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  • Brett Mauldin: Faith, Freedom & Local Control | Candidate Conversations — Episode 80

    Brett Mauldin: Faith, Freedom & Local Control | Candidate Conversations — Episode 80
    2026/04/09
    The Candidate Conversations series continues on The Town Square Podcast with Brett Mauldin, Republican candidate for Georgia House District 114. Covering Morgan County and parts of Newton and Walton counties, House District 114 includes communities that are deeply shaped by agriculture, small-town identity, conservative values, and growing concerns about development, taxation, and the future of local control.For many listeners in Newton County, this episode may have served as their first introduction to Mauldin. Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall opened the conversation by helping listeners understand exactly who he is, where he comes from, and what motivates him to run for office. What followed was a candid, often personal conversation about family, faith, business, public service, and the kind of government Mauldin believes Georgia needs.A Small-Town Background Rooted in FamilyMauldin described himself as a “small town guy,” someone who grew up around Greene, Putnam, and Morgan counties and who still identifies deeply with the country mindset and rural values of the region. He comes from a small-business family and says those experiences shaped the way he sees money, responsibility, and leadership.He also spoke warmly about his family. He and his wife, Candice, recently celebrated 20 years of marriage. They have three children, and throughout the conversation Mauldin returned again and again to the importance of family life, raising children well, and creating a future worth passing on to the next generation.His story included a year of football at the University of West Georgia, time at Lee University near Chattanooga, and a few laughs about his rugby days. But beneath the humor was a clear theme: his life has been shaped by discipline, teamwork, faith, and a willingness to work hard.Leadership Shaped by ListeningOne of the more interesting parts of the conversation came when Mauldin reflected on how different perspectives have shaped him. He spoke about the influence of his wife, noting that she came from a different socioeconomic background than he did. That experience taught him that leadership requires openness, humility, and a willingness to listen.He shared a line from a mentor that captured his philosophy well: “Minds are like parachutes. The only time they work is when they’re open.”That outlook has informed both his personal leadership style and the way he runs his business. Rather than surrounding himself with “yes men,” Mauldin said he values challenge, input, and honest disagreement. In his words, if all he wanted was agreement, he could just buy a parrot.That idea carried throughout the episode. Even while articulating strong convictions, Mauldin presented himself as someone who believes leadership is strongest when it is accountable, participatory, and rooted in listening to others.Business Experience and Decentralized LeadershipMauldin currently leads his family’s cabinets and countertops business, which travels throughout the Southeast. He discussed the company’s journey, including the hardships of the Great Recession and the lessons learned through navigating both challenge and growth.The company was recently recognized as a Family-Owned Small Business of the Year, but Mauldin was quick to redirect praise to his team. He described his leadership style as “decentralized command,” emphasizing that not every decision should run through one person. Instead, he believes strong organizations invite participation, encourage buy-in, and empower others to lead.That same principle showed up repeatedly in the conversation as he described how he thinks government should work. In business and in government, Mauldin believes the closer power is kept to the people affected by it, the better the results will be.Why He’s RunningMauldin said the opening of the House District 114 seat created an opportunity for someone new to step forward and serve. But for him, running is about more than filling a vacancy. He believes good people must be willing to step into public life, especially when politics feels frustrating, divisive, or dirty.He argued that one reason many good people avoid politics is because they do not want to deal with the messiness of it all. But in his view, that is exactly why strong, grounded men and women should be willing to step up. He believes public service should not be left only to the ambitious or the loudest voices, but should include people with real-world experience, strong values, and a desire to serve.Throughout the episode, Mauldin emphasized that disagreement is not the problem. In fact, he sees disagreement as healthy. What matters is whether leaders are willing to challenge ideas honestly while still working toward the common good.Protecting the VulnerableOne of the strongest recurring themes in the interview was Mauldin’s belief that a just society protects its most vulnerable people. He connected this conviction both to his Christian faith ...
