Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Catherine Vickers

University Relations

MURFREESBORO – A partnership forged between the Murfreesboro and Ahoskie Chambers of Commerce and Chowan University has led to two CU working as interns with the local organizations.

“I feel like this agreement, impacting multiple communities, strengthens the unity of Hertford County, continuing the momentum and collaboration shown in recent months,” said Harri Lovett, Director of Business and Industry Partnerships for Chowan University. “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.

Hassan Mutaasa is an intern with the Ahoskie Chamber of Commerce.

“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,” Lovett stated. “Under the guidance of Ahoskie Chamber President RJ Myers and daily mentorship from Chamber Executive Director Connie Poland, Hassan will aid our neighbors in Ahoskie exponentially.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of this internship,” said Mutaasa. “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.

Patrick Sullivan is the intern at the Murfreesboro Chamber.

“Anyone who knows Patrick Sullivan knows this is a match made in heaven,” Lovett remarked. “Patrick is gregarious, dependable, and bleeds Chowan blue. It excites me to think about the learning experience Patrick will receive under Murfreesboro Chamber 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.”

“This is a win-win-win situation for all of us,” Brown said. “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.”

Sullivan is the first Chowan intern for the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce. 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,” Williams said.