Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1466725
1 3 Macon is experiencing a renaissance. Our downtown is a vibrant destination, and industries are choosing Macon- Bibb County for relocations and expansions. While we felt COVID's severe impact, Macon did not experience job loss as sharply as other communities. We celebrate our return to prosperity. The good news doesn't stop there. Macon-Bibb County is seeing an unprecedented level of cooperation between government, business, education and nonprofits. By working together more effectively, we see positive results more quickly. While we celebrate success, we must still do more. When compared to peer cities in Georgia, Macon still lags in nearly all measures of economic success. Employers struggle to find employees, entrepreneurial growth is not as robust as we want and some communities within Macon have not seen prosperity come their way yet. Thanks to increased partnership and cooperation among community stakeholders, the stage has been set and we are actively addressing these challenges. The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and One Macon have come together to pinpoint key initiatives that we believe will accelerate our trajectory. The joint plan, called Forward Macon, focuses on building the workforce, attracting and retaining talent and revitalizing neighborhoods. The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with United Way, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia and SparkMacon, will execute the Forward Macon plan. To learn more, visit forwardmacon.com or scan the QR code to watch the campaign video. Forward Macon plays a critical role in rebuilding the community, ensuring future growth, strengthening livability and creating a sustainable and broadly beneficial economy for all residents of the region. Forward Macon is now seeking investors and community leaders who share its vision of economic growth and prosperity, one where a "rising tide lifts all boats." By the end of 2025, Forward Macon estimates the positive impact to be: > 2,400 to 3,100 more jobs in Macon- Bibb County above the average projected job growth. > Projected consumer expenditures to increase by $56 million a year. F O R W A R D M A C O N