THRiVE Magazine - Issue 28

A Quarterly Business Publication of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber

Issue 28 | Fall 2026

Your Business.

Your Spotlight.

Find the Opportunities That Move Your Business Forward.

INSIDE Your 2027 Business Opportunity Guide

WE’RE WE’RE IN IN THE THE BUSINESS BUSINESS OF OF PROTECTING PROTECTING WHAT WHAT YOU’VE YOU’VE BUILT BUILT Operating a business is about more than facing today’s challenges — it’s being ready for whatever tomorrow Operating business is about facing today’s challenges it’s beingwe’ll ready for whatever brings.

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At American Family Insurance, we’ll work as hard as you do to make sure your dream is well-protected, now and in the future. brings. You know, because you live it every day. At American Family Insurance, we’ll work as hard as you do to make sure your dream is well-protected, now and in the future. makeabout sure your dream is well-protected, in theyour future.

Let’s talk how business insurance now can and protect dream.

Let’s Let’s talk talk about about how how business business insurance insurance can can protect protect your your dream. dream.

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FEATURES

PAGE 12

12 Putting Opportunity in the Spotlight How the Chamber Helps Businesses Grow, Connect, and Thrive

20 Connecting the Dots How Leadership Coweta’s New Journey Changes Everything

26 Data Centers: Powering the Digital Revolution

A Quarterly Business Publication of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber

Issue 28 | Fall 2026

PAGE 20

Beyond the Buildings: Understanding the Business of Data Centers

Your Business.

Your Spotlight.

Find the Opportunities That Move Your Business Forward.

30 Alliances in Action

Pull Up a Chair. There’s a Lot Ahead.

INSIDE Your 2027 Business Opportunity Guide

32 Expert Articles

Hear from Experts at Kaiser Permanente, State Farm, and Strickland Debrow LLP

40 Enhanced Investor Profiles Meet the Leaders and Companies Helping Drive Coweta’s Success

45 Meet the Team Behind the Magic

The People Who Make Connections, Create the Experiences and Keep the Chamber Moving 4

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PAGE 45

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5

Letter to the Reader Candace Boothby

PRESIDENT AND CEO NEWNAN-COWETA CHAMBER

Opportunity Takes Center Stage There’s an old saying that opportunity doesn’t knock twice. I’m not sure I buy that.

I think opportunity is knocking all around us, all the time. The trick is recognizing it and being ready to open the door.

In business, opportunity can look like a new customer, a conversation that leads to an introduction, a relationship that becomes a partnership, or simply being in the right room at the right time.

That’s where your Chamber comes in.

Our job isn’t just to host events, offer programs or fill a calendar. Our job is to create opportunities and help our members turn them into results. That idea takes center stage in this issue of THRIVE. Our cover story takes you behind the scenes of one of the most powerful tools we offer: our Total Resource Campaign, or TRC. But think beyond the name. TRC is really your Business Opportunity Guide. A roadmap to dozens of ways to build visibility, make connections, reach new audiences and put your business in the spotlight.

You’ll also see opportunity in our completely reimagined Leadership Coweta program, developing leaders who understand not just what happens in Coweta, but how it all fits together.

You’ll see it through One Coweta, our Small Business Alliance and our other alliances bringing people together, listening to what businesses need and turning conversations into action.

And you’ll see it in the faces throughout these pages: members connecting, leaders stepping forward, businesses celebrating milestones and people investing in this community. That’s what I love about the Chamber. There’s no single way to engage and no single definition of opportunity.

The real question is: What opportunity are you looking for?

Tell us. Chances are, somewhere within this Chamber, there’s a connection, a program, a platform, a person or an opportunity you haven’t even thought of yet that can help you get there.

PUBLISHER Newnan-Coweta Chamber EXECUTIVE EDITOR Candace Boothby candace@newnancowetachamber.org SALES & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Colleen D. Mitchell colleen@newnancowetachamber.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER Paul Lewis, Luz Design PUBLICATION LAYOUT Country Fried Creative CONTRIBUTOR W. Winston Skinner FRONT COVER PHOTO Keith Brazie, Pork Pie Pictures PHOTOGRAPHER Jimmy Dunnavant, Jimmy D Images

TO CONTRIBUTE: THRIVE welcomes your ideas. Please send inquiries to Candace Boothby at candace@newnancowetachamber.org.

THRIVE is published quarterly. Neither the Newnan-Coweta Chamber nor THRIVE is responsible for unsolicited material. Such material will become the property of THRIVE and is subject to editing and digital use.

Reproductions of this publication in part or whole is prohibited without the express consent of the publisher.

THRIVE is available at various locations throughout Coweta County.

You can also email info@ newnancowetachamber.org to request a copy.

The spotlight is on. Let’s make something happen.

Warmly,

Candace S. Boothby, CCE, APR, GCCE, IOM President & CEO Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce

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THRIVE is a quarterly business publication of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber 23 Bullsboro Dr. | Newnan, GA 30263 770.253.2270

LOCAL. RELIABLE. AFFORDABLE.

IT’S JUST THE EMC WAY.

Every decision we make, from keeping rates competitive to providing friendly, local service, is driven by our commitment to you - our members.

We don’t just power homes, we invest in our communities, strengthen our grid, and plan for the future of energy together.

www.utility.org l 770-502-0226

Everything we do, from strengthening the grid to supporting our neighbors, comes down to one simple truth: it matters.That’s just the EMC way.

Upcoming

Annual Pickle Fest Pickleball Tournament

Events & Programs for 2026 SEPTEMBER Talk of the Town State of the County Luncheon 09/16/26

NextGen Alliance

OCTOBER 3rd Annual Pickle Fest Pickleball Tournament 10/01/26

Business-After-Hours 10/08/26

NextGen Alliance Halloween Social 10/16/26

One Coweta at the Table Luncheon 10/16/26

State of the County Luncheon

Connections in the Courtyard 10/22/26

State of Education Luncheon 10/28/26

NOVEMBER Breakfast Club 11/05/26

Friendsgiving Annual Luncheon

Member Connect Breakfast 11/12/26

Friendsgiving Annual Luncheon 11/18/26

Businesswomen’s Bougie Luncheon 11/19/26

DECEMBER Businesswomen’s Bougie Luncheon

Business-After-Hours 12/10/26

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Issue 28

One Coweta: This Fall

SEPT 16

ONE COWETA IN ACTION Big Conversations. One Community.

This fall, One Coweta is bringing people together around the issues shaping our future.

STATE OF THE COUNTY

OCT 16

ONE COWETA: AT THE TABLE Growing Smart. Conserving What Matters. Southern Conservation Trust introduces the Flint Rising Initiative

OCT 28 STATE OF EDUCATION

OCTOBER CANDIDATE FORUMS*

NOV 12

DINNER WITH THE DELEGATION

DEC 3

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS ALLIANCE

*Dates/details subject to confirmation.

Growth. Government. Elections. Taxes.

Infrastructure. Economic development.

There’s no shortage of big issues facing Coweta and no single organization, elected body or business can tackle them alone.

That’s exactly why One Coweta exists.

Launched by the Newnan-Coweta Chamber to strengthen civic engagement and collaboration, One Coweta is creating more opportunities for business, government and community leaders to get informed, get connected and get involved. And this fall, that work shifts into high gear.

