Community Partner Bus Tours Showcase Macon-Bibb County’s Industrial and Economic Footprint
Up-Close Look at Innovative Businesses and Exciting Growth Opportunities Driving Our Community Forward
Macon, GA— Today, the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) held its second semi-annual bus tour, bringing together members of the Macon-Bibb Commission. These educational tours offer participants an interactive experience with fellow community partners and MBCIA’s leadership, providing a closer look at the industrial parks responsible for fueling the economic growth in the region.
Today’s event focused on the local industrial parks owned and managed by MBCIA, allowing attendees to witness firsthand the significant investments that have been made in and across the county.
“The new jobs and investments we’ve had the past couple of years—thanks to the work of the Industrial Authority—have been a major part of our community’s rejuvenation. The attention we’re receiving from national and global companies will benefit everyone who lives and works here,” says Elaine Lucas, Commissioner of District 3. “Even having been part of these discussions for many years, the tour still gave me a great deal of insight into the economic development of our region and why so many companies are choosing Macon-Bibb.”
The group gathers at Irving Tissue at Sofkee Industrial Park in Macon-Bibb County. From L to R: Grover Hardin, Plant Manager, Irving Tissue; Baleigh Fleming, Operations & Finance Manager, MBCIA; Seth Clark, Commissioner District 5; Elaine Lucas, Commissioner District 3; Tyson Firlotte, Human Resources, Irving Tissue; Eleyce Coleman, Existing Industry Manager, MBCIA; Stephen Adams, Executive Director, MBCIA.
Among the industrial parks visited were I-75 Business Park, the Middle Georgia Regional Airport Industrial Park, Sofkee Industrial Park, Allied Industrial Park, and Ocmulgee Industrial Park. These parks are home to a diverse range of businesses, representing 67 different industries and employing nearly 15,000 individuals. Notable companies such as Amazon, GEICO, Dean Baldwin, BrightFarms, Lintech International, Nichiha, Agile Cold Storage, Irving Consumer Products, Freudenberg Performance Materials, and Kumho Tire play a vital role in the region’s industrial and economic outlook.
“The bus tours allow us to connect to our community partners in an organic way where we share the work of the MBCIA and the landscape of the interworking of the industries and their connections to the community,” said Stephen Adams, Executive Director of the MBCIA. “It’s become one of my favorite times to spend with leadership from around Macon-Bibb, and the overwhelmingly positive response we have attained speaks volumes.”
By organizing such events, the MBCIA continues to strengthen ties with local community partners and keep them informed about the significant developments and economic progress taking place in Macon-Bibb County.
