A Bit of Cunning

There’s a reason why you may not hear about new enterprises planned for Mt. Morris. Sometimes, it takes years of private conversations, persuasion, and negotiation. But that doesn’t mean the Mt. Morris Economic Development Corporation (EDC) isn’t working diligently to grow and improve the community.

Our town had been without a pharmacy for 13 years when the Mt. Morris Pharmacy opened in April 2023. Unknown to all but a few EDC insiders, successfully opening a Village pharmacy had taken many years and a bit of cunning.

Former Village Clerk and future EDC director Paula Diehl had worked with a local pharmacist for years to open a branch in town, with no success. In 2016, the EDC raised funding and convinced a telepharmacy to locate here. The doors were almost ready to open when a competitor caused the telepharmacy to back out.

Frustrated, the EDC knew the next plan had to be done quietly. They researched successful multi-location pharmacies and approached Kip and Karrie Sabinson, who owned traditional pharmacies in Warren and Lanark, and telepharmacies in Elizabeth, Lena, and Polo. Several EDC members met with the Sabinsons, and they agreed Mt. Morris would be their next location.

A building uptown at 117 S. Wesley Ave. was quietly sold – but not to the Sabinsons. They currently lease the space. The original wooden floors and brick interior and exterior were carefully restored into a charming storefront. With EDC support, the Sabinsons overcame obstacles such as handicap accessibility, COVID-induced building supply shortages, and the long wait for state approval. The project was kept on the down-low for many months.

Today, thanks to the EDC, we have quick and easy access to prescriptions, immunizations, healthcare essentials, and seasonal home décor items in Mt. Morris. It’s one more reason to make my town, your town.

Click the following links for a complete listing of all our businesses, and more EDC success stories.