2026 Workforce Summit

Workforce Summit         Workforce 2040 explores the evolving partnership between people and intelligent tools and what it means for Fayette County's economic future. This year's theme centers on augmentation, not replacement, highlighting h......More

Workforce Summit         Workforce 2040 explores the evolving partnership between people and intelligent tools and what it means for Fayette County's economic future. This year's theme centers on augmentation, not replacement, highlighting how AI can elevate productivity, creativity, and decision‑making across the region's most important industries.   Attendees will gain practical insight into: How employers can adopt AI responsibly and competitively The new skills portfolio required for tomorrow's workforce Ways educators, business leaders, and policymakers can align to accelerate talent readiness   Through case studies, panels, and cross‑sector conversations, the summit will spotlight what's working right now from construction and skilled trades to film, entertainment, and technology while addressing the widening performance gap between AI‑fluent and lagging organizations. The goal: a shared playbook for people‑centered, future‑ready adoption. Program Agenda 1:00 - 1:30 PM | Networking & Light Refreshments   1:30 - 1:40 PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks Focus: Overview of the summit theme, goals, and the future of regional workforce development.   Speaker: Leonardo McClarty, President & CEO, Fayette Chamber   1:40 - 2:00 PM | Keynote Speaker: Human First, AI Powered: The Future of High Performing Teams Focus: Insights on how AI helps businesses scale by expanding capability and performance. Speaker:  Brian Fletcher, Fractional CTO & Co-Founder of FM 2:00 - 2:30 PM | Panel #1: The Generational Workforce Divide & Productivity Gap Focus: Expectations, alignment, productivity losses, and strategies for engagement across generations.   Moderator: Jason Campbell, MAU Panelists: Alexis Davis, PHR, sHRBP , President, Crimson Leadership Group (former VP of People & Culture, Rinnai) Dr. Teaa "Dr. TAB" Allston‑Bing, SPHR, SHRM‑CP - Director of Human Resources, City of Peachtree City ​Craig Jeffery - Managing Partner, Strategic Treasurer ​2:30 - 2:50 PM | Presenter #2: The Growth of Film & Entertainment in Fayette: Advancing from Production Support to High-Impact Career Opportunities Focus: This session explores Fayette?s evolving film and entertainment landscape, highlighting its transition from production support services to a dynamic ecosystem that cultivates high-impact career pathways and drives regional economic growth   Speaker: Josh Lee, MBA - Chief Operating Officer & Co‑Founder, Content Talent South & Trilith Institute   2:50 - 3:00 PM | Break Refreshments and networking. 3:00 - 3:30 PM | Panel #2: AI Beyond ChatGPT: Real Use Cases Focus: Showcasing practical AI adoption across local industries (construction, HVAC, film/entertainment, healthcare, and more). Discussion includes platforms, strengths, and applications beyond administrative tasks, such as reducing human error and increasing productivity.   Moderator: Richard Andrews - VP of Economic Development, Southern Crescent Technical College Panelists: Braden Fargo - Business Development Manager, Southtree Commercial Trevvour Garner - General Manager of innovation Development, Southern Company Gas   3:30 - 3:50 PM |  Speaker #3: Rethinking Workforce Readiness Focus: Where education and business align to deliver workforce solutions. Exploring emerging skills, technology access challenges, and opportunities across K‑12, technical colleges, and universities. Speaker: Doug Hooker - Former Executive Director, Atlanta Regional Commission; Former Interim Director, CareerRise   3:50 - 4:20 PM | Panel #3: The Future of Creative, Skilled Trades & Technical Workforc Focus: Exploring opportunities in entertainment, skilled trades, and technology‑enabled industries.   Moderator: Dennis McGourik - Regional Director, South Metro, Atlanta Gas Light Panelist: Dr. Irvin Clark - President, Southern Crescent Technical College Jim Kelleher - President & CEO, Georgia Association of Manufacturers Brandon Chadwick - Training Coordinator, Western Operations, Georgia QuickStart 4:20 - 4:40 PM | Closing Keynote: AI, Workforce Development and Georgia's Future.   Speaker: Jamal Jessie - Regional Workforce Development, Google 4:40 PM | Closing Remarks & Transition to Engage After Hours Networking

Hilton Peachtree City Atlanta Conference & Hotel 2443 Hwy 54 W, Peachtree City, GA 30269

