Nestled beside the Ocmulgee River, Macon's lush forests and rolling hills attracted settlement long before written history. The fruitful fields and mild climate sustained some of the earliest known North American cultures and eventually piqued the interest of European explorers. After Hernando DeSoto arrived, the location grew in importance as a trading post and treaty meeting place. Macon became a thriving city, and, spared the ravages of the Civil War, created its place among Georgia's premier communities.
The determined efforts of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Macon Economic Development Commission, the Downtown Council, local government, and state officials, have brought a multitiude of new businesses to the area. The planned $50 million revitalization of downtown is quickly generating renewed interest in this historic part of the city. As easy distribution paths provided by Macon's central location bring more businesses here, the resulting influx of people to the area is producing a boom in home construction, service sector, and retail businesses.
Five major industrial parks serve heavy to light manufacturing, high-tech operations, and warehouse/distribution facilities in the area. Some trace their history to the textile mills while others developed when Macon established military units here, sepecially Robins Air Force Base and Warner Robins Air Logistics Center. Employing thousands of cvilian and military personnel, the base helped spur Macon's "Aerospace Alley" and a multitude of government operations. The area's leaders continue to work toward expanding the industrial economy, predicting considerable growth well into the next century.
Like most of the country, Macon's economic focus has shifted from agriculture to manufacturing to service and retail sectors. The health care industry dominates Macon's service sector, with six hospitals serving patients from across the state's mid-section. The central location makes doctor visits, consultations, and hospital stays convenient for everyone. Banking, insurance, and other "back-office" industries evolved with the health care firms and employ thousands of people here. Retail growth has also exploded throughout Macon.
Macon's public and private schools, and six post-secondary instituions receive positive support from the entire community to create an exciting educational environment here. Innovative programs closely bind the schools and the area's industries in a reciprocal relationship: the businesses offer insights to increasingly high-tech fields while the schools provide a well-trained workforce ready for technoligical challenges. Reinforcing the educational system, Macon's extensive library system features computerized services and a nationally recognized genealogy department.
As the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World, Macon's Cherry Blossom Festival attracts thousands of visitors every spring. Other top-rated festivals and a multitude of sights such as the Hay House, Ocmulgee National Monument, the Museum of Aviation, and ten historic districts draw tourists and conventions here. The Macon Coliseum, one of the largest convention centers outside of Atlanta, and part of the Macon Centreplex, also welcomes thousands of people to Macon annually. In addition, local theaters and museums continually provide forums for the fine arts.
The romantic notions of southern living, captured in the historic homes, form a gracious foundaton for Maconites' lifestyles. Strong neighborhood associations, public safety departments, churches, and volunteer organizations work to create a peaceful environment for families and businesses to grow. The hundreds of parks designed by the city planners thrive even today, welcoming afternoon strolls and family picnics. All around Macon, recreational activities beckon. The Macon Braves play in one of the nation's five oldest ball parks and nearly any sport, social club, or support organization can be found in the area.
Poised and ready to bring Macon to new heights by the 21st century, the area's leaders look forward to realizing the results 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 new century.
