Report to the Community 2024

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tyson Firlotte |Chair

Scott Seigel|PastChair

Patrick Goff|GeneralCounsel

Bruce Leicht|Treasurer

Christy Kovac |ViceChair-MaconWorks&ChairElect2025

Chrissy Miner |ViceChair- Government&MilitaryAffairs

Ivey Hall|ViceChair-Engagement

Robbo Hatcher|ViceChair-ForwardMacon

Alison Bender

Ember Bishop Bentley

Meaghan Blight

Cyndey Busbee

Stephen Daugherty

Tonya Fitch

Robby Fountain

Caryn Frey

Miguel Garcia

Myrtle Habersham

Laura Mathis

Katherine McLeod

Lester Miller

Chrissy Miner

Robin Parker

Jimmy Puckett

Starr Purdue

Deedrick Reese

Tracie Revis

Josh Rogers

Chris Sheridan

CHAMBER STAFF

Jennifer Bronner|VPofFinance

Lynn Farmer |ChiefPeopleOfficer

Ivey Hall

Patrick Harris

Robbo Hatcher

Fernandez Jordan

Michael Kruger

John C. Kubinec

Karen Lambert

Lauren Lanter

Paul Little

Keith Lolley

Ron Shipman

Dan Slagle

Charise Stephens

Win Stewart

William Underwood

Moises Velez

Christy West

Gary Wheat

Nancy White

Eric Williams

Julia Wood

Kristen Grissom|WorkforceProgramsCoordinator

Rebekah Hollar|MarketingManager

Jen Marshall|InvestorRelationsManager

Alex Mason|DirectorofDevelopment

J.R. Olive|WorkforceProgramsCoordinator

Renita Patterson|VPofEngagement

Jessica Walden |President&CEO

GREATER TOGETHER. GREATER THAN EVER IN 2024.

Here in Macon, Georgia, the stage is set for our success. OurvisionattheGreaterMaconChamberofCommerceis tobethebestcommunityforbusiness.Fromournewly constructedamphitheatertoourthrivingDowntown,from oursmallbusinessestoourlargestindustries,it’smorethan alocation–it’sthediverseandvaluedpeople,people, peoplewhomakeitallpossible,demonstratingwe’re greatertogether

ThankyouforchoosingMacon.

We'rerootedandrising.Maconcombinesdeephistorywith adynamicbusinessenvironmentanddiversifiedindustry basewiththeworkforcetalenttomatch.TheGreaterMacon ChamberofCommerceisheretoconnectbusinesswiththe communityatlargewhenyouchooseMacon.

ThisiswhataChamberdoes.Wefacilitateconnection.We dothisthroughourprogramming,throughourefforts, throughourdirectory,throughourcommunications, throughourpeople,likeyou,whoaredeeplyapartofthis.

Welcometoourbusinesscommunity,the740businesses, bigandsmall,whowantourChambertobesuccessfuland standforourstrengthinwhatwerepresent Thereisno doubtthatwebelieveinourbusinesses.Andit’spayingoff thankstotheircommitment,serviceandengagement.

TheGreaterMaconChamberofCommerceisMacon-Bibb’s mostsignificant,organizedbusinesscommunity.With hundredsofbusinessesalignedwithourorganizationand servingasthevoiceofourbusinesscommunity,we demonstrateourcollectiveimpactbyconnectingthrough ournetwork,providingprogrammingandinitiatives, leveraginglegislationadvocacyonbehalfofyourbusiness andfindingavenuesofeconomicopportunitythat

accelerateyourbusiness.Weworkcollaborativelytoattract andretaintalentforMaconandourregionandhostlifechangingprogramslikeLeadershipMaconthatbuildour pipelineofleadersforourbusinessesandcommunity. Thisyear,theGreaterMaconChamberturns139-years-old. Youarehereasweexperienceanincreaseinengagement andnewavenuesofopportunityinourcommunity,froma surgeinbusinessdevelopmentandindustrytoawaiting historyashometoAmerica’snextNationalPark.Timingis neverbettertoinvestinMaconandalignyourbusinesswith ourmanyopportunities.

