As the upcoming State of the County meeting draws near, local organizers and officials have shared new details about how the event will be run — including cost, sponsorship, and accessibility.
Below is a full breakdown of what residents and prospective attendees should know.
Who’s Hosting — And Why It Matters
The event is organized by Partnership Habersham, the nonprofit coalition of public and private investors committed to economic development, workforce support, and business growth in Habersham County. According to president Rope Roberts, investors pay annual dues, which include access to the monthly board meetings — including the annual “State of the County.”
Roberts explained that this structure allows the group’s investors to attend without additional cost. He emphasized that the December meeting is an annual opportunity for investors and city representatives to hear updates on what the county and municipalities have accomplished, and what’s planned for the future.
For 2025, Partnership Habersham extended an invitation to Habersham County Chamber of Commerce members, giving them the chance to attend the presentation at no cost — so long as they registered using a free passcode.
💵 Ticket Cost — And Who Pays
This year, the breakfast meeting is listed on Eventbrite with a ticket price of $12.51 for non-members.
Organizers say the fee applies only to non-members and prospective members — people who are not already part of Partnership Habersham or the Chamber. Both members’ and investors’ tickets remain free via the passcode system.
Roberts described this as a common practice among similar economic-development events across northeast Georgia. He said the charge helps cover food and facility costs for those who want to attend but aren’t part of the supporting organizations.
To ensure accurate headcounts for breakfast, the group uses online registration and ticket sales.
Peach State Credit Union
To help reduce cost barriers for members and investors, this year’s breakfast is being sponsored by Peach State Credit Union. Because of their sponsorship, both Partnership Habersham and Chamber members can use their free passcodes and attend at no cost. This sponsorship does not cover nonmembers; they will still have to register and pay to attend.
Not Attending? You Can Still Watch
For those who cannot or choose not to attend — or who prefer not to pay — the county will make sure the presentation remains accessible (not live). Habersham County Manager Tim Sims confirmed the meeting will be recorded by the county’s CIO office and posted on the official Habersham County website for public viewing. Roberts urged those interested in county updates to watch the online posting if they can’t attend in person.
Public Concerns Over Ticket Fee
Not everyone is comfortable with this year’s ticket fee. District 4 Commissioner Bruce Harkness said he was “never aware of charging for this event” and expressed concern that it might discourage attendance. He recommended that organizers waive the charge and instead accept voluntary donations if needed.
Harkness said the fee “will hurt the attendance of the event,” though he emphasized he doesn’t control Partnership Habersham’s decisions.
What It Means for Residents
- Members/Investors: Can attend at no cost using their free passcode.
- Chamber Members in Good Standing: Also can attend for free thanks to the Peach State Credit Union sponsorship.
- General Public / Non-members: Can purchase a $12.51 ticket to attend the breakfast and hear the county update.
- Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/habersham-state-of-the-county-tickets-1975329258988
- Anyone who can’t attend: Will be able to view a recording of the presentation after the event.
For one of the most comprehensive annual updates on local government and development progress, the December 10 State of the County remains open (but not necessarily free) — whether live or online — to anyone interested in the future of Habersham County.
Habersham News will carry full coverage and follow-up reporting after the event.
