Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/337667
Regional and Government Partnerships • Support regional collaboration and partnerships. • Advocate for improved transit systems in support of businesses and employees. • Advocate for the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce legislative agenda to address federal, state and local issues. • Supportthetransitiontoa successful Macon-Bibb consolidated government. • Participate in the 2014 Columbus Chamber of Commerce Intercity trip. Education and Workforce Development • Establish a Business Education Partnership (BEP) • Work with the Macon Promise Neighborhood (MPN) to identify potential pilot programs from the One Macon! plan that align with MPN objectives, while supporting that attainment of sustainable funding for MPN implementation. • Collaborate with community partners to educate and provide a world-class workforce. • Work with colleges and universities to develop new certificate and degree programs that support target industry sectors. • Challenge the business community to develop summer internships and apprenticeships that expose high school and college students to career opportunities in target sectors. • Work with the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education and the Southern Regional Education Board to evaluate best practice programs for implementation in Macon K–12 Education. • Support the continual improvement of the Leadership Macon program and the development of a Young Professional Education Program. Economic Development • Upgrade air cargo capacity in the region by supporting and participating in the implementation of the Middle Georgia Regional Airport Master Plan and the pursuit of joint-use designation for Robins Air Force Base. • Support and participate in the development of a plan to take advantage of the new economic opportunities from the port of Savannah. • Establish the Middle Georgia Logistics Council to promote the region as a premier destination for distribution in the Southeast and host an annual Logistics Summit. • Utilize information on inter-industry expenditures to identify import substitution opportunities and recruitment targets that can eliminate expenditure leakage and elevate the economic impact of target sectors. • Aid the advance of the College Hill Alliance's entrepreneurship initiative and the subsequent implementation of recommendations and pilot programs. • Support an investment by the MBCIA in site specific improvements to the community's industrial parks. • Advance the implementation of critical transportation infrastructure projects that improve the viability and competitiveness of Macon-Bibb as a logistics/distribution hub and inland port. • Optimize Macon-Bibb's general economic development marketing communications, and public relations efforts. • Partner with the following organizations to aid in the execution of their strategic plans, initiatives and the Urban Core Master Plan: • NewTown Macon • Macon Bibb County Convention and Visitors Bureau • College Hill Alliance • Urban Development Authority Macon Day and "A Taste of Macon" Macon Day is a 20+ year tradition coordinated by the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and hosted by the Macon-Bibb County delegation. It is an educational experience which provides participants with a forum to learn first-hand of the service our local legislators perform on their behalf. roughout the day agency and State department representatives speak of their work and of the impact legislation has on their service delivery. Local legislators provide an update on issues being discussed in both houses of the State government. Whether the itinerary includes state agency visits, sessions led by state department representatives or observation time in the legislative gallery, attendees develop a deep appreciation for the legislative process and for the work of all those within the state system. Scheduled in conjunction with Macon Day, "A Taste of Macon" brings local delegates, state officials and the business community together to enjoy camaraderie and good food from some of Macon-Bibb's finest restaurants and caterers. is reception provides an opportunity for attendees to connect with state officials, express their appreciation for their service and dialogue about the issues of greatest concern to the local community. 042914 Annual Report.indd 5 5/14/14 1:51 PM