Linda Fitzgerald

By John Gifford
Publisher & Editor

Born out of a transition, Linda Fitzgerald was going through after her husband passed away, Women’s Place Network, Inc., initially had a focus of helping women to make a transition in their lives — to empower them.

It continues to do that and more.

Started in 2006, Women’s Place Network had a website by 2007, but Linda saw the need for face-to-face meetings. By February 2008 neighborhood meetings were taking place in Ohio, and by June of 2008, meetings were taking place at Greenwood, South and in Avon, Ind.

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By John Gifford
Publisher & Editor

Kim McClaran is a serial entrepreneur — mentor to business start-ups, editor of several info-marketing newsletters, and a broker between home-owners who have suffered ice and wind damage and insurance companies.

She is always on the prowl for new ways to make money. The twist in this instance is that she is putting her entrepreneurial skills to work raising money for local charitable organizations.

Kim McClaran’s idea started with her brother Kenneth saying , “I want you to see this.” It turned out that what Kenneth wanted her to see was a shiny red fire truck that had served the community of Pendleton, but was now for sale. It was in excellent condition and Kim was immediately thinking of some way to use it to generate profit.

She was able to buy it for a reasonable price and then her thoughts turned to how it might help the Mooresville area community. She conceived of the fire truck as a marketing tool that could be used by businesses to promote their openings, special customer events, or just to call attention to the company. Businesses can rent out the fire truck for their event, and their rental fee goes to supporting children’s related charities and other worthy community activities. The Fire Truck was used to put out fires — Now it will be used to start a marketing fire for companies and organizations.

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By John Gifford
Publisher & Editor

Cathy’s Barber Shop is set in a nice old house, just south of the downtown of Franklin. While I was waiting for my haircut (walk-in — though appointments are preferred), it was if I was in a relative’s house — there is a family feel to it; the smell of gingerbread cookies was in the air. A child of about 6 or 7 was having his hair cut and Cathy was asking him questions and he felt right at home in the chair. His father had gotten his haircut first. They were followed by an elderly lady helped by her daughter.  Again, Cathy made them feel right at home.

When I entered the barber chair, I was not hazed for the length and untidiness of my hair. She was understanding that since I had moved to Indiana 3 months ago I had not found a Barber Shop I felt like patronizing and so I was still doing a long-distance run to Illinois about every 6 weeks. She said that it’s like finding a new doctor after a move – you have to feel comfortable with your barber and confident in them.

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