THRiVE Issue 18 Coweta Goes Digital

LETTER TO THE READER

Candace Boothby PRESIDENT AND CEO NEWNAN-COWETA CHAMBER

Greetings!

Wow, what a start to the first quarter of 2024! I am thrilled to report that our Chamber is buzzing with energy and excitement as we dive headfirst into the new year. There’s so much happening, and it’s exciting to share many incredible updates.

First and foremost, I’m delighted to announce the triumphant return of Coweta Works, back in person after a hiatus due to the challenges posed by the pandemic. Our three-day program for 8th graders sparked immense enthusiasm and anticipation and created unforgettable experiences for all involved. A big thank you to our volunteers and sponsors.

In addition to Coweta Works, we have some fantastic initiatives underway, including our Small Business Digital Aid program. In this edition of THRiVE, we shine a spotlight on this program—a game-changer thanks to the generous support of our partners and the grant from the County. We’re blessed to distribute $400,000 from the ARPA funds to support small businesses in our community. It’s heartening to see the tangible impact of our efforts in helping local businesses thrive in today’s digital landscape. I hope you enjoy reading about some of these success stories.

But wait, there’s more! Have you checked out our latest social media sensations, Try It Tuesday and Where Are We Wednesday? These engaging videos are just a glimpse of the innovative products we’ve developed as part of our recent Total Resource Campaign. They’re fun, informative, and a testament to our commitment to staying ahead of the curve in providing valuable resources to our members. A big thank you to GigBag Media for partnering with us to create these videos.

As we look ahead to the rest of the year, there’s no shortage of excitement on the horizon. Get ready for NextGen Movers and Shakers, our featured theme for the Talk of the Town luncheon. It’s going to be a dynamic event highlighting the trailblazers and innovators shaping the future of our community.

And mark your calendars for the 39th Annual Golf Classic on May 1st, the next installment of the Forward Coweta Summit scheduled for August 28th, and our inaugural Pickleball Tournament coming up October 2nd. These events promise to be unforgettable opportunities for networking, growth, and community building. And this is just a sample of what you can expect from your award-winning Chamber in the months ahead.

Our entire team of board leaders, volunteers, and staff are a big part of the incredible momentum we’ve built in the first quarter of 2024. With your continued support and enthusiasm, I have no doubt that we’ll accomplish even greater things in the months to come. Thank you for being part of our Chamber family, and here’s to an amazing year ahead!

Warm regards,

Events & Programs 2024

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By W. Winston Skinner

When people are looking for a job, their first step is to figure out which companies and organizations are currently hiring.

An aspect of the WorkUp Coweta program is seeking to make that part of the job search easy. WorkUp Coweta features a job board that pulls together information on jobs that are available with a wide range of Coweta employers.

The job board can be found online at: https://careers.workupcoweta.com/ companies.

The job board includes a search function that makes it easy to find jobs in which an applicant has interest, aptitude, or training. Applicants can even list the type of job they want and get an email when a notice of a job meeting their criteria is posted.

“The job board is a new facet of WorkUp Coweta,” said Phil Trickey, who works with the program, which is sponsored by the Newnan-Coweta Chamber.

WorkUp Coweta

“We’ve tried to create a tool that will be a one-stop location for job seekers to find all the jobs available in Coweta County,”

– Phil Trickey, Special Projects

Manager, Newnan-Coweta Chamber

“We just got that rolling. We’re working some of the kinks out of it,” Trickey said.

“We’ve tried to create a tool that will be a one-stop location for job seekers to find all the jobs available in Coweta County,” Trickey said.

Many companies advertise their openings on Monster, Indeed, or some other platform. The Chamber is partnering with Getro, a company that scrapes numerous online platforms and makes that information available on the WorkUp website.

“We scan them all, and put them all in one spot,” Trickey said.

The Chamber will be working with the Georgia Department of Labor and Goodwill to help get people directed to the site. “We’re creating an infrastructure so that we can get the word out and get people looking,” Trickey said.

The job board is specifically designed to be fully viewable and operational on a cell phone. Trickey said research shows 90 percent of job seekers are using their phones and not a laptop or desktop computer.

Cody Beam of Ameris Bank looks over instructions for his work as a diode assembler when the 2023 Leadership Coweta class sampled the Buzz simulation. Paul Todd of Georgia Tech stands by.

1,600+ specialists focused on curing cancer

Go Digital grants give small businesses a boost

by W. Winston Skinner

Go Digital is helping Coweta businesses take technological leaps that improve the bottom line.

“It’s a great program,” said Clarence Bolden, who operates The Tax Axe. The Tax Axe is one of the local businesses that received a Go Digital grant, and Bolden used the funds to improve his company’s online presence.

Go Digital is a project of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber, and is funded with American Rescue Plan Act dollars through the Coweta County Board of Commissioners.

Go Digital “was a great idea,” Bolden said. “It certainly helped the business.”

As a tax preparer, Bolden is in a field with lots of big players who have a strong presence online. He realized that he, too, needed to tap into what the Internet offers.

The Go Digital process required him to think about the basics of The Tax Axe – “How was my business operating? Where did my customers come from?”

Go Digital participants greet County staff to celebrate program impact.

Since connecting with Go Digital, Bolden realized a 30 percent increase in his customer base.

“I have customers now from all over,” he said.

Bolden has generally applied an old-time approach to his customers, enjoying conversation and personal contact. Many of his new customers are people he never sees. The customers send him their information, and he prepares their tax returns.

Although he said he sometimes misses the face-to-face connection, he realizes many of his newer customers have different priorities.

“I’m getting more accustomed to that,” he said. “It’s a different environment, and it’s working well. I understand why it’s convenient for them.”

Many younger customers “have a different viewpoint,” Bolden said.

Phil Trickey of PWT Advisory Services, LLC

“They have different priorities on how they want to spend their time.” He said he finds his grandchildren share that mindset.

