The Macon-Bibb County Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS) visits Irving Tissue at Sofkee Industrial Park. From L to R: Stephen Adams, Executive Director, MBCIA; Elaine Lucas, Commissioner District 3; Grover Hardin, Plant Manager, Irving Tissue.
Executive Director’s Report
The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority carries out the crucial role of fostering economic development and promoting industry in the region. The expertise and insights of our organization are reliant on collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including local businesses, community organizations, and government officials who are invaluable in shaping the future of Macon-Bibb County.
Recently, I had the honor of presenting to students participating in The Macon-Bibb County Georgia Civic Awareness Program for Students (GCAPS), a program that empowers students with knowledge through exposure to the civic arena happening around them in their local community. The GCAPS students joined me alongside District 3 Commissioner Elaine Lucas on the campus of Irving Tissue in the Sofkee Industrial Park. There we toured their state-of-the-art facility and shared a presentation on the importance of industry in Macon-Bibb County, the responsibilities of the MBCIA, and the impact of our initiatives on the local community.
MBCIA joined in other community events this month allowing us to recognize Macon-Bibb wins, including speaking at the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony on November 16th celebrating AT&T’s fiber infrastructure milestone. I also had the opportunity to unite with other leaders in economic development during a retreat organized by the Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA). This allowed us to strengthen our valued relationships across the state.
Participating in local events and initiatives is one of the secret ingredients of our thriving community, and our efforts aim to continue furthering economic development in Macon-Bibb County.
Existing Industry Manager’s Report
A significant part of the effort each month for the MBCIA team aligns with supporting our existing industry. A major way we foster this collaboration is through initiatives that build awareness through connections to our local schools and education programs. We are building a bridge between industry partners and a skilled workforce that will pay dividends for years to come.
Teaming up with Dr. Cassandra Washington, Executive Director of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) and CEO of Hutchings College and Career Academy, MBCIA has come alongside to support the development of the Community Developers Program, also known as CD2.
This new program is picking up momentum with the launch of its inaugural cohort in December 2023. This six-month collaboration with local education personnel is geared towards empowering educators, counselors, and administrators to recognize the value of connecting students with local industry and to nurture strengths and skills necessary for the workplace. Over the course of the series, the MBCIA will work together with leadership and participants to achieve objectives that will culminate with the cohort graduating next year. As our industry parks grow so do the opportunities for each of us. We are grateful to be a part of Macon-Bibb’s long-term success and investment into our future.
Letter from the Project Manager
As we enter the holiday season, we have an opportunity to focus on projects that may have been put on hold during the busier months. Over the next two months, a focus for this project manager is reviewing and reorganizing our property listings at both the local and state levels. The objective is to present these properties in the best possible light and ensure the necessary geotechnical reports and surveys are already in place for potential prospects, making our properties that much more conducive. Additionally, we will be enhancing our marketing efforts by providing additional footage of our parks and showcasing new properties that are coming online.
Furthermore, I am excited to announce that we will be pursuing the GRAD certification path once again. This certification will allow us to expand Macon-Bibb’s portfolio of GRAD-certified sites. Although the property in question is not owned by MBCIA, we believe in collaborating with other organizations for the betterment of the industry and job creation in Macon-Bibb County. This is the core purpose of our existence.
I would like to express my gratitude for your continued faith in our team. On behalf of everyone here, I sincerely wish you and your family a Happy Holiday season!
Best,
Gary
Partnership Announcement
MBCIA is excited to announce a joint partnership between MBCIA, The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, NewTown Macon, Visit Macon, and the Urban Development Authority with the engagement of Retail Strategies, a unique retail recruitment consultant possessing a high degree of professional skill and experience in the area of urban development. Launching in 2024, Retail Strategies will commence market performance and retail analysis maximizing opportunities to increase our local and macro retail trends.
This exciting partnership enhances the development efforts of Macon-Bibb County as a whole and expands our reach into a variety of markets – including international. MBCIA looks forward to working closely with our community partners to usher in a new era of destination retail growth in Macon-Bibb County.
Community Partner Feature
Stephen Adams, Executive Director, MBCIA, presents the Workforce Development Champion Award at the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce 2023 Annual Meeting and Awards.
The vision of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce is to create the best location for business. By prioritizing the expansion of current industries and businesses, the Chamber extends support and guidance to any potential newcomers aiming for relocation achieving the clear objective of promoting the positive growth and development of Macon-Bibb County. The Chamber annually honors the investment and progress of local businesses and organizations at their Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration.
This year MBCIA is exceptionally excited to sponsor the Workforce Development Champion Award. We look forward to continuing to uphold their mission to support positive community impact and enrich the various valuable activities aimed at raising living standards for the Macon area inhabitants and ensuring their efforts result in maximizing benefits for a wide range of individuals and industries.
