INVESTORREPORT
The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and One Macon identified key initiatives aimed at accelerating our community's growth. This joint effort, known as Forward Macon, focuses on four main priorities: building a skilled workforce, attracting and retaining top talent, fostering startups, and revitalizing neighborhoods.
PILLAR I - IMPROVE WORKFORCE
Implement GreaterCareerWorks.org, a web-based app that links recruitment, skill-building, and career navigation into one collaborative system.
to 16,844
to 1,040
to 14,358
Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce continues to operate and update the Greater Career Works platform (greatercareerworks.org), with most metrics continuing to growsee sidebar
Working to launch Bibb County School District's student internship website as part of the Greater Career Works platform
Co-chaired two Business Education Partnership meetings connecting business and education providers
PILLAR II - ATTRACT & RETAIN TALENT
As part of Choose Macon, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce will create and implement a talent attraction plan that builds on the region’s cultural and business narrative.
Hosted the second, holiday themed MAC singles meetup at Quill after finding companionship a major factor in employee retention Over 40 working singles in attendance
Matched 15 first-year teachers with individual local business partners to provide support promoting retention of public school educators
Hosted final two Leadership Macon class days focusing on RAFB and local government, as well the reimagined graduation gala now including alumni
Assembled both the brand new Leadership Macon Alumni Advisory board as well as interviewed and selected the class of 2025
Launched fall marketing campaign that included targeted geofencing, interstate billboards and podcast advertising
INVESTORREPORT Q4 2024
Startup-Macon continued to host its free networking meetings and saw an average attendance of 11 at each. In addition to its own programs, StartupMacon supported and promoted other events by ESO’s to engage another 137 individuals including Wednesdays for are for Entrepreneurs These monthly events include:
BANC (Business and Non Profit Center) and SCORE's “How to Start a Business” class on the second Wednesday of the month at 5 pm at the Washington Memorial Library Startup-Macon's free networking meetup the third Wednesday of the month at 5 pm at Just Tap’d SparkMacon's fireside chat with local business owners each 4th Wednesday of the month at 6 pm
Startup Macon hired an Entrepreneur Catalyst, Andrew Eck, who connects entrepreneurs to the resources they need to be successful.
2024
PILLAR IV - REVITALIZE NEIGHBORHOODS
The Community Engagement Project Manager, Dr Sundra Woodford, managed by United Way of Central Georgia, serves as a neighborhood catalyst implementing a systemic, comprehensive revitalization plan for the Pleasant Hill neighborhood
Read for the Record Initiative: United Way's Community Schools
United and Read United recruited record volunteers for the Read for the Record event at LH Williams Elementary, fostering student engagement and collaboration between families and teachers
Walking School Bus Mystery Greeter Event: Organized a creative attendance initiative featuring a "mystery greeter" to combat absenteeism, culminating in over 125 student guesses and involvement from Kevin Bacon of the Macon Bacon Baseball team.
Thanksgiving Meal Distribution: Collaborated with Forrest B. Johnson & Associates to distribute 300 hot Thanksgiving meals to vulnerable families at LH Williams Elementary, supported by volunteers and staff.
Forward Macon focuses on economic development, community engagement, and enhancing the quality of life in the Macon area by addressing local challenges, supporting job creation and promoting sustainable growth, ultimately leading to a stronger and more vibrant community.
Dear Forward Macon Stakeholder,
We present to you a progress update that marks the work being accomplished thanks to Forward Macon funding.
As you will see from the report, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce continues to support workforce development and talent attraction and retention through several community-based initiatives, including the Greater Career Works digital platform and the Choose Macon marketing strategy. The Chamber continues to partner with the Bibb County School District and local industries to make the most of these opportunities for businesses to meet their talent and workforce needs
In addition to the work of the Chamber, Spark Macon is supporting entrepreneurship efforts, and the United Way of Central Georgia houses the neighborhood initiatives focused on Pleasant Hill
Previous reports of Forward Macon accomplishments can be found here
In addition to the status updates you’ll find from the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce in this report, you will also see a snapshot of our current Forward Macon financials, as part of our fiveyear capital campaign.
Thank you for your support as we work collaboratively to move Macon forward
Sincerely,
Jessica Walden
President & CEO, Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce
Forward Macon, Inc., Director
Robbo Hatcher H2Capital
Forward Macon, Board Chair
