Debbie Harper on Balancing Business Growth with Small-Town Charm in Newton County - Episode 16
In Episode 16 of *The Town Square Podcast*, hosts Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey welcome Debbie Harper, the President of the Newton County Chamber of Commerce, for an engaging and insightful conversation about the future of business and community in Newton County. As a lifelong resident of the county, Debbie brings a unique perspective on balancing business growth with maintaining the small-town charm that Newton County is known for.
Debbie, a proud Berry College graduate who completed post-graduate work at the University of Georgia, shares some personal highlights, including a recent trip to Ireland to watch Georgia Tech play football. But the real heart of this conversation is Debbie’s deep understanding of how the Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses.
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.
One of the most exciting parts of the conversation centers around the new OHCO District, spearheaded by Josh Hart. Debbie talks about how this revitalization project is breathing new life into old textile warehouses, transforming them into a chic entertainment hub complete with a concert and conference venue. The OCHO District has big plans, including adding restaurants, food trucks, outdoor spaces, and even upscale activities like bowling and pickleball courts. This project highlights how Newton County can embrace modern entertainment without losing its small-town appeal.
For anyone interested in business, community, and the future of Newton County, this episode is a must-listen. Debbie Harper’s passion for her hometown and her vision for its controlled and measured growth shines through in every part of this discussion.
Make sure to subscribe to *The Town Square Podcast* on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, leave a review, and share the episode with friends. It helps us reach more people in Newton County and continue delivering the conversations that matter most to our community.
**Connect with Debbie Harper and the Newton County Chamber of Commerce:**
- Website: NewtonChamber.com
- Email: DHarper@newtonchamber.com
- Facebook: Newton County Chamber of Commerce
- Personal Facebook: Debbie Doster Harper
- Instagram: @dharper1
- TikTok: @debbiedosterharpe
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share the podcast on social media. Every review and share helps us bring more Newton County residents into the conversation!
