Center Grove Community Newsletter - 2012-10

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2012 business edition

AtCenterGrove.com

Community Newslet ter

October 2012

Center Grove Businesses in the Spotlight

pages

16-24

M aking Geek

Geek in Pink a Shining Local Success Story

Regina Miller Owner of Geek in Pink computer repair Photo by Amanda DeBusk

A part of the TownePost.com Network of Hyper Local Newsletters

Every moment is a gift

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centergrove Community Newslet ter

contents

Publisher: Dann Veldkamp Dann@AtCenterGrove.com (317) 345-9510

4 Publisher’s Welcome

Sales Manager: Jody Veldkamp Jody@AtCenterGrove.com (317) 507-4334

5 The Gardening Nana:

29 Making ¢ents:

Cutting the Cord: Cable Not the Umbilical Cord

by Dann Veldkamp

by Kate Rhoten

Bulb Planting Time!

Accounting: Jeanne Britt Jeanne@AtCenterGrove.com

30 Word Search: Occupations

by Nancy Craig

Publisher, TownePost Network: Tom Britt Tom@AtCenterGrove.com

6 Center Grove Pet Rescue

by Dann Veldkamp

8 A Trip Down North Madison

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 36097 Indianapolis, IN 46236-0097 Phone: (317) 823-5060 Fax: (317) 536-3030

by Ann Craig-Cinnamon

10

The Center Grove Community Newsletter is published by Britt Interactive, LLC and written for and by local Center Grove area residents.

Newsletters are distributed via direct mail to nearly 14,000 Center Grove area homeowners and businesses each month. For more information, visit www.AtCenterGrove.com.

Flying to Fight Diabetes

by Tonya Talley

12

Making Geek Chic

by Ann Craig-Cinnamon

26 Toast of the Town

by Jody Veldkamp

28 Chamber of Commerce 2012

October 2012 Vol. 1, No. 7

by Lucy Stravers

Business Spotlight 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

Mosquito Squad Pinnacle Voice & Data Systems Easy Street Insurance, Inc. Servicemaster by Westphal Rick Chambers Agency Horton’s Mechanical & HVAC Ameriprise Financial Pinocchio’s Ice Cream Spotlight Strategies

Miniature Golf Classic

-2+1 35,&( KDV ZRUNHG KDUG IRU \RX DW WKH &RXQW\ /HYHO -2+1 35,&( KDV ZRUNHG KDUG IRU \RX DW WKH &RXQW\ /HYHO John Price has worked hard for you at the county Level....

-2+1 35,&( KDV ZRUNHG KDUG IRU \RX DW WKH &RXQW\ /HYHO -2+1 35,&( KDV ZRUNHG KDUG IRU \RX DW WKH &RXQW\ /HYHO he will work hard for you at the indiana State house! Please VoTe +H ZLOO ZRUN KDUG IRU \RX DW WKH ,QGLDQD 6WDWH +RXVH +H ZLOO ZRUN KDUG IRU \RX DW WKH ,QGLDQD 6WDWH +RXVH +H ZLOO ZRUN KDUG IRU \RX DW WKH ,QGLDQD 6WDWH +RXVH +H ZLOO ZRUN KDUG IRU \RX DW WKH ,QGLDQD 6WDWH +RXVH for John Price, indiana State representative, District 47!

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Paid for by the Committee To Elect John Price State Representative District 47 PLWWHH 7R (OHFW -RKQ 3ULFH 6WDWH 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH 'LVWULFW 3DLG IRU E\ 7KH &RPPLWWHH 7R (OHFW -RKQ 3ULFH 6WDWH 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH 'LVWULFW

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October 2012 |

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3

When’s the last time you visited Dr. Lori?

If it’s been more than a year, call today!

Call 317-528-9380 & PRESS “2” to schedule your appointment.

Dr. Lori Davidson 1340 E. County Line Rd, Suite W Indianapolis, IN 46227 Next to Community Hospital South Accepting new patients

Publisher’s Welcome

By Dann Veldkamp Business is the lifeblood of a community.

This month, we put the spotlight on businesses in Center Grove and those who provide service to our community. Our cover story on Geek in Pink demonstrates how success can grow from using your skills in new ways in difficult times. Our Business Spotlight feature highlights exceptional businesses from Pinocchio’s, which offers superior ice cream, to the technical expertise of Pinnacle Voice and Data. Each of the featured businesses offers products or services that enhance your life. We also introduce you to the wide variety of businesses on North Madison in Greenwood.

Life is not all business. Center Grove Pet Rescue & Orphanage helps find homes for cats and dogs that might not otherwise have a family. Also read about how members of a radiocontrolled model plane club have contributed over $100,000 to the American Diabetes Association.

Finally, do not miss our regular features on gardening, finance and, for fun, a word puzzle. cg

n A c i r e m A All k c A h S r e G r u B

Great burgers, hand dipped milk shakes and more!

Stop by for lunch, Dinner, and Before or After the game – Go TrojAnS!

noW oPen! olive Branch & Sr 135 • (317) 215-4192 4

center grove communit y

news l etter | October 2012

the

gardening Nana

By Nancy Craig

Bulb Planting Time!

What’s a Dibber Bulb Planter?

Boys like to dig in the dirt; my great nephews had the best time when living on the farm where they had their very own digging hole, just for the fun of it. Last month they helped me plant mums at the farm on their great grandpa’s patio. Max at eight years old is much stronger at digging than his Nana, I had a hard time keeping up with him, then Eli at six years old, tries to keep up with his brother and again Nana had to move fast to keep them interested. After all, we were planting flowers when it is much more fun to just dig!

Next we will do a different kind of digging as we plant bulbs and dig up bulbs – plant bulbs for spring flowering and dig up bulbs like cannas to store inside over the winter. When I think of spring bulbs I remember my days in Holland and the joys of seeing the famous Keukenhof garden where the Dutch bulb growers show off the amazing spring flower beds in a park like setting. This October they will be planting “over more than 7 million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.” (www.keukenhof.nl) We won’t be planting on that scale! Besides getting inspiration from gardens around the world I love the book, The WellDesigned Mixed Garden: Building Beds and Borders with Trees, Shrubs, Perennials, Annuals, and Bulbs by Tracy DiSabatoAust, which like the title suggests shows how to combine all kinds of plants from trees to bulbs. Also, see her web site (www.tracylive.com) for lots of interesting garden info.

A “dibber” is a pointed hand tool that you use to poke a hole in the ground to plant bulbs. I actually have never used mine and

Planting fall bulbs is a wonderful way to enjoy early spring flowers, such as hyacinths, tulips and daffodils.

don’t think it is the best tool for the boys to use, it looks like a weapon! I have worn out a few other traditional style bulb planters which only make one hole at a time but have decided that a spade or shovel works better and easier for the boys to use.

Since we plant the bulbs in drifts or at least groups of three the single bulb digger isn’t fast enough!

Along my front walk I have several grape hyacinths & daffodils and the boys & I are going to plant some Fritillaria Imperialis ‘Aurora’ bulbs. This flower is called the imperial crown but they look like carrots hanging down from pineapple leaves. It is also called “The Big Stinker”, since it has “skunky” odor which repels rodents. The first time I planted some I thought it meant it would keep moles & voles away from my gardens but it just means that the unpleasant smell keeps the rodents from eating the bulbs. Oh well, one can dream.

