Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/667021
APRIL/MAY 2016 67 Chamber Staff Jennifer Bronner Vice President, Finance jbronner@maconchamber.com Audrey Connely Vice President, Administration aconnely@maconchamber.com Mike Dyer President & CEO mdyer@maconchamber.com Lynn Farmer Director, Leadership Macon and Young Professionals Network lfarmer@maconchamber.com Mary Heenan Accounting Clerk mheenan@maconchamber.com Tim Hughes Membership Account Executive thughes@maconchamber.com O'Claudia Johnson Administrative Assistant and Information Specialist ojohnson@maconchamber.com Marty Koplin Executive Assistant, MEDC mkoplin@maconworks.com Laura McMaster Vice President, Sales and Marketing lmcmaster@maconchamber.com Ashley Miller Manager, Business and Existing Industry, MEDC amiller@maconworks.com Renita Patterson Special Events Coordinator rpatterson@maconchamber.com Shannon Piland Marketing Coordinator spiland@maconchamber.com Pat Topping, CEcD Senior Vice President, MEDC ptopping@maconworks.com I n today's fast-paced business world, data and information are literally at our fingertips with the click of a mouse or a swipe of a phone. However, once a year we like to show you a more in-depth, big picture of what the Chamber is doing to ensure that Macon is The Best Place for Business. In this year's report, we're telling the story with figures, percentages and other measurable data. For example, we've observed a trend in more of you attending networking and major events. Last year, total attendance was over 4,000 for our events which is an increase of 20%. More of you are following us on social media and we tracked a 75% increase in new Facebook followers. The numbers are also exciting in the Macon Economic Development Commission. During 2015, your economic development team nailed down two major announcements for Macon-Bibb County with Boeing and First Quality Packaging Solutions. Together those companies are investing nearly $200 million in Macon-Bibb that will bring over 300 new jobs to the local economy. Existing industry in Macon- Bibb also saw expansion with a total of $58 million invested and 338 new jobs. As you review the information within these pages and read the impressive numbers and statistics, I encourage you to please keep in mind the people behind the numbers. None of this happens without the hard work and dedication of many people. Nearly 75 volunteer leaders serve on the Chamber's and MEDC's Board of Directors and give selflessly of their time and talent to help take Macon to the next level. Over 1,050 local businesses representing over 50,000 employees support the Chamber every year with their membership investment. In doing that you are supporting the largest business advocacy organization in the Middle Georgia region. During 2016 we will work hard to continue the upward swing. A major focus will be in the area of workforce development where we will continue to collaborate with our education partners to build a skilled workforce with the knowledge, education and training to compete for the jobs of today and the future. If you would like to review all of the 2016 goals and objectives for the Chamber and MEDC, please review our 2016 Strategic Plan which can be found on our website at MaconChamber.com. Thank you for your continued support of our Chamber and Macon Economic Development Commission. Together we are making a difference. Mike Dyer, President & CEO Best Place for Business 80% Increase in website traffic 75% Increase in Facebook followers