The Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA) released their March Authority Report today, detailing an increase in prospect activity, the sale of the former Brown and Williamson building after a 15-year vacancy, and other highlights to include a list of Macon-Bibb industries hiring, engagements with existing industry partners, and improvements to existing properties in the Industrial Authority’s portfolio.  

The Executive Director’s Report showed that prospect activity is up. There are currently 28 open projects with a potential investment of more than $600 million and more than 4,800 potential jobs.  Also, after a 15-year vacancy, the former Brown & Williamson plant sold to an investor that is repositioning the building for growth. Their investment greatly enhances MBCIA’s marketability efforts.

The MBCIA engaged with more than 100 Industry partners last month and determined the top concerns for them currently are: COVID-19 testing and vaccines, Public Works (solid waste and beautification), and hiring. 

The following Macon-Bibb Industries have open positions:

• Elliot Machine Shop – CNC & Machinist

• L&G Technology – Mechanic & Admin

• Embraer – Multiple positions

• Irving Tissue – Multiple positions

• Kumho Tire – Multiple positions

• Pactiv – Multiple positions

• Geico – Multiple positions

•  Mr. Chips – Multiple positions

•  Amazon – Multiple positions

•  Tractor Supply – Multiple positions

•  Middle Georgia Freightliner – Multiple positions

•  L.H. Thomson – Multiple positions

• Tyson Foods – Multiple positions 

MBCIA continued discussions with the Bibb County CTAE and Coca-Cola on core curriculum development, creating a pathway/pipeline to funnel students to their facility. They had a discussion with Volumatic on cybersecurity updates, as well as an on-site visit with Kumho Tire. They are working to aid in Tractor Supply’s 100K square foot storage needs, and finally, they are working on connecting Middle Georgia Freightliner with resources for expanding.  

The Existing Industry Report also detailed the following work with community partners: 

• MBCIA is continuing work with the Middle Georgia Regional Commission on securing rides for applicants to industries for things like work, interviews, and medical visits

• Middle Georgia State University provided industries with information on continuing education programs currently in the works

• The Bibb County School System requested assistance from industries with their mock interview program 

• The report also showed collaboration with the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce on their Greater Macon Works platform

The MBCIA is proud to assist in coordinating donation and volunteer efforts for the Brookdale Warming Center. MBCIA was asked to spread the word which led to Industry partner, L.H. Thomson, assisting with a donation that will be presented to the Warming Center on Tuesday, March 2 at 9:30 a.m. 

The Project Manager’s Report showed a focus on familiarization of sites and buildings as well as cross-checking information and updating photos in the GIS support system. They’re also working with Georgia Power and the State of Georgia to ensure data alignment on sites and working with realtors to identify candidate buildings to present to potential prospects.   

Another focus of the report is site planning. The planning phase has begun for the projects focusing on developing airport and I-75 properties that would attract developers and industry. The report also highlighted a focus on site improvements at Allied Industrial Park, which include:

• Removing dead and declining trees

• Setting a schedule on trash and maintenance

• Removing and straightening signs

• Making repairs and upgrades, some of which are in progress, for several tenants throughout the park

• Renting 20,000 square feet of warehouse space to a new company that now brings the park to 100% occupancy.

The marketing and outreach activities detail their new #MACONOPPORTUNITIES ad campaign, which can be found at www.mbcia.com/maconopportunities, and on social media. They’ve developed ads for Georgia Trend, The Black Pages, and 41NBC’s virtual job fair. 

Upcoming events include volunteering at the Brookdale Warming Center on Thursday, March 4 at 4:15 p.m. and the Georgia Logistics Summit on March 23.

Finally, the Authority gave an update of expected future activity stemming from their strategic planning efforts briefed at last month’s board meeting and also expressed their gratitude to Senator John Kennedy and Rep. Dale Washburn for their efforts in assisting industry partners during the COVID-19 pandemic.