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber launched the Small Business Digital Aid program – Go Digital –in 2023 with $400,000 in ARPA funding to improve digital projects. ARPA became law in 2021 and aims through numerous means to ameliorate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The funds came to the Chamber through the Coweta County Commission.

Phil Trickey of PWT Advisory Services, LLC manages the Go Digital program. He said the grant aims “to help small businesses improve their digital marketing.”

He shared that 71 companies applied. Some did not qualify, and a few chose not to participate. Go Digital is currently helping 46 businesses “at one level or another,” he said, noting that all the grant funds have been allocated.

There is a waiting list, and Trickey said more companies might get some help “if somebody drops out or some money drops out of the sky.”

Trickey said companies had a wide range of needs. Some needed a basic website, while others were looking to get into full e-commerce – selling their products or services online.

About ARPA - the basics

ARPA is a federal government program that reaches into local communities. The American Rescue Plan Act passed the U.S. House and Senate and was signed into law by Pres. Joe Biden on March 11, 2021. ARPA was designed to address the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and included a range of provisions including checks to individual citizens and the distribution of Covid vaccines.

In Coweta County, the county government served as a conduit for more than $28 million in ARPA funds to non-profits. A review committee appointed by the Coweta County Commissioners recommended six projects to be undertaken by local non-profits.

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber received approval for Go Digital, a microgrant program to enable Coweta businesses to better harness technology, and WorkUp Coweta, a workforce readiness program for local workers negatively impacted by the pandemic.

Leslie DiGiovanni (Leslie DiGiovanni Photography), Heather Medina and Stacey McKeen (Country Junction Soaps), Phil Trickey (Newnan-Coweta Chamber)

Monica Tchantz (1440 Solutions), Todd Anduze (Small Business Development Center), Isis Thomas (Crimson Therapy), Chris Tchantz (Test Pilot Creative)

“This allows them to expand their customer base. It lets them take a product that is sold in Coweta County and sell it potentially outside Coweta County and increase their market. It gives them the tools to get their name out in the way the game is played today,” Trickey said.

For many companies, SEO – search engine optimization – is a goal. Go Digital helps companies identify algorithms and key words that can help ensure their company shows up on the first page of a Google search.

the rest. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $17,500 – the average being about $8,500.

“It was important to design it in a way (for participating businesses) to have some skin in the game, to have some genuine investment in the program,” said Chris Doane, founder of Crezent, one of the local marketing firms helping to put Go Digital together. Applicants also had to put together a plan and attend a workshop facilitated by the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center at the University of West Georgia.

Area digital design firms worked together to create Go Digital. Companies involved were Country Fried Creative, Crezent, Crown Digital, Jason Hunter Designs, Test Pilot, and Thryv.

Cherisse Clarke of Crown Digital talked about what motivated the competing companies to sit down together to put together Go Digital.

“It’s for the community. It’s for the small businesses in Coweta. I help different small businesses all the time. We were all in this project to help people,” she said.

Crezent developed the branding for Go Digital, including the logo, and the website for the project. “The website served as a portal for small businesses to apply for the Go Digital grant program,” said Chris Doane, Crezent’s founder.

“It gives them the tools to get their name out in the way the game is played today.”

- Phil Trickey

"If you’re not on the first page, you’re not going to get found,” Trickey observed.

Country Junction Soaps in Senoia uses the grant to add videography to their website and to promote more Internet sales of their goats’ milk soap. Other companies used grant money to enhance the customer experience online or to simply get the word out about what they have to offer.

Grant funds paid for 75 percent of infrastructure and half the cost of marketing, with participants paying

“We’re an advocate for small business,” Doane said. With 18 years’ experience in the field, Doane said he understands “the playing field” for small businesses and the challenges they face in having a vital online presence.

“We were not only advocates for the program, but advocates for businesses to improve their marketing efforts,” Doane said.

Clarke said she primarily works with small businesses, and she urged several clients to apply for a Go Digital grant.

Both Clarke and Doane said small businesses often have little money to put into marketing and balance that

Eleazar Chaasad (Essentia Construction), Shawn Banach & Ashley Banach (Quality Window & Pressure Cleaning), Alex Edge (The Dent Guys), Clarence Bolden (The Tax Axe)

need with other costs. “A lot of people’s marketing budget is too small to make an impact,” Clarke said.

Being able to piggyback their own funds with grant dollars opened lots of opportunities.

“The design of this program actually allowed for local businesses to be able to establish a professional, well done marketing program to promote their business,” Doane said.

Doane said the impact of Go Digital went beyond “benefitting the small businesses.” Grant participants used the services of the local digital marketing firms.

“Most of the digital marketing agencies are also small businesses, too,” Doane said.

There also is hope that Go Digital will have an impact long after the grant funds are spent.

“We’re still right in the middle of this program. The funds are still flowing,” Doane said. “The hope is it gets that revenue in small businesses moving so they make marketing a long-term investment.”

“There are so many businesses out there that need help,” Clarke said.

For more information on Go Digital, visit the website: https://godigitalcoweta.com.

Bottom Row: Ashley Anderson, Joel Harrison and Scoob (Scoob and I Dog Training); Top Row: Jonathon Plummer (Event Maestro Entertainment), Cherrise Clarke (Crown Digital), Randal Sinkfield (Lil Rap Productions), Kelley Young (Crown Digital), Dr. Janet Hill (J’elle Monet)

LEADERSHIP COWETA

continues to connect leaders with the community

by W. Winston Skinner

Leadership Coweta is entering its 29th year with the 2024-2025 class, and the program continues to connect leaders – and emerging leaders – with each other and with what Coweta has to offer.

“Leadership Coweta is full of traditions,” noted Chad Staples, one of the co-chairs for this year. “There are certain aspects of the program that they want to keep.”

“It’s a good program for the community,” said Mak Strickland, the other co-chair. She said the program should be more widely known because of the great value it offers participants.