Pull Up a Seat The Chamber’s new Governmental Affairs Alliance continued August 20, giving members an opportunity to hear directly from Coweta County School Superintendent Dr. Evan Horton and County Administrator Michael Fouts about issues shaping our community.

October brings a full slate of opportunities to engage. On October 16, One Coweta: At the Table, sponsored by Georgia Power and Kaiser Permanente, will take on one of Coweta’s most important long-term conversations: how do we continue to grow while protecting the natural assets that make this community special?

The Southern Conservation Trust will introduce the Flint Rising Initiative; a regional conservation effort focused on balancing appropriate development with greenspace

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protection. The conversation will explore conservation tools available today, the role of comprehensive planning and how business and community leaders can be part of creating a future where growth and conservation work together, not against one another.

That conversation gets right to the heart of One Coweta. Because balanced growth isn’t simply a government issue or an environmental issue. It affects economic development, infrastructure, quality of life, talent attraction and the long-term character of our community.

September brings State of the County and October brings the State of Education, an Elected Officials Cookout, planned candidate forums and multiple opportunities to connect the business community with the people, policies and decisions shaping Coweta’s future.

In November, Dinner with the Delegation continues that engagement, bringing business leaders together with Coweta’s legislative delegation ahead of the next General Assembly session.

Different conversations. Different perspectives. One community.

Because One Coweta isn’t about everyone agreeing. It’s about making sure the right people are talking.

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11

Putting Opportunity in the Spotlight How the Chamber Helps Businesses Grow, Connect, and Thrive

What Does Your Business Need Next?

More customers? Greater visibility? A stronger network? A seat at the table?

A way to reach emerging talent? An opportunity to position your company alongside an issue that matters?

Good news. There’s a Chamber opportunity for that. Actually, there are dozens of them.

Some put your logo in front of thousands. Others put you in the room with the people you want to know. Some give you a microphone, a table, a tee box, a video camera or an audience. Others connect your brand with leadership, advocacy, education, workforce, community impact or one of Coweta’s biggest business events of the year.

And that’s exactly the point.

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber’s Total Resource Campaign, TRC, may have the word campaign in its name, but thinking of it simply as an annual sponsorship drive misses the bigger picture. TRC is really your Business Opportunity Guide. It’s a roadmap for taking what you want to accomplish in the coming year and matching it with the people, programs, platforms and experiences that can help you get there.

So, forget the question, “What can I sponsor?” We have a better one: What do you want your business to accomplish? Start there. Then let us help you find the opportunity.

“There’s a reason Newnan and Coweta County continue to be such great places to live, work and do business. We have people who show up, work together and invest in this community. Our Chamber is a big part of bringing those people together. TRC gives businesses a chance to step into that circle, build relationships and grow. When our businesses succeed, our Chamber succeeds, and Newnan and Coweta County are stronger because of it.”

- Cleatus Phillips, Newnan City Manager & Total Resource Campaign Chair 12

Issue 28

Don’t Simply Buy a Sponsorship.

Invest In an Outcome.

I Want To...

A logo on a sign can be nice. But what if that sign is just the beginning? The best Chamber partnerships aren’t simply about getting your name noticed.

They’re about intentionally putting your business where your customers, prospects, peers, future employees and community leaders already are.

Get My Business Noticed

Want hundreds of people to experience your brand? Put yourself in the middle of the Annual Golf Classic, which attracts more than 300 players and more than 600 total attendees. Sponsors can do far more than hang a banner. They can interact directly with golfers through tee-box experiences, Expo-on-the-Curve displays, beverage carts and other hightouch opportunities.

Want to invite people into your world?

Host a Business-After-Hours and showcase your business, services and

facilities to a crowd that typically ranges from 90 to 120 Chamber members.

Want to demonstrate expertise rather than simply advertise it? An Expert Article gives your company the opportunity to share useful strategies, trends and insights through both THRIVE and Connecting Points, backed by additional social media promotion.

Want the Chamber to help tell your story? A Where Are We Wednesday profile brings us directly to your business for an on-location video that is boosted on social media, pinned on Facebook and shared through YouTube and the Chamber website.

Different goals. Different audiences.

Different investments. That’s why the conversation should always begin with you.

Through One Coweta, businesses can align themselves with conversations around smart growth, quality of life, infrastructure, workforce and economic prosperity. Opportunities stretch across State of the County, Pancakes & Politics, Talk of the Town and the new One Coweta Conversations series. Some sponsorship levels even include policy roundtable access, thought-leadership content and opportunities for executives to participate in Chamber video and storytelling.

A Board of Directors sponsorship provides repeated exposure to approximately 27 local leaders and

Meet More People

Look at Business After Hours, Connections in the Courtyard, Breakfast Club and Alliance opportunities.

Reach Decision-Makers

Explore One Coweta, Board of Directors, Governmental Affairs Alliance and civicengagement opportunities.

Build My Reputation as an Expert Think Expert Articles, speaking opportunities, video profiles and thought-leadership opportunities.

Be In the Room Sometimes the most valuable Chamber opportunity doesn’t involve reaching the biggest audience. It involves reaching the right one.

Explore signature events, digital communications, THRIVE, video and high-visibility sponsorships.

decision-makers throughout the year.

And Chamber Alliances make it possible to go deeper with the audiences most relevant to your business. From workplace safety and economic prosperity to nonprofits, women in business and emerging leaders.

NextGen, for example, connects businesses with young professionals and entrepreneurs through mixers and community impact activities, while the Businesswomen’s Purpose Alliance offers year-round opportunities tied to professional development, leadership and networking. That’s the difference between exposure and strategic exposure. One gets your name out there. The other puts your business where it makes sense for your business to be.

Connect with the Next Generation

NextGen, Leadership Coweta and workforce-focused programming can put your company in that conversation.

Show That My Company Cares About Coweta

Align your brand with nonprofits, safety, leadership, civic engagement, education, volunteers or another cause that reflects your values.

Not sure? Perfect. That’s what we are here for.

Every frame is an opportunity. Where will your business show up next?

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Your Business.

Your Audience.

Your Move.

Want 600+ people? → Golf Classic

Want 90–120 people inside your business? → Business After Hours

Want civic and business leaders? → One Coweta

Want emerging professionals? → NextGen

Want community leaders of tomorrow? → Leadership Coweta

Want 1,700+ inboxes?

There’s A Chamber Spotlight for Every Size Business Here’s another misconception: You don’t need a giant marketing budget to play. Yes, TRC includes premier sponsorships with year-round visibility and access. But the inventory also includes highly targeted opportunities at a wide range of investment levels.

A monthly Community eNews featured listing is $150 and puts a company’s news, specials or events prominently in an email reaching more than 1,700 business and community contacts. Connecting Points quarterly sponsorships are $350.

A Golf Classic hole sign is $165. A Political Hob Nob supporting sponsorship is $250.

At the other end of the spectrum are opportunities for businesses seeking a larger, sustained presence.

One Coweta’s year-long Presenting Sponsor receives premium recognition across events and communications, executive speaking opportunities, THRIVE and social storytelling, policy roundtable access and other high-level visibility.

The point isn’t the price. The point is the fit.

