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8 2 M A C O N M A G A Z I N E . C O M A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 9 The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce plays an integral role in the cultivation of a dynamic and thriving business community. While our record of economic and community development through the years is commendable, we must keep our eye on the future and evolve with the changing cultural and economic landscape to remain relevant. Your Chamber is on the move in 2019 with impressive new leadership, an experienced and talented staff, assertive advocacy on a variety of business related issues, and the delivery of improved relationship building and promotional platforms & events for our investors, among other things. The work to repurpose the Macon Economic Development Commission has also begun in earnest with a new strategic focus on work force development, which will seek better alignment of existing partners and resources, the attraction and retention of a skilled workforce, and the removal of barriers to workforce participation, all consistently the top challenges facing our local employers today. Forward looking, vibrant chambers of commerce will serve as the conveners and facilitators of business, government, and education. Representing more than 1,000 businesses and 70,000 employees, your Chamber will continue to develop collaborative partnerships, recognizing that key relationships are critical in sustaining job development, economic growth, and our overall economic competitiveness. Businesses have banded together for centuries for the common interest of economic growth and prosperity and supporting that effort today is what propels and motivates your Chamber. Business to business and household to household we have a shared future together in Middle Georgia. I am honored to serve as Chair of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce for 2019 and am grateful to all our members and investors for their continued support. M E S S A G E F R O M T H E C H A I R M A N Jim Manley