Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/315858
D uring 2012, the Chamber was busy bringing people together with our many networking events, educational seminars and member services. We were also busy with our advocacy efforts and were pleased when Macon-Bibb County voters overwhelmingly supported the Consolidation vote in July. It is an example of another great thing that happened when people decided to come together. For nearly 100 years, attempts have been made toward a consolidated government, but none of them has been successful until now. It is a testament to the selflessness of our elected officials and to everyone who did come together to help make consolidation a reality. From an economic development perspective, one of the most significant things that happened during 2012 was the decision by Tractor Supply Company to locate a new 600,000-square-foot distribution center in Macon! The new facility is due to be operational by September, 2013, and company officials will hire 300 employees. This is an out-of-the- ballpark homerun to our local economy in so many ways. And it shows yet again that when all of the parties come together in a unified voice, great things can happen! In 2013, our Program of Work will continue to be focused on bringing added value to our members. We will do this by offering member services and programs that meet the ever-changing needs of our business community. Regionalism will continue to be our mindset as we embark on new regional initiatives like "A Taste of Middle Georgia" and not just "A Taste of Macon." We will continue to come together by jointly hosting an annual Leadership When People Come Together as They Did in 2012, Great Things can Happen! Macon/Robins Region/Monroe Alumni event, with this year's event being held in Macon. Our participation with the 21st Century Partnership will continue to be of utmost importance as everyone in our region diligently works to keep Robins Air Force Base a strong and vibrant employer amidst the threats of sequestration and an upcoming Base Realignment Commission. In addition to our everyday business, we will also spend a good part of 2013 working on a comprehensive economic and community development research project. Market Street Services, a nationally recognized Atlanta-based firm will be facilitating the process that will give us a "roadmap to economic and community development success" for the future of Macon-Bibb County. We will be calling on many of you during the process for your input and I thank you in advance for your help. As you can see, great things are happening in Macon and Bibb County that will help us to be the "best place for business." Your membership with the Chamber of Commerce is an investment in this process… and if we work together, that investment will pay dividends for years to come. Mike Dyer President and CEO