"Hooray for Hollywood" is theme of our Oct. 31 NuLink Early Bird Forum!

Do you know the story of how Georgia's booming movie industry really began? At our next NuLink Early Bird Forum, you will hear the inspiring story of what happens when you cast a vision and no one cares who gets the credit! Many may not even be aware that Georgia's successful movie industry all started from a vision of a few right here in Coweta County. Coweta has a great story to tell about the vision of just a few people that grew into a multi-billion dollar industry for the state.

This breakfast meeting will feature a panel discussion with three movie-industry insiders, including Mitch Seabaugh, former State Senator and former Senate Majority Whip; Scott Tigchelaar, President of Senoia Enterprises, Inc. and Nic & Norman’s, Inc.; and Greg Torre, Deputy Commissioner of Marketing & Communications, Georgia Department of Economic Development. They’ll be seated in directors’ chairs on stage as our Chamber President and CEO Candace Boothby conducts an interview about how a unique vision became a reality, turning Georgia into a movie mecca.

“Most folks don’t know that the booming movie industry in Georgia actually began with a collaborative effort between Paul Lombardi, former owner of Riverwood/Raleigh Studios, and former State Senator Mitch Seabaugh,” Boothby said. “It all began in the early 2000s when Mitch was the Senate Majority Whip and he championed the movie industry tax incentive legislation in partnership with Paul, who also owns a hugely successful special effects company in Hollywood.” Boothby noted that thanks to the Coweta collaborators, the state today enjoys many movie benefits, such as the state’s 16 full-production movie studios, the “Film Friendly GA” designation for communities, and new legislation covering movie-related industries such as music postproduction and digital gaming. “Without the efforts of Mitch and Paul, who cast a vision and didn’t care who got the credit, would this industry be where it is today in our state?” Boothby asked.

This “breakfast with the insiders” will be Tuesday, October 31, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at The Newnan Centre, 1515 Lower Fayetteville Rd. in Newnan. Held quarterly, the popular NuLink Early Bird Forums provide exclusive information and a great opportunity to connect with Coweta’s business and community leaders. Cost is $20 for Chamber members and their guests and $50 for general admission. Click here to register now through ChamberMaster, and for more information, call the Chamber at 770-253-2270 or email info@newnancowetachamber.org.