Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/809553
64 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E A P R I L / M A Y 2 0 1 7 July ■ Pat Topping, Sr. Vice President of Economic Development, Macon Economic Development Commission honored by Southern Economic Development Council and awarded "Honorary Life Membership" which recognizes the highest level of commitment to bettering the profession of economic development. August ■ Macon Chamber partners with Robins Regional Chamber hosting third annual Regional Business After Hours event at the Middle Georgia Regional Airport with over 250 attendees from the Bibb- Houston region. ■ MEDC hosts Regional Workforce Summit bringing together 200 attendees and presentations from thought leaders focused on workforce programs, initiatives and other creative ways of recruiting and retaining employees. A Taste of Macon-Bibb ■ Mark Butler, Georgia's Department of Labor Commissioner addresses attendees at Good Morning Macon highlighting the state's initiatives focused on workforce development, talent recruitment and retention. September ■ The inaugural class of Young Entrepreneurs Academy begins their year-long program of learning how to start and grow their own businesses. Twenty-three students representing public, private and home schools participating in this year's first YEA! class, which is also the first in the entire state of Georgia. ■ Chamber's 2016 Golf Classic held at Healy Point Golf Club with a sold-out course. ■ Chamber members and Macon community leaders participate in the Columbus Chamber's InterCity Visit to Nashville, Tennessee, to observe best practices and ideas that have catapulted that city forward. The Jones Center Ribbon Cutting