Business View Magazine | October 2020

304 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2020 retail stores in the city core over the last several decades, the city has adapted. Ball notes, “There was a lot of visionary effort to get the college presence downtown, and then we are seeing the coffee shops and the restaurants, and seeing people who like to be able to walk places. The arts also play a significant role in that vibrancy.” With its innovative industry and education sectors, and its commitment to reusing and repurposing buildings and materials, Mount Vernon is a progressive city with small town charm. “We want to have that mixed use where we can get the trucks through town, but still be able to stop and get a sandwich, or get the bikes in town and have those folks be able to safely pass through an area with a lot of car traffic,” says Ball. With this type of thinking, Mount Vernon truly lives up to its tagline, “America’s Hometown.” PREFERRED VENDOR n Ellis Brothers, Inc. | United Aggregates Inc | CTS Inc www.ellisbros.net The Ellis family businesses have been a part of the mount Vernon community for 74 years. Starting with Ellis Brothers Ready Mixed Concrete in 1946, which is now being operated by the 3rd generation. Over the years additional companies and services have been added to compliment the Ready-Mix business. In the mid 60’s CTS was formed. Concrete Trucking Service, Inc. is a trucking company that primarily hauls sand and gravel. In 1989 United Aggregate, Inc. was formed. United Aggregates, Inc. is a sand and gravel producer with locations in Danville and Mount Vernon. UAI has diversified into demolition, stream bank erosion control, crane services, and light industrial work. One of the UAI projects was the placement of dirt at Ariel-Foundation Park, including erection of the stairs around the Rastin Observation Tower. As a family owned business, the Ellis’ have focused on their commitment to quality and are still small enough to know and care for their employees. They have made a long-term commitment to their local community and strive to support other local businesses. All 3 businesses have grown and thrive because of the passion and commitment of the owners through all 3 generations. Innovations are essential in these family owned businesses and the Ellis’ have made every effort to ensure the continued operations for the up-coming generations.