“We need to put it out there. People need to understand the value of it in our community and how it does bring a lot of organizations together – people who would not ordinarily sit in a room together and get to know one another,” Strickland said.

Leadership Coweta enhances participants’ civic knowledge of Coweta County and sharpens leadership skills.

Connections made through Leadership Coweta reverberate. Staples heads a non-profit, More Music Foundation, and he said 70 percent of the donors at the foundation’s first fundraiser came from people he met through Leadership Coweta last year.

A reimagined Leadership Coweta Alumni program launches this year, keeping alums connected and involved.

There are approximately 25 participants each year. Prospective participants complete a detailed application and make a time commitment that includes 10 full-day sessions from SeptemberMay, an overnight retreat, a service project, and a graduation luncheon.

Applicants must live or work in Coweta County when they apply. The application process is on the Newnan-Coweta Chamber website, and this year’s deadline is March 11.

Topics included in Leadership Coweta include government and civic engagement, economic development, social services and corporate citizenship, education, public safety, wellness and recreation, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

The program will be tweaked a bit this year. Leadership Coweta has long used a personality test, and that will be done earlier in the process than in the past.

The test is “a different one that people haven’t seen,” Strickland said, stating the goal is to “help people better engage.”

Leadership Coweta classes always read a book. There will be an effort to have “more time for the book to be discussed among the class,” Strickland said. “Let’s have real discussion and talk about how it applies to your job and to our community.”

Strickland said it is important for participants to commit to the time for the program. Even missing one session means a lot of missed connections and information.

The Leadership Coweta 2022-2023 class is pictured above.

Front row: Jennifer Nolder, Kalea James, Molly Giddens, Maggie Reenstra, Terisa Buchanan; Second row: Shane Loftin, Kristen Webb, Robert Wren, Joe Borchardt, Kimberly Debrow, Scott Berta; Third row: John Boland, Kristi Mundt, Renate Brown, Cody Beam, Doug Hand, Nique Kight, Stefan Wasiluk; Fourth row: Aundrea Sturdivant, Mak Strickland, Lee Whetstone, Courtney Jimerson, Chad Staples; Back row: Brian Kilby, Kevin Barbee, Jill Whitley

From

‟It’s going to take time. Look at the calendar. It’s imperative that you make time for it and that your employer lets you make time,” she said.

Leadership Coweta is invaluable, Strickland said. “Be prepared to take advantage of every contact, every opportunity. You will not regret it.”

Staples said people who are considering applying probably should, because past experiences have brought them to the point of looking at what Leadership Coweta has to offer.

“Jump off the cliff,” he advised. “Take a chance. It’s worth it.”

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Leadership Coweta co-chairs met at last year’s program

By W. Winston Skinner

Chad Staples and Mak Strickland got a lot out of last year’s Leadership Coweta program.

That is where the two met. As a result of their connection through Leadership Coweta, Strickland became a board member of More Music Foundation, the non-profit Staples heads. The foundation was founded in 2021 and its mission is “providing music education programs to at-risk youth and cultivating community through the unifying art of learning to play music.”

“I enjoy music,” said Strickland, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty. “It’s one of those things that brings people together. It brings joy.”

Strickland and Staples also agreed to be co-chairs for this year’s Leadership Coweta.

“What Mak and I bring to the table is a unique energy and an openness to people, to relationships. I know Mak. Her energy is fantastic,” Staples said.

Staples said the program has opportunities for participants to get to know each other as community leaders – and as people. “When human beings are open enough to be vulnerable, that’s where people grow,” Staples said.

This year’s Leadership Coweta class will be its 29th, and Strickland said she and Staples “have some big shoes to fill.”

A resident of Newnan for 22 years, Staples has been playing music since he was 19. He plays multiple instruments, has been part of several bands and has

shared his musical talents on several albums.

He worked for Delta for several years and earned an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. For 10 years, he did not touch a musical instrument, but an injury and surgeries gave him time to reflect.

One night, Staples could not sleep. “My brain was just going,” he recalled. So, he got up at 2 a.m. and spent the next four hours writing the business plan for what became More Music Foundation.

“I can’t say this idea came to me one day. There were steps throughout which prepared me,” Staples said.

Staples and his wife, Cori, have an adopted 10-month-old son, Isaac. They attend Foundation Christian Church.

Mak Strickland was born in Atlanta, but her mother’s family is from Coweta County. She spent summers with her grandparents in the Handy Community before moving to Newnan, where she graduated from Newnan High School in 1995.

Strickland holds a bachelor’s in business administration degree with a concentration in accounting and finance from Clayton State University. She worked for several years as an auditor of governmental and private education entities before going into the real estate field.

Currently Strickland is president of the Women's Council of Realtors, Coweta. She and her husband, Vernon Strickland, live in Sharpsburg with their son, Drake, and daughter, Emmerson.

Chad Staples

Mak

AInteractive and Immersive Coweta Works for 8th Graders Returns to In-Person Format

by Claire Nix-Miller

fter a three year pause due to Covid, the Chamber and its educational partners were happily back in person for the popular Coweta Works Student Career Fair in January 2024. Coweta Works is an interactive and immersive job fair held over three days. More than 2,000 eighth graders preparing to register for high school courses got a glimpse of the types of jobs and career paths available in Coweta County. Presented by BMW of South Atlanta and sponsored by Buffalo Rock, Newnan Utilities, Nissan of Newnan, Atlanta Gas Light, City of Hope Atlanta, Coweta County Farm Bureau, Coweta County Water & Sewerage Authority, Piedmont Newnan Hospital, Winpak Films, and Yamaha, Coweta Works 2024 represented a great example of collaboration that supports the future needs of our community’s workforce.

Through a partnership between the Central Educational Center (CEC), Coweta County School System, the University of West Georgia, and West Georgia Technical College, the Newnan-Coweta Chamber brought together career presenters from the following “worlds:” Agribusiness, Automotive, Communications & Media, Construction & Home Services, Energy & Utilities, Educational Opportunities, Healthcare, Hospitality & Tourism, Manufacturing & Engineering, and Public Safety. Students visited each “world” in half-hour increments. Each “world” had a “world leader” in charge of gathering

Coweta

career presenters and conveying important logistics. These volunteer world leaders ensured that Coweta Works ran smoothly.