Just remember to plant the bulbs with the pointy end up! cg Nancy’s love of flower gardening intensified while living in Holland and was perfected with Master Gardener courses.

eleCt

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for Center Grove SChool Board

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October 2012 |

RobforCGboard.com atCenterGrove.com

5

Center Grove Pet Rescue

By Dann Veldkamp | Photos by Amanda Veldkamp We’ve all seen them on television: The sad pictures of unwanted cats and dogs, followed by a heart-tugging request for donations.

Sending money to help is good. However, adopting a pet is even better. Now, you can do that right here. The mission of Center Grove Pet Rescue & Orphanage (CGPR&O) is “Connecting People and Pets for the Mutual Enrichment of Life.” We visited this business near the intersection of State Road 135 and Stones Crossing Road to learn more.

Stephanie and Robert Morrison own a trio of business all in the same location. It started in 2006 with a dog grooming service.

Then, last year they hired a veterinarian and developed their rescue service. While smaller than some other county facilities, since they opened last November they have placed over 50 cats and dogs. Their focus is on small- to medium-sized dogs and cats, generally keeping a selection of four to eight cats and about four dogs.

Adopting a cat or dog is not as simple as walking in and picking one out of a cage. Stephanie says they are as concerned about the home that the animal is going to as they are about the animal itself. They discuss the compatibility of the selected animal with any other pets that may be in the home. They require a contract stating that if the adoptive family is unable to keep the cat or dog for some reason that they return it to CGPR&O for placement with another family.

The animal may not be given or sold to a third party, and the animal cannot be taken to a shelter. While the adoption fees are non-refundable, CGPR&O will reclaim the animal if the contract is not met.

Most of the animals come from other shelters, such as those in Shelby and Morgan Counties. Since Center Grove Pet Rescue does not euthanize their animals, they are truly rescuing these adorable pets. Each is hand selected to be a good family pet.

As with any responsible pet shelter, your new pet will be spayed or neutered. We certainly don’t need more unwanted animals. CGPR&O also makes sure the animal has the first two rounds of vaccines and the required rabies shots.

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center grove communit y

news l etter |

The initial consultation provides an overview of financial William.D.Robertson@ampf.com planning concepts. You will not receive written analysis and/or Ameriprise Financial Services, Member FINRA and SIPC. recommendations.

Ameriprise Financial Inc. Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC. Confident Retirement is not The initialaThe consultation provides anprovides overview ofoverview financial ©of2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All an rights reserved. of financial initial consultation guarantee future financial results.

AmeripriseYou Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA planning concepts. will not receive written analysis and/or © 2012 Ameriprise Financial, Inc.You All rights planning willreserved. not written analysis and/or and SIPC.concepts.

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If you have a pet that you can no longer care for, CGPR&O is there to help. You can e-mail a picture of the animal you are trying to place to centergroveac@aol.com with “admittance application photo” as the subject line of the e-mail. Remember to include the name of the pet in the text of your e-mail so that they can quickly identify which picture goes with your admittance application.

If you are interested in adopting a pet, you can visit their PetFinder page at PetFinder.com/shelters/IN568.html, or call 317-535-8387. Pets are available for viewing Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday by appointment.

CGPR&O is located just south of Smith Valley Road on the east side of State Road 135, just before Stones Crossing Road.

The animal rescue is located inside the Center Grove Animal Clinic and behind U Dirty Dawg Grooming, Boarding & Doggie Daycare. cg Stephanie Morrison shows a terrier mix puppy that’s up for adoption.

KinderCare Center Grove 980 South SR 135, 46143 317-882-7775

KinderCare (135 & County Line Rd) 25 Country Woods Drive, 46217 317-882-4955 NAEYC Accredited We accept CCDF, NACCRA, United Way funding sources

Infant - Preschool - School Age (before & after school) October 2012 |

atCenterGrove.com

7

By Ann Craig-Cinnamon Indianapolis has Mass Ave. New York has its SoHo district and Tribecca Area. (SoHo stands for South of Houston St. and Tribecca stands for Triangle below Canal St.) Most cities have at least one unique area that has its own distinctive flavor and eclectic shops and restaurants. And Greenwood is no different. We just haven’t named it anything trendy. So we hereby propose “No-Mad” (short for North Madison Ave.) for that strip that runs from Main St. all the way to Fry Road and which certainly has its own character with a quirky mix of shops and eateries. On No-Mad you can have your hair done, dine Italian and look into a crystal ball all within walking distance of each other. In fact, there are also places where you can sell your coins and ink your loins. There is something for everyone on No-Mad. Here we offer a pictorial of some of the interesting places to check out on Greenwood’s No-Mad. cg 8

center grove communit y

news l etter | October 2012

H e a rtSpa

Vi n o Vi l la

ce

Located in a 100 year old home, HeartSpace sells gifts for the heart and soul and even does hypnosis and readings.

Si m ply H a n dm a

de

Gift and jewelry shop that sells items that are...well, handmade.

l a t r at t or

ia

Italian Restaurant & SteakHouse Popular Greenwood restaurant serving Italian food and steaks.

EnjoyNew fine business wine & appetizers on North in an upstairs bistro, or purchase wine Madison serving Fine Wine &and gourmet cheese downstairs gourmet cheeses in a 100in this old 100 renovated year old home. year home.

Sa S S a f r a

terat

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The classic sewing machine says it all. Ironically, it’s not located on Main St.

coin index/Body Y taog

l o c k S Sa l o n & Spa

Full service florist in business since 1984. Flower Market offers the fine floral arrangements and gifts.

One of several salons along No-Mad, Locks is located in a small building behind La Trattoria Italian Restaurant.

wi n c H e S t e r

S

Lunch and Tea Room in a Georgian Colonial house that was built in the early 1900’s for the town doctor.

main St. al

f l ow e r m a rket

kgoeh rSa mtaat to

p l ac e

Historic property that serves as a venue for private parties, meetings, weddings, and other special events.

nNatural cConce

ptSs S alon

Natural Concepts Salon & Day Spa was one of the first –“go to” places on North Madison Ave.

take root cou

ntry

Store

Owner Jackie Eanes says Madison Avenue is a growing area that is good for everyone’s business.

fa r m e r S m arke

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Village Shoppes provides a Farmer’s Market in front of the Flower Market on No-Mad.

oS

A Buy husband wifecoins owned & selland your and restaurant forIndex. its artistry gold at known the Coin Body inTaggers sushi presentation.

Rave Tattoos specializes reviews from local sushi lovers. in body art and piercing.

A look north on Madison Avenue at the Village Shoppes which includes many shops and businesses in charming, 100 year old buildings.

October 2012 |

atCenterGrove.com

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Flying to Fight

Diabetes

By Tonya Talley

Ailerons, rudders and elevators squeaked to the compliance checks. The motors revved and the wheels rolled. The 27th Bob Gasiorowski Memorial Radio-Control Model Fly-In for the American Diabetes Association (ADA) was in high gear.

Sponsored by the Indianapolis R/C South, tri-planes, bi-planes, WWI and WWII bombers, gliders, jets and helicopters – both gas powered and electric models – lined the runway to take part in the Gasiorowski.

