Q2 20 23 REPORT TO INVESTORS
2023 Q2 INVESTOR REPORT
Forward Macon initiatives continue to be successfully implemented into a collaborative strategy to create new jobs, recruit new residents, and develop new talent in Macon-Bibb. Our downtown is vibrant, neighborhoods are improving, and industries are choosing to expand operations and to consider relocation to Georgia’s sweet spot for jobs and good living
The unprecedented level of cooperation between government, business, education, and nonprofits continues to create a distinctive destination for commerce and culture By working together, we see positive results more quickly The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce and One Macon have endorsed Forward Macon key initiatives that are accelerating our trajectory The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with United Way, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia and SparkMacon have already created an impressive impact in the current phase of the Forward Macon Plan’s execution
We have seen so much progress in the first three years of implementation of the Forward Macon Plan. We are pleased to share some highlights from our work in Q2 2023. We thank you for your past support of the Forward Macon campaign and appreciate your current contributions This critical work would not be possible without your commitment and vision
$56M
Over 11,690 students and adults have been actively engaged with educators and employers on greatercareerworks.com.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Pillar I: Improve Workforce
Through Greater Career Works, Forward Macon will ensure our graduates are college/career-ready by connecting business and education providers at all levels
Implement GreaterCareerWorks com, a web-based hub that links recruitment, skill-building, and career navigation into one collaborative system
Provide local businesses a seamless venue to post jobs, participate in virtual job fairs, and take advantage of hundreds of training modules
Provide educational institutions with analytics to assess skills needed in the community, access to promote or host job fairs for students, usage of training modules as part of their curriculum, and a place to promote their programs and training.
Provide job seekers a local resource for finding jobs and training at no charge
Students 7,204
Counselors/Teachers 531 Organizations 322
Job Postings 2,392
Applications 469
Completed Courses 104
Users on Site 10,978
Career Card Views 9,226 Three Public School Systems Bibb/Crawford/Peach
Q2
PILLAR II: ATTRACT & RETAIN TALENT
Proactively market Macon as the place to live, work and play in the Southeast
The Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce will create and implement a talent attraction plan that builds on the region’s cultural and business narrative
Identify Macon’s unique brand assets and develop a brand proposition around those assets.
Identify top talent markets for Macon.
Create and execute a marketing blueprint to include, but not be limited to, website, social media, content development, ambassador & alumni outreach, media relations, and advertising
Enhance Young Professionals Network and Leadership Macon to retain talent already here
WORKFORCE & TALENT HIGHLIGHTS
In June, the Greater Macon Chamber, along with business sponsors and community partners, welcomed medical residents from Atrium Health Navicent and Piedmont Health Macon. A catered reception was combined with a community meet and greet. Local leaders, business sponsors and non-profits joined the effort to show the new aspiring physicians what makes Macon special. We hope that these new residents decide to choose Macon as home to make their mark
Greater Career Works has recently been integrated into the Twiggs County Schools database The school system will utilize the professional development platform as a vital component in their 2023-24 strategic plan We are excited to welcome our new education partners to join Future Workforce Fridays during the upcoming academic year
Leadership Macon Alumni celebrated the program ' s 43rd anniversary at the Society Garden The alumni group continues to engage graduates with social and professional opportunities to stay connected with peers
New Medical Residents receive a warm welcome at the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.CHOOSEMACON.COM BRAND COLLABORATION ADDS MACON GREATER GUIDE TO THE NEW PLATFORM'S MEDIA ASSETS
The new Macon Greater Guide was recently released utilizing visual and creative assets along with key messaging that was originally developed for ChooseMacon.com and Forward Macon's talent attraction campaign.
By partnering with publisher Macon Magazine, local community partners and residents now also have access to the valuable content to share with their employees and contacts The inaugural issue of the comprehensive Greater Macon Chamber business directory includes sample itineraries for prospects and newcomer connections for those interested in relocation to Macon.
Macon Greater Guide provides a sharp visual snapshot of the people, places, flavors, missions, services and products that are available and accessible in our community
The resource guide is available at the Greater Macon Chamber office. Digital copies may be viewed online by clicking the cover image.
Macon Area Connections Goes All Out IRL
Macon Area Connections (MAC) is the enhanced networking initiative developed by the Greater Macon Chamber to replace Young Professionals Network The program is designed to engage and connect newcomers and locals who want to become more involved in the community. By offering regularly scheduled social and professional networking opportunities, MAC will serve a vital role in retaining existing talent and welcoming new residents into the area.
An innovative marketing campaign will feature retro pop culture references with contemporary social acronyms The first IRL MAC event will be hosted at Philospohie Wine Bar on August 15th from 4-7 PM
Q2 20 23
Pillar II: Attract and Retain Talent Entrepreneurial Support Initiative
Startup-Macon hosted or sponsored events that brought in just ov at those events. Community Catalyst Andrew Eck held one-on-on specific recommendations to enhance their operations.
In May, Macon hosted its 5th Annual Macon Startup Week with so 177 unique individuals registered and attended the workshops an This year Startup-Macon sponsored the end of the week summit a
2023 Startup Week Event hosted at Triangle Arts Center
Kaviar Beauty Bar awarded the 2023 Startup of the Year.
Andrew Eck reported progress of Startup Macon to Entprepreneurial Support Organizations
City of Macon Proclamation signed for “Small Business Week” during Startup Week.
Crime Prevention Safety Audits Conducted in Pleasant Hill
Three Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) safety audits sessions were held on November 19, 2022; February 4, 2023; and June 24, 2023 They resulted in the engagement of 39 resident youth and community volunteers and 431 assessments as part of the Phase I of the Safe by Design project In Phase II, an informational will be distributed to residents on recommendations for creating safe and compliant features on their property
STRATEGIC PLANNING
Officers and committee (infrastructure; public safety; youth and education; basic needs history, culture, and recreation) have leads identified Board Training and Retreat - Held at Hotel 45 on April 15, 2023
BLIGHT REMEDIATION
A Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) grant was awarded to implement target hardening features to senior residents Utilizing a two-generation approach, the Safe at Home project is a place-based crime prevention strategy The goal is to reduce the risk of property crime for 10 senior-occupied homes Neighborhood teens will add target-hardening measures to the senior’s homes with the goal of reducing property crime in the area The program fosters relationshipbuilding between youth and seniors in their neighborhood in addition to preventing crime
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT GRANT
Also, a $1.375 Million grant was awarded from the State of Georgia through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) The enhancements will add programming, access, and safety to the park through improved sidewalk design, addition of shade structures and pavilions, and addition of a basketball court Macon-Bibb will also add irrigation to the park to ensure that trees and plants are able to survive in the park which can be subject to high heat.