CLEVELAND, Tenn. (Sept. 3, 2008)—Patsy Hazlewood, regional director for AT&T, recently presented a check for $3,000 to the economic development division of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce.

“AT&T is committed to giving back to the communities it serves,” Hazlewood said, noting AT&T’s support for economic development in the Cleveland/Bradley County area and its subsequent regional impact. “Education and economic development, which go hand in hand, are two key areas of interest for the corporation.”

Hazlewood also presented a check to the Cleveland State Community College Foundation.

“The Chamber is committed to addressing employers’ needs for a skilled, competent and competitive workforce,” Cameron Fisher, chairman of the board, said about the Chamber’s Program of Work. “AT&T’s support for our economic development efforts allows us to continue to establish stronger partnerships between business and education.”

Kevin Brooks, state representative for the 24th district, also acknowledged the need for an educated workforce to move economic development forward.

“We are so grateful to receive these donations for both economic development and education,” Rep. Brooks said. “These two donations are not mutually exclusive but rather are inextricably linked together. We cannot have future economic development without first investing in the education of our youth.”

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