The CEC in Newnan hosted Coweta Works. Our community is blessed beyond measure to have this charter school which ensures that the Coweta workforce is wellequipped for the many industries the area has to offer. CEC hosting the event also meant that while visiting Coweta Works, eighth graders who weren’t familiar with its offerings learned about the many classes and career paths available to them while still in high school. The event at times felt like a festival atmosphere, with CEC band students and Event Maestro providing music in the gymnasium, but there were real connections made and students learned about

various and vital industries. They made butter, walked through a larger-than-life colon named Nolan, did push-ups while they wore firefighters’ equipment, rode on a camera dolly, learned about car exteriors and interiors, learned how drinking water is produced, tried their hands at being linemen, practiced construction with LEGOs, and experienced Virtual Reality, among a host of many other things. Occasionally, students begged, “Can I please have a couple more minutes?” in a zone that captured their attention.

The requirements to participate in Coweta Works as a career presenter included the ability to think outside the box. “This isn’t your typical career fair,” said Cynthia Bennett, project manager for the Chamber who first

World Leaders Phil Trickey and Susan West turn in their worlds’ lanyards at the end of Day 2 of Coweta Works.

Coweta County EMS demonstrates a chest compression machine on a mannequin patient.

Coweta Works

Worlds

World World Leader

Public Safety

Energy & Utilities

Agribusiness

Healthcare

Communications & Media

Hospitality & Tourism

Automotive

Construction

Education

Volunteers

Michael Terrell and Cathy Wickey, Coweta County Government

Rick Barnes

Stephanie Butcher, UGA Extension Office

Susan West, Piedmont Newnan Hospital

Laura Horton, Central Educational Center

Laura Horton, Central Educational Center

Mark Whitlock, Central Educational Center

Cynthia Bennett, Newnan-Coweta Chamber and Mark Whitlock, Central Educational Center

Mark Whitlock, Central Educational Center

Volita Almon, West Georgia Technical College

pioneered Coweta Works back in 2018 and headed up this year’s event. Career presenters must bring something that is creative, immersive, hands-on; anything that can capture the attention of eighth graders, which as Bennett (a retired teacher) knows, isn’t always easy.

Nevertheless, student and teacher feedback reflected overwhelmingly positive comments. In fact, it was the middle school teachers in Coweta that were the keenest to bring Coweta Works back to in-person after it went digital during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Historically held in January, the month before registration for the ninth-grade classes begins, it was a rainy and at times cold three days, but the energy was undeniable, from the students to the teachers to the volunteers who helped lead up to 80 students at a time through the different zones. The Chamber is proud to have brought back Coweta Works and immensely grateful to our education partners, volunteers, presenters, and sponsors for all of their hard work and support.

Students learn about automotive interior and exterior work from Sarah Wilder of BMW of South Atlanta.

Students learn about preemie and infant healthcare.

Coweta County Schools Superintendent Dr. Evan Horton (left) and Central Educational Center CEO Mark Whitlock (right) speak to BMW of South Atlanta General Manager Robert Fowler about Coweta Works and BMW of South Atlanta's participation as presenting sponsor.

Coweta Works

Presenters

Agribusiness

AGCO, Inc.

Coweta Cattlemen’s Association

Coweta County 4-H

Dogwood Veterinary Hospital & Laser Center

UGA Extension Office Coweta

The Dairy Alliance

Automotive

BMW of South Atlanta

Nissan of Newnan

Communications & Media

CEC Audio Visual Production

Event Maestro

Construction

The Flying Locksmiths-South Atlanta

Johnson Construction Group

Progressive Heating, Air and Plumbing

Energy & Utilities

Coweta County Water & Sewerage Authority

Coweta-Fayette EMC

Georgia Power Company

Newnan Utilities

RDJE, Inc.

SELCAT

Financial

Synovus

Educational Opportunities

Central Educational Center

University of West Georgia

West Georgia Technical College

Healthcare

City of Hope

Dental Hygiene Program WGTC

Encompass Health & Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan

Piedmont Orthopedics/ORTHO Atlanta

Piedmont Newnan Hospital

Nursing Program UWG

Summit Family YMCA

Hospitality and Tourism

Buffalo Rock

Hilton Hotel & Conference Center

Manufacturing & Engineering

Blickle U.S.A.

Bonnell Aluminum

Geresheimer

Yamaha Motor ManufacturingCorporation

Public Safety

AVPRIDE & Drug Free Coweta

Coweta County Fire Rescue

Coweta County E911

Coweta County Sheriff Department

Coweta Department of Corrections

Georgia Forestry Commission

Newnan Fire Department

Newnan Police Department

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

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In

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Hear from the Expert

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins

Dr. Paul Feldman

In the United States alone, greater than 30% of adults are affected by chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Vein treatment has come a long way in the past decade. For a long time, it was always done the same way – painful stripping of the vein that required anesthesia and sometimes a hospital stay. Luckily there have been advancements in this field that drastically change how painful it is for the patients and yield amazing results. Now to treat varicose veins, spider veins, heavy tired legs,

restless legs, cramping, skin discoloration, ulcers, swelling, etc., doctors use radiofrequency ablation, sclerotherapy, and/or Venaseal.

Radiofrequency ablations (RFA) is the process where a thin catheter is inserted into the diseased vein guided by ultrasound. A local anesthetic is injected along the leg where the procedure will be administered. The RFA generator is then activated which results in segmental heat energy of 248 degrees Fahrenheit being applied. This results in the vein being closed and the body absorbs it over the next week give or take. This is all done in an outpatient setting and the patients are encouraged to walk after the procedure, they can even drive themselves home. Compression stockings are required to be worn after the procedure, for 48 hours and then just during the day after that for two weeks.