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    47 分
  • Karla Hooper: Integrity, Healing & Representation | Candidate Conversations — Episode 79

    Karla Hooper: Integrity, Healing & Representation | Candidate Conversations — Episode 79
    2026/04/07
    The Town Square Podcast continued its Candidate Conversations series with Karla Hooper, candidate for Georgia House of Representatives District 113. As Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall explained at the top of the show, the goal of this series is not to create more political noise, but to give voters a fair, thoughtful way to hear directly from the people asking to represent them. In a climate where partisanship often drowns out substance, this episode aimed for something different: a calm, honest conversation about background, motivation, policy, and public service.That framing fit Hooper’s tone well. Throughout the episode, she presented herself not as a career politician chasing office, but as a longtime community advocate who sees this campaign as an extension of work she has already been doing for years.Hooper began by sharing a little of her story. Born in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, she moved to Georgia in 1992 as a student at Emory University and eventually decided this was where she wanted to build her life. She has now lived in Newton County for more than 24 years, longer than she lived in her hometown in Arkansas. Her daughters were born and raised here, and she made clear that Newton County is not just where she lives, but home in the fullest sense.Her entry into community involvement came from a very local frustration. After returning from a trip, she noticed a cell tower had appeared near her subdivision and wanted to know why and how that had happened. That curiosity led her to attend a Board of Commissioners meeting, which opened the door to understanding how decisions are made in local government. What started as one concern in her own neighborhood eventually grew into a broader commitment to civic engagement and public advocacy.One of the most memorable parts of the episode came when Hooper discussed her father’s role in the Civil Rights Movement. She shared that he was among a small group of men from Arkansas who traveled to Alabama to march in Selma. In an especially moving story, she explained that seven years ago, on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, reporters were looking to interview her father because he was believed to be the last surviving member of that group. Remarkably, he passed away the very day they were trying to reach him.Hooper said she did not even know about his role in Selma until she was in middle school and interviewing him for a school project. She recalled him telling her that when Dr. King spoke, it felt as though even the leaves stood still to listen. But she also explained that he and others were pulled over and jailed on the way back from Alabama, and that much of what followed was likely wrapped in trauma he never fully unpacked with his children. That family history clearly shaped her understanding of justice, advocacy, and public responsibility.She connected that legacy to her own path. Hooper described herself as someone who has long felt drawn to leadership and service, whether in school, work, church, or the broader community. She mentioned being the first Black student government president and first valedictorian in her hometown, and later working for Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign in 1992. Rather than treating public service like a new interest, she framed it as part of a lifelong throughline.Professionally, Hooper serves as Executive Director of the Diabetes Association of Atlanta, where she has worked for more than 18 years. That work gave depth to much of what she said later in the conversation about healthcare, working families, and affordability. She talked about seeing firsthand how many people do what society tells them to do — work hard, support their families, and check all the expected boxes — yet still cannot afford the medications, supplies, or insurance coverage they need. She described this reality as one that keeps her grounded and connected to the struggles of ordinary people.That theme of groundedness came up repeatedly. Hooper pushed back on the idea of being seen mainly as a politician, saying she identifies more with being a public servant. She described her candidacy as something that came through prayer, reflection, and a sense of calling. In one striking moment, she said that when something burdens you so deeply it moves you to tears, you have to respond. She gave the example of calling a developer about another proposed gas station in an area already saturated with them. As she spoke to him about what the community needed, she became emotional — not because of political theater, but because of genuine concern for the people who live there.When asked why she is running again after a previous campaign, Hooper said this moment feels different because Newton County needs healing. That word became one of the episode’s anchors. She spoke candidly about the tension, disappointment, and frustration many residents feel after years of conflict, rapid change, and difficult public debates. In her view, the next chapter ...
