MAJOR PROGRAMS

Local African-American Scholars Breakfast

This is an annual event sponsored by the Indianapolis Professional Association in May of each year. At this important event IPA highlights the scholastic and other accomplishments of local African-American scholars. In early 1987 IPA discovered that no other civic or community organization honored or celebrated the scholastic achievement of our local African-American merit and achievement scholars as a group. IPA readily filled that void and it has been an extremely rewarding and inspirational experience each year, for those IPA members that have been deeply involved.

Youth Empowerment Breakfast

The Youth Empowerment breakfast was developed in December 1988 in order to provide a positive forum for youth, families and others to learn ways to pro-actively deal with the educational, economic and other challenges facing minority youth today. It is our intent to reach not only those youth who are maintaining a high level of academic performance and community involvement, but also those youth and families who have experienced low school performance, involvement with the criminal justice system, gangs, drugs and teenage pregnancy. There are agencies, individuals and civic organizations in our community who have worked with youth and families for years regarding these issues, often with little recognition. We seek to not only recognize these entities, but to also energize and help and encourage them to continue work that is often frustrating and thankless. We therefore make awards to agencies, groups and individuals who have provided outstanding service to young people. Such recognition also serves as a means of making the audience aware of youth services available to them in this community.

Business Card Exchanges

The business card exchange is the only fund raising activity which IPA sponsors. Any and all net profits generated from this networking and social activity are specifically earmarked in IPA's Treasury Records for scholarships for IPA's Annual Achievement Awards Breakfast in May of each year. None of the proceeds from this activity are paid to or benefit any IPA members. IPA is involved with the sponsorship of two business card exchanges each year, usually in June and November. The usual activities at a business card exchange are the exchange of business cards, food and refreshments, networking exercises, presentation by a speaker or speakers, door prizes and recognition of certain guests and supporters. The formal presentations are timely, informative and normally pertain to the topics of networking and economic development The overall program is designed to get maximum participation and involvement from the audience. IPA has in the past jointly sponsored business card exchanges and networking events with the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Indianapolis Visitors and Convention Bureau, and the Indiana Business Network. IPA’s first business card exchange was given in November, 1987. The next event is scheduled to be held on Friday, November 16, 2007, from 6-9 pm. Table sponsorship is $300 to $500.

Networking Brunch

IPA officials determined that there was a need for more inter-organizational exposure, collegiality, and networking among Black professional groups in Indianapolis, and sought to fill that void. March 28, 2004 was IPA's first brunch, held on a Sunday afternoon at Bonefish Grill in Indianapolis, and we were VERY pleased with the results.

The first organizational networking luncheon was co-sponsored by the Marion County Bar Assn. It began with invitations sent to representatives from approximately 16 local professional, educational, social, and fraternal organizations. To our surprise, over 25 were present, due in part to extensive but free media promotion and word-of-mouth communications. Approximately 90 attendees represented those 25 groups. IPA received rave reviews for planning and implementing such an important and auspicious event for -he Black professional community. IPA has sponsored this March networking luncheon every year since its inception with a large attendance and great participation.

Among the many suggestions for improving what will become an annual IPA event is an "organizational contacts" list. With this list, this year's attendees or other interested organizations could be shown with their desired contact's phone number, business or home phone number, email or (snail) mailing address, website link for their organization, etc. In this manner, prospective members or donors, groups in search of volunteers, etc. could find, at least, a good starting point for their search.

The Indianapolis Professional Association, Inc. seeks continuing support from the corporate community for the implementation of its programs and mission. Such support can include corporate membership as well as sponsorship and specific grants for program purposes. A representative of the IPA will be happy to meet with you to discuss the best approach.