Fayette Chamber Unveils Bold Strategic Plan for 2026–2028

After months of meetings and writing about our strategic planning efforts in generalities, I am proud to say that the Fayette Chamber’s 2026–2028 Strategic Plan is complete and has been adopted by the Board of Directors. This strategy is a forward-thinking blueprint designed to strengthen the Chamber’s role as a catalyst for business growth, community engagement, and regional leadership. Developed in partnership with DGB & Associates, LLC, the plan reflects months of research, stakeholder input, and analysis of best practices from high-performing chambers across the country.

At the heart of the plan is a commitment to expanding membership and deepening engagement. The Chamber aims to increase its membership to 936 by 2028, while maintaining an impressive 85% retention rate. This represents a 25% increase. To achieve this, the Chamber will implement a robust communications strategy, including refreshed brand narrative, segmented messaging, and enhanced digital platforms. Enhanced portal utilization and quarterly “Chamber Report Cards” will provide transparency and showcase progress.

Membership growth will be driven by targeted outreach, especially to underrepresented sectors, with a goal of acquiring 190 new members annually. Personalized onboarding, tiered membership options, and regular feedback loops will ensure members feel valued and supported. By 2028, the Chamber hopes to have 67% of its members actively engaged in programs and initiatives.

Small business support will remain a cornerstone of the Chamber’s mission. Through partnerships with organizations like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and our municipal economic development offices, members will gain access to expert guidance and growth resources. Structured B2B matchmaking and vendor meetings will connect small businesses with larger employers, while an upgraded online directory will boost visibility.

The Chamber is also launching a formal Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program in collaboration with the Fayette County Development Authority, local and regional partners like Georgia Power and Coweta Fayette EMC. This initiative will include regular business visits, needs assessments, and annual BRE reports to inform advocacy and programming. The goal is to proactively support existing businesses and foster a climate of stability and growth.

Leadership development is another key focus. The Chamber will look to offer multi-faceted engagement opportunities for executives, young professionals, and students, emphasizing mentorship, experiential learning, and civic involvement. Annual participation targets include over 200 young professionals engaged by year 2028.

In the realm of public policy and advocacy, the Chamber will define its role through a member-driven legislative agenda and cross-sector task forces. It will champion smart growth, infrastructure improvements, and workforce alignment to support community vitality.

Innovation will be fueled by the Chamber’s new 501(c)(3) Foundation, which will pilot new initiatives in workforce development, education, and leadership. The Chamber will actively pursue philanthropic and grant funding to support these efforts.

Finally, the plan outlines strategies for board engagement and succession planning, ensuring strong governance and a pipeline of future leaders. Technology will be leveraged to enhance communication and performance monitoring.

With this strategic plan, the Fayette Chamber is looking to position itself as a major influencer in business, policy, and community leadership. Members and stakeholders are encouraged to read the full plan and engage with the Chamber as it embarks on this ambitious journey.