The club members made the September 15th event a wonderful experience for the whole family. “None of this could have happened without each of the dedicated volunteers who tirelessly show up year after year,” explained President Jerry Bunner.

The Miller family enjoyed the air show.

Three-year-old Ian liked the loopty-loops.

In watching these men fly, you get the sense there is a true camaraderie with their flying.

“It’s not just the flying that is enjoyable about our club,” said Center Grove resident Jerry McRoberts. “It’s the fellowship and a sense of community that comes from the activity.”

Roaming Rike field with McRoberts, I could see what he meant by his comment. This club is very helpful and always willing to answer questions.

On one occasion I met Bob Condra, an 87-year-old R/C pilot, who enjoys flying in community contests. And, if you stay and sit a spell, you will realize why he does. He’s good. He makes difficulty maneuvers look easy. But his true passion is designing his own aircraft. His creative capability has allowed him to assist other pilots who want to make a plane from scratch.

Jim Eudaley, another veteran pilot, began his aeronautic dreams when flying a control-line as a boy. He, along with other club members, now uses their training to teach Cub Scouts to fly models.

When Center Grove resident Mike Alexa came to learn about R/C airplanes, McRoberts taught him to fly. McRoberts used the buddy box system, which works like a driver’s education car. If a crash seems inevitable, control of the radio is taken back by the teacher. “The transmitter buddy box took the fear of crashing out of the picture. It allowed me to learn with

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news l etter | October 2012

Children rush the runway looking for candy dropped from an R/C plane (inset).

confidence, without discouraging mishaps,” said Alexa.

how to build and fly their own electric foam plane.

“As electric models have evolved, it has become easier to teach children how to fly,” said member Doug Gifford. The club recently joined Gifford in helping several 4-H members learn

To date the Gasiorowski has raised over $100,000 for the ADA. Roaming around the outskirts of the field, looking at all the members I had met, it didn’t surprise me to see all of them working for the ADA cause. McRoberts was right. This club isn’t just about airplanes.

I left the event with Bunner’s comment in my thoughts: “Maybe we as modelers can’t make a huge difference in this fight against diabetes but at least on this one day we can do a little. It’s a start and we are honored to participate.”

For more information on flying R/C airplanes or helicopters, visit www.indyrcsouth.org. cg Tonja Talley has called Center Grove home since 1993. An 11year bi-lateral lung transplant survivor, Tonja enjoys speaking on behalf of the Indiana Organ Procurement Organization.

She also volunteers for the CF Foundation, byTavi, and her church.

Center Grove resident, Jerry McRoberts, readying his plane for flight.

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Market Place

E. Main St.

Smith Valley Rd.

Ave. dison S. Ma

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October 2012 |

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11

M aking Geek

By Ann Craig-Cinnamon | Photos by Amanda D e Busk

T

he Webster Dictionary definition of the word geek certainly doesn’t fit self-proclaimed “Geek in Pink” Regina Miller. She is the polar opposite of the stereotypical nerdy guy with tape on his glasses and a shirt with a pocket protector who lives in his mother’s basement.

Although she is certainly knowledgeable about computers, she has broken the mold on geekdom. She has broken the mold in many other areas, too.

Let’s start with the fact that she’s a woman in what is normally considered a man’s domain: Computers. And she got there in quite an interesting way, too. After graduating from Southport High School early and then going on to Franklin College, she crammed all the classes she could into her course load and graduated at the young age of 19 with a degree in Business Administration and Spanish. The plan was to follow the footsteps of her father in international manufacturing. One little thing got in the way: A baby. Regina married her high school sweetheart at 18 and had her first child at 19. She says it was being broke that led her to learn how to repair computers. It was the 1990s, and personal computers were still a bit of a novelty. Her father taught her to add memory to her computer and before she knew it, she was taking her computer apart and putting it back together again.

“It’s amazing what broke will teach you to do” she laughs.

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But computers, jobs, and business took a back seat to family for many years for Regina. Her husband, Ed, a 22-year Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer who is now a sergeant in the southeast district after spending eight years in homicide, supported the family while she stayed home, had another child, and wrote a book. The book entitled “Don’t Pay Retail: Indiana’s Discount Buying Guide” was inspired by her conservative, frugal nature. Before she could promote it, though, tragedy struck her family. Regina’s second child died of SIDS and she realigned her priorities. She had another baby and then, afraid that something terrible could happen again, they decided to have a third child so that there would never be the chance of having an only child.

However, once again going against the norm, Regina had not one, not two babies; she had triplets. That is, obviously, a rare occurrence under any circumstances, but extremely rare when fertility drugs aren’t involved, as in her case. So, within a matter of a few years Regina’s family had grown to seven.

Her acumen for fixing computers grew, too, and she was gaining a reputation for her abilities. One night in 2005 at about 11:00 p.m., there was a knock on her door. She opened it to find a man and woman holding their sick computer. Someone at Office Depot who only had Regina’s address had referred them to her and they were desperate to recover data that they feared was

“It’s amazing what broke will teach you to do.”

– Regina Miller

October 2012 |

atCenterGrove.com

13

“What I wanted in the name was to relay a friendly, open resolution to your technology problems.”

– Regina Miller gone for good. Regina worked a minor miracle and was able to recover the data for them. That was the pivotal moment she points to that made her decide to start her business. She had been repairing computers free for people because she loved to do it. But that had to change. She says, “I had so many people coming to me at that point that the business pretty much started itself just because I couldn’t continue to take time away from the family and not give the family something back in return.” So over a bottle of wine during Labor Day weekend, 2005, Regina came up with “Geek in Pink” and her business was born. “What I wanted in the name was to relay a friendly, open resolution to your technology problems.” Ed suggested the more staid

sounding name of “Miller Computer Associates” but Regina says that meant nothing to her. “It came down to me trying to find a word that would imply technology and a word that would imply females,” she says. She even designed her own logo making “Geek in Pink” uniquely hers.

She started with herself as the only employee, and a drop-off spot in Greenwood. Today, she has six employees including herself. She recently moved to the Sugar Grove Shoppes next to Hampton’s Market on Smith Valley Road, and she has a drop-off location in Fishers. She is about ready to reopen a storefront in Fishers. She closed the previous site when she realized that most of her north side business was being conducted at the customer’s location.

Geek in Pink has grown phenomenally. Her business has doubled every year since opening in 2005, except for 2010 when her business tripled. She’s been approached to consider franchising the model and she is actively pursuing that possibility, hoping to make Center Grove the world headquarters for a large “Geek in Pink” corporation. The name is trademarked, and she has done a great job of branding it.

Her success did not come easily. Not only has it required sacrifice and long hours away from family, but also as a “girl” in a man’s world, she has had to prove herself. She says in the beginning she would get calls from women and arrive at their home to find husbands that were dismissive of her abilities. Once she proved herself by fixing their problem, they often referred her to their businesses and that helped Geek in Pink take off in another direction. Tech repair is still a man’s world, which is evidenced by the fact that only one percent of all her job applicants are women. She’s doing her part to change that by teaching classes and doing career days in schools and at Central Nine Career Center.