Thestageisset.Thevolumeisturnedup.Alleyesareon Macon,andourbandisplayinginharmonylikenever before Joinusinconcert–whetherinbusiness,inleisureor inresidence.Whenwe’regreatertogether,we’regreater thanever.

Let’srock!

To our mutual success,

Tyson Firlotte

Walden

and CEO,

2024 Chair Vice President of Human Resources, Irving Consumer Products

Jessica

President

Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce

GREATER TOGETHER 2024

FROM

THE GREATER MACON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MAKING A MARK IN MACON

Wearegreatertogether.ThisiswhyweexistastheGreater MaconChamberofCommerce,Macon-Bibb’smost significant,organizedbusinesscommunity.Thereispower inournumbers,fromthesmallestbusinessestoourbiggest industries–andtogether,wemakeanimpactherein Macon

Wedemonstratethisimpactby:

Bringingthebusinesscommunitytogetherthrough ournetwork

Providingeducationwithprogrammingandinitiatives

Leveraginglegislationadvocacyonbehalfofyour business

Creatingavenuesofeconomicopportunitythat accelerateyourbusiness

AswemoveforwardthroughourForwardMacon campaign,theGreaterMaconChamberisalsohereto supportandattracttoptalentinourregion,providing strategicsolutionsandcareersupportfortheworkforceof todayandthepathwaystotheworkforceoftomorrow.

WewantyoutoChoose Macon,andaspartofthiseffort, theGreaterMaconChamberwelcomesyoutojoinusin makingyourmark.

LEADING BY INVESTMENT

TheGreaterMaconChamberofCommerceremains committedtoourInvestors,thebusinesseswhoare membersofourChamberandattheheartofwhatwe accomplish.

OurorganizationisInvestor-led,fromourvisionaryboardof directors,guidedbyapowerhouseexecutivecommittee,to the750 businesses,nonprofitsandcommunity organizationswhoinvestannuallyinourlocalchamber throughtiereddues,sponsorshipandtimeandvolunteer efforttoourregularprogrammingdesignedtosupport businessneeds.

Chamber-investedbusinesseslikeAcresandOakKitchen andGuitarrasMexicanGrill,bothfamilybusinesses,and AT&Tcelebratedexpansionsandnewofferingsin2023.

Acres & Oak Kitchen launched their new online ordering capabilities that now offers shipping of their signature dishes.

LEADING BY INVESTMENT

Locally owned Guitarras Mexican Grill launched their spin-off express restaurant with a ribbon-cutting at their new West Macon location.

AT&T announced from Chamber Headquarters the availability of AT&T Fiber to more than 20,000 customer locations in parts of MaconBibb County.

PROGRAMMED FOR MUTUAL SUCCESS

TheGreaterMaconChamberofCommercehostsnearly90 programsayear,includingaSupplierDiversitySummit, Macon&Eggsadvocacyprogramming,MaconArea Connections(MAC)meet-upsandamorningeducation seriescalledBREW.

Business After Hours remains our business-to-business connection mainstay and brings the Chamber community together to experience the hospitality and vibrancy of our host organizations.

PROGRAMMED FOR MUTUAL SUCCESS

Macon Area Connections (MAC) gathers a new audience of newcomers and those looking to connect with each other and Macon’s many opportunities.

BREW BusinessResourcesand EngagementWorks!The GreaterMaconChamber launchedourmonthly BREWseriesthat continuestoexplorea widerang sessions, supportb mindfuln yogatou Chamber emergen abusines discussion overview diversity, broughtm opportun withand other.

State of the Community

GreaterMaconChambersignatureprogramscontinueto expandstakeholderengagement,includingtheStateofthe Community.Thisannualluncheonhoststhedeliveryofthe Macon-BibbMayor’sStateoftheCommunityaddress, providinganopportunitytoheardirectlyfromourchief localofficialandbringtogetherthoseworkingacrossour regiontobreakbreadtogetheranddemonstrate communityimpact StateoftheCommunity2023took placeduringMacon’sBicentennialyear,drawingover700 participantsunderthedomeoftheMaconCityAuditorium tohearMayorLesterMiller’shistoricaddress,wherehe stated,“TheworldistakingnoticeofMacon-BibbCounty.”

