Page 3 - Macon Annual Report

IMPACT OF THE

THE PRESIDENT

Mike Dyer

2017 marked another year of outstanding accomplishments and
acclaim for our members, our program participants and our staff. The
Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce has been able to expand
its impact in all facets of our Strategic Plan by enhancing events,
programs, and creating an overall stronger network of community
partners. The Chamber works conscientiously to make an impact on
our business community.

Throughout this annual report you will see highlights of an exceptional year.
Our membership grew to nearly 1100 members and we were busy bringing
businesses together through our many networking events. In 2018, our
Strategic Plan will continue to be focused on bringing added value to our
members. We will do this by offering innovative member services and
programs that meet the ever-changing needs of our business community.
Regionalism will continue to be our mindset as we work with the 21st Century
Partnership and others in our region to keep Robins Air Force Base a strong
and vibrant employer.

In addition to our everyday business, we will spend a good part of 2018 working on a
comprehensive plan that will connect our education partners with business leaders to increase
the number of companies and student internships and apprenticeships. We will continue to
make an impact by working alongside our many schools, colleges, universities, businesses,
industries and community partners.

One Macon, of which the Chamber was a founding member in 2013, is a group of leaders from
a wide variety of organizations in Macon-Bibb, charged with guiding the implementation of our
community and economic development strategy. The group has seen enormous success with
the Business Education Partnership (BEP) and the Leader in Me program, both of which were
implemented by One Macon.

We will continue our advocacy efforts for the TSPLOST (Transportation Special Local Option Sales
Tax) and the transition of the Ocmulgee National Monument to the Ocmulgee National Park and
Preserve.

As you can see, great things are happening in Macon-Bibb that will ensure that we remain the
best place for business. Your membership with the Chamber of Commerce is an investment in this
process…and if we each continue to make an impact, that investment will pay vast dividends for
years to come. Additionally, we are entering our fifth year of the Total Resource Campaign and
expect to continue seeing increased revenue from this capital marketing campaign, so that each
and every action item of our Strategic Plan is realized. Everything we do at the Chamber is guided
by our singular mission to advance regional business success in the community in which we serve.

Mike Dyer
President & CEO