Four of her six employees are women; but she says she hires the most qualified applicant, regardless of their gender.

Regina compares her and her Geek in Pink techs to appliance technicians because they can do things like set up gaming and stereo systems and even reprogram garage door openers. She tells a story about a woman who called her to set up security on her computer to protect her from a husband against whom she had a protective order. While there, it came up that the woman had not reprogrammed her garage door opener and was going to call someone to do it. Regina, who charges by the hour, told her she could do that for her while she was there at no extra charge. As she pulled away, Regina says the woman was jumping up and down in the driving

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center grove communit y

news l etter | October 2012

meet The Geek in pink techs

Toni McClara

Austin Hillman

Cody Muir

Amanda DeBusk

Adam Roberts

yelling, “Go Geek in Pink, you go!” That still makes Regina beam. “I try not to focus on the girl part, but it made me feel good that she felt empowered by what I was able to do,” she proudly says.

Regina Miller is the epitome of the classic American success story. She did build it.

She built a small business with her own hands and hard work and smarts. She overcame tragedy and put her family first.

In addition, perhaps the most amazing thing of all, she and Ed have defied the odds about marrying at such a young age and have stayed together for twentythree years. She calls that their proudest achievement and says it all comes down to respect. “I think we have always been mindful of the risk factors we face for divorce. We married young. Had children young. He’s a cop. We suffered the death of a child. I come from divorced parents.

All of these are very high risk factors for divorce. We just deal with the issues as they arise and recognize marriage is a very dynamic institution, and if we want to grow in our relationship we have to adapt to those dynamics.” Adapt or break the mold. Either way, Regina has done it and done it well. cg Ann Craig-Cinnamon is a 30 year Radio & TV Broadcast veteran.

You may recall her as the host of popular radio morning shows in Indianapolis for many years. She and her husband, John are also business owners. Her lifelong love of world travel led them to start a travel franchise, CruiseOne, in Center Grove. Ann is a writer, travel speaker and author of an upcoming book about her time spent living in Iran.

Portfolio management services for individuals and institutions.

317-261-1900 Not FDIC Insured

No Bank Guarantee

www.dmdcap.com May Lose Value

© 2012 Diamond Capital Management

October 2012 |

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business spotlight

Mosquito Squad 317-771-6997 http://east-indy.mosquitosquad.com

This Center Grove home has three mosquito control challenges; water, trees and a large area.

Stop the bite: Reclaim your outdoor living space

By Katelyn Bausman Are you one of those people that mosquitoes seem to love? Join the club. I’m often told mosquitoes love me because I’m so sweet. Well that’s nice, but it doesn’t make going outside enjoyable when you’re the hunted.

Mosquito Squad to the rescue!

Ken Frost runs the Indianapolis franchise, an outstanding service award-winning company dedicated exclusively to controlling the annoying outdoor pests that transmit disease and ruin your backyard experience.

Generally a nuisance, mosquitoes and ticks can carry dangerous diseases including West Nile virus and Lyme disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that

y outdoor living: The 5 T ’s to enjo mosquito

nearly 300,000 Americans have been infected with West Nile since it arrived in the U.S. in 1999. With the unusually hot and dry summer we’ve had, Indiana has seen three deaths this year from the virus, two in Marion County alone.

Ken suggests simple steps to prevent mosquito-borne illness: use repellents containing DEET and wear long sleeves and pants.

Mosquito season typically lasts from April to October. After the first mosquito hatch in the spring, there is a new hatch with “a mosquito laying 300 eggs every 7-10 days,” Ken says. You do the math. This perpetual cycle lasts until temperatures start to drop in late October/early November.

nate nding water to elimi 1) Tip – Reduce sta threats. s, firewood and excess grass, leave 2) Toss – Remove . clippings from yards t could hold water ge lar r yard items tha wagons.

3) Turn – Turn over d an es ox db san ble like children’s porta t piles, boats, etc. if no ing over firewood 4) Tarps – When lay water. tight they can hold t n barrier treatmen mosquito eliminatio 5) Treat – Utilize a d yard. around the home an

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Ken’s most popular service request is the Barrier Spray that protects your family and pets for 21 days. It eliminates up to 90% of the mosquitoes and ticks on the property, killing them on contact as well as incoming mosquitoes that feed off the greenery. Mosquito Squad also offers an all-natural garlicbased spray that is applied

news l etter | October 2012

every 14 days. “Mosquitoes are 10,000 times more sensitive to the smell of garlic than humans are, so this product acts as a repellent.”

Mosquito Squad also offers an Automatic Misting System that releases a 30-second spray two to four times a day, providing continuous mosquito control. Whether you prefer a repellent or pesticide, mosquito control is best left to a professional. A trained professional understands what it takes to do the job effectively while minimizing environmental impact.

Ken came to Mosquito Squad after 22 years in the corporate world. He wanted to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives and offer a unique service. “I’m very passionate about the business because it’s giving people protection from disease-carrying mosquitoes and various health issues. I want to help families enjoy their time outdoors and recoup the investment they’ve made in their properties. This service helps people improve their outdoor quality of life.”

For more information, visit the Mosquito Squad website at http://eastindy.mosquitosquad.com or get a free, no obligation consultation by calling (317) 771-6997. cg

business spotlight

Pinnacle Voice & Data Systems

Keeping Pace with Ever Changing Phone, Data and Security Technology

By Jody Veldkamp When Center Grove resident John Barber received his BS degree in electronic engineering and robots in 1993, he had no idea how rapidly the world he was entering was going to change. After college, he worked as an airfield electrician and then network engineer for the Indianapolis airport.

After hours, he worked on the side repairing car audio systems, VCR’s, and electronics for area retailers. When home satellite systems hit the market, Barber picked up work installing them for Best Buy. However, it was not the wires and electronics that held his interest it was finding the right technological solution for the situation.

That interest led Barber to start his own company, Pinnacle Voice and Data Systems. Pinnacle installs innovative phone systems, data cabling, video security systems and commercial sound and video for small to mid-size businesses. He still provides satellite installation services but instead of home TV it’s HughesNet Business Class Satellite. John’s passion for staying on top of the latest technology means he is able to offer new solutions, features, and cost savings to his customers.

Around 2005 Pinnacle started installing telephony systems, which means that you own and control the phone system

for a lot less money than dedicated systems offered by traditional phone service providers.

Pinnacle’s solutions are based on “off the shelf” components, providing a variety of choices for phones, hardware, software and features all of which can be customized to fit the particular situation.

Recently he won a bid to replace the phone system in a physician’s practice.

The competitor, a long established traditional supplier, told the doctor “I can’t even come close to providing those kinds of features for that price.”

The doctor liked the ability for after hour calls to go directly to her cell phone, instead of going to voice mail, or an answering service. Now patients reach her anytime, and she saves the cost of an answering service or the hassle of checking voice mail.

Barber says many of the old-line service providers are having a hard time adjusting to new technology and options. As a small provider focused on delivering cost-effective, and innovative solutions,

“You’ve built a system t hat ties everyt hing togeth er to help develop and manage our business.“ - satisfied customer

• 20% increa se in revenue, du to track calls and integrat e to new features and ab e with CRM sy ility • System allo stem ws owner to be anywhere office phone and answer the

Pinnacle can deliver more features for a lot less money.