A $150 opportunity that’s exactly right for your audience can be more valuable than a much larger investment made simply because “that’s what we’ve always sponsored.” That’s why TRC volunteers aren’t just selling from a list.

They’re asking questions. Who are you trying to reach? What are you trying to grow? Where do you want greater visibility?

What relationships would move your business forward? What matters to your company? Then comes the matchmaking.

→ Connecting Points or Community eNews

Want people to actually see what you do?

→ Where Are We Wednesday The question isn’t whether an opportunity exists. It’s which one fits.

Every frame is an opportunity.

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Lights. Camera. Your Business.

For seven weeks this fall, TRC volunteers will be connecting with Chamber members and helping businesses build their 2027 visibility and engagement plans. And yes, there will be competition. There will be teams. There will be weekly rallies. There will undoubtedly be some good-natured trash talk.

This year’s theme is Lights! Camera! Chamber! Roll Out the Red Carpet for Business, and while we’re having plenty of fun with the Hollywood theme, what’s happening behind the scenes is serious business. TRC helps businesses make smarter choices about how they use the Chamber.

Did You Know?

The Chamber’s marketing reach extends well beyond the people sitting in a room at an event.

It also generates resources that allow the Chamber to deliver the programs, events, advocacy, leadership development, connections and services our members rely on throughout the year.

In other words, when businesses invest through TRC, opportunity works both ways.

The Chamber gets stronger. Our programming gets stronger. Our business community gets stronger.

And participating businesses get something much more valuable than their logo on a sign: They get the chance to be seen. To be heard. To connect. To lead. To belong. And to grow.

So as the curtain rises on TRC 2026, don’t start by asking what sponsorships are available. Start with your business. What do you want to accomplish in 2027? Who do you want to reach? Where do you want your business to be seen? Bring us the goal. We’ll help you find the opportunity.

The spotlight is waiting.

And many opportunities combine several of those channels with inperson access, speaking opportunities, tickets, experiential marketing and direct relationship-building.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

One investment.

Multiple touchpoints.

Where will your business show up next?

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Your Chamber

created connections, celebrated success, developed leaders, and championed business. Here’s a look at the people, programs, & partnerships that powered the last 2 months.

Governmental Affairs

Talk of the Town

NextGen Alliance

16

Non-Profit Alliance

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One Coweta

Business-After-Hours

Businesswomen’s Purpose Alliance

NextGen Alliance

Member Connect

60 Days. A Lot of Chamber.

And We’re Just Getting Started.

761 over 20

10 48

People Engaged

Ribbon Cuttings

Programs & Events

Small Businesses Engaged

Safety Alliance

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Issue 28

21

Connecting the Dots How Leadership Coweta’s New Journey Changes Everything

What if leadership development wasn’t about learning nine different topics but about understanding how they all connect?

For years, community leadership programs have followed a familiar formula: Government Day. Education Day. Healthcare Day. Economic Development Day. Great speakers. Interesting tours. Lots of information. But too often, each day stands on its own, leaving participants to connect the dots themselves.

Leadership Coweta is changing that.

This year, the Newnan-Coweta Chamber is launching a completely reimagined curriculum built around one big question: What does it take to build and sustain a thriving community? Because communities don’t operate in silos and neither should community leadership.

Nine Days. One Journey. Instead of nine separate field trips, the new Leadership Coweta is designed as nine chapters of one story. And the order matters.

Participants begin with Coweta’s future and growth, then explore how decisions are made, how we educate and develop talent, how people connect to opportunity, and how communities create prosperity. From there, the lens widens to health and human services, nonprofits and community impact, infrastructure and public safety, and finally, leadership itself.

Each class day builds on the one before it until participants arrive at the ultimate question: What role will I play in Coweta’s future?

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Follow the Journey: Nine Days. One Connected Journey.

GROW → GOVERN → LEARN → WORK → PROSPER → CARE → SERVE → BUILD → LEAD

Seeing the Whole Picture The real transformation happens when the connections become clear. A road isn’t simply a transportation issue. It affects where people live, where businesses locate, how employees get to work and how quickly public safety can respond.

Education connects to workforce. Housing affects talent attraction. Healthcare affects workforce participation. Infrastructure influences economic development.

Government decisions affect business.

Pull one thread, and you quickly discover how much of Coweta is connected to everything else.

That’s the thinking Leadership Coweta wants to develop. Not simply leaders who know more about Coweta. Leaders who understand how Coweta works.

Less Show-and-Tell.

More Think-and-Do. The experience is changing, too. Tours and expert speakers remain, but class days will put greater emphasis on essential questions, firsthand experiences, conversations and interaction.

Instead of simply asking, “What does this organization do?” participants will tackle bigger questions: Why does this matter?

Who else does it affect? Who needs to be at the table? What becomes possible when we work together?

The goal isn’t to tell participants what to think. It’s to challenge them to think differently. Coweta needs leaders who can see beyond their own businesses, organizations and areas of expertise.

Leaders who understand the connections and can see the whole picture.

So yes, Leadership Coweta will still take participants places they’ve never been and introduce them to people they might never otherwise meet. But this year, we’re asking them to do something more.

Connect the dots. And ultimately, see their own place in Coweta’s future.

Meet the Leadership Coweta Class of 2027!

Lacy Loyd Co-Chair

Jocelyn Merisca Co-Chair

These emerging and established leaders represent businesses and organizations from across our community, bringing different experiences, perspectives and talents to the table. Over the next nine months, these leaders will connect, learn and explore how the many pieces of our community fit together while discovering the role they can play in shaping what comes next. The journey starts here.

Wright Arnall

Ashley Bonner

Ashley Collins

Heather Daniel

Belize Ellison

Beverly Ferrell

Janet Marie Gunnels

Aimee Hadden

Kaitrell Hall

Irving Hawkins

Janet Hill

Jamar Joiner

Evette Jones

Aaron Mabon

Jaime May

Zach McKenzie

Chris Page

Chad Reid

Newnan Utilities

Newnan First United Methodist Church

USDA

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Piedmont Newnan Hospital

City of Newnan

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Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity

Allstate Insurance – Dianne Parker

City of Hope Atlanta

Explore NewnanCoweta, Inc.

Delta Community Credit Union

Better Place Health Management

Yamaha

J’Elle Monet Boutique

West Georgia Technical College

Southern Real Estate Properties

BTG Community Outreach, Inc.

Legacy Media Group

Meet the Leadership Coweta Class of 2027!

I am deeply honored to have had the privilege of serving you as your State Representative for House District 70 for the past 30 years.

Mandy Renova AmWaste of Georgia LLC

Mark Robertson

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Whitney Singleton-Hubbell StretchLab Newnan

Chad Smith Wells Fargo

This fall, you will elect a new Representative in the General Election to serve as your voice at the Georgia State Capitol. Following the election, the newly elected Representative will be sworn into office and begin serving on the second Monday of January 2027.

It has been an honor and a privilege to represent you, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support you have given me throughout these 30 years of service.

Abigail Strickland

Main Street Newnan

Isis Thomas

Crimson Therapy Services

Kaylee Ward Southtree Commercial

Alicia Williams Southern Co.

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Wellness Is Changing the Retail Landscape We’re halfway through the year, Coweta!

With back-to-school shopping behind us and fall just around the corner, now is a great time to reflect on the retail trends that are shaping the way consumers spend their time and money.

