The Newnan-Coweta Chamber was recognized as the 2015 Chamber of Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, at the annual conference in Montreal, Canada. 

Candace Boothby, Newnan-Coweta Chamber President and CEO, said the Chamber of the Year recognition is a team effort and showcases the community’s enthusiastic spirit and productive partnerships.

“We talk a lot about our five-star service and culture and how to sustain it,” she said. “We have a very entrepreneurial environment which encourages innovation and creativity in a very flexible culture.  But we are also very results-driven and mission-aligned with everything we do.  All of this builds an environment for employees to feel engaged and connected.  All of this helps inspire employees to be the best.” 

Boothby credits members of the Chamber’s board, past chairs, volunteers and staff members in providing support throughout the years and in the award nomination process. She specifically mentioned Mark Whitlock, CEO of the Central Educational Center and current Chamber board member and past chair, who assisted with the application process and participated in the panel interview at the annual conference in Montreal.

As part of the application process, the Chamber highlighted several innovative programs and initiatives including the Prosperity’s Front Door (PFD) healthcare marketing effort and the Central Educational Center Healthcare Workforce Initiative.

In 2012, the Chamber launched the PFD community-wide marketing program that is focused on healthcare, education, housing, quality of life, shopping, and business.

The PFD outlines strategies that emphasize Coweta County’s significant healthcare assets and investments; establishes a consistent message that Coweta is a healthcare center of excellence; facilitates collaboration among local medical professionals and organizations; raises awareness of the county’s quality successes; and serves as a resource for development officers and healthcare professionals. 

The Chamber launched the Central Educational Center (CEC) as a platform to build a sustainable and comprehensive healthcare workforce development initiative.

According to the nomination packet, the CEC is the “model for Georgia’s College and Career Academy Initiative” and through a grant the Chamber provides seed funding for scholarships, which allows CEC high schools students, who are dual enrolled in a college certificate program, to receive financial assistance to complete the national Certified Nursing Assistant exam. 

The program’s goals are focused on growing a larger pool of qualified healthcare support professionals, positioning Coweta County as an excellent place to live and work, soliciting new businesses in the healthcare sector, recruiting more healthcare professionals to the area, and enhancing the perception that Coweta County is a “Healthcare Center of Excellence.” 

In a letter to the Newnan Times-Herald, Danny Beck, chair of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber, said, “Success in the chamber of commerce industry means more than gathering awards.  It means we are part of a greater effort with the goal of continuing the success of our community.  The stronger we are as an organization, the better we can help support not just our members, but Coweta County as a whole as a great place to work, play and raise a family.” 

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber is comprised of almost 900 members and has received 5-star accreditation status by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber has also been designated an “Entrepreneur-Friendly Community” by the State of Georgia.