Pinnacle business continues to grow with video security systems to monitor a business, protect its equipment, and monitor worker safety. Another industry that is taking off is commercial sound and video, which includes providing music and video systems in bars, restaurants, hotels, and offices. The industry is well beyond its “elevator music” start. Pinnacle can now bring a variety of music and video subscription services to go along with it.

Pinnacle helps the customers think outside of the traditional phone, data, and security solutions. Their continuing focus on change helps them guide a company into finding a different, better, and more cost effective solution than they expect to find. cg

Structured cable allows flexibility so phone, data or video can all run over the same type of cable.

Phone: 317-497-1026 www.pinnaclevoicesystems.com October 2012 |

atCenterGrove.com

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business spotlight

Easy Street Insurance, Inc. Center Grove business emphasizes quality service and local roots

By Kate Rhoten The health insurance landscape is rapidly changing, and every year Medicare recipients need to make a decision about supplemental plans.

If you have made or you have helped your parents make those decisions, you know it can be a challenge. Seeing an opportunity to help seniors make those decisions, Center Grove residents Jess and Sandra (Miller) Carrasquillo opened Easy Street Insurance. Easy Street Insurance is a uniquely-focused insurance company with 85% of their business in the senior market.

Sandra started working in the insurance industry in 1996 when she became a licensed life and health agent. She focused mostly on the health side at that time. Over time, the insurance industry started to change; so she made a move to the independent channel where there would be more products to offer her clients. Her husband, Jess, joined her; and in 2003, they formed Easy Street Insurance.

In 2004, Jess and Sandra heard about some exciting options for Medicare.

Jess and Sandra started to learn more about the different Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D prescription plans. As Sandra puts it, “They dove into the senior market heavily; it just exploded.” Jess and Sandra have become experts in the Medicare marketplace. The demand

www.easystreetins.com 317-882-9602 EasyStreetInsurance@gmail.com

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center grove communit y

was great back then and continues to be to this day. Sandra said, “We are certified with every company that does business here in Indiana. 80% of what we do is Medicare focused.”

The annual election period is October 15 to December 7 for Medicare. “Every participant can change their current plan with Easy Street,” said Jess. Jess and Sandra look at many options to find the right plan to match each client’s needs.

Jess and Sandra want to make sure their clients know that they have their best interest at heart. If a product changes or is discontinued, they will reach out to inform the client of the upcoming changes to the plan they hold. Sandra shared this thought: “We don’t want someone to not know the changes.

This is the most important service we have. In case a plan is going away, we make sure the client is contacted and get them in for a review.” Their focus on service is the reason that 90% of their new clients come from referrals.

The Carrasquillos have lived in the Center Grove area for over 25 years. They have raised their family here and

news l etter | October 2012

Jess, left, and Sandra (Miller) Carrasquillo, right, discuss the options with two customers.

have been involved with a variety of organizations including Center Grove Community Schools, Mount Pleasant Christian Church, the Greenwood Senior Citizen Board, Central Indiana Council on Aging, and the annual Corporate Cup Challenge.

Easy Street Insurance, Inc., is a full-service insurance agency that concentrates in the senior market. They treat you with respect while providing their services with honesty and integrity. You will find that your needs are their top priority. cg

Areas of Foc us:

• Medicare Supp lement • Medicare Part D Drug Covera ge • Individual & Family Health in surance

business spotlight

Servicemaster by Westphal

Family-owned company can help when the unexpected happens

By Dann Veldkamp Disasters can happen to anyone. We all remember the flooding of 2008.

Nationally, on average, every household has a fire or flood once every seven years. Even an inoperable sump pump can create havoc in a finished basement.

It’s times like these when you need to call an experienced professional.

Servicemaster by Westphal is exactly the kind of firm you need to call.

This family-owned business has serviced the Indianapolis area since 1992 when the parents, Joel and Robin Westphal, started to provide janitorial services under the Servicemaster umbrella.

In 1999, they added fire and flood restoration services. The sons, Nathan and Neil, have always been involved in the business. They officially took it over in 2007. They now have 46 employees; over half of them have been with the firm five years or more. They are consistently highly rated on Angie’s List.

It was Servicemaster by Westphal that restored the Carefree clubhouse after the June, 2008, flood. Their heavy-duty pumps were able to remove the standing water quickly. Then it was time to turn on the industrial fans and dehumidifiers.

That ensured the space was dry and safe from the formation of dangerous mold.

While home-based restorations are a very important part of the company’s business, they don’t demonstrate the depth of service that Servicemaster by Westphal can provide. Recently, a broken

Servicemaster by Westphal restored the Carefree clubhouse after the June 2008 flood.

supply line to a water-chilling unit on the roof of a Riley Hospital building sent 100,000 gallons of water streaming though the facility. Calling on resources from other Servicemaster locations, Servicemaster by Westphal had the situation under control within hours.

One of the machines used to remediate the damage was a 12,000-pound, 15,000-cubic-feet-per-hour dehumidifier.

A heavy-duty crane was needed to unload the unit from the semi truck.

Should you face an even larger emergency, Servicemaster by Westphal can deploy enough resources within hours to take care of any size loss through their network of unlimited resources. For example, Servicemaster was key in cleaning the Pentagon after the 9/11 attack. Of course, most household problems don’t require this extraordinary level of service.

Nevertheless, it is good to know it is available if needed.

Nathan Westphal says being prepared can actually prevent the worst. Many people don’t give their sump pump much thought until it stops working. Servicemaster by Westphal will check your sump pump and battery backup unit free of charge. Clean gutters are also important. During the ice storm of February, 2010, many gutters backed

up and ice dams formed on roofs.

When the sun came out, water from the melting ice worked its way between the shingles and through the roof, creating an indoor rain shower. (Nathan also recommends visiting the Centers for Disease Control web site (http://1.usa. gov/ShKat8) where you can find tips from both the CDC and Homeland Security on how to prepare for the unexpected.)

Whether you need fire and water restoration, residential or commercial cleaning, or janitorial services, Servicemaster by Westphal is there for you. Learn more about this awardwinning company on their web page: servicemasterrestorationbywestphal. com, where you can request a service call online, or call 317-926-1000. cg

need fire and Whether you l or n, residentia io t a or t s e r r wate itorial leaning or jan commercial c by rvicemaster services, Se here for you.

Westphal is t 317-926-1000 www.servicemasterrestorationby westphal.com

October 2012 |

atCenterGrove.com

19

business spotlight

Rick Chambers Agency 859 Riverside Dr., Suite 12 Greenwood, IN 317-885-6900 rchambers@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/rchambers

Local agent helps clients see beyond insurance

By Kate Rhoten When mothers dream about what their kids will be when they grow up, owning an insurance agency probably isn’t near the top of the list. But when Rick Chambers left the corporate world and sold his Play it Again Sports location, insurance became more than a job, it became a way of helping people handle some difficult situations. As for his mom? She decided she could sell insurance, too, and she serves as an agent for the Chambers Agency.

Rick has been in the insurance industry for eight years and has found a nice balance between work and family.

When asked what to look for when buying insurance, Rick shared that the Chambers Agency focuses on making sure clients are covered the right way.

