In Episode 44 of The Town Square Podcast, host Trey Bailey sits down with Allen Martin, Downtown Coordinator, and Laura Sullivan, Tourism Coordinator for the City of Covington, for an engaging, wide-ranging conversation about the past, present, and future of downtown Covington. From nostalgic stories of childhood adventures and band days to groundbreaking tourism data and economic development plans, this episode captures the heart and hustle behind Covington’s growth. The trio discusses how strategic film tourism, community-focused events, and smart city planning are turning Covington into a nationally recognized destination with over 774,000 unique visitors and \$130 million in visitor spending.

Listeners will learn about major upcoming projects like a new microbrewery, studio space, food hall, and the city’s ambitious Downtown Master Plan, all while enjoying the rich personality and humor of two local leaders deeply invested in their community. With shoutouts to the Covington Downtown Development Authority, Discover Covington, and the power of partnerships, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves the square, believes in smart growth, or just wants a peek into how Covington continues to thrive.

In Episode 38 of The Town Square Podcast, hosts Trey Bailey and Gabriel Stovall sit down with Jared Rutberg, the City Councilman for Covington's East Ward Post 3. Jared shares his fascinating journey from Black Hawk pilot in the U.S. Army to his current role in public office, providing unique insights into the city’s budget, infrastructure, and the challenges of local governance. The episode covers a wide range of topics, from Jared's personal experiences in the military and small business ownership to his passion for community development through better parks and recreation.

As an advocate for improving Covington, Jared discusses his vision for the city's future, focusing on key infrastructure projects like Floyd Street renovations and the Covington city square upgrades. The conversation also highlights Jared’s efforts to make the city's parks more accessible, including plans for a mountain biking course and expanded recreational facilities. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the practical challenges facing local leaders while also hearing about Jared's personal commitment to serving the community.

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.

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.

In Episode 11 of The Town Square Podcast, Gabriel Stovall and Trey Bailey are joined by Serra Hall, the Executive Director of the Newton County Industrial Development Authority (IDA), for a candid conversation about the future of our community.

This conversation is packed with insights and might stir up mixed feelings within the community, but it’s an essential listen for anyone interested in the economic future of Newton County. Tune in to get a full understanding of the work being done and what’s on the horizon for our area.

“Our mission is to promote our community for the people who live here and the people who want to visit here.” - Ken Malcom, City of Covington Director of Tourism and Downtown Development.

Ken answers questions about the events surrounding Independence in the Park on July 4th AND talks about the balance of tourism and local citizen needs/wants.