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    47 分
  • Councilman Dwayne Turner: Transparency, Tradition & Growth — Episode 78

    Councilman Dwayne Turner: Transparency, Tradition & Growth — Episode 78
    2026/03/31
    In Episode 78 of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey sits down with newly elected Covington City Councilman Dwayne Turner. With Gabriel Stovall away on assignment, Trey leads a one-on-one conversation designed to help listeners get to know one of Covington’s newest public servants, understand what drives him, and hear how he is thinking through some of the city’s most debated issues.Turner is still early in his first term, but he is already stepping into the kind of tough, public-facing decisions that come with city leadership. In this conversation, he talks about his background in public service, what led him to run for office, how his experience in law enforcement shapes his perspective, and why he keeps coming back to a few key themes: transparency, representing the people, protecting Covington’s traditions, and making sure growth doesn’t outpace infrastructure.From Pennsylvania to CovingtonTurner shares that he is not originally from Newton County. He was born in a small town in Pennsylvania south of Pittsburgh, later lived in New York, and then joined the Army. After 11 years of military service and living in different places, he eventually landed in Covington, where he decided to put down roots.That journey matters because it helps explain how he views public service. Turner comes from a family deeply connected to service-oriented professions. His father served in the military and law enforcement. His mother and grandmother worked in nursing. Other family members served in transportation and public-facing roles. For Turner, service was not some abstract idea. It was modeled for him throughout his life.That background ultimately led him into law enforcement, which he still describes as his dream job. Today, he works in investigations with the Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office, a role he says he genuinely loves.A Neighborhood Mindset That Became a Citywide CampaignOne of the more interesting parts of the conversation is how Turner explains the leap from local neighborhood involvement to elected office. Before serving on city council, he was involved in HOA leadership, where he learned firsthand how quickly neighborhood concerns can pile up. What starts as a few complaints about trash, lawns, or rules can quickly become a full-time exercise in listening, explaining, and solving problems.Turner sees that experience as meaningful preparation for city government. In both spaces, people want to be heard. They want communication. They want follow-through. And often, they are frustrated not just by the issue itself, but by the feeling that no one is talking to them clearly.That theme of communication came up repeatedly in the episode. Turner says one of the most surprising things he heard on the campaign trail was that many residents did not even know who represented them. That realization helped sharpen his approach. If he was going to serve, he wanted people to know who he was, how to reach him, and how he was thinking through major votes.“It’s About People, Not Politics”One of Turner’s central campaign ideas was that public service should be about people, not politics. In the interview, he unpacks what he means by that phrase.For him, politics can become about holding a seat, protecting status, or building influence. People-first leadership, by contrast, means listening to the residents who put you in office and trying to act on their behalf. It means not silencing their voices, not hiding behind vague language, and not pretending controversial decisions are easy.Again and again, Turner describes himself as a representative. He says his role is not to impose his will, but to carry the concerns of the people who elected him. Whether the issue is fireworks, growth, a special use permit, or city fees, he insists that his first obligation is to the residents he serves.That representative mindset is one of the clearest themes in the conversation.Transparency as a Core ValueIf there was one word that surfaced throughout the episode more than any other, it was transparency.Turner acknowledges that transparency can sound like a buzzword, but he believes the reason it gets repeated so often is because the public is hungry for it. People want to know what government is doing, why decisions are being made, and what elected leaders actually believe.He says that desire for openness shaped his campaign and continues to shape his service. That is why he posts updates online. That is why he explains votes publicly. That is why he says he wants people to contact him directly if they have concerns.In Turner’s view, transparency is not just about releasing information after the fact. It is about bringing people into the process, listening before the vote, and being honest afterward.Growth, Development, and InfrastructureTurner also spends significant time discussing one of the biggest issues facing Covington: growth.He is clear that he is not opposed to development in principle. He understands that ...