Retail consistently aligns itself alongside consumer behavior, and one of the biggest shifts we’re seeing today is the growing demand for health and wellness. Consumers are investing more than ever in preventative care including weight loss programs, fitness memberships, medical spa treatments, healthier food, and/or services that support their overall well-being.

This change has created a significant impact on retail real estate. According to CoStar, service-oriented businesses accounted for more than half of all retail square footage leased in 2025, highlighting a continued shift toward businesses that provide experiences and recurring services rather than traditional shopping alone.

Fitness and wellness concepts are becoming powerful anchors for shopping centers. These concepts bring visitors back multiple times each week rather than once or twice a month in comparison to traditional retail anchors.

Those repeat visits create opportunities for cross shopping as guests grab a smoothie after a workout, schedule a med spa appointment, pick up healthy meal options, or shop while they’re already at the center.

The result is a stronger, more connected retail environment that benefits both businesses and customers.

As wellness becomes an increasingly important part of everyday life, shopping centers that invest in health-focused experiences are doing more than keeping up with consumer demand. They’re creating destinations that encourage repeat visits, strengthen community connections, and position themselves for long-term success.

Autry Graham Marketing Director of Ashley Park CTO Realty Growth Leasing by Franklin Street

From life’s big moments, to everyday needs...

We’re here with you every step of the way.

Membership open to anyone living or working in Coweta County. Come by one of our nearby locations: Newnan 232 Bullsboro Dr.

Sharpsburg 1790 Hwy 154

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Scan the QR code to learn more:

JOIN. THRIVE. PROSPER. 770.719.1111 | southernonline.org

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City of Hope Patient Issue 28

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AI: More Than the Hype

Data Centers: Powering the Digital Revolution

By W. Winston Skinner

From Medicine to Transportation, AI is Already Changing What’s Possible Artificial intelligence gets plenty of attention and plenty of criticism. But J.C. Witt of Prologis says some of its most promising impacts can get lost in the debate. Witt pointed to breakthroughs in medicine, transportation and productivity already being accelerated by AI. One dramatic example: sequencing an individual human genome once cost approximately $1 billion.

Today, Witt said, it can cost about $300, opening doors to understanding genetic predispositions and more personalized healthcare.

AI is also accelerating protein mapping used in medical research and powering advances in autonomous vehicles. Witt cited data showing significantly fewer accidents involving Waymo selfdriving vehicles compared with human drivers.

And in the workplace? Witt sees AI less as a replacement for people and more as “an extension of who we are in all of our roles.”

Like electricity and cell phones before it, AI is changing how we live and work, and it’s happening fast.

$1 billion to $300 The Dramatic Drop in the Cost of Sequencing an Individual Human Genome

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You checked your email today. Maybe streamed a show, used online banking, stored a photo in the cloud or asked AI a question. Behind every click is a data center. And as artificial intelligence accelerates the digital economy, demand for the massive facilities that make it all possible is exploding.

That made data centers a timely and sometimes controversial topic for the Chamber’s June 3 Talk of the Town, where approximately 130 business and community leaders gathered at Newnan Country Club for an inside look at an industry generating plenty of conversation in Coweta and across the country.

John Asbell, regional manager with Georgia Power, led a panel featuring Santiago Escobar of Headwaters Site Development, Michael Olajubutu of Georgia Power and J.C. Witt of Prologis. Their message? The digital revolution isn’t coming. It’s already here.

“We’re at the beginning of the tip of the wave,” Asbell said, noting that data centers already power almost every aspect of modern life.

Escobar compared AI’s potential impact to transformational innovations such as railroads, electricity, automobiles and air travel. “We are in a digital revolution,” he said. “It’s here to change how we live our lives.”

Big Investment. Big Impact.

Just how big? The digital economy is growing about 20 percent annually, according to the panel, and an estimated $930 billion is being invested in data center expansion over six years.

Witt put that number into perspective: adjusted to today’s dollars, that’s roughly three times the investment in the Apollo space program.

Unlike many traditional developments, hyperscale data centers can contain millions or even billions of dollars of equipment while requiring relatively few public services. “Data centers are fiscally efficient,” Escobar said.

Panelists pointed to the potential benefits beyond tax revenue, including jobs for fiber technicians, construction workers, landscapers and other service providers, as well as partnerships with schools, technical colleges and nonprofits. Escobar highlighted West Georgia Technical College for developing curriculum to prepare students for data center careers.

What About Power?

With opportunity comes a big question: Can Georgia keep up with the electricity demand? Olajubutu said Georgia Power uses longrange planning to anticipate the needs of residents and businesses and is investing in more than 1,000 miles of transmission lines.

He also pushed back on concerns that data centers shift electricity costs to other customers, saying they pay “more than their fair share” and that increased electricity sales can put downward pressure on rates overall. For Coweta, the conversation is far from over.

But whether the topic is AI, infrastructure, energy, taxes, jobs or growth, one thing was clear from the discussion: The digital economy is changing fast and understanding what’s behind it may be one of the most important conversations communities can have.

“All of you have used a data center today.” — J.C. Witt, Prologis

Closed Loop, Less Water How Data Centers Are Changing the Water-Use Equation Data centers have a reputation for using enormous amounts of water. But newer closed-loop cooling systems are changing that equation.

“More and more nowadays, data centers are required to be closed loop,” said Santiago Escobar of Headwaters Site Development.

In a closed-loop system, water used for cooling continuously recirculates rather than requiring a constant new supply.

Once the system is filled, Escobar said ongoing water needs are largely limited to normal building uses such as sinks and toilets.

J.C. Witt of Prologis put that into perspective, saying typical ongoing water use for a data center with this technology can be like that of a restaurant.

The biggest water demand can actually come during construction, when the closed-loop system is initially filled.

Escobar said developers can coordinate that process with local water providers and fill systems during periods of lower community demand.

The takeaway: closed loop means the same water keeps circulating, dramatically reducing the need for ongoing water use.

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From Coweta to the Nation’s Capital Local Civics Bee Champion Ella Hummel Wins Georgia Title

The Veggie Patch PR ODU C E

M AR K E T

F R ESH F RU IT

P LA NTS &

, S, V EG G I ES

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Sunday 8:30 a.m — 6:30 p.m.

Coweta County has a new state champion, and she’s headed to Washington!

Ella Hummel, who captured first place at the NewnanCoweta Chamber’s National Civics Bee® regional competition in March, took her civic knowledge and community-minded ideas all the way to the top, winning the 2026 Georgia State Finals of the National Civics Bee® at the Carter Center in Atlanta on June 25.

Ella began her journey as an eighth grader at Arnall Middle School, competing locally against 18 other finalists selected from 141 student essay submissions from across Coweta County. Her winning proposal addressed food insecurity and explored ways unopened and unserved food from school cafeterias could be redirected to students who need it.

After winning Coweta’s competition, Ella advanced to the state finals, where 15 of Georgia’s top middle school civics students competed in rounds testing their knowledge of government and their ability to present solutions to community issues. Ella emerged as Georgia’s champion, earning a $1,000 prize and the opportunity to represent our state on the national stage.

This November, the rising Northgate High School freshman will travel to Washington, D.C., for the National Civics Bee Championship, competing against state champions from across the country for a $100,000 education prize.

