South Fulton's

new Chamber of Commerce president is a familiar figure on the south side

of town.

John Boothby

started his position as president June 4, but has spent a great deal of

his career south of Interstate 20.

Boothby resigned

as Forest Park's director of development to take the chamber position.

Prior to that, Boothby worked for years as Fayette County's economic development

director.

While he's

still settling into his new digs, Boothby is enthusiastic about the opportunity

for South Fulton.

"I think

the leadership is very impressive and it can help our efforts to coordinate

the growth that will come here," he said.

Boothby believes

the region can learn from the problems of development north of Interstate

285 and is just impressed with the physical landscape of the region.

"Driving

down South Fulton Parkway, you realize just how pristine we are. The opportunity

is there to avoid the problems of the north side," he said.

Boothby has

been impressed with the folks he's met in South Fulton so far, and believes

he can use his contacts on the Southside to convince business leaders

that South Fulton would be a good fit for their companies.

In the years

that he has been doing economic development for various government agencies,

Boothby has noticed a subtle shift in philosophy.

"I think

economic development is falling slightly out of favor. I think the focus

now is on community development and the diversity of economic opportunities,"

he said.

During his

first few weeks in office, Boothby wants to get out and meet as many people

as he can to get a feel for what the residents and business leaders want

to see the chamber accomplish.

"This

is just a great opportunity and I'm excited about the future of South

Fulton County," he said.

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