Dear Fellow Chamber Members,
2025 marked a defining year for Forsyth County, one that reinforced our position as one of Georgia’s premier business communities and a region gaining national attention. Success here is not accidental; it is the result of intentional leadership, strong public-private partnerships, and a business community committed to excellence. The Chamber is proud to play a central role in advancing these shared outcomes.
Over the past year, Forward Forsyth facilitated 18 new and expanding commercial projects, representing $344.3 million in capital investment and creating more than 718 new jobs. These developments strengthened the local economy, diversified the tax base, and supported a more balanced tax digest between commercial and residential properties which generated approximately $3.33 million in new annual commercial property tax revenue for the county and schools.
Workforce remained a top priority for the Chamber. Through our partnership with Forsyth County Schools and the FoCoWorks initiative, the Chamber advanced practical workforce solutions by delivering targeted programming that helped employers attract, develop, and retain top local talent. FoCo Works played a key role in aligning education with real-world workforce needs by supporting career pathways, employer engagement, and industry-informed programming. As a result of these collaborative efforts, Forsyth County Schools earned the Economic Development Partnership Designation from the Georgia Department of Education, in collaboration with the Georgia Economic Developers Association and Georgia Power, recognizing excellence in aligning K–12 education with workforce and economic development priorities.
Advocacy efforts produced tangible results. With strong member support, the renewal of E-SPLOST secured essential funding for Forsyth County schools, supporting facility improvements, technology investments, and future-ready learning environments.
The Healthcare Association of Forsyth County continued to advance the 4-Minute Community Initiative, a program designed to improve survival rates from out-of-hospital Sudden Cardiac Arrest by closing critical gaps in emergency cardiac care. Through community training and the strategic placement of Avive Connect AEDs in neighborhoods and homes, 911 dispatchers can alert nearby CARE Team responders when immediate intervention is needed. In 2025, the initiative reached nearly 300 CARE Team responders and achieved a significant milestone: its first life saved.
Discover FoCo welcomed an exciting wave of new sports tournaments, bringing athletes and visitors from across the country to Forsyth County. These events not only showcase our community as a premier destination for competitive sports but also drive economic impact for local businesses. To match this growing momentum, the Visitors Center received a refreshed, modern look creating an inviting space for residents and visitors to explore all that Forsyth County has to offer.
The achievements of 2025 reflect what is possible when business leaders, elected officials, and community partners work together with purpose. Together, we are building a future defined by innovation, collaboration, and shared prosperity.
Thank you for your leadership, your investment, and your continued engagement with the Chamber.
Sincerely,
Chris Braun
Chairman, Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce
