Episode 36: "The Chairman’s Vision: Lanier Sims Discusses Newton County's Growth, Diplomacy, and Community Leadership"

In this episode of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Lanier Sims, Chairman of the Newton County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), to dive deep into his leadership journey and vision for the future of Newton County. Known for his diplomatic approach and dedication to community development, Lanier shares insights on the growth of the county, his pivotal role in bringing major industries like Archer Aviation to the area, and his time leading the Chamber of Commerce. With a focus on "community first," Lanier’s philosophy is to ensure that growth benefits both businesses and residents alike, preserving the charm of our small town while embracing the opportunities of tomorrow.

This engaging conversation explores Lanier’s strategy for quality development, the challenges of balancing politics and business, and the importance of building relationships across political divides. Whether you're curious about the economic landscape of Newton County or looking for inspiration from a local leader, this episode has it all. Click to read more and hear firsthand how Lanier Sims is shaping the future of our community with his commitment to unity and growth.

In Episode 30 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey sit down with Travis Moore, the newly elected East Ward, Post 2 representative on the Covington City Council. A lifelong Covington resident, Moore brings a deep-rooted connection to his community and a unique perspective to his role as council member. From his background in public safety and real estate to his passion for preserving the small-town feel of Covington while navigating its rapid growth, Moore shares insights into his vision for the city's future. He emphasizes the importance of responsible development and transparency, particularly through his social media platforms where he keeps residents informed about local government activities.

In this conversation, Moore discusses the challenges and opportunities facing Covington, including the impact of short-term rentals, the film industry, and infrastructure needs. He opens up about his concerns regarding "irresponsible growth" and how he plans to balance development with the preservation of Covington’s charm. Moore also shares his top priorities for the city, including improving public services and supporting community-driven initiatives. This episode offers an engaging look at the issues that matter most to Covington residents and how one of their new council members is working to shape the city's future.

With over 600 members representing more than 20,000 employees, Debbie describes the Chamber as a "concierge service for local businesses." She explains that the Chamber is not a government entity but is entirely membership-based. This gives the Chamber freedom to advocate for business-friendly policies and initiatives, ultimately helping both businesses and the broader community to thrive. 

Debbie stresses how essential it is for Newton County to have a vibrant local Chamber of Commerce. By supporting businesses, the Chamber plays a key role in the overall health and vitality of the community, fostering job creation and local economic growth.