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businesses were known and highly respected. Establishing credibility was not an issue for our goals of business development." Maggi is encouraged by the relationships being formed and their potential benefits, both in terms of business opportunity and cultural appreciation. "Contacts for our local businesses looking to expand in that region of the world will be the biggest [benefit.] I'm certain it will help the University's recruiting efforts in the region as well," he notes. "Personally I've been able to establish friendships/relationships with businessmen and their families throughout Central and South America. It is amazing how connected we really are." He cites an example of one of those connections. "While in Panama in 2013 I met some business people familiar with our region. They brought up Dr. Paul Noland (1926-2015), whom I had met, and had worked with one of his sons. I Steve Clark greets San Vincente Pacaya mayor Axel Catalino González in the Fayetteville chamber office. the Town of San Vicente Pacaya in Guatemala renamed one of their streets "6th AVENIDA de Fayetteville" after their visit to Northwest Arkansas. learned he was still one of the most highly regarded people in the country," Maggi recalls. "Back in the mid 50's Dr. Noland had established an animal science research facility in Panama that ended up changing the way of life in Central America and throughout the region. He was awarded the highest civilian honor by the government, the Balboa Award." Maggi believes this kind of coopetition between countries is vital for many reasons. "The interchange of ideas with other countries can create mutually beneficial opportunities. That should be the goal," he notes. "I'm proud our community has joined in celebrating and embracing Hispanic heritage." 11 Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce

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