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Two years ago, an Indianapolis nonprofit launched in an effort to merge the sports and business communities in the state.
Sports Circle Indy is looking to keep the momentum going as it heads into its third year.
"Not only for economic development, but also for advocacy pieces, as well, within local politics or what have you," said co-founder Amie Peele Carter.
She says the impetus behind the group’s creation was to better connect two sectors that are important to the city’s vitality and history.
"It's as if we are all in a circle, but have our backs to each other and we are doing business outside of the state or outside of the region," said Peele Carter. "And we thought, we need to turn and look at each other and figure out how we can make the pot of business grow here. Share best practices, figure out what we can do to advance the cause of sports in Indiana."
Sports Circle Indy now has more than 250 members.
Peele Carter says the board recently outlined a new committee structure in an effort to grow membership in the coming years.
"(We are) gearing up for what I think is going to be an even bigger 2014 because we've already got some member event ideas and some ways for people to get involved," she said. "So, I think we are on a great trajectory."
She says the organization’s next step is to work more closely with Indiana Sports Corp, the group responsible for bidding on and staging events such as the Super Bowl.
"It's a nice fit. It's sort of a hand in glove fit with what the Sports Corp does and what we're doing," said Peele Carter. "We don't overlap or compete. We really complement one another and I think that that partnership, as we go forward, will be very helpful."
Peele Carter also believes the Sports Circle will become more involved with youth and charities in the future.
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