Executive Director’s Report
Macon-Bibb County and MBCIA leadership attend a show at the Atrium Health Amphitheater in Macon, Ga. From Left to Right: Executive Director Alex Morrison, Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority; Commissioner Virgil Watkins, Macon-Bibb County, District 8; Mayor Lester Miller, Macon-Bibb County; Executive Director Stephen Adams, Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority.
Working closely with vital community partners, the MBCIA reinforces Macon-Bibb County’s standing as a leader in Georgia’s industrial sector. MBCIA’s recruitment and retainment efforts are integral to our mission, and we go beyond, cultivating new partnerships to showcase Macon-Bibb County’s numerous advantages. This involves developing relationships with project managers statewide and working with community partners to make our properties attractive to prospective industries. Below is a behind the scenes look at some of the MBCIA’s ongoing investments that continue to make Macon-Bibb County the best place to do business.
This month we met with companies exploring expansion or relocation opportunities. Our goal for these discussions is to fully understand their requirements and then provide the specifics of how Macon-Bibb County will be able to support their needs. From Macon’s strategic location and robust infrastructure to its skilled workforce and economic resources, we focus our conversations on the advantages that resonate with each prospective business.
Retaining our local industries is another active part of our regular work. Project Manager, Gary Wilson, connects incoming industry early on to Existing Industry Manager, Eleyce Coleman. The fast paced and global environment of business requires that businesses evolve to stay competitive. Through the relationships we develop and nurture, we work to support long-term industry growth and success in Macon-Bibb.
An outcome of that work with existing industry was evident last month with the announcement of Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services’ (EAMS) 15-year lease extension through the MBCIA at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport. This agreement affirms Embraer’s dedication to a long-term presence in the area. I am grateful for Embraer’s renewed commitment, which will continue to benefit Macon-Bibb. Read the full press release here.
Lastly, we actively work to maintain our strong partnerships with community organizations. This month, we collaborated with colleagues from the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce to synchronize some of our efforts to maximize their impact. We also hosted a gathering at Atrium Health Amphitheater and our bi-annual Community Partners Bus Tour. Both events provide unique opportunities for valuable engagement and connection. Through experiences, we offer our community partners an insider’s perspective on Macon-Bibb County’s economic development. I am humbled to see our community partners’ relentless focus on fostering economic advancement and growth. This commitment is part of what makes Macon-Bibb County special to industry and to the people that choose Macon as their home.
For more updates and insights into our ongoing initiatives, don’t forget to visit our MBCIA Facebook page.
Existing Industry Manager’s Report
The group gathers at Irving Tissue in Sofkee Industrial Park in Macon-Bibb County to showcase the significant impact of local industry during the MBCIA-hosted Summer Community Partners Bus Tour.
In June, my daily efforts included significant activities and interactions with existing industries, regularly coordinating opportunities for meaningful touchpoints. These engagements are highly valuable and provide crucial feedback that allow us to optimally support our industry’s evolving needs.
This month, Allied Industrial Park gathered for a luncheon with MBCIA and neighboring industry leadership. The event focused on discussing challenges, concerns, and potential solutions for these industries. Several follow-up meetings with stakeholders are already scheduled to address these issues.
Another area of emphasis this month included the analysis of the existing industry survey results. The data in these surveys gives insight into the most critical challenges local industries face. Some of these challenges include workforce issues, specialized skill shortages, and operational and market difficulties.
The survey results also brought to light a developing industry collaboration between Complete Resource Management (CRM) and Nichiha USA Inc. It is collaborations like this that provide operational improvements and efficiencies across our industrial community. I am excited to support and continue to connect industries for future partnerships.
To show our appreciation for our existing industries, we organized an evening outing at the Atrium Health Amphitheater. This event allowed us to connect with industry leaders, thank them for the job opportunities they create in our community, and explore additional ways to support their efforts. It also introduced them to the new amphitheater, a valuable addition that enhances our community’s quality of life.
Letter from the Project Manager
Project Managers join MBCIA at the Macon Bacon Game in Macon, Georgia.
As MBCIA’s Project Manager, I manage leads from state project managers and provide necessary information for industry due diligence. These activities often consume my day, which is a positive sign of activity. I’ve been part of the team that attracted companies like Bright Farms, Agile Cold Storage, and YKK AP.
After land acquisition, I support pre-development meetings and assist with city permits, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. I thoroughly enjoy collaborating with the on-ground teams driving these projects. Once the project reaches a certain point, I hand it off to Eleyce Coleman, our Existing Industry Manager, who assists with hiring and community integration.
Additionally, my days are filled with various other responsibilities. I manage our website, helping to attract prospects and filter inquiries. I also visit construction sites and oversee contractors across the industrial parks and airport.
MBCIA not only manages and maintains properties for potential industries but also owns and operates Allied Industrial Park. This Park offers affordable office space and warehousing for startups and established companies like Freudenberg-Texbond, SD Polymer, and Graphic Packaging.
Every day brings something new, and above all, Macon-Bibb County continues to thrive economically!
Till next time,
Gary
Industry Spotlight
Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Services (EAMS) has strengthened its commitment to Macon-Bibb County by renewing its lease with the MBCIA at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport. The lease agreement includes an initial five-year term with options for two additional five-year renewals, extending Embraer’s operations in Macon-Bibb County for up to 15 more years. The initial lease in 2018 brought 100 jobs to the area, and with this renewal, there is potential for even more job growth and economic development. Embraer is committed to investing in the local workforce and supporting economic growth, affirming the importance of the Macon Airport hangar to their operations.
Embraer is hosting their “Summer of Hospitality” in Macon, GA, opening their doors every month for the next four months to discuss exciting careers in aviation maintenance. They will also be offering on-the-spot job offers for experienced individuals.
The MBCIA continues to support Embraer by creating a supportive environment for their operations. The ongoing partnership is a win for Macon-Bibb County and solidifies Embraer’s contribution to our thriving business community. We celebrate this testament to the successful collaboration and business-friendly atmosphere in Macon-Bibb County.
For more event details, visit Embraer’s Facebook page.
Community Partner Feature
The Urban Development Authority (UDA) is an organization that plays a crucial role in the development and advancement of Macon, Ga. It uses its resources and relationships to address urban development challenges and bridge local government to private business. The UDA operates at the crossroads of public and private sectors, driving progress for Downtown Macon.
The UDA along with Macon-Bibb County and other community partners facilitated the Macon Action Plan (MAP) originally in 2015, with an update in 2020. This strategic initiative aims to guide the growth and development of Macon’s urban core, referring to Downtown Macon and surrounding neighborhoods. As a comprehensive strategy, MAP outlines a vision for the future of the city, focusing on enhancing public spaces, boosting economic vitality, improving mobility, and fostering a sense of community. The plan is regularly updated to ensure it stays relevant and effective in addressing the city’s evolving needs. The UDA strives to preserve Macon’s distinctiveness while reinforcing and enhancing past achievements, and the MAP serves as a roadmap for making Downtown Macon a more vibrant, inclusive, and thriving place for everyone.
For more information on UDA’s initiatives and services, please visit their 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.
