A conference in Iowa City today will focus on Iowa’s growing Latino population. John Chaisson, the event’s coordinator, says Iowa’s Latino population has grown 153-percent in the last 10 years. He says the weekend’s event is an opportunity for Iowans and Latinos to get together and talk about the issues Latinos face in Iowa. Chaisson says the conference is called “Strengthening and Valuing Latino Communities,” something he says is unique.He says most conferences and workshops focus on the problems associated with new communities of Latinos, but he says this one focuses on the positive things those communities bring. He says the conference isn’t limited to LatinosThey’ve designed it to include anyone who’s interested. Chaisson hopes the conference gets Latinos and non-Latinos in Iowa talking.The conference is today at the Iowa Memorial Union at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

Radio Iowa