University of Tennessee

Exploring Economic Opportunities for Appalachian Communities in China

This project focused on building sustainable economic development relationships between rural, economically disadvantaged counties in East Tennessee and China, and built upon relationships developed by UT with Shanghai University. The students were responsible for organizing and facilitating a workshop at the Baker Center in September for County Mayors and economic developers from the following rural, economically disadvantaged counties in East Tennessee: Cocke, Blount, Hancock, Morgan, Scott, Monroe. During this workshop, discussions focused on globalization, sustainable economic development, and opportunities to establish economic relationships with China (both import and export). As part of the project, UT also hosted a delegation of MBA students from Shanghai University in November. The SHU students took part in the second Baker Center workshop.

Student Participants: Russell Shelton, Keiana Hunter, Rhiannon Chambers, Tim Hendrick, Christina Haddad, Seth Urbanowitz, Tom Herbert

Faculty: Tim Ezzell, Bruce Tonn

Contact Information:
Tim Ezzell, Ph.D., Director Community Partnership Center
University of Tennessee
UT Conference Center, Suite 311
Knoxville, TN 37996-0645
Telephone: 865-974-9036
Email: tezzell@utk.edu

Presentation
Final Report