For the Newnan-Coweta Chamber, which is only in its second year hosting the regional Civics Bee, Ella’s journey is an exciting reminder of why investing in civic education matters.

From Coweta to the Carter Center, and now to Washington, we’ll be cheering you on, Ella!

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We Asked. Small Business Answered.

Now we’re turning what we heard into action.

What We Heard Help Me Grow.

Connections, referrals, and customers

Help Me Get Noticed.

Visibility, marketing, and storytelling

What keeps a small-business owner up at night? Finding the next customer. Making payroll. Hiring the right people. Keeping up with technology. Standing out in a crowded marketplace. And maybe the biggest challenge of all? Finding enough hours in the day to do everything.

This summer, the Chamber’s Small Business Alliance went straight to the source, bringing local small-business owners together for two focus groups built around a simple idea: Before deciding what small businesses need from their Chamber, ask them. And they had plenty to say.

The encouraging news came first.

Participants told us they value the Chamber’s relationships, connections, referrals, quality programs and growing momentum. They see the Chamber as a connector and told us not to lose the relationship-first culture that makes those connections possible.

But they also challenged us to do more. Not more events. More practical help.

From Networking to Business Development The strongest message was about growth.

Small businesses want more customers, more visibility and more opportunities to build relationships that lead somewhere.

They aren’t looking for networking just for networking’s sake. They want purposeful introductions, referrals and connections that can lead to business.

They also want help getting noticed—more member spotlights, success stories, social media exposure and opportunities to tell their stories.

And when it comes to education, the message was equally clear: make it useful on Monday morning. Marketing. AI. HR. Sales. Finance.

Technology. Hiring. Short, tactical learning not theory. Because small-business owners told us they’re often simultaneously serving as CEO, salesperson, marketing director, HR department, bookkeeper and customer service team.

Building On What Works

Help Me Work Smarter.

AI, HR, sales, finance, and technology

Help Me Find Answers.

Trusted experts and resources

Here’s perhaps the most important takeaway: We’re not starting from zero. We’re building from strength.

Help Me Have A Voice.

The Chamber already provides many of the things small businesses said they value most—connections and referrals, business visibility, education, advocacy, leadership opportunities, peer communities and access to resources and decision-makers.

Advocacy on the issues that affect business

The opportunity now is to make those resources more intentional, practical, visible and measurable while filling the gaps we heard loud and clear. That means more purposeful business development. More storytelling and visibility. Practical howto resources. More peer-to-peer problem solving. Stronger advocacy. And an even better job connecting small businesses with trusted resources when the Chamber isn’t the expert.

Peer learning & real relationships

Help Me Connect.

We asked. We listened.

Now we’re getting to work.

Because listening only matters if something happens next.

Our role is to help small businesses connect, compete and grow by creating access to relationships, resources, visibility, knowledge and a collective voice they may not be able to create on their own.

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Coming Up This Fall Mark your calendar. Find your Alliance. Jump in.

Alliances In Action Pull Up a Chair. There’s a Lot Ahead.

SEPTEMBER Non-Profit September 9th Leadership Coweta September 15th Safety September 17th Enhanced Investors September 29th

OCTOBER Chamber Champs October 6th Leadership Coweta October 13th Non-Profit October 14th Safety October 15th NextGen Halloween Bash October 16th One Coweta: At the Table October 16th Past Chairs October 19th

NOVEMBER Leadership Coweta November 10th Economic Prosperity November 13th Friendsgiving Luncheon November 18th Businesswomen’s Purpose November 19th Safety November 19th

Not sure where you fit? We’ll help you find your place.

For more information or to discuss in details, email Nina McMichael at nina@newnancowetachamber.org

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The Best Seats in The House: Chamber Alliance leaders recently gathered for dinner, dialogue and a look ahead at what’s next. With a busy fall on deck, these volunteer leaders are ready to keep the connections and the momentum going.

What happens when you put some of the Chamber’s most engaged volunteer leaders in one place and give each of them a Chamber chair? Apparently, you get a pretty great photo.

But behind the smiles at our recent Alliance Chairs Dinner & Dialogue is something much bigger: a growing network of volunteer leaders helping the Chamber create more ways for members to connect, learn, lead and have a voice. And this fall, they’re going to be busy.

The Chamber’s Alliances are designed around the interests, needs and issues that matter to different parts of our membership, from small business and young professionals to workplace safety, nonprofits, economic prosperity, women in business, leadership development and governmental affairs. Each looks a little different. That’s intentional.

Some create peer communities. Others open doors to decision-makers. Some tackle business challenges, develop leaders or create opportunities for members to learn from one another.

Together, they give members more ways to find their people and find their place in the Chamber.

Fall Is Calling The calendar ahead is packed. The Businesswomen’s Purpose Alliance headed into fall with its August Bougie You Expo and another program in November, while the Coweta Safety Alliance, Non-Profit Alliance

and Chamber Champions return to regular programming.

NextGen will bring emerging professionals together for its Glow Golf Halloween Bash in October, while the Small Business Alliance will begin turning feedback from this summer’s focus groups into more intentional opportunities around business development, practical education, visibility and peer connection.

Meanwhile, Leadership Coweta launches its newly reimagined class journey, beginning with its retreat and moving into fall class days focused on growth, governance, education and workforce.

And the conversations shaping Coweta’s future continue through the Economic Prosperity Alliance and Governmental Affairs Alliance, along with a busy fall advocacy calendar that includes One Coweta: At the Table and Dinner with the Delegation.

Different audiences. Different conversations.

Different ways to engage. One Chamber and a whole lot of ways to pull up a chair.

Because ultimately, our Alliances aren’t about filling calendars with meetings. They’re about putting the right people around the table, creating relationships and giving members more opportunities to engage in the work and the community that matters to them.

There’s a seat waiting.

Come find yours.

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Trey Ragsdale with Kaiser Permanente

Hear from the Expert

Virtual Care Helps Better Manage Employee Chronic Conditions and Your Costs Since chronic conditions affect 50% of employees and make up 86% of U.S. health care costs, it’s important that employers are set up to support employees with chronic conditions.

Studies show that chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. When virtual care is connected to your employer-sponsored health plan, you can better support employees with chronic conditions.

Virtual Care Helps Support Employees With Chronic Conditions Most health care services are available 9-to-5, Monday through Friday, so employees who only have access to in-person care are often forced to choose between missing work or de-prioritizing their overall health.

Improve Adherence to Treatment Plan Nearly 9 in 10 employees would cancel or reschedule a preventive care appointment due to workplace pressures. Unfortunately, this can prevent employees with chronic conditions from getting the care they need and can lead to even higher costs as illnesses go untreated. Employees who use virtual care services to help manage their chronic conditions are more likely to follow their treatment plans with routine telehealth follow-ups — giving their care team better visibility into their health.

Monitor Patient Health Remotely Employees who have chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can benefit from remote patient monitoring. They receive Bluetooth-enabled monitors that securely share blood pressure or blood sugar readings electronically with their care providers in real-time. This enables care team members to better assess a patient’s health over time, provide ongoing feedback about progress or response to a medication change, and detect new treatment needs.

