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Member Engagement Brigitte Moten, Vice Chair One of the Chamber's goals for 2013 was to conduct a membership survey to assess the member needs. e Chamber was delighted to find that the majority of members are satisfied with their membership and feel like they receive value from their investment. After analyzing the survey results, the Chamber decided to continue to focus on communication efforts to members (newsletters, website and social media), address the needs of small businesses in the area and increased engagement with the young professionals in the community. e Chamber continues to offer a multitude of networking and educational events. e Connecting Over Coffee and Business After Hours events draw many members that want to network with their peers and leaders in the business community. Sponsors of these events are delighted to invite members into their places of business. Attendance at Chamber events were at an all time high during 2013. Many distinguished community leaders were recognized during the 153rd Annual Meeting and golfers raved about their experience at the Golf Classic. Both events are excellent networking opportunities for members while giving sponsors a premium opportunity to showcase their business. Many partnerships were formed during the year to assist small businesses. e Chamber partnered with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce to offer webinars to members. Several workshops and seminars were offered to provide educational resources to members with a focus on small business. Many ribbon cuttings and grand opening ceremonies were held for new members. Existing members were excited to visit a new member's place of business to meet them and possibly do business with them in the future. Community and Economic Development Robbo Hatcher, Chairman e Macon Economic Development Commission (MEDC) is the single point of contact for economic development projects. Public and private sectors join together for the purpose of recruiting new business and industry to Macon-Bibb, and for working with existing business and industry on expansions and retention. During 2013, the MEDC opened 57 new projects and had 38 project visits. What a busy year! e Macon Bibb County Industrial Authority, Macon-Bibb, the Macon Bibb County Water Authority and the MEDC announced the opening of Mr. Chips, Inc. (a sliced dill pickle and cubed relish processing plant) and Aspen Products (paper manufacturer). Other announcements included Go Green, LLC, Middle Georgia Printing Cooperative and Volunteer Pastilles. $68 million was invested; 250 new jobs created and 230 jobs were retained. During 2013, the Chamber supported the Macon-Bibb Community and Economic Development Strategy now known as "One Macon! Our Vision. Our Future." is initiative is in partnership with the MEDC, the Community Foundation, the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority and others. e strategy is designed to unify the community around a consensus vision for our future. e chamber is a strong advocate of the plan and will serve on the Implementation Committee during 2014. Existing Business and Industry David Sanda, Vice Chair In conjunction with the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, e Chamber and MEDC held industrial park association meetings which provide networking and information sharing opportunities for neighboring companies. During these lunch meetings participants discuss common issues of concern and develop a plan of action. Speakers are given an opportunity to share up-to- date information on current trends and changes that may affect industry. Company representatives are also allowed opportunities to share information about their businesses and provide optional tours of their facilities. e Chamber planned and hosted the regional environmental, health and safety meetings in addition to three regional quality networking meetings. We also partnered with the Middle Georgia Employer Association to host the Georgia Warehousing and Distribution Center networking event. e Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and the Macon Economic Development Commission hosted the annual Existing Business and Industry Awards Luncheon to honor Macon-Bibb County's outstanding businesses and industry. Companies are recognized for their exceptional contributions to the community. Qualifying businesses are evaluated on their economic impact as well as their corporate citizenship and volunteer activities. e 2013 Business of the Year was Infinity Network Solutions and YKK was named Industry of the Year. Highlights 042914 Annual Report.indd 6 5/14/14 1:51 PM