Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1184228
2 4 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 9 Get to know industrial authority executive director Stephen Adams EX E C U T I V E D I R E C T O R of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority Stephen Adams was born, raised and educated in Macon. A graduate of Central High School and Midd le Georgia State University, Adams joined the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) in 2009 and was named its executive director in the fall. D uring his time with the Industrial Authority, Adams has worked with multiple companies representing near ly $1.4 billion in new investment and more than 3,000 new jobs locally. In this quick Q&A, get to know Adams and the role of the MBCIA in the community. W hat does the MBCIA do? The MBCIA's primar y function is job creation, job retention, business expansion and improving quality of life. O ur goal is growing the economic position of Macon-Bibb County and helping the community have good paying jobs available. W hat att ra cts businesses to Ma con? W hat we are seeing that attracts industries to the Macon area is Macon's first- rate transportation infrastructure. We're just over an hour 's drive to Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, we have a skilled and dedicated workforce and we have a ver y competitive cost of doing business. W hat is one diff e r ence in the business cult ur e he r e that wasn't happening f ive years ago? Macon businesses are seeing more opportunities for growth now, especially through the relocation of larger industries. The local business community is seeing an increase in local tourism, as well as local sports teams such as Macon Mayhem and Macon Bacon deciding to locate in our area. Ha ve you wit nessed a missed oppor t unit y f or Ma con? Because of Macon's rich heritage, the c losing of the Georgia Music Hall of Fame is a missed opportunity. This museum would have been a great tourist attraction if allowed to stay in the Macon area. Ha ving g r o w n up he r e, what do you tell othe rs about why you want to see Ma con thr ive? Macon is a community of good people, people who have chosen to raise their families here and create an environment in which they can find an opportunity to do well, educate their children and grow. W Rea d Adams' complete inte r vie w at ma conmagazine.com. L O C A L B U Z Z m Good news for our hungry Maconites A BELOVED CENTERPIECE of Southern cuisine here in Macon, Satterfield's soon will be reopening its doors. The recognizable and smartly outfitted pig mascot on the restaurant's sign will reignite his neon lights in early 2019. While no exact date has been set, the new owners, Marla Kaplan and Ben Hampton, are itching to get their grills fired up, eager to start "feeding the community with local farms ... whenever possible," Kaplan said in a news release. The aid of financial investment from NewTown Macon helped make the business purchase possible. "Marla and Ben's fun and fresh spin on a classic downtown establishment will position Satterfield's as a destination. NewTown Macon is thrilled to invest in the vision of these young entrepreneurs who will draw visitors and locals alike to experience downtown Macon's up-and-coming culinary scene," said Josh Rogers, NewTown Macon President & CEO. After a successful and rewarding 34 years, the restaurant closed last year because the previous owner and founder, John Satterfield McCord, decided it was time to slow things down. Kaplan said she's delighted to be re-opening the restaurant, and welcoming "authentic, Southern barbecue back to downtown."