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    1 時間
  • Dr. Adam Phyall: Access, Accountability & Action | Candidate Conversations — Episode 77

    Dr. Adam Phyall: Access, Accountability & Action | Candidate Conversations — Episode 77
    2026/03/24
    In this special edition of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall begin a new series designed to help voters better understand the individuals seeking to serve Newton County in public office. The goal is simple: create a space where candidates can share their stories, explain their priorities, and connect with the community in a meaningful way.Dr. Adam Phyall, a longtime educator and former Director of Technology and Media Services for Newton County Schools, joins the show as the first guest in the Candidate Conversations series. Now running for the District 5 seat on the Newton County Board of Education, Dr. Phyall brings decades of classroom, district, and national education experience to the conversation.But before discussing policy or campaign platforms, the conversation begins where it always does on The Town Square Podcast — with story.From Tutoring Classmates to Teaching StudentsDr. Phyall didn’t originally set out to become a teacher.While attending Tuskegee University, he began tutoring fellow students in math. What started as a simple act of helping others quickly revealed something deeper.He discovered joy.Not the kind of satisfaction that comes from personal achievement, but the fulfillment that comes from watching someone else succeed.That moment changed everything.Instead of pursuing occupational therapy, he shifted his focus to education — eventually earning a degree in general science education and beginning his teaching career in 2002.That decision would shape the rest of his professional life.Finding a Home in Newton CountyAfter several years teaching in Clayton County, Dr. Phyall and his wife began searching for a place to raise their family.They found it in Covington.He described the community as a “Hallmark town” — the kind of place where families could grow roots, build relationships, and invest in the future.In 2006, he joined the staff at Alcovy High School, where he taught biology, chemistry, and other science courses.His favorite students?Juniors.Not because they were easier to teach, but because they were beginning to understand life.That transitional moment — when students start thinking seriously about their future — became one of the most rewarding parts of his work.The Moment Technology Changed EverythingOne of the most powerful stories in the episode centers on a laptop.While in college, Dr. Phyall received a scholarship from the United Negro College Fund. Along with financial support, the scholarship included something that would alter the trajectory of his career:A computer.At the time, his mother was battling breast cancer. That laptop allowed him to stay connected with her, research medical information, and communicate in ways that hadn’t previously been possible.It wasn’t just technology.It was connection.That experience shaped his understanding of what technology could do — not as a replacement for teaching, but as a tool to make learning more meaningful and accessible.Innovation in the ClassroomYears before podcasting became mainstream, Dr. Phyall was already experimenting with new ways to engage students.In the early 2000s, he introduced podcasting into his classroom — encouraging students to create audio content explaining biology concepts.The project quickly became a success.One student discovered that listeners from Ireland had downloaded their podcast.That single moment changed the way students saw themselves.Their voices mattered.Their work reached beyond the classroom.And their learning suddenly felt real.Leading the One-to-One Technology InitiativeAs his career progressed, Dr. Phyall transitioned into district leadership roles, eventually becoming Director of Technology and Media Services for Newton County Schools.One of his most significant contributions during that time was helping lead the district’s transition to a one-to-one technology model — providing every student with access to a digital device.The decision wasn’t easy.It required careful planning, financial discipline, and long-term vision.But the result was transformative.Students gained access to resources that had previously been limited to computer labs or libraries.Teachers gained new tools for instruction.And the district built a foundation for future innovation.A National Perspective on EducationAfter years serving Newton County Schools, Dr. Phyall accepted a position with Future Ready Schools, part of the national education organization All4Ed.In this role, he works with school systems across the country — helping districts improve technology integration, expand access to resources, and prepare students for the workforce of the future.Despite working at the national level, he remains deeply connected to Newton County.He still collaborates with district staff, shares best practices, and advocates for opportunities that benefit local students.Why Run for the Board of Education?For years, Dr. Phyall had considered serving on the ...