An even newer option that patients enjoy is Venaseal. Similarly, a catheter is inserted guided by ultrasound. No local anesthetics are required. Then, instead of heat being applied, a specially formulated medical adhesive is placed in the diseased vein. This seals the vein shut, and symptoms will resolve. Compression wear is not required after this procedure, which is a big plus for patients. A big contributing factor to why a patient would have RFA vs Venaseal is their insurance and anatomy. Both procedures yield the same results.

Keeping Your Brand and Business Top of Mind

The digital landscape is as dynamic as it is diverse. With the constant churn of technology and trends, we know the challenge of staying relevant and top of mind. Arm yourself and your team with some strategies listed below to ensure your brand stays current and competitive, securing the top spot for customers who expect only the best.

Empower with Education. We love the old adage, knowledge is power. Regular training sessions on the latest trends, design principles, content creation tools, and marketing strategies keep your team's skills sharp and their ideas fresh when it comes to your digital platforms.

Encourage Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration. Silos stifle creativity. Promote an environment where tech and creative teams regularly exchange ideas. This simple knowledge exchange could lead to the breakthrough that reshapes your brand's position in the global market.

Develop a Culture of Experimentation. To stand out, you need to be daring. Encourage your team to experiment with unorthodox concepts. A new chat bot or a virtual reality ad campaign may be just what your brand needs to stand out.

Most importantly, stay customer-centric. A fresh brand isn’t about following every trend, but it’s about knowing your audience and their needs, desires, and pain points. Engage with consumer feedback, conduct A/B testing, and stay attuned to your user base’s shifting demographics and preferences. Also, create a workspace that celebrates free thinking and learning from failure.

Creativity thrives in an environment that welcomes it, and a fresh brand is never static. Continuously tweak, refine, and improve all aspects of your brand’s experience based on the user interaction and feedback that you gather. Now, we’re not here to help you just capture attention. At Jason Hunter Design, we’re all about holding it, building customer loyalty, and withstanding the test of time by keeping up with it. To your digital success.

Jason Bass

The Chamber enjoyed a productive year, accomplishing much to create value for our members. See highlights below.

Achieved the renewal of our 5-Star Accreditation, receiving a perfect score in seven of nine categories.

Held inaugural Total Resource Campaign, which surpassed its campaign goal by an impressive 126% and provided incredible benefits, i.e., more members taking advantage of Chamber opportunities, a valuable comprehensive book of business online, more than 40 engaged and enthusiastic volunteers, and an increased member understanding for the Chamber and its products.

Hired a much-anticipated Member Engagement Manager

Launched a New Executives Windshield Tour in May, which was followed by a second offering in November.

Coordinated in partnership with the University of West Georgia on a workforce data collection process.

Launched the WorkUp Coweta program, which provided hands-on training that supported industry needs.

2023 Chamber Highlights

– 2023 Chamber Highlights continued

Launched a Small Business Digital Aid program, which provided $400,000 in digital aid funding.

Provided the Tools for Business online program to support small business needs.

Offered more than 75 networking opportunities for small businesses to connect.

Promoted key partner resources and connections to support our small business members.

Held the inaugural Forward Coweta Summit, which brought together almost 300 community stakeholders focused on quality community growth, moving the needle to create more meaningful civic engagement.

Created the subgroup Forward Coweta Alliance made of NextGen leaders to engage in the community conversation process and to help plan the 2024 Forward Coweta Summit.

Overall, increased the Chamber’s positive impact in the community. In participation with community leaders, helped pass by 77% the SPLOST referendum.

Grew Enhanced Investor memberships by 6%; realized a net increase of 78 new members or 11.5% growth.

Welcomed 175 new members, 145% of budgeted projections.

The Chamber’s program of work features a robust workplan for the New Year. Read about this year’s highlights:

Coweta Works – after a 3-year pause due to Covid, we are back in person for this muchanticipated Career Readiness program that brings together all 8th graders in Coweta County.

Leadership Coweta – we kick off our 29th year of the Leadership Coweta program this year. Additionally, plans are underway to launch a reimagined Leadership Coweta Alumni program.

Forward Coweta Summit – the next installment of our community growth summit takes place August 28th.

WorkUp Job Board – we move from a 2023 soft launch to a 2024 hard launch for this new tool which provides a job board unique to the needs of Coweta’s industries and citizens.

Total Resource Campaign – a big thank you to Jess Barron for leading the 2024 campaign. Lots of work is going on behind the scenes to roll out our next campaign in September. Governmental Affairs – this is a big election year, so look for candidate forums and elections information in addition to usual events, i.e., U.S. Chamber Federal Focus, Pancakes and Politics, and Dinner with the Delegation.

Programs and Events – a full calendar offers monthly networking activities and special offerings that feature relevant information at programs like the Talk of the Town Luncheons, Catalyst Lunches, and State of the Community Lunch.

Signature Events – mark your calendar for May 1st and the Chamber’s 39th Annual Golf Classic, the launch of our inaugural Pickleball Tournament October 2nd, and the crowd favorite Friendsgiving Luncheon November 20th.

The Coweta Way, Community Visioning, and Intentionality – these two very important initiatives will gain traction this year as we host a series of listening dinners with Chamber and community leaders to help define next steps.

CHAMBER MISSION: To champion increased economic prosperity for our members

Citizen of the Year Gerald Kemp makes the next generation a priority

By W. Winston Skinner

For local banker Gerald Kemp, investing himself in the lives of young people is a longtime priority.

Kemp’s dedication to a variety of efforts that help children and youth led to his selection as the 2024 Citizen of the Year (COTY) by the Kiwanis Clubs of Coweta County. “Kids – that’s where you can really make a difference,” he said.

Kemp, a senior vice president with Ameris Bank, is the former chairman of Elevate Coweta Students, an organization that connects students and families with resources to help those students succeed.

