Opportunity Indianapolis

Behind the Scenes. Ahead of the Curve.

Are you interested in the hottest issues shaping our city’s future? Do you want to get more involved and contribute to the vitality of our city?

 

Opportunity Indianapolis

 
 
 

About

Opportunity Indianapolis is an annual leadership program designed to give participants an exclusive, behind-the-scenes exploration of our city and significant community issues over the course of two days. Opportunity Indianapolis is ideal for both new residents and longtime community members who are ready to make valuable connections and become more inspired to help shape our city’s vibrant future.

Participants travel as a group throughout Indianapolis to interact with city leaders and decision makers during this jam-packed two-day program. Speakers discuss how current initiatives impact the quality of life in Indianapolis. Participants are given a “call to action” for a variety of inspirational and hot button topics that impact the residents and recruits of Indianapolis.

This year’s program will address important and timely topics such as:
• Indianapolis sports
• Public education
• Mass transit
• Arts and cultural experiences
• Community and economic development
• Human and social services

More than 1,000 people have attended Opportunity Indianapolis since its founding in 1985.  Upon completing the program, participants are eligible for membership in Lacy Leadership Association.

The cost to attend is $500 and scholarships are available. 
 
2012 Program Sponsor:

     

Register

Opportunity Indianapolis is a program unlike any other offered in central Indiana and is created for leaders like you. This is your opportunity to enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes exploration of our city. Presented annually by Lacy Leadership Association, Opportunity Indianapolis is a two-day program offering immersion in the history, culture and inner workings of Indianapolis.

The Lacy Society graciously offers scholarships for up to one-half of the Opportunity Indianapolis tuition. 

Moderator

Bob Schultz
SKL XXVII, Lacy Society Member and LLA Board Chairperson
APR, Senior Account Director, Borshoff

Bob Schultz, APR – national media pro – serves Borshoff’s pharmaceutical, association, civic and tourism accounts specializing in media training, strategic communications and community relations. Prior to joining Borshoff, he spent 10 years at the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Association (ICVA), where he was director of communications and public relations and directed media relations on the local, national and international levels. His track record includes national hits on Good Morning America, Today Show, CNN, MSNBC, New York Times, Chicago Tribune and more. Additionally, Bob led government relations efforts resulting in approved $1 billion funding by the Indiana State Legislature for Lucas Oil Stadium and a major expansion of the Indiana Convention Center. He is chairman of Lacy Leadership Association board of directors, past president of the Hoosier chapter of PRSA, and is currently an adjunct professor at Butler University. Bob earned his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his master’s degree from Loyola University Chicago. He and his wife Diane have three children – Nick, Valerie and Owen and he volunteers his time at St. Lawrence Catholic Church and School and Bishop Chatard High School.
 
 

Feedback

“Opportunity Indianapolis was the perfect mix: stimulating speakers, lively conversation, great networking, and some locations that were new, even to long-time residents. I came away with new energy and lots of ideas.”
-Gail Thomas Strong, WFYI, Opportunity Indianapolis 2010
 

“I learned so much from my Opportunity Indianapolis experience that I was able to utilize as soon as I returned to work.  It helped me so much to know the history and legacy of the city as well as the priorities and direction moving it forward.  I have pulled my notes and handouts out several times as well as quoted speakers that I heard during the two day process.  I was INSPIRED and ready to come back to work to find how I could make the city a better place.   I would not have been able to afford the program without the scholarship assistance.  Thank you so much!”
-Karin Ogden, YMCA@ the Athenaeum, Opportunity Indianapolis 2010
 
 
“I am grateful to have been able to participate in Opportunity Indianapolis.  By participating in OI, I was able to not only develop my network in the city by making many new professional contacts, but I was also able to explore the community of Indianapolis and my role in it.  It is easy to get absorbed in one’s role at work, but OI is a chance to step away and take part in an eye-opening experience revealing an understanding of the whole picture.  This program has now led me to feel empowered and more connected to the community.”
-Anne O'Brien, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Opportunity Indianapolis 2010
 

"Opportunity Indianapolis is so much more than its "sell sheet." Opportunity Indianapolis exposes one to areas and organizations in the city that most would not go seeking or exploring on their own. I was exposed to several motivating organizations and people, including Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, The Mind Trust and Second Helpings' executive director, Cindy Hubert. Being a young Indianapolis transplant, this experience opened my eyes to what a truly wonderful and unique city we live in. If you are looking for an advantageous, insiders look at the city...take advantage of Opportunity Indianapolis; at the very least you will meet some awesome, well-connected people."
"-Cindy Morse, LiveNation and The YMCA, Opportunity Indianapolis, 2010 
 
 
"Met a number of people in a variety of industries and sectors; learned a great deal about the city and the strategies that got us where we are; and learned about a number of ways to become involved in things that matter to me."
-Charles Smith, Schultz and Pogue, Opportunity Indianapolis 2009
 
 
"The networking was fantastic and I particularly appreciated how candid all of the speakers were with us. In my experience, that is rare in Indianapolis."
-Anna Price, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana, Opportunity Indianapolis 2009

Photo Gallery

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Partners

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