Spring Industry Park Lunches Spark Growth and Collaboration
MBCIA Existing Industry Director Eleyce Coleman has spent the spring engaging with local industries!
On March 18, she hosted the I-75 Business Park Lunch and on March 25, she hosted the Ocmulgee East Industrial Park Lunch.
At both events, industries were able to network, share feedback, and explore growth opportunities. For questions, feedback, or to get involved in future events, reach out to Eleyce at ecoleman@mbcia.com.
Park Spotlight: Ocmulgee East Industrial Park
The Ocmulgee East Industrial Park has had many roles over the years. What is now an Industrial Park was once an Army base known as Camp Wheeler which housed and trained over 200,000 U.S. military members during World War I and World War II.
Since its redevelopment in 1972, Ocmulgee East has flourished as one of the most prosperous industrial parks in Macon-Bibb County. As this land initially was a hub for military men who were known as “global citizens,” it is fitting that it has become an assembly of international industries and locally known staples like Blue Bird Corporation and Star Snacks.
Other notable industries that can be found at Ocmulgee East Industrial Park include Agile Cold Storage, Chem-Aqua, Fine Fettle, Johns Manville International, McLane, Mr. Chips Inc., Old Dominion, Saddlecreek Corporation, Signode, YKK USA, and Southeastern Freightliner.
The MBCIA is proud of the history Ocmulgee East has in Macon-Bibb, and we’re proud to say that the industrial park supports around 7,000 local jobs. We’re excited to see the industries in the park continue to thrive.
Click here for the full history behind Ocmulgee East Industrial Park!
Message from the Executive Director: Host a Japanese Exchange Student!
MBCIA Executive Director Stephen Adams, his wife Edna, and son Jackson enjoyed the moments they spent with Japanese Exchange Student “Mahi” from Kurobe, Japan.
In March, my family had the honor of hosting Mahiro “Mahi” Tanaka, a Japanese Exchange Student from just outside of Kurobe, Japan – Macon’s sister city. This exchange program is part of Macon-Bibb County’s ongoing relationship with Kurobe and YKK.
Her visit during the Cherry Blossom Festival allowed her to enjoy beautiful weather, full blooms, and the Macon-Bibb community at its best.
The Japanese Exchange Program is a great opportunity to gain perspective on a different culture’s background, family life, and international relations. In the short time that we had with Mahi, my family was greatly touched by this experience, and we will cherish it for a lifetime.
This program is a powerful reminder of the ways international business partnerships enrich our communities – not just economically, but personally. For questions about the exchange program or for future opportunities, contact MBCIA at (478) 200-1420.
Best,
Stephen Adams, Executive Director, MBCIA
Annual Board Meeting
On April 7, the MBCIA held its annual board meeting where the following officers were elected:
Robby Fountain – Chairman
Dwight Jones – Vice Chairman
Stephen Adams – Secretary
Baleigh Fleming – Assistant Secretary
Other Exciting News
Here’s a glimpse at some exciting things happening within Macon-Bibb County!
BrightFarms Shipping from New Greenhouse
BrightFarms, a national leader in indoor farming and one of Macon-Bibb County’s Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) industries is now shipping from its newest greenhouse.
The 1.5-million-square-foot greenhouse opened in late 2024 and will create up to 250 local jobs at full buildout.
BrightFarms originally made a home in Macon in 2023 and is transforming access to fresh, locally grown produce in Middle Georgia.
MBCIA Board Member Recognized for Excellence in Education
MBCIA Board Member Dr. Cassandra Washington and the Hutchings College and Career Academy were recognized at the House of Representatives on March 13 for the unwavering dedication to academic excellence and career readiness in Macon-Bibb County.
MBCIA Board Member Dr. Cassandra Washington and the Hutchings College and Career Academy were recognized at the House of Representatives in March for academic excellence and career readiness in Macon-Bibb County.
Alongside Dr. Washington, the educators, mentors, and industry partners in the Bibb County School System play a pivotal role in Macon-Bibb County’s workforce pipeline by providing students access to local industries through Pathways Programs.
House Resolution 290 states, “NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BYTHE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of this body commend W.S. Hutchings College and Career Academy for its unwavering commitment to academic and career excellence and recognize Dr. Cassandra Washington for her outstanding leadership and dedication to the students, faculty, and community.”
Congratulations again to Dr. Washington and the Hutchings College and Career Academy!
FLEX Competition Highlights Student Entrepreneurs
This spring, the MBCIA was a proud sponsor of the Bibb County Schools’ Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurship Experience (FLEX) Competition.
MBCIA Finance Director Baleigh Fleming helped guide young entrepreneurs by teaching a business course and serving as a final-round judge in March.
Baleigh and the rest of our team had a great time mentoring young leaders in our community, and we can’t wait to see what their future holds!
Economic Steward Award
The Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve Initiative announced its first inaugural Stewardship awards. These honors recognize partners whose leadership and dedication have helped protect the Ocmulgee landscape to establish Georgia’s first National Park and Preserve.
The MBCIA is honored to receive the Economic Steward Award, which will be presented at the Party for the Park event at Mill Hill Community Arts Center on May 8.
We’re excited to celebrate alongside those who also support the establishment and preservation of Ocmulgee National Park and Preserve.
Visit to the Georgia House of Representatives
Executive Director Stephen Adams and Chairman Robby Fountain visited the Georgia House of Representatives in April.
Cherry Blossom Festival
Another Cherry Blossom Festival has come and gone! The MBCIA had a great time celebrating all things Spring at this year’s events.
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.