Kemp’s COTY award came with a $1,000 contribution to Elevate Coweta Students. He accepted the award at the COTY ceremonies at the Newnan Centre on Jan. 25. Cynthia Bennett, last year’s Citizen of the Year recipient, presented the award to Kemp.

Kemp was one of the first mentors to work with students in the Coweta County School System. Kemp’s wife recently ran into a man who recognized her because Kemp had been a mentor to him several years ago.

The man said, “You just don’t know how much that meant,” and said he particularly appreciated Kemp teaching him how to manage money.

“You can really make a difference when you start with kids, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds,” Kemp reflected.

Kemp is a past president of the Newnan Rotary Club and has taken leadership roles with Newnan-Coweta United Way, the University

“You can really make a difference when you start with kids, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds.”

– Gerald Kemp, 2024 Citizen of the Year

of West Georgia, the local Boys & Girls Clubs and the NewnanCoweta Chamber.

He served on an advisory committee to the Coweta County Schools superintendent and is a Meals on Wheels volunteer. Kemp coaches basketball and football teams through the Coweta County Recreation Department, and serves as a member of Les Bons Hommes Civic and Social Club, an organization that provides scholarships and mentoring.

Kemp’s faith plays a significant role in what he undertakes in the community.

“It plays a huge role,” he said. “Any Christian would say the same thing.”

He remembered the WWJD – What Would Jesus Do? – bracelets from a few years back. He likes “the attitude and the mindset” of that concept.

“The Golden Rule is huge,” he said.

Kemp is a teen Sunday school teacher and a deacon at Zion Hill Baptist Church, where he established a scholarship fund and sponsored financial literacy seminars.

Other nominees for Citizen of the Year this year included April Anderson, Dee Berry, Pat Craven, Pamela Gabel, Dean Jackson, Doug Kees, Dr. Jaami Rutledge, Chris Stephens, and Robert Guy Ward.

PHOTO BY CLAY NEELY Companies

We’re Working for You!

NEWNAN-COWETA CHAMBER STAFF

Eager to help and always at the ready, Newnan-Coweta Chamber staff are in the privileged position of working with you to ensure a thriving environment for Coweta business. Meet the creative and forward-thinking team of professionals who rally day-in and day-out to bolster increased economic prosperity for our members. It's never just “a day at the office!”

Welcome, Nina!

The Chamber is thrilled to welcome Nina McMichael to our team as our new Member Engagement Manager. Nina spent her career working in the mortgage sector as well as the legal field. She is eager to transition into the magical Chamber World. One of the things most impressive about Nina is her love of people and passion for the community as well as her incredible soft skills. Originally from Kentucky, Nina raised both her children in Newnan, where she moved to in 1994. In this role, she is responsible for the full execution of the Chamber’s Member Retention and Engagement plans. She also supports several key Alliances and initiatives. One of her first undertakings will be to schedule one-on-one time with each Chamber member who invested in a Total Resource Campaign (TRC) product so that she can introduce herself, thank them for their investment, let them know how much they are appreciated, and find out if there is anything the Chamber can help them with. Nina’s first day with the Chamber was January 16th.

Three Cheers

FOR 5 STARS

In early 2023, the Chamber's 5-Star Accreditation was renewed by the U.S. Chamber Accrediting Board. This marks the third consecutive 5-Star Accreditation award in the past 15 years for your Chamber. Accreditation with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the only program of its kind that defines excellence in chamber planning and recognizes chambers for outstanding contributions toward positive change in their communities. The purpose of the U.S. Chamber's Accreditation Program is to facilitate continuing excellence in the chamber industry and to foster a pro-business environment across America. There are currently only 137 5-Star chambers out of 7,000 chambers across the country, and The Newnan-Coweta Chamber continues to be one of them! What an accomplishment!

Candace Boothby President and CEO

Nina McMichael Member Engagement Manager

Claire Nix-Miller Events Manager

Valerie Ward Executive Assistant & Office Manager

Colleen D. Mitchell Sales & Business Development Manager

Cynthia Bennett Special Projects Manager

Phil Trickey Special Projects Manager

Beverly Garner Administrative Support

Come grab lunch at the Chamber while feeding your mind as well!

One of the Chamber’s newest offerings, the Catalyst Lunch Series takes place every other month over lunch. Chamber President and CEO Candace Boothby interviews leaders and visionaries who served as a “catalyst” to our community in various ways. Guests participate in a question-and-answer session as well as network with fellow attendees. This year’s first Catalyst Lunch Series speaker was Vernon Strickland of Strickland DeBrow LLP, whose story of overcoming adversity from a young age captivated the audience with his inspirational message.

Guest Speakers:

February

April

June

Catalyst Lunch Series

Vernon Strickland Strickland Debrow LLP

Jonathan Watkins City of Hope

Chris Stephens Coweta-Fayette EMC

Presented by Progressive Heating, Air, and Plumbing, Business-After-Hours is a quarterly networking event where existing and prospective Chamber members gather at a member business from 5:30-7pm. While sampling appetizers, drinks, and door prizes, attendees also enjoy networking with their peers. Business-After-Hours remains one of the Chamber’s most popular networking programs for professionals looking to expand their business and increase visibility with the Chamber membership. It also provides an opportunity for the host businesses to welcome potential clients into their establishments and share information about their work. Thank you to our 2024 BusinessAfter-Hours host sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

I am PREPARED. I am WEST.

UWG is getting me ready for what’s next.

I know what I want. I know where I’m going And at the University of West Georgia, I’m preparing to be a leader in the career I’ve chosen. Get ready at westga.edu/iamwest

The Veggie Patch

Chamber Champions

Chamber Champions are goodwill partners who serve as the public relations arm of the Chamber. Alliance members use this opportunity to support Chamber growth and value while taking advantage of key benefits to expand their personal and professional networks and meet new people. Champions commit to attending meetings and assisting at member events while receiving exclusive benefits for Chamber events and more!

