How the MBCIA Prepared for What Comes Next
Some years are defined by what is announced. Others are defined by the work that prepares a community for what comes next.
Last year, the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority focused on the latter. Throughout 2025, the MBCIA concentrated on strengthening relationships, aligning partners, and reinforcing the systems that support long-term growth in Macon-Bibb County. While much of this work unfolded through planning and coordination rather than public announcements, it played an important role in positioning the community for future opportunity.
Rather than centering the year around a single initiative or milestone, the MBCIA approached 2025 as a time to build capacity and deepen trust. The progress made last year reflects a deliberate commitment to preparing for what comes next.
MBCIA Existing Industry Director Eleyce Coleman and representatives from Tractor Supply Company at the MBCIA’s 2025 Fall Industry Partners Luncheon.
Strengthening Relationships Across Every Level
Last year, much of the MBCIA’s work focused on maintaining consistent engagement with the partners who shape Macon-Bibb County’s industrial landscape. These relationships, developed over time, support both day-to-day collaboration and long-term planning. Together, they help ensure that local priorities remain aligned with regional, state, and global opportunities.
Local and Regional Engagement
At the local and regional level, the MBCIA continued regular engagement with existing industries, workforce partners, and community stakeholders. These conversations centered on workforce needs, operational challenges, and planning considerations that directly affect employers operating in Macon-Bibb County.
By maintaining open communication and steady collaboration, the MBCIA worked alongside partners to support retention, identify opportunities for growth, and ensure that local industries remain connected to broader regional efforts.
State-level Collaboration and Industry Visibility
State-level engagement remained an important component of the MBCIA’s work last year. The Authority welcomed state partners to Macon-Bibb County to highlight local industry and strengthen coordination with statewide economic development efforts.
The MBCIA was honored to host Raquel Freitas, Trade and Foreign Direct Investment Specialist with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, for a tour of Embraer’s local operations. Her visit included the opportunity to view one of Embraer’s most iconic aircraft, the plane that transports the Brazilian national soccer team, and underscored the significance of Embraer’s presence in the community.
In early August, State Representative Tangie Herring also toured the YKK AP facility. These visits reinforced the importance of maintaining open dialogue between state leadership and industries with long-term investments in Macon-Bibb County.
State Representative Tangie Herring tours the YKK AP facility in Macon-Bibb County as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen relationships between state leadership and major employers investing in the region’s economic growth.
International Engagement through SEUS Japan and SEUS Canada
International relationship-building extended the MBCIA’s work beyond the state and region. Last year, the MBCIA participated in both the SEUS Japan and SEUS Canada conferences, continuing engagement with international partners connected to industries operating locally.
Executive Director Stephen Adams attended SEUS Canada, while the MBCIA also participated in SEUS Japan as part of a broader Macon delegation that included a visit to Macon’s sister city, Kurobe. Both trips focused on relationship development that supports long-term economic development, strengthening connections with international companies already operating locally, including Canadian-based Irving Tissue and Japan-based companies such as YKK USA and YKK AP, and positioning the community within broader global conversations around manufacturing, innovation, and supply chains.
Governor Brian Kemp and a delegation of state and business leaders visit YKK headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, reinforcing Georgia’s commitment to international partnerships and long-term economic development relationships.
A Moment That Reflected the Year’s Work
While much of the MBCIA’s work last year took place through planning and coordination, one moment brought those efforts into focus and reflected how partnerships come together in practice.
The PILOT and Advanced Manufacturing Pathway event served as a snapshot of the broader approach guiding the MBCIA’s work in 2025. The event highlighted collaboration among employers, educators, and community partners, underscoring the importance of aligning workforce preparation with the needs of existing and future industries.
From Planning to Implementation
The Advanced Manufacturing Pathway represents months of collaboration and shared problem-solving. It was developed in response to workforce challenges identified by industry partners and shaped through ongoing dialogue among education leaders, employers, and community stakeholders.
The event marked an important milestone, but it also reflected the long-term planning that defined much of the year’s work. It demonstrated how intentional preparation can lead to actionable programs that support workforce readiness.
Partnership Beyond the Pathway
The Advanced Manufacturing Pathway Program was made possible through collaboration beyond workforce and industry partners. The City of Macon-Bibb County, under the leadership of Mayor Lester Miller, and the Urban Development Authority played a critical role through the acquisition of the building that will house the program. Their partnership helped ensure the space and resources were in place to support this long-term investment in workforce development.
The Technology and Innovation Academy, made possible through the leadership of the Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority and Mayor Lester Miller’s vision for transforming the Butler Building, now serves as a hub for hands-on, future-focused learning and workforce development.
Strengthening the Systems That Support the Work
In addition to visible milestones, 2025 was also a year of reinforcing the systems and standards that allow the MBCIA’s work to remain effective and consistent over time.
Strong internal processes, professional standards, and accountability provide the foundation that supports every project and partnership. Last year, the MBCIA continued to prioritize this work to ensure long-term readiness.
Commitment to Professional Standards
In 2025, the MBCIA completed its AEDO reaccreditation, reaffirming its commitment to national best practices in economic development. This reaccreditation reflects ongoing dedication to professional excellence and continuous improvement.
While much of this work happens through planning, coordination, and adherence to standards rather than public announcements, it plays a critical role in ensuring that the MBCIA remains a trusted and capable partner for industry and the community.
MBCIA 2025 in Context
Beyond the focus areas highlighted above, last year included steady progress across a wide range of initiatives that continue to support the MBCIA’s mission and the broader economic health of Macon-Bibb County.
Additional highlights from the year include:
- Continued site readiness and planning efforts across industrial properties
- Ongoing collaboration with workforce and education partners
- Strategic engagement with existing industries to support retention and expansion
- Participation in regional and statewide initiatives
- Community-facing events and outreach supporting long-term growth
Explore more updates and features from 2025 at mbcia.com/news.
MBCIA staff and board member Dr. Cassandra Washington gather at the Fall Industry Partners Luncheon, hosted at the Technology and Innovation Academy, highlighting collaboration between industry, education, and economic development in Macon-Bibb County.
Looking Ahead
With the groundwork laid last year, the MBCIA enters the year ahead prepared to build on the momentum created through relationship-building, planning, and collaboration. The focus remains on thoughtful preparation, strong partnerships, and sustained progress.
The work completed in 2025 reflects a commitment to supporting Macon-Bibb County not just today, but for the long term. As new opportunities emerge, the MBCIA remains ready to continue advancing a resilient and competitive future for the community.
