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February 17, 2026

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

February 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Southern Serenity Skin + Spa to Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Summerville

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A new locally owned skincare business is celebrating its official opening this week in Summerville.

January 29, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Trion High Student Ryder Harris Joins Nearly 100 Young Entrepreneurs on Georgia FLEX Trip to Capitol and AmericasMart

Local News, Local News Items #AmericasMart, #AtlantaGA, #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaCountyChamber, #CivicEngagement, #CommunityNews, #EducationNews, #FLEXProgram, #GeorgiaCapitol, #GeorgiaFLEX, #GeorgiaGrown, #northwestgeorgia, #RyderHarris, #smallbusiness, #StudentEntrepreneurs, #trionga, #trionhighschool, #WorkforceDevelopment, #wzqznews, #YouthEntrepreneurship 0

A Trion High School student is among nearly 100 student entrepreneurs from across Georgia who took part in the inaugural statewide Georgia FLEX field trip in Atlanta. Ryder Harris was able to attend because he participates in the FLEX Entrepreneurial Program through the Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce.

January 26, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

The Crushed Tomato in Summerville Closes After 14 Years; LaFayette Location Remains Open

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A longtime favorite in Summerville has served its last slice. The Crushed Tomato closed its doors last week after 14 years in business.

January 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Henry’s BBQ Destroyed by Fire; Community Rallying to Support Henry/Foster Family and Employees

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #CommunitySupport, #Donate, #FireLoss, #Fundraiser, #HelpingHands, #HenrysBBQ, #LocalBusiness, #northwestgeorgia, #smallbusiness, #summervillega, #SupportLocal, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

Henry’s BBQ, a longtime staple in Chattooga County, was destroyed by fire Tuesday evening, leaving the restaurant a total loss and putting multiple local families in a difficult and uncertain position. Those close to the business say the Henry/Foster family has long been known for being kind and hardworking, and that Chasity has poured her heart into keeping the family restaurant running while serving the community. Employees who depended on those shifts now have no workplace to return to as they try to provide for themselves and their families. The loss extends beyond the building itself, impacting a business that has been part of daily life in Chattooga County for years and the workers who helped keep it going. Supporters are now asking the public to consider donating if they are able and to share the fundraising page widely to help the family and employees navigate the difficult days ahead. Here is a link to the fundraising account: Here

January 19, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Paint the Town Red: Summerville Main Street Brings Back “Live, Love, Local” Heart Project This February

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #community, #DowntownSummerville, #LiveLoveLocal, #LocalEvents, #NorthGeorgia, #ShopLocal, #smallbusiness, #summervillega, #summervillemainstreet, #SupportLocal, #ValentinesSeason, #WZQZ, #wzqznews 0

February is more than just a bridge between winter and spring—it’s a season for connection, and Summerville Main Street is inviting the community to help “paint the town red” with the return of the “Live, Love, Local” Heart Project. Throughout the month of February, Downtown Summerville will be lined with personalized, heart-shaped messages designed to celebrate the people, places, and stories that make the community special.

Organizers say the project is a chance for everyone to share a message in a fun and visible way, whether it’s a shout-out to a favorite small business, a tribute to a loved one, a school celebration, or a note of encouragement for the community. Hearts can be purchased as a single-sided display for $30 or double-sided for $50, and orders can be placed by visiting the Summerville Main Street office at 179 Union Street.

Spaces are limited, and the deadline to order is January 23. For more information, contact Summerville Main Street at 706-859-0900 Ext. 1337 or visit summervillega.org.

January 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Businesses Reminded to Update Systems for New 8% Sales Tax Rate

Local News, Local News Items #BusinessReminder, #chattoogachamber, #chattoogacounty, #GeorgiaTaxes, #LocalBusiness, #lyerlyga, #MenloGA, #northwestgeorgia, #PointOfSale, #SalesTax, #smallbusiness, #summervillega, #trionga 0

The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is sharing a reminder from the Chattooga County Commissioner’s Office that a new local sales tax rate is now in effect.

Officials say the Chattooga County sales tax rate increased to 8% beginning January 1, 2026, and businesses are being urged to make sure their registers, point-of-sale systems, invoicing software, and online checkout platforms have been updated to reflect the correct rate.

The reminder encourages all local businesses to verify compliance to avoid pricing errors and accounting issues.

For reference, the Georgia Department of Revenue maintains an online listing of sales tax rates by location.

January 1, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga Chamber Expands Shared Workspaces at Hurley Community Development Center

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The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce is spotlighting its Shared Workspaces program at the Hurley Community Development Center, offering a convenient option for entrepreneurs, remote workers, traveling professionals, and small businesses looking for a productive place to work in Chattooga County.

December 21, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga Chamber Relocates to Hurley Community Development Center

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The Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce has moved its offices to the Hurley Community Development Center in downtown Summerville, a transition leaders say will strengthen the Chamber’s ability to serve members and support continued growth across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia.

December 19, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Downtown Summerville’s Sugarville Sweets Bakery to Close After 10½ Years

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A longtime downtown Summerville favorite is preparing to say goodbye. Sugarville Sweets Bakery, Coffee & Café has announced it will close its doors after 10 and a half years in business, marking the end of an era for many local customers.