FWKCC Series presents ‘Cold Case Success’

Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce will delve into Knox County’s criminal investigations, welcoming Knox County Regional Forensic Center chief medical examiner Dr. Darinka Mileusnic and chief administrative officer Chris Thomas as speakers for its upcoming Breakfast Speaker Series, “Cold Case Success Stories.”

While the event runs from 7:30 to 9 a.m., Wednesday, July 19, in Rothchild Catering & Conference Center, 8807 Kingston Pike in Knoxville, the program starts at 8 a.m.

FWKCC president/CEO Julie Blaylock said she and the Chamber board always look for both relevant and interesting topics and speakers they can bring to the membership.

“We’re really excited because of the two speakers from the forensic center,” she added.

Mileusnic, who studied in Croatia in addition to the United States, is “a thorough and fascinating forensic scientist,” Blaylock said. “She has given testimony at the national level on criminal court cases as a subject matter expert, and she has a specific interest in pediatric forensic studies.”

Thomas, who runs the day-to-day operations of the forensic center and is responsible for communicating with media, is known to the Chamber.

“Chris worked in the financial industry for a long time,” Blaylock said. “He was an ambassador (of FWKCC) through one of the member financial institutions.

“He’s retired military, and he made a career change a few years ago and has really excelled in his new role,” she added.

“Obviously, we always want to focus on business, and we want to focus on economic growth and development, but the Breakfast Speaker Series events are always open to the wider community. So, anybody who’s not a Chamber member can also buy a ticket to attend.”

Sponsored by Town of Farragut and Knox County government, tickets — $35 for members, $40 for non-members and a table of eight for $300 — can be purchased online at farragutchamber.com When a business purchases a table, it will get logo recognition on the table.

The Chamber also is seeking other community and event sponsors. “This is a great event, especially because of the topic and because of the local connection for businesses to bring colleagues and friends,” Blaylock said.