UT Knoxville’s Center for Sustainable Business and Tourism and Center for Business and Economic Research will host two events that showcase sustainable business, environment, and communities on March 29 and 31.
On Tuesday, March 29, commissioners from state government will participate in a panel discussion on sustainable transportation and tourism and attracting green businesses to Tennessee.
Panelists include John Schroer, Tennessee commissioner of transportation; Susan Whitaker, Tennessee commissioner of tourist development; and Paul LaGrange, assistant commissioner of the Business Development Division of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The event will take place 1 to 3:30 p.m. in the Carolyn P. Brown Memorial University Center Shiloh Room.
Susan Martin, UT Knoxville provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, will welcome guests and participants. Bill Fox, professor of economics and director of the Center for Business and Economic Research, will lead the panel discussion.
On Thursday, March 31, a panel featuring regional industry leaders will focus on structuring and operating sustainable businesses. Panelists will include Steve McMillen, vice president of talent management for the Tennessee Valley Authority; Hugh Morrow Jr., president of Ruby Falls LLC; and J. Scott Silver, vice president of human resources for Standard Textile. The event will take place 1 to 3:30 p.m. in the Carolyn P. Brown Memorial University Center Shiloh Room.
Sarah Gardial, UT Knoxville vice provost for faculty affairs, will welcome guests and participants at the March 31 event. The panel discussion will be led by Rachel Chen, director of the Center for Sustainable Business and Tourism and associate professor in the Department of Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Management.
“These events will allow representatives of government, businesses, higher education, and nonprofit organizations, as well as interested citizens, to share perspectives, insights, and ideas that support sustainable growth, development and tourism for our region,” says Chen.
Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, call the Center for Sustainable Business and Tourism at 865-974-0505 or email rchen@utk.edu.