Community Convener

Henry County Chamber

Community Convener is the official podcast of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, where we bring you the voices shaping our business community. This podcast is designed to help you grow, lead, and connect. Each episode features local leaders, updates on Chamber initiatives, upcoming events, and the stories driving Henry County forward. So grab a coffee, and let's dive in!

  1. 3D AGO

    Economic Mobility, Local Stars, and Big Builds

    Send us Fan Mail In this Head episode of Community Convener, we're diving into the big-picture issues and local stories shaping opportunity across Henry County and beyond. We kick things off with a powerful Catalytic Conversation featuring Milton Little, Jr., President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Atlanta, as we explore economic mobility in Atlanta and what it takes to create pathways to opportunity. Then, Trinity Archer steps to the mic for a special Initiative Highlight, sitting down with Lola Symone Stanley, owner of Dough Beauty and Henry County's FLEX Competition winner. From preparing for the state stage to building her business, Lola shares what it looks like to turn ambition into action. We also bring you a SPLOST update with Jonathon Penn from Henry County Parks and Rec., on the highly anticipated Aquatic Center, and what to expect and what this investment means for our community's future. In this episode's Member Minute, Cornelius Gamble, Owner of Pressure Tested Global and one of our 2025 Volunteer of the Year honorees, shares why service matters and how showing up can truly make a difference. Whether you're focused on growth, leadership, or community impact, this episode brings together the conversations that matter most. Explore upcoming Chamber events here: https://business.henrycounty.com/events/calendarcatgid/6 Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email tarcher@henrycounty.com Stay connected. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, & Instagram ☕So grab a coffee, and let's dive in!

    47 min

  2. MAR 16

    Strengthening the Leadership Pipeline

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Community Convener, we explore how leadership, community, and local opportunity intersect here in Henry County. In our Community Dialogue segment, Christy Chewning of Central Georgia EMC leads an important conversation on “The Broken Rung.” Joined by Charles Moon, Vice President and Financial Inclusion Leader at Truist, and leadership speaker Elaine Robinson Beattie, the discussion explores one of the biggest barriers in leadership pipelines: the first promotion into management. Together, they examine how organizations evaluate potential, the difference between mentorship and sponsorship, and what leaders can do to create stronger pathways for emerging women leaders. Next, we connect with Visit Henry Director of Tourism Laura Luker to talk about the growing impact of agritourism in Henry County and how farms, local experiences, and outdoor destinations are creating new opportunities for tourism and economic development across our community. In our Member Minute, Membership Director Leonard Robinson sits down with January Ambassador of the Month Geni Reed of Ameris Bank to highlight the role our ambassadors play in welcoming and connecting businesses throughout the Chamber. Plus, we wrap up with upcoming Chamber events and ribbon cuttings you won’t want to miss. Whether you're a longtime member or a new face, this episode is all about strengthening leadership, celebrating community, and discovering new opportunities across Henry County. Georgia PowerPowered by Georgia Power—committed to reliable energy, great service & strong community impact.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Explore upcoming Chamber events here: https://business.henrycounty.com/events/calendarcatgid/6 Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email tarcher@henrycounty.com Stay connected. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, & Instagram ☕So grab a coffee, and let's dive in!

    47 min

  3. MAR 2

    Built to Thrive: The Support System Leaders Need

    Send us Fan Mail This month’s Head episode centers on something we don’t talk about enough: leaders need support too. In our Catalytic Conversation, we introduce Thriving Henry Leaders, a new Chamber initiative designed to create intentional space for growth, accountability, and real leadership support. We’re joined by Deidre Boykins of Triple J Global Solutions, an applicant for the inaugural cohort, and Dr. Heather Ross of Solutionists International Consulting, the program’s facilitator. Plus, a conversation with Deputy County Manager Kevin Johnson on SPLOST and community resources, a Chamber initiative highlight, and, as always, upcoming ribbon cuttings and Chamber events. Sponsored by RAM-Tech PC Solutions, helping local businesses stay connected and secure. Explore upcoming Chamber events here: https://business.henrycounty.com/events/calendarcatgid/6 Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email tarcher@henrycounty.com Stay connected. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, & Instagram ☕So grab a coffee, and let's dive in!

    38 min

  4. FEB 16

    From the Right Thing to the Smart Thing

    Send us Fan Mail In this Heart episode of Community Convener, we’re shifting the conversation around workplace inclusion from “the right thing to do” to “the smart thing to do.” In our featured Community Dialogue, Christy Chewning of Central Georgia EMC leads a powerful conversation with Tony Carnell, General Manager of the Henry County Water Authority, and Thomas Williams, External Relations of Kaiser Permanente. Together, they break down the business case for inclusion; how it strengthens culture, improves performance, drives innovation, and ultimately impacts the bottom line. This isn’t just about values. It’s about results. Then we shift into this month’s Tourism Trends with Laura Luker, Director of Tourism for Visit Henry, spotlighting the economic impact of EchoPark Speedway on Henry County, because when race weekend rolls in, so do serious opportunities for our local economy. We wrap with a special Member Minute featuring Brandon Hutchison, EVP and General Manager of EchoPark Speedway, who gives us a preview of the upcoming Autotrader 400 and what the community can expect from one of their biggest events of the year. Whether you’re leading a team, growing a business, or simply investing in Henry County’s future, this episode connects the dots between inclusion, industry, and economic impact. Explore upcoming Chamber events here: https://business.henrycounty.com/events/calendarcatgid/6 Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email tarcher@henrycounty.com Stay connected. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, & Instagram ☕So grab a coffee, and let's dive in!

