In 2013, the Macon Chamber partnered with 21^st Century Partnership, Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, Macon Water Authority, Georgia Power, and The Community Foundation to hire Market Street consulting to lay out a new community and economic development strategy they’ve coined, “One Macon! Our Vision, Our Future.” Macon Chamber President Mike Dyer explains, “The One Macon! study was our focus in 2013 to help us clear a path for how to move forward and tackle the quality of everything—not just the jobs of today, but the jobs of tomorrow for Macon.” 

The One Macon! strategy focuses on one major theme, regionalism, and three key elements: 

• How to improve schools
• How to increase the number and quality of jobs in the area
• Establishing a strong sense of place for Macon as a great place to live and work

Macon’s regionalism also ties to several key initiatives, which Dyer says are “expanding our airport, leveraging the expansion of the Savannah port, and monetizing our transportation capacity.” 

Protecting Robins Air Force Base from sequester interference is another major concentration as the base equates to 23,000 jobs for the Macon area. “We’re very proactive with four-star General Wolfenbarger, trying to prepare for the future and help our base by facilitating more private contracts with local business owners so the Department of Defense’s costs are lowered,” Dyer says.

Several economic development success stories in 2013 also have and will continue to make a big impact on Macon. Two such examples include Tractor Supply Company opening a 690,000-square foot distribution center on the heels of Kumho Tire’s announcement in early September that their moving forward with plans for a $225 million factory after years of delay.  

Another purpose of the One Macon! strategy is cultivating a solid response to the question, ‘Why Macon?’ “We’re a small town with big city amenities,” Dyer says, “and beyond some of the economic development enterprises I’ve discussed, we’ve got great cultural offerings thanks to a solid university presence of 21,000 students.” These institutions include Mercer University, National Criminal Defense College, Central Georgia Technical College, Wesleyan College, and Middle Georgia State College. Dyer also points to their world-class medical facilities as a regional hub of innovation and excellence. 

Lastly, Macon’s long music history and burgeoning music scene are also new points of emphasis for the Macon CVB, which has attracted young people downtown and led to the development of downtown lofts and more cultural events. The world-class Macon Symphony Orchestra is another piece of the music puzzle that helps diversify Macon’s entrainment offerings.