Executive Director’s Report
From left to right: Gary Wilson (MBCIA), project managers from GDEcD, Stephen Adams (MBCIA), and Alex Habersham (UDA) explore the Atrium Health Amphitheater during a recent tour of Macon-Bibb County.
As we reflect on a month of growth, strong community partnerships and recruitment and retention efforts within Macon-Bibb County, the Macon-Bibb Industrial Authority (MBCIA) is looking forward to a new school year. The back-to-school season inspires us to reflect on the MBCIA’s investment in knowledge and growth within the community.
In July, the MBCIA celebrated success within education after the Bibb County School District earned the Economic Development Partnership (EDP) Designation. This district-wide certification reinforces the partnerships between the Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs and local industry. Only ten school districts in Georgia are invited to apply for the certification. After three rounds of interviews and multiple document submissions, the Bibb County School District was awarded the Designation in June.
The MBCIA was also thrilled to host the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce’s annual Leadership Macon Class for an educational outing that focused on the latest growth throughout the region. Economic Development Day allowed students and young professionals to participate in industry tours and presentations that highlighted the importance of strategic economic development in fostering a successful, prolific community.
Further, the MBCIA hosted project managers from the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) as they explored relocation and/or growth opportunities in Macon. Throughout these visits, the goal is to foster a mutually beneficial relationship with other skilled professionals that can benefit from Macon-Bibb County’s location, workforce and economic resources.
The MBCIA is excited for another month of growth, educational opportunities and economic advancement. For more updates on our ongoing initiatives, don’t forget to visit our MBCIA Facebook page.
Existing Industry Manager’s Report
The MBCIA Team Cheers on Industry Night at Macon Bacon!
As summer comes to an end and we prepare for the back-to-school season, we were excited to celebrate the industries in Macon-Bibb County in July with our annual Industry Night. The MBCIA welcomed 13 local industry partners to the annual gathering at the Macon Bacon baseball game on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Collins Manufacturing Company, Dean Baldwin Painting, Elliot Machine Shop Inc., Freudenberg Texbond, Giga Inc., L&G Technology Services LLC, Middle Georgia Freightliner Isuzu, Mil-Spec Packaging, Nichiha USA, Saddle Creek Logistics, Triple S Steel of Georgia DBA General Steel, Tyson Foods, YKK AP and industry stakeholders were recognized as principals in growth and development within Macon-Bibb County.
Industry Night allows MBCIA and our industry partners to network and convene in a casual setting. Celebrating local industries is an integral part of fostering the ongoing relationships that allow Macon-Bibb County to be one of the best places to do business.
We look forward to more economic advancements within our community, and we wish our community members luck as they enter another year of learning and growth.
Letter from the Project Manager
The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) knows that what worked in the past doesn’t always work in the present. The only way to determine what works is to know our local data, and knowing local data requires routinely filling out a Request for Information (RFI).
We work hard to stay educated and familiar with our utility partners so that we are aware of all that takes place within our community. Having relevant data is crucial to our industrial recruiting, and it puts us ahead of the competition.
In addition, we often seek information regarding education, quality of life and housing. This necessitates the relationships between schools, businesses, local events and realtors.
An invested voice in the community (and my boss), Stephen Adams, told me early in my career that we are not selling Macon, but presenting Macon. I interpreted that as leading with our strengths, knowing who we are, and being familiar with the data behind each of the industries that have a home in Macon. This is what we consider economic education, and what we strive to educate ourselves on is data.
Here’s to more growth, more innovation and more education in Macon-Bibb County.
Best,
Gary
Industry Spotlight
The MBCIA is proud to recognize local industries who have hit it out of the park by investing back into a community staple, the Macon Bacon baseball team. These investments help build a sense of community for visitors of Luther Williams Field, surrounding them with familiar logos such as Tractor Supply, Coca-Cola, Armstrong, Tyson Foods, YKK, First Quality, Irving, Freudenberg, B&D Industrial and Amazon.
Community Partner Feature
Atrium Health Amphitheater
The Macon-Bibb Urban Development Authority (UDA) plays a vital role in the economic development of our community. Most recently, UDA has contributed to economic growth by developing Middle Georgia’s newest entertainment venue: the Atrium Health Amphitheater.
The Amphitheater provides seating for over 10,000 attendees and features both retail and concession spaces. With ample vendor and event areas and performer amenities, Atrium Health Amphitheater is a prime location for live music and entertainment.
By hosting live events, the Amphitheater invites community members, visitors and businesses to Macon – allowing for further economic development in the area.
For more information on the amphitheater and to see a list of upcoming events, visit Atrium Health Amphitheater’s website.
Prospect Activity
We are pleased to highlight the current Industrial Prospect activity. This activity demonstrates the MBCIA’s continuous commitment to creating a successful business environment in Macon-Bibb County.