Skye Best Hotworx

Bob Browne

AmWaste

Cory Cook-Anderson

Progressive Heating, Air and Plumbing

Rennette Fairley

Thick Ash Cigar

Kristina Hajzak

Penco Restoration & Penco Clean

We have fresh veggies, fruits, boiled peanuts, Amish butter and so much more!

1502 US HWY 29 North

Newnan, GA 30263

Hwy 29 N. & Hal Jones Rd.

Roundabout

We hope to see y’all soon! Like

We are now open year round and will be here every day until 7 p.m. Veggie

Justin Halford

Johnson Construction Group, LLC

Kaitrell Hall

Allstate Insurance – Dianne Parker

Doug Hand

Lindsey’s, Inc. Realtors

Charlotte Hollins

Coweta County School System

Mel Kendrick

Smith Automotive Group

Nique Kight

Southern Vein Care

Bethany McLagan

Stirling Promotions

Brooke Miller

Hammond Services

Shandria Sanchez

Soaring N2 Destiny Academy of Performing Arts

Just north of the Country Club

Scott Sinkler / Chair

Standard Office Systems, Inc.

Participation in the Champions Alliance is application-based and open to members with at least one year membership.

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber Board of Directors is comprised of 32 amazing business and community leaders. This dedicated group of leaders tirelessly gives their time and talents to ensure the continued prosperity of the Chamber and the Greater Coweta Community. Annually, the Board develops a strategic plan that guides the work of the organization. The Chamber Staff manages the work of the organization, much of which takes place through a robust structure of numerous Alliances and programs.

At the Chamber’s 76th Annual Meeting on February 29, 2024, Dr. Bob Heaberlin officially assumed the role of Chairman of the Board. He followed Immediate Past Chair Mike Robertson. “Dr. Bob,” as he is affectionally known, set the stage immediately with a focus on relationship-building and engagement with members. For anyone that knows “Dr. Bob,” he values his new role immensely and looks forward to a positive and productive year full of strong results.

2024 Board of Directors

2024 Executive Committee

Dr. Bob Heaberlin CHAIR Executive Director GA Association of Middle School Principals and Leadership Challenges

Garnet Reynolds CHAIR-ELECT Sr. Vice President Southern States Bank

Annissia Hanyard TREASURER Director of Operations HelloFresh US

Michael Robertson IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Chief Executive Officer Piedmont Newnan Hospital

Sister Ward VICE CHAIR ECONOMIC VITALITY Butts-Coweta-Fayette-Spalding Area Manager Georgia Power Company

Jonathan E. Watkins VICE CHAIR ORGANIZATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY President City of Hope Atlanta

Bob Brown VICE CHAIR BUSINESS ADVOCACY Vice President, Manufacturing Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corp of America

Candace Boothby President and CEO Newnan-Coweta Chamber

Samantha Brazie General Manager Progressive Heating, Air and Plumbing

Jess Barron Vice President/Associate Broker  Lindsey’s Inc. Realtors

Tena Clark Owner, Managing Partner Dunaway Gardens

Jason Eaker Financial Advisor Avery and Pope

Pat Finneran President Accelerated Performance Solutions

Deidre Bembry Owner/Operator State Farm Agency

Shane Gann Group Vice President Summit Family YMCA

Stan Hickson President and CEO Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan

Renee Horton Owner Agent American Family Insurance

David Keller Community Volunteer/ Retired EGO President

Vishal Khushalani General Manager Winpak FIlms

Chellie Phillips Vice President of Communications & Public Relations Coweta-Fayette EMC

Joni Scarbrough Director of Administrative Services Newnan Utilities

Vernon M. Strickland Partner Strickland Debrow LLP

Scott Tigchelaar President Senoia Enterprises and Nic & Norman’s

Scott Chahalis President Blickle, USA

Michael Fouts

Cleatus

New & Renewing Members

Please join us in welcoming these new or renewing member businesses who walked across the threshold of prosperity’s front door!

RENEWING MEMBERS

1st Franklin Financial Corp.

92.5 The Bear

Advanced Aesthetics, P.C.

NEW MEMBERS

Ally Imaging Services, LLC

Baby Dimensions, LLC

Ball & Associates Hauling, LLC

Asphalt Paving & Concrete

Busy Beez Cleaning, LLC

Chris West & Associates, LLC

Clark Lightscapes

Complete Dental Arts

Cosmic Pediatrics

Da Landscaper Enhancer, LLC

DeBeer Granite & Marble

Firehouse Pools

Georgia Chocolate Factory

GRB Can Fix It

Help At Home

Kurved By K, Beauty and Wellness

MW Pressure Washing Service

Rocket Door Frames USA, Inc.

Salons by JC Newnan

Solomon Brothers Jewelers

Southern Pain and Spine

Square Peg Coaching

Stamps Family Dentistry

The Canvas

The City Menus

All Stars Academy & Early Learning Center, Inc.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority

Anissa R. Patton

Ashley Park

AT&T Georgia

Atlanta Gas Light Co.

Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group

Bishop Enterprises

Business Women of Fayette and Coweta, Inc.

City of Hope Atlanta

Coweta Charter Academy

Coweta County Development Authority

Coweta Dentistry Associates

Coweta-Fayette EMC

Crossroads Church

Cultivate, Inc.

Digital Collective

Direct Auto Insurance

Dirt1x

European Waxcenter

Eye Consultants of Atlanta

Fulton & Kozak CPAs

Greison Storage Mart

guaranteedRate

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest

The Honey Baked Ham Co.

Judi Alvey

Key Promotions

Knox Co., Inc.

Life of the South Catering

Lindsey’s Inc. Realtors

Main Master, LLC

Meals on Wheels of Coweta, Inc.

Mercer University

Mid-Georgia Garage Doors, Inc.

Mike Fitzpatrick Ford

More Music Foundation

NCG Cinemas Sharpsburg/Peachtree

Newnan High School

Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors

Odyssey School

Oldcastle Building Envelope

Randy Blackmon

Resurgens Orthopaedics

SERVPRO of Troup-Coweta Counties

Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C.

