Dr. Quinita Morrow, the 2026 Newton County Schools Teacher of the Year and marketing teacher at Alcovy High School, joins The Town Square Podcast to share how she’s preparing students for real-world success. Her classroom goes far beyond textbooks—students build businesses, pitch ideas, host pop-up shops, and learn financial and marketing skills that many adults wish they had learned earlier.

Dr. Morrow also discusses the importance of relationships in education, the pressures students face in the age of social media, and why teachers are passionate advocates for their students. It’s a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, mentorship, and the future of education in Newton County.

(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)

Debbie Harper—President & CEO of the Newton County Chamber of Commerce—returns to The Town Square Podcast for Episode 74, and this time she brings the full “what’s happening in 2026” rundown. Debbie explains what the Chamber actually does (and what it doesn’t do), how a 700+ member organization supports everyone from large industry to small business, and why the health of the business community is inseparable from the quality of life in Newton County.

Then we get into the good stuff: major 2026 events, the Chamber’s expanding networking calendar, a recap of the Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet (including standout winners and why they matter), and what’s coming next—like the Chamber’s vision work and a new foundation focus around workforce development and talent attraction. We also hit current business buzz around Town Center, what’s new on the square, and a timely reminder to shop local—especially after weather weekends that hit restaurants and service businesses hard.

(Listen now at TheTownSquarePodcast.com or watch on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.)

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.