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    1 時間 9 分
  • Michelle Norrington & Monica Banks: Building Strong Futures for Newton County Youth — Episode 76

    Michelle Norrington & Monica Banks: Building Strong Futures for Newton County Youth — Episode 76
    2026/03/17
    At its best, a community invests in the next generation. In Newton County, few organizations embody that idea more clearly than Building Strong Futures (BSF).On Episode 76 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Michelle Norrington and Monica Banks, the co-founders and executive directors of Building Strong Futures. The conversation explores how a small idea that began in church nearly 25 years ago grew into a transformative nonprofit organization helping young people prepare for leadership, careers, and college.Recently named 2026 Organization of the Year by the Newton County Chamber of Commerce, BSF continues to expand its impact through leadership workshops, career development opportunities, and life-changing college tours.But behind the programs and recognition is a simple mission: expose young people to possibilities they may never have imagined for themselves.From Church Program to Community MovementLike many meaningful initiatives, Building Strong Futures began with a simple observation.Michelle Norrington was watching her teenage daughter and noticing something many parents eventually recognize: teenagers often reach the end of high school without truly understanding what comes next.They may not know how to prepare for college, how to present themselves professionally, or even basic etiquette and leadership skills.Michelle brought the idea to her friend Monica Banks.Together, they launched a small program at their church called Building Strong Women.Their goal was straightforward: teach young women leadership, confidence, etiquette, and life preparation through classes and mentorship.The program quickly gained traction.What began with a few girls at church grew into something much larger.Soon other churches and families across Newton County began asking to participate.Before long, they were organizing leadership classes, etiquette workshops, and an annual cotillion to celebrate the growth and development of the students involved.The response was immediate.And the mission began expanding.Why the Program Expanded to Include Young MenBy 2015, Michelle and Monica noticed something important.Parents of boys began asking a simple question:“When are you going to include our sons?”At the same time, the founders saw a growing need across the community—not just for etiquette training but for college exposure, leadership development, and career guidance for both boys and girls.So the organization evolved.Building Strong Women became Building Strong Futures, opening its programs to all students and expanding its mission to focus on broader youth development.The name change reflected a deeper vision.They weren’t just mentoring individuals.They were building futures—plural.And they were doing it one student at a time.What Building Strong Futures Actually DoesToday, Building Strong Futures operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving students across Newton County and the broader metro Atlanta region.The organization focuses on three core experiences:Leadership WorkshopsEach year begins with a series of workshops designed to prepare students for adulthood.Topics include:Financial literacyCollege admissions preparationProfessional image and presentationCareer explorationParent information sessionsStudent leadership panelsLocal professionals volunteer their time to speak with students, offering real-world insight into careers and life beyond high school.For many students, it’s the first time they hear directly from professionals about what different career paths actually look like.Career DevelopmentThe program intentionally exposes students to a wide range of careers.Not every student will go to college—and the founders acknowledge that openly.Students may pursue:College degreesTrade programsEntrepreneurshipTechnical careersThe key message is simple:“Find something you love and pursue it.”By introducing students to professionals from many industries, the program helps them imagine futures they may never have considered.The Annual College TourPerhaps the most powerful component of Building Strong Futures is the annual college tour.Each year, students travel to visit multiple universities, experiencing campus life firsthand.These trips include visits to both:HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities)PWIs (Predominantly White Institutions)This intentional exposure helps students explore different academic environments and determine which setting might best fit their goals.Recent tours have included visits to schools such as:Duke UniversityHampton UniversityXavier University of LouisianaColumbia UniversityNYUMedgar Evers CollegeFor many students, these trips are their first time flying on a plane.Sometimes it’s their first time leaving Georgia.And occasionally, it’s the first time they’ve ever stepped onto a college campus.Exposure Changes EverythingOne of the most powerful themes throughout the episode is the idea...