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Reduce Overutilization and Hospital Readmission More frequent telehealth check-ins can help care teams catch any complications sooner, leading to fewer hospitalizations and emergency room visits. Studies show that telehealth could replace 20% of emergency room visits and 24% of office visits and other outpatient encounters as it uses resources more effectively to keep costs down.

Patients with chronic conditions have higher hospital readmission rates — readmissions related to conditions like COPD alone amount to more than $15 billion annually in the United States. Virtual care can help reduce these readmissions by giving employees a more convenient way to follow up on their health care following admission to a hospital.

While there are always some instances where patients will need in-person appointments, virtual care can give your employees more options to access the care they need — benefiting both your workforce and your business.

Employee Health Benefits Your Employees and Business Today’s business leaders understand the connection between the workplace environment and the impact on employee health — especially those living with chronic conditions.

A healthier workforce can mean lower health care costs, reduced workers’ compensation claims, and fewer sick days. To encourage employees to stay engaged in their care and remain present on the job, it’s important to offer a health plan with virtual care that connects their whole care team, so employees have cost-effective and convenient ways to access care.

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Deidre K. Bembry with State Farm

Hear from the Expert

Protecting What Matters: Smart Ways to Save on Auto and Home Insurance Without Sacrificing Coverage After spending 26 years in the industry and the last 17 years as an agency owner, I’ve seen one common mistake repeated over and over: consumers often focus solely on finding the lowest insurance premium rather than finding the right protection. Saving money on insurance is important, but reducing coverage to lower a monthly payment can become an expensive decision. The good news is that there are several ways consumers can lower their insurance costs while still maintaining the protection they need. Here are four practical ways to accomplish both!

Review Your Policies Every Year Many people purchase insurance and never look at their coverage again. However, life changes quickly. Marriage, children, home renovations, a new teen driver, or even working from home can all affect your insurance needs. An annual policy review can help identify coverage gaps, eliminate unnecessary coverage, and ensure you’re taking advantage of all available discounts.

The time to find out that you don’t have what you need is NOT when you actually need it!

Bundle Your Policies and Save One of the easiest ways to save money is by combining your home and auto insurance with the same carrier. Bundling often results in significant discounts while simplifying policy management. Not to mention, beyond the savings, keeping your policies together can also reduce coverage gaps and make the claims process more seamless.

Strategically Increase Your Deductible A deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance coverage begins. Increasing your deductible can lower your premium, but

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it should only be done if you have enough money set aside to cover that amount in an emergency. Before choosing a higher deductible, ask yourself this question: “Could I comfortably pay this amount tomorrow if I experienced a loss?” If the answer is YES, this is a great strategy to control your bottom line.

Make Sure Your Liability Limits are Adequate Choosing state minimum coverage on an auto policy may save you money today, but it can create serious financial consequences later if you ever cause an at fault accident.

Medical expenses, vehicle repairs, and legal costs can still accumulate when policy limits are exhausted. Having inadequate liability limits could leave you personally responsible for costs that exceed your coverage and this is a REAL problem that ONLY has a financial solution. Your income, assets, and even your retirement savings can be impacted. When the unexpected strikes, there is no peace like being prepared!

At the end of the day, insurance isn’t simply about saving money. It’s about protecting your family, your assets, and your future. The goal isn’t to purchase the cheapest policy.

The goal is to purchase the right policy at the best possible value. Working with a trusted insurance professional can help ensure that you’re not only saving money but also protecting what matters most. I’d love to help you if you have questions. www.asktheinsurancelady.com

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Vernon M. Strickland with Strickland Debrow LLP

Hear from the Expert

Beyond the Logo: Protecting the Intellectual Property Behind Your Brand Your business may spend years building recognition and goodwill. Understanding—and protecting—the intellectual property behind that brand is essential to preserving its value.

A company’s brand can be among its most valuable assets. Businesses invest substantial resources in names, websites, advertising, signage, social media, packaging and customer relationships to build recognition and goodwill. Yet I have encountered businesses with substantial marketing investments that had not taken meaningful basic steps to determine whether their commercial marks were properly protected.

Part of the problem is understanding what a “brand” actually includes.

Many business owners equate their brand with their logo. A distinctive logo can certainly function as a trademark, but trademark protection extends well beyond graphic design. A business name, product or service name, slogan, symbol—or even distinctive packaging and other “trade dress”—may identify the source of goods or services and therefore have trademark significance.

Importantly, creating a unique logo does not necessarily mean you have the right to use or protect the name it contains. Before investing significantly in a new brand, businesses should investigate whether important marks are available and consider appropriate state or federal registration. Federal trademark registration can provide significant advantages in establishing and enforcing rights.

Other forms of intellectual property protect different components of a brand. Copyright protects original creative expression, which may include photographs, videos, website content, advertising materials, graphics and software. Businesses should also make certain they actually own what they pay to have created. Hiring a photographer, designer, marketing agency or other contractor does not automatically resolve every question of copyright ownership.

Written agreements should address those rights.

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Trade-secret law can protect valuable confidential information—such as proprietary processes, strategies, formulas, data and certain customer or pricing information— but only when a business takes reasonable measures to preserve its secrecy.

Confidentiality agreements, appropriate policies and access controls are therefore part of intellectual-property protection too.

Today, brand protection increasingly extends to individuals. Few intellectual-property concepts have generated more recent buzz than Name, Image and Likeness (“NIL”).

While NIL has received enormous attention in college athletics, the broader principle applies well beyond sports. Athletes, entertainers, influencers, entrepreneurs and others can develop personal brands with significant commercial value. Protecting and licensing those rights can involve trademarks, copyrights, contracts and rights of publicity.

Every business should periodically conduct a simple brand audit: What names, marks, creative works, confidential information and personal-brand assets create value? Who owns them? Are important marks properly protected? Do contracts address intellectualproperty ownership? Are trade secrets actually treated as secrets?

Businesses routinely protect their buildings, equipment and other valuable assets. Their intellectual property deserves the same intentional attention.

The first step in protecting your brand is recognizing that the brand itself is an asset.

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INVESTING IN GROWTH. ADVANCING OPPORTUNITY.

Enhanced Investors Alliance

PLATINUM INVESTORS

50+ leaders. One shared vision for Coweta’s future.

The organizations recognized on these pages represent more than financial investment. They represent a commitment to leadership, collaboration, and the long-term success of Coweta County. As members of the Enhanced Investors Alliance, they help drive the conversations, partnerships, and initiatives that move our community forward.

From economic development and workforce growth to quality of life and community engagement, these organizations are helping shape what comes next. Their investment reflects a shared belief that when business and community leaders work together, the possibilities for Coweta are limitless.

Benefits Include • Exclusive access • VIP events • Economic intelligence • Strategic connections • Elevated visibility

Let’s Start the Conversation Discover how enhanced investment can position your business for greater impact and influence. Be part of the vision that’s shaping Coweta’s future. Interested in learning more?

Contact Colleen D. Mitchell at colleen@newnancowetachamber.org.

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GOLD INVESTORS

STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY.

SILVER INVESTORS

BRONZE INVESTORS

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Enhanced Investor Profiles Performance, Leadership & a Little Adventure A retired Lieutenant Marine colonel and former senior executive with Boeing, Pat Finneran has spent much of his career leading people, improving performance and building strong organizations. Now he’s bringing that experience to his role as Chair of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber Board of Directors. Finneran stepped into the role in June, continuing a Chamber connection that began years ago in St. Louis.

