The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce celebrated the 35th Anniversary of the Leadership Macon program on Tuesday, March 10th with a luncheon and special ceremony honoring the founders of Leadership Macon, Mr. Robert Hatcher and Mr. Charles Jay. 

Since 1979, the Leadership Macon program has provided leadership training and community education to individuals seeking to become more involved in the growth and development of Macon and Bibb County. The program now boasts an alumni base of nearly 1,500 graduates. 

During the celebration at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, over 150 Leadership Macon Alumni gathered to hear the story of the program’s founding and early days. In addition, alumni from various years spoke about the impact the program has had on their lives and the impact it has had on our community. An official proclamation from the Mayor’s office was presented to both and Tuesday, March 10th was proclaimed “Charles Jay and Robert F. Hatcher Day” in Macon, Georgia. All in attendance showered heartfelt thanks and congratulations on the honorees. 

The Robert F. Hatcher Award, presented annually at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting, is awarded to an Outstanding Leadership Macon Alumni. The Jay Fellow Award, to be added as an annual award in 2016 in honor of Charles Jay, will be presented to a member of that year’s class who demonstrates outstanding community leadership during the year. 

The Leadership Macon 35th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon was presented by the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Cox Communications and Navicent Health; and with Gold Sponsors DeWayne Moore Painting, Inc, Macon Occupational Medicine, and James-Bates-Brannan-Groover-LLP.