Chattanooga District 6 Councilwoman Carol Berz is holding her first community summit of 2016 on Friday, March 18 at the Executive Business Park on Lee Highway.
As one of the most diverse districts in Chattanooga, Berz said networking and opening lines of communication between businesses and residents in the area is particularly important.
“District 6 goes all the way past Tyner. We are very diverse and we celebrate diversity,” she said. “Not only of race and ethnic background and etcetera, but of businesses and economic and education levels. And we can’t continue to do that if you don’t come to the table and participate.”
Bill Raines, president of The Raines Group and keynote speaker for the upcoming summit, said he will focus on examining and connecting community needs with businesses interested in the area.
“The business community will be able to learn about opportunities and the demographics of the area and we want to figure out what residents and tenants need and want,” he said.
“The bottom line is, today Chattanooga is becoming international and there is a much more neighborhood-centric environment,” Berz agreed. “Everything in Midtown and the [Highway] 153 area is designed and geared toward living and working and playing together.”
Other “state of the district” updates by the Regional Planning Agency, Chattanooga Airport, Grassroots midTown and others will be provided at the summit as well.
The District 6 Summit will begin at 8:30 a.m., next to the Sam’s Club at 6025 Lee Highway. Breakfast will be provided by the Culinary Institute of Virginia College.
“You have to eat breakfast somewhere, and this is free. Let’s talk about ideas and solutions,” said Berz.
Those planning to attend can RSVP via email at contact@carolberz.com or by phone at 266-4050.