Macon-Bibb County’s economic development work is increasingly connected to global investment.
That was clear during the 2026 Southeast U.S.-Canadian Provinces Conference, known as
SEUS-CP, held in Greenville, South Carolina. I was proud to represent the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority at this year’s conference, where leaders from the Southeast and Canada discussed the future of trade and industry across North America.
For The MBCIA, SEUS-CP offered a clear look at where companies are heading and what communities need to be ready for next. Those takeaways will help guide the follow-up work we bring back to Macon-Bibb.
A Conference Focused on Future Growth
This year’s SEUS-CP conference focused on life sciences, advanced energy, and mobility.
These sectors are shaping how companies plan new operations. They need communities with prepared sites, reliable access to markets, and a workforce that can support modern industry.
Macon-Bibb has a strong foundation for that work.
Our community has an established manufacturing base, available industrial sites, and central access to major transportation routes. Those strengths matter as companies look for places that can support major operations and the businesses that grow around them.
SEUS-CP also reinforced why international presence matters. As The MBCIA continues building relationships through forums like SEUS-CP and SEUS–Japan, the goal is simple: keep Macon-Bibb visible in the conversations where future growth begins.
International Investment Is Already Part of Macon-Bibb’s Story
For Macon-Bibb, international investment is not a distant goal. It is already part of the community’s momentum.
Just weeks before SEUS-CP, Governor Brian Kemp announced that ArcelorMittal Building Solutions would establish its North American headquarters and a new manufacturing facility in Macon-Bibb County. The project represents an initial investment of roughly $57 million and up to 70 new jobs, with plans for additional investment and job creation over the next several years.
ArcelorMittal’s decision to choose Macon-Bibb reinforces what The MBCIA continues to share with companies and partners: our community is prepared to support global business, advanced manufacturing, and long-term industry growth.
Irving Consumer Products is another important example. As a Canadian-based company with a strong local presence, Irving shows how cross-border business relationships can become lasting operations in Macon-Bibb.
These examples give The MBCIA a stronger story to carry into international business conversations.
Why State and Local Coordination Matters
SEUS-CP also created an opportunity to connect with Georgia’s economic development leadership and partners, including Governor Kemp.
Georgia continues to be recognized as a leading state for business, and Macon-Bibb is contributing to that success. Recent project announcements and continued industrial growth show how local communities help strengthen Georgia’s overall momentum.
For The MBCIA, close communication with state economic development partners is an important part of the work. When project opportunities move quickly, those relationships help keep Macon-Bibb informed, prepared, and connected.
That coordination matters when companies evaluate Georgia for new investment.
A company’s decision depends on more than one factor. It looks at sites, infrastructure, workforce, business support, and whether local and state partners can work well together. Strong communication with state partners helps reinforce that Macon-Bibb is ready to compete.
What We Bring Back to Macon-Bibb
The value of attending SEUS-CP is not just being in the room. The value is bringing those takeaways home and applying them to the work happening here.
Supply Chains Remain a Major Opportunity
When a company expands, it often brings other business needs with it. That can include suppliers, transportation access, and nearby locations that support daily operations.
That creates opportunity for communities like Macon-Bibb.
Our central location helps companies move products, reach customers, and connect with regional markets. As supply chains continue to shift, The MBCIA’s role is to make sure companies understand how Macon-Bibb can support their growth.
Workforce and Infrastructure Are Still Critical
The industries discussed at SEUS-CP depend on skilled talent and strong infrastructure.
For Macon-Bibb, that means staying focused on the basics that help companies succeed. A good site only works if the pieces around it are ready, including reliable utilities, transportation access, and workforce partnerships.
These pieces may not always be the most visible part of economic development, but they often determine whether a community can compete for a project.
Global Visibility Supports Local Growth
Macon-Bibb has a strong story to tell, but companies and decision-makers have to hear it.
Conferences like SEUS-CP help The MBCIA share that story beyond the local market. They also help keep our community connected to the partners and industry leaders who influence future investment decisions.
That visibility matters because economic growth often starts with awareness. When partners understand what Macon-Bibb has to offer, our community is better positioned for future project conversations.
Looking Ahead
SEUS-CP gave the MBCIA the opportunity to bring Macon-Bibb’s strengths into broader conversations about trade, supply chains, and future industry growth.
The next step is clear: follow through.
That means continuing conversations with state and international partners, supporting existing industries, preparing sites and infrastructure, and keeping Macon-Bibb ready for new opportunities.
Macon-Bibb is not waiting for opportunity to find us. The MBCIA is working to make sure our community is seen, considered, and ready.
