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June 3, 2026

Chamber To Host Member AfterWork Meet Up At Dos Magueys

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The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is inviting local business leaders and community members to attend its upcoming Member AfterWork Meet Up on Thursday, June 11.

The networking event will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Dos Magueys Mexican Restaurant in Summerville.

According to the Chamber, the gathering is designed as a casual social and networking opportunity for members to connect, share ideas, and build relationships in a relaxed setting. Dos Magueys will offer drink specials, and the Chamber will provide appetizers for attendees.

The Chamber noted that it will not hold a June luncheon this year and is instead offering this smaller summer networking event. While tickets are not required, organizers encourage attendees to RSVP in advance.

For additional information, contact the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce at 706-857-4033

May 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

SBA Drought Disaster Loans Available For Chattooga County Businesses

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Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available for eligible small businesses and private nonprofit organizations in Chattooga County affected by ongoing drought conditions.

May 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga Chamber To Host Marketing Lunch And Learn May 20

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The Chattooga Chamber will host its next Lunch and Learn event on Wednesday, May 20, with “Marketing 101 Part 2.”

The program will feature Dr. Heather Morgan, a marketing professor at Kennesaw State University and founder of Morgan Marketing Associates. Morgan specializes in retail and digital marketing strategy, helping businesses improve messaging, reach the right audience, and grow.

The catered lunch is open to the public, but reservations are required. Admission is $12 for Chattooga Chamber members and $17 for non-members.

The event will be held from noon until 1 p.m. at the Hurley Community Development Center, located at 10050 Commerce Street in Summerville.

April 13, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Families Feeling The Pinch As Health Insurance Costs Continue To Climb

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Health insurance costs continue to put pressure on family budgets in Georgia, and even when premiums are not the highest in the country, many households here still feel the strain more sharply than families in other states. Nationally, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family coverage reached $26,993 in 2025, with workers paying an average of $6,850 of that total out of pocket. At the same time, workers’ wages rose 4% while family premiums rose 6%, meaning insurance costs are still growing faster than paychecks.

March 30, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Deadline Approaching For Georgia Annual Business Registration

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Georgia business owners are being reminded that the annual registration deadline with the Secretary of State’s office is fast approaching.

All businesses, including LLCs and corporations, must complete their annual registration for 2026 by April 1 to remain in active compliance. The standard filing fee is $50 for most businesses.

Officials warn that failing to file by the deadline will result in a $25 late penalty and could eventually lead to administrative dissolution or revocation of the business entity.

Business owners are encouraged to file online through the Georgia Secretary of State’s website to ensure timely processing and avoid penalties.

March 22, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Local Students Shine in FLEX Program Business Competition

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Young entrepreneurs in Chattooga County are being recognized for their innovation and hard work through the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce’s FLEX program.

March 11, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Lyerly Drive Thru Owner Announces Business Is for Sale

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The owner of the only restaurant in the Town of Lyerly has announced that Lyerly Drive Thru is being offered for sale, citing retirement planning and family commitments.

In a statement, the owner said the decision was made after thoughtful consideration and with retirement in mind. Family obligations are also prompting the owner to spend more time at home.

The owner described the listing as a great opportunity for someone interested in owning and operating a business in Lyerly.

According to the announcement, the sale will include the land, equipment and other essentials needed to continue operations. The owner also said the business will continue operating as usual during the sale process and that assistance will be provided to help the buyer get started when the time comes.

March 5, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia SB 94 Would Restore Consumer Utility Advocate for Rate Cases

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A bill advancing at the Georgia Capitol could bring back an independent watchdog for ratepayers as power costs remain a major concern for families and small businesses across Northwest Georgia.

March 2, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga Chamber to Host Lunch & Learn with Summerville City Manager Jason Winters

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The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce will host a Lunch & Learn event on Monday, March 16 at 12 p.m. featuring Summerville City Manager Jason Winters as the guest speaker.

The event will be held at 10050 Commerce Street in Summerville.

According to the Chamber, Winters will discuss how the City of Summerville’s recently awarded Rural Zone designation is expected to help revitalize the city’s business landscape. The designation is designed to encourage investment and economic development in designated downtown areas.

The catered lunch is open to the public, but reservations are required. Admission is $12 for Chamber members and $17 for non-members. Organizers encourage attendees to review the event policy on the official event page prior to registering.

Chamber officials say the event will provide valuable insight for business owners, community leaders, and residents interested in the future of economic growth in Summerville.

February 17, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

LaFayette Farmers Market Now Accepting Vendor Applications for 2026 Season

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LaFayette Farmers Market-GA is inviting local makers, growers, and producers to apply to become vendors for the 2026 market season. Market organizers say the LaFayette Farmers Market is a producer-only, community-centered market focused on supporting local agriculture, artisans, and small businesses—welcoming vendors who grow it, raise it, bake it, or make it.

All vendors, including those who participated in past seasons, are required to re-apply for 2026. The market will run Saturdays from April 25 through August 29, operating 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, in Downtown LaFayette, Georgia.

Vendor applications are available online HERE