PROGRAMMED FOR MUTUAL SUCCESS

State of the Community

Legacy Golf Classic

TheLegacyGolfClassic experiencednotjust “ChamberofCommerce” weatherbutabannerday ofbusiness-to-business interactionwith30teams playingatRiverNorthGolf Course.In2024,theLegacy GolfClassicwillreturnin Octoberonthesame courseandisalready registeringteamsoffour.

State of the Community included the return of “Taste of Macon” with a variety of Chamber restaurants providing signature samplings for lunch.

Macon Matters

WhenitcomestoGeorgia governmentMacon mattersandaccesstoour electedofficialshelpsraise ourpoliticalprofileforthat messagetobeheard.Each year,theGreaterMacon ChamberofCommerce hostsourMaconMatters legislativefishfryto facilitateconnectionand accesstolocal,Stateand Federalofficials.Macon

Matters2023tookplaceat WalnutCreekShooting Preserve,operatedbyBibb DistributingCompany,and includedaneveningoflive musicwithsurpriseguest artistGeorgiaSecretaryof AgricultureTylerHarper.

PROGRAMMED FOR MUTUAL SUCCESS

Macon Matters

Annual Awards

ThereissomuchtocelebrateasacommunityinMaconBibb,andwhenthebusinesscommunitygathers, opportunityarises.AtourChamberAnnualAwards,we celebrateandtoasttoourmutualsuccess Theaward recipientsrepresentthediversityofbusinessinour community,fromnonprofitandpublicservicetosmall businessandaleadingeconomicengine.The2023 recipientswere:

Citizen of the Year: Josh Rogers, NewTown Macon

Robert F. Hatcher Distinguished Alumni Award: Chief Marvin Riggins, Macon-Bibb Fire Department (Retired)

(right)

(right)

Ambassador of the Year: Jonathan Barton, Quality Medical Management (below)

Workforce Development Champion Award: Prince Manufacturing (right)

Annual Awards PROGRAMMED FOR MUTUAL SUCCESS

Small Business of the Year: SPINEN

Business Catalyst of the Year: Atrium Health Navicent (below)

VOICE OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Asthecentralvoiceofourlocalbusinesscommunity,the GreaterMaconChamberisdesignedtoofferavenuesof advocacyforlocalbusinessleadersandenhanceouraccess tolawmakers.

YourChamberisworkingactivelywiththeHUBCouncil,a workingpolicycouncilorganizedbytheGeorgiaChamber composedoftheleadersof11metropolitanchambersof commerceacrossGeorgia.TheHUBCouncilcomes togetherinordertoresearchandbetterunderstandissues thataffectbusinessinallregionsthateachchamber represents,aswellastocreateacommonpolicyplatform regardingtheseissues.TheCouncilcollaborateswith regionalandstatedevelopment,economicandpolicy

(left)

expertsandinterestgroupstoactasavoicetoinfluence statepolicygoalsandstrivestodobestforbusinessin Georgia.

ThisiscoupledwithourChamber’sownLegislativeAgenda, whichweusedasaguidelineforourChamber’sadvocacy prioritiesthataredeterminedbyourboardandeconomic developmentpartners.

Lastyear,ourlegislativeworkincludedworkingcloselywith theBibbCountydelegation,trackingbillsduringthe GeorgiaGeneralAssemblysessionandparticipatinginthe DC Fly-InwiththeGeorgiaChamber Wealsohosted communitystakeholderroundtablemeetingsatChamber headquarterswithbothSenateoffices.

ThisalsoincludesferventworkwiththeMuscogee(Creek) Nation’seconomicdevelopmentteamonthepending NationalParkprojectandwhatthiscanmeanforlocal businessandeconomicimpact.WiththeOcmulgee’s NationalParkstatusbeingatthetopofourlegislative agenda,ourChamberhasalsoadvocatedalongside

In September 2023, the Greater Macon Chamber hosted a historic meeting with representatives from the economic development teams of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and local stakeholders to discuss collaboration and economic growth opportunities with the pending National Park status and tribal partnership.

VOICE OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Macon & Eggs, our quarterly business advocacy breakfast, featured a Military Roundtable with Robins Air Force Base leadership that included Brigadier General Jon A. Eberlan, Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex Commander, Colonel Deedrick L. Reese, Installation and 78th Air Base Wing Commander and Colonel Christopher Dunlap, 116th Air Control Wing Commander.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger was the guest speaker at Macon & Eggs, where he shared business licensure updates and took questions from the audience.

