Last week I attended Opportunity Indianapolis, presented by the Lacy Leadership Association. Opportunity Indianapolis is a leadership program designed to give participants an exclusive, behind-the-scenes exploration of our city and significant community issues. I learned almost as much about my city in two days as I have in the 20 years I’ve lived here.

One of the community issues that had a lasting impact on me was the focus on education—we need to make it a number one priority in our city and that needs to happen right now. Mass transit is another issue that the city of Indianapolis needs to solve to serve its growing population and be considered a vibrant city of the future.

The overall message of Opportunity Indianapolis is to get involved. We all need to identify issues we are passionate about and let our voices be heard. Last week got me energized about making a difference in my city, and it also made me realize that I have a lot of work to do.

“Who let the dogs out? (woof, woof, woof, woof…)” As my Borshoff colleagues and I stepped away from the Butler University National Championship Game Pep Rally on Monument Circle here in Indianapolis today, the familiar and singable Baha Men’s tune was blaring from the loudspeakers. No doubt about it – B.U. mania has hit epic proportions leading into tonight’s 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

It’s not hard to love the Bulldogs. “The Butler Way” has provided the script for this sensational story that has not only inspired a team, but an entire university, city, state and beyond. But what makes it truly amazing is that the dance we’ve been preparing for as promoters for months is a dance at which we never imagined being guests. And THAT, my friends, is what has made this Big Dance one for the ages.

When our host city prepared to stage and promote a Final Four, we never knew who we’d be hosting. We worked hard for months to get our house in order, polished the silver and prepared to raise the roof – no matter who our guests of honor would be. Then, in one shining moment, the basketball gods smiled on a small, private institution in our own backyard and shazaam! WE become the belle of the ball (or in this case – the beau of the ball.) And what has resulted is electricity that defies explanation and contagious enthusiasm that energizes the soul – which makes the long hours of organizing and the stressful moments of detail attention all worth the while as promoters and marketers.

It has truly been an honor for Borshoff to be partners with IMG and the NCAA in staging and promoting the many fan events enjoyed by thousands these past few days. For tonight, we’re not only the hosts, we are also the guests. And oh, how I love the song they’re playing. Thanks, NCAA! And may I have this dance? (woof, woof, woof, woof…)

“Man – you’ve got a cool job!” said my son yesterday morning – as I was on my way to Lucas Oil Stadium to help coordinate the Final Four kick-off press conference with Mayor Ballard, NCAA brass and local civic leaders. “Just doing my job, Owen,” I said back – grinning inside because I knew what was ahead for this week; and partially wincing, because I knew what was ahead for this week.

There’s no doubt that I’m thrilled to be assisting the NCAA with local, grassroots marketing and publicity around all the fan events surrounding collegiate basketball’s showcase weekend – and with yesterday’s press conference, the good times have started to roll here in Indianapolis.

We last hosted this “dance” back in 2006,  and if this year is anything like last time, be ready to buckle up and party down. Here in 2010, the excitement at Monday’s press conference was already contagious as those planning these good times proclaimed that Indy’s more-than-ready – all the signage is up and THE floor is down. Teams start arriving on Wednesday; fans start swarming on Thursday; partiers come by the masses on Friday. And, for the 6th time since 1980, Indianapolis will again be diagnosed with Final Four Fever.

Yes – the week is finally here. See you at Bracket Town, or wait, how about the Big Dance music fest at White River State Park? Or how about those free practice sessions on Friday at Lucas Oil Stadium? Or maybe the slam dunk/3-point competition in the Convention Center? Just bring it all on!

No matter if you have a ticket or not, check out all the action at www.ncaa.com/finalfour.

Watching U.S. skier Lindsey Vonn win gold in the downhill, or Apolo Anton Ohno become the most decorated Winter Olympic athlete with three new medals in short track skating, or seeing the incredible performance of Canadian Joannie Rochette win bronze in women’s figure skating only days after her mother died of a heart attack – all of it lifts my spirit.

It’s incredible that we can almost feel the grit and determination of these exceptional athletes – doing things that few can do, and even fewer can imagine doing.

It reminds me how fortunate we are here in Indianapolis to be the beneficiary of sporting events that attract some of the best athletes in the world. Here we can watch these athletes in real time, in real life, and not via the pixels of a big screen TV. You have to give the City and State a 10 for that!

The next chance for Hoosiers and our Big Ten neighbors is the 2010 Big Ten Basketball Tournaments. The women’s event starts this week, March 4-7, and the men’s tournament is March 11-14.

I hope you’ll join the thousands of fans descending upon downtown Indianapolis to enjoy some of the best basketball teams in the country duke it out for a Big Ten trophy.

For tickets, go to the Conseco Fieldhouse box office, or online at www.ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000.

And if you’re not into basketball, as hard as that is to believe in Indiana, do the Big Ten Hoops Day 5K or enjoy some of the other events surrounding Indianapolis’ not-to-be-missed Big Ten celebration. More info is available at www.indianasportscorp.com/events/bigten.

I was elated when I learned that the Indianapolis Cultural Trail will receive a $20.5 million TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant from the federal Department of Transportation. This means the Trail, which will be an eight-and-a-half-mile urban bike and pedestrian path connecting various downtown cultural venues, can now be completed in the next two years.

It is thrilling to know the full dream will become reality, thanks to the government recognizing a project that is truly transforming the city. It’s the Year of the TIGER in Indy!

I never cease to be amazed at the generosity of my coworkers. Every year, Borshoff holds a pledge drive securing donations for United Way and its community agencies. And every year, Borshoff staff proves themselves more generous and thoughtful than the last.

For 15 years, Borshoff has earned the “Company that Cares” designation from United Way. We’re in the midst of our annual campaign and looking strong to earn that designation for a 16th straight year. To do so, Borshoff staff must show they care for the community with more than just their pocketbooks.

On August 28, two Borshoff staff members took time out of their busy schedules to participate in United Way’s annual Day of Caring. Kassie Mills and Margaux Childers volunteered their time at the Jordan branch of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. As part of the “Brighten up the Environment” project, they planted shrubs along a pedestrian path that leads from the YMCA facility to the Monon Trail. Kassie, being unfamiliar with gardening, took this as a great opportunity to learn how to properly use a shovel!

Yesterday, Borshoff held a company-wide bake sale to raise additional funds for United Way. Staff were invited to bake and contribute their favorite baked good, and also to spend a couple dollars purchasing and enjoying the baked goods. And, we’re certainly a company that likes our sweets – we raised more than $200!

In so many ways, Borshoff truly is a company that cares. Serving as campaign co-coordinator for my third year, I’m lucky to be part of such a great tradition.