In 1993, the city of Baton Rouge hosted the Women's International Bowling Congress, the U.S. National Senior Sports Classic IV, and the USATF Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships. Mayor Tom Ed McHugh saw the need for a group that would approach athletic events and activities like these on a full time basis. Mayor McHugh brought in Jerry L. Stovall to become the first President/CEO of the Sports Foundation. When the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation was incorporated as a 501© 6 non-profit on June 14, 1994 the decision was made that the Sports Foundation would be: A. Compact & Efficient a. Years 1 – 4 = 1 full time employee and 1 intern b. Years 5 – 10 = 2 full time employees and 2 interns c. Years 11-15 = 3 full time employees and 3 interns B. Economically Streamlined Total budget has grown from $125,000 in 1994 to $250,000 in 2008. We have used our funds effectively and efficiently and feel that the $25,000,000 plus Estimated Economic Impact for 2007 is a good return on investment. C. Partnership Driven Parts A and B will work only if part C is in place. Partnerships happen because of relationships that are developed between individuals. This is a key strategy in our organization. Without these relationships and partnerships, Some of our partners are BREC, Baton Rouge Convention and Visitors Bureau, SMG/RiverCenter, Southern University, LSU, Baton Rouge Police Department, Department of Public Works, Entergy, Gerry Lane Enterprises, Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Mockler Beverage Company, the Greater Baton Rouge Hospitality Management Association, and the Baton Rouge Restaurant Association. Without the development of these partnerships, the accomplishments of the Sports Foundation over the past 14 years would simply not be possible. For a full list of our Founders, Partners, and Sponsors, please click on the appropriate link listed.