James C. Smith, chairman and CEO of Webster Bank, will be the keynote speaker at the Annual Economic Conference of Tunxis Community College Foundation on October 9, from 8:30-10 a.m. at Farmington Club in Farmington. A tax-deductible donation is requested.

Smith will speak on “What Connecticut Can Do to Begin Growing Again,” reviewing the current state of the Connecticut economy and his perspective on how to grow the state’s economy more quickly. Proceeds from the fundraising breakfast will support student scholarships and special projects at Tunxis Community College.

Smith joined Webster in 1975, and was appointed CEO in 1987 and chairman in 1995. He is co-chairman of the American Bankers Council. Smith also serves as chairman of the Financial Services Roundtable Corporate Social Responsibility team after completing a three-year term on the FSR board. He is actively involved in the Midsize Banks Coalition of America, and is a past member of the Federal Advisory Council, which advises the deliberations of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Smith also serves on the board of Saint Mary’s Health System in Waterbury.

Pratt & Whitney, Stanley Black & Decker and Webster Bank are Platinum sponsors of the breakfast. Sponsorship levels are still available for companies and small businesses. Ads can also be purchased for the program book. Individual admission is $75 and includes a hot breakfast. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 1. Reservations can be made online at www.tunxisfoundation.org. For more information, please call 860.773.1357; or email [email protected].  

Located in Farmington, Tunxis Community College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting the students, programs and projects of Tunxis for over 40 years. It is managed by a board of directors composed of business and community leaders. Visit Tunxis on the Internet at www.tunxisfoundation.org and tunxis.edu.