YourGreaterMaconChambercontinuestoworkthrough theForwardMaconcampaigntopreparetomorrow’s workforcetoday.OurChamberisheretopartnerwithour localgovernment,employersandothercommunity stakeholderstodevelopourworkforceandgrowand connectcareeropportunitieshereinCentralGeorgia

Thisincludesgrowingpartnershipswithourinnovativeand head-turningdigitalplatformdesignedtoconnectlocaljobs withlocalpeopleandfacilitatecareerpathway developmentwithourlocalschoolsystems.

GreaterCareerWorks.comisnowover14,000activeusers thankstopartnershipswiththeBibbCountySchoolsystem, inadditiontoTwiggsandCrawfordcounties,and partnershipswithlocalemployers,includingmajorlocal industriesandsmallbusinessesseekingtogrowtheir workforce.

TheGreaterMaconChamberrelaunchedour

ChooseMacon.comtalentretentionwebsiteandnowhasa robustmarketingstrategybehindittotakeitbeyond CentralGeorgia WewantyoutobeproudofChoosing MaconhereinMacon-Bibb,andwewanttohitourhotspots ofpotentialresidentsthatcouldbeattractedhere.More thananything,thisisanothertoolinthetoolbeltthat industrycanusewhenrecruiting.

FORWARDING MACON

Talentretentioncan’tbetalkedaboutwithoutoneofour mostsuccessfulandlongestrunningprogramshereatthe Chamber:LeadershipMaconcelebratesits45thclassin 2024.Oneofthelongest-standingcommunityleadership programsinGeorgia,LeadershipMaconisfacilitatedbythe GreaterMaconChamberstaffandanadvisoryboard.Our premiercommunityleadershipprogramprovides programmingandinitiativesthatbuildourfuturebusiness andcommunityleaders.

Fromavastalumninetworkthatstaysconnectedthrough annualprogrammingandalumnimeet-ups,tothemonthly sessionsprovidedfortheselectedclass,totheculminating classprojectsthatcontinuetotransformourcommunity, LeadershipMaconisatalentretentionstrategyatitsbest. Forthegraduatingclass,theexperienceitprovidesisa returnoncommunityinvestmentandalifelongconnection tothecommunitytheyexperiencefromtheinsideout.

The Leadership Macon Class of 2024 is currently immersed in monthly sessions over the course of the year, which will

GREATER TOGETHER THROUGH ENGAGEMENT

TheGreaterMaconChamberisatrustedstewardof investment,whetherthatbetime,moneyoreffortinour Chamber’scommunity.Itisourgoaltoraisebusinesses’ visibility,reachdiverse,proactiveaudiencesandput astamponcommunity engagement.Youarein business,forbusiness,when youinvestinyourlocal Chamber.It’sthat investmentthatis meetingourvision tobethebest communityfor businessinGeorgia.

Jeff Wilhem, Northwestern Mutual

Daniel Hawkins, Prestige Roofing

Leadership Macon Class of 2024 participates in a Poverty Simulation class session to earn understanding of poverty outcomes and the economic barriers created.

GREATER TOGETHER THROUGH ENGAGEMENT

Ambassadors

Thank you to our amazing Greater Macon Chamber Ambassadors, a highly energized and visible group of volunteers who promote the Chamber, connect Investors to our organization and welcome businesses to the community.

Star Student

The Greater Macon Chamber, along with our sponsoring businesses and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), is proud to host the Bibb County and Region 6 STAR Banquets that honor the academic achievement of local graduating students and their most influential teachers.

New Medical Residents Welcome

In partnership with Piedmont Macon and Atrium

Health

Navicent, the Chamber hosts an annual “Welcome to Macon” reception for incoming medical residents, allowing the business community the opportunity to connect to the newest members of our community, where we want them to stay and practice medicine.

