This is Fred Ball for Zions Bank, speaking on business.

Where can you check out fishing gear for free? Where can you milk a cow or ride a llama? Where you can find special tutors for children with learning disabilities?

In 2004, Stephanie Peterson and Rachael Herrscher compiled this type of information to create the Utah Mama's Handbook. Both women are mothers of young children and as they strolled through the mall one day, they discussed the need for a comprehensive resource for mothers to find activities and local hot spots.

Utah Mama's Handbook became a local bestseller, and Stephanie and Rachael launched similar books for mothers in the Seattle, Phoenix, Las Vegas and Houston areas. Soon, they were connecting mothers across the country through their Web site, TodaysMama.com.

Today's Mama offers advice, support and perspectives for mothers through monthly featured columnists and shared ideas on parenting. Stephanie says that while mothers can get so caught up in caring for their children that they lose their own identities, Today's Mama also encourages women to express their dreams and ambitions. On the Web site's "dream big section," moms submit stories about their hopes and dreams, from running a marathon to writing music to launching a business.

TodaysMama.com also features a marketplace that promotes moms in their business endeavors, and a "Mama's Mix" section where moms share their favorite music mixes.

Stephanie and Rachael tell me they find time to work on Today's Mama during their children's nap times, early in the morning and late at night.

First a local handbook and now an expanding, national franchise, Today's Mama strives to empower women and to simplify motherhood by making parenting resources accessible and easy to use.

For Zions Bank, I'm Fred Ball. I'm speaking on business.

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