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Dr. Quinita Morrow: Building Businesses, Confidence, and Community in the Classroom — Episode 75

    Dr. Quinita Morrow: Building Businesses, Confidence, and Community in the Classroom — Episode 75
    2026/03/09
    On this episode of The Town Square Podcast, Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Dr. Quinita Morrow, the 2026 Newton County Schools Teacher of the Year and a marketing teacher at Alcovy High School.But if you think this episode is simply about an award, think again.Dr. Morrow represents something much bigger than a title. Her classroom is a place where entrepreneurship is born, where students learn real-world skills most adults wish they had learned earlier, and where relationships, not textbooks, are the foundation of meaningful education.In a wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Morrow shares her journey from business professional to educator, how she brings real-world marketing into the classroom, and why relationships are the single most powerful tool a teacher can have.And if you listen closely, you’ll hear something else too: a hopeful story about the future of Newton County’s students.From the Business World to the ClassroomDr. Morrow didn’t initially plan on becoming a teacher.Her first dream was to pursue a career in business. But during high school, one teacher made a lasting impact on her life: her 11th-grade business teacher, Ms. Marshall.That teacher inspired her to consider education, but the realities of teacher salaries pushed her toward the corporate world instead. After earning her degree in business, Dr. Morrow took a job in finance at Wells Fargo.But it didn’t take long for her to realize something important.“This is not for me.”She attended a job fair in Newton County Schools—and was hired on the spot.She originally planned to teach for just one year while figuring out her next steps.Nineteen years later, she’s still teaching.And changing lives.A Defining Moment in 2016Like many educators, Dr. Morrow’s journey hasn’t always been easy.In 2016, after losing her father, she reached a point where she wasn’t sure what the next chapter of her life should look like. She had even signed a contract to move to China to teach.Her visa had been approved. Everything was ready.But a close friend challenged her to reflect on whether she was pursuing the opportunity or simply trying to run away from grief.After prayer and reflection, Dr. Morrow sent an email declining the position.That same night, she received an unexpected email from Luella High School offering her an interview—even though she had never applied.She got the job.For Dr. Morrow, that moment reaffirmed something she had already begun to realize:She was exactly where she was meant to be.The Power of Real-World LearningDr. Morrow teaches marketing—but her classroom is far from a traditional lecture environment.Her students learn through real-world application.Every year, her classes develop an entire business from the ground up. Students create business plans, develop branding, build websites, manufacture products, and ultimately sell those products through pop-up shops.This year alone, some students generated hundreds—even thousands—of dollars in revenue through their projects.But Dr. Morrow teaches them an even more important lesson.Revenue isn’t the same thing as profit.“If you made $1,000 but spent $900,” she tells them, “you didn’t make $1,000. You made $100.”Those are lessons many adults learn the hard way. Her students are learning them in high school.Entrepreneurship in ActionOne of Dr. Morrow’s former students, Jordan Jackson, launched a clothing brand as part of the class’s final project.His brand—BLXCK Clothing Co.—stood for Bold Leadership Through Creative Knowledge.The project gained traction through a Shark Tank-style presentation where investors helped him fund equipment for the business.Jordan continued selling his clothing line even after enrolling at North Carolina A&T.And he’s not the only one.Students in Dr. Morrow’s classes have launched baking businesses, apparel brands, and other entrepreneurial ventures.The goal is simple:Let students experiment with business ideas while the stakes are still low.“I would rather you make the mistakes here,” she says, “than in the real world.”The Speaker Series That Brings the World to AlcovyPerhaps the most unique element of Dr. Morrow’s classroom is her speaker series.Every week, she reaches out to entrepreneurs, professionals, and influencers to speak with her students.The process is not easy.Every Monday she sends around 150 emails.On a good week, two people respond.But over time, persistence built relationships—and now speakers often reach out to her asking when they can visit the class.The result is remarkable exposure for students.Her classroom has hosted 180 to 190 speakers each year, including· Small business owners· Media personalities· Entrepreneurs· Corporate professionals· Influencers· AthletesStudents get to hear firsthand what success looks like—and what it actually takes to get there.And often, those speakers return...
