Editor's note: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's On the Ground Battle Creek series.

Ignite BC, A new organization for professionals in Battle Creek will have a launch party Nov. 9 to introduce itself and get people engaged in upcoming events and activities.

Ignite was formed by a group of individuals who live and work in Battle Creek.

“The idea for the group started forming in January,” says Kayla Thompson, an attorney with Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins, and Borsos in Battle Creek and a member of the Ignite BC steering committee.  “We got together because we saw the need for like-minded professionals to get together in the Battle Creek area to have opportunities for community service, networking, and professional development.”

Thompson says the steering committee didn’t want to establish an age range or put the word “professional” in the group’s name because some people don’t identify with that word.

“It’s open to people who want to engage with others and participate in the community. It’s aimed at future board members and people who want to get involved in leadership,” Thompson says. “We really just want to bring individuals together to better themselves. They don’t need to live in Battle Creek, but we want something to get them here and align with people.”

The launch party will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on the 16th floor of McCamly Plaza. Up next is a Broomball tournament, Ignite’s first official event, on Dec. 15 at The Rink in the city’s downtown district. Territorial Brewing will have its Beer Ambulance on-site. Registration will be open until Dec. 7 and proceeds from the event will benefit the Greater Battle Creek Ice Hockey Association. 

We thought this would be something fun and different,” Thompson says.  “We thought this would be a great introduction to the winter season. It will also be the opening of that sport in the Battle Creek area and The Rink will be using the Broomball equipment for more than just our event.”

Future plans include a speaking seminar in the Spring and additional social activities, as well as unique sports opportunities.

“We think there’s a really big need to bring in the future leaders and our generation,” Thompson says. “We’re not just looking for handshaking and passing out business cards. We want to have a purpose for what we’re doing and we want to be involved in finding solutions for the needs of the community.”

For more information or to register for upcoming events, visit the IgniteBC website at:  IGNITEBC.ORG.