GREATER TOGETHER THROUGH ENGAGEMENT

Military Affairs

The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce continues to recognize the impact and importance of our military in our business community. In accordance with our legislative priority to support, promote and protect the military presence in Georgia, in particular Robins Air Logistics Complex, we create programming like our Military Affairs Coalition and Airmen of the Month that advocates for Georgia’s military population (the fifth largest military population in the country) and supports Robins Air Force Base with its $3.57 billion economic impact on the Georgia economy and workforce of 22,635 people.

GREATER MACON CHAMBER’S POWER IN NUMBERS

750+ 740+businesses investingover$900,000 intotheMacon-Bibb businesscommunity

14,640

13,000GCWusers

89 89programsin2023. FromSignatureProgramsto localribbon-cuttings,the GreaterMaconChamber offeredopportunitiesweekly forengagement

57%

ProgramRevenueupby 57% Engagementcontinues torisefortheGreater MaconChamber

3 mil+

Over$3Millioninvestedby communitystakeholders madeupoflocal businessesandindustries tomoveMaconforward byfocusingonbuilding workforce,attracting talent,cultivating entrepreneurshipand revitalizingneighborhoods

CORNERSTONE INVESTORS

Greater Macon Chamber’s Cornerstone Investors have selected the premium tiers of Chamber engagement. Cornerstones receive premium recognition and benefits and create a superior network of business support from local economic catalysts.

REGIONAL INFLUENCERS

$25,000 +

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

COMMUNITY ADVOCATES

13 WMAZ-TV

ACRES & OAK KITCHEN

ALL CARE HOME HEALTH, LLC

AMERICAN PRIDE BANK

AT&T

ATLANTA GAS LIGHT COMPANY

B&D INDUSTRIAL

CHEROKEE BRICK & TILE COMPANY

FIRST QUALITY

FORREST B. JOHNSON & ASSOCIATES

JONES CORK, LLP

KUMHO TIRE GEORGIA, INC

L.E. SCHWARTZ & SON, INC.

MACON COCA-COLA

BOTTLING CO.

MCNAIR, MCLEMORE, MIDDLEBROOKS & CO., LLC

NEWTOWN MACON

ORTHOGEORGIA

STRATFORD ACADEMY

SYNOVUS BANK

WESLEYAN COLLEGE

YKK

MACON CONNECTIONS

Get the 411 in the 478 with important connections you can use to plan a smooth move to Macon. Or maybe you’ve been here and need a quick reference page.

Georgia Power:(888)655-5888,georgiapower.com

Macon Water Authority: (478)464-5600,wwwmaconwaterorg

Macon-Bibb County Solid Waste:(478)803-0499, sw.maconbibb.us

Georgia Natural Gas:(877)850-6200,gng.com

Atlanta Gas Light: (800)427-5463,atlantagaslight.com

Georgia Gas South: (877)472-4932,gassouth.com/home

Scana Energy:1(877)467-2262scanaenergycom

Cox Communications:(478)784-5118, cox.com/residential/home.html

AT&T:(800)288-2020,att.com/local/internet/georgia/macon

Vehicle Registration & Tag Renewal:(478)621-6500, maconbibbtax.us/vehicles.html

Georgia Driver's License:(678)413-8400, ddsgeorgiagov/locations/macon

U.S. Passport:BibbCountySuperiorCourtClerk’sOffice,(478)6216521,www.maconbibb.us/superior-court/

Bibb County Public Schools: (478)765-8711,bcsdk12.net

Voter Registration: (478)621-6622,maconbibb.us/board-ofelections

Macon Transit Authority: (478)803-2500,mta-maccom

Middle Georgia Regional Airport: (478)219-1138,iflymacon.com

Business Licensing: BusinessDevelopmentServices(478)6216500,www.maconbibbtax.us/alcohol-and-business Sheriff's Office:(478)751-7500,bibbsheriff.us

Macon-Bibb County Planning and Zoning Commission:(478) 241-2554,mbpzorg

Macon-Bibb County Public Works:(478)803-0490, maconbibb.us/public-works

Poison Control:(800)222-1222,georgiapoisoncenter.org

Animal Services:(478)621-6774,bibbsheriff.us/animal-services

United Way of Central Georgia: Call2-1-1or(478)745-4732ortext yourzipcodeto898-211orvisithttps://wwwunitedwaycgorg/211to getconnectedwithconfidentialhelpinourcommunity,from counselingandcrisisservicestobusinessandconsumerresources.

