For The Herald Bulletin
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The 2010 Indianapolis Colts Training Camp was a tremendous success that forged new relationships throughout the city and county. The results of the camp can be seen through positive economic impact; increased publicity for the city and the university and increased philanthropy for local not-for-profits. Yet the lasting impact was that the training camp brought the community together.
For several weeks this summer, everywhere you went, you saw people and organizations celebrating and coming together to welcome the premier football franchise of the NFL and the thousands of guests that would come to see them practice. Anderson University served as the location of the camp; but, this community was on display and showed their pride and support in so many tangible and intangible ways. This is what made the camp a success — in the way that it rallied us to celebrate as a community which caught the attention of the team and a national audience through the media and the visitors who attended.
And as the 2010 Indianapolis Colts Training Camp gave us a reason to celebrate, The camp would not have been possible without the help and support from the following individuals and organizations: Mayor Kris Ockomon,
The Herald Bulletin, Hoosier Park, Community Hospital Anderson, Saint John’s Health System, the City of Anderson, Connecticut Electric, Councilman Art Pepelea, Terrance and Joy Smith, Texas Roadhouse, Anderson Fire Department, Mounds Mall, Reynolds Farm Equipment, Bestway Disposal, Lowes Home Improvement, Ivy Tech Community College, Anderson Police Department, Rowland Title Company, Cooper Tire, Tire Barn, Comcast/Xfinity, Anderson/Madison County Visitors and Convention Bureau, WQME 98.7 FM, Madison County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency.
In addition to these organizations, more than 200 volunteers served as hosts and hostesses serving many hours through all manner of weather conditions. We give them our sincere thanks and appreciation for their time and efforts.
Last, but certainly not least, there are many persons on the Anderson University staff who worked tirelessly to manage the countless details of the camp. These persons have our deep and sincere gratitude for their service and their smiles: Sena Landey, vice president for Finance and Treasurer; Dr. Michael Collette, vice president for Marketing and Strategic Planning; Cheryl Shank, director of Conference and Performance Events; Joe Royer, executive director of Facilities; Walt Smith, director of Security Services; Kathy Young, assistant director of Human Resources; Pauletta Swank, office manager of Human Resources; Chris Williams, director of University Communications; Kerry Shaw, director of Publications; Brenda Hammons, office manager for VPs of Finance and Marketing; the staff of Creative Dining Services at Anderson University; the many persons who served as Security Support and Parking Support; student volunteers who helped clean and restore the campus following the camp; the faculty, staff and student athletes in the AU Athletic Department; the Anderson University Football Team; AU Resident Directors and Resident Assistants; the Anderson University Physical Plant Staff.
By every measure of evaluation, the training camp weeks were a huge success. From our perspective, this was the highlight of the summer season in Anderson and Madison County. We look forward to the Colts returning to Anderson for their summer training camp for many years to come and wish them every success for a “Super” season.
Dr. James L. Edwards is president of Anderson University.
