Conyers-Rockdale's former Chamber Chairman Thua Barlay was recently named by Georgia Trend and Atlanta Business Chronicle to their "40 Under 40" list for his accomplishments in Rockdale.

Earlier this month, Georgia Trend magazine recognized a group of 40 outstanding Georgians under the age of 40 in its' 18th annual "Georgia's Best and Brightest" edition. The honorees represent business, government, politics, nonprofits, science, conservation and education. The 40 were chosen from more than 400 nominations made by readers throughout the state. Final selections were made by the Georgia Trend editorial staff.

On Thursday night at a ceremony in downtown Atlanta, the Atlanta Business Chronicle spotlighted the next generation of Atlanta business leaders in its "40 Under 40" edition, which hits stands Friday. This group of 40 people under age 40 were recognized as "Atlanta's Rising Business and Community Leaders." They have made significant career achievements and have demonstrated social responsibility.

Barlay, 39, of McDonough was recognized for his work as a former Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Chairman, his role in starting the Rockdale Leadership Collaborative to bring together the school system, city and county in discussion, and his work with the Family Promise of Newton-Rockdale, an interdenominational hospitality network for homeless families.

Barlay said Thursday night, "It's definitely an honor. It's a testament to some of the things we're trying to get accomplished in Rockdale... My main thing is how do we develop and build a better community?"

The 40 were chosen from over 600 nominations from the Metro-Atlanta region. The nominations were reviewed by previous 40 Under 40 honorees and final selections were made by the Atlanta Business Chronicle editorial staff. The 2014 40 Under 40 Awards winners will be profiled in the chronicle's November 14, 2014 issue.