By Jennifer Edwards
The Cincinnati Enquirer

WEST CHESTER TWP. - Retired Army Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, who commanded U.S. forces in the 1991 Persian Gulf War, now will try to help form a new coalition force - chambers of commerce in the northern suburbs.

Schwarzkopf will visit the Tristate Nov. 19 to address chamber members at the Sharonville Convention Center, the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday.

The five chambers in Butler County are hosting the event to improve relations among neighboring communities, chamber officials said Tuesday.

Specifically, Schwarzkopf will talk about his experience in leadership, the U.S. role as world leader and the importance of leadership within one's own community to strengthen it.

"With Cincinnati and Dayton coming closer to us along Interstate 75, it's important for us to be a stronger community as a county," said Joe Hinson, president and chief executive officer of the Southeastern Butler County Chamber of Commerce.

In the past year, politicians in Butler County and neighboring counties haven't exactly fostered regionalism.

For example, Cincinnati City Councilman John Cranley and Butler County Commissioner Mike Fox waged a volatile public fight over a proposed exit off Interstate 75 and the Michael A. Fox Highway.

But the Southeast Butler chamber took initiative last year by extending a helping hand to the Over-the-Rhine Chamber of Commerce, which has been struggling to revive the area following the 2001 riots, economic downturn and a downtown Cincinnati boycott.

Now, the Southeast chamber and others in Butler County - Oxford, Mid-Miami Valley and Fairfield - are working with the Greater Hamilton Chamber of Commerce in leadership alumni groups to improve regionalism.

While West Chester and Liberty townships boom amid tremendous housing and business growth, Hamilton has lost jobs and population.

Schwarzkopf will speak at 6:30 p.m., followed by a dinner. Tickets cost $125 and will be available after Oct. 15.

E-mail jedwards@enquirer.com