“I got to see what a Chamber could do,” he said. “The purpose of a Chamber is to advocate for the business community with state and local government and within the membership itself.”

Pat Finneran

When Pat later made Newnan home, connecting with the Chamber was an easy decision. “It was important that I get to know the community.”

That focus on performance carries over to his business. Pat founded Accelerated Performance Solutions (APS) in 2011, initially helping aerospace and industrial companies improve performance. At the heart of his approach was creating “a disciplined process that was repeatable and predictable.” Today, APS applies those same principles to businesses across industries.

But Pat isn’t all business. He and his wife, Pam, love to fish and are both scuba divers, aiming to dive three times each year. Back on dry land, you’ll often find Pat pursuing another longtime passion—golf. From the boardroom to the golf course, and occasionally well below sea level, Pat brings plenty of energy to whatever he takes on.

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The leaders and organizations helping shape Coweta’s future

Driven by Community For Charlie Simmons, being involved with the Newnan-Coweta Chamber is personal. He’s called Coweta home since 1996 and has had a front-row seat to nearly three decades of growth and change.

“I’ve lived here since 1996,” he said. “I’ve seen everything they’ve done.”

Today, Simmons serves as General Manager of ALM Nissan Newnan, stepping into the role in January. But he’s hardly new to the local automotive industry. He’s been in the car business in Newnan since 1999, building relationships with customers and the community along the way.

Located on Bullsboro Drive, ALM Nissan Newnan sells and services new and pre-owned vehicles, serving customers throughout west central Georgia, from Newnan and Peachtree City to LaGrange and Carrollton. Its team of Nissan specialists focuses on helping customers find the vehicle that fits their needs while providing service long after the sale.

For Simmons, Chamber involvement is another way to stay connected to a community he knows well and has watched evolve. And when he finally steps away from the dealership, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find him trading four wheels for 18 holes. “I love playing golf,” he shared.

After nearly 30 years in Coweta, Simmons is still enjoying the ride and looking forward to what comes next.

Charlie Simmons

Enhanced Investor Profiles More Than a Round of Golf For many Coweta residents, White Oak Golf Club in Newnan and Canongate I Golf Club in Sharpsburg are about much more than golf. They’re places to connect, unwind, celebrate and build community.

Part of the ClubCorp family of private clubs, the two Coweta properties offer an impressive 72 holes of golf, along with tennis, swimming, fitness, dining, event spaces, practice facilities, member activities and tournament planning.

Leading the team is General Manager Joseph Dente, who took the helm at White Oak and Canongate I in January 2026 after spending 12 years at Braelinn Golf Club in Fayette County.

For Dente, being part of the Chamber is another way the clubs stay connected to the community they serve.

Joseph Dente

“We work with the Chamber because of their strong community involvement. We want to be a part of that involvement.”

And when the workday ends? Dente doesn’t exactly leave the golf course behind. He enjoys cooking in his downtime, but you’ll also find him out on the course, often alongside the people he serves. “I do play a fair amount of golf with members and just have a good time.”

For Dente, that mix of relationships, recreation and community is all part of the club experience.

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Kaiser Permanente Opens Fischer Crossings Medical Center Congratulations to Kaiser Permanente on the opening of its new Fischer Crossings Medical Center in Coweta County! The Chamber was proud to celebrate this major investment with a ribbon cutting for the new 36,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility.

The $36 million medical center brings primary and specialty care, imaging, lab and pharmacy services together under one roof, expanding convenient access to quality health care for our growing community.

Jeff Coggin Named Pinnacle of Excellence Award Winner Congratulations to Jeff Coggin of Coggin Travels on receiving the Pinnacle of Excellence Award from Nexion Travel Group, the premier travel network’s highest honor recognizing top-tier sales performance, outstanding leadership, and elite service standards. Alongside his wife and co-owner, Cindy, Jeff specializes in helping clients design unforgettable travel experiences and seamless, stress-free journeys. Their success is rooted in strong relationships with top-tier travel partners, ensuring clients receive unmatched quality, exclusive value, and exceptional service every step of the way. An active leader in our local business community, Jeff serves as a valued member of the Chamber Board, striving to strengthen local businesses and support regional growth. We’re proud to celebrate Jeff and Cindy’s achievements and their continued commitment to our community.

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Member Kudos

Celebrating the Leaders Who Move Coweta Forward

A Century in the Making

A Century of Service

Now that’s a milestone! Congratulations to the Coweta County Water & Sewerage Authority on the completion of its new Chattahoochee River Pump Station and Raw Water Transmission Main—a legacy project designed to help secure Coweta’s water future for generations to come.

For 100 years, the Newnan Junior Service League (NJSL) has been a pillar of service and a force for good in Coweta County, bringing together women who lead, serve, and build lasting friendships while strengthening the community they call home.

The project includes a new Chattahoochee River intake and pump station along with a 10-mile transmission pipeline delivering water to the B.T. Brown Water Treatment Plant.

Even more impressive? It represents the first permitted river intake between Atlanta and Columbus in a century.

Years of forward-thinking planning and investment went into making this historic project a reality, creating a resilient new water source and additional capacity to support Coweta County’s continued growth and development.

Designed by Garver and constructed by Ruby-Collins, Inc., this is infrastructure with an impact—and a pretty remarkable achievement worth celebrating.

Congratulations to CCWSA and everyone who helped bring this once-in-a-century project across the finish line!

While many remember beloved League traditions like the Follies and the cherished A Taste of Georgia cookbook, NJSL continues to evolve to meet the needs of a growing community. Today, members continue that legacy through initiatives such as Can-A-Thon, which supports local food pantries; Christmas in Newnan, bringing holiday cheer to children in foster care; scholarships for graduating seniors; and community grants that empower local nonprofits addressing critical needs. These efforts are made possible through signature fundraisers that bring the community together, including Mardi Gras Casino Night, Legends of the League Golf Tournament, and the newly introduced A Very Merry Mahjong Tournament.

As NJSL celebrates its centennial, it honors the more than 500 active and sustaining members who have dedicated thousands of volunteer hours, countless acts of kindness, and a shared commitment to bettering Coweta County.

GREAT RESULTS MATTER. BUT DO THEY LAST? In Enduring Impact: Purpose Driven Leadership Delivers Results That Last, Patrick Finneran draws on decades of leadership across the United States Marine Corps and senior executive roles at Boeing to challenge one of the most persistent myths in business—that performance and princples are at odds.

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Meet the Team Behind the Magic

The People Who Make Connections, Create the Experiences and Keep the Chamber Moving

There’s a lot that happens at the Newnan-Coweta Chamber. Events come to life. Members get connected. Businesses find opportunities. Leaders gather around tables.

Programs are launched.

Ribbons are cut. Emails are sent. Sponsors are celebrated. Problems get solved.

And somewhere behind all of it is a member of the Chamber team making the magic happen.

Some are out front with a microphone. Some are behind a laptop, a camera or a registration table. Some are making introductions, managing details, answering questions or quietly solving a problem before anyone else even realizes there was one.

Together, they’re the team behind the Chamber. And, while you may know what they do, we thought it was time you got to know a little more about who they are. So, in keeping with this issue’s Lights! Camera! Chamber! theme, we asked our team some decidedly non-jobdescription questions.

