The Times is presenting the inaugural North Georgia Women’s Expo, set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Brenau Downtown Center in Gainesville.

The event aims to connect the most powerful consumer group — women — with area businesses, services and agencies.

“Women are linked to 85 percent of all consumer purchases, from autos to health care,” Times Publisher Charlotte Atkins said. “Our mission is to create an engaging showcase and forum that features exhibitors with products, services and opportunities for women.”

The Times is partnering with the nonprofit WomenSource to spotlight its mission and the resources it offers to women in the area.

Atkins and Valerie Simmons-Walston of WomenSource and Brenau University will be emcees. WomenSource will provide snapshot segments of the programs it offers throughout the year, along with Brenau and other sponsors. The event also will feature prize giveaways.

The Times will also release a new magazine, Moxie, that celebrates the women of North Georgia and their lives at the Expo.

“We have such a wealth and diversity of women in this part of Georgia. We want to showcase them and their individual and collective spirits. We have so much to learn from one another and about one another,” Atkins said.

“Moxie means energy, courage and know-how. I think that captures the gals of North Georgia nicely, don’t you? It’s our hope that both the Women’s Expo and Moxie will become a new touchstone for celebration, communication and connection among women here.”

Tickets, which are $5, are on sale at The Times’ office at 345 Green St., Gainesville, and online at northgeorgiawomensexpo.com and will be available at the door. Vendor spaces are available, with information and rates found on the event website.