On Target for Tomorrow
Poised and ready to bring Macon to new heights by the 21st century, the area's leaders look forward to realizing the resluts of years of planning. A variety of programs promise to keep Macon and its citizens at the forefront of a changing world. Seizing the opportunities of technological advancements and maximizing Macon's central location allow the city to confidently welcome the next century.
A city of history and a city of progress, Macon's future promises a continued course of success. The leadership today remains committed to an ever-higher standard of living through efficient government, a diversified economy, strong educational systems, enhanced arts awareness, and community pride. Like a jigsaw puzzle, these pieces fit together to reveal a picture of immense potential for the city.
In 1994, a special local committee formed to assess the efficiency of the city and county governments. The results of their studies pointed out strengths and weaknesses, and served as a catalyst for discussion and planning. Macon's small-town atmosphere, preserved despite the city's growth, encourages residents to talk with their representatives and share ideas.
A city of history and a city of progress, Macon's future
promises a continued course of success.
Photography by Ken Krakow.
The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce specifically works with local governments and state officials toward enhancing the quality of life here and improving the business environment. A legislative committee comprised of volunteers addresses the most pressing concerns and also looks ahead to the long-term effects of pending government decisions. In the 1990s, Chamber members worked effectively with Warner Robins and other surrounding towns when the federal govemment considered a list of military base closings.
As the focal point of Central Georgia, Macon benefits when it
works toward the good of the region. That's why many organizations
and agencies envision "Macon" as the entire MSA and not
just the area within the city limits. When the Macon Economic
Development Commission (MEDC) recruits new businesses, it
highlights the advantages of the whole MSA. "Red Carpet" or
"Silver Carpet" tours for prospective companies generally
encompass Macon, Bibb County, Houston County, and beyond,
pointing out the benefits of the vertically integrated aerospace
industry, solid infrastructure, or convenient multi-modal transportation
here. The MEDC joins a host of other area agencies at the
Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce's annual "Taste of Macon"
in Atlanta, too. This event promotes the region to state legislators
and agencies in a casual environment.
The Roads to Economic Success
The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce regularly hosts its informal
"Business After Hours" for its members. Photography by Ken Krakow.
Macon's Ieaders continue to deliver positive economic development results through constant efforts. More and more plans for new business projects and existing industry expansions get approved and put into action with surprising speed. Maconites deserve credit for much of the city's success. It was the voting public who decided to move ahead in 1994 with significant highway, street, and sidewalk improvements. New traffic signals, safer intersections, more convenient sidestreets, and other upgrades prepare the city for some of the transportation demands of the 21st century. The city recently named a section of I-75, The Reginald Trice Parkway, in honor of the man who was instrumental in bringing the freeway and its economic benefits through Macon. This freeway breezes with a steady flow of traffic spread across three lanes in each direction. Interstate 75 delivers many of Macon's tourists as they travel north to Atlanta or south into Florida. Intersecting with 1-475 and 1-16, the I-75 freeway also reinforces Macon's over-the-road distribution capabilities. The Fall Line Freeway, another major road improvement project, further emphasizes Macon's central location as it reaches across the state's midsection and through the city.
The Macon-Bibb County Convention & Visitor's Bureau
expects these smooth freeways to help boost tourism's impact on
the economy here. The revitalization of downtown will increase
the numbers of visitors, too. The Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and
the Georgia Music Hall of Fame welcome tourists, and the Macon
Centreplex is hosting bigger conventions, events and trade
shows than ever before. With all the attractions, Macon still has
room to grow. The Ocmulgee River has yet to be developed as
a recreational or tourism asset, and possibilities such as a bike
path and habitat preserve may be considered in the future.
Activities and events which increase awareness and appreciation
of Macon's vast artstic talents should generate even more support
of the arts community, in turn drawing more favorable attention
to the city. Another possible attraction under evaluation by the
neighborhood associations in the historic districts would feature
nighttime tours. Carefully placed outdoor lights, according to this
proposal, would highlight architecturally signfficant portions of
selected historic homes. Just how everyone gets around on these
tours, or how they travel about town in general, is also a subject
of serious consideration. Speculation about public transportation
improvements occasionally make the headlines of The Macon
Telegraph, as the tourism agencies, city and county govemments,
and other organizations work together to find a positive solution.
Changes for the better sometimes take longer than expected, but
Macon is definitely working toward positive changes with an
admirable intensity and dedication.
Focused on Education
Macon's future greatly depends on the children educated here today. They hold the key to sustained growth and success. The city shares the nation's concern for building stronger school systems, reducing juvenile delinquency problems, decreasing teenage pregnancies, and increasing academic standards. The leadership here has renewed its dedication to creating a superior environment in which students can learn. The Bibb County public school system develped and implemented a variety of new programs in the 1990s designed to challenge gifted children, re-motivate potential dropouts and disruptive students, increase students' familiarity with computers, and directly involve businesses in their prospective workforce. The efforts of the Macon 2000 Partnership paved the way for many of these innovative programs by seeking and securing funding from sources other than tax revenues. Some pilot programs may be implemented systemwide, while others may evolve into entirely different avenues for reaching students. From unconventional medhods to the tried-and-true strategies, the school system is using what works best toward benefiting today's students for a better future.
The powerful momentum shows no sign of slacking as the new century peeks over the horizon. The strong partnership between corporations and universities here promises discoveries which could lead to entirely new industries. A Mercer University professor and his assistants unearthed a deposit of thallium near Macon, an element never before found in Georgia. Many analysts expect demand for this material to grow as its use in high-tech applications increases, but no reserves have been recorded in the United States. Even if the University's work shows that the thallium deposit here is too small to have any economic impact, the discovery does offer an opportunity for further study on this rather elusive element.
Participants in Youth Leadership Bibb County listen to health care issues
from Don Faulk, CEO of the Medical Center. Yourth Leadership Bibb
County is a cooperative effort of the Macon 2000 Partnership, the County
Extension Office, the University of Georgia Fanning Leadership Center,
and alumni of Leadership Georgia. Student participants represent the public
and private schools of central Georgia. Photography by H. Lee Perdue/Perdue Design Group.
The area's strength in health care and engineering also makes it possible that the biomedical field may grow significantly in the future. Macon's leaders are also positioning the area to become a new senior market: the mild climate, low cost of living, superb health care, and the central location could bring an ever-increasing number of residents 55 and older to live in the community. Then, too, as more businesses locate here and more people choose to move here, Macon will likely see more retail establishments, restaurants, and services. It's an upward spiral - planned and welcomed - which in total, helps to raise the standard of living for everyone. It's progress, tempered by a city that graciously cherishes its past.
