September 3, 2024 was a momentous day celebrating a partnership with Murfreesboro and Ahoskie Chambers of Commerce and Chowan University. Harri Lovett, Director of Business and Industry Partnerships for Chowan University, says, “I feel like this agreement, impacting multiple communities, strengthens the unity of Hertford County, continuing the momentum and collaboration shown in recent months.This partnership and agreement makes my heart happy. We have two incredible Chowan students who have bought into the community and the big picture of what makes our University great. Having worked diligently with both the Ahoskie and Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerces, I recognize the significance of both committees respective contribution to Hertford County and its economic growth. 

Our Ahoskie intern, Mr. Hassan Mutaasa is as bright as a student you will ever meet. Hassan has overcome so many obstacles on his path to Chowan, which have molded him into a resilient, polite, and extremely talented technician and professional. Under the guidance of President RJ Myers and daily mentorship from Executive Director Connie Poland, Hassan will aid our neighbors in Ahoskie exponentially.” 

Hassan says, “I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this internship. It’s an exciting chance to deepen my knowledge, contribute meaningfully, and grow within a professional environment. I am looking forward to making the most of this experience.” A tour of Ahoskie, Burger King and Connie Poland as his chauffeur, makes for an awesome beginning to an internship.

Mr. Lovett goes on to say, “Anyone who knows Patrick Sullivan, our Murfreesboro Chamber intern, knows this is a match made in heaven. Patrick is gregarious, dependable, and bleeds Chowan blue. It excites me to think about the learning experience Patrick will receive under Executive Director, Daryl Williams and President, Sara Crowder. Patrick’s marketing capabilities will highlight the booming restaurant scene, small business growth, special events, and of course, the Inaugural Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament on October 4th. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Board of Trustee Member, Grace Brown, for facilitating the Bynum R. Brown Internship Award.” 

Grace Brown is thrilled. “This is a win-win-win situation for all of us. Patrick will gain valuable experience through the Chamber of Commerce operations, the Chamber will benefit from the expertise and knowledge of a promising young marketing major, and Chowan has another active and engaged face in the Murfreesboro community. I am so pleased that we can honor my Father, Mr. Bynum R. Brown in this way through the Internship Award. He would be so proud of the work that Daryl, Harri, (and now Patrick) are doing to enhance Murfreesboro.” 

Patrick is the first Chowan intern for the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Williams is looking forward to introducing him to all of the local businesses and stated that he will officially be an employee of the Chamber. “We are vested in a relationship with the university, our community and local businesses.”

Meryl Brown, representing Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce, Daryl Williams, Executive Director for Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce, Harri Lovett, Director of Business and Industry Partnerships, Dr. Rosemary Thomas, Chowan University President, Hassan Mutaasa and Patrick Sullivan, Interns, gathered at Chowan University to celebrate Chowan’s Connect Program and the fellowship of the Chambers.