Ison brings lifelong Chambers County roots to LaFayette Main Street

BY SAM VISE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN

 LAFAYETTE — For newly appointed LaFayette Main Street board member Brandon Ison, the effort to revitalize downtown LaFayette isn’t just a civic duty — it is personal.

Born and raised just north of town in the rural community known as Ison Crossroads, Ison’s ties to Chambers County run deep. Now entering his first month as an official member of the LaFayette Main Street 2026-27 Board of Directors, he is eager to pair his local roots with his professional expertise in land and property development to help drive downtown growth.

“I believe the purpose is to revitalize the historic downtown area and spark some interest within property owners to help renovate the property or to sell the property to someone that is interested in building a business within the downtown area,” Ison said.

While his seat on the board of directors is new, Ison has actively supported the organization’s vision from the ground up over the past several years.

“This is my first month on the board; however, I have been a member, supporter and committee member over the past couple years,” Ison said. “I think that LMS has done a wonderful job since it was formed, and [we] hope to continue improving this wonderful city.”

Professionally, Ison owns and operates Backwoods Forestry LLC and Piedmont Appraisers Inc. As a certified general real property appraiser and registered forester, he brings a unique perspective on land valuation, agriculture and property potential.

“I primarily work in the appraisal world specializing in agricultural properties; however, we perform all types of appraisals,” he said.

Looking ahead, Ison plans to leverage that background to assist with strategic planning and downtown recruitment, aiming “to help promote this wonderful city and hopefully help with the planning and developing new ideas to help bring new business to the city.”

For Ison, the drive to serve stems directly from his connection to the people who live here. When asked about the most rewarding aspect of serving on the board, his answer was simple: “Being able to be involved within the community.”

Ison graduated from Chambers Academy in 2004 before earning a bachelor’s degree in forestry from Auburn University in 2008. Today, he and his wife, Alaina, are raising their two children — Avery, 10, and Lee, 9 — who also attend Chambers Academy.

Outside the office, Ison’s schedule centers around family and the outdoors.

“If I am not at work, you will find me at baseball, softball or at the football fields supporting the kids,” he said.

In his downtime, Ison enjoys grilling, hunting and fishing. He and his family are active members of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church.