Roll the Credits...

Candace Boothby

Colleen D. Mitchell

Candace may not drink coffee, but that certainly hasn’t slowed her down. A selfdescribed master multitasker, she’s happiest when there are plenty of balls in the air and preferably a new idea or two in the mix. Her walk-up song, On Top of the World, feels especially fitting for someone whose favorite Chamber memory happened in Montreal in 2015, when Newnan-Coweta was named National Chamber of the Year. Away from the Chamber, life revolves around her two muchloved rescue dogs, Charlie and Dolly, and when it comes to movies, she’ll skip the latest blockbuster for an old favorite: Brigadoon.

Give her a strong sense of community, a little controlled chaos and a couple of dogs underfoot, and she’s pretty much in her happy place.

Cue The Rolling Stones. Colleen chose Start Me Up as her walk-up song because, as she puts it, she likes to “spark connections, get things moving and make things happen.” That pretty much sums up her Chamber role, too. She’s a French vanilla cappuccino fan, loves Sweet Home Alabama, makes a mean carrot cake and is dog mom to three Schnoodles—Morris, Maggie and Molly. Her favorite Chamber moments are the ones when an introduction turns into a lasting business relationship.

President & CEO Go-To-For: Strategy • Advocacy • Community Leadership • Board

Sales & Business Development Manager Go-To-For: Membership Sales • Sponsorships • TRC • Business Development

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Meet the Team Behind the Magic

Nina McMichael

Mary Moseley

Dawn Connally

Nina’s favorite thing about Coweta is simple: the people. And since she spends her days connecting with Chamber members, that feels just about right. She takes her coffee black, loves Major League, and would choose a dog if a four-legged friend ever joins the family. Her walk-up song is The Rolling Stones’ Jumpin’ Jack Flash, and when she’s not engaging members, you might find her putting her hidden talent to work making homemade pasta. But her favorite Chamber memory takes her right back to the beginning—her very first TRC Rally, when she got a front-row look at the energy, friendly competition & fun that make Chamber life anything but ordinary.

Mary’s happy place in Coweta is Downtown Newnan, preferably with a white chocolate mocha in hand. Her movie pick is Blast from the Past, and her hidden talent may be particularly useful around here: finding killer deals. At home, she has a cockatiel named Tiki, and among her favorite Chamber memories so far is Bougie in the Garden.

Joining the Chamber team in August, Dawn loves Coweta’s small-town Southern hospitality, even as the community continues to grow. She’s another member of the nocoffee club, loves dogs and cats, and counts interior design among her hidden talents.

Her favorite movie is Dirty Dancing, and her walk-up song is 1999. We can’t wait for our members to get to know her.

Member Operations & Engagement Manager Go-To-For: Member Engagement • Retention • Member Connections

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Issue 28

Events & Programs Manager Go-To-For: Events • Programs • Event Sponsorship Fulfillment

Administration & Operations Manager Go-To-For: Chamber Operations • Board Support • Office & Event Logistics

Meet the Team Behind the Magic

Janet Marie

Communications & Marketing Strategist Go-To-For: Communications • Digital/Content

Janet Marie likes her coffee simple, light roast and black. But there’s nothing boring about her playlist. Her walk-up song is Boys Wanna Be Her by Peaches, and her favorite movie is Empire Records. She’s also an actor and director at Newnan Theatre Company.

What does she love about Coweta? It’s a place where multiple generations can find opportunities, activities and community, and, as she says, somewhere they can thrive. (Yes, she absolutely intended the pun.)

Cynthia Bennett

Special Projects Manager Go-To-For: Coweta Works • Civics Bee • Talent Development

Cynthia loves Coweta’s generous charitable community, which fits someone whose career has been so deeply rooted in education, workforce development and service. Her soundtrack is Katy Perry’s Roar, her movie is Bull Durham, and her hidden talent is making jam. Her household includes Molly the Schnauzer and Maverick the “near-beagle,” and one of her favorite Chamber memories is hosting a discussion at the 2026 Nonprofit Summit.

Phil Trickey

Special Projects Manager Go-To-For: Workup Coweta

Phil’s walk-up song really couldn’t be anything other than It’s Tricky. His coffee order is a Tim Hortons “Double Double,” his fourlegged sidekick is a West Highland White Terrier princess named Winnie, and he claims none of his talents are hidden because, as an extreme extrovert, they’re all right there for everyone to see. His favorite Chamber memory? Showing up to a Halloween board retreat in costume as instructed, only to discover he was the only one who fell for it.

Different Roles. One Team.

Our personalities may be different, and our coffee orders definitely are, but there’s one thing this team shares: a genuine love for this community and the businesses and people who call it home. Because behind every Chamber program, connection, celebration and opportunity are people who care deeply about getting it right. That’s where the magic really happens.

25 Years of Making a Difference After an incredible 25 years of service to the Newnan-Coweta Chamber, Valerie Ward retired on August 31.

For a quarter century, Valerie has been a steady presence behind the scenes and a familiar, welcoming face to countless members, volunteers and visitors. She has celebrated our successes, weathered our crazy days, kept us moving and been part of more Chamber memories than we could possibly count.

Twenty-five years is more than a milestone—it’s a legacy. Thank you, Valerie, for 25 years of dedication, loyalty, laughter and heart. You will always be part of our Chamber family, and we wish you all the happiness in the world in this next chapter!

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47

Ribbon Cuttings

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

Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers May 28, 2026

Palmetto Infusion

Jr’s Heart Saves June 2, 2026

Piedmont Physicians Head & Neck Surgery June 4, 2026

First Peoples Bank

The Peach Cobbler Factory

Central Nutrition

Canine Luxe

Planet Smoothie Newnan

Master J. Kims Taekwondo Education

June 1, 2026

June 17, 2026

August 11, 2026

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Issue 28

August 4, 2026

August 12, 2026

August 5, 2026

August 20, 2026

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49

Index of Advertisers

50

Accelerated Performance Solutions

44

ALM Nissan of Newnan

49

American Family Insurance/Renee Horton

2

City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta

25

CMIT Solutions

46

Coweta-Fayette EMC

7

Edward Jones

31

FirstBank

27

Food for Thought Catering & Kitchen To Go

19

Georgia Bone & Joint

50

Honda of Newnan

3

Knot Just Floors

51

Liquor Maxx

18

Lynn Smith, State Representative

23

Mercedes-Benz of South Atlanta

11

Newnan Utilities

21

Odyssey Charter School

42

Parmer Monument & Stone

35

PetLovers United

43

Piedmont Cancer Institute

41

Progressive Heating, Air, and Plumbing

5

SouthState Bank

42

The Cellar/The Burkley Social

37

The Southern Credit Union

24

The Veggie Patch

28

Tim Hortons

52

ALL UNDER ONE ROOF

United Bank

40

University of West Georgia

23

Wesley Woods of Newnan

9

Orthopedic Specialist • Spine Center Physical & Occupational Therapy MRI • Orthobiologics • Surgery Center

Woodhouse Spa-Peachtree City

33

AFTER HOURS CLINIC

Issue 28

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NEW FLO ORS . F RES H LO O K . H O LI DAY R E A DY Issue H OME. 28 51

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