National political strategist and commentator Donna Brazile challenges the Tennessee Multicultural Chamber of Commerce to sponsor business fairs and to ensure technical schools provide training that helps residents be ready for the global market place.
"My key takeaway is to encourage (the Chamber) to leverage its power to build economic opportunities for citizens in their area," Mrs. Brazile said.
She is the guest speaker at a Tennessee Multicultural Chamber of Commerce fundraiser and awards banquet, scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Chattanooga Convention Center.
The event is a celebration of how the Chamber is bridging the economic gap in Chattanooga, officials said.
Chamber Award recipients* Erlanger Health System -- Advancement In Diversity* Hayes Network Inc. -- Michael & Angela Hayes* River City Mart -- Gwendolyn Blackmon* American Custom Manufacturing Inc. -- Leotis Burton* Reliable Building Solutions -- Kathy SokSource: Tennessee Multicultural Chamber of CommerceIF YOU GO* What: Tennessee Multicultural Chamber of Commerce fundraiser and awards banquet* Who: Donna Brazile, political commentator* When: 6 p.m. Thursday* Where: Chattanooga Convention Center, 1100 Carter St.* Admission: $50* Information: 265-0021Source: Tennessee Multicultural Chamber of Commerce
Mrs. Brazile said she also will discuss actions that President Barack Obama has taken to provide communities with more jobs.
Tennessee Multicultural Chamber President Sherrie Gilchrist said the event will offer firsthand information about what the Chamber does and about national job recovery efforts.
"Having a person like Donna Brazile in our city gives people an opportunity to get an educational experience that they don't want to miss," Ms. Gilchrist said.
Mrs. Brazile managed Al Gore's 2000 presidential campaign, and she also worked on presidential campaigns for Democratic candidates including Jimmy Carter, Walter Mondale and Jesse Jackson.
She is author of "Cooking with Grease," an account of her decades in politics. She is currently an adjunct professor of women and gender studies at Georgetown University, and she is a weekly contributor and political commentator on CNN's "The Situation Room" and "American Morning."
The awards banquet is the Chamber's biggest fundraiser of the year, Ms. Gilchrist said. The Chamber's goal is to raise about $100,000 for operating expenses.
The Chamber lost half of its city funding in October 2009 during city budget cuts.
"Due to the 50 percent cut in funding, we need your support more than ever as we prepare to celebrate this milestone," Ms. Gilchrist said.
The banquet also will recognize local businesses and entrepreneurs for their efforts toward diversity, becoming business owners and providing service.
Award recipients include Erlanger Health System, Gwendolyn Blackmon, Michael and Angela Hayes, Leotis Burton and Kathy Sok.