CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (September 27, 2011) -- Lattimore Black Morgan & Cain, PC (LBMC), one of the Southeast’s largest accounting and business services firms, will host "Innovation and Growth - The Next Chapter in Chattanooga Business" on Friday, October 7, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The business issues conference is open to area business and community leaders who may register for the free event at www.lbmc.com/rsvp.

A panel of Chattanooga’s top business leaders will kick off the event, discussing current issues and emerging trends that affect companies in the area, providing attendees with a sneak peek of things to come and help them take advantage of future opportunities. Moderated by LBMC Chattanooga Managing Partner Dennis Blanton, the panelists are: Chad Eichelberger, President, Access America Transport; Trevor Hamilton, Vice President of Economic Development, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce; Matt Kisber, Economic Development Strategist, LBMC; and Kim White, President/CEO, RiverCity Company.

“Chattanooga has a lot of positive things that have developed – and opportunities that continue to develop – on the business and economic fronts,” said Blanton. “The area has made huge strides to make this a business-friendly city – from landing major employers to developing citywide high-speed Internet connectivity to the downtown revitalization. This is an energizing and ever-changing time in Chattanooga and we are excited to present this event.”

In addition to the panel, the half-day event includes sessions on important and timely business topics such as information security, technology, human resources, and accounting and tax updates. More than 100 attendees participated in a similar event sponsored by LBMC in 2009.

LBMC (Lattimore Black Morgan & Cain, PC) and The LBMC Family of Companies have more than 350 employees, with offices in Nashville, Knoxville and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Founded in 1984 as a traditional accounting firm, LBMC has expanded its focus to meet a broad range of needs for its diverse client base. Services provided by the LBMC family of companies include accounting and assurance services, business and personal tax consulting, risk services, permanent and temporary staffing, human resources outsourcing, payroll services, technology services, healthcare consulting, planning services, business valuations, investment advisory services, and mergers and acquisitions.