Southern Crescent Equine Service

Southside Liners & Accessories

Summit Family YMCA

Test Pilot Creative Inc.

The Complete Insurance Source

The Highlands at Madison Park

UNIGLOBE Travel Partners - Atlanta

Westhill of Newnan Crossing Senior Living

Wishbone of Newnan, Inc.

Wood-Mizer South

Your Chef To Go, Inc.

Zenco Homes

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Congratulations to these member businesses who recently crossed through Prosperity’s Front Door with a ribbon cutting or milestone celebration!

Moore Bass Consulting November 28, 2023

Legacy Orthopedics Physical Therapy January 5, 2024

Market Street North January 5, 2024

Fraser Roofing January 16, 2024

Southern Pain and Spine January 24, 2024

AR Workshop January 30, 2024

On Location Fitness February 7, 2024

Bottoms Up! Wine & Spirits Boutique February 13, 2024

Jason Allen Creative February 20, 2024

Enhanced Investor Profiles

Chamber Alliance Spotlight “

Buffalo Rock, a Newnan-Coweta Chamber Platinum Investor, caters company picnics, parties, cookouts and special events. Buffalo Rock also provides beverage services, coffee service, and snack vending services.

Buffalo Rock has six core values, one being to give back to the community.

We give back to our community to create a positive impact. Our community is also the people who patronize us. We love to give back.”

– Willie Curry, franchise general sales manager for Buffalo Rock in Newnan

City of Hope Atlanta, a Newnan-Coweta Chamber Platinum Investor, is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which offers research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the nation. The local hospital, one of three City of Hope hospitals, opened in 2012 as part of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, which became part of City of Hope in 2022.

“City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta finds immense value in our partnership with the Newnan-Coweta Chamber.” said Jonathan Watkins, president of City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta.

“

The connection with the Chamber goes beyond simple business networking. It’s about deeply connecting with Newnan and Coweta County, gaining insights into their healthcare needs and appreciating the Chamber’s support in keeping us informed about economic trends in the area. Together, we build meaningful relationships and work together to foster a healthy, thriving community.”

– Jonathan Watkins, president of City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta

A Platinum Investor, Heritage Automotive/Infiniti of South Atlanta’s mission statement states: “to simply be the best in every area of business” accomplishing that goal “by providing a truly exceptional customer experience, being the best place to work, and strongly supporting the community, all while working together as one.” The company sells new and used vehicles, as well as providing service and parts, at its dealership in Union City. Heritage Automotive Group also has dealerships for Volkswagen, Cadillac, and Mitsubishi. Amr Hallaba is the chief operating officer for Heritage Automotive.

“ Heritage Automotive values its partnership with the Newnan-Coweta Chamber and the greater Coweta community. We appreciate the opportunity to support the chamber in its mission to champion economic prosperity.”

–

Amr Hallaba

, chief operating officer for Heritage Automotive

Piedmont Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan serves as a Newnan-Coweta Chamber Gold Investor. The 60-bed in-patient rehabilitation hospital provides inpatient rehabilitation for stroke, brain injury, hip fracture, and other complex neurological and orthopedic conditions.

“

Piedmont Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan is proud to support the vital work of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber in fostering economic growth and development of industry and business in our community, A strong platform for growth, development and prosperity of our community is good for all sectors of our economy, including healthcare, and enables us to provide a high quality of living and attract healthcare workers.”

– Stan Hickson, chief executive officer for Encompass of Newnan

Enhanced Investors Alliance

A VISION OF PROSPERITY

Increasingly, a dedicated community of local leaders is coalescing around a vision of prosperity that serves the collective benefit of those who live, work, play, and THRIVE in Coweta.

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber enjoys the participation of over 50 key stakeholders who, together, render a positive impact on the prosperity of one of the fastest growing regions in the country.

Members of the Enhanced Investors Alliance enjoy unprecedented access to key community leaders, information which informs the collaborative vision for increased economic prosperity, access to benefits and services including complimentary tickets to events and programming, sponsorship credits for increased brand visibility, and more.

START THE CONVERSATION

Learn more about enhanced investment and discover how you can become a part of the Coweta fabric. For more information, contact Candace Boothby, candace@newnancowetachamber.org.

PLATINUM INVESTORS

GOLD INVESTORS

Our investment philosophy starts with you

When you work with Edward Jones, our team will help you work toward your financial goals. We'll learn which special moments you want to create in your life — and then we'll design a tailored strategy to help you build the future you envision. Together.

Daniel A Arenas Financial Advisor

65 Oak Hill Blvd, Suite B Newnan, GA 30265 770-253-0820

Jennifer E Camp, AAMS™ Financial Advisor

53 Main St, Suite B Senoia, GA 30276 770-599-3981

Mike Lonas Financial Advisor

6 Jefferson Pkwy, Suite A Newnan, GA 30263 770-251-3500

Stacey Richmond, CFP®, CRPS™

Financial Advisor

37 Calumet Pkwy, Suite H201 Newnan, GA 30263 770-683-3234

Jim Smothers, AAMS™

Financial Advisor

820 Ebenezer Church Rd, Suite 104 Sharpsburg, GA 30277 770-252-2391

Jamie L Camp Financial Advisor 10 The Boulevard, Suite 105 Newnan, GA 30263 770-251-8316

Jesse Koorse, AAMS™ Financial Advisor 90 Glenda Trace, Suite J Newnan, GA 30265 770-755-9110

Mallory McCurry Financial Advisor 65 Oak Hill Blvd, Suite B Newnan, GA 30265 770-253-0820

Chad A Smith Financial Advisor 1741 Newnan Crossing Blvd E, Suite D Newnan, GA 30265 770-252-3742

Ashley Stapleton, CFP® Financial Advisor 32 Hospital Road Newnan, GA 30263 770-251-8391