Audio Included in Post. Audio ©2009 WTLC/Radio One. The Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE) Board of Directors has unanimously voted to assume primary organization and management responsibilities for the Circle City Classic, effective immediately. Previously, the event was spearheaded by an independent volunteer committee under the auspice of IBE. Expo CEO Tanya Bell and Board President Ray Henderson explained the changes on Afternoons with Amos.
“I am hopeful that the individuals who comprise the Circle City Classic Executive Committee will continue to serve the event and play a major role in the reorganization,” said Dr. Ray Henderson, IBE Board Chairman. “This group of dedicated individuals has been instrumental in helping Circle City Classic flourish for almost three decades and our fervent hope is that a renewed coalition will emerge from the transition,” Henderson said.
According to Henderson, “a greater responsibility by the board and staff of IBE will allow for greater efficiencies and continued growth of the event – even during the most challenging times. We owe this statement of resolve and purpose to the historically black institutions of higher learning that participate in the games, sponsors, corporate partners and volunteers who provide the foundation on which the event is built, and the dedicated fan base that has demonstrated such loyalty for 26 years.”
Indiana Sports Corp, a partner in overseeing the event for all 26 years, supports this decision. “Bringing the management of the Classic under IBE provides a necessary consolidation of resources and will allow the Classic to take a larger place within IBE’s successful calendar of events,” said Susan Williams, Indiana Sports Corp president. “Obviously, Indiana Sports Corp, which helped to launch this event in 1984 and has co-presented it in each of its 26 years, remains committed to the success of the event and the wonderful opportunities it provides for our community’s youth and local economy.”
“There are no immediate plans to replace CCC Executive Director Marc Williams who resigned a few weeks after the game in October,” says Tanya Bell, IBE president and CEO. “An individual will be identified and selected to assume those responsibilities during the 1st quarter of 2010,” said Bell.
