Executive Director’s Report
TI Cold Executive VP Rob Adams introduces MBCIA Executive Director Stephen Adams at the Agile Cold Storage’s Grand Opening event in Macon-Bibb County, Ga.
This month, TEAM MBCIA continued with our commitment to winning. We celebrated significant growth here in Macon-Bibb County, proudly supporting our new and existing industry in their next chapters.
In line with playing to win, MBCIA was represented by our Existing Industry Manager, Eleyce Coleman, at the Community Playmaker Summit as a panelist in early April. She shared about the impact of economic development on community revitalization, echoing the overall theme of the transformative power of sports tourism in our county and statewide.
Mid-month, MBCIA held our biannual Industry Partners Luncheon bringing in leaders from government, industry, and the community to discuss the infrastructure projects driving industry growth in our area. I continue to be impressed by the level of collaboration among our leaders in ensuring and maintaining Georgia’s status as the top state for business. Our county is a key player in Georgia’s growing demands for commercial transportation. We continue to attract and support industry expansion with our strategic location and robust infrastructure, with no signs of slowing down.
Just last month, we celebrated two exciting ribbon-cuttings for local industries. Agile Cold Storage opened their new Macon facility and YKK AP America Inc. expanded its operations with their first residential manufacturing facility in Macon-Bibb County. Both companies lead their industries in technology and reliability. Their combined industrial investment into our community boosts employment with over 350 new jobs, bolsters the local economy with over $250 million invested, and further solidifies Macon-Bibb County as a hub for business.
To close out the month, the State of the Community event hosted by the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce served as a reminder of the strength Macon-Bibb County possesses when working together as a team. MBCIA is proud to sponsor this flagship event in our community and excited about the future wins that await us all.
For more updates and insights into our ongoing initiatives, don’t forget to visit our MBCIA Facebook page.
Existing Industry Manager’s Report
Panel members at The Community Playmaker Summit hosted at Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events, the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility.
The month of April provided Team MBCIA opportunities to connect with community and industry leaders in new and exciting ways. Existing Industry Manager, Eleyce Coleman, took the stage at The Community Playmaker Summit, the state-wide forum, held at Rhythm & Rally Sports & Events. The panel discussion covered economic development and sports tourism in the Macon-Bibb area and statewide. One of the projects discussed was the Macon Mall rejuvenation project, highlighting the multifaceted approach to revitalizing community spaces. Eleyce shared her expertise and first-hand experience on the value of revitalizing community spaces with the introduction of new industries and support of existing industries. This conversation serves as a blueprint for cities seeking to enhance community engagement, boost tourism, and stimulate economic growth.
Additionally, Eleyce led the charge in organizing the Spring Industry Partner Luncheon. This impactful event benefited existing industries by providing them with access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and updates on infrastructure developments that may affect their operations.
Tim Golden, guest speaker from the State Transportation Board for Congressional District 8, gave the latest scoop on transportation projects in the Macon-Bibb County area. His update provided an overview of the I-75/I-16 Interchange project and the upcoming MLK pipe replacement project.
At the gathering, MBCIA kicked off a brief survey for our existing industries, and participants had an opportunity to enter their industry into a drawing for tickets to a Braves Game! It is our pleasure to announce the survey participant winner as Armstrong World Industries! Thank you to all who completed the survey. The feedback is so valuable in helping the MBCIA enhance our services and support for ongoing industry needs.
Letter from the Project Manager
MBCIA Project Manager Gary Wilson captures a
selfie in sight of the Agile Cold Storage facility in Macon, Ga.
In case you missed it, Agile Cold Storage is open for business!
Having been part of the recruiting team since the beginning, this project has been a lot of fun, especially considering my familiarity with the site prior to its development. With our strategic marketing efforts, there now stands a finished product – a new, advanced-automation cold-storage facility. Agile filled the first eighty-one positions quickly and will hire for a second shift in June. Stay tuned for job postings available on their website.
Second, our newest industry, Complete Resource Management (CRM), located in Allied Industrial Park, serves local industries with a local yard to take their recyclables. Currently, many companies are hauling these items as far away as Kathleen, Ga. Local service can provide businesses cost savings. CRM also offers services for organic waste. To learn more, visit CRM’s website.
Lastly, please be on the lookout for MBCIA updates on expected local road closures for construction and storm drain repair. Preemptively, I want to issue a reminder that SR 247 at 7 Bridges Road will close for 4-6 weeks in the very near future. MBCIA will provide updates for local industries to make alternate travel plans.
On the job,
Gary
Industry Partnership Feature
Celebrating our local industry partnerships, the MBCIA proudly highlights Irving Tissue’s unwavering dedication to community involvement. Since 2009, Tyson Firlotte, Vice President of Human Resources at Irving Consumer Products, has led the North American HR team with remarkable commitment. His leadership extends beyond Irving, he has served on the board at United Way of Southeastern New Brunswick as well as Hutchings College and Career Academy, all since moving to Macon-Bibb County.
We’re thrilled about Mr. Firlotte’s appointment as the 2024 Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce Board Chair. His exceptional leadership sets a precedent for local industry leaders, inspiring them to transcend corporate boundaries and serve our community in unique and impactful ways. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Firlotte for his outstanding dedication to both Macon-Bibb County and Irving Tissue, shaping a brighter future for our community.
Their collaboration serves as a model for other industries, illustrating the value of sustainable partnerships in fostering innovation and advancement. MBCIA commends Armstrong World Industries and Irving Tissue for their exemplary leadership and commitment to building a greener, more prosperous future for Macon-Bibb County and beyond.
Community Partner Feature
The Macon Water Authority (MWA) is actively addressing a recent challenge impacting our community, with a steadfast commitment to the health of our local waterways. A planned plant expansion that will add 10 million gallons to its capacity is underway. This initiative aims to mitigate spills and accommodate the growth of Macon’s wastewater infrastructure. Although still in the planning phase, construction is anticipated to span approximately 2.5 years post-groundbreaking. The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority is proud to partner with the MWA, an organization dedicated to serving our community and protecting our environment.
For more information on MWA’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.