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    54 分
  • Debbie Harper: The Business of Newton County—A 2026 Chamber Playbook –Episode 74

    Debbie Harper: The Business of Newton County—A 2026 Chamber Playbook –Episode 74
    2026/02/17
    The Chamber Isn’t Government… and That MattersDebbie Harper comes back into the studio for her second appearance on The Town Square Podcast, and right out of the gate she re-anchors something people still confuse: the Chamber of Commerce is not government. The Chamber is a member-driven organization—which means it works “at the pleasure of the members,” advocating for the business community from the largest industries all the way down to the smallest mom-and-pop operation.That distinction matters because the Chamber’s job isn’t to pass ordinances or levy taxes. Its job is influence, connection, advocacy, programming, and building the kind of civic/business ecosystem where Newton County can thrive long-term.And in 2026, Debbie says the Chamber has momentum.75 Years Strong and Growing Past 700 MembersOne of the coolest headline moments in this conversation is the reminder that the Newton County Chamber is celebrating75 years—established in 1951, with roots tracing back to the Newton County Trade Association.And the modern Chamber isn’t some tiny networking club. Debbie shares that the Chamber topped 700 members last year—representing roughly 25,000 to 28,000 employees connected to those businesses. That’s a huge “voice” in a county our size, and Debbie makes the point clearly: this many members means the Chamber carries real influence—not by flexing authority, but by convening people and pushing coordinated priorities.Trey even laughs about it from the perspective of being a small LLC himself: The Town Square Podcast joined the Chamber at the end of last year and is now stepping into Chamber 101 (yes—Debbie had the date ready).Who the Chamber Serves (Hint: It’s Not Just Small Business)Debbie breaks down the range of membership in a way that makes the Chamber feel more “whole community” than many folks realize:Small businesses (the majority—often defined as 120 employees or fewer)Large industries and major employersNonprofitsFaith-based organizations/churchesAssociate members (individuals)And she notes a cultural trend that’s been growing: larger employers increasingly want to pour back into the communities where they operate—through grants, sponsorships, volunteer hours, nonprofit partnerships, and intentional local engagement. In the conversation, Meta gets mentioned as an example of major industry support showing up in tangible ways (like grants and community investments).The underlying theme: you don’t get a healthy small business ecosystem without stable large employers—and large employers need a healthy local community to attract and keep talent. It’s cyclical.Practical Benefits That Make Membership Worth ItDebbie highlights something a lot of business owners don’t know: Chamber membership isn’t just “events and networking.” There are practical programs that can have real financial impact.Two examples she mentions:Georgia Drug-Free Workplace Program (when certified, businesses may qualify for a state-mandated discount on workers’ comp—Debbie cites 7.5% off).Healthcare options for small businesses, including a partnership pathway connected with the Georgia Chamber and Blue Cross Blue Shield for certain business sizes.That’s the Chamber at its best: not just rah-rah speeches, but real support tools that help businesses survive and grow.How the Chamber is Led (and Why Board Restructuring Matters)Debbie explains the Chamber’s governance structure and mentions a board restructuring over the past year designed to make leadership more representative of Newton County’s diverse business landscape.Key highlights:A smaller executive committee structureA broader at-large board to ensure big industry + small business + multiple sectors are representedThat’s a subtle but important leadership move: if your membership base is diverse, your leadership should reflect that diversity—otherwise you’ll unintentionally prioritize the loudest voices rather than the most representative voices.Networking Isn’t “Extra”—It’s the WorkThe Chamber calendar is packed, and Debbie acknowledges the strain: a small staff producing a full menu of events. But the strategy is intentional—different events serve different business types, schedules, and stages.Lunch Links (monthly)A structured networking lunch with either:pure networking, ora speaker/program (February features a motivational speaker focused on decision-making in business).After Hours (quarterly, returning trend)Debbie notes Newton County used to be more of a “bedroom community,” but that’s shifting. More people are working and staying local, so after-hours events are making sense again.The first after-hours of 2026 is at Render: Turner Lake (Feb. 19).Signature Events (the big ones)Debbie frames several major “anchors” on the Chamber calendar:Pre-Legislative Breakfast (January)Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet (the one everyone talks about)Business Summit & Expo (March 26)Chamber Golf...
