Many experts say economic prospects are improving for businesses across the country, including those owned by minorities.
However, one local group believes that African-American professionals and business owners must work together in order to realize their full potential during the economic recovery.
To help achieve that goal, the Indianapolis Professional Association (IPA) is presenting its eighth annual Organizational Networking Luncheon, which will be March 27 at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse.
“Still Coping During Economic Hard Times” is this year’s theme.
“We will discuss common concerns that have an impact on all of us, including productive use of technology, forming new businesses relationships and getting good members for the great organizations we have in this city,” said attorney Bernard Huff, a founding member of the IPA.
Huff said organizers are also excited about what they call a “dream team panel” of leading Black professionals who provide helpful insight and advice to participants.
This year’s panel will include: Diana Daniels, president of the National Council of Educating Black Children; Tonja Eagan, CEO of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Indiana; Murvin Enders, executive director of 100 Black Men of Indianapolis; attorney Richard Haley of Ramey and Haley law firm; and former Deputy Mayor William “Bill” Shrewsberry, president of Shrewsberry and Associates.
“They will provide their perspectives on business and how they managed to stay afloat in the current economy,” Huff said. “We like to offer this luncheon because it gives people a chance to network in a friendly and informal setting, and develop new opportunities for business and partnerships.”
Formed in 1979, the IPA is a nonprofit organization designed to help minority professionals, businesses and community organizations establish closer ties, and assist in the professional development of students.
Proceeds from the IPA’s networking luncheon will be used to benefit another of its upcoming events, the 25th Annual Achievement Awards Program.
Each year dozens of area high school students are honored for their scholastic achievements and civic contributions during the event, which has distributed more than $200,000 in scholarships to selected students since 1987.
“We launched the awards program because we noticed, during that time, that no other civic or community organization was celebrating the accomplishments of our youth,” Huff said. “We have been glad to help fill that void, and it has been a rewarding experience to help the professionals of the future.”
Don’t miss them
Event 1
What: IPA Organizational Networking Luncheon
When: March 27, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Fleming’s Steakhouse, 8487 Union Chapel Rd.
Admission:
$40 per person,
$400 per table
Event 2
What: IPA Achievement Awards Program
When: April 30 from
9 a.m. to noon
Where: IUPUI University Place Conference Center,
850 W.
Washington St.
For more information about both events, visit www.ipaindy.org.
