Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 3 October 2003 — Page 27

Classified • Memoriams • Sports Business

D SECTION FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2003

CIRCLE CITY CLASSIC

Event receiving record-breaking sponsorships

By ERICKA C. WHEELER Staff Writer Indianapolis, the 12th largest city in the U.S., will come alive this weekend, with the Circle City Classic and all that it offers. The Classic is said to be bigger and better than ever. And the revenue it generates proves its importance economically. “Last year was the year that we had the most cash sponsorships,” said Tony McGee, director of fund development for the Circle City Classic. “But this year, by the grace of God, we are able to get even more than last year.” Two years ago corporations began to see what a success the Circle City Classic had become. These corporations did not mind investing their dollars in such a successful event. In 2001, the Classic office obtained $617,000 in cash sponsorships. The following year, it received more and the most in the history

Total Average Spending Per person Classic weekend is $762

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bringing in

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$685,000.

“These an average 160,000visitors are coming in and spending $120 million just in one weekend,” said Cheri Wagner of the Indiana Department of Commerce- Tourism Division.

This year, the Classic office has obtained $850,000 in cash sponsorships from corporations. That is $165,000 more than last year and the most, again, in the history

of the Classic.

“Not only have we received cash sponsorships, but our in-kind

sponsorships between our media outlets have been tremendous as well," said McGee. “We are thrilled to have people in our city for such a good cause,” said Wagner. “We love for people ► See CLASSIC, Page D2

By ERICKA P. THOMPSON Staff Writer

BINGO! How many people loved to play bingo as kids? How many people still love to play bingo today? If so, the “Hoosier Bingo TV Game Show” is here to serve your gaming taste buds. Derrick Mayes, North Central High School and Notre Dame alum, and former GreenBay • Packer is the executive producer of the show. He is very excited about being involved in the production of the bingo game show in the city where he grew up. Senior executive producer and family friend of Mayes, Michael Covington came up with the concept of the show. “Michael Covington approached with a genuine opportunity, the “Bingo TV Game Show,” which is also the most interactive form of media entertainment to date,” said Mayes. “We wanted to be the breath of fresh air that the Indiana bingo community deserved. So we created a free, non-gambling concept that would attract both viewers and subsequently sponsors.” The game show, which airs on WRTV 6 Saturday mornings at 7:30 and repeats on Sunday movning at 10:30, is designed to provide a local quality, interactive game show experience to bingo lovers in Indy. To elevate the interest of the show, producers not only give players free bingo cards, but also a chance to win great prizes such as groceries, vacations, shopping sprees, new cards and of course, money. “At the beginning of each segment we tell (the viewers) what the prizes are if they win single or double bingo, or coverall," said Tamie Tatum, vice president, general manager and hostess. “It

Did someone say bingo?

Derrick Mayes, a North Central High School graduate, is the executive producer of the new “Hoosier Bingo Show," which will air on WRTV 6 Saturday mornings at 7:30. (Photo/J. Hurst)

starts out with maybe $25 or $50 in free groceries. You can also qualify for $50,000, a Caribbean cruise, free groceries for a year or a $500 Simon mall gift card. Everything is done electronically so at the end of each show we know exactly how many winners we have.” And how do you win? During the 30-minute show, players will have the chance to play in three different bingo games; single, double or coverall bingo. Single bingo is achieved when

someone who has “a bingo" in a single straight line, horizontally, vertically, or diagonally on a single game card. Double bingo can be won when a player has a “a bingo" in any two straight lines on a single game card. And coverall is accomplished when a participant has covered a single game card with the exception of the free space. The main difference in the

► See BINGO, Page D2

Tamle Tatum

Hostess is a triple threat By ERICKA P. THOMPSON Staff Writer Tamie Tatum, 32, has assumed the responsibilities as the vice president, general manager and hostess of the “Hoosier Bingo TV Game Show.” Born and raised in Anderson, Tat u m holds a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications from IUPUI. She has handled many sides of human resources for Delco Remy America Inc., Continental Design and Engineering and the Urban League Head Start of Anderson. Tatum is also a board member of the American Red Cross, Anderson chapter. The Recorder introduces Indianapolis' newest TV hostess in the following interview. What are your exact duties as the vice president and ► See HOSTESS, Page D2

Westside open house Michelle Green, a potential homebuyer, was among the few who visited the Westside Community Development Corporation open house last weekend. Attendees were able to view the model homes designed and developed by the corporation. (Photo/J. Hurst)

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Joe Slash new head of Urban League Joe Slash, 60, has been named the new president of the Indianapolis Urban League. Slash, joined the organization last year as the chief operating officer. A former deputy mayor for William Hudnut, Slash becomes only the second president of the Indianapolis agency. Slash was among 75 other candidates nationwide. The Urban League lost its former president, Sam Jones, earlier this year due to cancer. 500 Festival elects new staff The Board of Directors to the 500 Festival recently elected 2004 officers and four new civic leaders to serve on its 35-member

Joe Slash

board. The newly elected officers are Howard Shearon, Scott Blumenthal and Bill Salin. The new members are Rick Fuson, David Lewis, Carolene Mays and Mark Richards. See noirrc m

Black Business Profile

Full name ol husiness: Pike Family Dentistry, Inc. Address: 5660 Eden Village Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46254 Phone: (317) 297-9750 Fax: (317) 297-7169 Web site www.pikefiunilydentLstiy.com Year Opened: 1994 Owner: David W. Austin Number of Paid Employees: 7 Products/Services: Dental Care

Dr. David W. Austin

Significant Business Advances/Achievements: I recently opened a vocational school to help educate dental assistants. I plan for this venture in my life to be successful and this is something that 1 am proud of. 1 try to give back to the community whenever possible.

Future Goals: My future goals are to provide a complete dental care in one location. I would like to do this through a group practice. This would provide my patients with opportunities and a one stop shop in the dental service.

Why did you start this business and how has it grown? I have always wanted to own my own business and the profession of dentistry was an easy fit with my talents and aspirations that I have. My business has grown since 1 first opened back in 1994. I try to specialize in g*. ntle dental care treatment and my patients seem to appreciate it. What were some of the obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them? Obtaining finance was a difficult task for me in the beginning. I wanted to move and expand - I overcame this obstacle by utilizing the Small Business Association (SBA).

Who does your business best serve and why? My business best sen es individuals who are interested in high quality, gentle dental care, provided by attentive and caring individuals.

How has your experience helped meet the needs of your clients? Each professional experience has taught me what to do and what not to do to better insure patient satisfaction. Where did you get the name of your company and does it have any significant meaning? 1 chose the name because 1 wanted the practice to be recognized as being on the Northwest side of town.

Dr. David Austin begins work on Edward Seufert, one of his regular clients. (Photo/E. Wheeler)

If you would like to be featured In the Recorder’s Black Business Profile, call 924-5143.