2026 ENGAGE After Hours - June

Engage After Hours: The Human Advantage 5:00 PM | Hilton Peachtree City Following an afternoon of bold ideas and forward-looking conversations at the 2026 Fayette Chamber Workforce Summit, join us for Engage After Hours a relaxed and engaging networking exper......More

Engage After Hours: The Human Advantage 5:00 PM | Hilton Peachtree City Following an afternoon of bold ideas and forward-looking conversations at the 2026 Fayette Chamber Workforce Summit, join us for Engage After Hours a relaxed and engaging networking experience designed to bring the day’s insights to life. As we explore Workforce 2040, one truth stands out: technology may transform how we work, but relationships define how we thrive. The Human Advantage is your opportunity to connect beyond the panels with business leaders, educators, innovators, and emerging talent who are shaping the future of Fayette County. Enjoy light bites, beverages, and intentional networking in a setting designed to spark meaningful conversations. Share takeaways, explore potential partnerships, and exchange ideas on how to turn today’s insights into tomorrow’s action. Whether you're looking to collaborate, recruit, or simply continue the conversation, Engage After Hours is where innovation meets connection and where the future of work gets personal.

Hilton Peachtree City Atlanta Hotel & Conference Center

Ribbon Cutting: More 4 Less Auto Repair

Join us as we celebrate More 4 Less Auto Repair! Ribbon Cutting begins at 11:30am.

2026 Membership Matters Orientation - June

Join us for Membership Orientation! Come out and learn about Chamber membership. Whether you are a new member, new to a company, or just interested in knowing more about Chamber membership, this event is for you!

The Chamber Meeting Place

Summer Social: Village Park Fayetteville

Join us as we celebrate the grand re-opening of Village Park Fayetteville (formerly Heartis). Ribbon Cutting begins at 5:00pm.

2026 Business Growth Essentials - June

Marketing Through Uncertainty: How to Adapt When the Economy Keeps Changing How do businesses stay ahead when the market keeps shifting? Join the Chamber at Roam at Trilith for a practical lunch session featuring guest speaker Joe Domaleski. Joe is the founder......More

Marketing Through Uncertainty: How to Adapt When the Economy Keeps Changing How do businesses stay ahead when the market keeps shifting? Join the Chamber at Roam at Trilith for a practical lunch session featuring guest speaker Joe Domaleski. Joe is the founder and owner of Country Fried Creative, an award-winning business that's been located in our community for over 20 years. Drawing from his real-world experiences, Joe will share clear, actionable frameworks for navigating today's crowded, AI-accelerated market. What you’ll learn: How to read local economic signals instead of just reacting to daily headlines. A simple framework to balance immediate operational flexibility with long-term strategy. Where to focus marketing dollars to stand out when your industry feels saturated. The foundational growth rule: Why driving new sales beats defensive cost-cutting every single time. Spaces are limited for this lunch session. Register today to secure your spot! Businesses Growth Essentials This program aims to help small businesses understand the key elements needed to reach the next level in their growth. Our quarterly meetings dive into strategies to expand and scale your business beyond your current market position.

Roam at Trilith

Ribbon Cutting: Doc on Deck

Join us as we celebrate the ribbon cutting for Doc on Deck. Ribbon Cutting begins at 4:45pm.

Ribbon Cutting: Two Birds Foundation

Help Two Birds Foundation Take Flight!   Please join us on June 30th for the Two Birds Foundation Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Fundraising Event.  Come on out and celebrate with us!  You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about our organization while you snac......More

Help Two Birds Foundation Take Flight!   Please join us on June 30th for the Two Birds Foundation Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Fundraising Event.  Come on out and celebrate with us!  You’ll have the opportunity to learn more about our organization while you snack on a delicious Bundtini!  We will also be hosting a silent auction featuring items from our wonderful small business community, as well as pop-up shops by Kendra Scott and Nothing Bundt Cakes.  We are so grateful for the support of this community and cannot wait to celebrate with you!           About Us: Two Birds Foundation is non-profit organization founded in 2025 by Emily Morrison and Sara Morgan serving the South Atlanta metro areas. Two Birds packages and delivers excess prepared meals from local businesses, event centers, and hotels to communities facing food insecurity. The service Two Birds provides ensures that already purchased excess food does not go to waste, filling up hungry bellies, instead of landfills. This redistribution of wealth helps to eliminate food waste and hunger at the same time. In other words, feeding two birds with one scone. Mission: To help build a future where hunger and food waste do not co-exist, yet kindness and equality do. Vision: To live in a just and sustainable world where no meal is wasted and no one goes without. Want to get involved? Please visit us at www.twobirds.life to learn more!