“If they have children, own homes, things like 401ks, retirements, we have to make sure our insurance policies match the assets they could lose. That’s the big thing in my opinion. I never

t one of our “ I ne ve r wan rie nce a big clie nt s to e xpe ure e ct s t he fut loss t hat af f of t he family.” rs – Rick Chambe

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Rick Chambers

want one of our clients to experience a big loss that affects the future of the family.” Price is important, but it’s not the first thing to consider. An accident can balloon into a very large loss that can wipe out most assets if not properly insured.

Rick has several agents in his agency, but he is the only one that is FINRA licensed. This allows Rick to provide home, auto, and life insurance as well as retirement, college, and general investment planning. Rick said, “If you are looking for a quick buck or are a day trader, then I’m not the right guy.”

Rick enjoys providing service across the various product offerings he has available to him through Chambers Agency. It’s important to start with the basics. “Insurance planning, like life insurance with a new couple; build from there.

Plan for your family, take care of retirement and college,” Rick says.

A proponent of the Roth IRA, Rick enjoys educating clients

news l etter | October 2012

about the benefits of that option versus the traditional IRA. Ultimately, he will share all the options available in any area and make sure clients understand what the products can do for them. But in the end, the client decides.

It’s obvious that Rick loves what he does, and it has given him the opportunity to spend more time with his family. He wants to live a comfortable life and enjoy retirement and the future grandchildren he hopes to have. To do that, he has his plan in place and does the same for his clients. Rick’s final thought, “I want to do what is best for the client as far as protecting their assets now, putting a plan in place for retirement, college, etc., and to protect their future into retirement.” cg

business spotlight

Horton’s Mechanical / HVAC Center Grove business emphasizes quality service and local roots

By Katelyn Bausman Brian Horton and Erin Vance are passionate about serving Center Grove. “We have the small business gene in the family,” says Erin, Owner of Horton’s Mechanical/HVAC. “This is our turn. We want to build something for ourselves and serve our local community.” With Brian’s 20+ years in the heating/cooling industry and Erin’s 20 years in the business world, this dynamic Center Grove couple combined forces and formed Horton’s in 2010.

They specialize in the design, fabrication and installation of custom HVAC systems with an emphasis on commercial use, in addition to industrial and residential. Horton’s does their own sheet metal fabrication and design in-house, including ductwork, architectural applications, signage and commercial blowpiping. “We’re more of a multitasking mechanical shop than a heating/cooling shop,” says Brian, Director of Sales and Service. With an extensive background in the HVAC industry, Brian has worked on notable facilities, including the RCA Dome, Conseco Fieldhouse (now Bankers Life Fieldhouse), Market Square Arena, Circle Centre Mall and Eli Lilly & Company.

It is critical to the couple to focus their business on the local community and serve their roots, the friends and neighbors whom they have known in this area for years. Brian has lived in Center Grove for the last 15 years,

while generations of Erin’s family have resided here dating back to her family’s farmland on Travis Road and her father’s tenure with the Center Grove School System.

Community involvement is another essential for the couple. Erin has been accepted into Leadership Johnson County, a nonprofit organization promoting creative community problem-solving through leadership forums. She says this is just one way “to expand our community base and give back as much as we’re receiving.” This spirit even extends to their own neighborhood; recently Brian designed a new metal entrance sign to stand the test of time (and the extremes of Central Indiana weather).

Erin Vance and Brian Horton of Horton’s Mechanical/HVAC.

will apply soon for Woman-Owned Business Certification.

“We’ve put our name on the company, and we’re proud of it,” Erin says. “Each of the jobs we do has our personal stamp on it. Putting the Horton name on it means if anything is wrong, you know who to call. There is something to be said for Top quality.”

Fixing shoddy workmanship is a common service call for Horton’s. They also offer several solutions to protect AC units from copper theft, a big problem right now as thieves look to cash in the metal.

For more information, contact Horton’s Mechanical/HVAC at (317) 300-0332 or visit www.hortonshvac.com. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter. cg

3 HVAC T ips for Com mercial and Resid ential Cons umers: 1) Change

your fil performance ters regularly, or you’ll se e decreased .

2) Check fo r loss of airflow (leaks, cracks ductwork). H , insu or energy audit ton’s highly encourages lation, doors, having a free report conduc Indiana or yo te ur utility prov d by Energizing id er .

3) Secure a routin and clean yo e maintenance contractor ur to examine properly. Inve unit, making sure everyt hing is operat st in mainten ing ance and save repair bill in the end. yourself a big

Horton’s was voted #3 for Best Heating and Cooling Company on The Indy A-List 2012. Erin is also excited that Horton’s

317-300-0332 www.hortonshvac.com

October 2012 |

atCenterGrove.com

21

business spotlight

Bill Robertson Financial Advisor Bill Robertson Believes in Planning for the Future

By Jody Veldkamp After 15 years of working for others, both at a large investment firm and as the president of a boutique firm in Indianapolis, Bill Robertson decided that the best way to serve his clients was to step out on his own. In June of last year, Bill opened his own Ameriprise Financial Services office on Main Street in Greenwood. When asked why he chose Ameriprise Bill stated, “Ameriprise has a history of being conservative and looking out for the well being of clients. They didn’t take a taxpayer bailout.”

Bill Robertson

haven’t a bailout You You haven’t takentaken a bailout.

Neither Neither havehave we. we. and investing and having a financial plan. Bill focuses on creating a plan and developing strategies to meet the client’s goals that can include working with a client’s CPA and attorney for tax planning purposes. It is also important to meet periodically to review, adjust, or shore up a plan.

He also likes the services he is able to provide as an Ameriprise Financial Ameriprise supports Feeding America, Planner. Bill looks at a person’s entire which benefits Horizon House and financial plan instead of just selling Gleaners providing synergy between investments. Ameriprise provides him Bill believes he has a blessed life, and Bill’s efforts and Ameriprise. access to more financial options and he enjoys helping people and giving plans than other financial firms do.

Bill says that doing his job provides back to his community. He is involved That flexibility allows him to help a peace of mind to his clients. By in a number of events and charities.

He variety of clients. Recently he helped how our proprietary C Discover #TI onfident designing the correct plan, they feel is a supporter of Cayman’s 3 on 3, an a widow with children restructure her ® confident they will achieve their Retirement # T I approach can help answer questions annual basketball tournament started investments and finances to provide financial goals.

He adds,hard “I care about by1894, Center Grove High School Junior Since Ameriprise Financial hasW worked enough income to coveryou her expenses. may have about your retirement, like: # T I hen my clients.

I realize anyone can say Cayman Jarvis. Jarvis started the event The next step is helping her plan forto thegive our clients a future better than today never that, but do they really?”

How do you in 2005 to raise funds to help do a friend will I be able to retire?

How I make the most future to protect her family if something know your advisor cares? Do they losingwith sight clients’ best interests or taking cancerof andour has raised $100,000 happens to her. of the money I then. have?

How can I leave“sell” a lasting you something and stay in touch? since Bill is involved with Champ a bailout. Discover the one-to-one relationship you Do they pay attention to your situation Camp and theones?# Horizon # T I House a multiBill believes that financial planning is legacy to my loved deserve. us for complimentary and know30-minute when things change? Bill has serviceCall day center for theahomeless. not just about retirement but also being some tips for when you might want to ready for unexpected major problems consultation.

