Executive Director’s Report
MBCIA Executive Director Stephen Adams with community members and stakeholders after the Industry Bus Tour on October 9.
As we head into a new month, the Macon-Bibb Industrial Authority (MBCIA) is celebrating tricks, treats and triumphs that took place in October!
To kick the month off, we hosted our biannual Community Partner Bus Tour, where community members and stakeholders joined us for a tour of the industries that make up our community. This is always a great opportunity to highlight the industries that have a home in Macon-Bibb County and contribute to the advantageous economic environment.
Macon-Bibb County also celebrated the County Commissioner Elect: Stanley Stewart. On October 13, Stewart was sworn in as Commissioner for District 3.
Going into November, we look forward to celebrating even more triumphs and finishing the year strong. Here’s to more success!
Existing Industry Manager’s Report
October was filled with many treats and triumphs in Macon-Bibb County!
Elliot Machine Shop Employees pose with their scarecrow creation ahead of Halloween!
Last month, I had the pleasure of judging a scarecrow contest at Elliot Machine Shop, one of our local industries. I was able to spend some quality time with the folks at Elliot Machine Shop while looking at all the awesome scarecrows they made in time for the Halloween season. It’s always great to grow relationships with our industry partners in a more casual setting!
I also was able to attend the Middle Georgia State University (MGA) President’s Gala. The MBCIA was honored to be a Gold Sponsor. We enjoy investing in educational opportunities throughout the Macon-Bibb community because of the belief that quality education is where our robust workforce pipeline begins.
Representatives from PILOT industries gathered at MBCIA to discuss the committee’s formation.
On October 23, MBCIA held the PILOT Committee meeting where representatives from the PILOT industries came together to discuss the committee’s formation. This committee looks to guide the direction of PILOT funding and give industries within the program a voice.
October was a great month and I’m looking forward to more success in November.
Letter from the Project Manager
Gary Wilson, MBCIA Project Manager
As we head into November, the Macon-Bibb Industrial Authority (MBCIA) is celebrating industry retention. Our area is a place where industries can arrive and thrive for years to come, which is important for industry contractors.
Before I started as Project Manager at MBCIA, I served as a contractor. At the time, I didn’t fully understand Macon-Bibb County’s vast business landscape or what the existing industries bring to the area, and how they benefit new industries.
After working with MBCIA for almost four years now, I can help prospective contractors understand what investing in Macon-Bibb County can do for their industries. Managing industrial parks isn’t just repairing signage, overseeing expansions and keeping the areas clean. Helping prospective industries understand why our city is so advantageous is something that MBCIA strives to do well, and something I know from experience matters to contractors. They need to know why they should invest in Macon and stay here!
Five out of the last six building projects have been business expansions: Nichiha, YKK AP, Radius Recycling, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED and Graphic Packaging. This is a huge testament to the industry retention within Macon-Bibb County. This retention allows contractors to stay in the area and still sustain business.
Your industrial authority is here to serve you for the long term. We will assist you throughout the entire process, from capital investment to job creation. We encourage big industries to stay local in their building process.
The MBCIA also listens to industry. Radius Recycling, a well-respected industry in our community, needed help. Their facilities are at the very end of Lower Poplar Street, with multiple exposed rail lines as well as dirt and gravel that made the railroad crossings almost unnavigable. This past month, we enlisted Carter Engineering Group and Reeves Construction with assistance from G&W Rail to make the roads smoother.
We selectively bring in industries that will provide consistently higher-paying jobs, thus increasing medium household income, which boosts the overall economic environment. Contractors, there is much opportunity in Macon-Bibb County. Be encouraged!
Best,
Gary
Industry Spotlight
As the MBCIA celebrates triumphs, we couldn’t go without recognizing one of our industry partners! Dean Baldwin Painting has been an integral part of the Macon community for years, setting a high standard for aircraft painting services.
In 2019, Dean Baldwin partnered with us to expand their facilities and build a new state-of-the-art aircraft strip and painting facility at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport.
The facility has four hangars designed for aircraft painting, a material warehouse, an administration building, air filtration systems, and a water treatment processing plant. Having four separate hangars, the facility can process four aircraft simultaneously.
Community Partner Feature
The MBCIA is proud of its partnership with the Middle Georgia Regional Commission (MGRC).
MGRC has made vast achievements within our community and excels in serving Middle Georgia’s local governments. Last month, we highlighted MGRC’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for their all-new facilities at the Macon Mall. They didn’t stop there with the growth, though!
Recently, MGRC underwent a rebranding to reflect their recent growth and new space. The new facilities and rebranding are a testament to how hard the Commission has worked. Thank you for all you do!
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.
More Exciting News in Macon-Bibb County
In October, there were so many triumphs that we had to add another section to highlight them all!
- Firstly, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department received a Class One Certification in the Public Protection Classification (PPC) report at the Fire Training Facility in Macon. This achievement reflects the dedication of our fire department and community leaders like Chief Edwards and Mayor Lester Miller. A Class One rating means superior fire protection, lowering the cost of doing business and making Macon-Bibb County an attractive place for investment. Congratulations to all who contributed to this success!
- Thanks are in order for Central Georgia EMC for their generous investment back into the Macon-Bibb County community! On October 25, Central Georgia EMC (CGEMC) Board Member Phillip Ham, Jr. presented the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and the Macon-Bibb Industrial Authority with checks to go toward community and economic development activities. Thank you for your investment back to into the community!
- Finally, MBCIA finalized funding details for First Quality Baby Products’ upcoming expansion at November’s board meeting. Earlier this year, First Quality announced that a $418 million baby care expansion will take place at the site of its current manufacturing facility in Macon, Georgia. The expansion is projected to create 600 new jobs and increase capacity for diapers and training pants by 50 percent. Congratulations on finalizing the next step in this expansion!