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    1 時間 5 分
  • Councilwoman Charika Davis: Affordability, Stormwater, and “Serving in the Messy Middle” — Episode 73

    Councilwoman Charika Davis: Affordability, Stormwater, and “Serving in the Messy Middle” — Episode 73
    2026/02/10
    If you’ve been anywhere near local government conversations lately—city council meetings, social media threads, neighborhood group chats, or just the line at the coffee shop—you’ve heard the same word on repeat:Affordability.It’s not a trendy political slogan anymore. It’s a pressure point. A real-life math problem families are trying to solve every month: rent, groceries, utilities, gas, childcare… and now, depending on where you live, fees you didn’t even know existed until the bill showed up.That’s why this episode mattersIn our first recording of 2026, we sat down with Covington City Councilwoman Charika Davis, fresh off a reelection campaign and stepping into her second term. And she didn’t come in with polished talking points. She came in with something you can feel through the mic—conviction, fatigue, gratitude… and a genuine desire to be the kind of public servant who doesn’t forget what it’s like to live on a budget.“I made it to 2026.”That’s how Charika answers our opening “what’s good in your world?” question—and it sets the tone.2025 was a grind. She describes the reality of running for reelection while still doing the job: door knocking, listening sessions, community events, and all the invisible emotional weight that comes with being the person people call when they’re frustrated.And here’s the part that’s easy to overlook if you’ve never run for office:Even at the city level, where government feels “closer,” you still can’t promise the world.Charika says it plainly: “I’m one vote.”That sentence comes up again and again throughout the conversation, because it explains one of the biggest misunderstandings residents often have about local government. People assume a councilmember has executive power—can hire, fire, fix everything, and change policy with a snap. But as Charika explains, the city manager runs operations: staffing, HR, internal processes, and day-to-day execution. Councilmembers vote on policy, budget priorities, and direction—but they’re not the CEO.And that misunderstanding gets messy fast when emotions are high.Why she ran again: “There was still work that needed to be done.”This was her second race, and she had an opponent again—something she describes as humbling.Not because she doubts her work, but because campaigning forces you to face the truth: you can do a hundred good things and still lose. You have to show up, ask for trust, and take the risk publicly.So why do it again?Charika’s answer comes back to one theme: advocating for working- and middle-class residents—especially when the costs of living rise faster than people’s paychecks. She talks openly about the fear many residents have: that they’ll be priced out of the city they call home.And she admits something interesting: during her first term campaign, she was advised to avoid the affordability conversation. It was treated like a “code word,” something that might be interpreted as only relevant to certain socioeconomic groups.But now? She says you can’t avoid it.If you’re going to claim you’re “for the people,” you have to talk about what people are actually carrying.The other side of Charika: corporate America, quiet mornings, and soft skillsA lot of folks only know Charika from council meetings and civic debates. But she shares a snapshot of her day-to-day life outside council—working in corporate America (now from home), starting her mornings slowly, and valuing a calmer pace than the old “rat race” schedule.That contrast becomes important later, because she makes a point that’s easy to miss:Serving on council doesn’t feel like “work” to her.It’s purpose. It’s passion. It’s giving back.And that makes late meetings, community events, and phone calls feel different than a normal job—even when they’re exhausting.When we ask what she learned from her corporate career that translates into public service, she goes straight to something schools rarely teach directly:Soft skills.· How to handle high-stakes situations.· How to communicate without detonating relationships.· How to control emotion when the moment is intense.And if you’ve ever watched a public meeting on a hot-button issue, you already know why that matters.Born and raised here—and proud of itCharika is Covington through and through: born at the local hospital, raised on Oxford Road, Newton High, and a childhood that included the movie theater, the skating rink, and the kind of community identity that sticks with you.She talks about how her early involvement in student leadership, her time at Georgia College, and her connection to service through Delta Sigma Theta shaped her mindset: be the voice for people who feel unheard.She even answers the “why didn’t you leave?” question in the most honest way possible:She stayed because she didn’t want to pay rent.It’s funny, but it’s ...
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