Where to Stay

Maconisfulloffamily-friendlylodgingoptions. Hotel Forty

Fiveisinthecity’sheartofdowntown,locateddirectly acrossfromRosaParksSquaregreenspaceandtheOtis Redding Center for Performing Arts,slatedtoopenbythe endofthisyear.TheMacon Marriott City Centeroffers kitchensandanindoorpool,whichwillmakeyoupopularif you’rebringingyourkids.

Morning: Fuel Up for Fun

StartyourdayatthebelovedlocaleateryZ Beans Coffee whereavarietyofpastries,biscuits,andcroissantswillfill yourtastebuds.There’salsoH&H Soul Foodwhichwhips uphomemadebiscuitsnamedafterMaconmusic luminaries,omeletsandmorewithasideofoutstanding service.Don’tmissthe Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park,witharcheologicalfindstracingbacktothe

OcmulgeeMoundsNationalHistoricalPark

IceAge.Takeadvantageofthehistorybywalkingthrougha reconstructedNativeAmericanearthlodgeorexploringthe OcmulgeeHeritageTrail.Afterthat,headovertoAmerson RiverParktoenjoyscenicviews,tranquilwalkingtrails,a greatplaygroundandcanoeadventures.

Afternoon: Rain or Shine

Iftheweatherisnotinyourfavor,noneedtoworry.The Museum of Arts and Scienceshasitall:frequently changingexhibitions,hands-onactivities,liveanimal habitats,aplanetariumandanauditorium.

Speakingofindoors,Maconisalsohometotheworld’s largestpickleballarena.MakeyourwaytotheEisenhower CorridortocheckoutRhythm and Rally Sports and Events dit i 32i d li t t ll d t Y

MuseumofArtsandSciences

MaconMayhem

Evening: Sweet Competition

Inthelateafternoon,headoverto Sweet Eleanor’s Divine Dessertswheretheirpastries,cookies,andshakesarenone otherthanamazing

Dependingupontheseason,theMacon Mayhemhockey teamorMercer Universityfootball,basketball,beach volleyballandbaseballgamesarefamily-friendlyfavorites.

WhileontheMercercampus,checkouttheretailnode MercerVillage,whereyoucantrythelatestinlocalpizzaat Mercer Village Pizza.

Morning:

GetittogoatRed Owl Coffee,whereyoucantreatyour familytoavarietyofcoffees,croissants,bagels,ormuffins You’renownotfarfromLake Tobesofkee,ayear-round recreationareacoveringnearly1800acreswith35milesof lakeshoreline.Inadditiontomultiplepublicbeaches,there isanexpansivediscgolfcourse.

MercerUniversity

LakeTobesofkee

Afternoon: Make Yourself at Home

Maconoffersmanybeautifulfamily-oriented neighborhoodsallowingyoutofindexactlywhatyouwant Whileyou'reatLakeTobo,asit'saffectionatelyknown, checkoutthelakesideneighborhoodproperties.

Inglesideaccommodatesfamiliesofallsizesofferinglarge, historic,single-familyhomesandevencozystudios.Also checkoutHistoric Vineville,anotherthrivingneighborhood thatisgreatforfamiliesandlocatedonlyminutesfrom downtown,townparks,shopsandrestaurants.Whileinthe neighborhood,makeyourwaytoInglesidetostopforlunch atLiliana’s,astreetfoodItalianeaterylocatedinthe popular,family-friendlywateringholeSociety Garden.

Findingtheperfectneighborhoodisessentialbutfindinga properschooldistrictisunnegotiable.Maconhasawide selectionofpublicschools,includingAlexander II Magnet School,ahistoricpublicelementarywithSTEMcertifications andCentral High,ahighschooldedicatedtofinearts education.IfyouareleaningtowardsCatholicschools,St. Joseph’sandSt. Peter Claver Catholic arebothexcellent choices.

HistoricVineville

A Fun Farewell

EndthedayattheTubman Museumwhereitisthelargest ofitskindintheSoutheastanddedicatedtofrequently changingexhibitions,hands-onactivitiesandeducation.

To explore Macon further, with livability info including cost of living, neighborhoods, higher education, and major employers, scan this QR code.

TubmanMuseum