

Jess spent his working life serving in managerial positions in manufacturing. He operated his own companies since the late 1950’s. Two plants in Washington County were founded by him. He is experienced in international trade having started the first powder metallurgy plant in Mexico in 1957. Later activities included a joint venture in Brazil and operations of plants in Canada and Italy. He was selected by then Indiana Governor Robert Orr to accompany him to China for a study of the auto industry.

A believer in public service, he chaired the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and is a Life Director. He also chaired the Indiana Manufacturers Association and served nine years on the State Board of Trustees, IVY Tech State College. Jess is currently a Board Member on the Indiana State-wide Certified Development Corporation.

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