Call us today and learn how you can get on track to advisors. consider changing financial such as death or disability. There ® ® Our Advisors.

Your Dreams.

MORE WITHIN REACH Our Advisors.

Your Dreams.

MORE WITHIN REACH Simple things such as a change in is a difference between saving retire with confidence. jobs or family situation, getting Areas of your 401K accounts in one ® ocusDreams.

Our Advisors.FYour MORE WITHIN all REACH : place, or if your current advisor • R e ti rement Inco New Location as of October 1: me Strateg changes firms are just a few ie s • Retiremen 616 North Madison t Planninat Call us today 660.2454 g Str(317) reasons to seek a new financial a te gies Greenwood, IN 46142 • SavRobertson William 435 E Main St 435 E Main St ing for EduWilliam Robertson catiWilliam advisor to protect and secure your o n Robertson 435 E Main St Ste 220 Financial AdvisorFinancial Phone: 317.660.2454 William Robertson Ste 220 Advisor Financial Advisor Ste 220cg future. http://bit.ly/BillRobertson Greenwood, IN 46143

Take the Ameriprise guesswork out ofhashard Since 1894, worked ha Since 1894, Ameriprise FinancialFinancial has worked to give ourahaven’t clients future better than today - ne to give our clients future abetter than - never your retirement plan You taken a today bailout. losing sight of our clients’ best interests losing sight ofNeither our clients’ best interests or takingor taking have we. a bailout. the one-to-one relationship yo a bailout.

DiscoverDiscover the one-to-one relationship you Calla us for a complimentary 30-minute deserve.deserve.

Call us for complimentary 30-minute consultation. consultation.

Call us today at today (317) 660.2454 Call Call us me todayat at (317) (317) 660.2454 660.2454

William Financial Advisor Robertson

22

center grove communit y

Financial 435 E Main St

news l etter | October 2012

Greenwood, Greenwood, IN 46143

317-660-2454 317-660-2454

IN 46143

317-660-2454

William.D.Robertson@ampf.com

business spotlight

Pinocchioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ice Cream Bring Home Some Ice Cream By Jody Veldkamp Center Groveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s McGovern family Walking in the store, no matter the has vacationed on Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sanibel weather outside, is a day brightening Island for years. One of their favorite experience. The key lime green and spots, besides the beach, is Pinocchioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s white walls, and the hand dipped ice Original Italian Ice Cream. Pinocchioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cream freezers give a beach feel. Add in has been a fixture of Sanibel for 34 the colorful menus displayed on years. They make ice cream HDTVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and you get a smile following an original hand on your face before you even written recipe brought taste the ice cream. It is a over from Italy. You will bit of sunny southwest find a variety of unique Florida close to home. flavors, served in cones, McGovern says she cups, cakes, and even

is appreciative of the cannolis. Two and half response. Pinocchioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s years ago the McGovern has attracted customers from around family approached the owners about Indiana, Tennessee, and elsewhere, many doing more than just bringing some ice of whom are familiar with the original cream home, they wanted to open their Sanibel location.

A number of them have own Pinocchioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian Ice Cream store. traveled to the store just for the bit of the It took two years to finalize the details Florida vacation they recall. She points and reach an agreement but in November to a handwritten thank you note on a of last year, they were on their way bulletin board from a customer it reads to opening the only other location of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thank you for the great experience.â&#x20AC;?

Pinocchioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Original Italian Ice Cream.

She says it is about the experience and Mandy found a space on State Road 135, keeping people smiling. just south of County Line Road between If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tasted Pinocchioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Starbucks and McAlisterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Deli. On Original Italian Ice Cream, you should.

April 13, she opened to the rave reviews Made fresh in the store daily from of area ice cream lovers.

140 different recipes, each is mixed

l Find: What Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l e ice cream â&#x20AC;˘ Handmad â&#x20AC;˘ Gelato Cannolis â&#x20AC;˘ Ice Cream Cakes â&#x20AC;˘ Ice Cream

with fresh ingredients and flavors. 32 different varieties of ice cream are available on any day. In addition to being an experience, a trip to Pinocchioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s is an enjoyable surprise in the available flavors. Names such as Mocha Java, Double Dark Chocolate, Parrots Nest, Wyliesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Cake Batter, Gator Stew and Pumpkin Gingersnap are a just a few of them. You can also find Sanibel Krunch; which is vanilla ice cream with toasted coconut, chocolate; gourmet mixed nuts, and sliced almonds. Try a Purple Cow; black raspberry ice cream with chocolate flakes, or check out the Dirty Sand Dollar; caramel flavored ice cream, malted milk balls, and chocolate flakes.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find other treats too. Got a birthday coming up? Try an ice cream cake, personalized for the occasion.

Want a nice after dinner treat? Grab a canolli filled with ice cream. Or go ahead and make someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day with a Pinocchioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian Ice Cream gift card.

Thanks to Mandy McGovern and her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love of ice cream, you can now find a little bit of Florida and Italy right along State Road 135. cg The McGovern family shows their smiles as they bring a little of Florida home when they opened Pinocchioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

1011 N. State Road 135 Sun-Thurs 11am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 9pm / Fri-Sat 11am-10pm 317-865-8844 October 2012 |

atCenterGrove.com

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business spotlight

Spotlight Strategies

Susan McCarty and Erin Smith

Spotlight Strategies Focuses On Helping

By Jody Veldkamp Businesses start for a variety of reasons.

In the case of two Center Grove women, it was realizing they were better together than separate and so they embarked on a new journey over martinis and a handshake.

In 2008, Susan McCarty owned Franklin Printing and Erin Smith owned The Stitch Smith. The recession was taking its toll on each business.

Declining revenue required painful cuts in staff, and survival was in the balance.

What do you do? You call a friend of seven years, arrange lunch, and talk about business.

Over lunch, they realized that in addition to being friends they needed each other in their businesses. McCarty could handle operation and Smith’s sales ability could boost revenue.

Erin began to train the Franklin Printing sales staff to improve their efforts and to sell the embroidered

items The Stitch Smith offered. That summer, they launched a joint website, Spotlight-Strategies.com.

That change in strategy resulted in amazing growth for both companies in 2009. Actually, they liken it to a miracle. Franklin Printing was able to rehire their graphic designer six weeks after Erin began selling; and The Stitch Smith rehired their production manager in September. At the end of the year, each company had record sales.

The success of the marketing partnership prompted Smith and McCarty to begin planning to merge the companies. On January 1, 2011, Spotlight Strategies began to operate as one company offering print, apparel, promotional items, and signs.

Smith says one of the keys to their success was forming a six-member advisory team made up of local community members.

Anyone who knows Erin and Susan knows their passion for their community and charities.

Smith said, “I want to live ? s e and work in a community gi tlight Strate po S t c a t on where people care about their Why C logo design d neighbors.” She realizes that an cs hi ap gr • Printing, rinted apparel -p means she has to get involved. en re /sc ry • Embroide d signage an s The most recent event they m ite l na • Promotio t brand en ist ns co helped facilitate, “Pay it a ng • Developi Forward Johnson County,” raised $30,000. In addition to community involvement, networking 317-738-3434 is a significant part of their plan. Smith Email: orders@spotlight-strategies.com stated, “Networking done correctly Spotlight-Strategies.com 24

center grove communit y

news l etter | October 2012

brings a positive return on your investment.”

