Fayette County Chamber of Commerce

For more than 40 years, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce has been the local “Voice of Business,” successfully encouraging and supporting businesses in Fayette County. The Chamber is located in the historic Fayette County Courthouse at the intersection of SR 85 and SR 54 and is made up of approximately 850 member businesses and organizations.

“Through a wide range of networking events like Breakfast Before Hours, Business-to-Business Luncheons, Business After Hours and ribbon cuttings, members have opportunities to build relationships with each other as well as customers and the community,” says Chamber President Virginia Gibbs. “We also have special events, including the ‘Business on the Green Classic’ Golf Tournament and the Business Expo & Job Fair.”

She adds that the Chamber works to build and improve communication between local businesses and government officials as well as sponsoring programs that benefit the entire community, like Leadership Fayette and Partners in Education.

Newnan-Coweta County Chamber of Commerce

The largest business organization in Coweta County, the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce boasts over 700 members dedicated to building a strong local economy while enhancing and protecting business in the area.

Chamber President Candace LaForge emphasizes that while the Chamber stays true to its goal of improving the business climate, the membership is concerned with creating a higher quality of life for all Coweta residents. “By bringing professionals together throughout the county, we can accomplish a lot of good.”

Programs like Vision 2020, ETC! and Leadership Coweta give members the skills and formats for bringing positive growth and change to the community. In addition, monthly events—Early Bird Forum, Networking at Noon and Business After Hours—and new business ribbon cuttings give members the opportunity to network with one another, share and gather information. Annual events include the BigExpo, a business showcase, the Golf Classic and Bowling Adventure.

Main Street Fayetteville

Since gaining its Main Street City designation in 1996, Fayetteville has seen its downtown blossom. Major improvements include the construction of the Villages Amphitheater, the restoration of the 1902 Old Train Depot and enhancements to the Historic City Cemetery. The downtown square has transformed into a historic streetscape that encompasses thriving businesses.

Nancy Price, Fayetteville’s Main Street Program Manager, is responsible for managing the Amphitheater as well as organizing popular events like the Old Courthouse Art Show and Lighting of the Christmas Tree. She says that the work is rewarding. “As we go into the future, it’s important that we keep our traditions and build on our strong sense of community.”

Main Street Newnan

Newnan became a Georgia Main Street City more than 20 years ago and has built its success on the program’s initial goals—to increase tourism, market Newnan’s unique characteristics and improve the community’s quality of life. Working hand in hand with Newnan’s Business Development Department has helped Main Street to be very successful, reports Newnan Main Street Coordinator Alise Holt Cartledge.

“We continue to recruit new businesses, assist existing businesses to grow and convert unused space into productive property,” she says. “Our success is possible because we receive support from the community—both public and private sectors.”

Linda Bridges-Kee, Director of Business Development, points to the vibrant downtown as an example of how well the program is working. “Our downtown is the heart of Newnan,” she says. “It’s filled with unique restaurants, shops and services that feature hometown friendliness in a beautiful, historic setting. You can’t do better than that.”

Fayette County Development Authority

“Our mission is to strengthen and diversify Fayette County’s economy,” explains Matt Forshee, President/CEO of the Fayette County Development Authority. “And our greatest impact comes from the services we provide to existing industry as well as entrepreneurs and small businesses. Of course, we also facilitate in the move of new businesses into the area.”

In addition to Forshee, the Fayette County Development Authority has an active Board of Directors, responsible for setting policy and serving as liaisons between the business community and local government, in addition to other duties.

Coweta County Development Authority

For much of its history, the Coweta County Development Authority’s prime directive was to provide low-cost Industrial Bond financing for new or expanding industries. The organization’s role expanded in 2003 when the Authority was given primary responsibility for Coweta County economic development.

“We cooperate with local, regional and state agencies as we promote business relocation and expansion here in Coweta County,” explains Authority President Bill Harrison. “Our services are designed to structure economic development and assist businesses through the many phases of their development.”