CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce will have representation during Hispanic Fest 2014, according to a spokesperson of the organization.
The annual event — 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Emerald Coast Convention Center — is sponsored by United for a Good Cause and attracts thousands of Hispanic residents and businesses.
“We see and welcome the growth of the Hispanic population in our area,” chamber board member Rae Schwartz said. “Using the opportunity provided by this established event, the chamber is excited to introduce this group of area residents — our neighbors — to the businesses and services we offer in North Okaloosa County."
The 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)'s arrival in the area brought with it a large Hispanic population, Schwartz said. The July 2013 U.S. Census shows 14,240 Hispanics in Okaloosa County out of 165,860 total county residents. And new businesses aimed at the Hispanic market are becoming more prevalent in the Crestview area.
The chamber Arts, Culture and Entertainment Committee, which is coordinating the chamber’s booth, invites member businesses and organizations to introduce themselves to Hispanic Fest attendees.
Chamber members can leave fliers and business cards for the exhibit at the ACE Committee’s table during the Sept. 4 chamber breakfast meeting, Schwartz said. The breakfast begins 7 a.m. at the Crestview Community Center.
Meanwhile, a Crestview merchants gift basket giveaway is planned for the festival, Schwartz said. Chamber members who wish to contribute merchandise or samples can email Pam.Pannasch@communitybank.net.
WANT TO BE INCLUDED?
Crestview Area Chamber of Commerce members can display informational materials at the chamber’s Hispanic Fest 2014 booth. Members can deliver materials to the Arts, Culture and Entertainment Committee table at the Sept. 4 chamber breakfast meeting. The meeting begins at 7 a.m. at the Crestview Community Center. Contact committee chairwoman Karen Hardell karenhardell@abetterledger.com, or chamber board member Rae Schwartz, bakerny@yahoo.com or 585-5672, for information.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes, follow him on Twitter or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Chamber to exhibit during Hispanic Fest