Fayette Chamber Non-Profit Network Kicks Off 2026 with Record-Setting Meet & Greet

FAYETTEVILLE, GA (February 4, 2026) – The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce’s Non-Profit Network (NPN) launched 2026 with strong momentum following a highly successful Meet & Greet on January 22 that drew more than 60 nonprofit professionals and Chamber members in attendance, marking the Network’s largest gathering in the past three years.

With a mission to empower nonprofits with relationships, knowledge, and guidance that drive impact and sustainability,the event brought together nonprofit executive directors, staff, board members, and community partners for relationship-building, peer exchange, and open conversation about the realities facing nonprofit organizations across Fayette County.

“The turnout speaks to both the need and the opportunity,” said Leonardo McClarty, President and CEO of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. “Nonprofits are looking for a trusted space to connect with peers, learn from one another, and access practical resources. The Non-Profit Network is designed to serve as that resource, particularly for Chamber member organizations, and this event was an encouraging start to the year.”

Introducing the 2026 Non-Profit Network Team

The Fayette Chamber Non-Profit Network is guided by a team of volunteer leaders who represent a cross-section of the county’s nonprofit community, including Bren Briggs, Founder of The Eden Project; Caroline Creel, Chief Visionary at Faithful Endeavors; Mike Conaway, Executive Director of Healing Bridge; Paige Cotchett, Director of Community Relations at Piedmont Fayette Hospital; and Chris Madrid, Principal of Iberian Consulting.

Together, the team is focused on strengthening the Network’s role as a Chamber-supported platform for professional development, collaboration, and peer support.

Paige Cotchett, Director of Community Relations at Piedmont Fayette Hospital; Chris Madrid, Principal of Iberian Consulting; Caroline Creel, Chief Visionary at Faithful Endeavors; Mike Conaway, Executive Director of Healing Bridge; Bren Briggs, Founder of The Eden Project.

Listening to Inform 2026 Programming

The Meet & Greet included several facilitated breakout discussions that enabled participants to share candid perspectives on common nonprofit challenges. Key themes included fundraising and revenue diversification, volunteer recruitment and retention, leadership burnout and organizational capacity, marketing and storytelling, grant writing and grant readiness, board development and governance, and strategic planning.

This input will directly shape 2026 program topics and workshop offerings, ensuring the Network’s events remain practical, relevant, and responsive to real-world nonprofit needs.

Next Event: Coffee & Connections – April 17

The Non-Profit Network’s next gathering, Coffee & Connections, will be held April 17 from 9:00–10:00 a.m. This informal, peer-to-peer session is designed as a time for nonprofit leaders to connect, discuss current issues, talk through leadership challenges, and share how they are doing. There is no cost to attend, and the event is open to all that work, support, or serve the nonprofit sector.

For more information about the Fayette Chamber Non-Profit Network or upcoming events, contact the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce or visit the Chamber’s website https://www.fayettechamber.org.