Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/153540
What is your occupation? President & CEO of the Macon-Bibb County Convention & Visitors Bureau How long have you lived here? Three years. You have been selected as one of Macon Magazine's "Five under 40" because you have shown a commitment to this community to move it forward in positive, important ways. Tell us about your activities in the community. My current involvement in the local community includes the Macon Economic Development Commission, Howard High School CTAE Advisory Committee, Knight Foundation Advisory Board, Macon Rotary Club, SPLOST Advisory Board and the Tubman African American Museum Board. MONICA R. SMITH 39 years old What are you most optimistic about that is happening in Macon right now? I'm optimistic about the development of the Community & Economic Development Plan, currently being led by the chamber, Macon Economic Development Commission and the Macon-Bibb Industrial Authority. I believe that this plan will help us to redefine the vision for Macon and develop the collaborative opportunities to lead this community and region into the future. I'm hopeful that it will complement and enhance the many efforts already underway. I'm also optimistic that we'll begin to work together as a community to enhance and improve the Bibb County public schools in order to provide all of our children with the education and skills to become work-ready or college-ready. It won't be easy, but our children and our community deserve the collaborative effort required to make significant process in improving our public schools. What is your occupation? I am the Executive Director of the Macon-Bibb County Urban Development Authority, a quasi-public agency charged with initiating development in the city, chiefly the urban core. How long have you lived here? I have lived in Macon off and on for 10 years. I matriculated at Mercer in 2003, but took a break for graduate school and moved back in 2010. ALEX MORRISON 28 years old 24 l MACON MAGAZINE You have been selected as one of Macon Magazine's "Five under 40" because you have shown a commitment to this community to move it forward in positive, important ways. Tell us about your activities in the community. It's been a joy to work with several projects that have really taken off. I was involved in the infancy of College Hill, Main Street Macon and the Mulberry Street Market. My job is also firmly rooted in making this city greater, and it's a pleasure to work every day. I also enjoy volunteer work with Historic Macon and the Ocmulgee Park Initiative, among others. What are you most optimistic about that is happening in Macon right now? While the building rehabs and street enhancements are the visible signs of progress, the underlying data is what has me most excited about Macon. Macon is attracting young people to live here in ways we haven't seen in a long time. This trend is a key indicator that we are moving forward. AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2013