Seven locals will cross international borders next weekend, when they head to Cuba.

The Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and two groups from out of state have organized a trip to Cuba from Nov. 10 to 17.  heading to Cuba next weekend as part of a trip organized by the The Rowan County Chamber of Commerce. There are a total of 30 participants going on the trip from the Rowan Chamber, Greater Des Moines, Iowa Partnership and the Tucson, Ariz. Hispanic Chamber.

The participants from Rowan County are: Chamber President Elaine Spalding and her husband, Keyth Kahrs; Kimerly and Jeffery Fahs; Jerry and Maxine McDaniel; and Elaine Howle.

Through cultural exploration, the Rowan County Chamber aims to connect local business people to global experiences and opportunities. This trip can help Rowan County businesses capitalize on the recent advancements in relations between the governments of the United States and Cuba.

Congressman Richard Hudson’s office is assisting the group with a U.S. Embassy meeting in Havana, Cuba. Rowan Chamber members and community leaders are going to be among the first Americans to legally travel to Cuba and gain a new perspective on Cuba’s incredible history, business and economic development opportunities, cuisine and culture through people-to-people cultural interactions and exchanges.

Travelers will delight in Cuba’s storied history from the Museum of the Revolution to Ernest Hemingway’s Farm.

They will have opportunities to interact with the locals, visiting the home and studio of a famous artist, a classic car enthusiast club as well as the San Jose Craft Market, where local artisans show off their handmade goods. Travelers will enjoy UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Old Havana and the beautiful countryside of Pinar del Rio, where a visit to a local tobacco farm and cigar factory is included.

For further details on the travel program, contact the Rowan Chamber at 704-633-4221, or info@rowanchamber.com for more information.