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66 MACONMAGAZINE.COM A s we begin 2016, we are grateful for the positive changes in our community. With overwhelming community support for the passage of the ESPLOST, exciting new job announcements, and recognition of the Macon Economic Development Commission as one of the four best economic development agencies in Georgia, it is clear we are on the right track. A spirit of optimism is taking hold in our community, as the rest of Georgia and the Southeast sees Macon from a new perspective. Now is the time to capitalize on that spirit by working together to grow the economy of Macon-Bibb. To accomplish this, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce must continue to lead the efforts to create the best climate for business for Macon-Bibb. We will build on the success of 2015 by focusing on small business services, new partnerships that reflect the diversity in our community, and mature partnerships with the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority and Macon Water Authority, and those that leverage public and private assets to promote Macon-Bibb. We must also strengthen the Business-Education Partnership with the Macon-Bibb County Board of Education and maintain our focus on workforce development. Finally, we must speak with one voice for all of the Chamber's 1,000 plus members on business matters. In 2016, we will continue to work on outreach and diversity to make the Chamber more representative of our community. The Chamber is embarking on an exciting new partnership with the 100 Black Men of Macon to combine our collective resources to address education and economic development issues in Macon-Bibb County. We are also working on strengthening the foundation for cooperation at all levels of the new consolidated government and we will continue to work to solve regional problems, like transportation, while supporting Robins Air Force Base at all times, as we all recognize that Robins is the economic engine of Middle Georgia. Finally, we will continue to look at the successes of other similar size communities, like Greenville, South Carolina, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, to make sure that the Chamber is following best practices in our efforts to promote the business climate in Macon-Bibb County. The Chamber is blessed to have a remarkable staff that works hard for our 1,000 plus membership. Their daily efforts are appreciated by all who have a chance to witness their selfless dedication to our community. We are fortunate to have so much talent working for the Chamber. I am honored to serve as Chair of the Chamber for 2016. The Chamber will continue to work hard to make Macon-Bibb County the best place for business in Georgia and the community we imagine for our children. A New Day for Macon-Bibb 192 1050 Member businesses and organizations George Greer, 2016 Chairman New Chamber members in 2015