In 1993 Baton Rouge hosted the Women's Internation 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 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 $223,000 in 2006. We have used our funds well and feel that the $25,000,000 plus Estimated Economic Impact for 2006 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. Some of our partners are BREC, BRCVB, SMG, Southern University, LSU, BR Police, DPW, Entergy, Gerry Lane Enterprises, B.R. Coca-Cola, Mockler Beverage Company, the Hospitality Management Association, and the BR Restaurant Association. 17 men and women make up the board of the Sports Foundation. Each one has a "vested interest" in the Sports Foundation's success.