Hoosier Chapter PRSA: December Luncheon

The Wing and the Wheel:

One Hundred Years in Indianapolis Three Times Over

How would you handle three centennial celebrations falling within a seven-year span – and for a major Indianapolis landmark/institution that is loved the world around? It’s a challenge Fred Nation has skillfully addressed in his role as executive vice president for communications for all the Hulman-George companies, including the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy Racing League as well as IMS Productions and Clabber Girl.

First, 2009 is the 100^th anniversary of the founding of IMS. Then, in 2011, the centennial celebration of the first Indy 500 will occur. Only five years later, the 100^th running of the Indy 500 will cap seven years of centennials. Communicating the significance of three such historical events both to the local community and to the world at large is a compelling challenge. And one that history buff Fred Nation enjoys telling.