    51 min

  5. FEB 2

    Momentum in Motion: Empowering Leaders, Elevating Community

    Send us Fan Mail This Head episode of Community Convener is all about strategy, leadership, and what’s next for Henry County. We kick things off with our Director of Communications, Barbara Ingram, as she shares insights into the upcoming Women’s EmPOWERment Summit and why you don't want to miss this year's summit. Next, Director of Tourism, Laura Luker, joins us to preview Visit Henry’s Annual Meeting and break down their grant program, highlighting how tourism-driven initiatives support local growth and quality of life. We then hear from Director of Membership, Leonard Robinson, with an initiative spotlight on the Chamber’s newly revamped Ambassador Program. Discover what’s changed, why it matters, and how ambassadors are playing a bigger role in member engagement. We wrap up with a T-SPLOST update from County Manager Cheri Hobson-Matthews, sharing the latest on upcoming T-SPLOST initiatives and updates. Packed with updates, insight, and forward-looking leadership, this episode is your pulse check on how Henry County is moving from planning to progress. Explore upcoming Chamber events here: https://business.henrycounty.com/events/calendarcatgid/6 Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email tarcher@henrycounty.com Stay connected. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, & Instagram ☕So grab a coffee, and let's dive in!

    51 min

  6. JAN 19

    Head First: Policy, Progress, and What's Moving Henry Forward

    Send us Fan Mail This month’s Head episode of Community Convener takes a deep dive into the policies, programs, and decisions shaping Henry County at both the state and local levels. We begin with insights from Chris Wood and Montina Young-Fraiser, who break down key takeaways from the Governor’s State of the State Address and the Georgia Chamber’s Eggs & Issues event, and what those conversations mean for Georgia. Next, we hear from our podcast producer, Trinity Archer, as she sits down with Joe to talk through what’s new at the Chamber, including upcoming programs and initiatives launching this year. We also bring you another SPLOST update with Cheri Hobson-Matthews, sharing exciting progress on infrastructure investments and the projected completion dates for four flagship SPLOST projects that will have a lasting impact on Henry County. Explore upcoming Chamber events here: https://business.henrycounty.com/events/calendarcatgid/6 Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email tarcher@henrycounty.com Stay connected. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, & Instagram ☕So grab a coffee, and let's dive in!

    43 min

  7. JAN 5

    Let's Dive Back In: A New Year of Community Conversations

    Send us Fan Mail Community Convener is back, and we're kicking off 2026 with a refreshed plan, a new rhythm, and a renewed focus on meaningful dialogue. In this episode, we share what's new for the podcast this year, including our updated release schedule and the intentional direction guiding our conversations moving forward. We begin with Community Dialogue, featuring a powerful conversation with: Christy Chewning, Community Engagement Coordinator with Central Georgia EMCGeorge Crews, Area Manager with Georgia Power and 2026 Engagement & Inclusion Committee ChairJacqueline Taylor, Business Customer Experience Team Lead with Georgia PowerWanda Bailey-Jenkins, First Vice President, NAACPThe conversation reflects on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and challenges our community to carry the spirit of service, equity, and unity beyond a single day. Next, we hear from Leonard in a candid conversation with Dana Howard, from DNA Med Services, our 2025 Ambassador of the Year, captured moments after receiving the award. We also sit down with Laura Luker, Director of Tourism, to unpack the role of Hotel-Motel Tax and why visitor spending is vital in Henry County. Of course, we wrap up with Upcoming Events and our Member Minute, highlighting the people, programs, and opportunities that keep our Chamber community connected and thriving. Explore upcoming Chamber events here: https://business.henrycounty.com/events/calendarcatgid/6 Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email tarcher@henrycounty.com Stay connected. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, & Instagram ☕So grab a coffee, and let's dive in!

    46 min

  8. 12/08/2025

    Diving Into What's Next: Blue Ocean Vision for 2026

    Send us Fan Mail In our final Community Convener episode of the year, we're diving into the Henry County Chamber's next chapter with a look at the innovative programs launching in 2026.  Joe sits down with Morrelle McCrary, 2025 Chamber Chair, to explore our new Solopreneur Initiatives and the upcoming Henry Hub℠ tier designed to support independent professionals across the county. Next, we're joined by Dr. Heather Ross for a conversation on Thriving Henry Leaders℠, a new wellbeing-centered leadership program designed to remind us that to lead others well, we must first lead ourselves. Finally, we hear from County Manager Cheri Hobson Matthews, with another SPLOST update, breaking down the importance of road resurfacing and how these improvements keep Henry County moving forward. Community Convener will return in January 2026 as we officially kick off our Blue Ocean Strategy year, exploring new ideas, new connections, and new opportunities for our community. Let's dive into the future together. Explore upcoming Chamber events here: https://business.henrycounty.com/events/calendarcatgid/6 Interested in sponsoring an episode? Email tarcher@henrycounty.com Stay connected. Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, & Instagram ☕So grab a coffee, and let's dive in!

    45 min
See All (27)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Community Convener is the official podcast of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, where we bring you the voices shaping our business community. This podcast is designed to help you grow, lead, and connect. Each episode features local leaders, updates on Chamber initiatives, upcoming events, and the stories driving Henry County forward. So grab a coffee, and let's dive in!

Information

  • Creator
    Henry County Chamber
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Community Convener
  • Show Website
    Community Convener