Building a Stronger Fayette: Honoring Service, Shaping Workforce, and Learning from Frisco

As we turn the page on another impactful month in Fayette County, I am reminded of the power of community, collaboration, and vision. September brought with it three cornerstone initiatives that reflect the Chamber’s commitment to honoring those who serve, preparing our workforce for the future, and learning from thriving communities across the country.

We began with the Fayette Chamber Braveheart Awards, a heartfelt celebration of our public safety professionals and public servants. These individuals—our police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and government staff—are the backbone of our community. Their dedication, courage, and tireless service often go unnoticed, but not by us. The Braveheart Awards presented by Brent Scarbrough was our way of saying “thank you” and shining a light on those who keep Fayette County and its towns and cities safe, functional, and thriving. It was a privilege to recognize their contributions and share their stories with the broader community.

Next, we hosted our Annual Workforce Summit, a gathering of educators, business leaders, and workforce development professionals focused on the future of talent in Fayette County. As industries evolve and technology reshapes the job market, it is critical that we align education and training with employer needs. The Summit provided a platform for dialogue, data-sharing, and strategic planning. We explored innovative approaches to career readiness, unique talent sourcing, and upskilling with the purpose of ensuring that Fayette remains competitive and our residents are equipped for success.

But perhaps the most transformative experience last month was our Research & Discovery trip to Frisco, Texas. Led by the Fayette County Development Authority and commonly referred to as “intercity visits,” these trips are immersive learning journeys where economic development professionals, elected officials, key staffers, and top business leaders travel to high-performing communities to study their successes, challenges, and strategies. These visits are not vacations; they are intensive, intentional, and deeply educational.

Frisco, once a quiet suburb, has become a national model for smart growth, public-private partnerships, and placemaking. From their dynamic sports and entertainment district to their innovative approach to infrastructure and education, Frisco offered us a blueprint for what is possible when vision meets execution. We met with city officials, developers, educators, and entrepreneurs—all of whom shared insights that could inform Fayette’s own trajectory.

Why do we do this? Because great communities don’t happen by accident. They are built through bold ideas, informed decisions, and collaborative leadership. By studying Frisco, we gained inspiration and practical knowledge to bring home. Fundamentally, we asked ourselves, how can we be a better Fayette County? How can we work cooperatively, intentionally, and with trust to have a community that thrives. The answers are not always immediate, but the seeds are planted. And with the right partnerships, those seeds grow.

As we reflect on the previous month, I am filled with optimism. Our county is so rich with potential, and through events like the Braveheart Awards, Workforce Summit, and our Discovery Visit, we are laying the foundation for a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.

Let’s keep building—together.

Leonardo McClarty
President & CEO
Fayette Chamber of Commerce