The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) hosted  its annual Holiday Mixer on Wednesday afternoon at The Overlook on First, celebrating the successes of the past year and the exciting developments ahead. 

As part of the event, MBCIA hosted a special signing ceremony celebrating the launch of the new Advanced Manufacturing Pathway at The Technology and Innovation Academy, an extension of Hutchings College and Career Academy. This new educational program will equip students with the technical skills and hands-on experience needed to enter the workforce, and support the large industries recruited and supported by the MBCIA. 

"The new Advanced Manufacturing Pathway Program will give students the opportunity to move directly from the classroom into our Macon-Bibb County workforce,” said Dr. Cassandra Washington, Executive Director of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education and CEO of Hutchings College and Career Academy. “This partnership is creating a talent pipeline that will change the trajectory of our community. We worked closely with local manufacturing industries to develop a curriculum that equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.”

The MBCIA collaborated closely with the Bibb County School District, the college and career academy, Dr. Washington, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, and local manufacturing partners to design a curriculum tailored to the region’s growing industrial needs. The program will welcome its first cohort of students in August of the upcoming school year. 

“This initiative represents the kind of forward-thinking partnership that strengthens our community by connecting education, industry, and opportunity,” said Robby Fountain, Chairman of the MBCIA Board. “We’re not just preparing students for jobs; we’re helping build the future workforce that will drive Macon-Bibb’s continued growth.” 

In addition to the ceremony, MBCIA presented its annual Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) checks to Macon-Bibb County and the Bibb County Board of Education. The PILOT Program is a local tax incentive designed to encourage businesses to invest in the community and create jobs. In return for their commitment, participating companies receive structured property tax discounts tied to investment levels and job creation. 

These annual PILOT contributions continue to strengthen the community’s capacity to support initiatives that enhance economic development and educational opportunity; efforts reflected in programs like the newly announced Advanced Manufacturing Pathway. 

Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims accepted the check on behalf of the Bibb County Board of Education, and Mayor Lester Miller accepted on behalf of Macon-Bibb County.