Hispanic networking event to be held at Maryville College

Oct. 19, 2009
Contact: Rev. Dr. Billy Newton
865.273.8894; billy.newton@maryvillecollege.edu

The Center for Strong Communities at Maryville College and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of East Tennessee will host a networking event and reception from 6 until 7:30 p.m. on Tues., Oct. 27 in the Proffitt Dining Room on the Maryville College campus.

This special event brings together Hispanic business owners, managers and other community leaders to build strong connections, support and hospitality in Blount County and East Tennessee.

People do not need to be members of the Hispanic Chamber to attend, and visitors from businesses, nonprofits, churches and community organizations are welcome.

In hosting this program, the Center and Maryville College continue their intentional effort to build good relationships with new neighbors, especially among the rapidly growing Latino community and other residents in East Tennessee.

The Blount Chamber Partnership also supports this community event. President/CEO Fred Forster will welcome the Hispanic Chamber members to Blount County.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of East Tennessee promotes the start and growth of Hispanic businesses through networking and technical assistance and also serves as a unique link between these businesses and mainstream businesses in this region, according to Director Luis Velázquez.

The Center for Strong Communities builds on the educational mission and long tradition of service at Maryville College and serves as a visible expression of responsible citizenship and servant leadership in the broader community. Working through collaborative efforts and a model of community empowerment, the Center brings together people and ideas to build and strengthen healthy, just and caring communities in East Tennessee and Appalachia.

The Rev. Dr. Billy Newton serves as the organizing director.

For more information about the event, please contact Newton at 865.273.8894 or billy.newton@maryvillecollege.edu.

Maryville College is ideally situated in Maryville, Tenn., between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, the state's third largest city. Founded in 1819, it is the 12th oldest institution of higher learning in the South and maintains an affiliation with the Presbyterian Church (USA). Known for its academic rigor and its focus on the liberal arts, Maryville is where students come to stretch their minds, stretch themselves and learn how to make a difference in the world. Total enrollment for the fall 2009 semester is 1,103.