Recently Susan and Erin spoke to students of the Ball State’s Entrepreneurship Center to explain what life is like as an entrepreneur.

Smith said it was very satisfying to hear the students ask good questions. The number of students who are already working on business development surprised them.

Spotlight Strategies helps companies realize that “your message matters,” no matter where people see it. They do more than just supply signs, logos, and promotional pieces; they help companies land business. For example, they worked with a local company to develop a plan that helped them win a significant piece of Super Bowl business.

Spotlight Strategies continues to grow. In March, they won the Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce award for small business growth.

They are quick to mention they didn’t do it alone. They appreciate all their customers who have been loyal, worked with them, and referred others to Spotlight Strategies. cg

Center Grove Presbyterian Church presents

Fall Festival 2012

Family Owned and Operated since 1989

October 31st • 6 to 9 pm Free food, games & Family Fun! Prizes, candy, hay rides, live music and more! everyone is welcome...

Fun costumes are encouraged.

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October 2012 |

atCenterGrove.com

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A night of celebration

Toast of the Town

By Jody Veldkamp Mallow Run Winery was the site of the 2nd Annual Toast of the Town, a fundraiser for the Center Grove Education Foundation. Foundation President Terry Spradlin commented that the crowd was larger than they expected. The funds from the event help provide teacher innovation grants to purchase supplies, equipment, technology, or other necessities that enable teachers to be more creative and effective in the classroom. The grants generally range from $200 to $2,000.

The Foundation expects to award $10,000 in grants in the fall cycle. A second grant cycle is set for spring, 2013. Learn more about the Foundation at CenterGroveFoundation.org.

Find more Toast of the Town pictures on AtCenterGrove.com. cg

26

center grove communit y

news l etter | October 2012

w e a lt h m a n age m en t s e r v ic e

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Find Voting Center & Candidate Information online AtCenterGrove.com Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the Center Grove School Board Candidate Forum at CG High School auditorium, Monday October 8, 7pm.

October 2012 |

atCenterGrove.com

27

Chamber of Commerce 2012 Miniature Golf Classic Friday, September 14, was the day of The Greater Greenwood Chamber of Commerce 2012 Miniature Golf Classic.

The “Classic” is an annual event held at Otte Golf & Family Fun Center.

Winners of the annual event included: Easy Street Insurance – Best Decorated Hole; Greenwood Village South – Most Team Spirit; Savvy Dames – 1st place; MainSource Bank – 2nd place; and Heartland Community Bank – 3rd place. cg

Easy Street Insurance – Best Decorated Hole

Greenwood Village South – Most Team Spirit

Savvy Dames – 1st place

MainSource Bank – 2nd place

Heartland Community Bank – 3rd place

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r: T r y fiolleud Cannolis

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center grove communit y

news l etter | October 2012

Making ¢ents

By Kate Rhoten

Cutting the Cord: Cable, not the Umbilical Cord Well, we did it. Maybe I should say that I did it. On August 27, I finally mustered up the courage to cut the cable cord in our home. This had been debated for nearly a year. I made a big deal about it because I was the one with the reservations. However, after the Olympics and at the end of the billing cycle, the day came and the call was made.

access most of our favorite traditional network shows the next day. Amazon Prime provides a lot of programming free if your household is an Amazon Prime member.

Why did we do this? There were few things we watched live since we could record our favorite shows and we certainly did not watch all the channels that were packaged with the U-verse plan we had. I finally realized that this expense just wasn’t necessary and it was time to ditch the service. Besides, we are busy almost every night and weekend so why pay to record shows when there are other options. Here’s why we did it and how we will survive.

CBS is the only one not playing ball with their newest and most popular shows. We only watch one sitcom and the Amazing Race; we will just have to watch it live if we are home or look online. The adjustment for us will be the waiting for our favorite cable shows that are not available through Hulu+, but we will look forward to those on DVD later on as well as a lot less sports programming.

Our new monthly cost for TV viewing is now $24.53.

That is a monthly savings of $65.12, $781.44 annually.

Our plan easily had over 200 channels (albeit The initial one-time cost of the Roku is reasonable some were high definition versions) plus an and then a subscription to Netflix and Hulu+ is additional forty or more music channels. The necessary on a monthly basis. Our new monthly cost only ones we watched with any regularity for TV viewing is now $24.53. That is a monthly totaled no more than eleven channels, which savings of $65.12, $781.44 annually. That’s money included our local networks. We like shows back in our pocket. Another benefit of the post cable on USA, TNT, SyFy, and HGTV. The kids world is that we have discovered shows that were like Nickelodeon and we watch sports on available before on cable but we never stumbled That’s money back upon. It’s great because we don’t have to wait the Big 10 Network and ESPN. With that being said, our monthly bill with taxes totaled between seasons from cliffhanger to season premier. in our pocket. $89.65. Extrapolate that in a cost per channel If you want to learn more about these different and we were spending $8.15. If you take out options, please visit my webpage http://4wallsfinancial. the local channels that can be received via antenna, the cost is com/2012/09/save-money-ditch-cable/. $11.20 per channel. The annual cost was $1,075.80.

Doesn’t sound like much, but when I started evaluating the overall cost and the fact we have other solutions already available to us, it made sense to break up with cable. Alternatives to cable are varied. The first step for us was to make sure we could receive all four of the networks over the air. Through trial and error, we found an antenna that worked for us. We can catch our local news and sports without a problem.

As far as the network programs go, they are generous with viewing options. Most shows are available online or through subscription services with an external box. Roku is what we have for these services. Through this little black box, we have access to our Netflix streaming option to partner with the single DVD plan, Hulu+ and Amazon Prime. This magic box lets us

And, in case you were wondering, there were not any noticeable side effects or withdrawal symptoms in our household. I guess it wasn’t that big of a deal after all. cg Kate is a financial expert of what to do and not do with money as well as owner of 4 Walls Financial, A Coaching Focused Company. She has attended and completed Dave Ramsey’s Counselor Training. Follow Kate on Twitter 4WFCoach, reach out to her via email at kate@4wallsfinancial.com or visit www.4wallsfinancial.com. Feel free to share ideas or questions for future articles.

October 2012 |

atCenterGrove.com

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word search: Occupations Presented by Chambers Agency | Created by Lucy Stravers Hidden in the puzzle are the names of various occupations of people.

Words may appear in any direction in a straight line.

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Lucy Stravers lives in Pella, Iowa and is the mother-in-law of Dann Veldkamp. Need a large print version? Find it on AtCenterGrove.com

Rick Chambers Agency

859 Riverside Dr., Suite 12 Greenwood, IN 317-885-6900 rchambers@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/rchambers

30

center grove communit y

news l etter | October 2012

Ryan W. Rouse Insurance

973 Emerson Pkwy, Ste C Greenwood, IN 46143 317-884-8554 rrouse@farmersagent.com farmersagent.com/rrouse

EXPERTS AT SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS. AND OUR COMMUNITY.

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882-8200

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