The Fayette Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Workforce and Education Forum featuring local education and industry leaders on Thursday, November 1. The forum will include a conversation between Frank Patterson, president and CEO of Pinewood Atlanta Studios and Fayette School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Barrow who will discuss the importance of creative arts education in schools and how it can prepare Fayette students to be the local film industry workforce of tomorrow.

There will be focus on future workforce opportunities that the growing film and entertainment industry provide to Fayette County students.  This forum will highlight existing partnerships between the Center of Innovation, Georgia Film Academy and Southern Crescent Technical College, along with how the “Community for Creativity” will connect Fayette students to Georgia's creative economy.

The forum will be held on Thursday, November 1 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Fayette Chamber of Commerce, 600 West Lanier Avenue, Suite 205, Fayetteville. The public is invited. Chamber members, parents and students are encouraged to attend. Admission is free.

 “The film and entertainment industry is making a substantial economic impact on the state of Georgia and on Fayette County,” said Kimberly Schnoes, interim president and CEO of the Fayette Chamber and chair of the Chamber’s Workforce and Education Committee. “To sustain this important industry cluster, we must focus on a local talent pipeline to fill those jobs – from craftsmen to creative. Fayette County is working with industry partners to provide innovative and collaborative opportunities for students who plan to pursue a career in the film and entertainment industry.”

In addition to the conversation with Patterson and Barrow, students and staff will talk about important programs and share experiences of their participation in various collaborative partnerships within the creative arts.