Executive Director’s Report
Regional Project Managers and Leadership from the MBCIA at their Annual Holiday Appreciation Lunch at the Georgia Experience Center. From L to R: Candice Scott, Sr. Project Manager, Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD); Mellissa Takeuchi, Project Manager, GDEcD; Stephen Adams, Executive Director, MBCIA; Mickey Daniell, Regional Economic Development Manager, Georgia Power.
The last month of the year is always a busy time, but also a great opportunity to stop and thank the people and organizations that support economic development in Macon-Bibb County. These opportunities to come together and show our immense appreciation for the economic development leadership across Georgia lay the foundation for a thriving business community. At the annual Holiday Appreciation Lunch at the Georgia Experience Center in Atlanta, we highlighted why the Macon Advantage is a real thing for industries and residents alike. Several key attractions were exhibited in the “Why Macon” presentation providing a robust look at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historic Park, the new Macon Amphitheatre, set to open in Spring 2024, and details about MBCIA’s properties available to prospective industries.
We are grateful for the valuable relationships that have been strengthened over the last few years with the economic development professionals who work tirelessly in their contribution making Georgia the number one state to do business year after year.
In 2023, the MBCIA marked a series of remarkable achievements, and today, we are thrilled to share yet another milestone. We have been awarded an “unmodified opinion” in our annual audit, a clear reflection of our robust financial management and a cornerstone for the transparency and accountability that define our organization. We extend a heartfelt commendation to our Operations and Finance Manager, Baleigh Fleming, for her exceptional dedication and tireless efforts in navigating the audit process and her ongoing commitment to excellence.
Macon-Bibb County shows no signs of slowing down in revitalizing and investing in our community to continue to offer world-class business opportunities. MBCIA is continually committed to the vital role of advancing the economy and supporting the industries of our region, and it’s the collaboration of various partners, local enterprises, civic groups, and public leaders that is key in making the vision for Macon-Bibb County a reality. Here’s to a prosperous and exciting 2024 in Macon-Bibb County.
Existing Industry Manager’s Report
A crucial aspect of MBCIA’s monthly efforts revolves around supporting our existing industry through initiatives aimed at raising awareness of industry needs such as job recruitment and job retention. Collaboration with our local partners brings a robust effort in building programs that prepare both a future skilled workforce as well as provide resources that benefit current employees by fulfilling needs that empower these individuals to thrive in their careers. By doing so, we are effectively bridging the gap between industry partners and the workforce, which undoubtedly yields long-term benefits.
A partnership with Atrium Health is proving promising for local employees with the awarding of funding from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) through the Expanding Parents’ Access to Nontraditional Delivery (EXPAND) grant. The program eligibility strengthens nonprofits and government entities to form a collaborative community that explores and implements projects that address the needs for nontraditional hour childcare in Macon-Bibb County.
Our Existing Industry Manager, Eleyce Coleman, has been working closely with DECAL program administrators and local childcare facilities to assist daycares in expanding their services to successfully provide late and overnight hours to benefit industries and their employees for late and overnight shifts.
While there is more ground to cover to get this program fully off the ground, MBCIA is extremely grateful to be a part of Macon-Bibb’s long-term investment in our future successes of strong industries and strong communities.
Letter from the Project Manager
Aligned with the theme of this Authority Report, we would like to welcome Complete Resource Management (CRM) and Whitcomb Barnhill, President of CRM to Macon-Bibb County. I have been working with Mr. Barnhill from day one of our initial communications, a fellow Auburn Graduate, albeit a much younger one, we both attended the same school of Agriculture and even had some of the same professors.
Starting as four waste-recycling trucks with four men, CRM has grown to three organic and plastic recycling facilities in Albany, Valdosta and now Macon-Bibb County. At the Allied Industrial Park, CRM has taken what was previously a thirty-five-acre superfund site since the 1980s and put it to great use.
We encourage the local industry to contact CRM regarding their waste and recycling solutions, and we anticipate CRM to be a real asset to Macon-Bibb County. Current local service includes organic material management, and plastics are expected this quarter. I am reminded of how the city dump and Gray Brother’s Tree Service were taking yard waste, and we now have a place to dump again. Welcome Mr. Barnhill and the CRM team— We wish you success!
Best,
Gary
Industry Spotlight
MBCIA welcomes Complete Resource Management (CRM), a leading waste management and recycling company, as the newest industry of the Allied Industrial Park. This expansion marks CRM’s third facility in Georgia, extending its reach to serve commercial clients from Middle Georgia to the Metro Atlanta area. CRM has demonstrated rapid growth, and its commitment to turning waste into valuable resources aligns with its ongoing dedication to providing innovative waste and recycling solutions to industries of all sizes. CRM is a valuable resource to the Macon-Bibb area expanding MBCIA’s portfolio of supported industries. MBCIA has confidence in CRM to excel in supporting businesses to achieve their comprehensive resource management needs.
Community Partner Feature
MBCIA is excited about what is ahead for Macon-Bibb County. The office of Mayor Lester Miller recently announced the largest investment and development initiative that East Macon has ever had! This groundbreaking public-private partnership is set to introduce new jobs, residences, retail, and restaurants to the East Macon area, maximizing opportunities for both prospective residents and commercial ventures. Plans to complement the growth of downtown Macon, enhance economic development potential, and contribute to the cultural richness of the national park announcement are all on the table. Community engagement will play a crucial role in gauging local interest and determining what additions will benefit the area. One notable advantage of the project is that it will be funded by private investors— a big win for Macon-Bibb County!