The Chamber Meeting Place

2026 Fayette Advanced Manufacturing & Industry Network - July

FAYETTE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING & INDUSTRY NETWORK Topic: Optimizing Your Supply Chain: Practical S&OP & Inventory Strategies Many manufacturers today are navigating increasing complexity—from unpredictable demand and inventory challenges to pressure on working ......More

FAYETTE ADVANCED MANUFACTURING & INDUSTRY NETWORK Topic: Optimizing Your Supply Chain: Practical S&OP & Inventory Strategies Many manufacturers today are navigating increasing complexity—from unpredictable demand and inventory challenges to pressure on working capital and supply chain performance. This session is designed to deliver practical, real-world strategies to help you strengthen your Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) processes and optimize inventory for better business outcomes. In this seminar, you’ll explore: Improving demand planning and forecast accuracy Using ABC/XYZ segmentation to align inventory with service goals Managing safety stock and lead-time variability Reducing slow-moving and obsolete inventory Strengthening supplier collaboration and purchasing strategies Enhancing inventory accuracy through cycle counting best practices Driving working capital improvements while maintaining service levels Designed for manufacturers across a wide range of industries, this session will feature actionable insights, real-world examples, and lessons learned that you can immediately apply within your operations. We will also touch on emerging AI-driven digital platforms that are transforming supply chain and demand planning—helping organizations make smarter, faster decisions. Speaker - Dean Hettenbach    

Ribbon Cutting: Lake Country Pools

Join us as we celebrate the ribbon cutting for Lake Country Pools! Lake Country Pools is a locally owned and operated pool service company specializing in pool maintenance, cleaning, repairs, and seasonal openings and closings. Known for their reliability and custo......More

Join us as we celebrate the ribbon cutting for Lake Country Pools! Lake Country Pools is a locally owned and operated pool service company specializing in pool maintenance, cleaning, repairs, and seasonal openings and closings. Known for their reliability and customer‑first approach, they help homeowners keep their pools clear, safe, and ready for year‑round enjoyment. Ribbon Cutting begins at 11:45 AM.

Ribbon Cutting: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Fayette-Coweta

Join us as we celebrate the ribbon cutting for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Fayette‑Coweta. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a trusted, locally operated plumbing service known for its punctuality, professional technicians, and commitment to transparent, reliable home‑se......More

Join us as we celebrate the ribbon cutting for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Fayette‑Coweta. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a trusted, locally operated plumbing service known for its punctuality, professional technicians, and commitment to transparent, reliable home‑service solutions. From routine maintenance to emergency repairs, they help homeowners keep their plumbing systems running smoothly with dependable, customer‑focused care. Ribbon Cutting begins at 4:45 PM.

2026 Young Professionals - August

Education Are you a motivated and ambitious young professional looking to connect, learn, and grow with like-minded individuals? Look no further! We are thrilled to announce the next meeting of our Young Professionals Group, dedicated to empowering the next ......More

Education Are you a motivated and ambitious young professional looking to connect, learn, and grow with like-minded individuals? Look no further! We are thrilled to announce the next meeting of our Young Professionals Group, dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders, ages 21 to 40ish, in the workforce.

The Chamber Meeting Place

2026 Business Power Hour: Federal Legislative Update (Aug)

Federal Policy Update Join the Fayette Chamber of Commerce for our annual Federal Legislative Update event where you'll hear the latest insights on key federal policies and legislation directly impacting our business community. This is a valuable opportu......More

Federal Policy Update Join the Fayette Chamber of Commerce for our annual Federal Legislative Update event where you'll hear the latest insights on key federal policies and legislation directly impacting our business community. This is a valuable opportunity to stay informed, ask questions, and connect with our Congresspersons, local leaders, and policymakers over lunch.   We’re introducing a fresh look! Our Business Power Hour is the newly rebranded version of our B2B Breakfast. This series will feature guest speakers and presenters who are among Georgia’s most esteemed business leaders. It’s your chance to stay ahead of business trends, explore innovative strategies, and gain valuable insights into regional developments—all tailored for Fayette Chamber members. Agenda* 11:30 am - Registration, Lunch & Connections 12:00 pm - Welcome and announcements 12:10 pm - Program begins *Time subject to change If you have any dietary restrictions, please call the Chamber for more information (at least 48 hours prior to the event.)