MACON, APRIL 1973 - Four decades ago, GEICO invited local dignitaries to dig in when the company broke ground for its first building in Macon. GEICO officials hosting the event include former President Ralph Peck, far left; former Chairman Norman Gidden, center left; and Macon's first and former Regional Vice President Ross Pierce, far right. (Photo: Business Wire)

After 40 years and two office openings, GEICO's Macon office has experienced tremendous growth from 150 associates to now more than 5,400 in its two locations. On Tuesday, Aug. 12, GEICO celebrated its 40th anniversary in Macon with its dedicated associates, state and local officials and business and community leaders.

GEICO opened its first office in Macon in August 1974, and it grew from 150 employees to more than 800 within a year. After more than 20 years of steady growth, GEICO unveiled its second Macon facility in 1999. Today, GEICO's two regional operations in Macon make up the largest GEICO location in the country. Plans are to add more than 500 new associates by the end of this year.

"Macon is part of GEICO's DNA," says Rhett Rayburn, GEICO's regional vice president of Southeast operations. "For 40 years, this city has provided our business with exceptional talent and unwavering support. We are proud to call Macon home."

The Georgia Commissioner of Insurance Ralph T. Hudgens, Macon's Mayor Robert Reichert and GEICO President and COO Bill Roberts spoke at Tuesday's event to acknowledge four decades of success in Macon. A number of local, long-time policyholders were also invited to join in the festivities complete with the GEICO Gecko.

"The Macon offices have been an integral part of GEICO's success and are evidence of its continued growth," says Roberts. "We are so proud of our associates' accomplishments and commitment to providing our policyholders with the best service. Tuesday, we celebrate the past 40 years and the next 40 years to come. GEICO's future in Macon looks brighter than ever."

GEICO has long since been an important fixture in Macon providing thousands of jobs to local residents and logging hundreds of community service hours and dollars to local and national organizations. After raising more than $1 million for United Way in 2013, Mayor Reichert gave GEICO a key to the city and named February 19 as GEICO Appreciation Day.